Hi, I'm Maureen : :

I have thought about writing this post many times over the last year, but would always talk myself out of it. Convincing myself that it wasn't necessary, worried that I wouldn't be able to explain my thoughts on this issue well enough, insecure about how bundling all the things I want to share on this topic might read. In light of receiving several emails on this topic yesterday and the private discussions that emerged, I think today is the perfect time to finally share this post.

Honesty : : I really hope my authentic self comes across on this blog. It will always be hard for me to share negative personal things here. But at times, sharing the big things in very small doses, feels really important. As far as sharing any negative feelings that I might have within this sewing community here, well, that's easy -- I don't have any. My Mom taught me that if I didn't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.  I've lived that my whole life and teach that now to my children. That's not to say that open discussions and debates shouldn't occur. I just choose not to get involved if it might lead to taking sides, hurtful commenting, or the end result being "I'm right, you're wrong." The only real time I have felt a need to involve myself in this kind of drama, is when I have felt like I needed to defend myself, but even then I shy away. Life is much too beautiful to focus on the negative!

Our children playing in the leaves.

My story : : If you don't mind, I want to explain a little of my back story that I haven't shared before. I am one of eight children. I am the only one that knits or sews in my family. I have no "real life" friends that have a passion for the kind of things I like to share here. THIS is my only place to share and connect with people just like me! Out of the eight of us, I am the only one who never went to college or joined the military. I always just wanted to be an artist. Sometimes I considered teaching art, but new that I would much rather spend my days creating. Although no one in my life would ever make me feel bad for any decision I have made - as a mother who wants to be a good example to my children, sometimes it has bothered me. I got married at 20, had my first child and became a stay at home Mom at 21. That was my job. I got really into cooking and organizing. I was the hovering mother who made her whole life her children. And as fulfilling and wonderful as it is, I was losing 'Creative Maureen' during those early years. Sound familiar? I know many of us are or have been there.

A drawing I did when I was 17, and the only thing I still have from high school.

Finding my niche : : About 6 years ago, I jumped back into creating after my husband said these four words, "you need a hobby." lol  I started out by knitting, which I became completely obsessed with. I started this blog a little more than two and a half years ago, and began sewing a few months after that. I could have never imagined how making that decision would open up a whole new world to me and ultimately change my life! After about a year, using a few of the popular blogs I follow, like Soulemama and Posie Gets Cozy as inspiration, I started to blog more regularly and thoughtfully. As my reader number increased, I would wake up each day excited and motivated to create something new to share.

Each of you has been a gift to me, one more person to share with. Every comment has been read and appreciated, encouraging me to keep at it. I eventually became brave enough to share a couple tutorials, and that teacher-desire in me felt fulfilled. Those BIG dreams that seemed impossible and in some ways forgotten, were beginning to stir in me again and feel reachable.

A peek at my next Janome Project.

A shift : : Some of you wonderful folks who have found me and decided to read this blog, have also been people behind some really special fabric and supply shops. Some of them have become sponsors, whom I am so grateful for. Some are folks associated with amazing companies like Riley Blake, Art Gallery Fabrics, Janome, Aurifil, and Accuquilt, who have asked me to be a part of their design teams, gangs, or as an independent designers. And, I still can't believe they know I exist!

Through being shared by you readers, through sponsor giveaways, through tutorials I create for companies, you have found me. My HOPE is that because of what I make to share here each week, you COME BACK! I put a lot into this blog -- because of the connection I feel to you, because of how it has changed me and my life, because I am realizing my dreams through it, because of what I am teaching my children. By my husband's and my example, they are learning that it doesn't matter where you live, what you come from, how old you are -- you can be anything you choose to be, if you work hard and believe in yourself. It's not a cliche, it's true!

By valentinadesign

My future : : I've always been excited to announce the new opportunities that have come my way because of this blog, and I will continue to!

The fabrics I share always come from my sponsors. I purchase most of them, but some are sent to me in exchange for sponsorship, as well. Doing that gives me a chance to share what's new, but the fabrics are always of my taste and choosing.

The Fabric Giveaway's I offer each week, are picked by me, as well. I try to find things that fit in with my style, that I think you'll like. I get a chance to promote my sponsors individually. And, even with as much as I sew, I still don't have enough time just yet to blog five days a week. I think sharing a new sponsor giveaway each week, is a nice way to welcome the weekend. That's all. I know some of you don't like them, but I do! My plan is to eventually just blog them Saturday and Sunday, sharing my daily makings Monday-Friday, but I'm not there yet.

Art Gallery Pure Elements for Friday's Fabric Giveaway with Contemporary Cloth.

Tutorials for Fabric? Oh, I get so much more than that! I put a lot into each thing I make, and to have my creativity noticed and appreciated enough to be invited to design for companies I love, wow! I could never pass on an opportunity like that. And I think very few would. Sharing a tutorial on the manufacturers blog is no different than guest posting. The opportunity introduces me to their readers and vice versa. The fabrics I choose, always inspires me to make something new and to push myself creatively. Plus, I love creating tutorials! The only thing that stifles the complexity of my sewing tutorials, is my inabilities to use this computer, which I promise I'm working on!! I even plan to buy a printer for the new house -- yes, I'm that behind!

A Scrappy Chevron Tutorial that I'm planning to share soon.

So that's it! If you're still here? It feels good to share all of this with you today! Each day I am simply just doing my best. I'm making the best decisions I can for myself and my family, while trying my best to contribute in some small way, by doing what I love. The fact is, I won't ever give up on this dream now! I trust that all of you will respect and hopefully support that! Thank you! ♥,  Maureen