I have made a very painful decision.
With all the things going on in my life (grand-babies, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, novel writing) I have determined that it is time to sell my long-arm machine.
It is funny how much the decision hurt. My long arm machine has been part of my life for six years. I have quilted close to 1000 quilts on her. I love using her. Sadly, she takes up an entire room and a whole lot of my time.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a lot of irons in the fire. I am a quilter, doodler, crocheter, knitter, stitcher, pattern designer, wife, mother and grandmother. In addition to all this, I am a writer. I write novels, and am working on several quilting instruction books. My life is full and my time is busy. Something has to give.
When I sit back and reflect on it, I know that selling my machine is the right decision. Yes, I will have to pay to have my larger quilts quilted by another professional, but Calgary is full of ladies who do lovely work. But my body is telling me to slow down and take care of myself. So I shall use the gym more, eat better and leave the physical strain of standing for long periods while quilting behind me.
So, my plan is to finish the few quilts in my queue and part ways with the machine.
That adorable granddaughter of mine needs a playroom when I start babysitting her in the fall and my long arm is sitting in that space. So while I am giving up one pleasure, I am replacing it with another. And in the long run, I know that I will be much happier spending time with grand children than with a machine.
Life is all about change so, don't be sad for me, celebrate with me. It is the end of one era and the start of another. I shall still design quilts, write quilt patterns and I shall play with grand children. Life will be wonderful!
Hugs
Cathy
