Slow Blogging....

Ugh! I'm such a "slow blogger" these days and can't seem to find my ol' blogging "mojo".

 In reflection, hubs and I are busy enjoying our empty nest, even during a pandemic,
life seems to keep busy...although we really miss eating out once a week.

As a teacher, working from home has been very odd. It's hard to believe sometimes the reality of this Corona Virus Pandemic. Luckily, I have found my hand stitching to be a great comfort during my numerous Zoom Meetings each day as know one can see what I'm doing! LOL!

Anyhoo, that doesn't leave me with anything crafty to really share with you here on the ol' blog. But!

If you are new to my blog, I welcome you to take a look around by clicking on my tabs at the top of the page and my post labels at the bottom of the page. With seven years of quilting documented here...there's plenty of inspiration to be found and friends to meet by following the blog links on my sidebar. 

As always...

With SMILES! Val

Getting It Done!

I wasn't sure I'd really be able to get my studio from THIS to this:

But BAM! I did!!! And now.....eighty percent of it is in storage: 

With the only thing left standing being my long-arm:

The downsizing process continues to be rejuvenating for me in spirit.

So for any of you thinking about it tackling it yourself....it's been refreshing and rejuvenating. 

It's taken me eight months to get to where I am now and I'm loving the simplicity of having less.

As for the ol' blog here....I'm playing with the idea of an entirely new blog once we've sold our current home and moved into our much smaller home. Some of you have also asked about an eye-spy swap this summer. I haven't decided yet...but will soon! (Tomorrow is the last day of school....so time will slow down a little bit.) ANDDDD our Annual Piggy Bank Challenge will be on July 6th. So those of you involved in that, mark your calendar! Thinking of all of you and sending smiles your way.

Best of 2018 Linky

I like participating in Cheryl's "Best of" Linky Party as it creates the opportunity and motivation for me to look back and see how my year of blogging and quilting has been. 

 My "word" for 2018 was CREATE. But....in reflection, well, THAT didn't really happen now did it. I find myself wondering, how can so much happen in a year, and yet, so much not. In review, I did finish seven quilts, but if I were to be honest, it was more a year of self growth than creative expression. It's not the details that matter so much, but truly the lessons learned. My lesson being that of acceptance and choosing to move forward and authentically begin to creatively define myself not as a teacher, or even as a mother, but a creative women who's esteem is independent of these outgrown roles. So today, I reflect upon 2018, grateful for my lessons learned but planning to be more authentic in 2019.

#1: My little buddy asking to teach him how to sew.

I cherish my relationship with this little guy and am so grateful for his presence in my life.

As I move forward, I will continue to cherish the fact I am a grandmother and value that I have grown to understand my role as such. I offer my daughter and grands comfort and wisdom. They need that kind of grounding in their busy, busy lives. I offer that. Lucky me.

#2: Hubby and I discovered a new hobby we  really enjoy together. As I move forward, I'm so grateful we found Golf as it challenges us and finds us laughing a lot. But most of all, I've grown to appreciate that the one childhood wish I had, that came true, was that I married my best friend. This man truly completes me. He is so patient, so kind, so wise. He makes me a better me. 2019 will find us selling our home and downsizing and really just having fun within that process. We're excited!

#3: Our Annual Piggy Bank Challenge continues for it's 6th year!

As I move forward, I'm grateful there are still a few others of you that like to save spare change as much as me. I'm grateful that even though I haven't been really "quilty" this year, that you continue to follow and join in on the challenges and linkys I offer. Thank you!

 

#4: Our Eye Spy Swap was a huge success.

Receiving 1,758 views, this was just so much fun! I move forward, valuing the community we have in our blogging world and commit to continuing to be an active part of it.

 This swap lead to...my favorite finishes of the year. They all make me smile as I think about the five energetic boys they were each created and gifted to over the past year.

#5: Career Transition. Retired Quilts and yes, Jackson.
As I move forward, I'm so grateful I had the confidence and opportunity to move into a mentor role at work and thus, start to value the time this has created for me to perhaps expand myself creatively outside of work. Time has been presented as an opportunity to embrace new found freedoms as for the first time in thirty years, I'm truly living without the obligations of children. I'm liking it. And, of course, there's always comfort found in having a loyal companion like my Jackson by my side.

So there you have it: The 5 Best Lessons learned here at Val's Quilting Studio. I want to thank all of you who have become my blogging friends over the past years.  I also want to welcome you if you are new to my ol' spot here in blogland. Please take a look around, and if ya are even a little bit inspired by what ya see, I hope you'll follow too. In the meantime, happy holidays to you all and thank you Cheryl for hosting this party. Click on the picture below to check out everyone participating and celebrating:

A Sunday Sew Day....

