Come Stitch With Me

What makes you happy? Chances are it’s not the shiny new thing that caught your attention five minutes ago. The author of a book I’m currently reading surmises that happiness comes not from owning or purchasing a bunch of expensive stuff, but instead comes from everyday simple pleasures that don’t cost a whole lot. He also mentions that it’s totally worth it to splurge on something that will bring you joy from personal use of the object or from what you can do with that object in service to others in a way that brings you happiness.

Everyday pleasures:
Morning tea in my favorite mug
Watching TV with the other half
Playing with Sadie
Chatting with a neighbor/friend
Clean sheets
Towels still warm from the dryer
Receiving “real” mail (card or letter from a friend)
Browsing the shelves at my local library
You get the idea

Splurges that are TOTALLY worth it:
Sterling silver thimble
Great knife set in kitchen
Anniversary dinner at our favorite restaurant
Travel (any kind works for me)
Really nice stationery and writing pen
and of course…my sewing machine(s)

Sewing is definitely in my wheelhouse. It provides me with an income (classes, tech editing, custom sewing for others, limited retail sales) and allows me to be of service to others. I mend clothing, make simple pillows and my favorite – make quilts to donate for kids and others in my local community. I didn’t NEED another sewing machine. However, splurging on the Baby Lock Jubilant and various accessories was totally worth it because I now have a reliable secondary machine for production, teaching classes and taking to classes where I drive (my Elna STAR or Featherweight goes with me if I fly). Many of the classes I attend are for projects I wind up donating once they are completed. I’m one of those quilters who gives away most of what she makes.

Montessori education is based on the premise that the interests of the child guide the lessons and areas of study. We need to adopt this philosophy as adults. Do you actively spent time exploring things that interest you? Read a book on the topic, watch a video online, attend an informal demonstration or even take a class?

This week I’ve been able to learn more about live-streaming events at work. It was so much fun to research and try out different methods to use with our existing infrastructure and equipment. My remote “broadcast booth” amounted to my work laptop, an upgraded external webcam mounted on a tiny tripod and a borrowed Yeti Pro microphone set atop a 42″ tall audiovisual cart. We streamed via Microsoft Teams to classrooms and parents who attended the events virtually. It worked! Plus, it saved me having to haul all of the school’s broadcast studio equipment into the cafeteria to do the event live. 🙂

This same curiosity extends to trying out different methods to make quilt blocks, learning about new sewing/quilting gadgets, taking new sewing machines for a road test, trying to come up with a hack to keep my machine from eating HSTs because the machine I’m using doesn’t have a straight stitch needle plate. I posted on Instagram showing my go-to hack and asking Baby Lock to please develop one for the Jubilant. I actually have an extra needle plate on order so I can modify the current straight stitch plate and make it work with my machine. Not sure if I’ll attempt it or ask a local machine shop to do the honors. Either way, It certainly doesn’t hurt to try.

So stay curious, my friends!

How about both?

I adore my paper planner. Some days I’d truly be lost without it! A classic size weekly format planner from The Happy Planner is my current fave. Many of my teacher colleagues use the bigger size with giant binder rings, but I find this one is the perfect size for me. I also like the fact it is totally customizable and I can transfer pages/info I need to keep to a larger 8-1/2″X11″ disc-bound notebook.

My digital calendar keeps track of birthdays, other important recurring dates, bill due dates, prescription refill reminders, quilting events and other ongoing weekly reminders. Sunday mornings are my dedicated weekly planning time. I pull up my digital calendar and write out everything for the upcoming week in my paper planner. The system works for me.

I’m trying to use the digital calendar app on my phone so hubby and I can share calendars once he retires. It’s cumbersome, but I do like that everything is right there on my phone. All I need is a small notebook and pen to jot quick notes when I’m running around. The big planner can stay home.

For me, the paper planner is a must when planning/tracking quilting projects. ‘Nuff said.