Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Welcome to the Quilters Meet & Greet!

Hi, all!

As you can see, we've got something a little bit different going on here today!  I am honored to be part of the 2018 Online Quilters Meet & Greet hosted by Benita of Victoriana Quilt Designs, which starts today and runs through the whole month of September.  It's a great opportunity to meet some new quilt bloggers and maybe even learn a little something you didn't know about some of your regular blog stops!  Today's post will be directed more to new visitors rather than familiar friends, but I hope you'll stick around to the end of the post, where there will be information about a fabulous giveaway associated with this event! So let's get started!


I guess I should start by telling you a little bit about myself.  The first thing might be that I hate having my picture taken, so I'm often behind my grandkids in selfies.  That's me in the back, with my granddaughters Emmy (on the left) and Lilliana (on the right).  I also have a grandson, Nathanael, who was adopted from China three years ago.  Emmy and Nathanael are both deaf and both six - quite a combination!  Lilliana is ten going on twenty, and loves to sew when she comes over.

I started Confessions of a Fabric Addict in January of 2010, before I was a quilter.  My goal was to put my need to use up a ridiculous fabric stash out in public so that I was accountable to someone about it.  I quickly discovered quilting (more about that in a minute) and it's just grown from there!  Unfortunately, so has the stash... I guess my original plan didn't work so well!


Also in early 2010, we started a quilt ministry at my church, making quilts for people going through serious illness.  Over the eight years since then, we've given away about 2000 quilts, to people with medical and emotional issues; to people going through grief over the loss of a loved one; to children in orphanages on the mission field; to foster kids; and to people who have lost everything through natural disasters.  We've celebrated new babies and high school graduations.  It's been a tremendous outreach tool for our church members, who have requested quilts to minister to their friends and acquaintances.  We've sent them all over the world!  And we've been able to do it because of the generous hearts of the quilt blogging community, which has been extravagant with their unwanted stash, orphan blocks, quilt tops and quilts to help us help others.  I love our community!!

So now you know about how my blog started, and how it became a quilting blog.  Since I started quilting, I've never looked back!  After all, there are so many quilts, and so little time...  

Over the years, I've found that regular themed posts have worked well for me.  Some have been short-term, others have stuck around for the long haul.  Currently, you'll find Make-A-List Mondays, (my personal to-do list for the week), I May Have a Scrap Problem Wednesdays, (working on using up those ever-growing piles of scraps), and Can I Get A Whoop Whoop Fridays.  Whoop Whoop Friday is a linky party, where you can share what you're whooping about that week, and visit other linkers to cheer them on.  And best of all, it doesn't have to be a finish, or even quilty!  So come link up on Friday and join in the fun!


There are also several events during the year on this blog.  In late January, I post a series of simple quilt tutorials with a theme, which leads into the Hands2Help Charity Quilt Challenge that runs from mid-March to late May or early June.  I usually choose two or three small lesser-known charities and feature them as our charities for that year's Challenge, although some people choose to donate locally, either for economic reasons (like shipping quilts overseas) or because they have a need in their own community.  I'm fine with that - the whole point is making quilts to donate to people in need, after all!  We have great sponsors who help support  the people who participate in the Challenge, and more than 1400 quilts have been donated as a result of it over the years!


And then in July, it's the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop.  Twelve days of great quilt bloggers sharing some fabulous gift ideas, decorating tips, and quilt designs, all to get us in the Christmas crafting mood!  Even if you're not ready to start making yet, there's some wonderful ideas that will make you wish for cooler weather and Christmas cookies.....


OK, I think that's given you a good overview of my blog.  Benita also asked us to share our favorite quilt, and tell a little bit about it. I've made so many quilts over the past eight years, but this one has to be one of my favorites.  (It will be a much bigger favorite if I ever get it quilted!)  The pattern is by Jen Kingwell, and is called Long Time Gone. 


