From North Pole to the Web: Finding Fabric & Inspiration
If you're into quilting, you’ve probably heard of the big names: The Fat Quarter Shop, Missouri Star, Shabby Fabrics, The Quilt Place, and Keepsake Quilting. And, of course, there are plenty of regional gems out there, too! I’ve always been someone who prefers to buy fabric in person—I mean, there’s just something about touching and seeing it up close that you can’t get online. But after moving to North Pole, Alaska, I quickly learned that the nearest fabric shop was a 20-minute drive away, and let’s just say their selection didn’t always match my style. Outside of that, my only option was Joann’s! That’s when I turned to one of my favorite things—YouTube. I found some truly inspiring quilting channels, and to my surprise, many of these creators also had their own online shops. Today, I’m super excited to share a few of my absolute favorites with you!
Quilting: A Source of Gratitude & Growth
Sewing isn’t just a craft; it can be a transformative and deeply rewarding experience. For me, quilting has been more than just a hobby—it's become a source of mindfulness, creativity, and personal growth. It's amazing how something as simple as stitching together fabric can offer such profound benefits for mental well-being.
The Flamingo, an Unlikely Anchor
Flamingo facts that you may not know: They don’t just thrive in vibrant tropical paradises; surprisingly, they also inhabit extremely high-altitude areas where the water around them can freeze solid overnight. In the crisp morning light, these remarkable birds patiently wait for the water to thaw before they get moving again. Additionally, they have adapted to survive in toxic environments, where the water is so polluted or salty that most other creatures simply cannot endure. Astonishingly, they can even drink boiling water without any harm!
READ MORE ON MY BLOG…
Perfectionism Creates Procrastination
““There is NO way! I am NEVER going to get those points to meet!” If you have ever ventured into the world of creating a half-square triangle quilt or tackled any block that involves those tricky points, you have likely heard that same exclamation ringing loudly and clearly in your head. “Oh, you’ll just love paper piecing! The angles and points always come out perfectly aligned.” Nope! That sweet promise wasn’t true either. Imagine this: I had twelve of these agonizing blocks to make, all demanding my attention and precision. I literally lost hair, and probably a few brain cells too, while struggling through the creation of the very first one. “Maybe I should just make a cozy pillow instead,” I told myself, rationalizing my way out of the challenge. But deep down, that competitive (and that pesky penny-pinching) side of me was resolute in the belief that ONE DAY I would finish this quilt project. Surely, one day in the faaarrrrr future, I would somehow become better at this. What was really happening behind the scenes, however, was my fear of failure creeping in, while my perfectionism effectively blocked me from fully enjoying the creative process that I clearly loved - most of the time.
READ MY BLOG TO SEE HOW IT ALL CHANGED…
Memories Worth Preserving
Memories are incredibly important, especially those cherished moments that evoke feelings of love, appreciation, and reflections on times gone by. I made my very first memory quilts in 1985, a special time in my life. Newly married and with very little money in our pockets, I found myself working in my mom’s small town fabric store, brimming with inspiration. I knew deep down that I could create a small quilt that would be both meaningful and beautiful. This was long before small lap blankets could be easily purchased at every dollar and department store, a time when snuggling up on the sofa was not the norm it is today. In fact, I fondly recall my grandmother still using clear vinyl covers to protect her precious sofa cushions, while all my aunts proudly displayed my great-grandmother’s hand-crocheted blankets, which were carefully hung over the backs of their sofas… and you definitely didn’t dare to cuddle up with them!
Quilting Promotes Well-Being
There is no better marriage than that of mental health and sewing and quilting. Engaging in creative pursuits such as this, allow us to express ourselves fully and authentically. The world can often feel overwhelmingly negative, especially when women tend to prioritize helping others over their own self-care and personal needs. This common neglect can unfortunately lead to feelings of depression and anxiety that are all too familiar.
Fortunately, creativity serves as a powerful antidote, offering us a fresh and positive perspective that can transform our experiences. It not only fosters the creation of beautiful works but also enhances our problem-solving skills, serving as a refreshing respite for our minds and bodies.