31. January 2012 by admin.

On vacation here in the Florida Keys.  It’s beautiful, of course.  I love flowers, tropical foliage.  Can’t wait to get back home,  look thru my stash and make something out of these kinds of fabrics.  Picked up some juicy Batiks at some quilt shops on the way down.  Colors I’m just sure I don’t already have!

Made a new robe from some nice dark blue Batik before I left.  The pattern was easy and the fit is nice with almost no effort.  I don’t always say this about store bought patterns.   Taking plenty of photos back home to relive my time here and to be  re-inspire as needed.

Have a pitcher of fresh pina coladas made….gotta go!

See you next week….maybe.

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16. January 2012 by admin.

We as you may or may not know, in addition to my quilting business, I have become a Realtor and a Real Estate investor.  I am so glad I decided to add to my resume’ of exciting things to do.  We closed on our 3rd house last week. Very sucessfully. For just getting into this fast paced business, it worked out well.

This suits me like nothing else has, I jumped right in as is my nature.

People think houses are not selling, NOT true.  People are always moving, growing, their statuses are constantly changing, people get married, divorced, have kids, graduate, change jobs,  and they all have to live SOMEWHERE!

Many people want to wait until the economy is better. From a buying stand point, this is NOT the thing to do.

The deals are NOW. It is not for the timid, lazy, or faint of heart.  You must be hard working, keep an open mind and wallet.  Be vigilant with your expenses, know the trends and jump in!

In addition to buying, completely remodeling them,  I also “stage” them for sale.  I truly believe this gave us a great advantage.  It affects buyers whether they want it to or not. A wonderful tool.  I love to decorate so its not too much work for me. I enjoy it.

Looking forward to my next few houses that I will turn into homes.  By doing so, I have made new friends in the neighborhoods which we improve.  Empty or run down houses don’t keep  property values up, people like us do.

I am building a reputation one house at a time, my financial goals are set high.   Personally it is very rewarding as well. Very creative, just like my quilting and art work.

Finding the right Broker was important for me too, I do my own thing and don’t sit at a desk all day.  I have learned so much,  this kind of valuable education, you just can’t get from books.

When  people doubt me, it fuels my fire. I am more than capable and have even surprised myself.

I get that strength, that work ethic, from my Grandmothers.  They were tough and sweet.  Unstoppable. So a nod to them, Josephine and Elma, and while I’m at it, my Great Aunt Genevieve.  Her and my Grandfather fixed up homes in Detroit and were landlords there many years ago.  When we visited at her house on weekends, we always had to help. Sometimes I liked it and sometimes I did not.   But, I never seemed to mind having that paintbrush in my hand.   Funny, nothing’s changed.   The best part was in the summer.  She had huge cherry trees. We help pick and would eat as much as we wanted.  I loved playing with my dolls in her sunroom and her dogs too.   I miss her  wicked sense of humor, she  always told it like it was.

I’m very happy to have a hammer  in my hand as well.  I’m not the type to listen to negative people,  they are everywhere.  When I told people I was getting into Real Estate, they thought I was crazy. Now I’m  living my dream. Earning everything I deserve. My late brother Matt said it would be perfect for me.  He lit right up when I mentioned it.  He was right.

Time for a well deserved vacation and some quilting.  Ahhh!

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22. July 2011 by admin.

Is it a TRUE non profit?

Does it file papers yearly with the state of Michigan?

Is it a 501-C3?

If it is indeed a 501-C3 it must follow rules and guidlines set by the state of Michigan. It must have bylaws that are adheared to and members can bring things to the board and its members to be voted on.  This is your right as a paying member.

They cannot just do as they please and spend the treasury as they please.  Don’t misunderstand, it many times takes money to make money.  You can get involved, if you care and really want to know. 

Some boards are friendly and some feel it is none of your business to question how they do anything.   ONLY if the are properly registered with the state do they have to answer to you.  If not they CAN do as they please and you have no recourse.  They must also keep minutes at the board meetings and general meetings.  A treasures report must be available at general meetings.

If you need more information please contact the STATE of MICHIGAN

Charitable Trust Division     PO Box 30214 Lansing Mi 48909

State Gaming Board  517-507-3860  ( regulates raffle license etc.)     Michigan Dept. of Treasury  517-373-9808   Dept of Economic Growth

Most are interested in benefitting the entire group or segments of the community voted on by members.  Does YOUR vote count? Are you being heard? What is the treasury doing with money you may have help generate? Do you care?

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16. July 2011 by admin.

Well this summer is one of busiest I’ve ever had.  I am keeping up even though 98% of my work is custom quilting.  I get very little meanders or easy stuff. I’m not complaining.

It’s just taking longer so be patient and your masterpiece will be worth it.  Getting more  whole cloths this year. Think about having me quilt up some “yardage” for you.  Turn it into a garment, shams, a handbag or something else. Linen is especially nice.  I did just that with some great Waverly linen with large cabbage roses. Traditional and artsy.

My customer base is strong and loyal. Hard to believe it’s been 9 years plus.  I see many of the same faces as in the beginning.  Alot of loyal quilt guild members as well. Thanks for your support.                                      Being non computerized works for me.   Funny, when I got my machine I thought I’d be the pantograph queen.  Just the opposite.  I do a very tiny amount of them.  OK by me,  they are a little boring.  I have them, mostly very intricate ones because the simple ones I can do freehand.

I

Looking forward to some sit and sew time with friends, I need it.

Keep those quilt tops coming,  they are beautiful.  I enjoy enhancing your lovely quilts, I’m a lucky girl.  Who says you can’t have it all?

