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Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Expiring SOON!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season!! Christmas definitely snuck up on me, but the past few days have been absolutely fabulous! I hope they have been for you as well!!


I have been bombarded with promotional emails over the last week, and I don't want to add to the overwhelming mass marketing going on right now, but I DO want to let you know that there are only a few days left to grab the Zodiac BOM pattern!!  

It is expiring on December 31st at midnight!

All of the patterns have been released and are now available! I also updated the Aquarius pattern a little, and I hope it goes together a little more smoothly. (I didn't get any complaints about it, but it didn't meet my own expectations, so hopefully this is better!)

What are others making?!

Be sure to join the Facebook group to see the amazing creations that everyone is making!

You can also check out all the hashtags on Instagram to see the blocks being shared on there as well!



I am seriously so impressed!! Everyone is so creative and talented! and these quilts will be gorgeous!! And look close! Because these aren't just being made into quilts! I love the creativity!


Here's what I'm making!

I have been working on hand quilting my Aquarius mini quilt all year long! I've been working on it every Thursday night while I wait for my oldest at cub scouts. It's been a slow process, but I am ALMOST done! If I can I'm going to do whatever it takes to finish it before the year is over! I think I can make it! :)



I don't have a design wall, so I haven't been able to hang up all my blocks together. Instead, I've been using Photoshop to put all my blocks together. It's not perfect, but it's been a fun way to see the quilt grow. I'm ready to sew it all together.... except now I don't know if I want to add sashing. too many decisions.



I am also going to make this Gemini/Taurus quilt. I have all the templates printed and cut out, and my fabric assigned. So hopefully this will be a quick finish this year, well, next year. 

I'm going to use fabrics by 1canoe2.  I can't wait to get this pieced together!


AND.... I have a long list of quilts that I want to make with these patterns! There are just so many possibilities! I love it!


What's still to come!

Hosting this block of the month has been a huge learning curve for me, and unfortunately due to unexpected life events, some of the things I had hoped to do didn't happen. BUT that doesn't mean they won't happen. I still have them on my to-do list, and I have a few other things I'm adding as well!

A quick overview of what you get:
  • 12 patterns in 3 sizes each (9 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch finished block sizes)
  • lots of coloring pages
  • cutting templates
  • assembly instructions
  • fabric requirements
  • access to a video tutorial that includes all of my tips and tricks for using cutting template
  • coming soon: video tutorial for my techniques and tips for paper piecing
What I'm adding:
  • sashing ideas, sashing ideas, and more awesome sashing ideas!
Originally I was going to only include some very basic sashing ideas. But then I started writing up the instructions for them, and came up with some pretty awesome design ideas! For everyone who purchases the Zodiac BOM pattern before the end of the year, will receive ALL of the new sashing instructions and patterns. They will really be a great way to expand the pattern possibilities!! Just check these ones out!

 Here are two examples of sashing ideas that will work with the Aquarius pattern! (as well as a few of the other blocks). I whited out the actual block so you can see exactly where the sashing is! On the left, the design is one sashing thick, while the design on the right is two sashing thick (and a different pattern). It's a fun way to expand the block design as well as grow the size of your quilt!


 Here's the Aries block with the sashing. This one shows the sashing two thick between the blocks. This creates an amazing weave pattern!


I'll be creating sashing patterns like this for all of the blocks! And these will be sent out for free to everyone who purchases the Zodiac pattern by Saturday night!


https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/products/zodiac-bom-236-paper-piecing-pattern-pdf


What happens on January 1st?!?

On January 1st, each of the 12 Zodiac patterns will be sold as individual patterns. That means you will be able to purchase only 1 pattern, or any combination of patterns, without having to get all of the patterns. (Each pattern will still include all 3 sizes).

Each individual pattern will still include:
  • The individual pattern in 3 sizes (9 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch finished block sizes)
  • coloring pages
  • cutting templates
  • assembly instructions
  • fabric requirements for the individual block
  • access to a video tutorial that includes all of my tips and tricks for using cutting template*
  • coming soon: video tutorial for my techniques and tips for paper piecing*
*videos will become public whether you purchase the pattern or not.

