Together they have created the next big thing to hit the quilting industry, My Lazy Daisy.Last weekend I was lucky enough to attend the first consultant retreat of this company.
From the moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be a special kind of retreat.
The displays were simply amazing, and showcased the quilts perfectly.
They offered us a special applique class, designed specifically for someone like me who has zero experience in the fine art of applique.
I was thrilled to learn from a well known appliquer, Barbara Jones, from Quilt Soup. Time was short and I didn't have a chance to complete my beginner practice piece, but after I finish it at home I'm hoping I have gained enough knowledge to finish this Hocus Pocus quilt I absolutely love.
This retreat had it all. I can't forget to highlight the food. We were fed non stop for two days. Who could really pass up a meal when we enjoyed dining out here.
A little bit of sales training, mixed in with basic quilting instructions,
and even a little segment hosted by Dana's husband called "Even a Man Can Do It." Demonstrating how easy Snuggle Up quilts are to make.
To sum it up, all I can really say is that this retreat simply had it all, informative, motivating, educational, mixed in with the fun factor. I can't forget to mention all the wonderful new friends and fellow MLD consultants I was able to meet. I'm so excited for this new opportunity. Here's a little closing video they put together for us.
I sometimes take for granted that I have a very handy man as a husband. So this post is basically a little brag thankful post. The past couple of months have been somewhat of a blur to me as I have been busy sewing away getting ready for my first trunk show for My Lazy Daisy. With all these new projects sewn I also needed something to display them on. This is where that handiness craftsmanship of my husband saves the day. A little searching on the internet and I was able to show him a couple pictures of what I wanted. That's all it took and this is what he made, just for me!
My very own quilt ladder!
Perfectly angled edges to lay flat against the wall.
Nice finished plugs where screws were sunk in to secure the rungs. This is probably the time when I need to apologize for little rants that I may or may not have on occasion about why he needs to keep so much crap, junk, stuff, etc. in his barn. It turns out that amongst all that stuff was a handy little tool just for making these plugs.
His finished work always amazes me. Thanks for my very own quilt ladder designed just for me!
Ten years have passed since that tragic day when a member of our family was taken from our livestoo soon. The details of this day will forever be in my memory but also in my memory forever will be how special and cherished my nephew was to all that had the honor of knowing him. Gaven had a way of always brightening up a room as soon as he entered.
I knew I wanted to do something special to honor Gaven this year, but first I had to ask my brother if he was ready to part with some of Gaven's shirts. I could tell he was a little hesitant, so I told him to think about it and let me know if he changed his mind. A few weeks passed and then he called to tell me he would be dropping them off to me. I have to admit I was a little nervous driving home that night with Gaven's clothes in my car, I felt I was hauling precious cargo.
Now the challenge was mine to create something meaningful from his clothing. Thankfully, I have an amazing friend (Lisa) who was willing to give up half a day to help me.
Within a few hours we had the basics laid out and I was well on my way.
Last night I delivered my special present. I think both of them were a little nervous to open it at first, the expression on Cindy's face shows just how mixed her emotions were.
It's amazing how the family can recall memories from each shirt. We flipped through photo albums as Shannon recalled specific pictures taken with Gaven in the shirts. His14th birthday, his sophomore school picture, family outings, etc.
One of my favorite pictures at my parents 50th Anniversary with Gaven in his New Orleans shirt.
Gaven's inspiration for this brick dolphin wall, he created the summer before his accident, came from one of the tee shirts.
Now my brother's family can wrap themselves in Gaven's memories bringing them comfort in the years ahead. Thank you Greg & Cindy for trusting me with your precious belongings to create something special for you and your family.
