The creative and spiritual journey of a (textile) recycler. . .

I have thought about starting a blog for a long time now. I just couldn’t seem to get started. I thought. . what would I say, what would I do and really . . . . . who would care.

Last year I had the great fortune to witness a ‘happening’. As a spouse at a reunion (I know, groan) I was both an observer and participant. This reunion was attended by some of the most creative and talented people on the face of the planet. Really, no exaggeration! But many were holding onto life long insecurities. They didn’t think they were talented enough and embarrassed to perform in front of each other for fear of . . who knows . . . finger pointing, whispers, laughter, ridicule of some sort for sure. Once it was revealed that many shared the same feelings, the healing began. And I was the lucky one. I got to witness it all and benefit as well.

So, the message is that we all think we are not good enough compared to someone else, but we are. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you. We can’t measure our own success by someone else’s talents.

This revelation and the kindness / support of strangers has propelled my creative journey to a place I had given up ever getting to. Tho I thought my creative juices were dried up forever, they have merely been reawakened. Many thanks to all involved in my process, including in-part . . Victoria B, Mrs. W., Charles Mc., Claudia H, Mary B, Cindy G, Sandy B, Traci B., Kat C, and my IAA family. So, thank you. I dedicate this blog to all of you!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Quilters Blog Hop Party - Happy 5th Quilting Gallery!

Six or seven years ago, later in life, I suddenly became a joiner. I've always done my own thing, but I suddenly joined every quilting group I could find. I shocked myself because I'm a rather shy person. But, I needed to get over it. So, I forced myself to join and meet new people. Well that was great for a long while, but I starting finding it a bit tedious. I needed to pull back to keep my sanity.

As a kid I tried and tried to keep a diary. Everyone did it. But I just couldn't. Tried again as an adult. A number of times. Nope not for me.

Then about four years ago I started blogging. It took me quite a few years to even work up the nerve to do it. I had no idea if anyone one would care or if I would write about anything anyone wanted to read. So I decided that would be true to myself. I would write what I feel and create what I wanted, how I wanted and break any rules I feel like breaking. I am creative after all. I am entitled. Then there's that age thing. I have gotten to the age where I feel I have earned some points. Some of you know what I mean. I've paid my dues.

Well what a pleasant surprise that I could be joiner and keep a diary too...in blog form. I've certainly had my ups and downs with consistency. I've been sidetracked by births, deaths, floods, power outages, health issues and so much more. But finally I've gotten in the groove and I'm enjoying it. I've joined other blogs and am getting to know other bloggers and creative folks out there in cyber land.

So as you look over new and old posts, you'll see that I like to promote other people, show their work, write lots of introspective and spiritual stuff, plus a bit of what I do as an art quilter. Now that hopefully I am past the 'constant crisis' phase of life, you will find a lot more creative stuff here. I love to use my whole bag of tricks when working with fabric, which includes stitching, dyeing, painting, tearing, discharging, screening, embellishing, recycling ...  you get the idea....

Always up for a new challenge, now I'm sticking my big toe in the Blog Hop arena. In honor of the Quilting Gallerie's 5th anniversary, I am joining forces with 100+ other bloggers to celebrate and offer a special gift.

To be eligible to win the give-a-way, please join my blog as a follower and let me know in the comments section that you have done so. If you are already a follower, just let me know that you are participating. Feel free to leave any other comments any time you'd like as well.... and don't forget to stop in and share on Flea Market Fridays. Show us what you do with your new found treasures.

The winner will be drawn at random and receive: 
2 Humble Bee quilt patterns - Pinwheels & Posies and Argyle


Click the Quilting Gallery Blog Hop Party link below
to see the whole list of participating bloggers. 

Good luck to everyone and Happy Anniversary Quilting Gallery!
Posted by at

89 comments:

  1. grandmarocktonDecember 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    I'll be checking back to see How you do this

    ReplyDelete
  2. NatashaDecember 10, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    I can relate so much to your post, it was so lovely!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 10, 2012 at 11:18 PM

      Thank you. I hope you keep coming back and chime in, too!

      Delete
  3. GillDecember 10, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    Good for you! Go for it!
    I'm a new follower!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Deb@asimplelifequiltsDecember 10, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    Great post! I live in a rural area so my quilt guild so to speak is online and I love it. I started blogging this fall and have really enjoyed it... I'm a new follower - thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 5:10 PM

      You are so right about the internet being the 'new' quilt guild. Thanks for signing on!