 What will be different:
  • Patterns will be priced as individual patterns, not at the bundled price
  • Sashing pattern swill be an inexpensive add on, you can pick and choose which ones you want. You'll even be able to use these as individual patterns independent of the Zodiac patterns!


Anyway, I just want to let you know of the changes! If you've been wanting to grab all of these patterns, now's the time to do so!!

And if you happened to fall behind with your blocks this year, don't fret!! There is no deadline. And I know that a few people are just starting now! So you're not alone if you want to start up again. I'm hoping to make at least a few more projects with them as well this year! So we can still quilt them together! And of course I'm always here if you have any questions!


https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/products/zodiac-bom-236-paper-piecing-pattern-pdf


As always, Happy Quilting! & Happy Creating!!

And I hope you have a happy and safe new year!!



Monday, December 5, 2016

American Patchwork & Quilting Podcast

Happy Monday!! Well, I hope it is! That always seems like an oxymoron to say that. ;)

Anyway... I wanted to share with you my exciting news and invite you to come join me!

Have you ever listened to the American Patchwork and Quilting podcast with Pat Sloan? If you haven't you should! It's really fun to listen to and *meet* a wide variety of quilters and people from all over! At least for me, I like getting an inside glimpse of peoples personalities besides what they edit and share on social media. And Pat Sloan is absolutely great! It would be hard for me to talk to totally random people on the spot and keep it interesting and not awkward, so what she is able to do is absolutely fantastic and really enjoyable!

So if you wanted to check it out, you should definitely come listen to it TODAY! Because guess who's going to be on??? ME!


I'm really excited!! and a bit nervous, but I think it will be fun!

The show starts at 4 pm EST
Here is a time converter for your time zone.

or you can subscribe on iTunes.



I hope you'll come cheer me on! And that you enjoy it!! ;)

Have a great day!!



Monday, November 14, 2016

Phew! I've never been more grateful for Monday!

What??? You might be wondering how I suddenly lost my mind. Who loves Mondays?

Well, after last week, I'm more than anxious to wipe the slate clean and get on with my life.

Now, before you start screaming inside with thoughts like, "but our future..." or "how can you not be angry." or "ggggrrrrrr!" Let me explain.

In my renewed commitment to care for myself so I am then ABLE to care for others, and my desire to create an environment for myself and my family that is healthy, uplifting, and empowering, I have come up with a list of things that I can do, and actually succeed at, in doing my part to keep my future going in a direction that I am happy with.

And because the world is flooded with negativity and hate, I decided that perhaps I could add some positivity and hope, and hopefully empower others to make their own lists of powerful actions that will help contribute to the future we all WANT, and not the future we all FEAR. Because as I just heard someone say,

"Fear NEVER leads you where you want to go."
- Elice Grice (I totally changed the words around, but the meaning is still the same).

Isn't that powerful?!!! So true!


So here's my list of faith based actions that I am going to focus on in my life. (Because faith is the opposite of fear.)

BE POSITIVE. 
Always be positive. In my speech, in my actions, AND in my thoughts. Because if I'm thinking negatively, when I hit my limit of tolerance and patience, those negative thoughts are going to blow out of my like a volcano that just lots it top! I must make sure that when I've reached my limit, that what's inside isn't going to be damaging.




CLEAN MY HOUSE. 
I have found that at least for me, a clean home = a happy home. I get agitated when I'm surrounded by garbage (not that we have garbage lying around, but things like old homework that can be recycled, etc), clutter, toys and clothes everywhere. Basically when things are not where they belong. A messy house, kitchen (unwashed dishes, dirty counter tops, etc) it all adds up and adds to one more thing that isn't as good or nice as it could be. It just feels negative to me.

I'm not striving for perfection here, or the perfect model home, but it does help me tremendously! (and involving my kids with chores is awesome too!!)

SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF THE SPIRIT.
I recently went to a meeting, and one of the speakers talked about how we can help others find their way: We can speak the language of the Spirit.

Think of this, if we are all English speakers, but then never speak English, how can our children learn English? It is not something that comes naturally. And if you have learned another language, or have studied the rules of the English language, you know just how much of it is learned through hearing and being immersed in it. How often have you said, "that doesn't sound right".

