Come Stitch With Me

Let’s Quilt! has been meeting at the Dallas Public Library most Fridays over the past four years. It’s a great group of folks from several different guilds and sewing groups. In the first few months of retirement, I was there every single Friday. They were a lifeline as I was trying navigate early retirement. Nowadays, therapy dog visits and my own quilt guild activities take up most of my time; however, I still try to get out there once a month to see everyone.

I prefer to take my Featherweight because space can be tight, depending on the number of quilters who show up each week. Here, I’m working on a weekly clue from the Mystery 5-0 Luau Quilt Project. (I’m loving the Ruby Star Society fabrics!) I typically precut 2-3 blocks and take bits of projects that I can sew while I visit. I’ll stay about 4 hours, leaving in time to beat the local high school dismissal times. There’s a really nice new Costco on the way, so I try to leave time to make any needed Costco runs on those days.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the future with the Friday sewing group. Major road construction, building upgrades and library staff changes will likely impact things. Also, the unofficial group leader will soon be relocating to Ellijay – meaning a 2 hour commute each way on the days she’s able to come. And I complain about my 45-50 minute commute each way!

This photo resonated with me. I think it’s from FB. Anyway, it accurately sums up my plans moving forward:

I deactivated my IG account today. This single action aligns with so many of the above sentiments. I’m not totally off social media as I still access FB and YouTube. FB is the primary means of communication for many groups to which I belong and I actually find educational value in YouTube when it comes to quilting, cooking and DIY.

1Q 2026 has meant addressing some health concerns and meeting my annual deductible in the process! Things are still a work in progress; however, the changes I’m making will allow me to be the healthiest version of myself so I can live life to the fullest.

I’m extending the “creative sabbatical” I began in late January through the end of June. No new classes, no SQTM summer camp, no additional duties for my quilt guild. I want to sew for the pleasure of creating. I’ll concentrate on supervising Block Party entries for the June quilt show and hosting a week-long CraftLAB in late July for five young ladies. Should I find a local place to teach in the coming months, I’ll certainly consider scheduling fall classes.

Content here will continue to cover everything from celebrating the everyday to quilting to therapy dogs to life in retirement.

Sadie may look a bit disheveled, but it’s due to all of the petting she received at this morning’s event. Big Girl had her professional headshot made a photographer. She received bottled water and a Chick-Fil-A biscuit for her services. Sadie was filmed and photographed with every kid attending the event. I can’t wait to see the finished video montage.

Me? I’m the human at the other end of the leash. Wouldn’t have it any other way.