 I loved making this quilt because it is such a mosaic of great quilt blocks, and the pattern makes it very easy to achieve.  She has it set up so you make each different type of block in a step, and I chose to do one step each week.  Once all the blocks are made, you turn them into one cohesive unit with checkerboard strips and a great background fabric.  I chose to use a natural Essex linen for my background, and its texture adds so much to the bright scrappy look of the quilt!  I only have one caveat to this pattern - Jen saved the most time-consuming block (pineapples) for the very last one in the book, and the quilt takes sixteen of them.  If I had known that, I would probably have made one or two a week along the way!  

I'm now working on another Jen Kingwell pattern, Gypsy Wife, using Kate Spain batiks.  I really want to start putting it all together, but unfortunately with the holidays coming up, it's been put on the back burner as I do some commission work (lots of memory and t-shirt quilts this year!) and make the annual quilts that I give to each of my grandchildren at Christmas.  


Yes, I said that - I make each of my three grandchildren a quilt for Christmas that reflects what they did and liked during the previous year.  And as they get older, I let them have some input into what they want their quilt to be like.  The quilt above is Lilliana's quilt from last year - she only specified blue and dolphins!  The kids love getting a quilt, my daughter is a little more hesitant - as she pointed out, they will have 54 quilts in the house by the time all the kids are 18!  So this year we're giving each of them a chest to store their quilts in - hopefully that will ease up the congestion a little bit....

OK!  You've hung in 'til the end - I do hope you'll explore the blog a bit and find things that interest you.  There are lots of free quilt tutorials and loads of inspiration scattered throughout!  I'm so glad you've stopped by and I hope you'll leave a comment so I can get to know you better.  After all, the quilt blogging community is at its best when we talk to each other!  To facilitate that, do leave your email address, since Blogger has decided to make so many commenters "no-reply" these days!  If you're a regular commenter, you don't need to do that  unless I've never responded to your comments (that's a sure sign you're a no-reply commenter too!)


And now for the carrot at the end of the stick - Benita has a fabulous giveaway going on, and all you have to do is visit the blogs participating in the Meet and Greet!  To enter from my blog, click the picture above this paragraph (for you early-birds, the link goes live at 7 am Atlantic time, so you may have to come back a little later!)  and follow the instructions there.  You can enter from each blog participating in the Meet and Greet, so try to visit as many as you can during September!   Head over to Benita's blog for the full list of participating blogs, and make new friends today!

Hugs!

Sarah

55 comments:

  1. I've been here awhile but I still learn things when you tell your story, Sarah. Thanks for all the effort (and love) that goes into making this blog such a lovely and inspiring place to visit.

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  2. When I click on the link to Benita's blog it says the page does not exist??

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  3. I have been following for quite a while. Your amazing energy to accomplish so much each week is inspiring. You have such a good and generous heart. I love all the quilts you design and make. Thanks for sharing your stories!

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  4. Sounds like a good time at the blog circle! I love the sampler type quilt you did-it is amazing! How could you not finish it!!!! lol

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  5. I'm a new quilter. One of your quilts was the first I ever made. I love your blog and your story.
    xx, Carol

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  6. I LOVE all of your quilts and am always gobsmacked at your lists for the WEEK!!! I think those would be my lists for the MONTH!!! Last year I committed to getting my stash down and maybe the way I do it would work for you. I started a spreasheet and all it tracks is fabric in (including free stuff I sometimes score from my quilt group) vs fabric out. So, last year I used 76 yards of fabric MORE than I bought....so for me that's a win. So far this year I am still in the red (have bought more than I've used), but I plan to hammer down these last 4 months to get into the black by years end. If you think my spreadsheet would help you, I'd be glad to send a copy, just let me know! I have a blog and at the end of each month I post my totals, so that is helping me to be accountable. (dreamsoaps@aol.com)

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  7. That is pretty cool how you started quilting! I have followed your blog for a while but didn't know that. Love the idea of quilts for the kids every year ;-)

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  8. Hi Sarah, it's fun to read your story. You have inspired me for quite a few years now. I'm rather happy about your 'fabric addiction' :-) You do great things with it!

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  9. Hi Sarah, I've been following your blog for a while now. It was nice learning how you got started quilting.

