Thursday, November 1, 2012

The past week

With all the positive comments that keep me going and the encouragement I get from you readers, I am always thankful to the people who make it interesting and keep it real.  You never know what you are going to get when you do a blog post and my last post was no different.  First off -  Wow!!  THANK YOU to all of the sweet comments you left me.  This blog started out as my business blog and in the beginning, it was boring to say the least.  As I have learned how to blog I have put more of myself into each post, turning this blog into more of a personal blog for me and not just a place to share sales on our pre-cuts or patterns.  I also share my quilting through my blog with a ton of pictures because I want to encourage new and seasoned quilters to improve their talents.

If you read up at the top header of my blog it says: "Green Fairy Quilts - Show and Tell, where it's okay to show off."  I don't want you to think that I am showing off or "patting myself on the back."  The reason I share so many pictures of my quilting is because I would have loved to have that inspiration available to me when I first started quilting.  It really is so hard to just get started quilting and I hope that through my blog I can help you new quilters get started along your own quilting journey.

This blog is my happy place, so party poopers stay away!  Life can be so hard sometimes and yes, I admit - I love it when you comment and tell me that you love my quilting - it makes it all worth it! The truth is I love quilting too, I love to share what I know - not because I think I am better at quilting than anyone else but because I believe that God gives us talents that should be shared.  So, when I say that I love how some of my quilting turned out - just know that I love what I do.  What would be the point of me quilting if I didn't love it, right?

I don't know why I feel like I have to explain myself, but if one person comments on how I am doing something wrong, then I start to think other people may think that too.  But, please don't worry - I am not wasting time worrying about it.  I have had a fabulous week with my family by celebrating my husbands birthday, going to Zion's National Park, and Trick or Treating with the kids.  Quilting is a huge part of my life, but it isn't my life - that being said, I will continue to share what I know with you and that includes lots of pictures of my quilting telling you how I love how something turned out.  No apologies ;-) So, I leave this post with a few pictures from the past week via Instagram - @judiakagreenfairy

 He's 32 and still the love of my life!
 Hiking in Zion's National Park with me is all Clint wanted for his birthday.
 It was the perfect day!
 The red against the cliff walls is just too amazing!
 Magnificent trees!
 Santa Clause and Halloween?  Add in ice cream cones and you have the perfect Trick or Treating night with the kids.
  The still mute, but growing kid.  This baby is almost 2!  I can hardly believe it!

Have a fabulous week!  Life is too short to be so concerned about what you think other people are doing wrong, just worry about yourself and learn to be happy for others and their successes!

59 comments:

Melia Mae Quilting said...

I love seeing all the quilting pictures and how you do it. I am just starting out with my long arm and have really learned a lot from reading your entire blog. Yes I have read the whole thing and just love it. I love seeing your family life in it because I also wonder how to balance family life with "quilting life". So keep what you are doing. I love it!

Melissa Corry said...

looks like a beautiful day to go to Zion!! I love red leaves, they are my favorite!! Kiddos look adorable!

Teresa Silva said...

I can tell you love what you do because it totally shows in your work. You do such wonderful work and I also enjoy your pictures of your family life. Your kids are so adorable. Thanks for all the inspiration that you provide to all of us longarm quilters. Amazing stuff you do!

Diane said...

I love reading about your life, and I have to say my heart sings everytime I get a glimpse of your quilting. It has inspired me to try new and more intricate things. Thank you for sharing with us.

DianeY said...

I love that you share pictures of your beautiful quilting, and can't personally think anyone could say you were doing something wrong! So glad you'll continue to shate because I love seeing it and get inspired to try new things even though I don't have a long arm

Quilting Babcia said...

I really appreciate your posting all those photos of your quilts because I am one of those fairly newcomers to machine quilting (domestic machine, not long arm). All those photos provide lots of inspiration and a great learning experience of how to combine motifs into a great design! Thank you!

Jennifer Scantlebury Vienneau said...

I am new to longarm quilting and I really appreciate all the photos, comments and info you share about the quilts you have completed. I was drawn to your blog because you do share so much and because you show such great enthusiasm for the work you do. Your quilting is so creative and fresh! I think you should be proud of the work you do; it is original and personal and sharing with your readers is a gift. Thanks from me!

felice said...

I love your work! You are a true artist and your work brings awe and joy to me. Do not let anyone rain on your parade. If someone does not like what you are doing, maybe they should go and do whatever it is themselves and leave you be. Your work is incredible and inspiring!

Leeanne said...

I always, always....always enjoy your posts! Sometimes I am sitting in front of the computer by myself and I say'Oh wow....oh holy cow" when I see your quilting.........you go girl, keep doing what you love! Cause 99.9% of us love it too :-)

Heritage Keepsakes said...

