
So recently I’ve been “gettin” the red-eye from all my late night addiction issues. Hold on…don’t get all freaked out and plan the intervention. Not unless you’re really concerned that an addiction to fabric is tragic.

I’m talking about my new obsession with Quilting. Yes…I said Quilting. And I know what you’re thinking. You’re envisioning a group of gray haired ladies all gathered around or better yet hunched over an old fashioned quilting frame. These ladies of refinement and classic southern charm (Barbara Bush immediately comes to my mind) must be sewing each stitch by hand going blind, crippling themselves with arthritis as they go. Don’t feel bad for thinking this…I did too. I immediately cringed when my Mother suggested I attend a Quilt Show.
So in November of last year, as I was dragged (gently but yes dragged) to the Palm Beach County Convention center. I decided I would keep an open mind. And besides…how bad could it be? I mean it was just a few hours and we’d be out of there. That is if I could whine enough to my Mother and friend Karen how “bored” I was.
Ha!… I’d been had…I was stolen away to a transforming magic fairy land. Okay…maybe that’s a bit much, but it was intense. First we walked through aisles of some of the most amazing fabric and machine vendors. Patterns, stripes, threads, ideas…my head was spinning…the buzzing sound was either the hum of dozens of Long Arm Quilting machines being demonstrated or I was getting ready to swoon. I think it was a little of both.

Pat Kumicich out of Naples FL. Freedom Is Not Free. War and the woman left behind.
And then…we walked down a magic corridor where I was thrust into a traveling hand crafted Artist Studio. I literally mean “ARTIST!” I mean it with the utmost respect and admiration. I was immediately humbled by the talent and skill on display. I took over 100 photographs that day and posted many to my Facebook account via my iPhone. I felt like I HAD to let the world know this amazing group of talented artisans existed. It’s really funny to me, since I’ve known about traditional quilting having grown up with my Mom. The Amish quilts she’s purchased on her vacations to Pennsylvania Dutch Country and her personal passion for the craft have been on display in the home I grew up in for years.
But what’s so fantastic about what I experienced, was how far the “Quilting” scene had come since I was a snot nosed teenager in the 80′s. These quilts were funky and cool! Bright mind blowing colors. Creativity that was whimsical, fantastical, somber, emotive.

ICandy made by Robbi Joy Eklow
I wound up spending the entire day…and only till around 5pm or so, did we walk out together. I was personally wiped out…but not from walking around begrudgingly all day. I was emotionally spent from all the magnificence I got to experience. I had never really understood how deep a passion for something could go. I didn’t understand how inspiring this craft could be.
I purchased a few items. A pattern or two…a sewing machine cart, some fabric. However, I had no idea what I was really walking out with. I was bestowed the gift of renewal. My passion for art, and creativity had been revived. I’ve been cutting fabric, sewing, stitching, batting, drawing, designing, ever since I left that day. I’ve been going late into the evening on week nights after I’ve finished a full agenda on the “day job.” I’ll close myself up for the entire weekend and whip out lap quilts, bags, baby quilts for friends, a quilt topper for a wedding gift for another. I have never been happier. I’m reconnecting, regenerating, re-energized!
Thank You Mom! Thank You Karen! Thank You Thread of Life Quilters! I love you all!

This is actually a Thread Painted Landscape by Nancy Prince. It's called Life in Holly Ridge.
P.s. If you notice the sites a changing…it’s cause it is. I’m adding a basic shopping cart feature. Might someday look to a custom design, etc. But for now, this will do. I’m starting to run out of room in my little apartment with all the Midnight Creations coming out of my heart, head and hands. If you like something, and want to purchase…by all means do. I won’t be taking special orders, and every peice is one of a kind.
P.s.s. I’m hoping to find a way to purchase my own Long Arm Quilting setup. This is a mighty tall order for me, especially since how much something like that costs. Please think of the purchases you make as a donation to my new obsession for this craft. Honest…It’s not enabling at all.