Hello again! It has been forever since we actually blogged. And since we are starting to get e-mails from sweet people wondering if we are okay, I thought I better sit down and actually write something.
We are just fine- nobody died, we are still in business and believe it or not, we have lots of things happening here. There are probably lots of reasons we haven't blogged lately, but I think the biggest reason is sometimes you just need a break. You know how you can sometimes feel overwhelmed, over tired, and just need a break? Well, I think that's it. For us, it starts way back in November when we do our "12 Days of Christmas". It is definitely the most hectic time of the year. And the most fun. But it is exhausting. And we have promised ourselves to start planning a little earlier this year. Like July. Yeah, I'm sure that will happen.
But now that we feel a little more energized, we can get back to it. The blogging, the designing new projects, everything we usually do. But since we haven't said anything for so long, here are a few things that have been keeping us busy.
1. Basketball. My sister has watched more basketball games in the last 6 weeks than I thought was humanly possible.
I must be really old, because never did I ever get up at 4;45 AM to go to basketball practice. In the seventh grade. And then have games almost every single day of the week. But the thing is, both of her kids do this. The younger one is in the 4th grade, and he travels all over the world (sarcastically) playing basketball. When I was in the 4th grade, we played each other. Meaning kids from my school played kids from my school. In gym class. That was it!
Oh no, no, no. That's not how we do it now. But they do have lots of fun. And I love watching them when I get to go to their games.
2. My mom went on a cruise. This is big news, because she claims she is not a "vacation person". She started complaining and agonizing about it just right after she signed up to do it. It was a Moda-sponsered event, and she taught a class, where each student made a quilt. Well, now I think she is a "vacation person". She had a great time. Mostly because these two went with her:
Barb and Mary from Me and My Sister. I would have to agree. Going anywhere with them would be a blast.
3. This one is a little hard for me. And I know I'm ridiculous. And my sister thinks I need a new hobby. But this isn't "hobby". This is what I do! Here is my typical day: I get up, check twitter for any sports news. Turn on ESPN while I'm getting ready. I simultamously turn on my local (Denver) sports talk radio station to make sure I'm not missing anything. Get in the car. Turn on the same sports radio station. Which I really don't have to turn on. It is permanately set at that station. When I get to work, I have to reluctantly turn off any of that stuff. Mostly so I can get something done. But also because I would annoy everyone else. At noon, I'm checking twitter again. And at three o'clock, my sister leaves to pick up her kids. That's my favorite sports time of the day, because I'm free to turn my radio back on. Then at night, if there isn't a game on that involves one my teams, I'm a lttle disappointed.
You may think I'm a little obsessed. And I am. But it's just going on in the background. I'm never just watching the TV or listening to the radio. I'm working, cleaning my house, doing laundry, fixing dinner and designing fabric while I listen. So my "hobby" isn't taking up extra time. I just incorporate it into everything.
Which brings me to the Super Bowl. Or as I refer to it, the day of darkness. I will never get over it. Ever. Well, maybe. In 2054. But before the Super Bowl, I had one of the best days of my life. My husband knew that it would mean the world to me if I got to go to the AFC Championship game in Denver. Of course, we didn't have tickets. But he said he would try. Which in my mind, meant we were going. Proabaly not reality. But at least I had hope. The night before the game we still didn't have tickets. They were seriously expensive. We decided to check the internet in the morning.
7:00 AM. We thought the price may go down closer kickoff. And they did, but not enough. So I resigned myself to staying home. And honestly, I was sad. I feel guily about being sad about that, but I was. I mean seriously, there are about a million thing worse in life than not getting to go to a football game. So I got over it pretty quickly and just started going about my day, excited to watch it on TV.
Then at 10:45, my husband, who had gone to work earlier, walked in the door. He had 2 tickets in his hand. I thought it was a joke. But apperantly, the ticket price had lowered to a semi-resonable level. The only problem: The game starts at 1:00. And we live more than 2 hours away from the stadium. And I hadn't taken a shower. Or fixed my hair. Or put a stitch of makeup on. Or put on my favorite Broncos gear. It didn't matter. We were going!
And because it was a Sunday, the traffic was awesome. And because my husband has no problem driving fast, we made it with 10 minutes to spare! And when we got out of the car, it was 68 degrees. In Denver. In January. Are you kidding me?
Definitely one of my most favorite days. I will always remember how much fun we had.
