Yesterday I went to “Sewing Saturday” hosted by the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild. I don’t make it to their monthly Thursday night meetings because the distance and week-night status are tricky with my family schedule, but this is my second time getting to a bi-montly Sewing Saturday, and I always thoroughly enjoy it.
(POST EDIT: A few people have asked about the pattern above. I’m using my Double Crossed pattern. I love how the change of colors change the look of the whole quilt. The fabrics are from Moda’s Dream On collection from a couple of years back. Part of using my stash!)
I always love the inspiration to be had around other quilters, not to mention the fun time visiting with great people and stuffing my face with awesome pot-luck food. It felt particularly nice to go yesterday. I think I was in need of a therapeutic escape.
We’ve officially survived enjoyed 6 weeks of summer. I will say that I’m somewhat pooped, but probably less so than other years. Summer and I have a complicated relationship. There is so much to love about summer – food, friends, warm breezy nights, beautiful weather, fresh air (when there are no fires burning), relaxed schedule. At the same time with 4 kids at home, plus assorted friends and neighbor kids, depending on the day, I start to feel like Julie from the Love Boat. It can also be exhausting and overwhelming keeping up with the constant call for food, popsicles, entertainment, and trying to keep the house from evolving into total chaos. It’s a balancing act trying to schedule enough lessons or activities to provide some structure, but still leave time for the flexibility to be lazy too.
There have been some summers in the past where I have tried to do or expect too much and put myself on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This summer I made a vow to try to just roll with life. Not let the house get to me, try not to nag the kids too much, not try to “get stuff done”, and just live in the moment. So far, I think I’m doing fairly well most of the time. We still have our ‘moments’, but I don’t want to be guilty of wishing the summer away. I have to constantly remind myself there will be time for routines and schedules and “getting stuff done” later in the fall. What are your favorite summer coping mechanisms enjoyment strategies?
Thanks so much for the Purple-y quilt love! Another casualty of summer is my computer time, so my personal responses are suffering. I’m so grateful for all of your comments and sorry not to respond more individually. Thanks for your understanding. You’re all the best.
Oh you lucky girl. To be so near other quilting groups!! :o) Look at all the creativity under one roof.<br />Your summer motto is spot on. Just roll with it and enjoy the moments. :o)<br />Have a lovely day. Trish xo
I know those tables and chairs, the room looks so familiar! Glad you could go! Just take a deep breath and enjoy the kids all Summer. They are grown and gone too soon!
Amy I will join you in the 'complicated summer relationship' status. It truly is a monumental challenge to keep these kids entertained, motivated and upbeat while feeling completely exhausted from the heat and constant going, school doesn't start soon enough for me.
I'm very happy to hear your honesty and humor about the summer. It can be overwhelming but fun. I'm happy to see the modern quilt guild. I live so far out in the country, but I'm sure there has to be one here in Kansas I can find. Have a nice week. Terah
Is that your gorgeous Dream On quilt up there? Did you make that one up on your own or is there a pattern I need to buy? I love it. Like I want to head straight to sewing room and get started on something that gorgeous! Please share!<br /><br />And you're so right about summer. It's more fun when you're a kid.
I'm totally feeling you on the summer love/hate thing. I also have 4 kids and it can be really overwhelming to have them around ALL the time…I started doing much better once I stopped being the Entertainment Committee and let myself do a few things that I enjoy.
Hi Amy…<br />I think we are all there with you on the summer thing!<br />I always have a huge list of what I want to accomplish and then…it's over.<br />This year my summer list was…do whatever I want and spend lots of time with family…it's been fabulous so far and it sounds like yours has too:)<br />xx<br />Lori
Sounds like a fun quilty get away! We always did the Summer Reading Program at the library and "Summer School" that I made up (educational computer game, books, write me a paragraph about…).
My husband always said "Your going to miss all this when they are grown." That put summer "enjoyment" into perspective for me. Yes, I needed some me time everyday to remain sane, but it a blink of an eye the kids were grown…and I miss the bustle of them being home.
I just love the Double Crossed quilt…beautiful colors, so fun and fresh! Keep enjoying your summer :)<br />Amanda<br />amanda at materialgirlquilts dot com
Do I need to join the Salt Lake Quilt Guild to be invited to those Sewing Saturdays? That looks like SO much fun. <br /><br />I have a love/hate relationship with summer. And this is sort of my first "real" summer with kids home from school (since my oldest just finished kindergarten) and I see where moms have been coming from for all these years … you love having them home but it'
I've got a MQG meeting tonight. Not sewing, but I am sure looking forward to it. Summer vacation is only in it's 3rd week here, but I am so tired.
