Have you wondered what the top reasons to attend a quilt workshop might be? As I was looking through all these photos I took last week at the rope bowl workshop that I had at my house, I realized I’ve spent a considerable amount of time lamenting that I don’t have a true classroom. Once the tables were set up with supply kits, the extension cords were strategically placed, my outline and course notes were at the ready, and the coffee maker was set to go, I had the a-ha moment that I did indeed have a classroom-just not a conventional one! After a fun morning of working with my students teaching them the rope bowl technique, I started thinking about all the reasons I enjoy attending workshops myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason #1 A workshop is one of the best ways to educate yourself in a new skill or technique. No matter how long you have been quilting (and for me that is about 15 years), there is always something new to learn. Think about how many books, tutorials, and videos are produced for the quilting industry each year…that equates to hundreds of new or improved ways to create quilts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason #2 Getting out to a workshop is one of the best ways to be social and meet new people. Quilting can be a solitary activity if we are always holed up in our sewing rooms. Being part of a community is good for the soul and helps us to feel a little lighter inside as we open our minds to new experiences and people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason #3 Attending a workshop is a sure fire way to get inspired! Typically everyone is at differing skill levels and has varying interests. There’s usually a lot of talk about projects and a sharing of tips and advice and most importantly, a lot of cheerleading for each other. A little encouragement is sometimes just what we needed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason #4 There is always good food! One of the best parts of a workshop is taking that break to chat and refuel with goodies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many more reasons to step out of the comfort zone  but these are my top reasons for attending a workshop. I hope you’ll get out there and give it a try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from the rope bowl workshop, I worked on the long arm and on the portrait quilt of my daughter, Lindsey. This is being created with small bits of fabric and glue. When I’m done placing all the pieces, it will be free motion quilted. I look forward to working on it as I find it a peaceful technique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a a new art challenge for the Step Into Your Art 2019 group! The group finished up strong in January with awesome projects and now we are diving into a theme of ‘connection’ for February. We will also be incorporating elements of design into our projects. If you’d like to learn more about joining this facebook group, click here.

This week Greg and I were missing the beautiful island of Kauai where we experienced a dish called Loco Moco. I decided to recreate it at home and it was delish! It’s a simple layered meal of rice, a hamburger, a fried egg, and gravy. I used a homemade Swedish meatball gravy. Yummmmy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My lap top died this week so I’m in the process of learning how to go from a pc to mac. I’m attempting a new podcast episode using Garage Band and I hope to get it on iTunes this week.

Have a wonderful and quilty week everybody!