31 Day Blogging Challenge

It's that time of year again, Cheryl Sleboda of Muppin.com has thrown out the gauntlet again and challenged us bloggers to write a post every day in December - it's the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge for 2019.  I'm a sucker for a challenge so here I am!  She's even provided us with a set of prompts, and today's prompt is introduction.  So I will take that literally and introduce myself.

Hi there!  My name is Pamela, and I am a quilter!  I started quilting back when I had three little girls and was expecting a fourth.  Seems like back then, quilting was the only thing I could do in a day that I wouldn't have to do again the next day!  I loved it, it made me feel productive and artistic, and let me use my brain in ways that were satisfying and challenging.

Back then (1986) there weren't any online videos or tutorials, so I learned everything from books and magazines.  I was lucky that the fabric store was only a block from the grocery store, so I think that just about every trip to pick up a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread found me running in to pick up a piece or two of fabric for my projects - and with a houseful of children that was at least three times a week!  The girls learned early that if they were good in the fabric store they would probably get a treat when we got to the grocery store - hey, bribery does work!

After several years of quilting with my friend, Cheryl and alone in my home I saw an ad in the local paper inviting anyone interested in forming a quilt guild to meet up.  Cheryl and I were excited to join and fellowship with other quilters, so we joined up with them and Coos Sand 'N Sea Quilters was formed.  I've been a member from the start, and though we are smaller in number now we still have a great time meeting up and sharing projects.

Then in 2004, I answered a notice from the local quilt shop looking for a part time employee - Sharan still teases me about shyly asking her if she would be interested in hiring me for the position.  So, I've enjoyed working there a couple of mornings a week for the last 15 years.  She is the one that has encouraged me to start writing up patterns for my creations, and I am so thankful for her pushing me to do things I didn't think I could do!  I've written over 30 patterns now - and have so many more ideas in my head that I don't think I'll ever run out of material.  One of my favorite things about my job is helping customers pick out fabrics for their projects...so much fun!

Working at the shop and making quilts for samples and patterns led into my opening an Etsy shop, which also led into being part of an online group of quilters that sell there - the Quiltsy Team.  That has been a big part of my quilting journey as well.  The team was commissioned to make these quilted panels for the Etsy offices - at least 25 of us worked together to make these, and I still love it when I catch a glimpse of them online!  The team has been a big encouragement to me as well - do you see a common thread here?  Quilting for me is so much about community and sharing with others.

And it was one of my fellow Quiltsy Team members - Maryellen of MaryMackMadeMine who encouraged me to apply to be an Island Batik Ambassador.  I have done this for 4 years now, and have loved it!  It has been such a wonderful experience to be part of this community of quilters, and I've learned so much about social media, blogging and being behind the scenes with a fabric company.  It's really mind boggling how it all works, from making samples, to experiencing quilt market and marketing products to quilt shops.   You always are thinking 6 months to a year ahead!

I've learned a lot about quilting in my years of immersing myself in this craft.  I've enjoyed honing my skills and learning new techniques.  I love being challenged, and being productive so quilting really fulfills so much of those things in my life.  Sometimes I spread myself a little thin, but I am happy to be able to spend so much of my time doing things that I love.  And I love sharing all of that with you all here on my blog.  Thanks for following along and being part of this fabulous journey!  I hope I am able to share a little bit of the fun and enjoyment I have in this preoccupation of mine with you and that you enjoy it as much as I do.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing the assembly instructions for the Seashore Splendor Quilt Along - I am so excited for you to see how it all goes together!