Anyway, the same is true with the language of the Spirit. This language is the ultimate language of love, peace, hope, and faith. It is the language of everything good. You cannot speak the language of the Spirit and speak with hate. They are NOT the same language.

Thinking about this I realized that this is one thing that I can do. Now don't go assume that I'm going to start being all religious or preachy. Because I'm not. This isn't a "the world needs to be converted" type thing. This is simply re-familiarizing ourselves with something I personally believe we all have a piece of in our hearts and in our beings. It's about returning to love and kindness. It's about having courage to love without bounds (because that can be scary!)

The language of the Spirit is powerful, and as I seek to further understand this language, I want to be sure to practice it and use it, so 1. I don't loose it/forget it, and 2. so others can also become familiar with it, and like I wrote in the first sentence, to help them find their way.

Find their way from hate to love, from confusion to purpose, from doubt to faith, discouragement to hope. I can honestly say I have never met anyone whose life goal was to be discouraged and angry. Though sometimes our actions lead us there without even realizing where we are actually going.


TEACH. 
Teach my children to be kind. Teach them to love everyone. Teach them to use kind words. To SEE the people around them for who they are, children of God.

Recently I have really begun to learn just how much we can live our lives without SEEing anything that is around us. Yes, we see the grass, the sky, our home, the people we live with and work with. The people at the store, the clerk that we give our money too. But are we really looking at them? Do we really SEE them? Or do these things and these people simply blend into the background of the virtual reality we are living in our own thoughts and minds?

To REALLY SEE the world around us, we must be willing to step outside of ourselves. Be uncomfortable. Put ourselves out there, and REACH towards others to also help them step outside of themselves, and to step into who they are to understand where they are coming from. Get out from behind the screens. Get out from behind the fear, anger, pain. Be vulnerable and LIVE.

Seeing goes hand in hand with FEELING. Sometimes the feels are scary. But what we need to remember is that they are beautiful! Even the sad and painful feels are beautiful, because only with them can we also experience the highs of the joy and peace and love!

I want to teach this to my children. I want to teach them to live outside of their own realities and share and experience this world with the people we have been placed here with. And to do so in a positive manner.









BE AN EXAMPLE.
I don't want to each anything, think anything, do anything, without also living it AND experiencing it for myself. How can I talk about love, if I do not know love. How can I teach another to love, if I haven't walked down that path and found my own answers. How can I comfort and mourn and understand, if I haven't already experienced that pain and the relief that comes through experience.

I'm not perfect. And I'm not going to understand everything. But I am going to give it my everything to live as close to what I feel is right as I can.


FORGIVE. 
I really think that all of these things on my list go hand-in-hand and that for the most part, they all have a large overlap. When I do one, I'll most likely be doing one or more of the other things as well.

Forgiveness, forgiving, being willing to forgive. While all the things on my list are great and are all means to reach the same end goal, I really truly believe that NONE of them are possible if not combined with forgiveness.

Forgiving is hard. It's hard when we don't do it. I think there are so many misconceptions about forgiveness though that make us believe that forgiving is the last thing we want to do. But those misconceptions are a lie! We think that, "if I forgive the offender is 'let off the hook'", "I want to make them pay", "justice is denied if I forgive", "but I'm still angry!", "what they did is wrong and unforgivable!" And the reasons go on and on!!!

But all of these excuses are lies! Not that they are lies in and of themselves. You might still be angry. What they did might be absolutely evil. But that's not where the lie is, and that's why it's tricky. The lie is in that all of those "excuses" are reason to not forgive. They are NOT. Forgiveness is ALWAYS the best and first solution to every problem!

Here's why: Ultimately, in the end, forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person and EVERYTHING to do with YOU!

Trust me. I know what I'm talking about. I have had loads and loads of experiences in my own life that have given me ample opportunities for forgiveness. I have been wronged, betrayed. I have been the victim others others evil actions as well as the victim of neglect. I have caused pain and problems for myself (yes! Forgiving ourselves is also included here and just as important as the rest of it!), I have been hurt, sad, angry. I have been offended, rejected, and on and on.... even just being annoyed gives us an opportunity to forgive.

