Finding Time and Finding your Happy Place

 I have been struggling to find time to quilt.  With a full time job and a home that I share with my husband and two dogs to take care of, it's a challenge.

Making it even more difficult was sharing a space.  We originally wanted to have each of us, my husband and I, work on our hobbies together.  What we discovered is he loves to watch movies and play video games as a hobby, but he likes a darkened room for that.  Quilting does not exactly work well in the dark.  We agreed to divide and conquer, so I moved my sewing machine and main table to my daughter's former bedroom where the long arm is (the one withe the quilt on it that's been there for a year).  

Suddenly, I found myself in a room filled with light. I hung one of my quilts, I'm thinking of a design wall for the first time.  The room is taking on a warmth it did not have before.  Now, I find myself wanting to quilt everyday! 

The transition is incomplete as I need to move some of the last of my daughter's bedroom furniture out and I still need to bring my fabric stash over from the old location.  It is a work in progress and I still have ideas and thoughts about changes I would like to make.  For now, I want to focus on getting back to my new-to-me happy place.

Have you ever made changes or have ideas of what 

Happy New Year and what's next for this Blog

I seem to go it starts and stops when it comes to this blog.  The new year has given me the chance to see a time when I will have less volunteering and more time to focus on my own creative pursuits.  

Why Re-energize this Quilting blog Now?

I think many of us are craving something real. In a world where so much happens on a screen, quilting lets you slow down, work with your hands, and create something tangible. Plus, it’s sustainable. Using scraps and upcycling old fabric feels good when you’re trying to live a little greener.

Then there’s the community aspect. Social media has turned quilting into a global phenomenon. With hashtags like #Quilting and #QuiltLove, you can find inspiration and connect with other quilters from all over the world. It’s like being part of this big, colorful club where everyone’s cheering each other on.

My Quilting Journey

I didn’t set out to become a quilter. It kind of happened by accident. My first quilt? Let’s just say it wasn’t winning any awards—crooked seams and all. But I loved it. Each quilt I make tells its own little story: a baby blanket for my daughter, a photo memory quilt for my elders, a cozy throw for my couch on chilly nights. Quilting has become this beautiful way for me to express myself and connect with others.

One of the best parts? The people I’ve met along the way. Quilters are some of the kindest, most generous folks you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s at a local guild meeting, a quilt show, or just swapping tips online, there’s a real sense of community. It’s like we’re all part of this big, creative family.

The Future of My Quilting Blog

I’ve been thinking a lot about where to take this blog as quilting keeps growing and changing. There’s so much I want to share with you—not just about quilting techniques or patterns (though don’t worry, there will be plenty of that), but about the stories behind the quilts. Who made them? What inspired them? What do they mean to the people who use them?

I also want this space to be a hub for connection. Maybe that means hosting virtual quilt-alongs where we all work on the same pattern together or spotlighting quilters who are doing amazing things. I’m even toying with the idea of starting a podcast—imagine sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to quilters share their stories and tips.

And of course, I want to keep exploring how quilting fits into our modern lives. How can we use it to be more sustainable? How do we pass this craft on to the next generation? These are the kinds of conversations I’m excited to have with you.

Let’s Stitch This Together

Quilting has given me so much—a creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and a whole lot of joy. I hope this blog can be a place where you find all that and more. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or someone who’s just curious about giving it a try, there’s room for you here. Let’s keep stitching, sharing, and celebrating this amazing craft together. I can’t wait to see what we create.