Am I The Chicken or The Hamster?

So many ideas, so little time.
    I feel like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off....I have all these ideas and plans but I don't know which one to tackle first.  How do you prioritize multiple tasks that all hold the same importance and value? I'm losing sleep at night because the hamster in my brain won't jump off the wheel!
     I continue to teach quilting at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which is probably the most rewarding thing I've done since launching my quilting career in 2004.  I have no words to explain the joy I feel when a brand new quilter tells me they are addicted.  They are so excited to share the projects they want to do next or the fabric they just bought at their new favorite quilt shop.  They come in to class and show off what they did at home since last week with a huge grin on their face.  The experienced quilters warm my heart when they say they want to sign up for a class and "I hope you're teaching it!".  I look forward to teaching like an adrenalin junkie looks forward to their next bungee jump.  LOL!
     Pattern designing has also lit a flame in my heart.  Some of my patterns evolve from class requests.  Some are inspired by blocks found when playing in my EQ (Electric Quilt) Software.  Some evolve from old favorites into new variations and new favorites.  The pattern designing process is not a quick one and I get impatient when I don't have time for taking the pictures and writing out the instructions or sewing the cover sample and testing the pattern.  My patterns are here:  www.craftsy.com/user/629411
     I'm also selling some of my quilts on Etsy but that's going slow.  I need to get some new listings up and breathe new life into my Etsy store.  It's not like I don't have stacks of quilt tops to finish and sell.  ;)
My Etsy shop is here:  www.piecinlovequilting.etsy.com
     And there's this blog I want to grow.  I've updated it a little bit but sitting in front of the computer also takes time. I want to add a tab for free patterns and tutorials.  I want to add a photo gallery or something like that.  I want to develop a block of the month and post it here.  I want, I want, I want to.....
     Side note:  I have a few client quilts on my longarm schedule to finish but after that, I have decided to take a break from longarm quilting for others.  It will allow me more time to do all of the above things and will allow me to have better control of my work schedule.  Better control of my work schedule will provide relief from a repetitive motion issue in my neck.  I love my longarm clients and will miss them but I won't miss deadline stress.  :)
     I know that I'll get my business to where I want it to be.  I just need more hours in the day....or a housekeeper and a cook.  Unfortunately, my hubby isn't going for the hired help.  Sigh.

Piecin' Love,
Terri

I'm a Quilting Teacher Now!

Yes, I know.  I'm not so good at keeping up with this blog, am I?
Since I last posted, the quilt shop that I worked in for 4 years closed.  The bad news is I lost a job that I loved very much.  The good news is when one door closes, another one opens and I gained an even better job!  I am now an adjunct instructor for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) where I teach quilting classes.  How cool is that???
I love it.  I adore it.  My absolutely most favorite classes to teach are the True Beginner Quilting classes and the Computerized Quilt Design (EQ7) classes.  My boss at the quilt shop would tell you that I avoided beginner classes like the plague.  What a surprise it was to find that I love it.  There is such a reward in teaching non-quilters how to quilt and seeing the light shine in their eyes when they have a finished quilt that they made from beginning to end all by themselves.
Of course I am still longarm quilting at home.  At the moment I am rather overwhelmed with work between the two jobs, but what a blessing it is to have the work!  To be able to earn a living from what I love!
My grandbabies are growing like weeds.  Kilee will be 2 years old in December and has started recognizing me in photos and calling me Nana.  Time flies.  Layla, who was born May 21, is learning how to crawl and has stolen my heart.  Sweet precious babies.
Daughter Leslie finished her schooling for Massage Therapy and works full time at The Day Spa in DePere, WI.  Son Matt (father of my grandgirls) is in school for a degree in Natural Resources.  His fiance, Becky, is a stay at home mom and she rocks!
My parents came for a visit in early August.  We were one of many stops on their 5 month long RV vacation. Being retired agrees with them.
In late August, for my birthday, I took a trip to California to see a long lost friend from my years in the Air Force.  Lori found me on Facebook!  She just left this week to go home after visiting us in Wisconsin for 5 days.  Beloved friend.  We have so many good memories together.
In October, I organized a quilting retreat at the EAA Air Academy Lodge for the best group on Yahoo, the QuiltChicks.  We had a blast as usual.
Thanksgiving is around the corner, gun season for deer hunting starts this weekend, and it's almost time for the snow to fly.  This southern girl, even after 20+ years, still hates the cold and snow.  Oh well.  Good thing I have quilting to keep me warm.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season.
Piecin' Love,
Terri