That brings up how to tell if you need to forgive. Are you angry? annoyed? hateful? Do you have resentment? Are you withholding: anything from love, kindness, even words in general? Are you scared? Hurt? Alone? Do you struggle to feel love or give love? Are you jealous? envious? Do you have pride: think you're better than someone else? or feel like someone is better than you? Do you feel like you are in competition with someone? or everyone? Do you see something, anything, and it triggers a range of negative emotions that tend to motivate you to act in unkind or unproductive ways? These and more, are many of the personal feelings I have found that let me know that it's time to forgive. 

Last year I spent about an entire year forgiving.
It ranged from my parents and my resentment for the life they gave me verses the life they should have given me if they had only x, y, and z. To people who have judged and criticized me. It included people who have physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually hurt me. As well as people who I have felt inferior to, or excluded by. And it included MYSELF in so many ways from so many angles. Forgiving myself for not loving myself, for not believing in myself, for not being "good enough"; for the many stupid mistakes I have made; for being too scared, too weak, or too lazy. For holding myself to a standard of perfection that I'll never reach. I forgave my pride and the pride of others. I forgave anything and everything I could find to forgive.

And MOST IMPORTANTLY I forgave God. This can be the hardest and scariest of all, but by far it is the most important one!

You see, forgiving isn't about the other person. Forgiving is ALL about YOU and only you! When you forgive someone, it breaks down YOUR walls, not theirs. It allows for healing in YOUR heart, which can then influence healing in their heart... but there that is one of the many consequences of forgiveness. But it is not the first and foremost result. We are not responsible for other people and the consequences they will have for their actions. God is the only one in charge of justice and mercy. But we are the ones commanded to always forgive. Forgive 70 times 7. That's a lot.

And that's a lot because we need it a lot. Not for anyone else. But we need it for ourselves. Every time we don't forgive, we place a brick in our wall. And as that wall grows our hearts harden. The sun is blocked from our view and we start to wither and die. There are no windows in this wall of unforgiveness. And eventually it suffocates us.

BUT when we do forgive, we break down that wall like Chip on Fixer Upper! (I don't know if I've ever seen someone get so much pleasure from tearing down a wall. Makes me want to try it!) It's exhilarating! It's freeing! and it allows for the greatest healing of all!

When we forgive, we are made free. We are released from anger, hate, and resentment. Our burdens are lightened. We let go of the triggers of pride. We are at peace. And when we forgive God - because when we are angry about our lives or the aspects of our lives, we are angry with God, because He has given us this life with all the goods and bads. And when we forgive Him, He is no longer on one side with us on the other. But just like He is waiting to do, we now allow Him to do, and that is LOVE us. His love is perfect. I cannot explain with words the full encompassing feelings of that love. But I have felt it. I think forgiving God is the most powerful thing we can do in our lives! Even if you don't believe in God. Try it. Tell the air that you do. (and when you mean it... commence crying now. It is something that I need to do on a continual basis.)

Anyway... I don't want to get all quirky and weird. But my point is, is that there is a lot of hate in this world right now... and oozing over from last week. But we need to FORGIVE!

Now before you refuse to and tell me all your reasons again of why you can't, let me tell you some truths of forgiveness that might help change your mind.

Forgiveness does not mean that you are ok with the wrong actions you are forgiving.
Forgiveness does not give the go ahead for the person to repeat the bad actions.
Forgiveness does not mean that you stay in harmful situations, or that you tolerate a certain behavior.
Forgiveness does not release the person from being accountable for their actions.
Forgiveness does mean you now sit back and do nothing.
Forgiveness is not weak.
Forgiveness is not accepting someones views or behaviors.
Forgiveness is NOT about the other person. It is about taking care of yourself.

Forgiveness does hopefully lead to repaired relationships, happier and healthier lifestyles.
When you forgive someone, you still act towards a desired result. You don't go burn down their home. But if needs be, you report them to the police, you stay active in your local politics to ensure that your voice is continually being heard. You stand up for truth and fight bigotry - but you don't pick sides. If you find yourself picking sides, you might need to forgive again.

But the thing is, is that IF YOU CAN FIRST FORGIVE, you can fight your battles in appropriate ways. You can do so with love and respect. You can do so in a productive manner that will actually produce the results you want!

