Wow, Its been over a year since I last wrote on this blog. Life really got in the way. Work picked up and I was working overtime basically all year, which left little time to write and quilt. However, I did squeak out a few projects and even went on a quilt retreat. With all the overtime, my Rheumatoid arthritis kept getting worse to the point by the end of the year I was having regular difficulty using my hands without pain. So, my husband an I decided it would be best for me to take a break from working a full time job for a while to focus on my health. So in January I resigned from my full time job for now. I am happy and sad at the same time. My job certainly was not my life’s work but it was a good job and worked well for our family (minus the overtime). But I am happy to put my health as a priority. If I cant use my hands, then quilting is not going to happen, and quilting is what I feel is my calling. I love quilting, talking about quilting, and one day I hope to open my own quilt shop so I can teach and show others the magic of fabric arts.
So now I will have time to post updates and there will be a lot of them. I am also starting a Youtube channel, Mandy’s Southern Stitchin. The first four videos are up so go ahead over and take a look.
What is on deck for 2024?
I have a stack of quilt tops that need stitching. I recently purchased a hybrid longarm/domestic sewing machine to put on my Grace Cutie Frame. It is called Reba, The Little Rebel. I also bought the automation equipment for my frame. So now I can quilt by computer. My quilts will look like the ones I spend hundreds of dollars sending off to be long armed. There is a learning curve to system but I will get the hang of it. So I will be steadily working through my pile of quilt tops as I work on new projects.
I have several projects to finish that I started last year. On is the Twilight Stars Sew along by Primitive Gatherings. I am way behind on the hundred blocks. I think I have 10. Maybe 12. Hopefully I will get it done by fall to put on my bed. I love the colors of the blocks.
Also, I have my 100 modern quilt blocks to finish in Tula Pink Scraps. I have 25 done. I am hoping to get on the ball and get this one done by summer.
I have a few finishes this year. I made Danielle a new bed quilt out of cat fabric. You can see me finish it on my You tube channel. I also quilted a few tops on my new automation machine. A sweet Valentine’s inspired top I made last year and another cat quilt.
Stay tuned for more updates. Follow me on instagram @mandycooksandquilts and on Youtube @Mandy’s Southern Stitchin. Toodles!!!!
Mandy Cooks and Quilts 