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25 Comments
Michele
July 15, 2012 at 6:07 amThere is nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself and I'm glad you enjoyed your sewing time.
jlk
July 15, 2012 at 6:14 amThat looks like so much fun!
trish
July 15, 2012 at 8:10 amOh you lucky girl. To be so near other quilting groups!! :o) Look at all the creativity under one roof.<br />Your summer motto is spot on. Just roll with it and enjoy the moments. :o)<br />Have a lovely day. Trish xo
~Damita's Pretty Wrap~
July 15, 2012 at 9:33 amLooks like fun, love the colors!! 🙂 Happy Sunday to you! xx Holly
Mary on Lake Pulaski
July 15, 2012 at 9:43 amCan't wait to see what your Dream On will become! Pretty!
Mary
July 15, 2012 at 9:52 amI know those tables and chairs, the room looks so familiar! Glad you could go! Just take a deep breath and enjoy the kids all Summer. They are grown and gone too soon!
Jaime Costiglio
July 15, 2012 at 11:14 amAmy I will join you in the 'complicated summer relationship' status. It truly is a monumental challenge to keep these kids entertained, motivated and upbeat while feeling completely exhausted from the heat and constant going, school doesn't start soon enough for me.
Annelies
July 15, 2012 at 12:02 pmI love the blocks you are working on…can you share which pattern you are using. I am loving this project. XXX
amy smart
July 15, 2012 at 10:08 pmHi Annelies,<br /><br />Great question – I'm going to update the post! I'm using the pattern from this quilt: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/12/navy-and-green-crib-quilt-pattern.html and I'm loving how the change of colors changes the whole look!
Katy Cameron
July 15, 2012 at 12:27 pmGlad you've been having a great summer, looks like plenty of fun is being had by all :o)
Anita
July 15, 2012 at 2:40 pmLove your pics! What is that yummy looking layered drink with chocolate chips(?) on top?
Cowgirl Red
July 15, 2012 at 3:13 pmI'm very happy to hear your honesty and humor about the summer. It can be overwhelming but fun. I'm happy to see the modern quilt guild. I live so far out in the country, but I'm sure there has to be one here in Kansas I can find. Have a nice week. Terah
Jennie
July 15, 2012 at 3:55 pmIs that your gorgeous Dream On quilt up there? Did you make that one up on your own or is there a pattern I need to buy? I love it. Like I want to head straight to sewing room and get started on something that gorgeous! Please share!<br /><br />And you're so right about summer. It's more fun when you're a kid.
Heather
July 15, 2012 at 5:39 pmI'm totally feeling you on the summer love/hate thing. I also have 4 kids and it can be really overwhelming to have them around ALL the time…I started doing much better once I stopped being the Entertainment Committee and let myself do a few things that I enjoy.
Lori Holt
July 15, 2012 at 6:01 pmHi Amy…<br />I think we are all there with you on the summer thing!<br />I always have a huge list of what I want to accomplish and then…it's over.<br />This year my summer list was…do whatever I want and spend lots of time with family…it's been fabulous so far and it sounds like yours has too:)<br />xx<br />Lori
Jeanna
July 15, 2012 at 6:45 pmSounds like a fun quilty get away! We always did the Summer Reading Program at the library and "Summer School" that I made up (educational computer game, books, write me a paragraph about…).
Lynn
July 15, 2012 at 7:27 pmI want to know more about the pattern in the first picture. I love that!
vintage grey
July 15, 2012 at 10:44 pmWhat a fun Saturday!! Beautiful quilt you are making!! Enjoy your summer, Amy!! xo Heather
Christy
July 16, 2012 at 7:01 amMy husband always said "Your going to miss all this when they are grown." That put summer "enjoyment" into perspective for me. Yes, I needed some me time everyday to remain sane, but it a blink of an eye the kids were grown…and I miss the bustle of them being home.
Thimbleanna
July 16, 2012 at 7:11 amIt looks like you're having a wonderful summer Amy — water + quilt time + ice cream!!! Sounds perfect!
materialgirlquilts
July 16, 2012 at 8:49 amI just love the Double Crossed quilt…beautiful colors, so fun and fresh! Keep enjoying your summer :)<br />Amanda<br />amanda at materialgirlquilts dot com
Jenny Wren
July 17, 2012 at 7:24 amI loved my first Sewing Saturday. Thanks for making it an enjoyable experience. 🙂
SewSara
July 18, 2012 at 1:34 amDo I need to join the Salt Lake Quilt Guild to be invited to those Sewing Saturdays? That looks like SO much fun. <br /><br />I have a love/hate relationship with summer. And this is sort of my first "real" summer with kids home from school (since my oldest just finished kindergarten) and I see where moms have been coming from for all these years … you love having them home but it'
Cheryl Arkison
July 19, 2012 at 7:49 amI've got a MQG meeting tonight. Not sewing, but I am sure looking forward to it. Summer vacation is only in it's 3rd week here, but I am so tired.
Nancy
July 19, 2012 at 9:47 pmThe Quilting night looks like a REALLY good time! And I love how the pattern changes looks with the different fabric! Thanks so much for sharing!