Anyway, this one turned out to be really long. But I think it's so important.

Taking last week as an example. There were a lot of people who were/still are angry. But I did not read one comment from an angry person that was kind OR productive. Rather, what was coming from these unforgiving people was leading to the exact results that they were "fighting" against. They became the exact thing they hated to begin with. That's the damage and danger of not being willing to forgive. Just like the Language of the Spirit, love and hate cannot coexist together. The translator between the two languages is forgiveness.


DON'T DRINK THE POISON.
So anyway. Forgive. By the end of last week I found myself picking sides, and I knew that I had had enough. So my last think is to not drink the poison. If I immerse myself in what everyone else is doing, there is no way I can keep my hands out of the mud too.

So I'm going to stay off social media, except for my fun business stuff. Or to be positive and happy. No more Facebook for a while! Less time on Instagram. I need less time drinking the poison, and more time doing the things on my list. What is that saying, you are what you eat?! Well, what I fill my time with, is what my life becomes. I can't spend my life on Facebook and then in 40 years say that I explored the world. Nope. I can say that I spent 40 years on Facebook. Wow. Is that ever a depressing thought if I ever heard one! 

 


So there is my list. What do you think? Is there anything that especially stood out to you? What would you/are you going to put on your list?

    Over the weekend I realized just how much last week affected me.  I feel like it put my life and my goals on hold. So in the end, yes, 

    HOORAY FOR MONDAY!!



    Now I think I'm going to go finish up my Locked in Spots pattern finally, and maybe have time to quilt! It's the important things, right?!



    Happy Monday!



    Thursday, November 3, 2016

    Exploring Creativity: 70's Geese Wrap Up!

    This post is a part of the Exploring Creativity series. You can read all about it HERE. And HERE is the post sharing the pattern for this month, 70's Geese.   

    Whoa! Did you see that?! October just fly by... I hope life doesn't keep going at this speed or I'll be 80 by Monday! ;)


    I feel like I didn't spend as much time on social media sharing the 70's Geese pattern, but I did spend a LOT of time making 70's Geese blocks! Do you want to see what I made?

    First I made this 6 inch rainbow block! I love how this turned out!

    I really enjoy blending colors, and although doing so is a lot harder with fabric than it is with paint, I still like rummaging through my stash trying to find the perfect blends. I admit, this is not perfect (especially the bottom center section) if I were wanting the perfect color wheel, but it's the best I could come up with using my stash on hand.


    Do you want to know what I made next??? 3 more of the exact same block! Call me crazy.
     From left to right, 12 inch, 9 inch, and 6 inch.


    I'm actually going to be sending these all away, so only the 12 inch block will be mine to keep (I wanted one for myself too). I'm trying to catch up on all my past commitments... some of which have been years in the waiting ;) (but in my defense, we have lived in 4 states and had 2 more babies since the very oldest commitment was made... so it's not that I'm a complete slacker. lol.) Anyway, I made them all the same because I liked this design the best, and I wanted to send everyone the best design! so I had to make them all the same. 


    Looking at the different sizes together, I do think it would be awesome to make a bunch of different sized blocks and combine them into one quilt! 


    I did also make this 70's Geese block, which I already shared but I'll share again.

    Another 6 inch block, that I'm also sending away. It is the month of giving! oh wait, that's next month. ;)

    I did have a lot of fun with this design! I love how joining just a few sections can really change up the look and feel of a block! Sometimes the possibilities can be overwhelming. ;)


    I already announced the winner of the Exploring Creativity event in my newsletter! (It wasn't very hard to pick... but I'm so glad I had someone to share the prize with!!) Anyway, I want to do a shout out to Tanyia and share her gorgeous 6 inch mini too!!

    Isn't this gorgeous?!!! With these colors I can't help but think that this would make a pretty tree skirt!

    Congrats Tanyia!! And thanks!



