I hope you will accept all my sincere apologies for the very, very long period of silence from me. I truly wish I knew where the time went and that I could say NO to anything that took me off my time plan. In the back of my mind I’ve been nagging myself - you haven’t updated your studio notes since May, do it today, do it today, schedule it for Friday. Just do it!
After a sleepless night being bothered by all that is on that to do list, I crawled out of bed at 4am (a week ago). I must say, Axel had the same problem so he came into the office only a half hour after me with a cuppa tea (for him) and a lovely cup of coffee for me. It’s now 10am. Unbelievable! What was I just saying about the time going.
It’s since been a week of work - regrouping, emails, web designing, learning, get off-track and now settling into the next phase and journaling where the days have gone since March! Yep, I’ve now realized I hadn’t updated since March. That’s terrible.
So the first thing I did was to add what’s called a RSS feed to my blog. What will this do for you? Well, if you click on it, then add it as one of your bookmarks in your internet browser it will automatically tell you every time I’ve updated my notes. Cool, huh? Yep, I know - should have done it sooner.
So, where did our year go??
Spring flew by after the Quilters Anonymous
Show in March - see previous blog entry Back in the Swing. We had a blast in Elizabeth Erickson’s secret garden behind Gallery Homes in Mukilteo for our annual Rubber Ducky Hunt and I do have pictures, but unfortunately they’re on another computer not available to me right now.
- •Quilters Anonymous Show
-
•Rubber Ducky Hunt
- •Visitors from Germany
- •Block Party Quilt Show
We welcomed my dear quilting girlfriends back from Germany for a two week visit in April. Their final excursion was to visit the Block Party Quilt Show in
Issaquah, where we enjoyed seeing so many of our Eastside customers.
May was a busy, busy month! Full of nothing but cleaning, baking, prepping and partying. I was in Belgium and invited all of my quilting friends and students to enjoy a Patchwork
Day in my Garden. We had a lovely time sharing ideas, projects, recipes and laughter. The weather was incredibly cooperative and I got my first
hint of pink for the season, both my face and this lovely Rhodie - a gift from the girls in Mülheim.
wonderfully surprised
by the arrival of friends all
the way from Ingolstadt, near Munich. More friends from Seattle also happened to be passing through Belgium. Many, many more friends made the drive from Germany as well as his cousins and their children. My sister and family also
flew in from Florida on the last day, then stayed for a two week adventure through our corner of Europe.
- •Patchwork in the Garden Party
- •Axel’s 50th Birthday
By early June I was back across the pond and gearing up for Shop Hop. As you all know, we’re not allowed to officially participate
now that we don’t have a brick-and-mortar shop front. But I wanted to thank you for all the support you’ve shown us over the years so we borrowed our favorite secret garden again. And I have to say, we had the best shop hop experience ever. We opened Tuesday and Wednesday and gave away a free block kit (yep, the whole thing) to each customer who spent $5 or more. By the way - we haven’t sold out and they’re still available on-line (click here). Then it was off to Moses Lake for a weekend show.
The month was rounded off by a fantastic show put on by Busy Bee Quilters, this year at Craven Farms in Snohomish.
- •Shop Hop
- •Basin Guild Quilt Show
- •Busy Bee Quilt Show
It was a delightful weekend.
After busy shows in June, we spent July hurriedly restocking, cutting
and packaging for our booth at the Sunbonnet Sue Quilters Show in Sequim. This show coincides with the Lavender Festival, so our Lavendula ribbon labels were very popular. There was also some time spent preparing for the Mukilteo Garden & Quilt Tour, jointly sponsored by Mukilteo Lighthouse Quilters and Mukilteo Way Garden Club.
Unfortunately, I crashed my car the night before so wasn’t able to set up our booth as planned.
•Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Show
To marry is the ultimate act of trust –
to take another’s hand and step forward
into the unknown with hope and courage.
Honestly, I’d rather forget September. I had flown back home all in anticipation of getting ready for our annual quilt show but was blown off course by the realization that we needed to move house and before I was scheduled to fly back to Belgium on the 26th
(we had just bought my non-refundable ticket the day before.) Yikes! That’s a lot of moving for one gal!
- •Moved house
- •Annual Outdoor Quilt Show
- •Wenatchee Quilt Show
- •Laconner Quilt Show
I’ll hang on to memories of the highlights of course.
Quilts pictured here by Featured Artists: left Ann Gillihan, right Sally LeBoeuf
With much anticipation I greeted my favorite month, October! What a delight, I was back in Belgium again with my darling husband. I was absolutely exhausted to the core of every bone and ready to sleep. Fueled by the added complication of jetlag I did a lot of that for a few weeks. Then Axel was scheduled to guide through Provence, so he actually ditched me and hit the road for a 12-day tour. But for
once I was ok with that too. Some solitude, my garden and me all to myself were the best birthday present of all. Yep, I turned 29 again! But, boy oh boy, do I feel older this year.
