What brings you joy? Joy is different than happiness or gratitude. Joy is the spark that happens unexpectedly; it can’t really be planned and sometimes quickly passes. I have a lot for which I am grateful; overall I am a happy woman. But just watching thirty minutes of world and local news can depress anyone. It is a dumpster fire out there. That is why I think it is so important to recognize the sparks of joy we experience. Joy can be an act of resistance. Recognizing what is joyful to me helps me define myself rather than giving that power to someone else. Joy reminds me that I am in control of my emotions. I may react to another person’s actions with anger or sadness or hurt but I never want those reactions to crowd out moments of joy.
Quilting is my hobby, ministry, and therapy. I wouldn’t go to my sewing room if it wasn’t all those components and more. It is also the source of much joy. What has brought me joy lately?
Perfectly match seams!! I just finished this quilt top. Every time I sewed a nine patch together and then checked the matching seams and they were perfect, I celebrated! Of course, I didn’t have reason to celebrate every time–sometime I rationalized “it’s close enough”. But yes, perfectly match seams give me joy.
The first cut with a new rotary blade in my rotary cutter! So smooth, so clean a cut..one swipe, no sawing fabric.Why do I wait so long to replace a dull blade? Sure they are a bit expensive but so worth it! (Plus I shop sales–another joy.)
The correct number of blocks for a top! I will count and re-count and sometimes count again my stack of finished blocks needed to complete a top. My last quilt top needed 150 small nine patch blocks to make 30 larger blocks. And what do you know, I had exactly the correct number. This is not a joy I often experience.
A similar situation is knowing you cut out X number of pieces of a certain fabric needed in the construction of a block. Finishing up the last block, you discover one piece is missing and there is absolutely no extra fabric to cut out a new piece. Panic!!! Ah, the joy of finding the missing piece hiding under your iPad or on the floor!
Learning an event was unexpectedly cancelled, freeing up a large block of time for sewing. Too often it is the opposite–something unexpectedly comes up and I must give up a sewing afternoon. So yes, surprise free time is a joy!
Discovering that a fat quarter or yardage I bought a long time ago just because I liked it, is the perfect print for the new project I am making out my stash. Joy because I will use it and joy because I know myself and what I like!
I have other joys–not quilting related–fresh sheets, fresh pjs and a shower, fresh coffee brewing when I return from walking the dog, an unexpected call from one of my children for no reason (if one of you are reading this, these calls do not happen often enough😘). I am trying to be more aware of those little and big things that bring me joy. Frustrations seem to slam you in the face, but joys are a quiet tap on the shoulder.
Most of us are at that stage where we are knee deep in a projects for the October Quilt Sale, but some items have been showing up.
Embroidered while binge watching The Pitt or The Madison—
A table runner that is “braided” in traditional Christmas prints. The back is a solid holiday print.
The holiday table runner is 13″ x 44″ and can be yours for $40. The quilting is a modified clam shell.
This pumpkin patch is surrounded with a bright “fence” of colors from the print. The backing is the same fall print. It is 21″ x 51″ and is $40.
This 60″ x 60″ quilt is a wonderful example of color value. The same color is used in the larger blocks, but on the bottom it starts out very saturated and the blocks transition to a lighter version on the top. An “Irish Chain” is formed with the lighter bubble or pebble prints. This design is so subtle that I had to step back away from the quilt to see it. It is custom quilted in a simple geometric pattern. $175
Sometimes you must look for the positive when something bad happens. This cute Easter towel with lovely cross stitching is the result of Linda hurting her leg and having to stay put resting. Get a jump start on your Easter Basket gifts for next year with this towel. $15
Today I endured my semi-annual dental visit. She made my next appointment for six months ahead. When she ask if October would be good, my first thought was –Wow, only six months to the Quilt Sale! So friends, I hope you will visit us October 15-17 at First United Methodist Church for the Quilts Etc. Sale—I will greet you with my sparkling smile!
Quilts, Etc. 