    If you wanted to pick up the 70's Geese pattern and make your own awesome projects, you can find it below!

    https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/collections/paper-piecing/products/70s-geese-pdf?variant=27139157377



    As for the rest of the year... I am going to put the Exploring Creativity on hold for a little bit. I have some really fabulous things in store for 2017, and I am going to spend the next two months getting it all ready for you to enjoy right at the beginning of the month! I'd rather have awesomeness for you, instead of spreading myself too thin and just having coolness. ;)

    I do have some other fantastic things in the works for you, so stay tuned! You won't want to miss what's coming out next!

    And of course, the best way to stay updated with all the changes and upcoming things (patterns and events, and exclusive sales) is to get on my newsletter list! You can sign up HERE.


    In the meantime, will you hope over and share your input!! I'm working on my Block of the Month pattern for 2017, but I have too many ideas and need some help narrowing it down! It will only take 2 seconds!! Thank you SOOO much!

    You can find the survey HERE.




    Tuesday, October 25, 2016

    Zodiac BOM: Scorpio Block

    Yesterday was the first day of the Scorpio zodiac sign! Happy Birthday all you Scorpios!!

    I wanted to really quick share with you my Scorpio block. It is ... drumroll please.... my favorite! I know, I always say that, but I really love this one!  What do you think?


    I can't put my finger on it, what I love so much, but it's just a happy block. Maybe because Scorpios are awesome and just make me happy. (My hubby is a Scorpio!) ;) ;)


    While I was spending a little time playing around with the Scorpio pattern on repeat, I came up with this wild design! I'm really not sure I would ever make it like this, but I LOVE how it POPS!! Don't you think?!



    I did come up with a calmer design too, and I do like this...



    Above is a 4x4 block repeat, which would be great for a quilt. Below I did a smaller section of it to give an idea of what you could do for a mini quilt or pillow or something. :)



    Or you could take out those center circles!




    Anyway...

    If you use the coloring pages in your pattern, I'd love to see what you come up with! There really are so many different possibilities!! (you can use #fbpColoringPages on Instagram to share).


    There is still time to pick up the Zodiac BOM pattern as the complete bundle! (After the end of the year, the patterns will still be available but not as the complete bundle. just a heads up.)


    Pick up the Zodiac BOM pattern below!

    https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/products/zodiac-bom-236-paper-piecing-pattern-pdf




    Be sure to check out the facebook group and the hashtags on Instagram (#fbpZodiacBOM, and #fbp + the pattern name, for example #fbpScorpio) to see everyone's incredible blocks!!

    Thanks for letting me share with you!


    Happy Quilting! and Happy Creating!





    Friday, October 21, 2016

    Exploring Creativity: New Pattern & Sharing My First Project!

    This post is a part of the Exploring Creativity series. You can read all about it HERE. And HERE is the post sharing the pattern for this month, 70's Geese


     Well... I haven't done very good about keeping up with posting on my blog this month. oops. I will admit, I have PTSD (and I'll add social anxiety while I'm going to be sharing this), and I came across some bad triggers early in the month. If you get bad anxiety, you'll know what I'm talking about. But I'm feeling better and am glad that's past!

    If you haven't experienced PTSD or severe anxiety, to say it's overwhelming and debilitating is probably an understatement. At it's worst, I think I would compare it to being engulfed in flames and wanting to run out into the street screaming for anyone to come put the fire out. Not that you feel like you're on fire, but the sense of panic is equivalent. At least that's how I felt at times earlier this month. Is that how it is for anyone else?

    I don't share this to be all "woe is me" because even though I go through it and it's about the worst thing in the world, I've come to recognize it for what it is, and when it comes on I can mentally separate myself from it. It's still scary and I constantly ask my husband for blessings and prayers and wake him up in the middle of the night so I know I'm not alone. But even then, I know it'll end and I'll be ok. I have found my strength in Jesus Christ, and He truly has become my rock and my companion that helps me get through it. Despite the overwhelming emotions, I still have peace. Nothing short of a miracle.

    The reason why I did want to share this is because I know I'm not the only one that goes through this. And, at least for me, anxiety is 1,000 times worse when I feel like I'm alone! So here I am letting you know, those of you who may be going through this, or have gone through this, or might in the future, that you are not alone!! (I wish I could type that on comforting clouds that would wisp peace into your soul!)

    I love this quote I found the other day...



