A New Year; A New Home

We made a big move in 2016-from Texas back to my home state of Oregon.  Klamath COunty the home of one of my favorite places on earth-Crater Lake National Park.  How blessed I feel to be within an hour of this breathtaking place.  We have made many trips up there...when the roads are open, over 100 inches of snow so far!

I was having trouble liking my new quilt space-I loved my studio in Texas, and I just could not get into the mood to quilt here.  It just wasn't my happy place.  I tried to work on a couple of UFO's but just was not motivated.  I decided maybe something new in the new space, so started a log cabin quilt for our bed-that too was not motivating me to spend time in the new studio.  

I have been admiring the work of a quilter who is a part of the Facebook group for The Splendid Sampler™.  She has been adding her own touch to the blocks as they come out,  cute snowmen.  I love the snow, and we have been getting plenty here, so I went through my stash and found some pieces from Moda's Winterberry collection.  The snowman block did the trick, bringing back the joy of quilting-the joy of creating something new.

This just makes me happy.  Block 1 from The Splendid Sampler™.  A few more snowpeople have since joined this first one.

And to top things off a little visitor sat by my window.  I had to take this photo through the blinds as I was pretty sure if moved them out of the way this female California quail would have disappeared.

So the new year finds me feeling at home in my new home finally rather than just a guest in a strange house.  Stay tuned-more snowmen on the way!

If you would like to join me on my Splendid journey the blocks are free until the end of February 2017 and can be found at www.thesplendidsampler.com/  The book will be released sometime in 2017 and can be preordered.  I highly recommend The Splendid Sampler™ Facebook group that has over 25,000 members sewing along on this project.  Quilters from around the world are sharing their own Splendid journeys with photos, tips etc.  It is a wonderful opportunity to stretch your quilting skills too.