Lessons Learned

1. If you use colored chalk to draw lines for quilting, make sure after you're done quilting you wash the quilt as soon as possible. Leaving it to sit lets the chalk set in. (Hopefully a second washing with stain treatment will do the trick!)

2. Trust your instincts, but also do your research! I was determined to find two-sized fusible/interfacing to bond the tee-shirts for Erica's quilt to muslin - and I did! After spending too much time on the internet, I figured what the heck, I'll try Michael's and low-and-behold they had a 5-yard roll of two-sided fusible that's typically used for applique work but works PERFECTLY for this. I highly recommend it as the tee-shirts look awesome! I contemplated trying out just stabilizer and cutting out the muslin but I've used it in the past and not been happy with how the fabric moves. Now, bonded to the muslin, it has great movement and I think will be wonderful in the quilt.

3. Don't be afraid to try new things. Like embroidery, South African style (especially when you love all things South African).


Other things going on:

~ More baby quilts for the shop
~ FINALLY going to finish one of my quilt tops that's been lying around. My sweetie were talking about our vacation (about a month away!) and we were discussing the beach and how his uncle always brings a great beach quilt and wouldn't it be nice if we had one too? Well, soon enough we will! One of my quilt tops is slightly larger than a twin sized quilt which is PERFECT for the beach. We found cheap batting and backing and I'm going to baste/quilt it up lickity-split before we leave. Yay!
~ Loving my volunteer days at the refugee organization (hopefully job opportunities will come soon!)

If you’re going to be passionate about something, be passionate about learning. If you’re going to fight something, fight for those in need. If you’re going to quest something, question authority. If you’re going to lose something, lose your inhibitions. If you’re going ot gain something, gain respect and confidence. And if you’re going to hate something, hate the false idea that you are not capable of your dreams. – Daniel Golston