Am I insane?

I am a pretty new quilter.  I really started being obsessed a couple of years ago when my obsession changed from cutting paper and scrapbooking to cutting fabric and making quilts.  One of the first things I did to meet people when we moved from Texas to Alabama was to look up the local guild on the internet and go to a meeting. I didn't hesitate and joined that first time, at my first ever in my life guild meeting.  I didn't even really know what it was about.  I was expecting a small group I think. Not so much at a membership of over 200.

That is not the insane part.  I mentioned about a month ago that I went to see a lady about a long arm quilting machine and her business.  Well... I am seriously going to do it.  I am going to go all out and get the biggest, baddest one out there.  Here's the catch, there is no space in my house for the beast.  Which means I will have to rent a space, which means more expense and overhead. Hmmm.....

I am hesitant to tell people about what I am doing.  First of all, what if it doesn't go well or I end up not really going through with it?  Plus, there are already at least four talented long arm quilters right here in Huntsville and I don't want to step on any toes.  I really feel there is more room in the market.  Just in my Thursday stitch group alone I could get several jobs.  Plus my resource (JoAn Knight) mentioned that she gets most of her quilts mailed to her from around the country, not locally.

I am trying to brainstorm ideas of what I can combine with the long arm quilting to be able to pay for the space.  Allow artists to display their work and take a commission? Have space for other artists to come and use on an hourly basis to teach their craft? I don't think either of those would create enough income.  Maybe paired with a tea room of sorts?  I don't know enough about that plus it would involve food licenses I think and I don't want to go there.  A quilter's clubhouse where one person or a group could come and work?  But there is already a fabric shop close by that has a big room people can use, I think for free since she sells fabric and it would increase her sales.  I would have to charge a fee.  I want something where people can come just hang out if they want but I have to be realistic and make money at it too.

Do you have any ideas? Oh and the name... Beautiful Bee Quilting and __________ .  What do you think of that?  Let me know.  I am super nervous to be letting the proverbial cat out of the bag, I don't like the idea of public failure, so this has to work out!

New quilt project?

No relation to post, just thought it was funny

I came across a new mystery quilt/block of the month/blog hop starting nowish.  Christmas town is the name of it and it is being put out by four friends.  Each month you go to each blog site to get their pattern.  I have been wanting to do a "houses" quilt and but didn't want one for my full time quilt, so a seasonal Christmas one will fit the bill nicely. (If you click on Christmas town above it should take you to one and from there you can find the other three)

Now to find the time.... I had been wanting to do a block swap since I have not ever participated in one before.  It must be the time of year because the guild is starting a round robin row and another guild member is starting one also.  The problem is that these will be finishing up around December and I am afraid of not having the time. Plus I have to come up with a theme. I am just thankful that this is my dilemma in life right now :0)

Today Jackson and I are headed to Opelika for another golf tournament and Chandler goes to sleep away camp for 5 nights. At least a "cold front" has come through.  It is supposed to be high of 90 Tuesday. I might need a sweater, ha!

I'm a golf mom

I apologize for the alien gibberish in the previous couple of posts.  My lack of technologic knowledge at work.  While out of town I tried to post from my phone.  Fail.  So here's what's doin'.

 It's official, I am a golf widow AND a golf mom.  #2 son played in his first SJGT (Southeastern Junior Golf Tour) two day tournament this week.  We went to Prattville, AL on Sunday for his practice round at the Senator Course on the RTJ there.  It was HOT.  I rode while he played with another boy and his dad.  (It turns out that boy got second place).  Jackson did pretty good the first day ending tied for 9th place out of 22.  The second day, not so much.  Ended tied for last :0(  We will chalk this up to a learning experience.  He is registered for another tournament this coming week in Opelika near Auburn

I didn't follow him around the golf course this time.  I didn't want to be a distraction.  Who am I kidding, it was way too hot out there and I was being a wimp.  So what is a girl to do with all that time?

On Monday I met with a lady about a Gammill (long arm quilting machine).  As luck would have it while I was researching long arm machines I found a Gammill rep right there in Prattville, so I made an appointment with her.  Her name is JoAn Knight http://www.quiltsandthings.info/ and we spent two hours talking quilting. It was very informative and oh that machine.  I think I dreamed about it last night.  

After Jackson's round of golf we wandered down to Montgomery.  It was too late to do any "touristy" stuff but we had a nice lunch and I did find the local quilt shop, of course.  I only bought a few fat quarters, so not too much damage done. 

On Tuesday while son was golfing I found an "an'tique mall"(have you ever seen antique spelled with an apostrophe in the middle?)  Well there were not many antiques and I didn't find any treasures that had to come home with me but I did get a chuckle out of this tag.  It was on a decorated galvanized can.  The command of the English language is astounding. So my questions are: Did you holed the dog food like you would a golf ball? and what belongs to the ant that you are keeping it safe from? Bonus points for the cute idea and neat handwriting though. :o)

 Now I am off to teach myself how to post from my phone. 

Happy Independence Day. Stay cool and safe. 

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