- •R&R and a much needed break
Sew what now? I’m starting to gear, up and have been working hard on updating the website, creating our first html-newsletter and working on patterns! Yes!! Patterns! First things first, I’ve
nearly finished the finishing patterns for Stars Galore. So, watch this space! This girl’s about to set loose on a year of adventure - I’m starting early. The heck with waiting for January . . .
I hope you’ll join me for the journey! Jovita
p.s. don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a Toybox panel . . .
30 Comments
Hi! Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to leave a comment and you might win a free Toybox panel. Please include enough of your name that I'll be able to recognize it. If you'd like to include your email address so I can notify you directly, enter that into the URL space. Please note, one entry per person . . . drawing will take place on Sunday, November 4th.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 12:41 PM
I'm glad you're back, Jovita. My van still wants to turn into your Mukilteo shop each day or so. You are missed.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 01:30 PM
Hi Jovita
Nice work on the Blog, keep it up so people like me can live vicariously through all your travels.
Take Care :>)
Susan
Nice work on the Blog, keep it up so people like me can live vicariously through all your travels.
Take Care :>)
Susan
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 02:47 PM
Wie gehts? Wonderful to see your updates! I admire anyone who can do a blog at all, but it's a great way to communicate with a lot of people and write just one letter. Okay I'm off to look at the silks.... bye! Liz
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 03:03 PM
Nice to hear from you and glad all is well. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your patterns. I'm also starting to panic because I don't have all the blocks done for the next BOM...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 03:09 PM
Be sure to add 'the cat with the mouse on its tongue' to your pattern list. I enjoy reading about your adventures. But...Sleep is good!
Fondly, Linda
Fondly, Linda
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 04:23 PM
Hi Jovita, it is sooooo great to hear your cheerful voice. Happy Hallowe'en from Wenatchee!!! Hope all is well with you in your newish life.
Hugs, Doni
Hugs, Doni
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 04:27 PM
I know how it goes when time is flying by! I can't believe it is November already. I enjoy your blog and love the star quilt! Have a great November. I'm thankful for your creativity that sparks mine! Cathy
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 07:37 PM
Hi Jovita, Remember the pretty fabric that I bought at your Sunday sale and I was sure my granddaughter would love it- greens blues and that cute little print.--NOT. She changed her mind of colors--now wants browns, pinks and dull reds!!!!!!!!!! And a different pattern as well. Oh well-we went to the fabric store in Petersburg, Ak and she picked out her favorites. So I have this nice stash to use another time. Enjoy some down time--you deserve it. Bev Wohlhueter
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 09:35 PM
Hallo, Jovita
Time flies, schade dass es im Oktober nicht geklappt hat, aber nach dem Lesen Deines Blogs ist mir alles klar...
Hoffentlich gibt es im Januar ein Wiedersehen. Ich freue mich schon.
LG Heike
Time flies, schade dass es im Oktober nicht geklappt hat, aber nach dem Lesen Deines Blogs ist mir alles klar...
Hoffentlich gibt es im Januar ein Wiedersehen. Ich freue mich schon.
LG Heike
Jovita,
Your shop is sorely missed. Ria and I don't have a destination -- a reason to jump on the ferry for quilting any longer. Are you going to be at the show in Puyallup this year?
Your shop is sorely missed. Ria and I don't have a destination -- a reason to jump on the ferry for quilting any longer. Are you going to be at the show in Puyallup this year?
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 06:37 AM
Hi,
Great to hear from you. I know about time flying. Can't wait to hear what is new.
Great to hear from you. I know about time flying. Can't wait to hear what is new.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 06:43 AM
Jovita,
Your world dounds as crazy as mine...between two trips to Virginia...fixing the house to sell and move there...seeing two of my kids and three of my grandkids leave here and move to Virginia...and now deciding to not sell the house (it really looks good) and stay...and trying to get the kids back home...But, the site looks wonderful. I envy the jet lag to Belgium...and will watch for further updates.
Marie in marysville
Your world dounds as crazy as mine...between two trips to Virginia...fixing the house to sell and move there...seeing two of my kids and three of my grandkids leave here and move to Virginia...and now deciding to not sell the house (it really looks good) and stay...and trying to get the kids back home...But, the site looks wonderful. I envy the jet lag to Belgium...and will watch for further updates.
Marie in marysville
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 07:11 AM
Rhonda105
You lead such an interesting life! I certainly understand 'time just flies by', but I enjoy reading your blog no matter how long the space is in between.
You lead such an interesting life! I certainly understand 'time just flies by', but I enjoy reading your blog no matter how long the space is in between.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 07:17 AM
Thanks for this cool blog! I'm new to your shop and am excieted to see more. I'm interested in a class on crazy quilting or just a very simple 9 square that takes me from patch, to batting, to finished quilt.
Thanks again.
Peggy
Thanks again.
Peggy
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 07:35 AM
Great Blog!.....whatever that word means!!
