The dark side of Sock Monkeys

Who knew Sock Monkeys could be so SPOOKY! Well, and cute at the same time? If you've never paid a visit to the "Sock Monkey Drawer" you're in for a treat. This very talented artist hand makes these monkeys and sells them. Always good for a smile. And every Halloween a special set of spooky monkeys are created and sold. Happy bidding - there are several I have my eye on... ;)

{ This is my favorite - the Octo Monkey named Zaloob }

On The Road Again

Well, I'm in KANSAS and for very good reason - my Grandpa is turning 85! There's cake and punch then a big dinner at this favorite steak house here in Topeka. This visit has been a long time coming, and frankly took a long time getting here that involved small plane with scary bumpy rides.

OK, to the veteran traveler it probably was nothing. These days though I've developed into a "nervous" flyer and had a few seat clutching moments that briefly involved me grabbing the nice lady next to me out of fear. EEK! Oh well, we laughed and shared some of the food we brought on the plane with us. Oh yeah - planes don't serve food any more unless you're flying to Timbuktu apparently. It's just as well though because airports are now building in much tastier food options with fewer regrettable moments for your stomach.

On the quilting front I'm hoping to visit a quilt store here in Topeka although we might have to travel a bit outside of town. Anybody know of a good shop here? Also, I worked through several instructions for new patterns on the plane and ready to spring into sewing action. So much preparation before getting to the sewing!

Take a deep breath

This week has been totally crazy and sureal. I took the deep breath and plunged right into the deep end! This week I decided the focus my daily work on my quilting, pattern and graphic design business full-time. Which of course lead to leaving my day job!

As a clear omen that I hadn't completely lost my mind, that very same day United Notions let me know that they are going to carry my pattern line for distribution. A total of four distributors are now carrying my patterns with some re-orders to boot!

What a roller coaster... Now I'm not one to be terribly fond of roller coasters, in fact I'm terrified of them, but here I am flying down the highest hill with my arms flailing in the air and screaming at the top of my lungs. Is that fear or joy? I'll stick with joy for now!

So I will be traveling to the Fall Quilt Market in Houston later this month to visit friends, make so new ones and embrace my new self-employed liberation in this quilty business I love. Hope to see you there!