      Delete
  5. barbara woodsDecember 10, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    love your post thanks

    ReplyDelete
  6. SIMPLESEWDecember 10, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    Good for you! Go for it!
    I'm a new follower!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 10, 2012 at 11:19 PM

      Thanks. I'm glad you'll be following... feel free to comment now and then.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    Thanks for the inspiration!

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  8. PennyDecember 10, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    Following in google reader!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Siouxzq64@gmail.comDecember 10, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    I am with Natasha I can so relate so I am going to have to follow your blog!

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    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 10, 2012 at 11:21 PM

      I hope so Colette. Be sure to comment and tell me how you really feel about things...

      Delete
  10. ThreadCatcherDecember 10, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    I am following your journey via RSS Feeds. Glad you found something that works for you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. CraftyHourMomDecember 10, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Good for you for jumping into blogging! I use my blog as a way to document my creative side and keep in contact with other creative friends. :)

    thanks for the giveaway chance! Those are fun-looking patterns!

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    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 10, 2012 at 11:24 PM

      You know.. I'm enjoying it and it helps me with my creativity too! I've reread some when I was blocked and happily found inspiration!

      Delete
  12. hueiseiDecember 11, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    I am a follower via GFC :D

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pink Scissors DesignDecember 11, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    Following via GFC

    Deborah
    pinkscissorsdesign @gmail .com

    ReplyDelete
  14. FaithDecember 11, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    Do enter me in the great give away... blogging is such fun... ive been a bit lax with my blog but I hope to catch up soon,

    acrylicss@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Barb NeiwertDecember 11, 2012 at 8:29 AM

    Wow - how true about us all having our insecurities. That hit me BIG TIME as I'm learning my long arm machine and how to quilt other people's quilts for them. Talk about scary! But I'm doing it, and actually feel quite good about my accomplishment. Life is a process, and it's just neat to see how it unfolds. I'm a new follower - come check out my blog at http://mountainquiltworks.blogspot.com/.

    ReplyDelete
  16. LynDecember 11, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    That is so great you are blogging and that you are being part of this fun blog hop. Thanks for the opportunity to win. I am a new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  17. ShayDecember 11, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    I can totally relate to the post about 'not good enough.' I am working to dispell that particular demon myself, and blogging is part of it. I'm a new follower, too, so howdy!

    Shay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 2:08 PM

      Welcome Shay! I hope my crazy experiences help you :)

      Delete
  18. Vicki HDecember 11, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    I'm a new follower. I still haven't got the courage to start my own blog.

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    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 2:07 PM

      Go for it Vicki.. there's lots of support out here..

      Delete
  19. Missenota aka Kristin S.December 11, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    Hello from Minnesota! New follower here and I love to thrift so I hope to link up with you on a Friday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 2:06 PM

      Looking forward to 'seeing' you on Friday! Welcome!

      Delete
  20. Kathy HDecember 11, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    I think blogging is a great substitute for a diary. There are pictures too!> I am a new follower via GFC.

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    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 5:08 PM

      Yes, it does have its perks :) Thanks for following.. don't be afraid to comment now and then.

      Delete
  21. JoyceLMDecember 11, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    I'm a new follower - thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 5:07 PM

      You are very welcome! Thanks for jumping on the follow wagon :)

      Delete
  22. prairieDecember 11, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    I'm a new follower. I'm also a textile recycler. I think it's a necessary part of the environment: making big pieces of cloth into little pieces of cloth and, then, back into big pieces, again. It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 4:01 PM

      Ahhhh, validation.. Glad to see that someone understands me (giggle)

      Delete
  23. KathleenDecember 11, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    I'm a new follower and so glad I found this blog hop, being a novice quilter I could relate to everything you spoken of and now I feel quite confident about my progress and my blog. :-)
    I look forward to reading more of your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  24. ToyeDecember 11, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Oh I just love blog hops. I love finding new blogs to get all kinds of crafty ideas from. I am now following you and love your blog! Thanks for hosting a giveaway also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 9:02 PM

      Thanks Toye. This has been a great experience so far!