I awoke early with the realization that my Christmas shopping is near finished, the household chores are all caught up and I am actually feeling well after a week of being sick myself. I have all day to myself. As I wander outside, I am greeted with a cold, damp morning and realize the best place to retreat is my basement sewing studio for a final day of rest. Thus, with a hot cup of peppermint tea, holiday music playing softly and my loyal companion, Jackson, by my side, this is where I sit as I write to you today.

 Have you ever found yourself sitting down to write a post and suddenly become reflective on why you blog?  Along with a change in my job, our personal life this past Summer and Fall were once again consumed by those unexpected, out-of-our-control, changes life with adult children can sometimes add to your life.

The past five years have found me in a place were at times my heart was consumed with loss. Yet, I'm beginning to find myself  evolving mindful and personally stronger and grounded in MY own life journey than ever before. Disappointment and heartbreak have finally been replaced with acceptance and in that, I've gained a freedom, a sense of peace that I've never quite had. It's unfamiliar and exciting all at once. 

 So much so, that hubby and I are inspired to enter the new year with an authenticity we've never had. It feels good to be here blogging today but even more, it feels good to have my heart filled with the anticipation for this personal transformation that lies ahead for us as an empty nest, middle age couple who are about to downsize and simplify big time.   With that said, I have always thought of my blog as a journal (that is of course, read my anyone and everyone...LOL!) But, I value our small, quaint, virtual community. I know mine is not overly innovating or filled with unique techniques as much it's just about sharing my life as a quilter/crafter. I post about things I'd sit and chat with you about if we were to have a sew day together.  I love the simplicity of it.  So thanks for stopping by and visiting my muses. I hope you continue to find even a tad bit of inspiration and joy here especially as I myself, begin this new chapter in my life.

 And what perfect creative timing, I discovered this morning that my Summer/Fall sketchbook is full  and it's time to start another!! I love starting a new creative journal.  So as my ideas begin to formulate between the covers of my little black sketchbook, know I'll also look forward to sharing them here with you as well. 

Beginning with my upcoming posts this month celebrating the simple JOYS found in the season. Because when we get right down to it, we all have "something" going on in our lives and well:

 (Choose to make lemonade with me won't you.)

Okay, so I also found myself scrolled through my own blog archives this morning and realized it's been almost exactly three months since I have even had a sew day! How grateful am I to find myself right where I am today. I have spent many afternoons this past week just stitching my the fire, making great headway on my December list of hand sewing projects. 

But this afternoon, I'm looking forward to sewing. Baby girls are due to arrive at work in the next month. One co-worker is a first time mommy, the other a first time Grandmother....both I'm gifting a crib quilt. So I'd better get myself going don't ya think. I close wishing you a Happy Sunday and again, thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll stay tuned for my next life chapter...imagine how rejuvenating a new studio space will be!! I can't wait! 

Best of 2017 Linky

I like participating in Cheryl's "Best of" Linky Party as it creates the opportunity and motivation for me to look back and see how my year of blogging has been. 

 My "word" for 2017 was JOY. I started out the year with an ambitious list of goals, but quickly realized I'd take a more joyful, laid back approach to my quilting. Our Winter was overwhelming and Fall was filled with family transitions, which as you know, included welcoming our new grand guy. Wierd how much can happen in a year huh. In review, I did finish six quilts and have been thinking about new ways to be creative in my studio and here on the blog. (Stay tuned) It truly has been a joyful blogging year with each of you as my "virtual quilting community". I am grateful for our friendships. Soooo, with that said, here is my best of 2017: 

First up, My MOST VIEWED post coming in with 696 views was my Classroom Quilt Finish.  Wow! Thank you for your continuous support of me as a second grade teacher.

Next, JACKSON'S MOST POPULAR POST with 717 views was when I asked reader's to take a quiz to determine What Dog Breed are You? I enjoyed finding out how many of you have a dog companion and what breed fit your lifestyle.

Next, is our LARGEST TUESDAY ARCHIVES PARTY. It was dated back in September and had 26 links. It was surprisingly our BAG themed party. Thank you for your continued participation in our weekly Tuesday Archives linky. 

We've had 178 linky parties so far...and many still ahead!

1. Each Tuesday I've posted a quilt theme.

2. I appreciate the time and effort you take to search through your quilting archives for old posts to link under the theme.

3. Thank you for visiting eachother.

 And remember you can find all our past themes in our Tuesday Archives: DIRECTORY Plus, I know Tuesday Archives is not your traditional linky party. As I prepared this post, I noticed that our weekly links have decreased by 50% compared to a year ago. I'm not sure if this is due to the rise in instagram and pinterest usage, but if you have any input to offer about our themes...please  email me with your ideas. And if you are new to my blog,  I'll hope you'll stop by on Tuesdays and join us!

And finally, I'll conclude with My Two FAVORITE QUILT Finishes of the year:

The first one is my Bloom QAL, made entirely from my stash!

The second, is my queen size Raw Edged Flowers and Nine PatchQuilt. 

It's always nice to finish a quilt that has been over a year in the creating isn't it. 

