Thank you, Crazy Mom Quilts!

     This blog is a thank you to Amanda Jean Nyberg, who has blogged as Crazy Mom Quilts for over a decade.  She recently posted that she is moving on.  Her blog post has been a constant on my bookmarks bar, and is the reason my little blog exists.
     I have been quilting since taking a class at Joann Fabrics in 1999 (not including a few efforts in the 1980s!).  I joined a guild, worked, quilted, raised kids, quilted, and ran out of steam.  I quit the guild and stopped sewing quilts, but didn't give away by stash! 
     In late 2012 and early 2013, I discovered the world of quilt blogs, and began to regularly follow a few quilters who were making bright, fresh, modern quilts.  Crazy Mom Quilts, Cluck Cluck Sew  and Film in the Fridge were my go-to blogs!  I loved them.   Bright, colorful, modern and easy - their quilts were just what I wanted to make.
     I jumped on board with a string quilt and an around the world quilt, which were both the internet craze at the time.  I loved the world wide community of quilters. 

The first blog inspired quilt!  

     Inspired by these bloggers, I decided to start my own blog, initially just to document the quilts I had already made in one place, and then to share new quilting experiences.
    Crazy Mom Quilts hosted a linky party  "Finish it up Friday " which introduced me to many more wonderful quilters and their blogs.  I spent many hours reading these blogs, and getting inspired.  I started designing my own quilts, because so many others did.  I got some quilts published in magazines, because I saw that it could be done.  I have successfully entered on line contests, and happily finished many mystery quilts. 
    When I retired from my full time job in June 2016, my original plan was to concentrate on designing quilts, and marketing the blog.   I have certainly done so, but surprised myself by following an old dream, and enrolling in art school!  So, there are times when the quilt blogging slows done (like now- final projects due!), and times when I work on other creative ventures, like my mixed media collages. 

A few of my mixed media collages

      I have put my collages (perfect for a sewing studio), on sale for the holidays on ETSY, and you can get there from here.  Use the code HOLIDAY20 to get 20% off (shipping is free!)
      I am in awe at how consistently Amanda Jean was able to keep up her blog - it is hard work to make quilts, remember to photograph them, and then to write about them regularly!  I thank her for the many years of enjoyment and inspiration I got, and wish her well.
      I am just about finished with a quilt to be gifted, and will then be able to show it off!  In the meantime, I need to finish my art projects, get cracking on Christmas decorating, and get sewing!

Take care,
Gretchen