needs attention now . . .

You know how when you get an idea for a project and it doesn't matter how many *other* projects you're in the middle of, this idea is just begging demanding your attention, so you drop everything else and attend to it?

Like my starburst fabric and the hexie topper.  Why yes, exactly like that. I knew I'd have some down time (five hours, round trip) as we (Todd, myself and a co-worker) traveled to and from Rome, Georgia, yesterday, so I decided Tuesday evening that I'd do some hexi-prepping.

It served me well, because I was able to baste *all* of my hexies on the drive up.  I had to sight-see on the drive back (which may be why I navigated my husband to the scenic route on the way back)!

Yup, pretty pleased with this.  Now to whip them together and sandwich it.  I'm thinking quilted stars in each hexi . . . yes??!

I spent some time this morning using a snowflake die cut to cut out blue and white quilts from the challenge show.  I laminated them, because we'll use these on our Christmas tree (downtown Huntsville has a Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park) on the trail this year . . .

I think we'll spray a little glitter on the shapes before laminating them.  Aren't they fun? With white and blue lights and a big blue and silver spray as a tree topper -- it'll be stunning!

This was our tree from last year -- the first year we'd entered a tree -- with the guild's 1st VP and President.  The die cut shape I used was an ornament (plus a few stars) and the photos were from all the place winners in our guild's show. It was a lot of fun!

Speaking of guilds, my July -- next to last -- article on A Quilter's Journey featured just that.  Guilds. It was one of my most favorite to write, because it was very personal. Well, you can figure that out for yourself if you read on . . .

To guild or not to guild?

It shouldn’t even be a question! But it is, for a lot of quilters. It was a question for me. Very early in my quilt journey, I was encouraged to join a guild; specifically, the Huntsville guild. That encouragement came from darling Mrs. Martha (who worked at Hooked on Quilting), and who had helped me in so many ways as a new quilter. But I have to admit that I pushed back on her push to visit a guild meeting. Why?

I’m an introvert. Mind you, I’m not shy (being an introvert doesn’t necessarily equate to shyness), but being in a large group of people (especially people I do not know) is incredibly draining; mentally exhausting, even. So heading off to a guild meeting wasn’t high on my list of quilting priorities. Except that Mrs. Martha kept talking about it and asking me if I’d gone.

In December of 2007, I bit the bullet, researched the meeting time and place, and showed up for my guild meeting debut. For all of my initial hesitation in attending, I was looking forward to it. I entered the building, was met and greeted by the hospitality committee, given a ‘ticket’ for the drawings, and sent on in. But December is the holiday dessert meeting – and since there was no planned, formatted program, just holiday fun and festivities, it seemed very overwhelming and a little chaotic. (A lot chaotic. A whole, whole lot.)

I think I may have looked around for about thirty seconds, before I decided that guild was not for me.

On my way out, I handed my ticket back to the hospitality committee member who’d given it to me, mumbled something about making a mistake, and bolted for the front door.

There may or may not have been tears. (Seriously, I was so overwhelmed and out of my element. And I’m a girl.)

As I hit the steps, the hospitality lady (who happened to be Charmaine L.) followed me out and talked me back inside. She introduced herself, found me a seat at her table, and introduced me to the group (which was largely made up of her stitching group). They made me feel welcomed and I ended up having a great time (it didn’t hurt that I won several drawings through the course of the evening). 

I made connections that evening that have stood the test of time. Over the next several years, I made friends. I joined a stitcher’s group. I involved myself in guild business and served on the board in a variety of positions. I encouraged other quilters I knew to come to guild. Through it all, I’ve learned so very much and grown and stretched myself, both as a quilter and just as me.

So, to guild or not to guild? Unequivocally, to guild is the answer. But let’s be on the watch for those who are first-time visitors, wanting to make a connection—let’s help them plug in. Let’s purpose to be more than an audience member (or even just a newsletter recipient). Get involved! Participate in guild events like workshops or community outreaches! Become involved with the board! You’ll find your membership so much more rewarding. I know I do.

My name is Denise and I’m a quilter. :)