A MORAL DILEMMA

I have been asked to teach a landscape quilt class.  At first it was exciting but when I went to her with the description of the class and the material list she stated that she didn't want any of these classes to cost her money.  I was surprised to say the least because the materials were included in the cost of the class.  Boy was I confused.  I explained to her that I wanted to teach from a certain book that was a favorite and that the students were paying for it.  This didn't seem to make a difference to her and she said that she got stuck with too many books for classes that never happened.  She then asked me if I just couldn't copy from the book like other teachers had.  I told her that I couldn't do that because of copy write infringement.  She wasn't happy when I said that.  On top of this issue, I was told by another teacher that she takes half of what the student is charged.  I would think she would encourage classes which would help her sell kits, material, etc.

One thing is certain,  I am not making copies and am now considering teaching a smaller class in my studio.

THE LONG ARM IS COMING! THE LONG ARM IS COMING!

I did it!!!! I bought a long arm quilt machine to add to my design business. It cost a bunch and I was having a heart attack all the way home. My plan is to pay it off by making it work for me. It is going to be fun.

The studio is rocking but I will admit the the surgery knocked me for a loop. Today was tough but I got up there and did some sewing. I am designing a dress and I have to say that I absolutely love it. Tomorrow I will work on the sleeves, then hem it and place some beads on it. It is really wonderful to have a room big enough for all of my toys and I am very grateful.

Once I get my ufo's finished I am going to begin to sew through my library. It should prove very interesting.

A STREAM OF THOUGHTS ABOUT LOVE, ART, GRANT

Today was a good day in the studio. I have several projects on the table. One is for a class I am teaching and the others are for art submissions or for family. I spent several hours working on designs. Some days I become so blocked but not today. My studio is filled with things that I love; pictures of my children and grandchildren help me to get past my blocks just by talking to them and whispering to them how much they are loved.

Tonight, I sat by our fire pit that we built by the stream that runs along the side of our house. I had such an overwhelming feeling of missing my sons and so I got up to get my phone which was in the house. When I turned it on Grant had called me and left me a message that he was thinking of me. No one can even imagine what that means to me.

Tomorrow I will design something that reminds me of him. It will be flowing and bright and gentle and strong. It will be warm and thoughtful just like he is.

A FRIEND AND HIS ART

I have a friend Charlie, who creates wonderful works of art in wood, metal, crystal and found objects. He has asked me to make a sign for him and I am working on it. It has been trial and error making this sign because it is made entirely in fabric. I plan to quilt it and once I figure out how to post pictures of my work on this blog I will show all of you. Oh, yes, the sign will be quilted as I take any opportunity to practice a skill.

The studio is doing well. It isn't quite finished yet but I am getting there in between the art I am creating. Tomorrow I am teaching a science class (don't ask) but I wish it were an art class. It will pull me out of the studio for a few hours which will be hard.

Oh, did I mention that I am purchasing a long arm quilting machine? I am not sure where I will put it but it will be somewhere in the studio. There has even been talk of turning the large garage into the studio; that would put the upstairs open for the guys to watch the races!!!!

In any case, I think I am going to ask my son Grant to help me with this blog and a web project I have in mind. He is wonderful at these things...and I am not just bragging. He really is good.

After the sign I will be working on some quilts I need to finish. Until the next time; I hope everyone is pursuing their dreams especially not that spring is here!

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

But the sun is shining in the studio. My friend and I spent the afternoon in the studio sewing. I got one set of curtains up and they look good. Today I will work on the other one.

I will say that I don't usually get cabin fever but I am starting to get sick of all of this snow!

SEWING IS A WONDERFUL THING!

I spent most of yesterday afternoon in my studio listening to Led Zeplin, Eric Clapton, The Dixie Chicks and Meatloaf! It was so much fun and I plan to do it again in a little while. My current project is the curtains for my studio. Once that is done I will begin sewing through my library. I have to learn how to post pictures on my blog so everyone can see what I am doing!

SNOW STORM OF THE CENTURY

It is quite a sight to see the snow from the studio window. It is like having a birds eye view of a major weather event. I can get into the studio with little difficulty now and am working on projects that were on hold because of the surgery. A little bit of work still needs to be done but the machines are up and out and ready to do my bidding.

I haven't been able to visit the new quilt shop for the past three weeks and plan a trip at the end of the week. It is wonderful to have the Patchwork Co. in Windham. Have I mentioned that? Well, it has been a hectic day and I need to rest. I will be posting pictures of the studio when it is finished.

Until then....Happy sewing