Category Archives: personal growth

Sewing for fun 2015

January 9th 2015

2015 is the year of keeping schedules, plans, deadlines and assignments. I tend to be a little attention deficit for one thing but attention focused on many things, so my word of the year is

I am challenging myself to finish tasks before starting new ones. And really this applies to so many different areas. I have broken it down into three categories to help me see the big picture: THINGS to finish, RESULTS from finishing and FEELINGS from finishing. One activity that I am going to schedule for sure is Sewing for fun. I am using it as a reward after I get all my work done (FINISH!) This will be a great motivator for me because it will be something to look forward to everyday that will also help me wind down from the stresses of daily life and schedules!

Are you going to Sew for fun this year? You can make it ten minutes, 20 minutes or a whole day like Saturday, a sick day (ahem!) or a Sunday all to yourself! I’ll be posting my projects in progress on Instagram (elaine.summercrafter) with the [Hashtag] #sewingforfun2015 and also right here on the blog. Grab the button if you want to.

I am also building up my red and white stash, even more than before, after all that inspiration at Quilt Market. I keep adding to it in hopes to finally do a red and white quilt.I even got myself a book on the subject, but I have a feeling I may do my own pattern. I got these FQs at a shop in St. Augustine. Magrieta’s Quilt Shop.

Funny Story. I had this reindeer fabric in my Etsy shop since last year but they had sold out in that shop. Then I placed an order of Christmas fabrics from a shop I frequent, StitchinStash on Etsy, and they were a stowaway bundle, which I gladly told her I would keep! ; )

Also grabbed a sampling of Country Girl fabrics by Riley Blake Designs also in St. Augustine, Bee’s Quilt Shop $ Studio, my husband’s reaction when we entered was “Now this is a quilt shop.” I thought that was adorable, he is doing so well in his “Quilt Appreciation” training.

And this Valentine mix (I couldn’t resist) …planning on making a scrap wreath

like this one in the shape of a heart!

Someone in my house is an avid Olaf fan, so it’s about time I make something for her! The pattern idea came from bathroom tile. LOL More on that later.

This Mini Starlight Pattern by Camille Roskelley over at Thimble Blossoms is a belated Christmas gift for a friend of mine which is perfect for the tiny scraps I can’t bear to throw out.

This quilt top has been finished for some time but starting my pattern business has really put it on the back burner for quilting. So I hope to finish this off for my Pastor, it’s a lot of quilting on my little machine. The pattern is Vintage from the Simply Retro book, also by Camille Roskelley.

I also have a few totes planned in various fabrics, including Disney.

Hoping to whip up some Christmas projects too with these fabric delights.

And while this is not sewing, I hope to feed my faith journey doodling in this jouraling bible. So excited!

So if I can complete at least 12 new projects at one a month, plus my own quilt patterns, I ‘ll will be a happy camper. Anyway, it’s not quantity is quality and how much fun will I be having! So are you going to be setting aside some Sewing for Fun in 2015? Do tell!

Quilt Market 2014: The experience Part 1

November 8th 2014

“I loved it! I laughed. I cried, it was better than Cats. I”m going to see it again and again!”

In actuality, I did NOT see Cats [The Musical] but all the rest of that is true! The first day was overwhelming! I didn’t know where to go, who to see, what to do.

Then I had to kick myself and say “you are here so you better take advantage and do something!” And I did. I started talking to some great designers who are the sweetest people. It’s true what they say about quilters, they ARE the nicest people!! In this post, I want to share who I met at Quilt Market.

The first person I met was Jo from The Fat Quarter Gypsy, see her designs here, she’s doing well revving up her pattern business. She’s was holding my hand the whole way, before Quilt Market, answering my questions and sharing with me about this whole experience as if we were BFFs. I came to know her because she also worked with Morna McEver Golletz from Professional Quilter Magazine and I started emailing her and she didn’t think I was a lunatic. Lucky me!

Then I met Pat Sloan. Gush! That’s it. I was dumbfounded and said nothing else. Silly me!

She was kind enough to give me a mini of her “The Sweet Life” line. Later I also bought a mini of “One for you, one for me” Theses fabric lines are so cheery and bold (heart). She is wonderful! Did you know she has always answered all of my emails?