      Delete
  25. CherilynDecember 11, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    I am a new follower. I like your idea for Flea Market Fridays. I love finding fun treasures! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM

      Thank you! I hope you come back AND share your Flea Market Finds as well!

      Delete
  26. Textile RecyclerDecember 11, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Wonderful! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. CheriseDecember 12, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    I'm a new follower! :) Thanks for such an awesome giveaway! Happy Holidays to You! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Richard HealeyDecember 12, 2012 at 12:51 AM

    I am a new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  29. tubilinha tiacarminhaDecember 12, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    Seguidora nova,GFc 37.Estou onde você esteve,cheia de medo e insegurança,quero ter um blog mas...Obrigada.volto aqui.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. SandraDecember 12, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    I just want to thank you for the inspiration. New followers, like myself, aprpreciat all the help and knowledge that they get and learn from. Thank you for giving all of us, new and old followers, a chance to win those wonderful patterns. Happy Holidays.

    Sandi T.
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net
    Sonora, CA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 12, 2012 at 12:26 PM

      You are so welcome Sandra! Glad I could be of some inspiration... keep coming back for more!

      Delete
  31. Barbara O.December 12, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    I'm a new follower. I had to grin when I read your blog. I'm so unable to write a diary, and so unable to blog regularly... I don't know if I'll ever manage to blog regularly... ^^
    Thanks for this chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerDecember 12, 2012 at 12:28 PM

      Barbara, the beauty of blogging is that you can do it however, where ever and when ever you want! Just let it come naturally. Hope to see you back soon!

      Delete
  32. Textile RecyclerDecember 12, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Thank you! I hope you come back often.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Lisa CoxDecember 12, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Now following via GFC as VettekLisa
    Thank you for the chance to win those awesome patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  34. KatkatDecember 12, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    new follower. I, too, toy with the idea of starting a blog. You have inspired me.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Catskill QuilterDecember 13, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Glad that I found your blog! I am a new follower. Happy holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Teresa @ http://twistfullyyours.blogspot.ca/December 13, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    I'm a new follower that can completely relate. I started blogging and posting images on fb of what I am working on after years of requests from friends to stop hiding stuff under my bed! lol

    ReplyDelete
  37. TammyDecember 13, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    I am a brand new follower. Thank you for a chance to enter your giveaway.
    conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. nicolesenderDecember 13, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    New gfc follower: nicolesender
    I'm glad to have found you blog!
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. NitaDecember 13, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    Merry Christmas! I'll follow through RSS. :)
    Nita @ www.nitadances.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. BizyStitchesDecember 14, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Thank you for being in this fun blog hop. Merry Christmas. I'm a new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  41. vickiDecember 14, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    I follow via GFC. Thanks and Merry Chirstmas. vickise@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. MargaretDecember 14, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway. I am a follower on google

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousDecember 14, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    Enjoy this party, I'm to am a new blogger and enjoying join up with new creative people. Keep Smiling and Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownDecember 14, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    thank you for this great chance. hugs

    ReplyDelete
  45. LouDecember 14, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    I am a new follower:)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Maria KievitDecember 14, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    New follower. I also started blogging just because, and while not often, I am starting to enjoy the process. Thanks for a nice giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Rhonda D.December 15, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    I am a new follower. I used to quilt all the time, then I had 2 strokes. I was paralysed on the left side and I
    am left handed. I had 1 1/2 years of physical therapy.
    I had to relearn how to write and walk. I am so blessed to be able to hold a needle again. I am now quilting and doing embroidery again. Thanks for the chance to win!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Karen ODecember 15, 2012 at 11:47 AM

    Cute patterns, and I am looking forward to reading your blog. I enjoy those that are more than just showing what you have made. :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. KarynDecember 15, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    I'm a new follower. I love people who keep it real and speak their mind (nicely). Can't wait to see what you have to say!

    ReplyDelete
  50. AngieDecember 15, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    I'm following

    ReplyDelete
  51. Jodi - usairdollDecember 16, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Hopefully I'm not too late to throw my name in the hat, hehe. Love the patterns for your giveaway.

    Thank you for a great giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Jodi - usairdollDecember 16, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    Opps.. Forgot to mention I follow via GFC.

    Thanks again for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. beckyDecember 17, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    I am a follower.Thank-you Becky
    derry04@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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