I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and my wish for you is that 2017 brings you all the quilting time you desire.
I had planned to write this post yesterday but the kids had some friends
over and I spent a bunch of time refereeing the girls and in between
that I was working on quilting my latest project.
This past year wasn't a good one at all for me sewing wise and it is the year that I posted here the least, not counting the first year. I'm not at all happy about the lack of sharing and even more so, the huge lack of sewing time for me. Months ago I realized that I've got a big issue with all of this and something had to change.
When I took on the role of Troop Organizer for my local Girl Scout service unit, I vowed to do the very best job that I could but that ended up meaning a lot of my previous free time I used to sew was taken up by those responsibilities. For my area we currently have almost 700 girls (plus hundreds of their parents) in 75 troops and there are a few more in the process of getting started. I also still have a list of girls who want to join troops. All of this results in tons of my time spent at the computer emailing parents and leaders and meeting with new leaders to get them up and running. I know that I do my job well but if my quilty dreams are to become a reality, I had to do some serious thinking about how to make my quilting life and my Girl Scout life coexist in relative harmony.
I've got many future quilting customers who are just waiting for me to say the word that I'm starting to accept their work and given that the busiest time for that (the fall months) coincides with the craziest season for the troop organizing, if I'm ever going to ramp up that part of my business I had to find a way to free up time during that time of year. Next year the Service Unit Cookie Manager role will be vacant so I'll be switching it for my current role. While that job is also intense it is for a limited time period (January through April) while my current role is practically a year round gig.
Many of you have been patiently waiting for me to release the pattern for my Merry Jingle quilt.
I've actually got the fabric here that I'm using for the pattern version but I haven't been able to carve out the time to make it yet.
I'll be using Kate Spain's Latitude batiks. It will be my first quilt using mostly batiks and it's going to be gorgeous. I just know it. Depending on how insane my troops' cookie season goes (we start Jan 13th) I hope to have this done and ready to share by the end of the first quarter at the latest.
What does all of this mean in the big scheme of things?
It means that I'm making a conscious change for the better that will allow me to get back to my sewing, back to my designing and back to sharing all of it with you. Hence.....my blog reboot. There will be more posts and more eye candy in 2017 and more of why I started this blog in the first place.....connecting with quilters around the world.
Stay tuned.
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12 Comments:
Good luck with your plan. Try the 15 minute a day. You will be surprised how much can be done in 15 minutes.
I hope you will find more time for quilting Michele and your quilt pattern will be beautiful in those batiks!
Sounds like you are starting 2017 renewed! I was only a troop leader, I didn't realize your GS role was so extentive. ENJOY your new journey and I know I'm glad you'll be back here in blog land sharing all your inspiration and quilty projects.
Never apologize for taking time to live your life and spend time with your family! That is what's most important in this life. Raising children takes energy and it is something you will never regret. The girls in the troops will be stronger adults because of you. Thank you for mentioning the Tula Pink 100 Block book last year. Because of you, I made up all 100 blocks and made 2 adorable baby quilts! (Still have many more blocks to make into a project.) I had a lot of fun doing that! Enjoy your children, their activities, and sew when you can! Happy New Year!
Being a Girl Scout myself and also a former leader, I understand how important that effort is. No matter what role you choose just know that any contribution you make is a blessing.
Good luck with your blog reboot...I'll be watching.
I'm sure it was a hard decision, but it will be nice for you to get back to your stitching again.
I hope that the shuffling around of duties will give you the extra time for quilting. It must have been a difficult decision and I must say that your post really struck a chord with me, and I too need to do some reassert of my time. Thank you.
Still luv your bling! And you!
Bling....blog...same difference!
Wearing my brownie Girl Scout beanie, here - thank you for all that you do! Scouting was a special highlight of my childhood and your behind-the-scenes efforts make an impact on everyone in those 75 troops. Enjoy focusing on the cookies this first quarter and we'll be watching for your pattern release when it happens.
Hi Warm Quilts. Your comment came through as a No-Reply-Commenter so I can't reply to you directly. Thank you so much and I do like what I do for the girls and hopefully this change will give me a better balance between that and my quilting.
Glad to see you back! It's always nice to find a balance, but so much easier said than done. Good luck!
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