Since I’m so new to the whole blogging thing I’m sure my brief absence hasn’t been noticed much.  Never the less I wanted to pop in quickly before the Thanksgiving holiday with a bit of good vibes and to show you what I’ve been up to.

If you know me in “real” life you know that I am a big mantra or affirmation believer and I run on good vibes and a positive attitude (with a bit of coffee thrown in for good measure).  I  know it all sounds hokey but I believe that happiness is a choice so I choose to be positive and look at the glass as half full rather than half empty.  With Thanksgiving here in the US this week many of us are starting the holiday rush and may even be feeling the impending stress.  I have decided to pare down a bit this year and try to remember that I am only one person.  I can only do so many things in the 24 hours in one day.  So when looking for an affirmation to get me through the craziness the one above came to mind and I knew it was perfect.  I have already started using it to keep my eye on the prize so to speak.  So friends as you’re busy rushing around, making pies and dealing with family drama around the dinner table just remember…You are absolutely capable of doing anything you put your mind to…just not all at once!

Now on to where I’ve been…well quilting of course.  Oh and working, since I do that too.  I have been a professional photographer running my own small business for over 15 years.  Every year starting around Halloween through to the New Year things get a little bit nutty.  Families trying to get a photo for holiday cards and businesses wanting to use the rest of their marketing budget means things can get a little crazy.  I decided this year to give myself some time off to rest and recoup for the new year.  So, I will be taking the second half of December off to spend time with my family and enjoy the magic of Christmas.

In addition to my photography business I have a little side hustle making custom/heirloom memory quilts for clients.  I have a small Etsy shop where most of them find me.  They send me clothing and other items that I use to create beautiful heirloom quilts that they can treasure for generations to come.  Much like any other business at this time of the year, I’ve been busy with custom orders and holiday gifts.  Between Halloween and Christmas I will have made 6-7 custom quilts.  Which let’s just say is a lot!  The thing is though it doesn’t feel like it’s too much.  It is such an honor to make every single one of these quilts.  When I open each box full of clothing I take a few minutes to be grateful for the opportunity to make such a special gift.  Each article of clothing came from someone special and I want the quilts recipient to feel the love and care that I put into each stitch.

It may sound like I’m laying it on thick here (which my sentimental self tends to do) but I honestly feel so blessed to use my time and talents to make something that furthers a family legacy!  The two quilts pictured below were my most recent finishes.  One is for a beloved mother and the other is for a cherished aunt.  There are four generations of clothing in each quilt and every single item had cherished memories and sentimental value.  

From a distance they look like a hodge podge of crazy clothes.  But when you look closely you can see a special patch and embroidered name badge.  A well worn handkerchief and fuzzy white sock.  Striped pjs and a favorite plaid shirt.  I cut each piece with those special family members in mind.

I even made sure that a piece of Great Grandma was touching a piece of Great Grandpa in each quilt.  I packaged them both up and sent them off to their new homes over the weekend.

I have been lucky enough to make several of these quilts over the years and occasionally a client sends me a photo when they gift their special quilt.

(photo above is not my own)

This sweet little guy couldn’t wait to use his new quilt, all made with his own baby clothes.  It has already been well loved and used.  I have 3 more quilts to finish by Christmas but I hope to continue making them for many years.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I’ll catch up again soon.