I was wondering how your move worked out. Sounds like you landed on your feet....eventually!
Who should I contact here about books? You mentioned a contact person and I've lost it.
Wish I was visiting. I so hope to visit castles in Germany again one day......Quilting in a castle?!!.......HUmm..Now there's a thought.
I was wondering how your move worked out. Sounds like you landed on your feet....eventually!
Who should I contact here about books? You mentioned a contact person and I've lost it.
Wish I was visiting. I so hope to visit castles in Germany again one day......Quilting in a castle?!!.......HUmm..Now there's a thought.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 08:20 AM
Wonderful site Jovita! I'm so glad to hear all that you have been doing. I hope to see you while you are states-side! I finished my RED Quilt and my Dipped Chicks Charity Quilt. I have 4 quilt tops ready to quilt and am in the midst of several more projects but I'm always up for another!
See you sewn!
Blessings.
Georgia
See you sewn!
Blessings.
Georgia
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 08:28 AM
Hi Jovita,
Time flies when you're having fun, unless your a frog. Then time's fun when you're having flies. The blog was a fun read and just what I needed to get inspired to sew on a wedding gift.
Time flies when you're having fun, unless your a frog. Then time's fun when you're having flies. The blog was a fun read and just what I needed to get inspired to sew on a wedding gift.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 09:12 AM
It was great to hear from you again. When you come back to the states, you are invited for dinner so that I can have you give me instructions for my BOM and teach me the button necklace.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 10:17 AM
Hi, Jovita! Miss you! What happened to getting together the end of Sept.? We'll have to do better next go around. Melania adds her greetings, too. Wanda
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 01:38 PM
Hi Jovita,
It was so nice to hear from you. I was wondering and worrying (as were others) how the move went. It sounds like you and Axel are doing just great. Enjoyed hearing about your musing in the garden. As you see, we are all missing you and looking forward to seeing you again. God bless you both. Diane
It was so nice to hear from you. I was wondering and worrying (as were others) how the move went. It sounds like you and Axel are doing just great. Enjoyed hearing about your musing in the garden. As you see, we are all missing you and looking forward to seeing you again. God bless you both. Diane
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 04:17 PM
Hey Jovita....
good to hear from you ......Sounds like you have been so very busy!!!! I am in the middle of life changes so my blog has been neglected as well, I know the feeling...and now I feel slightly more motivated to get to updating there too..
yours truly,
Scott
good to hear from you ......Sounds like you have been so very busy!!!! I am in the middle of life changes so my blog has been neglected as well, I know the feeling...and now I feel slightly more motivated to get to updating there too..
yours truly,
Scott
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 04:23 PM
It's really interesting to read all about what you have been up to and see all the new products you're bringing in. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 05:27 PM
Jovita,
Glad your settling in. We miss your shop and look forward to your show this summer. We had a great time at your Shop Hop. Take Care.
Glad your settling in. We miss your shop and look forward to your show this summer. We had a great time at your Shop Hop. Take Care.
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 05:36 PM
Reading everyone's comments, I realized how much I miss you already! We met so briefly and bonded instantly. You are a true and kind spirit. I wish we were sitting on the couch feasting on baked apples and chatting together again. Thanks for your friendship! Don't forget to stop and smell the fabric~ :o) Evalynn Barrett
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 10:12 PM
Don't feel bad about the long silence, it happens to the best of us. What is a toy box panel? I love house quilts and I am looking forward to your patterns. Where will they be available and when?
Monday, November 5, 2007 - 09:30 AM
Thanks for catching us up on all that you have been up to! Love hearing all about your travels whenever you have time to update! I'm sure the rest of this year will be just as busy for you, I look forward to you next update.
Monday, November 5, 2007 - 09:36 AM
Jovita:
Thanks so much for the update - yes I tried to leave a comment last week but figured it was just operator error (me!). Wow! You have been one busy lady, but you always have been every since we met at Busy Bee's. I really enjoy reading about your travels and adventures. Again thanks much for sharing.
Kindly,
Cheryl McLeod
Thanks so much for the update - yes I tried to leave a comment last week but figured it was just operator error (me!). Wow! You have been one busy lady, but you always have been every since we met at Busy Bee's. I really enjoy reading about your travels and adventures. Again thanks much for sharing.
Kindly,
Cheryl McLeod
Monday, November 5, 2007 - 11:30 AM
Wow, now that's a couch! I need to replace mine too but I really hate shopping for that sort of thing. Plus, I have to worry about whether the cats will decide to abuse it or not. I have to do something soon. Glad to hear that you are doing well but please know that you are truly missed. I really enjoy your input on the Skills Builder class and the Christmas Block of the Month.
Monday, November 5, 2007 - 12:54 PM
Here there slowing down is always good even if we are sick! Things look good! Let us know about your patterns!
Gpods Blessing to you,
Sue
Gpods Blessing to you,
Sue
Monday, November 5, 2007 - 04:22 PM
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