Wednesday, December 29, 2010

THE SECRET TO GETTING WHAT YOU WANT IN 2011


Before we get into that Secret, first let me tell you two things. The first Saturday Quilting Bee and the Sampler class will not be held at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on New Year’s Day. However, there is an event on that day that you won’t want to miss.


NEW YEAR’S DAY SALE
12 noon—4 p.m.
30—50% off all fabric

Be sure and stop in and take advantage of this sale. Get that special fabric that has been calling out to you. Also, think backings! Now for what you really came for:

The Secret to Getting What You Want in 2011

Remember the Spice Girls song lyrics, “Tell me what you want, what you really, really want?” Well, I’m asking you - what do you really, really want? That’s the first step to making it happen – figuring out what you really, really, want. Really. It’s as basic as that. If you don’t know where you want to go, who or what you want to be or do, how will you get there?

So many of us roll through life like a tumbleweed, letting life happen to us. I know, because I did that for so many years. Yes, I got places, but for the longest time I felt like that tumbleweed or, more appropriately, like the ball knocking around in a pinball machine. I hit the right spots some times, rang the bells and scored some points, but, inevitably, where did I end up? A few tilts and then, yep, you guessed it, down the hole. Over and out. Time to start over but, again, without a plan - leaving it all to chance.

Now I know better. I know how to get what I want. I say it’s a secret but it really isn’t. It just feels like one until you begin to live by it. It is so very simple that many of us dismiss it or put it off like it's optional or just an interesting exercise to do when you have a moment.

And now, for the big reveal, I’ll turn this over to W. H. Murray, a mountain climber, who, in his 1951 book, The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, shared this secret more eloquently than I ever could:

“This may sound too simple, but is great in consequence. Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”

This is something I have lived by for over 20 years. The quote has been on my mirror for years so that I see it every day. The words run through my head every time I have a dream. I begin, and the magic – providence – moves with me. I have had it happen too many times for me not to believe it. I look for it in others as well, especially my clients. I can see that when they commit to something and take action, that the Universe steps up to meet them and help them on their way. You might be thinking I’m a little woo-woo right now, but trust me on this. COMMIT. Take ACTION toward the dream and you will find what you are looking for.

Still not sure? Will Henry David Thoreau’s words convince you?

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”

So I ask you, what do you really want? Can you commit to going for it? Can you break it down into doable steps and begin? Take the necessary action to get what you want? I’m betting you can. So here’s what you need to do right now:

1. Decide what you want.

2. Write it down on an index card and post it where you will see it every day – even better, put one next to your bed, too.

3. Figure out the first step towards that dream.

4. Take action. And watch for signs that the Universe/Providence/God is helping you.

5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until you reach the dream.

This article is by Lesley Riley, The Artist Success Expert, and is the founder of Artist Success, Solutions for the Struggling Artist. To receive her bi-weekly articles on creating your own success as an artist, visit www.ArtistSuccess.com.

If you liked this article you might also like Don’t Forget To Gift To Yourself.
 
One Piece At A Time has a great video on how to release your creative beast. 

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, December 23, 2010

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our house to yours.  My daughter, granddaughter, and I were busy earlier this week baking cookies.  My daughter Chrystel with her beautiful smile is on the left.  I’m in the lavender sweater, and my gorgeous granddaughter Kim is in front (she is going to make a fantastic nurse).  We baked cookies at her house this year so 20-month-old Carter could be free to play with his toys.  Baking Christmas cookies has become a tradition with us and we always look forward to it.  I’m so sorry that my mother wasn’t there to join in the fun and be in the picture with us.  She felt it was just too much for her and she’d rather stay home and watch some TV and just enjoy the cookies later.  I believe when you are 93 you can do what you want, but we missed her.
These are some of the cookies we made. 
This is what happens when you turn your back for a second and 15-year-old Rob decides to do some taste testing. Notice how many are missing! That’s his mother’s hand snatching the cookie sheet away from him.  LOL Growing boys, you gotta love em.  Click on the picture and take a look at that showman picture on the stove.  Someone took an imprint of my great grandson's foot and made this cute snowman.  What a wonderful idea!

We all wish you the very best of holidays.
Stay Safe,
Caroll

Sunday, December 19, 2010

ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS?