Thank you Judi, for continuing to share your amazing talent with us all here on your blog. Your words resonated deeply with me, as I too am a firm believer that if a person has a talent, it is appropriate to share it with those that appreciate it and look towards it for inspiration. This is YOUR blog, so you are entitled to share whatever you choose, whenever you choose. Most of us only ever dream of quilting like you, but what you provide in the way of eye candy, does indeed inspire us.

~Diana said...

I love your pictures...they confound and inspire me. Confound because you're so danged talented! Inspire me because I dream of someday being able to do that kind of art with a quilt machine. Don't let the alligator-haters get you down. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work. You have every right to be proud!

JoyceT said...

I consider your quilting art. As I will never tire of looking at a Monet or Reubens (and, yes, I have seen a fair share) I will never tire of seeing and re-seeing your quilting! Keep up the good work and bring 'em on!

Barb said...

I have always taken your blog for what it is INSPIRATIONAL!!! I can not even begin to understand why someone would put anything negative on your blog or anyone else's...it is your blog...you can do what ya want!!!! You are amazing...and for the party poopers....go poop in someone else's soup!

Kathy Schwartz said...

I am a long time follower of your blog and what I enjoy most about it is not only that you share your amazing talent but you have such passion and enthusiasm for your quilting. You love what you do and I love that you share that joy in your posts. I can't believe someone took your excitement for 'patting yourself on the back too much". Maybe they have not found their passion in life and that is unfortunate but not your problem. I have the same passion for quilting and totally understand that excitement you fell when you finish a quilt!
You have a beautiful family and I love those pictures from Zion Park!!

quilting/fitness said...

i always check for new posts you have helpedme be a better quilter i quilt on my home machie wish you would more video cant wait for a new finish my husband always has a wow or two have a great day and if ayone knows how to chande my google back to my name please share
diana young

CathyK said...

I am new to quilting (about a year) and I can tell you I love to visit your blog! It gives me inspiration and pushes me to try new things and become a better quilter. Thank you for your blog! I love it! Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Noela said...

I love looking at your quilting and it is very helpful as I am just starting to leave stitch in the ditch behind and venture into new designs. So forget about the people who are negative and just keep doing what you do as you do it very well. Hugs....

Gene Black said...

wow, what a great idea for a birthday! I love your pictures from the hike.
It is difficult to believe that the baby is already 2 years old. It seem only yesterday that you were posting he was born.
I love your "showing off" -it is inspirational!

Yuki said...

I have been quilting for many years. I've used my home machine to quilt but it wasn't that easy. Last year I took the plunge and bought a long arm machine. I really enjoy it. I love looking through your blog for inspiration. Your quilting is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!

ttfn :) Yuki

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Your blog is such a bright place and I always enjoy your posts. For anyone with criticism....I say...don't go away mad....just GO AWAY! I tell folks my file for criticism is full and there is room for no more so it has to go in the trash :)

Keep on keeping on ....

Smiles,
Kelly

Keri F said...

Atta girl, Kelly! I like your style. Judi, grace, talent and beauty are lovely attributes and you have all three. Thank you for sharing all your quilting tips, tricks and insights with us. We love em!

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

you have every reason to "pat yourself on the back" and brag a little (or a lot!!) Your work is an inspiration to all us wannabe FMQers! (and I cant wait for your book to come out!!)

Bonnie said...

Judi
Never let any one steal your joy. Whether it is in quilting or your everyday life. God has given us all talents in many different areas. One of yours is your great quilting. Thank you for quilting my quilt and keep up the GREAT Work. You get a ATTA GIRL AWARD. To those of you who have negative words surf away somewhere else.
Bonnie

Dawn said...

I truly love that you share so many photos and put so much of your inspiration into your posts. That's what keeps me coming back. Your enthusiasm for what you love shines in everything you quilt and all that you write about. Without personal info about your family, trips, kids, etc., your posts would be cold and impersonal and no one that I know likes cold or impersonal. Putting yourself "out there" by telling us what you love about your work gives us insight into why you quilt the way you do. I seldom return to blogs who's authors rarely or never share anything about their lives or how their work makes them feel. If there are party poopers lurking around your blog and leaving naughty comments they should be ashamed of themselves and you need to totally ignore them! People only act like that because they are jealous. Don't ever second guess youself. Keep doing exactly what you're doing and we will keep hanging out with you. Your quilting is always jaw droppinly stunning. :)

Quiltinchen said...

Hej Judi, please keep on showing your fabulous quilting! You are right - I am still at the beginning of quilting and always looking for ideas. It's so hard to get quilting books over here (machine quilting is not that common as it's in the US). So I really LOVE to see what you are doing, how you find the right pattern for your quilt. I think it's amazing! Don't care what some people say - it's not worth it! You are talented and you really can be proud of it! AND besides your wonderful work you have a wonderful family that you get managed well. I am impressed! :) Again - you can be proud of yourself!