I also met this sweet gal. Her booth was so soothing. Her new fabric line is Cascade from Windham Fabrics. Her name is Jessica Levitt and I could have talked to her the whole time. Just like the girl next door!

I also met Bonnie and Camille whose fabric and love of quilting have been so inspiring and contagious. Again, I was at a loss for words. I did buy the pattern for this adorable bag and they were so generous giving me 2 minis of Daysail. I was also jumping for joy the night before when I nabbed a bundle of it at the Fabric Spree, woohoo!! (Disappointed with this blurry picture)

Here is the Smooth Sailing quilt designed by Cotton Way (Bonnie Olaveson) Teaching my husband the ways of “Quilt Love” and he’s coming around!

Of course, I just HAD to go by and congratulate Maureen Cracknell. She just released a limited edition fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics (which is right near me in Florida, thank you very much!) It’s called Wild and Free and it will be coming out in just a few weeks! Pre-order some here or here and search “Wild and Free.” Check out her market booth in detail here. She won the “Best New Exhibitor” Award” Yay Maureen!! She was so genuine and lovely to talk to. I even hugged her because it felt like I already knew her, LOL.

Her booth was so warm and welcoming you wanted to sit down for a spell.

Also for Art Gallery Fabrics, is April Rhodes her new line is Wanderer. Coolest girl ever! (Yes, girl, I swear I could be her mother!)

Her booth was right off a wall and it was like camping but classier, you know, Glamping.
I also met a new designer wasn’t familiar with, her name is Cherry Guidry from Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio. Her patterns are SUPERB, unlike any you have ever seen, check them out here. She started selling patterns and now she has designed this gorgeous and fun fabric line for Benartex it’s called Frosty Forest and it’s adorable!!! She talked with me for a while telling me about her “journey” in the business, I enjoyed listening to her, hoping I’ll have a similar story to tell soon. (Our husbands talked to each other too)

Down the aisle of darker booths, hers just jumped out with brightness and joy and Christmas, of course, I HAD to stop and say hi!

This is her best selling pattern called A Feathered Christmas.

It was so great meeting all these talented designers and “normal” people. They made the experience so worthwhile and I learned a little from each one of them. Next time on the blog, I’ll have more photos of what else I saw at Quilt Market 2014.

30/30 Challenge

March 3rd 2014

I spent this weekend almost wishing for Monday so I can get some quilting done, for ME! I know it sounds crazy, nobody likes Mondays. I have been spending so much time making patterns and quilts from my patterns and reading about business matters all of which carries with it a little stress and tension, which is necessary. But I am anxious to get started on that growing list of projects I’ve been adding to for years. You know, the list of projects from magazines, blogs and patterns that are easy and fast to do? Yeah, I just have to sit down and get it done. Cool stuff I want to make just for fun and not as an obligation.

So while I was visiting my favorite blogs, Julie over at The Crafty Quilter mentioned this totally doable event that will also help me cross off some things on that list and hopefully create a new habit. It’s a 30/30 sewing challenge that requires you dedicate 30 minutes a day for 30 days, to sew for yourself! Just the motivation I need!

Here is a list of some of the projects I want to do this month:

1. Make one of these for my embroidery supplies on the run. It’s called Abby’s Treasure Box from This and That patterns, pattern #067.

2. Next I want to finally use my Marmalade fabric and make a Spools quilt!

3. And this little Cherry wall hanging with some Mary Engelbreit charm packs I have.

The 30/30 guideline is to have 4 goals. But I think 3 in pretty ambitious for me. I can always add something if I have time leftover, right? I am excited to have something to look forward to that I get to do just for enjoyment. Plus, I need to use up some of my fabric to make room for more!

One Little Word: January

January 30th 2014

Here is an update on this workshop by Ali Edwards I told you about last time.

I decided NOT to spend money and use this beautiful 12 x 12 scrapbook and kit I already had. My word is “WORD.”

On the first page is my word and some statements of affirmations about what I believe about that word and it’s impact on the daily. 1) The Word is God, John 1:1 and 2) His word is truth, John 17:17 3) Speaking in love 4) Keeping my word 5) Trusing God’s word to lead me.

and here is this great definition because it merits re-showing it!