Are you ready for Christmas?  My daughter, granddaughter, and I are baking cookies tomorrow.  What fun.  No time for sewing this week.    Not much going on at the Attic Window Quilt Shop either.  I do see some classes on the calendar.  Julie does a great job of keeping that updated, still I’d call this week to make sure that a class is being held.  For instance, I can’t imagine that the Friday Night Penny Rug Club will go.  I would also question the Sunday Bee.   I am itching to get back to my newest project (shown above).  Remember in my last post I told you that I have several other irons in the fire?  My Whimsical Quilt Garden is by Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins for Piece O/ Cake Designs.  I love the scrappy look of bordering these small blocks with various red fabrics.

 A new class has been added to the January Calendar.  The Friendship Braid class will be held January 19th from 6-8 p.m.  Give the shop a call for further information and class materials. 

The next time you give away one of your quilts, maybe you should print off a copy of this to go with it.  Created By CJ tells you how much it really costs to make a quilt.  Of course Never, Never let your husband see it.

Little Miss Shabby has a free BOM starting in January.  Also, Fat Cat Patterns has a new BOM called Fiesta starting in January.   

REMEMBER:  All Christmas fabric is 20% off at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  All Fat Quarters of Christmas fabrics are $1.75.    

Stay Positive!
Caroll    

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #12


Not much to blog about as I’ve been busy doing Christmas sewing.  I thought I would show you the Aunt Millie’s block that I finished about a month ago but just haven’t had time to post about it.  This is the last one in the group of 12.  Now to start on the borders.
This is what all the blocks look like together. I’m not sure they will end up in this order. The big decision is the border. Should I use the same background material for the border? And should I also use it for the sashing? Or should I do something different, like a red or teal? Maybe I’ll put a narrow border in one of those colors, use no sashing, then use the background fabric for the wider border with the applique. What would you suggest?


REMEMBER: All Christmas fabric is 20% off at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. All Fat Quarters of Christmas fabrics are $1.50 $1.75 (Sorry I made a mistake).

Most members of the Knotty Girls Stitching Bee have attended one of Edyta Sitar’s classes. With envy I listen as they discuss their awesome experiences. Stephanie at Peas and a Pod blog recently attended a book signing and discussion at Quilts At The Marshall House in Marshall, Michigan and shared some of what she learned that day. Be sure and read Stepanie’s blog post about it. Read all the way down so you don't miss the tips they learned.

Elowezil has a cute Christmas Coaster tutorial for you.


Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, December 12, 2010

WHAT'S NEW THE QUILT SHOP

Is it as crazy around your house as it is here?  Not much time to blog or read blogs.  I’m so afraid I’m going to miss something.  There are so many wonderful blogs out there.  I did want to stop for a minute and tell you about some more things I saw the other day when I was at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above is a picture of the Jennifer Jangles Hand Made buttons.  Aren’t they fantastic!  I can just see some of them on my granddaughter’s dress, or adorning a purse or hat.  There are so many things you can do with these lovely buttons.
 This fabric is Happy by Jennifer Heynen for In The Beginning.  I bet the buttons would look great on them. 
This looks like a quick project for your quilting/sewing friend. You can pick up Whistlepig Creek Productions Potted Penguins Pincushions Pattern (try saying that fast) at the shop. They are so cute!

Check out Anna Maria Horner’s blog for a pattern/tutorial on how to make an adorable figure eight scarf.

REMEMBER: All Christmas fabric is 20% off and all Fat Quarters that are of Christmas fabric are $1.50.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, December 10, 2010

IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS


 Overwhelmed by sewing Christmas gifts?  Who wants to even think about making stocking stuffers?  It occurred to me this morning that I cannot handle another sewing project.  So, off to the Attic Window Quilt Shop I went to see what kind of stocking stuffers I could find there, preferably something I didn’t have to make.  Does that surprise you?  At your LQS you can find all kinds of stocking stuffer ideas that require no sewing (and help avoid those crowded malls).  Above is my first find.  These “ready made” ID purses are just the thing for any age.   Last summer I made one of these purses for myself, and a couple for my teenage granddaughters.  Now I want to give one for my 85-year-old friend.  I can choose from this multiple display of ready-made ID purses. 

Another cute and inexpensive idea is one of these little key chains…already made.

Or what about this award winning calendar for your best quilting buddy?  Heck, the receiver doesn’t have to quilt to enjoy these lovely pictures.  It is from That Patchwork Place by Martindale & Company.  Check it out.

