The other day a thought came to mind. When exactly can one call oneself a quilter? Is it after completing the first quilt? Is it when you have been at it for thirty years or more and are judged by others a true master of the art? I think it is actually neither…
When I was in my teens and first entered broadcasting school, I heard something that was actually fairly insightful. “The moment you take that first step toward doing something, whether it be a vocation or avocation. You can at that moment call yourself one of their league.”
As far as quilting is concerned, the moment you took that first step towards the fabric store. You became a quilter. Regardless of you expertise, you ARE a quilter. Now I would never even think of saying I was a master of the art, regardless of my years doing it. I prefer to say, I am a student. Continually learning, always seeking. For the next project, the next wave of creativity, the next piece of fabric that calls to me. While simultaneously living in the moment. The quilt moment. The moment when time seems to slow to the point of stopping and you feel… contentment. Peace. Your hearing seems to sharpen and you skin seems to tingle. It’s as if there is a bubble of amazing clarity around you and it is soothing and invigorating at the same time. So have confidence in yourself and your quilts. Whether this is your first day or fiftieth year, there is no other competition in your quilting world. The hectic world we inhabit is left behind as you and I make sure to take time to stop and smell the quilts…
I am Diana of www.thequiltingcottage.com and I would like to invite you to come visit my website. You see; I am rather unique in my advertising. I “Ramble” about life, quilting…anything. I also believe that whenever you walk into a store or enter a website, it should feel like home. Welcoming, comfortable and inviting. The Quilting Cottage is exactly that:
Here is some of what our new friends have been saying about shopping with us and visiting our site:
“It was such a surprise to go to the mailbox today & find the package from you. Totally unexpected, didn't read about it until today. Thank you so very much. It came on a day that I really needed an uplift. Proves that there are really nice people in the world. Thanks again! Hugs, Rae”
“Dear Diana,
I feel the urge to reply to your last newsletter! It's early morning In Australia, winter is settling in and a frost lingers over my prize lavender. Yes yes yes, you must know what's in my mind and heart, {along with thousands of like-minded women} what a creative writer you are. I'm so impressed with your letters. Looking forward to your next inspirational letter. Just to finish a thank you for your lovely words, I'm off to paint! Best wishes, Robyn”
“I am a brand new quilter and I have really enjoyed reading the information on your website. Even though I am completely across the country from you, I feel like I am chatting with you right next door. Thanks for the encouragement. Sincerely, Claire.”
“Oh my gosh.... when I read what you had written about being a seasonal quilter, I felt like I found a long lost friend. I think I found my quilting home. I can't wait to hear more. Thank You for making me feel welcome. Bridgid”
”Your ramblings are a delightful insight into your life Thanks again, Heather”
“Diana, you could write to me all day...it's so inspiring!! Thanks, Rorie”
“Just became aware of your site -- love it! Thanks so much. You manage to express what I feel about quilting. I don't always have the time to quilt, but I can get my quilting "fix" through reading about it. I'm looking forward to visiting your site often! Leanne”
“You write an absolutely delightful newsletter!!! G.”
Welcome to the world of www.thequiltingcottage.com I hope to see you soon and please, drop me a line. I would love to hear about you and your part of the world.
Diana Tavis
The Quilting Cottage
360-273-5522
7505-C 183rd Ave SW
Rochester, Washington 98579
USA
www.thequiltingcottage.com
dltavis@cco.net