Saturday, June 23, 2012

I'm Stepping Out...

Happy Saturday...I'm finally rested and am back on a schedule again...and the boys are so happy!  Mom's back...YIPPEE!  As you can see from the picture, Howie's not getting too far away...Zack is actually right there too, but just out of the camera frame.

I'm sharing a bit of me today that I've only shared with some very close friends over the past several years...I've decided now that I'm happily 60...is that a woman of age our what...that it's time to get going with a dream that I've had for years.  A bit of background...when I had the shop I did patterns for kits and for special events, but there was someone that always insisted on "doing the math" for the patterns...as far as she was concerned I never was very good at that.  As a shop owner I was always busy and just let her take care of that...well, I guess somewhere along the line I started to believe that I just couldn't do that.  After I retired, several people said that I really should start doing patterns...I politely thanked them for their confidence but I really didn't think I could do that...Hmmmmm...move forward a couple of years, I did a quilt along with Darlene over at Quilting Daze and thought it was so much fun...I was even able to double check the math.  Then a year or so later Kelly from Cotton Charm Quilts asked me to do a quilt along with her...she was going to do a small version and I did a large version...I did the math!  Got me thinking that maybe there was hope.  So now I'm ready to jump in and give it a whirl...I'm going to start out with a quilt that I had so much fun doing
...it's really easy, even with its lots of pieces. It's called "love...mamie" (sorry for the not so good photo...it is so dark and grey here today, lots of rain on the way...it's really cheery, all 30's fabrics) I'm going to do a tutorial on it beginning next week if there's interest...just let me know if you'd like to do it.  This is step one for me...this is my year to go for it!

38 comments:

•stephanie• said...

nine patches and thirties prints.
perfect combo.
love it!!

Heartsdesire said...

Love the prints, love the pattern. Would love to see how it's made. And congratulations on your new venture. And really, you're never to old to start something new. It's what keeps you young.

Loris said...

Good for you :-) This quilt here is definitely a beautiful start to your endeavor! Love the quilt model too! I will enjoy following the tutorial.

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

This will be fun! I have some 30's scraps that would be perfect. =D

Good for you for going for it!!

annieb said...

Good for you Carol! I am not far behind you age wise and I think there is some confidence that comes with age. Good luck.

Darlene said...

Woohoo!!! I'm excited for you. A new chapter is your book of life.

Let's get this party started - I'm in. :)

Are you ready for you know who?

Phyllis said...

Very cute! Love the pattern and the 30's. Perfect!!

Jocelyn said...

I think you should go for your dream. We "mature" gals need to follow that dream and make it happen. I think the quilt is beautiful, and I can't wait for your tutorial!

Diane said...

You go girl. You've probably got more than a third of your life left. Time to fill the next bit with something new.

I love the quilt!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a cute quilt! I stink at math, but, I love to do my own thing with quilts, which means I have to stop and do the math.

Deanna said...

It is such a pretty quilt! Isn't it wonderful to get older and learn new things about ourselves and our abilities!

Shakerwood said...

Just three little words .... "Math is fun!!" Of course you can do it! You fulfilled your dream before and you can do it again .....

Abby and Stephanie said...

It's so pretty and such a great quilt. I think you'll have tons of followers doing this tutorial!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on following your dream! I think it is wonderful and I look forward to the tutorial. I love nine patches!!

Blessings,
Alicia

Janet O. said...

A very pretty quilt. I'm glad you are going for it!

Diane said...

I want to do this one too-love 9-patches. I will do my best since I'm up to my eyeballs w/work,customer quilts etc. Hey what's one more ball in the air to juggle.
And good for you for taking up a new challenge.

Kristy said...

Sounds good. Looks cute! Go for it! K-

Sharon Dawn said...

I would love to do this one! I was just looking at my 30 scraps yesterday and wondering what I should do with them. This would be perfect!

Good for you taking on your dream....and your math!
Sharon
dexterdays-sdk.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Go for it! It's such a sweet quilt top.

krisgray said...

Love it - that border is awesome!

helen said...

Looks beaut. Am cheering you on

Angie said...

You go, girl, of course you can do it---and this is oh so lovely!! :) Ummmmm, could you maybe send some of your rain up here to northeast Tennessee? We are desperate for rain :0

Brenda said...

Pretty quilt

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

Its funny how we let comments other people make affect us. So glad you got your confidence back!! Can't wait to see all your great patterns!!

Carrie P. said...

Well, good for you. You should be very proud. I think it is awesome.The quilt looks great.

Nedra said...

Follow your dreams Carol! I believe in you:)

QuiltSue said...

I can't join in on the QAL, but it's a great quilt and I'm sure it'll be popular.

Isn't it sad though how one person can really dent another's confidence? Good for you for bouncing back from it.

Melanie said...

I'm going to bust it to get two projects on the table together--- This looks fun...30 minutes a day.. hopefully I get do this project.

Me and My Stitches said...

Good for you! It looks like this quilt is puppy approved!

babs said...

I still miss you and your shop. I'm looking forward to the quilt a long.
Barb Stratton

Gari in AL said...

As one who is nearing the 70 mark, I can tell you that it is great to always looking into doing something new. I love trying new things,using new gadgets, and even struggling through new technology. I'm not always good at it but, with work, get good at almost everything I try. Love your quilt and look forward to your tutorial.

Cheryl said...

Looks like fun! You will be great at it!

StitchinByTheLake said...

As a former math teacher it makes me so mad when someone is told they "can't do math." Everyone CAN do math if taught correctly, and it seems you were. Have confidence...do the math, then test it. You'll be great! And I'd love to see the sew-along. blessings, marlene

Annelies said...

You got me at hello....and best of luck with the new endeavor. I can't wait to sew along!!! And isn't 60
( which I am FAST approaching) the new 30 (G)!!!!
XXXX

Barb said...

What a fun quilt!

Thelma said...

Congratulations on your first big step, I know you can do it! Enjoy the process, I'll be watching.

Sinta Renee said...

HOw exciting! Good for you and I'm thrilled you are taking a leap for this sweet quilt you designed.

Gretchen said...

You definitely can do the math and everything else that goes along with pattern making! I know because the Simple Times Quilt Along was one of my favorites!! I am going to bookmark this pattern and start it later in July. I have way too many going right now LOL!