Remember, my word for the year is FOCUS?  The Professional Quilter Newsletter arrived in my in-box this morning and I swear that Morna was writing this article for me!

As I formulate my list of to-dos for market in May, I see that there are three teaching engagements, a trip to the East Coast, two kids graduating (High School and College) and at least six projects that have to happen before I can get in the car to drive to Kansas City on May 16th. Holy Cow!

Making a list is key and a great organizational tool that my friend Susan Nelson shared with me is what she calls a T&A.  Tasks and Activities, just to be clear . It’s a wonderful chart that lists all of the quilt projects that need to be organized – fabrics chosen, quilts made, quilted and bound, and photographed.  Patterns to be written, tested, printed and pattern covers to be designed.  I live by it.

The other thing that has helped me stay on track – believe it or not – is taking up knitting!  Don’t worry, I’m not crossing over! My BFF Jenni opened a cute little yarn shop last fall.  Now the only time I get to see her is if I take a class or hang out at open knitting.  Anyway, what I discovered is that knitting feeds my creative soul.  It is not work or work related (you know – the QUILT stuff!).  It’s something I look forward to doing after the studio closes down.  It gives me a reason to switch gears at the end of the day.  It has actually helped me FOCUS on what I need to get done.  I’m making my first sweater!  Who knew?

That’s my word for this year.  Actually it’s the first time I’ve declared a word of the year.  I chose FOCUS because I have a tendency to start 10 things at one time and proceed to get lost in all of them in a rather disorganized and frustrating way.

I make lists.  Plural.  Not a good idea.  So one of the first things I’m going to do is try my best to keep to one list.  I remember when Franklin Planner was all the rage in the business world.  I got in on a bunch of that training 20+ years ago.  Maybe I should revisit some of the things that I learned!  I still have a planner, often from Franklin Covey. It will get some good use.

Happy New Year!

Celine

This is the quilt that the Wednesday Quilters at Fabric Town in Apple Valley, MN made when they tested Tranquility, a new pattern that was just released.  They had a great idea that I thought just had to be shared. They put their heads together and organized the test class into a quilting bee of sorts to make a quilt to donate to Quilts of Valor.  I think it turned out really well – thanks guys!

Here is the link to Why Quilts Matter.

The laundry is done and my son probably has enough clean clothes to get him through the weekend. He’s going to Prom Saturday – I hope they get lots of pictures.

This trip culminates months of work designing, sewing, writing and testing patterns. It’s a little nerve wracking to coordinate all of this. I hope you all like what you see!

I figured out that I can manage this on my own if I have a half-booth rather than a full 10 x 10 space. I pack my booth in one big suitcase weighing in at just under 50 pounds. Four boxes are shipped to the hotel and I usually rent a car with another designer. Going to Target in a new city is a highlight of the trip!

I know you are curious about what’s new, so I’ve linked to my brochure for market below. The patterns should be showing up in quilt shops soon…if you see something you like, please let your favorite shop know about it!

If you happen to be at Market, be sure to stop by – I’ll be in Booth 2602.

Happy Quilting!

Celine

The big story in my neighborhood was the blizzard that hit Minnesota this past weekend.  We haven’t had this much snow in one storm since 1991.  The dog was a little puzzled about how she was going to get into the backyard, and when she finally went for it, she was a little chagrined because the snow was too deep to do anything but stand there. Do I need more of an excuse to make today a sewing day? It’s 9 below zero at the moment!

Happy Quilting!

Celine

Teri (terigcsm@…)
Can never learn enough. Always something new to learn. Love it.

Hilary (fryestyle@…)
What a great quilting opportunity! I would love to win! Thanks!

For those of you who didn’t win and still want to take the class, click here for a  40% discount.

Happy Quilting!

Celine

There are many things at my house to be thankful for…

All three kids are safely home, still sleeping soundly.

My husband is in the kitchen prepping our Thanksgiving dinner, to some of my favorite music…Yo-Yo Ma.  I’m loving the quiet and peace of this morning.

Family is due to arrive later this afternoon, dinner is at 5:00.

The refrigerator hasn’t died yet, but will soon…so my black Friday shopping adventure will be at Sears in the appliance department.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and thanking you all for visiting!

Celine

Stay tuned for more details!

I’ve been working on a few new things for Fall Market, although I am not going this time.  Things at home require my attention at the moment.  I will miss seeing everyone and all the new things!

This pile is what I’ve got going and the deadline for the printer to get my covers done is a week from Monday.  Yikes!  I better get focused!