Monday, September 5, 2011

Still creating

  It may not seem like it but I have been in my sewing room a lot lately. I finished up this sample for the Stitchin Heaven Perse-Anality club. Using Oasis charm packs to create a large carry all bag. I may add a zipper to this one, but I love it's size for going to the park, groceries, or as an overnight bag- for multiple people lol.


 I've also been working on quilts for patterns and trying to figure out exactly where I'm going. I'm starting to have a bit of an identity crisis, at least an online one. Who is CaraQuilts and where does she fit in exactly in this online quilting world? Where the heck do I want to wind up and is it really possible?

I have a chronic illness, and for the last while far worse then the pain is the exhaustion. An exhaustion so deep and overwhelming the idea of getting up, moving, even thinking is sometimes too much. Going to the grocery store is makes me feel like I've been up for 36 hours.
I'm barely able to keep up with the basics of being a mom and wife. Trying to make something of myself in the quilting world takes an immense amount of energy and I just don't know if I have that in me. The desire is there, and I've even come to accept I probably have the talent, but I don't know if I have the energy. I sure don't have the money. Like almost every start up, you need money to make money, and I just don't have it.
And let's face it, the quilting world, especially pattern design, is a crowded field. It's hard to get noticed enough to make any kind of living.

But you don't really need to hear about everything going on in my head. You want to hear about creating! Which is what I love to. I have so many ideas floating in my head.
With Little Bit starting back school tomorrow I'm hoping a routine will be developed that lets me get some of them out of my head, or off the computer and into fabric.


 Here's a sneak peek at two of the patterns coming out soon. The top one is also coming out in a yardage version, this one having been made with precuts.

I'm having to bit the bullet and wash them without Colour Catchers. I can't find them anywhere. I've heard from a lot of people they can't find the in Ontario so maybe it was a fluke I found them last year when I did.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Cara, I hope you haven't washed your quilts yet, because I can give you enough Colour Catchers to get you through! I'm in London too. I don't want to leave my phone number in my comment so what would be the best way to get in touch? You'll have to go to Port Huron and stock up at Target, Meijer or many grocery stores. Did you find some a while ago at No Frills here? They had them for about 5 minutes and then never again. Rae Parkin.

Gale, Ky quilter said...

The bag is beautiful! I can truly relate to your post. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease almost 13 years ago and it is tough. And it is the overwhelming exhaustion that is the hardest to take. I'm on steroids and they can make you feel like you have lots of energy when you really don't. So, I overdo it and then pay for it. My heart goes out to you. This is when I started quilting - everything by hand - because it was relaxing. It is an ever growing process to deal with a chronic illness. And, it is frustrating. I still feel young by my body doesn't agree. I hope you feel better soon.
Gale

Jill said...

15 years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and hashimotos disease. Add cronic fatigue to that and I am a mess. I feel your pain and I admire you. Chronic illness is not fun to live with, let alone be active with. For years my well meaning mother-in-law was asking my husband what was wrong with me. Now that my sister-in-law has the same, she doesn't ask anymore. I love your bag!!! I love huge bags, the bigger, the better! If you continue having problems obtaining color catchers, please feel free to contact me, there are everywhere here in Michigan and I would be happy to send them.
I hope you find the answers to your questions, sometimes they are sitting right in front of us and we just need to be still to hear them.

Pieces to Love said...

My mom always swore by adding 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to 'preserve' and set color.

I also LOVE your sneak peek of the Terrain quilt, I'm working with a charm pack of that myself right now. HST's are done so now I have to wait for hubby to get paid so I can get more solid white at the store.

Snoodles said...

Love your huge bag, Cara! And if you need Color Catchers, we have 'em here in South Carolina, too! LOL Looks like you have other volunteers that are closer to you!
My hubby has suffered for years with fibromyalgia -- my hat is off to you, Cara, for doing what you are able to do. You will be in my thoughts and prayers,
Jacque

Paula said...

If you would like I can look for them here in WIsconsin and mail some to you. Let me know.
Paula

Anonymous said...

I just purchased your Prairie Point Christmas wall hanging and I would like to know how to order the ornaments for the quilt. Can you advise me?

Thank you.
Robin Rose