Wow, I can't believe this blog is still here! Oh I admit I have checked in a few times to view a memory or a post I recalled writing from time to time. You know, life. There is no way I could tell you everything that happened from my last post until now. Nor could I tell you all the different creative adventures and turns I have taken. All I can tell you is where I am at now. I love where I am at now in my creative journey.
First, we no longer live in West Texas. We transplanted Austin way in 2014. My career as a nurse brought us here and we absolutely love living in this area. I opened an Etsy shop after we got settled here and started making tutus and baby shirts/bodysuits and all kinds of custom gifts. I dabbled with that for a while, more like a hobby and outlet from the stress of work. I finally started figuring out how to succeed in my shop daily and truly, if I had worked at it....I could have had a successful business. But, I was so bored with making the same old things everyday. I kept it up and going until this year after I discovered my new passion. Quilting and fiber arts.
I have enjoyed sewing for years. I have sewn simple garments, curtains, blankets for my kids rooms and handbags and probably some other things I don't remember. LOL. Nasty Covid inspired me to get out my old sewing machine and dust it off and start making face masks for my family and neighbors. I ended up making about 500 masks-I was so sick of making those things. I am thankful that part of our lives has kind of passed us. Although I know it's ugly little head is still lurking.
Cut to September of last year. I had retired about two years previous. I pissed around all that time trying to figure out what I was supposed to do with my new found freedom. I was busy with my Etsy shop and driving my daughter to and from work. Just daily housekeeping etc. BLAH! I was bored and depressed.
One day, I was out and about at a local discount store picking up cleaning supplies. As I was driving away from the little shopping area, I could see a sign in my rearview mirror. All I could read was "Quilt". So, I turned around and went in. As I walked in to "Over the Top Quilting Studio", I was immediately greeted by Susan, the owner. She was so welcoming and friendly. She introduced me to her sister, Chris who also works there. Susan kindly showed me the studio and explained what they were all about. Before I knew it, I signed up for a class to learn how to quilt on their Longarm sewing machines. I was hooked!
I started making one quilt after another and also worked on some charity quilts. I guess I kept showing up so they finally asked me if I would like to work there part time. Would I? YES! I have learned so much from all of the ladies that work at the shop. I even took a 3 day improv quilting class called Dancing with the Wall by Irene Roderick.
I'm in a great place now, enjoying creating again. I entered two calls for art quilts recently and I await their responses. I will keep you posted on that. Meanwhile, I'm sewing away and I can't wait to share things that I am learning.
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