Warning: there are no pictures in this post. Just words.
I am bawling right now. Absolutely crying. And every one of them is a happy, happy, happy, HAPPY tear. The Modern Quilt Guild Madrona Road Challenge has put me over the edge.
Last May I showed Madrona Road, my fabric collection for Michael Miller Fabrics, at Spring Quilt Market in Kansas City. I love this collection. I put my whole heart into designing it. Our family had been through a lot by that time last year. We were in the process of short-selling our home and changing everything we thought we believed about what we "needed" in life. I wrote Memoir of Madrona Road during that process. It is a very true story about a girl from Kansas making her way in this big world of ours and finding herself and the love of her life in Oregon. About 3/4 of the way through, the story goes on to describe a fictional place called Madrona Road.
At the time I designed Madrona Road, I think I thought that magical little road with the sweet little farm was really and truly what we were looking for. But since then, with ever more changes in our lives in the short span of a few more months, I've realized that the life I created in that little story will exist wherever our family lands. All that matters is that we are together and making the absolute best out of this life that we can WITH WHAT WE'VE GOT. Dreams are so important, but loving what you have right here and right now is so much more important. Making do.
It seems like that's exactly what all of you have been doing. The Modern Quilt Guild Madrona Road challenge deadline was last night and I have been watching the progress daily on Flickr, Instagram, Twitter and blogs and it's been so exciting and fun. Then today, seeing 262 entries in the finished Flickr pool and 473 photos in the progress Flickr pool, well, it just did me in. I've been looking through them and bawling ever since... I am supposed to pick one favorite. I don't think I know how to do that. I love every single one of them. Just thinking of the energy of all of those sewers all stitching, well, it just makes me cry harder if you must know.
Please, oh please... if you are on Instagram, tag me!!! I am @violetcraft and I check the #madronaroad and #madronaroadchallenge tags daily also.
#peacocklanefabric gets used occasionally which makes me smile a little secret smile - and just as a tiny happy teaser, get ready for #waterfrontpark in a few months. Yes, I now openly speak in hash tag language. I'm okay with that.
xoxo, violet
I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to see so many wonderful quilts, bags, pillows, etc. made using your fabric. Congratulations on inspiring so many folks to create so many beautiful things.
ReplyDeleteSpring Market is where I met you and Madrona Road--I've adored both ever since. I love seeing all the beautiful items that sewists all over have made with your collection. Awe-inspiring, for sure. I wish you all the best with choosing a favorite; that's gotta be a tough one.
ReplyDeleteProud of you, Violet.
Happy tears are contagious, Violet. I am awash in them now.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like my heart is gonna burst there's so much love for you filled up in it, it swells to the brim with pride and joy. If you ever write a blog post like this again, you're gonna need to warn me to have duct tape handy, because my heart just exploded all over my keyboard. I'll bring it tomorrow and you can clean it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for creating such wonderful fabric for us to work with!
ReplyDeleteNow that I hear the story behind it, I love it even more. And it gives my quilt new meaning. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt was an absolute joy to work with such a beautiful and inspiring collection of fabrics (and I think most if not all challenge participants would agree with me, here). Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy tears ARE contagious. Sending you love. Be proud sister, you are amazing. xo
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous for you!! We only got our fabric three weeks ago, so mine's not done yet. But I LOVE the fabric and bought some extra to keep for another project.
ReplyDeleteBravo!!!
Oh my goodness, you're making me tear up! This is so darned exciting for you, Violet, and it couldn't happen to a better designer, I really mean that. You had me at Peacock Lane, I was a devoted fan after that collection - but then after I saw Madrona Road at Market, I knew you were my new favorite fabric designer. Your sneak peek of the colors for #waterfrontpark on Instagram the other day totally cemented that fact. I can hardly imagine how overwhelming it must be to see all of these amazing creations with your fabric, but you deserve every bit of this happiness!! Good luck picking a favorite! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy, happy. I often take my precious Madrona Road FQ's off my shelf to dream and stroke them and dream some more and remember our fortuitous meeting in Manzanita last summer that never would have happened if it hadn't been for IG. I am SO looking forward to Waterfront Park!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a personal part of your life. Your story is heartbreaking, heartwarming, and encouraging, all at the same time. We all need to be reminded to make do, and not to forget to dream. Our guild is having our Madrona Road Challenge reveal later this month. I'm the Secretary, so I'll be taking lots of pictures and posting them to our blog. I'll be sure to let you know when they are up. Consider yourself hugged and appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI loved making my quilt with your fabric and seeing what everyone came up with! The insight you've found on your journey is inspiring and I can't wait to see the new line.
ReplyDeleteI had fun looking through the flickr group today--so many beautiful projects. I'm glad you were able to take some time to just soak it all in. :)
ReplyDeleteI really feel where you're coming from, going through a similar transition not so long ago. I really loved working with this line and the story behind it makes me appreciate it that much more. Appreciating where I am while still having dreams I'm working towards is a balance I've been trying master for a while now!
ReplyDeleteI am over the moon happy for you. Be proud, proud, proud of what you have accomplished and everyone you have inspired. I can't wait to see what the future brings for you. You, my dear, pretty much kick ass.
ReplyDeleteOur guild, due to border and postal issue are late to the Madrona Road challenge but it was wonderful being able to read this and hear the story behind it!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think it was very sweet you had tears while looking at all the photos. It's awesome and inspiring fabric!