I had a quiet, reflective weekend, thinking about what I'm doing with my life, what I want to do. Why? Because someone suggested that I apply for a certain teaching job but I guess I really don't want to. I'm sort of happy with the way I have my life set up now, teaching some but not too much, being housewifely at times, making things I like with my needle... Do I want to increase my workload and cut back on other things? No. Should I? Probably yes. Two kids in college... Tetsu would be thrilled if he didn't have the complete burden on his shoulders. Am I being selfish? Am I just afraid to go out in the world? 
If God gives you a door shouldn't you open it? But my feelings just get low when I think about changing what I have right now. Tetsu doesn't push me, and actually said he didn't think I should apply but maybe he's just being a considerate husband...I'm afraid I only have cat pictures and one mystery picture to show you today. The cats are enjoying the quilt when I'm not around. I have gotten to the white part of the quilt and am enjoying the decorative quilting. 
Lots of swirls and feathers. The white fabric has a brown pattern on it so actually my normal quilting thread didn't show up but I had half a spool of light brown thread in my drawer so I'm using that and it is showing up nicely. I hope I have enough thread for the whole quilt.
Lots of swirls and feathers. The white fabric has a brown pattern on it so actually my normal quilting thread didn't show up but I had half a spool of light brown thread in my drawer so I'm using that and it is showing up nicely. I hope I have enough thread for the whole quilt. And the mystery picture. Did you know what that constellation was at the top of the page? I'm getting pretty low on pictures if I start showing you things like this. It is the inside of my thimble! This is the thimble that I use on my left hand, the one under the quilt that pushes the sharp tip of the needle back to the front of the quilt, so it gets a workout. I'm not sure how many thimbles I've gone through in my quilting days, but this is by no means the first. One thimble may last me three or four bed cover size quilts before I get a hole in it. 
I'm still laboring on with this one by checking the position every time I put it on, but eventually what will happen is that the tip of the needle will slip into one of those holes and the needle will break. At that point I'll get out a new thimble. I don't know why, but having a thimble with a hole in it gives me a sense of accomplishment, like, "I really am a quilter!". Of course it may just mean that I'm hard on thimbles...
I'm still laboring on with this one by checking the position every time I put it on, but eventually what will happen is that the tip of the needle will slip into one of those holes and the needle will break. At that point I'll get out a new thimble. I don't know why, but having a thimble with a hole in it gives me a sense of accomplishment, like, "I really am a quilter!". Of course it may just mean that I'm hard on thimbles...
13 comments:
What a nice quiting design you have picked! As far as open doors go - God will let you know if you are to walk through that door or not. My prayer is that you will know which way to go.
Your quilting is so lovely, but ... holes in your thimble? My goodness, I've quilted about 10-15 full size quilts, in addition to several smaller items, and no holes in my thimble. Do you break needles, or do you bend them?
Your quilting is beautiful! Are you using a sturling silver thimble? If so then that must be why you are poking holes in them as that metal is soft. If not, then you must have one powerful "pushing" finger! Like Elaine, I've quilted many, many quilts and have yet to poke a hole in my thimble. But then I don't use one under the quilt - I just poke holes in my fingers!
Speaking as someone who is newly retired - I say do what you want and what feels right to you as long as you are doing OK financially. Much better to have a bit less money and a happy Tanya then more money and a stressed out unhappy Tanya!
Beautiful quilting. You must quilt alot to go through thimbles like that. I have a hard time using a thimble. They just don't seem to fit me right. I don't use them much, mostly only sew by hand with the binding.
Your quilting is lovely.
I understand your dilema completely. I've went through a couple years after I stopped working and before we moved to Minnesota thinking that my *break* should be over and I should find another job.
I've decided now that it's OK that I make quilting and donating quilts my full time job even though it doesn't pay. It's flexible and with Keith's busy schedule it allows us to spend time together that we wouldn't be able to if I was working again. I can go to Virginia and help my Mom when she needs me, I can travel with Keith - none of which I could do if I was working again.
Finally, I think this year for the first time I've let go of the guilt about not working. I'm happy, I'm productive, I'm doing something useful.
Good luck with your decision, you must follow your heart. A decision on paper is not always the right one.
Your hand quilting is superb. As for thimbles, I have never learned how to use one; I feel like I have all thumbs. I just seem to poke holes in my fingers. However, I only do hand applique and bindings, not any hand quilting.
Lorre
You must do what feels right for the both of you - after all although Tetsu may well carry most of the financial burden he couldn't do that without the 'unpaid' support from you - it's all a partnership after all. Beautiful quilting Tanya - wish I could quilt like that :o)
I like the thimble pic and the one of the sweet kitties all together. very charming. I've only poked a hole through one thimble and that was miserable because every once in a while the eye of the needle would go through the hole and really jab me. That hurts, so I got a new thimble.
if you don't feel inclined to work and don't have to, don't. Will Tetsu work fewer hours if you're also working? Will you be spending even more time together or less?
Sometimes these opportunities come along not because we should necessarily take advantage of them, but rather to provide a time for the kind of introspection and deep thinking and evaluating that you have been doing. Sounds as though you have considered the opportunity seriously and weighed it against the present structure of your life, and decided against it. That is perfectly valid!
n, np
Your quilting is beautiful. Whenever I see hand quilting, I am reminded yet again that I really should handquilt something. I can see how you would feel a sense of accomplishment to have worn out another thimble. Maybe it is like when I am able to make large quantities of trash to throw away.
Your quilting is beautiful -- and I can totally understand the feeling of accomplishment you have when you have holes in your thimble!
As for the working/not working. I think you have to do what will make you happy. Yes, the extra money would be nice, but would it give you the time to be with your husband? Would it allow you the time to spend on yourself (I know --totally selfish but just as important.)? In the end, you have to do what will work for you -- and I think you already know what that is. Maybe it's God's way of letting you see what you already have.
Your hand quilting is beautiful. Such fine, even small stitches! Congratulations to you.
To work or not to work? No one else can tell you what is best, follow your heart. Isn't the care of your husband and your home important work? It certainly would appear to be.
Oh, and I love that other bloggers have "cat-tested" quilts!
Jan
I haven't had a hole in my thimble for a while now since I started using the sides of the thimble instead of the top. It took a while to get used to having my finger bent slightly, but it works quite well. It's always amazing to me that holes can actually be made in those metal thimbles over time.
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