On this second page we write the definition and why we chose that word with a symbol (still searching for tangible token) and a recent photo. This photo isn’t recent (but I look the same…) it’s nice and the color scheme matches! LOL

I think this is my favorite page so far with just brief notes about our hopes, fears and expectations for how our WORD will impact the coming year. From my layouts, I think it’s safe to say I like to keep things simple and not too crowded. Hopefully, with time I can add more details.

We get to share our pages and it starts today! Don’t forget to visit the blog hop!

Maybe you’ll get inspired to pick just

it can change your life, so do it!

One thing I can say, now that I have “lived” with my word for almost a month is that it’s definitely been present in my mind. The greatest emphasis has been on getting into God’s word daily and being true to doing it daily. I am reminded of it at every moment on the radio and in various other mediums. It’s the only way to gain knowledge on how to do life better and get through life better. It’s amazing what you can learn and how there is always an opportunity to share it too.

One little Word

January 6th 2014

Hi everyone! Have you made your plans and set your goals for 2014? This is probably the first year that I am actually giving it any thought, truth be told! I am so excited to be participating in this workshop by Ali Edwards with a “classroom” full of some pretty amazing, gentle and creative women and the plethora of words we have chosen collectively, you can’t even begin to imagine!

It’s all about choosing a word for the year that will really impact your life and being conscious about it at every moment, decision and situation you are faced with daily!

One of the key elements for me and this exercise is the inspiration board in my craft area. Over the last four years I have filled it with sentiments and motivational thoughts for my creative journey.

But on New Year’s Eve, I decided to clear it all off and start over! Much better!!

This way I can really concentrate on my new word which is “WORD” (and those great shoes!) Below my word, I have columns where I am listing verbs and other words that somehow integrate with WORD that translate into some action.

One example there is God, the bible says in John 1:1 that “the Word was God.” Another word is affirmation, we can do this with our words. And keeping our word, doing what we say, because I need more follow through in my life. Take a look at the list, it’s pretty long already and I still have a full year ahead!

This is my favorite definition for WORD, it really encompasses everything I want to get out of my word this year and it’s really just being in line with what God wants for my life and his influence in all areas: Growing a business, building relationships, spiritual and personal growth and creative expressions.

I also found this little prayer in my Joyce Meyer daily devotional New Day, New You, that will help me hand my goals over to God this year.

Can you think of a word? Just

Your word may come to you or it may already be in your head or making itself known to you in some way in your life. It may be something you really want to get more of, become or work towards. I generally made a list of random words just to give myself options but I already knew I wanted to get into the Word. And it really applies to so much more. Then, I realized after a few days of playing with my word that I have had words the last few years without even knowing it!

2009: Inspired (by Mary Engelbreit to follow your heart if you love art!)

2010: Grow (learn about my strengths and what I am passionate about)

2011: Create (I started a blog to make myself accountable to being crafty & creative regularly)

2012: Change (Make some necessary endings and explore options to get out of a rut)

2013: Freedom (To express myself freely, use my strengths, find joy in the journey & move forward)

I really wanted to put some drive and focus into my life this year that would impact several areas yet come from one source and I wanted to do it more intentionally. So I thought this monthly activity of ONE LITTLE WORD would help to keep me more centered since I get distracted by shiny objects. While researching I came across this little snippet that is already a great insight into words in relationships. Love and Truth, by Dr. Henry Cloud, check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzdXmlWUkIM&list=UUXxplO2WuYhm2-EFGtgRBJw

I do hope you decide to play along, even in your own little world. I will be posting my monthly progress throughout the year and give you a peek into my One Little Word documentation and they’ll by a blog hop so you can see some of the other words the “OLWers” have chosen.

Oops! And for those who are new here and don’t know me. Hi! I’m Elaine. I was a teacher/librarian for a very long time and decided to quit last summer to pursue a more creative path. It’s one of my strengths, it’s what I love and if God gifted me with that, He can surely do something meaningful with it in my life, I can’t wait to see what he does! I love learning and thinking and teaching myself new things and growing personally, which is why I think One Little Word is a great idea!

But, I must confess, that I am eager to get back to quilting. The end of the year with December Daily and #30daysoflists (photos coming soon) and all the holiday preparations had me in a frenzy.

Now, let’s get back on schedule!

Summercrafter

Craft. Quilt. Unwind.