Gemini Jen NZ said...

Your work is a delight to see and it is great to have your blog as a work of inspiration. A shame some people let their jealousy get in the way of being supportive. You keep up the great work - you have a talent that deserves to be shared and is obviously enjoyed by so many people. I for one choose to NOT follow the blog of someone who cannot be supportive of other crafters. Let's hope it was just a bad day they were having!

Sharon said...

Thanks for including all the pictures. Your blog is one of my go to spots when I need quilting inspiration. Zion looks amazing. It is on my bucket list to hike.

Valerie the Pumpkin Patch Quilter said...

You go ahead and show off - you SHOULD be PROUD!!! ;) You are an inspiration...keep it up! ;)

Judy said...

Judi, you are so blessed to have such a beautiful family. I enjoy all your posts. I read your blog every day.

Betsy said...

Judi, I check your blog nearly everyday. Yours is the only one that I check that often. I can't wait to see your next creation! I don't have a long arm so all my quilting is done on my regular machine, but I never start quilting until I have checked your blog and its gallery for inspiration. People ask me all the time where I get my ideas, and I always send them to your blog. You have a generous spirit. Don't let others get you down.The Lord knows your heart.

Josie McRazie said...

I have to tell you that I LOVE that you share you with us as well! It makes a blog so much more personal! I read one blog and it was all business all the time. I no longer read that one because it just did not feel like I "knew " the blogger. You know? Blog laand is strangers talking to strangers and I like to feel more like I know who I am reading. Isn't that what makes reading a good book or watching a good movie good? Having characters you feel you know! Sorry that is the best way I know to explain it! Thank you for sharing your gift with us and a small bit of you!

Missy Shay said...

I saw the caption "still mute", LOL I didn't really start talking until I started kindergarten. I was the youngest and my sister "talked" for me, so I didn't have to. I was ultra shy. My mom likes to joke that once they found the on switch, they couldn't find the off switch.
I follow blogs because I like to see what they have been working on. I think a blog should be a reflection of the person writing the blog. I've stopped following blogs that are so worried about making it a "business" and there was nothing personal on it. That is not fun to me.

Julie S said...

Your quilting is the most gorgeous quilting I've ever seen, and love seeing photos of your work. I don't feel you are showing off at all -- you are being inspiring! I live in Utah County, so also enjoy photos of your family and hiking trips. Maybe someday I'll get to meet you -- we come to St George a couple times a year.

Julie said...

I have never commented on your blog before and only know you thru it, and the beautiful work you do. BUT, I wanted you to know I appreciate seeing your work, hearing about your family and knowing that you LOVE what you do. You definitely have a wonderfully beautiful talent (one that some day I can compare to) in quilting and the patience to do it (29.5 hours to quilt a quilt--oh my!) and I love that you want to share it with others. Please continue to post your pictures, your love of family and life!

Barbara M. said...

Brava! There is always somebody who tries to ruin the party, but...don't leave them do it. Your quilts are masterpieces and in italian we say that people are ROSICONI, difficult to translate...Enjoy all the other nice comments, all your ability, all your life. Barbara from Italy

Melaniemmacdonald said...

Hi There Judi!

Big fan of your work, your blog & your store! I love your quilting and all of the pictures. There's no such thing as too many pictures in my book! Please don't let someone bully you into thinking you've done something wrong by being proud of your work! I think it's wonderful and so spectacular! Keep up the great work, Judi!
All the best,
Melanie

Unknown said...

Really nice post, and I can't tell you what an inspiration your quilting pictures are. I eagerly await your upcoming book!
Sincerely, Rhonda in WV

SimplyQuilted said...

I want to say again how helpful the photos of your quilting are. I eager to see your book. Angie =)

Lyn said...

Definitely enjoy your blog, both pictures and commentary...keep it up! Your enthusiasm and happiness/pride in doing a good job is infectious and inspiring!

Unknown said...

I look forward or every post. I love the detailed pictures so that I can try and figure out if it is something I can attempt with my limited longarm experience. We can really see your passion!!

Michele said...

First, the hike pictures are absolutely gorgeous and happy bday to your hubby. Second we all love to see your quilting. For those of us that haven't started to do this ourselves yet, it gives us so much inspiration as to what we can eventually do. Please don't stop sharing as you currently do. Those negative people can just get tossed in the trash with the rest of the garbage.

Sewing Junkie said...

After going back and reading the comments I looked at the blog that this negative comment came from. The person is obviously jealous. Negative comments can make us stronger as we learn to deal with life. Your abilities and talents far exceed the normal quilter me included. You are an inspiration to all that read your blog on a regular basis. Please don't let a shallow comment stop you from posting and sharing. We all enjoy you and your family. You have a great following and all of us appreciate your efforts. Chris

Gwen said...

