Tuesday, January 7, 2014

karma à la clematis {and an announcement!}

It's funny how life falls into place sometimes.  (Or, how my over-analytical mind sorts separate life happenings into single story lines.)  Either way, after reading the following events, I hope the inspiration for this four-ring DWR—pieced from clematis-colored Oakshotts and coordinating leftover liberty arcs—will be clear.


About a month ago, on December 5—four days after posting my equality-inspired DWR on December 1—I received an email from a past guild president in California; she was wondering whether I spoke or taught at guilds.  I was honest, letting her know that I'd only been "seriously" quilting and blogging about a year, that I was still finding my footing in our lovely community, and that it was something I'd love to do.  I was cautiously optimistic, but didn't expect to hear much—if anything—for a while.



The semiannual SMS giveaway week quickly followed four days after that note (it rolled out on December 9).  As many of you know, I offered some oceanic Oakshotts (and Aurifil) as part of the fun.  Four days later, Mr. Oakshott generously shared some holiday cheer via a few fabrics he knew I had my eye on (I'd inquired about shipping rates for the Clematis color wrap, which I'd regrettably excluded from an earlier order).

The title of his December 13 email announcing the incoming parcel?  "Karma."



So imagine my surprise when—you guessed it, four days after "Karma" hit my inbox—an email with the subject line, "READY TO COME TO CALIFORNIA?" showed up on December 17.

In reply, I wanted to say "Where do I sign?!" but, being the over-analytical attorney that I am (it's true!), I decided to get some details first.  Two paths, same result :o)

And so I give you karma à la clematis,


the class sample I just shipped off to the Beach Cities Quilters Guild, where I'll be speaking on February 13 and teaching a two-day workshop for my double (diamond) wedding ring design on February 14 and 15.


Thank you, Michael and Jean, for setting the wheels in motion for a host of independent interactions, separated by four-day increments yet inextricably interlinked, both in my mind, and (now) in this design.

One ring pays homage to the liberty+oakshott creation that arguably triggered it all.

I know California's massive (or so Anne tells me), and that many of you think I'm nuts anyway, but I'd love to see/meet/work with you if you're local to southern Orange County* :) I'm stepping in last-minute for a very talented quilter who had to reschedule for personal reasons, so sign-ups haven't even started (I'm under the impression they open on Thursday, January 9 at the guild's regular meeting, but see their newsletter for more details).

*I only wish I were local:  Sarah Fielke, Cheryl Arkison, Kathy Doughty, and Jacquie Gering are all on this guild's upcoming speaker list(!)  One day, Indiana.  One day :)  In the meantime, we'll just enjoy our snow days...


Cheers to an adventuresome 2014.  Perhaps I'll be seeing you soon!

Sarah

27 comments:

  1. Congrats! Very exciting! I hope it goes well for you, wink. Your quilt is awesome. Love your diamonds!

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  2. You. are. AWESOME! Congrats, friend! Hopefully one day I'll hear you speak and then we can go out after! Lol!

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  3. Squeeeeeeeee! That is amazing and awesome and I am so excited for you!

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  4. Wow, wow, wow! Can't wait to hear how it all goes :)

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  5. Woohoo! What a fabulous start to the year! So exciting! And of course... gorgeous quilt!

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  6. So glad I got to be a part of this new endeavor. Your sample quilt is more beautiful than the first. I can't wait to hear your story and meet you personally! I am very excited. Friday morning we are open for those that want to sign up for you two-day workshop. All are welcome to attend valentines day 6:30pm to our guild meeting at the Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo. We may only have a few opening for the workshop because members have the first chance. The workshop is 2/15 -2/16

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    1. CORRECTION!!!!!!!!!!! Sarah is talking on Thursday February 13th... and teaching the two-day class on February 14-15..... questions/signups - jimpey11@yahoo.com

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  7. Congratulations! My jaw simply dropped when I saw your beautiful quilt. It Is Stunning!!!

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  8. What a gorgeous quilt and great opportunity!! Well done. :) I particularly like those blue stripes. They add a lot to it for me.

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  9. OHHH that is so fabulous! I wish I could come to California too! I am wanting sun so badly and the weather here is even not that bad! It is actually too warm for this time of year. Flowers are popping up all over the place. Very weird!!!
    I wish you lots of fun at the quilt guild!!!
    Esther

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  10. Oh my goodness. There are no words. Just gorgeous and congrats!

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  11. If it fills up, can I come be your assistant? It would be tragic if you were in the same state as me and we didn't get to hang out and I didn't get to see this quilt in person. :) Of course I'd rather take the class, but I know how it goes sometimes. :)

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  12. I saw your diamonds awhile back and was stunned and amazed at their intricacy. Good for you and here's to much more Karma in 2014.

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  13. OMG! That's really exciting! I am really happy for you! And what an awesome DWR quilt by the way!

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  14. Congrats! The quilt is stunning--some lucky ladies will be having a great time learning with you.

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  15. Great succession of events Sarah!! Enjoy CA!! In love with your DWR especially have my eye on those setting diamonds!

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  16. this is a beautiful quilt from beautiful serendipity. Congrats!

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  17. Yay, hurray! Congratulations on being so generous and clever and that other people are seeing and recognizing it. One of the reasons I like your DWR quilts is that your rings are so round.

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  18. Congratulations to you...I know it is going to be a wonderful experience. The people attending your workshop are very lucky. You are sososo talented. This piece is absolutely gorgeous...so beautiful. Good luck and best wishes.

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  19. I'm catching up on my blog reading, so this is a little late, but CONGRATULATIONS!! You are going to have such a fantastic time, and those guild members are so lucky to be learning to make such a beautiful quilt! Have fun, and may many amazing teaching experiences follow this one!

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  20. Hello! Are you going to release a pattern for the DWR and diamond? Or since you have already taught your class, could you maybe possibly share what size of diamonds you used? Pretty please??

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