Have a great summer.

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29. December 2010 by admin.

I am looking forward to February. 

Paradise Animal Rescue ( PAR ) in Columbiaville, formally in Lapeer is having a big fund raiser gala.  We attended last February around Valentines day.

 A good time was had by all with silent and live auctions, dinner and music.

This year I have decided to donate a quilt.  They are a true non profit organization and really need our help.  Animals are  truly so  innocent.  They have my heart.

You can make a new friend and bring home a companion too.

Contact PARADISE ANIMAL RESCUE at: 810-793-5683 ( love)

I am donating a green and red French Braid quilt.  It is large and romantic.  The Long Arm Quilting I did on it is dense and intricate.  I hope it helps raise alot of money for such a deserving cause.   It is important for me to give back, I had considered another organization, but this one is more in need.  So many animals coming in all the time. Expenses for them are really overwhelming.  They have such a dedicated staff of volunteers. 

Please consider donating something yourself or just show up for a fun night out and have some fun.  You can feel good about that.  I will keep everyone posted as information comes to me.  You can always drop things off here, and I will see that they receive it. 

Please sign your pieces and leave a brief note about your art or donation.

You can go to my web site to see it ( before I quilted it,  hanging on my clothesline.  Click on the Long Arm machine quilting page )

I would love to hear your animal stories here too.  I cannot imagine my life without my precious pets and all they give back to us. 

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17. November 2010 by admin.

I would be happy to quilt not only your quilt tops but your fabric yardage.

Yes, think about quilted fabric for your garments, purses etc.

I am only able to load pieces that are either a rectangle or a square.  You may want to trace around you pattern pieces for me on your fabric.  This way we can be specific where those feathers or flowers will land.  Feel free to trace your entire continuous line designs on your fabric for me as well.  Let’s go over that option together.

How nice it will be to have pre quilted fabric you really like as opposed to just what is available in the quilt shops and stores. 

I have made a long coat just this way.  I did however insert some quilt blocks in three sizes into the fabric pieces first.  Then I turned it into a garment AFTER I quilted it.

This is just another service I can offer. 

Because I am not filling the entire piece with quilting, but in the pattern piece areas, we can adjust the price that is usually by the square inch. 

Example:  A 60 x 70 inch fully quilted piece is going to be priced higher than your garment pieces because I am NOT filling the whole entire pieces with quilting stitches, but inside your pattern piece lines. 

I have three yards of a lovely rusty red  Toile with black printing on it. 

The print has beautiful birds and foliage.  It is heavily quilted as a whole cloth.

Now, what to make out of it???

A garment bag for travel maybe, a long vest, a purse or tote, some cushion covers?

WOW! the posibilities.

You would need more for a coat.  At least in my size.  Think of using the SAME amount of yardage as you would on a regular pattern.

You would however, need the lining or backing fabric too.  I recomment a garment weight batting.  A poly or poly blend.  A Bamboo would be lovely.

Just some interesting ideas for you.  My long quilted coat is on my website.

Look on my Long Arm Quilting page. It’s the gold batik one.

Can I quilt some yardage up for you?

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17. November 2010 by admin.

I have been collecting my brown and cream toiles for about two years now.

I STILL have not decided what to do with them.  While I was deleting some old blog posts I saw that May of 2009 I was talking about my toiles back then.  Still waiting. It will come to me.   Hopefully soon!

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16. November 2010 by admin.

I am looking forward to a new part time career I have created for myself.

I will be “staging” homes for sale. 

Learning to sew has not only been a good creative outlet and fun hobby but a living in one way or another.  Last night I made beautiful pillow covers to go with couches and bed linens in my rooms.  The lush upholstery weight fabrics were so rich and  seasonally appealing. 

If you have pillows you are tired of, just make new covers.   Slipcovers can give an old sofa or even one that is out of style , fresh and inviting again.

Nothing freshens a room faster than a coat of paint and some new curtains.

These few “brushstrokes” can change a room so fast and inexpensively.

Mixing prints continues to be a favorite with me and decorators everywhere.

Starting with good basic neutrals then adding splashes of color with small pieces like pillows and linens is sensible and cost effective.  You can change them out on a whim.

This season  it’s velvety deep reds  and browns.  Paints with a hint of warm greens and creamy vanillas to keep it cozy,comfortable and inviting.

As long as it’s fabric, I’m all in!

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16. November 2010 by admin.

The last two Mondays, I have taught the French Braid class in Marlette at Sisters in Quilting.   I enjoyed my students as their projects came to life while finishing up today.  They kept me company and I needed it today.  One of the shop owners Bret showed us some of her store samples.  She is a master seamstress.  I was very impressed.

I myself am a better designer than sewer.  I can appreciate her skill level and am interested in taking a class from her.  I went home with a couple yards of some delicious soft tan and black cheetah print in cotton.

 I am looking forward to my next batch of students with their eager to learn faces on and their sponge like brains.  I love the few hours of friendship through fabric. 

 It was a good day.

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16. November 2010 by admin.

Getting through a stressful time is easier when you have something to take your mind off what’s bothering you.  I get lost in my fabrics.  Sometimes I sort out my problems and my fabrics.  I can think and sew at the same time. 

We all have problems and most are unexpected.  Life is series of changes, some unwanted.

You do the best you can.   All I know is, when people fail me,  disappoint me, and missunderstand me, my fabric, like my pets and my husband are usually there to help pick up those pieces.  The fabric pieces even hundreds or thousands of them, are the easy part.

When I am sad, I am so thankful for my precious gift of my creativity.

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