Happy 2013! What a year 2012 was for our family both good and not so good but we've survived and are all looking forward to better things this year!

I love Quilt Shops and Quilt-y People, I love fabric! I started sewing when I was in 8th grade and have never stopped since. I love creating and though my beginnings were in clothing I am mostly a piecer and quilter now. My first job at 16 was in a fabric store called The Stitchery in Lake Hiawatha, NJ. I loved working there, not only was it bright and full of fabric and notions but we had to make samples of the newest fabrics! Oh to be working when new orders arrived and get to choose a pattern to create with the newest fabric lines! I outfitted my entire family while working there.

Back to the Quilt-y People of whom I know many but don't always get to see. Yesterday I arranged to meet a new customer, Wee, at The Round Bobbin Quilt Shop, www.roundbobbinquilts.com/ where I also work part-time. Susan, the owner was a former co-worker at Country Quiltworks.  I walked in and there were several of my  Quilt-y friends, Sue K., Dolores R., Susan S., Sue E., Sally M., Carol M., Storm E., Peggy B., Brenda T., & my newest client  Wee. How lovely to see so many familiar faces and to be hugged by such kind and giving women! I felt so buoyed when I left and that warm feeling lasted all day. It amazes me how being around people or talented women such as my friends improves your outlook and feeling of well being.

This is why we need our Quilt Shops, Knitting Shops, Craft Stores and Book Shops, to be connected to each other in this world were everyone is so disconnected by electronics. In a world where we can have instant everything sometimes it's better to take time to seek out what our heart needs to be happy. Finding just the right pattern, book or song having someone who knows how you feel about your craft to share it with or bounce ideas off of. This makes Community and we need Community to survive as people, we are not meant to go it alone.

Seek out your Community, build your Tribe and find a better life, more joy and be creative.

Blessings to you and yours in the coming months!