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I've Lost My Voice

For about five years, I've been the primary blogger for my employer. I have a great job in an industry I enjoy, so blogging has been a lot of fun even when it's hard work, which it always is.

But now it's time to put some energy into my own blog (hopefully there's enough to go around) and I've made an alarming discovery.

I have lost my voice.

I'm so used to being the friendly engaging quilter-pal on my work blog that I'm finding it nearly impossible to sound like anything else. On a personal blog, I can say what I really think (not usually a problem for me) and how I really feel. I can be snarky or sarcastic or serious. I can tease, taunt and tell tales. I'd like to make people laugh and cry and think.

But it's going to take some time to find my own voice again. I had it once. I know it's still there. Please bear with me as I look for it.

Come to the Caribbean with Me?!

I'm happy to announce that I'll be teaching for World of Quilts Travel next summer on their Quilt Cruise for a Cause. In addition to being an amazing destination—the eastern Caribbean—it will be a fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. 

The faculty lineup and classes look terrific. The other teachers are Linda Pumphrey, Rob Appell, Margie Ullery and Veronica Cox. I'm in good company.

I'm very excited to be teaching several new classes, including...

Achoo! Adorable Hanky Quilts

Get those vintage handkerchiefs out of the drawer and into a beautiful little quilt for your home. Learn to creatively combine hankies into an attractive small quilt for wall or tabletop. Add vintage lace, embellishments and borders plus a facing to finish. This class is loads of fun and very creative, and does not require a sewing machine. 

I've made several of these quilts and they are so much fun. When I do my "100 Small Quilts" lecture, these quilts get the most response of any pieces I bring. 

This one has a Valentine's theme. I was born on Valentine's Day so it has a special place in  my heart.

Besides the handkerchiefs, you can add bits of lace, old doilies, buttons, beads, charms and crocheted edging. Sometimes you can find old tatting to include.

Here's a closer look. Everything is attached to the base fabric by hand but it's very forgiving—totally relaxing and enjoyable!

I'll save the other classes for separate posts. Please consider joining me on this trip. It's going to be sew much fun!

Stacked thread video

This video shows how a stacked spool should feed the thread (or unwind) from the side. It should rotate freely on the spoolpin.

My new grandbaby

This is my new grandbaby and my son-by-marriage, whom I adore. The tiny one is just about the sweetest gurgliest little guy on earth!

Newbie Doll Quilt Swap Boot Camp

The next best thing to the Doll Quilt Swap? The doll quilt swap for newbies boot camp! Got my partner assignment today--she sounds way cool! And she is from the same town as my son-by-marriage, I've even been there! I'm headed to Fancy Tiger this weekend to pick up some specific fabric that I know she loves and I know they have in stock. Watch here for pics-in-progress!

Hoping for Doll Quilt Swap 9

Sew very excited! I have submitted my sign-up for the Doll Quilt Swap 9. Hopefully they'll let me in as a "newbie." Just began posting on flickr so that may be a factor. If it's no-go this time, I'll need to start posting regularly on flickr now, so that maybe next time will work.

It's funny because I'm new only to the swap itself. I've been sewing for 40 years and quilting for 25 but I am so inspired by all the new, young talent in online groups. It's invigorating!

I work in the quilting industry and I love my job. It's a little piece of Heaven!