As the years went by I became interested in Art quilting and was a regular contributor to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. During those days I had a sewing room and I was able to go there and created. Loved it. When the AAQI reached $1,000,000.00 and ceased operations, I was lost. I loved making mini art quilts, but who would want a mini quilt, now?
I continued working with my students on quilts for hospitalized children. Even wrote a grant and received sewing machines and supplies for the kids to continue to make quilts until my retirement in 2006.
Upon retirement, I continued to make quilts, some minis and some throws. I joined the church quilters and made a trip to Paducah for the annual quilt show and of course toured the museum. It was during that tour that I became even more interested in miniature quilting. I started making prayer flags for family and friends. Even sold a few. I participated in a few challenges and submitted quilts to a couple of shows. Won a few ribbons.
Sold a few of my larger quilts, what a thrill. Does that make me a professional? I don't think so.
My latest, being published, so to speak. I'm thrilled to have a mini art quilt selected by Curated Quilt to be in their October issue. It was then that I realized that I had a bucket list and that is was almost completed. I have done about everything on my list, except be accepted into the Paducah Quilt Show with a miniature quilt, place more quilting ideas on my blog---be a regular blogger and open a productive internet shop.
Since we have downsized and our 5 year old grandson lost his mother in June. My sewing room and time available for creating art quilts has changed. We have our grandson 99% of the time and keeping up with a 5 years old has put quilting on the back burner. My sewing room is no longer. It is now taken up with a bed, dresser and toys. I'm thinking of moving into more hand work, so that I can keep on creating quilts. I may call them message mats. Similar to prayer flags, but more along the mug rug theme, pleasant thought while you have your morning coffee.
We are working hard to get our life organized and into a routine, I'm working to continue quilting as I have more ideas. I hope you have been crossing items off your quilting bucket list too and as always Happy Quilting!
