It’s time for a change
It’s been almost 4 years since I started HeartStrings along with a group of quilters who wanted to focus on donation quilts and I’m still just as passionate about what we’re doing today but I’ve been unable to find a balance in the last year that allows me to focus on my personal quilting (much of it still for donation) so I’ve decided that I am not going to accept donation tops to quilt, bind, and donate.
The one exception will be that I’ll continue to quilt string quilts that come in for HeartStrings but I won’t be accepting any other tops AND I will work harder to find other volunteers to quilt and finish more of the HeartStrings tops also.
I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to finish all the tops in the last few years and have been amazed at how generous quilters have been in sending them to me to complete and donate.
I expect that it might take me the rest of the year to finish up what I have here but I’m looking forward to more time for creating my own quilts in 2011 while still actively participating in HeartStrings.
So today I spent the afternoon piecing backings and binding…I’ll be doing a lot of that along with quilting in the next few months.
Mary, I understand the decision you have had to come to. The gals in our guild have been shipping quilts to Germany for about 4 yrs and we are wearing down. There are just a few of us out of the whole group who make the quilts. Two women do all the quilting. I only had two minis to enter in our local quilt show this year. I have gotten some tops made, but not quilted. Time is spent assembling. So, don’t beat yourself up, you have done a wonderful job and will continue to do so, just on a more controlled basis. Good luck and God bless, Pat
I think you’re right. That can’t have been an easy decision for you to make, but there comes a time when you have to consider yourself too.
I had a moment of panic when I started reading this post, thinking you were going to give up HeartStrings!! Glad I kept reading.
It sounds like a good decision on your part to limit the number of tops you are quilting from others. You obviously need more time to focus on the tops you want to make/quilt. There are so many wonderful patterns out there and inspiration everywhere
I’m sure this was not an easy decision for you to make, Mary. Sometimes we just have to put ourselves first. It is not easy. I am sure that everyone will understand.
Finding balance in your life is not always easy but is so important in order to avoid burnout. It seems like you have taken a good step by setting boundaries…you have not given up HeartStrings, you’ve just set a limit. I look forward to seeing more of your personal quilting. Remember, the tops waiting to be quilted don’t have to be finished this year. Take time for yourself, create and enjoy!
Good for you, Mary! You’ve done an incredible job in donating so much of your time and talent. It’s really OK to step back and let your own creativity have a chance to bloom again. Looking forward to seeing more of your work….and also love seeing those cute pictures of Caleb!
I admire your decision. It is always hard for us to put ourselves first as we are the caretakers for our family, friends and community. I am so happy you are continuing HeartStrings. I have taken my inspiration from you and have been doing a few quilts for donation. I mailed one off yesterday and it felt so good to no that a child would be receiving a handmade quilt. Thanks again for all your wonderful donations!
Mary: I have been in awe of your dedication, your skills, and the volume of quilts you produce. You have pushed yourself so hard through the years. Balance and the freedom to choose is so important to well being for yourself and others in your life. This is a special time in your life; this beautiful baby, your sons are at a special time in their life, time with your mother, siblings, Keith, Chestie and time for YOU. ENJOY! We are all BLESSED to follow you on your journey and share in your growth, caring, and wonderful, creative endeavors. A WISE woman to Seek balance. As you can tell, I am on this BALANCE journey as well. I wish us both a balanced season of true enjoyment of SELF.
I am thinking that it was hard to put your decision in writing, but I sure hope that you now feel some relief because of your decision. I have had to make some hard decisions of my own this year and writing them down and sharing them with those involved lifted a weight from my soul. Thank you for what you have done and continue to do.
I don’t know how you manage to organize and complete all that you do. Good luck with this change and I hope other people can step up to help you out with the quilting. I would offer but mailing things back and forth to Canada is very costly.
Your dedication is without question, amazing. I’m glad you know when to say it’s time for a change, sometimes that is so difficult to come to terms with.
If I can help you finish up the one’s you have, send me an email. I’d be happy to quilt some for you.
I know how hard that decision was for you. But it was a good one. We all need to step back and regain the balance in our lives from time to time…we know it, but it can be so hard to step away and follow through.
I’m glad you have decided to reclaim some time for you.
You have been a dedicated and tireless quilter and you deserve a rest. I’m looking forward to seeing your renewed creativity – your blog is always the first one I read each day. Take Care.
Mary, I believe God gives us wisdom as to what we should and should not do. And just because a thing was good at one time does not mean it’s good forever. You’ve probably made a very good decision, and you’ll know that you have if that scratchy “can’t get it all done” feeling has now been replaced by one of peace and relief!
Hugs, Elaine
Knowing myself as well as I do, when I retired I swore to only piece and quilt my own quilts. And I have stuck to that. I do only Quilts of Valor and Linus Project quilts (plus those that are specific gifts for friends and family). I had a women in a fabric store the other day tell me she would pay for a quilt for her little girl if I would make it. I told her “I don’t do that” — she was really out and out miffed. Stick to your guns, Mary – it makes for a happy quilter!
Change is good! You need to find the balance in your life in what you choose to do. Cheer lead us on Mary!!
I’ve read the other comments and so many have worded it better than I could. I, too, have just been amazed at all you do and admire you so very much. But, you have a new grandson and other family members who need you, too. Just this past year, I decided to make baby quilts to donate and I only entered one small quilt in the county fair and I couldn’t tell you the last time I hand quilted. Be proud of yourself and all that you’ve done! Look forward to the future and new adventures!
Mary I fully understand. After awhile you can get kind of burned out. Currently our local hospital has asked for teen type/size quilts to have on hand in ER if a teen comes in from an auto accident or something severe. I would love to make one to donate from start to finish but with at least a dozen hospice tops waiting to be quilted I just don’t feel like I can do it.
It’s always good for the soul to give back but I really understand your feelings about using every free moment for giving back; there comes a time when we need to take a break and shift our focus…for our own sanity!
You’ve given so much to so many, and you’ve done it without asking anything in return – that is truly the spririt of an angel.
Now it’s time for you to focus on that grandbaby…and Keith and Chesty!
Just know that you’ve been an inspiration to me and many others.
Enjoy the rest of your life! (But keep posting, okay?)
You’ve done so much, Mary, over the past few years but we all need ‘me’ time! One of the many reasons I’ve never been interested in owning a longarm which would require quilting OTHER people’s quilts (don’t think I could justify one otherwise!!). You’ve definitely done a lot for donation that you shouldn’t feel the slightest bit guilty about your decision.
Take a big sigh of relief and pat yourself on the back. Good job, Mary! I really don’t know how you kept up the pace for so long. Now I look forward to seeing more of your personal creativity here!
Mary, you have done a great job with Heartstrings. Now it is someone else’s turn to take over. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.