Just in time to start back at school, I managed to finish the quilt I had been stitching all summer long. The Handstitched course with Rachel of Stitched in Color was a real pleasure and I feel I have gained so many skills during the weeks I was taking part. Each weeks topic covered another skill (reverse applique, embroidery, applique, paper piecing and hand quilting) and the way she set out the classes, one week on, one week off, really allowed us the time to watch, learn and put into practise the lessons she taught. My finished quilt is in no way perfect but it is so much closer than anything I have attempted before and I now have a treasure chest of helpful and clever tricks which will make any further adventures into quilting a lot less of a frustrating experience!
Part of my urgency in getting my quilt finished before term started was tied up in all the new things I was starting with the new school year. I am back at college studying for a degree level course for the first time in much longer than I care to remember and alongside that I have also taken on another day at work each week. My time for crafting has definitely reduced and in fact I am struggling a bit at the moment to prioritise the things I must do and how I am going to fit it all in...I think all in all that this is going to become a bit of a tough year and some very hard choices are going to have to be made but I love what the qualification will allow me to do and I am sure it will all be worth the hard work when I get to the end of it! One of the things that will have to change is the amount of time swallowed up by my visiting here and I think I am just about decided about what I am going to do...you'll have to wait just a little bit longer though, while I get all the details set in my head. In the mean time, I would love it if you would join me here on the 22nd September, when I will announce what I am planning to celebrate turning THREE... I'll look forward to seeing you then...