So there you have it: The 5 Best of 2017 here at Val's Quilting Studio. I want to thank all of you who have become my blogging friends over the past years.  I also want to welcome you if you are new to my ol' spot here in blogland. Please take a look around, and if ya are even a little bit inspired by what ya see, I hope you'll follow too. In the meantime, happy holidays to you all and thank you Cheryl for hosting this party. Click on the picture below to check out everyone participating and celebrating:

I specialize in edge to edge pantographs with over 100 designs to choose from.

Check out my Long-Arm Quilting page for details.

I offer FREE Return Shipping on all quilts in the U.S.A.

Tuesday Archives #172: Blog Anniversaries

Welcome to the linky party that rejuvenates your old quilting/sewing posts! 

Please click here to read more about this linky party.  

This week's theme is: Blog Anniversaries

This past June found my little blog here to be four years old! Four years!

Today's linky provides that opportunity for us each to skim through our archives and reflect upon our own journey as a blogger. I read my first post and so remember checking the post for what felt like 100 times that first day in hopes to receive one reaffirming comment. I finally had my husband comment just to see "if everything was working correctly". And now look at us, here with our own little community of friendships, support and inspiration!

I specialize in edge to edge pantographs with over 100 designs to choose from.

Check out my Long-Arm Quilting page for details.

I offer FREE Return Shipping on all quilts in the U.S.A.

Happy March!

Wrapping up another work week, looking forward to the weekend ahead. For no particular reason, except for the fact I can spend some time in my studio with the freedom to let inspiration take hold. 

Play Ball: FMQ on a Project Linus Quilt I quilted last year.

I'm starting a new month making no lists. I have no expectations. (Though yes, I may have plenty of UFO's)  I was admittedly inspired by my students yesterday as I watched them tackle a creative project. As I watched, I was reminded how important it is to just let my own creative spirit flow. How important individuality is. How creativity shouldn't be limited to a set "to do" list. 

(Though those lists DO help keep my jabillion ideas organized! LOL!)

But, lately I have been feeling limited and uninspired. I've been playing with many creative ideas in my head that aren't even about quilting.  I've been toying with the idea of giving the ol' blog here a face-lift.....a new design and name that aren't limited to quilting, as I really like blogging but think I'd be  inspired by a new name.  So this weekend, this month, I'm just going to {Play} in my studio and with my blog.  I'm going to let my creative juices lead the way.

 I'm going to enjoy the process and look forward to how things evolve.

 

March themes are listed on the sidebar.

Best of 2016: Thank YOU!

My week with my grand-guy has come to an end. We found ourselves buried in snow and limited by outside temperatures that only sway between -4 and 15 degrees. We made the best of  it as we enjoyed inside pajama days filled with hot chocolate, movies, naps,and lots of play time! It's such a joy to watch children's personality emerge.  This little guy is funny, kind and so easy to have around. 

 So now with him safely back with mom and dad some three and half hours away, I awake this morning grateful to have one more day of the year to write and link a post thanking you and celebrating the "virtual quilting guild" I have found here in blog land with you.

My Five Thank Yous to YOU:

New this year, I hosted my very first swap! This was soooo fun!!!

Thank you for participating! Amazing to think we collected and traded 6,800 eye spy squares.

Should we do it again this summer?? Comment to let me know your interest.

Thank you for saving your change with me. 

Each July I host our Annual Piggy Bank Challenge and it's always been fun 

to see what quilty treats our accumulated change can buy us. 

FYI: February finds us at our mid-point check-in already!

I myself am off to empty my own change purse after I publish this post.

Also, thank you for your continued participation in our weekly Tuesday Archives linky.

We've had 142 linky parties so far...and many still ahead!

1. Each Tuesday I've posted a quilt theme.

2. I appreciate the time and effort you take to search through your quilting archives for old posts to link under the theme.

3. Thank you for visiting eachother.

 And remember you can find all our past themes in our Tuesday Archives: DIRECTORY

I'm grateful that when Blogger lost my follower list, so many of your commented and emailed to help me rebuild my list and thus help me to not loose touch with everyone from my little spot in the world.

Annnnddddd...of course, I enjoy your continuous support and enthusiastic acceptance of my favorite little photo bomber: Jackson! He's received more virtually sent belly rubs this year than any other!

It truly has been a fabulous blogging year with each of you as my "virtual quilting community".

My 2016 "Word" was FABULOUS...

...and what a Fabulous journey 2016 has been. I wasn't going for the kind fabulous that exclaims, yet the kind of fabulous that finds you just working to be the best you can be. To be happy, creative and content in your own shoes. To notice all the things in  your daily life that make it good. And well, I truly find that with your friendships and your own blogs, that I have accomplished this. I sit here and reflect in gratitude this morning upon my own growth as a quilter, blogger and well, overall middle age lady! 

I blog because it's one of those things that allows me to:

Thank you for a fabulous 2016 blogging year together!

I appreciate you.

Linking with everyone at: