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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Take the Good Despite the Bad


OK, so I totally just stole this from @kakiofhoneyhill on Instagram. I hope that's OK. šŸ˜€ I wrote this as an IG post, but it's too long... so I'm blogging it. :) (I'm also blogging from my phone because my computer is broken. So I have no idea where the picture will actually show up. ;))

For the past few weeks I have been on a huge emotional rollercoaster. Ups and downs, energy wise, emotionally, feeling hopeful of the future then totally discouraged that progress we were making has come to a dead stop.  I have thought a lot about what direction I am going, trying to figure out what doors are closing and which are opening. Basically evaluating everything I do. And everything I want. In all aspects of my life.

Today as I sat holding my sick sleeping little guy, scrolling through my phone, I read something that just got me down. By the time my hubby came home for lunch, I told him that I wanted to completely step away from this whole quilting community. Not give up quilting and my business so much, but get out and away from all the drama and the socializing.

There is so much good, but sometimes it's heart wrenching to see how little people care about others. I'm speaking very broadly here. But over the past few months there have been circumstances that have really opened my eyes to how harsh this community can also be - directly and indirectly.

I told my husband that I can't handle it anymore. It is too hard to care about people and be in the middle of it when sometimes it seems like no one cares.

He quite frankly told me, "No! You have to keep caring. Even if it is emotionally difficult at times." (Trust me he knows. He gets an earful every time something pulls at my heart strings.)

So anyway, here I am still clueless as to what my plan is. But this quote hit me so hard. It gave me hope that there are good people in the world. And that the world needs people who care.

My hubby also told me, "do it even if no one agrees with you. Stand your ground."

Almost a year ago now I shared my story of my own fabric addiction that I struggled with. I heard so many stories and comments that have completely changed my view on so many things. That have completely changed me. Something I can't turn my back on. Something I continually want to do something about... but what??? I still haven't figured that out. And so I've remained quiet as I continue to mull it over in my head.

But for now I'm grateful for all of you who make a difference in this community and in this world!!! Thank you for being true to you! And for perhaps sometimes standing alone. Know that I will always stand with you and you are never alone!!!

I know on IG sometimes I post certain content and I lose a lot of followers (which for the record I don't care about. I would almost prefer having no followers than knowing that there are potentially almost 2,000 people looking at my life. Intimidating much?! Mostly it's just interesting to see what drives people away and what attracts people.) But it's also been a factor in my decision to alter the content in my blog.

My blog has almost always just been quilting stuff. And I am sure that for some people that's all they want. Though my philosophy has always been, "it's my blog I can post whatever in the world I want", I have tried to keep it consistent.

Especially lately, I feel like I'm leaving a huge part of me out of what I share with the world, by restricting my content to just quilting. And it leaves me feeling a bit unfulfilled when it comes to blogging, something that I want to get back into.

I think after all my thoughts and experiences today, and my conversation with the Mr, I am going to start sharing more of ME. And if you want to stick around, that's awesome!!! I'd love to have you and hear what you have to say! And if you don't want any of that, well then, I'm sad to see you go, but I wish you all the best in your life journey!

It's interesting how much our emotions, experiences, interactions, desires, and everything else, drive us to either act or to not act. At least for me, I've learned that when I decide that I'm going to NOT act, it seems like all the forces of the earth combine against me and make sure that I know that I don't have much of a choice but to act.

Like my hubby today basically telling me, nope, you have to keep doing it! You don't have a choice. If I ignore him, it'll be everything else falling apart around me until I do it. ;) trust me, I know.

But well see what happens.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!!

What gets you through those rough times when you want to throw your hands in the air??


Diane

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Have you been coloring??

I received the best email the other morning! Mareika from Germany emailed me some pictures she's been coloring! She is just starting out with paper piecing, and I always love to hear when others have a good experience with paper piecing, as I obviously really enjoy it! and of course I want others to as well. :)


She colored my 70's Geese pattern, and I think these are just amazing!!









