Tips and Tools Tuesday – Get Plugged In!

In my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to be....

Those are some lyrics from Roger's and Hammerstein's  "Cinderella".  They may have worked for Cindi in her imagination, but her dreams didn't come true until she ventured out of that corner!

I think it's the same with quilters, sewers, and crafters. Although there is much to learn from books and videos, there's just something about getting together with people who share our same interests that really helps our creativity flourish!

Today is the fourth Tuesday of the month. In my neck of the woods, that means Quilt Club day! Woohoo!

I love, love, love Quilt Club day!

Our group meets once a month, and, oh, I look forward to it!

Why? Because I get to meet up with other quilters. People who enjoy the craft/art of quilting as much as, if not more than, I do.

It's fun!

We have a short meeting where we discuss future projects that our club can do to make things for the community.  A group-made quilt raffled off to raise money for local foster children. We make and donate Christmas stockings that are then filled with goodies and practical things for kids who normally wouldn't get much for Christmas. We are currently making quilts to donate to the Sherriff's Office so that when an officer needs to go with DHR into a home to remove a child, that child is given a quilt to wrap up in, and keep for their very own. For some, that's the first clean and warm thing they've ever had.

We also have Show and Tell time. We bring something, or several things that we've made and share it with the group. I'm always, ALWAYS inspired during Show and Tell!

It may be a pattern or new technique. Or, maybe it's the colors someone chose to combine that catches my eye. Sometimes it's the story behind the making of the item that stirs my soul.  Our group is made up of people with varying degrees of quilting knowledge, skill, and experience. That's what makes it so interesting! I see things and learn things that I would never have experienced if I just always sat by myself in my own little corner of the world.

So, that's why I titled this post "Get plugged In!"

If you don't currently belong to a quilt guild, group, or club, join one!

Can't find one in your area? Start one!

It just takes you, and a few flyers posted at a local fabric shop to get things started. That's how our club began 14 years ago.  Five friends who like to sew and quilt, thought there may be others in the community who feel the same way.  They planned a meeting time and place, passed out some flyers, and hoped a few people might show up. 28 people showed up! I was one of those original 28, and am still a member today. I saw a flyer in a local sewing repair shop window. I didn't know the people starting it, or anybody at that first meeting, but I wanted to meet other people who share my passion!  I am so glad I ventured out of my corner!

That's how I feel on quilt club day!

Maybe, for you,  today is a good day to join a quilt group!

I'm so glad I did!

Happy creating!

Diane