After speaking to 100 quilters in Winnipeg
earlier this week, I have a keener appreciation for those of you who don't have
access to a wide variety of fabrics and quilting products. It reminded me of
our original mission at eQuilter – to provide the *service* of stocking in
depth for quilters around the world who don't have access to a large local
quilt shop. We support local quilt shops, because without them we wouldn't have
an industry, and they serve the crucial function of educating beginning and
intermediate quilters. Not everyone can fly to a national quilt festival to
take classes with advanced teachers.
In Winnipeg's case, the Manitoba Prairie Quilters were so excited to have Paula
Nadelstern teaching there for 4 days, one week ago. Then it just worked out –
serendipitously – for me to come and give a power point a few days later.
Thanks for the warm welcome and enthusiasm during my visit to Winnipeg!
I am posting a ton of videos this weekend, but as I write this newsletter, I am also about to run out the door to see The Book of Mormon. So watch our video page in the next 24 hours,
and I will also remind you on our Facebook pages (mine, and eQuilter's) as I
post more videos from Houston, and Quilting Arts TV.
Kathy Price (Mission of Love
Director) and I have been in touch about a project to send disaster relief and
quilts to the Philippines. This will be a longterm recovery project, as we have
done after other disasters in the US and abroad. So if you feel moved to make
comfort quilts for hurricane victims there, yes we are working on a plan. This
weekend Kathy is sending 14 pallets/58,000 lbs of aid to Guatemala. She is just
a little bit busy this weekend!
In case you missed this last week, I was up in Churchill photographing
the polar bears. You can see my
photos here. A few days ago I was in a helicopter over the ice,
photographing wild bears! Several people have asked if I would lead a tour to
see the bears, and I am going to talk to this locally-based national wildlife
tour company about the possibility. I did some investigation regarding the
Inuit/First Nation crafts and needle arts, so I am thinking about putting
together some combination of Eskimo Arts and Polar Bear tour for those of you
who were mesmerized with my bear, fox and tundra images.
However, I promised Paul I wouldn't travel as much next year, so we'll see what
happens…
And yes, Monday is my birthday. I am turning 55. How did that happen? Life goes
by pretty fast so I am trying to make the most of every day. I am so blessed to
have such an amazing husband and partner, a wonderful family, a successful
business and a talented staff. Every day is a gift. Many thanks to all of my
dear friends and customers around the world, and I hope you have a wonderful
Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Happy Birthday, Luana! You know, it’s not just about whether there IS a big, fully stocked quilt shop nearby. What quilt shop is going to be open at 10 PM on a Sunday night, when my husband is distracted by football, my kids are asleep, and I finally have a spare moment to myself? Also, I like to shop for fabric in my pajamas. 🙂 Thanks for having such a well-organized shop that is just as easy to browse as it is to search for something specific.