This past week was spent at Quilt Camp hosted by the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum in Carrollton, Georgia. Eight young ladies and eight adult volunteers spent the week together working to create a completely finished small quilt and other projects like tissue holders, doll pillows and potholders.

This year, I volunteered for the morning session and had camper join me for the daily round-trip commute from Smyrna to Carrollton. This camper happens to be a current sewing student of mine and she really wanted to attend Quilt Camp. Transportation was the only reason she could not attend. I volunteered to bring her with me. It worked out well for everyone. Per SQTM policy, my rider/current student was assigned to an adult mentor other than me. She had the opportunity to learn from another amazing quilter and I was nearby with my usual sewing supplies just in case. I was also able to work with the delightful Miss S. who likes bright colors and was determined to do as much as she could by herself. I merely brought in tools to help set her up for success. 🙂

Some people think I’m crazy for driving 100 miles round trip 5 days in a row to volunteer. I disagree.
It’s one week per year.
It’s something I LOVE to do.
It’s my money and time. I’ll spend it however I want to.

‘Nuff said!

Yesterday, I had an enlightening conversation with a gentleman who came to pick up his granddaughter from Quilt Camp. When he learned I retired last year, he specifically asked how the my first year of retirement had impacted my quilting. I told him that I have truly enjoyed having the luxury of time to develop my skills and explore my interests. I’ve taken a number of different classes (in person and online). I shared about the Baravelle spiral class I took last week at Mountain QuiltFest. It was a class I took out of curiosity and to challenge myself. I did enjoy the class, but realized I have absolutely no desire to make an entire quilt using this technique. And that’s okay. He smiled knowingly and remarked, “That’s the beauty of retirement. Time to explore things that interest you and do the things YOU enjoy. Remember – always be true to yourself.”

Very wise words.

Hope you’re spending some quality time today with your favorite sewing machine! Showered my 1956 301A LBOW with some TLC – cleaned out the dust bunnies under her needle plate, changed the needle and gave her a drink of oil. Miss Carmella and I are knocking out the final 10 FPP Kite blocks needed for a special project.