And the Super Bowl? What Super Bowl? I don't want to talk about it. Told you I will never get over it. I will just choose to remember that beautiful day in Denver.
4. Fabric. We are almost done designing a new collection (which won't be out until December or January). I can't tell you what it looks like, but I love it! We also have 2 other collections that we will be showing in the next few months. We are hoping to get the first one any day now. As soon as we have it, we will be posting about it.
And finally, here is our new Label Crew project for March. It's all about Spring. And I think we all need a little spring right now. Especially if it has been as cold and snowy where you are as it has been here.
So now you are up to date. And we promise to do better. We are pretty good when it comes to Instagram. We know not all of you are on Instagram, so if you are not, all of our Instagram photos show up on the lower right hand side of our blog in case you want to check it out. Have a great week!
My favorite letter is M because both of my kids names start with M, Micah and Michelle.
Posted by: Marcia Elliott | Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 06:38 AM
I am such a fan of your fabrics, patterns and labels! News of a new fabric line in the works is GREAT news. I'm so glad that you're back, as your posts have been missed. I, too, am a sports fan. Unlike you and the others who have commented, I am over the moon about the outcome of the Super Bowl! It has been a very, very, very long time coming for Seahawks fans. We are extremely proud of our talented and hardworking team.
Posted by: Kathy McDonald | Monday, February 24, 2014 at 07:36 PM
So glad everything is ok.
Can't wait to see what is coming...I end up buying some of everything you design. Fun for me!!
Posted by: Jeanne | Monday, February 24, 2014 at 01:44 PM
Yeah, everyone is all right!! I kept checking esp. after the SB[We were sad, too!!]!! Can't wait for March's LC!! We are so tired of winter, but spring brings storms which mean tornadoes. Yuck!! Just rain would be nice.
Those poor kids....just remember... When I taught, the girl soccer players would stretch out on the carpet in my classroom during announcements to take a ten min. nap after returning home after midnight before they had to write timed essays. That is why all schools should begin at 9am.; kids require sleep. Feel for your sister and her kids enduring those exhausting schedules.
Hope you stay refreshed.
Posted by: Betty | Monday, February 24, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Glad you are back! On the one hand I loved how the entire state of Colorado seemed to be in such a great mood leading up to the Super Bowl. But then it was such a disappointment to see how it ended up. We didn't even enjoy the commercials this year. Can't wait to see what you're working on!
Posted by: Stephanie | Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Glad your back! I get excited about Super Bowl Sunday also. But it's for a different reason. All the quilt shops in Iowa open up and have great sales for us football widows! So while hubby watches the game i'm in the sewing room checking out all the great deals i got. :)
Posted by: Gina S. | Monday, February 24, 2014 at 08:40 AM
I can so relate to your Super Bowl comments. The Broncos are my younger sons favorite. He has been a fan since he was 3. And I still haven't been able to bring up the game to him...I know he just wants to forget...
Posted by: Sherri | Monday, February 24, 2014 at 12:45 AM
Glad you are back! Loved reading about all the things keeping you so busy..can understand why you really needed a break. The Super Bowl news made it to the TV screens here in Australia, where we have had VERY different weather to yours! Love the new Label Crew, and wanted to also say how thrilled I was to find my address amongst all those on your Road 15 fabric that I bought!
Posted by: Meredith | Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 08:57 PM
Sew glad you are back. I kept checking everyday or so. Yes, life gets busy with kids, work and vacations!!
Poor Payton, he just looked so sad. Our house was sad too.
Posted by: Hallie | Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 07:38 PM
Love love love the newest label crew project, can't wait!!
Posted by: SoozeM | Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 06:52 PM
I'm glad you decided to blog because I was getting worried....I cannot wait for the new fabric lines!! I have a pre-cut from every fabric line so I cannot wait to add to more hoarded collection!!!
Posted by: Michelle Jimmerson (#1 fan) | Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 06:49 PM
Well done...glad to see you back...and as I live in Canada...and we have had A HUMONGOUS amount of snow....freezing rain ...ice storms etc...etc...I'm glad to see ANYTHING that looks likes spring
Posted by: Janet Melanson | Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 05:33 PM
Oh, I can so relate to your misery about the Super Bowl! I still can't read my Sports Illustrated magazine about the game. I just keep telling myself that there is always next year. Looking forward to the new stuff coming out!
Posted by: JuliaP | Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 04:57 PM