Welcome to my simple world. I am a runner, mom, wife, reader, sometimes writer, new quilter, dog lover, and slightly restless soul. I am inspired to blog as my youngest child takes off for a post-college adventure and my empty nest becomes even more empty since I realize that she will probably not live at home again. It's a good life as I am blessed with terrific children, an amazing husband, a rockin' dog, and good health.

Plus restlessness, which is what led me to start to quilt.

Just a little over a year ago I decided I needed a new creative outlet. As a kid, music was that outlet as I played piano. My master's degree, an MFA in Creative Writing, let me express myself with words. And still, even with the recent purchase of an electric keyboard and an ongoing love of the written words, something was missing.

On a whim I found a local quilt shop that offered a basic, machine piecing quilting class.

I should explain that I have/had a love/hate relationship with sewing. My mom made many of my clothes when I was growing up. I spent hours and hours in fabric stores, waiting while she picked fabric and patterns. As I got older, I was allowed to pick my own patterns and fabrics. She tried more than once to teach me to sew, but it never took. I had neither the interest nor the patience.

I did try over the years. A weak attempt a maternity jumpers and clothing for my kids. I even made a very simple block quilt.

Then I put away the sewing machine and dedicated myself to raising my daughters and running.

Until last year.

I was surprised to find myself seeking out a quilting class, but seek I did. And I found the perfect class for me.

My instructor, Linda, is a passionate quilter and amazingly patient teacher. She is what most would call a dynamo - energetic, creative, funny. To this day, when I have a question about fabric selection I always hope she is in the shop to assist me. Part of what inspired me so much and part of the reason I love to quilt is because of her and her creative open mind. Colors, prints, anything at all, she finds lovely. When I initially made a fabric selection it was very pretty, but also predictable for me. I have turned a corner since.

The class provided groundwork that has since seen me complete several table runners (a great way to practice), wall hangings, Christmas stockings for my family (ahem...seven stockings to date), and more. I've taken machine quilting and free motion quilting classes, as well as an applique class. And loved every minute of them.

Constantly, I'm planning my next project. Currently, I'm working on this wall hanging. I'm to the point of quilting it, which is a lot of work for me. I realize I have not spent many hours behind a sewing machine so my skills are not those of someone who has sewn for years. But work or not, I do enjoy it. Here is how the project looks:

I'm also practicing the churn dash block.

Because I am planning a black / white / grey churn dash quilt for my bed. The start of my fabric selection.

And lastly, I have selected fabrics for a small bargello project. I love these fabrics - they make me smile when I see them.

Today I also found I had my first iris of the year bloom.

These little beauties are almost ready to bloom as well.

All in all, it was a good Tuesday!