Marie Osmond’s new book, “Heartfelt Giving,  Sew & Quilt for Family and Friends,”  is ideal for your quilting buddy.  I sure hope I’m someone’s favorite quilting buddy!  I would love to have this book.
One last item that is just right for quilter and non-quilter alike is one of these cute pins. Robbie made these darling YoYo Button Pins that are great stocking stuffers.

Saw this link on Aunt Pitty Pats blog and thought what a great idea. It’s a coupon catch for your shopping cart!  Check out Blue Cricket Design.

REMEMBER: All Christmas fabric is 20% off.  All Christmas fabric Fat Quarters are $1.50.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

STILL TIME TO MAKE GIFTS


It’s not too late to make that special someone something for Christmas.  Stop in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and take a look at all the suggestions.  The above panel is Snowbuddies by Dianna Marcum for Marcus Fabrics.  What a cute quilt or wallhanging this would make.  You can have it finished in no time.

This panel is Snow Much Fun by Northcott.  Isn’t it cute? I was just thinking about using individual squares from these panels for mug rugs or placemats.  Any other suggestions?  I like to work on small items at this time of year.
The above fabric, Hot Dogs by Hoffman, is also in flannel. How about making some nice warm PJ’s?

REMEMBER: All Christmas fabric is 20% off.

Baby Boomer Quilts has a tutorial for Nicoles Journey Quilt. Very nice.
Check out Sew Many Ways. She has a great idea for making your own gift tags.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, December 5, 2010

FIRST SATURDAY BEE SHOW N TELL


The First Saturday Quilting Bee met Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I think most members were out shopping, as attendance was low.  However, Cathy M. did have a couple finished projects to share.  Above she shares her table runner.  I really admire anyone who can make points match like this.   She added to the length.  That’s her peeking over the top.  Excellent job Cathy!
On a recent trip to China, Cathy picked up some beautiful fabric and made this bag. Sorry the picture does not do it justice. The fabric is awesome!

ATTENTION: All Christmas fabric at the Attic Window Quilt Shop is currently 20% off. Stop in and pick some up while there is still some left.

Aunt Pitty Pat has a great list of gift ideas.   Hope over and take a look.


Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, December 3, 2010

STILL MAKING MUG RUGS

 When blog hopping the other day I noticed that The Quilt Rat talked about how she uses her Zentangles.  Then on the blog Mamacit I read how she used colored pencils and crayons on some of her quilts.  I put the two together and came up with this mug rug.  I’m not sure how I feel about it but at least I’m thinking outside of my box.  It was fun feeling like a child again, playing with my crayons, deciding which color to use next.

This is a close up.  I don’t think I would have liked it at all if I hadn’t had the florescent colors. 
I’M JUST A GUY WHO QUILTS has some mug rugs to share. If you scroll down you can see his Katie Jump Rope pillow. It is darling and he has a tutorial.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, December 2, 2010

KNOTTY GIRLS ARE BEING KNOTTY AGAIN

Knotty Girls Stitching Bee met last night at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and, as promised, I have some things to share.  Above is a quilt that Sherri made for her nephew.  However, it turns out that the baby was a girl instead of the expected boy, so Sherri said that she’s putting this one away for future use and is now in the process of making something for her new niece.    I told her I had a boy but she didn’t take the hint. 

 This is Cindy’s latest project.  I love the colors in this quilt.  She said she’s keeping this quilt for herself.  She loves cuddling up with this warm quilt.   
I think I caught everyone off guard when I took this picture.  We were finishing our pitch-in dinner before we got down to the business of stitching and talk.  Great group of women, and can they cook!!
Sew Cal Gal has a link to this tutorial for a Sushi Roll Changing Pads and Diaper & Wipes Pouch.

Stay Positive!
Caroll
lkjlkj

Attic Window Teachers

Attic Window Teachers
Attic Window Teachers

Quilting for Kids With Cancer

Quilting for Kids With Cancer
Generosity has no bounds. Above are the women in the Quilts For Kids group at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Left to right, Henrietta, Phyllis, Nancy, Carol, Karen. These women donate their time, fabric, money once a month to make quilts for kids who have cancer.

Quilts For Wheels

Quilts For Wheels
Many thanks and much appreciation goes to the women who work diligently each month to make quilts for those in wheel chairs. Kudos go to: Yvonne, Mary T., Fran, Joan, Mary Ellen, Barb, Lee Ann, Nancy, Mary.
Quilting Bloggers Logo