
Time stops when you are in the groove. Everything else melts away when you are doing what you love. This is our gift we give to each other and to ourselves. I truly appreciate my quilter/artist friends I have known for many years and the excitement of making new friends who share the same passion for our craft. My very dear mother in law, Carolie Hensley just celebrated her 30th year of being in business as The Cotton Patch and she threw a casual open party that took place at the shop and filled up the parking lot with a big tent, lots of cake, funny stories and peals of laughter. For 30 years, she has been surrounded by great customers who have become friends, iconic quilters such as Alex Anderson, Laura Nownes, Diana McClun, Freddy Moran, Mary Mashuta and Roberta Horton who are also great friends...But most importantly, she has, as many shop owners do, create a place where we can meet, create and be. So whether your community is growing at your local shop, your online bee, or right in your neighborhood - I applaud you. Keep up the good work and enjoy.
In keeping with this theme, I wanted to thank Laura Nownes, one of the most kind and talented quilters in our industry who is committed to sharing her knowledge, expertise and design sense with any seasoned or aspiring quilter out there. In her joint blog with Jennifer Rounds, Darra Williamson and Pati Fried at See How We Sew she has highlighted me this week and I am giving away another fat pack of Studio Stash to one of their lucky readers who also stop by to comment below about their favorite of the four color stories. Check out her best selling books and DVD at C&T Publishing or online class at Craftsy! They are AWESOME!