Why Am I Here Online?

 

Why am I putting a blog out on the Internet?

First, I love writing. At the age of 12, I remember telling my mom that I wanted to be a writer. Books, magazines, journals and even the back of cereal boxes provided me with a sense of wonder and amusement and joy at what all was in the world. The written word has fascinated me since I began reading. 

At the University of Alabama, I chose Public Relations as my major, thinking it would allow me to write while also being a far more marketable major than Creative Writing or English. As my career began, I discovered a love for all forms of communication, and worked to excel in this professional sphere. I’ve worked on both sides of the aisle, with a mix of newspaper journalism jobs and public affairs positions for non-profits, the private sector and the Department of Defense.

Second, I love quilting, crafting and creating, and I want to share my joy for the textile arts. My hope is this blog will inspire and encourage quilters and quilt artists at all levels. We are all born to be creative, with ideas and capabilities and thoughts that make each of us unique. I’m not promoting myself as an award-winning quilter, although during nearly 35 years of quilting I’ve won my fair share of quilting awards and have been honored to have quilts juried into AQS and the International Quilt Festival. 

 I have also made plenty of mistakes in my quilting life that give me the battle scars – or the experience – to have a level of expertise in this art form. I’ve also made lots of friends during those years, and I’m hoping they will be the base for readers of this blog.

Third, I love collaboration. One of my passions is to bring people together, specifically quilters through our love of quilting (although I have enjoyed building collaborations in the workplace and at my church).  Since 1988, I’ve been active in our local quilt guild, Heritage Quilters of Huntsville. Currently, I am the guild’s second vice president (Programs) and the quilt show co-chair (more on that in a later blog). My mother-in-law, who was very much loved and who was a quilter who died far too soon, was a charter member of the guild. In those times when I get discouraged or frustrated with guild business, I remember her and her love for this group and I refocus my efforts.

 I also have started two stitch groups over the years. The first one was a closed group that didn’t allow for new quilters to join. After about 12 years, the group became a bit stagnant for me in terms of friendships and new discoveries. So, I left that group in 2006 and started Stitchers Etc., which has grown to 55-plus members! We meet once a month, and have bi-monthly stitching Saturdays and twice yearly retreats. The number one rule of this group is that anyone can join if they love quilts and quilting. I suppose the second rule could be the group is open to any quilter who likes collaborating! Over the years, the group has taken on several group swaps that have made it so much fun! 

My plans are to inspire, encourage, teach, guide, mentor, support and showcase all things quilty through this blog, and touch on a bit of what life is like in the world of Kari’s Creations and Musings. Join me, and lets discover and celebrate quilting together!

 

Hugs and Hope,

Kari