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  10. Hi Sarah, I've been following your blog for a while now. It was nice learning how you got started quilting.

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  11. Thanks for the comprehensive look at all you do. Now, I am even more intimidated! I have learned a lot from you and am grateful you have continued blogging. So, can you send me some of your energy?

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  12. I've followed you for some time, and was honored to be part of the Christmas in July events. I hope the Meet and Greet brings you new readers and followers!

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  13. Hi Sarah!
    I’m a newbie to your blog... I found you just this morning! Your blog name resonated with me... for obvious reasons!!

    I have 3 grown kids, 2 sons-in-law, a 3 yr old bundle of energy grandson named Nolan in Texas, and a black lab mix named Mister Gibbs, who thinks he’s a lap dog! Mike & I are small business owners and own/run 3 Maaco auto body & painting shops. I’m the Shop Mom and do all the bookkeeping & payroll (times 3 shops!).

    In between that, I mostly make baby quilts for our local NICU. A few years ago I felt God nudge me (like Moses at the burning bush)... What do you have in your hand, Pris? Ummm... fabric!! I have fabric!!! And that was the start of a wonderful quilty endeavor called WeeOnesQuilts.

    I too love Jen Kingwell and have a GW in process. (Started about 7 yrs ago and get it out from time to time... it’ll get done eventually!) I found I don’t enjoy the actual layering & quilting part so I “support the local economy” and pay my dear friend Susan to longarm for me. I’m blessed I can afford to support her small business!

    We raised the kids in Sammamish (east of Seattle) and moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 5 yrs ago. We LOVE it here!!

    Happy Tuesday! Have a lovely day!
    Warmly, Pris Phillips WeeOnesQuilts@gmail.com

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  14. I always hated having my photo taken also. I would either duck or put something in front of my face. Your dolphin quilt is beautiful! Did you design that yourself too?

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  15. I've enjoyed your blog for quite a while now; it was fun to read a bit more 'in depth' with today's post! Keep up the great work! :)

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  16. Always fun to see what you're up to Sarah - you're always inspiring!

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  17. Love your quilts, as well as contributing to worthy causes

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  18. I love how much you have going on through your blog, Sarah.
    Thanks for sharing and Thanks for being part of the Quilters Meet & Greet! <3

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  19. Great blog and great post...I loved it..thx

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  20. I follow you regularly and love your blog. My DD would have loved the dolphin quilt a few years ago. :)

    Now, she is into wolves. I need to find something for her for that.

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  21. Your quilts are amazing! I would totally pick Long Time Gone as a favorite...love it! Thanks for sharing. P.S. There is a fix for the blogger commenting issue. Here's the link to my post about fixing it: https://www.justletmequilt.com/2018/06/a-possible-fix-for-your-missing-comments.html

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  22. Your quilts are stunning and it has been a pleasure to meet you.

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  23. I never knew about your start in blogging or quilting, glad I stopped by today;)

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  24. I am also working on the Gypsy Wife quilt-attempting to use already made blocks instead of doing special ones for the quilt! Time to get back to the next section.....

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  25. LOVED the story of the beginning of your blog. Funny, Sarah! I used to say that I "talked a good quilt." All the while, you were busy collecting fabric for future use!

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  26. I have to remember to put my mind to Hands2Help...need to plan ahead this time around.

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  27. I did learn some new things about you! I love the idea of having 54 quilts in my house. =) Anyway, the girls are going to take them when they move away. That's a wonderful idea, in my book.

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  28. Loved hearing about your start at Blogging...and about your sweet Grankiddo's! I,ve been a follower for awhile...looove visiting! :)

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  29. Your work is wonderful. Grandkids are the best.

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  30. You are certainly pedal to the metal with all your quilts!! I love the idea of making a quilt each year for my grandchildren!!

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  31. You never cease to amaze me, Sarah! You are such a giving, caring person! Your family (and especially grandchildren!) are so blessed to have you! And I feel blessed to call you a "cyber-friend!" Maybe I'll get to meet you in person one day when I come to Nashville!! We have to come get a Jack-in-the-Box fix occasionally!! LOL

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  32. You are quite the proficient quilter Sarah! I am so happy that I found your blog. You have so much going on here. It was nice to get a bit of a inside look at your blog and your heart!