Here she put 4 pages together to create an 8 x 8 block repeat. Very cool!!



I can't believe the month is almost over!! I am working on a few goodies as prizes for the Coloring Contest, so I hope you'll join in! (The odds are pretty stinking good right now.... just saying.) ;)

How about these rainbow colored pencils??

Rainbow pencils
I'll make them into a pouch or a mug rug, winners request.



Link up your coloring pages below:


   
   




Diane

Friday, March 20, 2015

from blank pages... Coloring Contest Starts NOW!!!

I am SO excited right now!! I just finished up my new from blank pages... Patterns Coloring Books! Yep! There are 2! I've been wanting to put these together for over a year now, and I'm so happy to finally have them published and available for everyone for free! (click on links to download from Craftsy)


 (7) Name: 'Quilting : from blank pages Pattern Coloring Book 1
 Contains over 30 pages and 13 different patterns! 


 (7) Name: 'Quilting : from blank pages Pattern Coloring Book 2
 Contains 28 pages and 11 different patterns! 


Most patterns have a variety of design options and layouts. There are even coloring layouts that aren't included in some of my patterns! The only patterns that aren't included in the coloring books are my alphabets. Maybe I could do a separate one for them?!

 It's also the perfect timing for the second half of my Birthday Month Celebration! Want to know what we're going to do?!


Thursday, March 19, 2015

Thank You!! and Last Day for Coupon!

I want to say THANK YOU with all of my heart!! I just made a donation to the Humanitarian Aid program, which will go to help those affected by Cyclone Pam, of $146.83! Thank you everyone who purchased a pattern from me these last two days! Every little bit helps! If you would like to donate online, you can donate HERE.


I also want to let you know that today is the last day for my Birthday Coupons!!


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

100% of Pattern Sales Donated to Vanuatu

If you've heard in the news, Cyclone Pam has hit the islands of Vanuatu pretty hard! People are without food, water, and shelter. I won't go into detail, as you can simply google Cyclone Pam and read all about it. It breaks my heart! (Seriously. I'm bawling like a baby right now. lol. - pregnancy hormones.)




http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81687000/jpg/_81687980_81687979.jpg
Picture taken from google image search for Cyclone Pam


As I was reading about it last night, and the relief efforts being made to help those people, I have decided to donate 100% of my pattern sales for the next two days to the Humanitarian Aid program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I LOVE their program, as 100% of the donations go straight to the people who are in most need! Nothing is taken out to pay anyone. And help is given to everyone in need, regardless or race, religion, or ethnic origin. You can read more about the Church's Humanitarian Aid program HERE.


So if you've been eying any of my patterns, and would also like to help donate to help these people in need, please stop by my shop and purchase some patterns! Don't forget to use the coupon codes if you'd like as well!



Thank you for your help!!


Diane

Monday, March 16, 2015

Star Gazing Baby Quilt and More Fab Blocks!

I decided on Saturday night that I am going to make my baby's baby quilt out of these Star Gazing blocks! Here's the layout I came up with:

 The larger blocks will be 18" blocks, and the strip is 9 - 6" blocks.


 and I think that my Erin McMorris collection will be perfect for it!

Saturday, March 14, 2015

New Pattern: Star Gazing!! + Giveaway!

I am SO excited to announce the release of my newest pattern, Star Gazing!! I've shared lots of progress shots and info of this pattern already (here), so I'll keep this minimal. But I want to share none-the-less. :)

Here is my 6 inch block that I made last night:


It is less than perfect. I don't usually piece this small, so we didn't really get along. I did learn a lot though, and I think if I make more this size, I'll be able to do a better job (like pressing seams open instead of to the side). Check out #fbpStarGazing to see the tester blocks and their progress shots, they are gorgeous!!!

Here are some of them:


Thursday, March 12, 2015

Is it Pink???? or is it Blue???

I shared this image on Instagram and facebook last night...


