A Summer Preview

Summer is finally here and I think it’s about time to step back, take a breath and share with you what has been going on in my life and  business. I’d also like to give you a sneak peek of what is to come! So lets get started on a summer or Refreshing and Relaxing, shall we?

If you’ve been following my blog, Instagram or Facebook accounts, you probably have an idea of how busy I’ve been. I’ve had quite a few quilt shows this spring. Being a vendor is so incredibly fun, but it really is an exhausting event! Things are also starting to pick up with trunk shows and classes. I just finished up my last spring show a few weeks ago and am giving myself the summer off. Fall will be here before we know it and I’ll be jumping back in with the Mancuso Oaks show and (Lord willing, & contracts allowing) Quilt Market AND Festival. Also, I have a one year old and a garden that I’m determined to keep up with this summer. Oh, and some home renovations to wrap up… Why, yes, I have lost my mind.

It’s an understatement to say that I need to refuel, refresh, and then prepare during these fleeting summer months. I hope to take a few weeks off and just do some “fun” sewing (it’s all fun, but it’s 100x more fun when it’s for a certain tiny little girl), get back into painting, and bring you some just plain fun blog posts. All of my relaxing is a double edged sword to be honest; I’ll let you in on all my fun sewing through the blog! I’ll be posting pattern reviews, tips, and tricks that I learn along the way.

As much relaxation and satisfaction as I get out of painting, I have to admit that the painting is also not completely for my personal sanity. I’d like to create a fabric collection or two to present to some companies this fall at Quilt Market, and I think I’ve found a really neat niche that will go over well…no matter what happens, I think it’s safe to say that you can expect a fabric collection from me in 2019 (be it a traditional fabric company or Spoonflower!). But, if I want that to happen, I gotta get painting!

And the blog…well, I think you’re really going to like what I’ve got starting next week! Every week this summer, I’m going to be interviewing a different creative professional. And let me tell you, these are some incredible ladies (no gents so far!). As I’ve been getting this series ready and talking to these women, I really feel like I’m making friends—it’s seriously like summer camp! I think you’re going to find yourself inspired and excited with the new (and familiar) faces that you see popping up around here. I’m so convinced of it that I’m titling this interview series as The Summer of Inspiration. And yes, I’m about to name drop some of the talent on the roster, just to get you all giddy with me:

• Jennifer from Sallie Tomato
• Linda from Quilts for Kids
• Robin from Nestlings By Robin
• Sue from Sue O’very Designs
• Deanne from Snuggles Quilts
• Julie from La Todera
• Blair from WiseCraft
• Sheri from Whole Circle Studio
• Alyssa from Penguin & Fish
• Debby from Debby Brown Quilts
• Lori from The Inbox Jaunt
• Shari from Doohickey Designs
• Kelly from KellyQuilter Design
• Cecile from Just Another Button Company
• Kathy from The Teacher’s Pet
• Christa from Christa Quilts

I told you! It’s going to be an awesome summer, each of these creative people have something very different to bring to the table, and I’m so excited to share their stories with you. In addition to awesome interviews, you’re going to get some amazing deals on their products, just for reading! I’ve also got some fun pattern reviews, tutorials, and a new pattern in the works. So, if you’re not a subscriber, make sure you sign up and stay in the loop about all the goings-on this summer!

I hope you’ll join me this summer, be inspired by what you see going on on the blog, and share with me what your goals are this summer. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Make sure to join us next week for our first interview with Jessica of Sallie Tomato!

Until then,