     Obviously you don't have to have anxiety or PTSD to feel like the path you are on is dark, we all experience that at some point or another. But this is one thing that throughout my life has made all of the difference, and really it's the only thing that's made a difference! If it's not for you, that's fine. I hope we can still be friends. But if you're unsure, I want to invite you to pray and ask Him to show you how He can help you. Because that's what He's there for! For each and every one of us! And I'm just so completely grateful for that and overwhelmed by that fact, that I just have to share! (insert heart emoji here)

    I also want to share this because I think it's a topic that has been taboo for way too long!! I often feel embarrassed about it, I feel like if people know they'll think less of me - like I'm suddenly below them. or that I'm not normal. I feel ashamed, like it determines my value and self worth. It makes me jealous of people who don't struggle with it - leaving me wishing that I could be normal and high functioning all the time. I often find myself making comments that I never post because I don't know if it's a dumb comment or not, so I never get in on the conversation. Basically it's like I'm on the outside looking in on all the fun. I don't know how you feel about it - whether you struggle with it or not, but I know that the feelings I have about it are all lies! And I think it's about time that we debunk these lies and open and share our struggles and go through this together! Because you're awesome! and I'm awesome! And we should all be awesome together! (It's way more fun that way!!) :D


    Anyway, I feel like sometimes I have to put up the facade that I have it all together and that I can be all professional and organized - especially on my blog, but now you all know. I'm really just a pile of crumbling bricks trying to use elmer's glue to hold myself together! lol. And because I really do want to get back into blogging regularly, maybe just putting this out there will make it easier for me to not feel like I have to get it right all the time, right?! Does anyone else feel like that sometimes??? or all the time? (I'll raise my hand to that!) So starting right now you all know that I'm going to fail at the goals that I set for myself, so now I'm free to just do what I can when I can. No more self-imposed expectations! hooray! That feels better. Thanks for letting me share! ;)


    So, now that that's out of the way, let's move on to the cool stuff!!


    While I was updating the 70's Geese pattern I caught myself playing around with the design and before I new it I came up with this variation of the pattern and a whole bunch of design options for it! I couldn't resist turning it into a pattern!!!

    Meet 80's Geese!!!


    This really is so much like the 70's Geese pattern, with the exception of the center and the construction of it. You can see how it is broken up in the diagram above. Compare with the 70's Geese below.



    The 70's Geese pattern is very versatile in and of itself, as you can see in this post HERE. But as I was playing around with the 80's Geese pattern, a whole new level of possibilities emerged, and that's when I knew I had to make it!!


    To make it even more confusing, er, versatile, there are two different sets of pattern templates you can use to create twice as many different designs. Here are just a few that I show you how to make in the pattern!


    The pattern includes coloring pages for both options so you can have fun exploring the possibilities!!


    I have some REALLY awesome testers helping me out with this pattern, and I'll share their blocks and projects over the next few weeks. I'm REALLY excited about what is going on in the tester group!! (Do you want to be a tester?? You can sign up here and I'll add you to the group.)



    You can find the 80's Geese pattern in my shop!!

    https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/products/80s-geese-250-pdf



    I also want to share some of my progress with my 70's Geese pattern this month. Exploring this pattern this month has been awesome! And SO much fun! I am really loving all the possibilities and definitely need more time in the day.

    How do you like this mini?? I made this with the 6 inch block and will turn it into a mug rug! (Did I mention that my favorite mug rug size is 6 inches square?! It's large enough to hold my drink and snack, but not too big that it takes up too much space on my desk or next to my sewing machine.) ;)


    This is one of the designs that I shared in my last post. Can you figure out which one? I love how it turned out! I'll be giving this one away, so I hope the recipient likes it to!



    If you haven't picked up the 70's Geese pattern yet, but want to, you can find it by clicking the shop now button below
    https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/products/80s-geese-250-pdf


    Thanks for reading!!

    and DON'T forget to link up any of your 70's Geese projects! (No one has linked up yet, so if you end up being the only one, you're guaranteed to win! I'd say the odds are pretty good! ;)) If you share your project on Instagram, don't forget to use the hashtags: #fbp70sGeese and #fbpExploreCreativity!


    Have a wonderful weekend!!