"Anxiously waiting to see what's inside the cake! Blue for boy! Pink for girl!"


Thank you everyone for the excitement! We are super excited!! :) Want to know what was IN the cake??? Here's our little video clip of us finding out. :)






Diane

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Perfection. Is it overrated???

Is perfection stopping you from trying? I'm not referring to your own perfection. I'm talking about the perfection of others.

I absolutely love seeing the amazingly beautiful quilting that people do on their quilts, or others quilts, if they do it as a job. Usually the most amazing quilting is done on a long arm machine,  and sometimes it's all quilted automatically - taking out all human error. But no matter how it's done, that doesn't lessen the talent and work that is put into the beautiful workmanship.

But I often notice thoughts in the back of my head telling me that if I can't quilt as beautifully as "those quilters" I shouldn't even try. I should stick to using my walking foot and quilting straight or wavy lines. 

I hear the thoughts, but I never listen to them.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Happy Birthday COUPONS!

Happy Monday!! If it's not a happy Monday, hopefully this will help. :)

I've added some coupon codes to my Bigcartel shop and Etsy shop. (same coupon codes work the same in both shops).





Save 10% on any purchase with code: BIRTHDAY10
Save 15% when you spend $10 or more with code: BIRTHDAY15
Save 20% when you spend $20 or more with code: BIRTHDAY 20

Coupons expire: March 19th, 2015.
I'll have something else in store for you after that...



I know some of you mentioned you were hoping for some coupons to get some patterns you've had your eye on. Hopefully this will help you out with that.


And thanks for the birthday wishes I've received so far! It's officially not until the 18th, but I enjoy them at any time. :D


Diane

Saturday, March 7, 2015

FREE Mug, Anyone???

This post contains affiliate links.


Tiny Prints is having a great promotion today! You can get a FREE MUG! How fun is that?!

http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=256824&m=12808&u=616388

Here are the details: All customers are eligible to receive a FREE 11 oz. white mug with a $1 minimum purchase, or credit of $15.99 towards any color or size upgrade. One per person/household/billing address.


Use the coupon code: TPFREEMUG
Ends today, March 7th, 2015
click here to go to website.

These would be fun for Mother's/Father's day! Or maybe I should get one with our family picture for my hubby to keep at work. Or maybe... oh the decisions... ;)

Diane

Friday, March 6, 2015

Birthday Celebration Month: Everyone is a Winner!!

I was wondering if my idea for this months celebration was going to be a good one or not. It looks like I should come up with some other idea.... ;) Any suggestions? Do you want daily discounts again? or coupon codes? Some other kind of giveaway? Let me know! :)

 

But until I announce something different, EVERYONE who linked up their project (form found in this post) is a winner! I'll be emailing you sometime this weekend! :) I'll get some pictures together of upcoming patterns to send you so you can pick an unreleased pattern, or let me know what you want that is already published. :) Feel free to keep linking up your projects if you want to! :)


Here are the beautiful projects that were kindly shared with me! :) Thanks Ladies!! ;D

Monday, March 2, 2015

Tutorial: Paper Piecing the Letters L, O, V, and E

This blog post was first shared on CraftyPlanner.com as part of the Learn More Sew More Paper Piecing event. I am re-posting the same blog post on my blog today.



I am so excited to be guest posting with Sandi as part of the Learn More Sew More event! Paper piecing is easily my favorite method of quilting! I know it can seem scary at first, and even difficult. But I believe with the right tricks and tools, it is something that everyone can do and enjoy.

Today I am going to share with you my techniques for paper piecing letters. Letters are so much fun, and can really add a lot of versatility to a quilt! There are a few paper piecing alphabet patterns available on the market that you can choose from. But before we begin I want to share with you a few pictures of what others have made with two of my alphabet patterns, My First Alphabet and My ABC's. (You can find my patterns at fromblankpagesPatterns.com, or if you are in the EU, you can purchase them in my Etsy shop.)


Ashley (@crafterbynight) - Using My First Alphabet