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  33. I have been to your blog many times over the years. You never fail to inspire! It was nice getting to know you better!

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  34. I've visited your blog and been in a linkup or two, but the M&G is such a great way to get to know fellow quilting bloggers better. Thanks for joining in! (P.S. Jen Kingwell is one of my new favorite designers.)

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  35. I've been reading your blogs for a long time and enjoy them a lot--Thanks for all your ideas and tutorials!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  36. Great summation of your blogging/quilting life. Didn't realize they both started together. Your quilting skills are over the top.

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  37. I like the idea of making an "interest" quilt per year for your grands! I must do the same. My sweet baby grand is only 8 months!

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  38. Hi Sarah, so nice to know more about you! I love your Gypsy Wife, cute quilt! Great post, thanks!

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  39. Giving the kids chests to hold their annual quilts is a brilliant idea! :)

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  40. Goodness, Sarah, a quilt each Christmas. I usually make Christmas ornaments for the grands each Christmas and that's always an undertaking - amazing that you're doing QUILTS! Thank you for being such a wonderful person who is thinking of others with the charity. Congrats.

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  41. So nice to meet you. That dolphin quilt is absolutely amazing

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  42. Wow! Lucky grandkids! My grands get a quilt when they are born, when they graduate and when they get married. I have 15 of them ranging from 8 months to 21 yrs. So great to visit your blog, thanks for sharing!

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  43. That is such a beautiful dolphin quilt. I'm in awe of you making a quilt every Christmas.

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  44. You have inspired me for years...but this "Long Time Gone" quilt, is over the top. I have to look for that book. What a fabulous dolphin quilt too. Can I be one of your grands and get a quilt for Christmas ever year??? LOL!!

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  45. Great post. add my email to follow your blog. carli the quilter at gmail dot com

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  46. I always enjoy seeing your posts, Sarah. You do such a great job with your charity quilts.

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  47. Sarah, it's amazing for the amount of time that I have followed you that I know so little about you. I had no idea that two of your grands are deaf. Wow! What a challenge and I bet they seem "normal" to you. My grandmother was handicapped due to having polio as a baby. She was crippled on her right side. Teachers back then tried to convert everyone to be a rightie. Of course, she did everything left handed. She had challenges as her right side was much smaller than her left. She had learned to adapt very well. When she had a stroke, it imparied her right side. So, still yet, we still thought of her as "normal." I never thought of her as handicapped. About the only thing she didn't do that most ladies her age often did was drive. I love your quilting and you've accomplished much more in your 8 short years of quilting than I have in more than that. You inspire me with all your different topics through the week. Thanks for letting me into your world more and participating in the hop.

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  48. Love your blog and so many tutorials are a bonus for this beginner quilter! Lovely to meet you

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  49. Your Sampler Quilt is Grand!! Soooo much work!! Love that you make quilts for the Grankiddo's every Year!! Such Special Heart Memories you are making for them! :) Have been a follower for good while..love your Blog & all you share, Thank you!

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  50. So nice to learn more about you Susan. Ok, I may be a bit slow to the M&G party, but last week was short and busy! I have participated in an occasional linky parties here... thanks for that opportunity! :)

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  51. You are truly inspiring. Thank you for all you do! I've enjoyed posting on your "Whoop Whoop" linky parties several times. I have about 30 of your "Have Faith" blocks on my design wall ... eventually they will make their way to our local Project Linus branch.

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  52. I loved reading your story about the quilts you're making for your grands - what a legacy! Thank you for inviting us to visit with you.

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  53. I just love the dolphin quilt. So creative.

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  54. HI Sarah, it was interesting to read your post, even though I'm already a follower and regular reader :-)

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Comments make me smile!! If you want a PDF of a pattern, PLEASE leave your email address in your comment, or email me directly at salliesue57 (at) gmail (dot) com!