I love reading your posts and seeing all your quilting designs. You offer such inspiration. By the way, I knew a child once, years ago, who was almost four before he spoke, but when he did - he spoke in complete sentences! The doctor' theory was that he had been watching,listening and learning the whole time, but wasn't going to talk until he knew he had it right! Once he started talking however, they couldn't shut him up! Don't worry, he'll talk when he's ready.

Needle Down Quilting said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Needle Down Quilting said...

I love looking at your quilting, I quilt on my domestic machine and your site inspires me so much. Don't worry about the nay sayers, your work is beautiful. Keep sharing and inspiring us!

Mary said...

My sister did not talk til 4 years old and now she has a doctorate :)

Your quilting is beautiful and of course your blog is for showing off your work and your customer's work. It's silly for someone to expect otherwise. Don't give any credence to someone who tries to tell you how to run your blog...a regular person would just unsubscribe or unfollow when they got tired of a blog.

Patti said...

Words to live by! In many of the blogs I read there is a common theme of having to put up with negative comments. Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with a "filter" for their comments. Just keep on keeping on and ignore the haters. Your work is beautiful and it's great to get to know the person behind the blog.

Raylee - owner of Sunflower Quilting said...

Hi Judi, keep the photos coming we love them. As a fellow LA quilter, I have the same machine too, I appreciate the pictures and the honesty about the quilting and life. I regularly check your blog and have been inspired a number of times by your quilting style, my customers thank you as do I.

Tryon said...

I love your blog and the personel touch to it! I love the pictures and videos that inspire me in so many ways! Keep it all coming!!!!

rachelcb80 said...

The world is a harsh enough place, having your own little space to show off and enjoy yourself is wonderful. If someone doesn't like what you say or what you post, they can choose not to view your page. A rude comment is not needed. Some will always feel the need to knock others down though. I think most who view your page do so because they enjoy looking at your work. Thank you for sharing.

Diane E W said...

Oh I think you should be very proud of your work. I have been longarming about a year now and while somethings were very easy, some things are still very hard. Love to look at the tops you quilt to get ideas and inspiration. I love that you are not afraid to show us and explain how you do certain designs. A lot of bloggers show tops that they have quilted and that's it, on the frame off the frame. Still can't wait for that book you talked about and I hope you explain how to do things instead of posting just a picture of something you have drawn.

Alyssa Shae said...

Dear Green Fairy, my name is Alyssa. I am 19 and the quilter at My Girlfriends Quilt Shoppe. I happened to stumble on your blog from a pinterest pin. I just wanted to say thank you for posting pictures of your work as well as your tutorials. After watching a few of your videos, I am going to try free motion more often. I just want you to know that I am more excited to quilt and feel so inspired after seeing your work. Thank you for sharing!!!
Sincerely, a young quilter!

The Quilted Finish said...

I love all your pictures! Your longarm quilting pictures have inspired me to try new things in my quilting and you have given me hope that I can get better at my quilting.
So a BIG THANKYOU!!! Keep it up!!!
Love the family photos too : )

magirite said...

I enjoy appreciating the things that I can't or don't do. Your magnificent quilting and quilts are something I so enjoy looking at.

Don't stop what you do. You are very talented and bring joy to others lives thru your talents.

Thank you ~M~

Sharon said...

I piece quilt tops and do some simple quilting, my sister pieces some amazing quilts and does her own long-arming and mine. We chat on the computer at least once a week and the subject of your amazing quilting always comes up. She'll say "have you been to the Green Fairy sight lately and seen yet another amazing quilt job" and then I have to go and take another look, even though I follow your blog. Chin up, God Bless and you do amazing work! Did I just say amazing again, I guess I did -- but its the truth!

Unknown said...

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Gayle said...

Your talent is amazing. We are fortunate that you haven't hidden your light, but that you've let it shine to the world. Focus on all of the positive comments you received ... they are the ones that are important; not just the one. There are a lot of jealous people in the world and they'll do whatever they can to make the rest of us feel crummy! Your quilting is absolutely gorgeous and it would be a horrible shame to not share it with us. I love it when people are happy with their work. Please don't stop sharing or quilting for others.

Shanna said...

Honestly I am a little confused, what else is a blog for but to show what one is working on or has completed? I mean if we were just talking about things we would have chat rooms not blogs. You will always get some that can't handle to see your work, sorry about that. I mean to be honest I am seriously jealous of your talent, you rock! But I would never tear anyone down (Even if you are better than me, lol).

I read a post once where a very good quilter said that often people think that just because one owns a long arm means that it does all the work for you. So they spend tons of money on a LA machine and still can't quilt. It takes time and energy to develop the talent to quilt, especially with as much work as you put into it. Keep up the great work! Hold your head up high!

Sparky said...

Be reminded my sweet Judi, YOUR work inspires many more than you think. You turn that other cheek, and press forward, stitch forward, and listen to the cheers....