random thoughts and miscellany

I can’t put my finger on exactly why I don’t post as frequently as I would like to my blog. I know that a good part of it is that it takes time to compose and I can be really choosy about what I write. I also hem and haw quite a bit about content.  My least favorite posts I’ve written show a few photos and say “look what I made” without really providing any real information. I like to try to make more of a contribution than that. {I’m not apologizing for my sporadic posting habits.  This is my blog. No one pays me to keep up with it.  I’m good with that!}

Sometimes list are just easier, so I’m going to quickly jot down some thoughts:

-I made a quilt recently and will be showing it off here soon. I am so excited about this one! {I know. I say that every time.}

-I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my fabric shopping habits, how they relate to my crafting habits, and things I’m trying to do to control my personal consumerism.  I have a very long post drafted about this topic, but I’m not ready to publish it yet.  Its still an unorganized mix of thoughts and patterns I’ve observed. I think that when I do, it will have to be covered in at least two posts.  Apparently I have A LOT to say about it.

-I’ve also wanted to post about my feelings toward virtual quilting bees.  I was hesitant about jointing a bee at the beginning of the year but now my attitude about them has done a one-eighty. I’m loving it and I feel compelled to explain why.

-This new type of virtual quilting bee fascinates me.  I don’t know that I’d be game for something like it because I would be wary of having to quilt someone else’s quilt top. But seriously.  How great would it be to have a completed quilt sent back to you at the end of the project?

-Little reminders about the genuine need for people to create have been emanating from the House on Hill Road blog and flickr stream. This is such an important message for creative types.  Making things is not superfluous.  It’s not impulsive.  For some people, creating is a necessity.  In order to be happy, it’s important to be cognizant of your needs.

-The new book in which Jen of Painted Fish Studios has been published looks awesome.  I am totally in love with some of the items she has posted in her shop recently as well. Quilt inspiration abounds!

-We welcomed two cats into our family a week ago.  I never thought I’d say that but I am really glad it has happened.  {I grew up with dogs so I’m not accustomed to life with cats.} Our kids are absolutely smitten and I am being won over at a quicker pace than I expected. They are a lot of fun.