Being Productive Equals Being Enthused

So I had a truly enjoyable time in California.  The people at the California plant made me feel welcomed and of value. While I'm not sure how much of an expert I am they sure treated me like I was one.  That made for a very enjoyable work experience.  Plus I felt like we got some real work done.

There is not really a whole lot to do in Gustine and Santa Nella California. So I spent my evenings in the hotel room.  Fortunately I had planned for this and had my Swedish weaving project ready to go. I should point out that I am not really a needle work person.  It just takes too long to finish a project. But I always forget that before I start a project. Then project drags on for years.

Feathers To and Fro

Anyway I spent the evenings and early mornings (because my body didn't want to adapt to Pacific time) stitching away. In the four days, I was able to get one pattern repeat done.  Over this weekend I was able to get a 1/3 of the next repeat done. This project is going to take 7 pattern repeats to complete. It won't be done anytime soon.  But as I have a few minutes here and there I will work on it. I have it at the ready in a basket hanging on my project shelf. I am really happy with how it is looking and I love the colors.

Thursday, I got off work a little early and went to a couple of quilt shops.  I drove to Los Banos but despite my calling and asking about the hours the day before it was closed.  I then used the google machine to see where else close by I could find a shop. Google listed Cloth and Quilts in Hilmar, CA.  I headed that way. I was about a mile away when I spotted Cabin Quilts also in Hilmar.  It was a fairly small store with a lot of personality. It was very welcoming. I mentioned that I was heading to a different shop when I spotted them.  They said I needed to visit the other shop because it was bigger. They even gave me directions to it.  They told me the other shop had a lot more in the way of books and rulers as well as a bigger fabric selection. After purchasing a few fat quarter bundles and a small jelly roll. I headed over to Cloth and Quilts. When they found out I was visiting the area and looking for quilt shops, they made sure to tell me about Cabin Quilts. They stated that Cabin Quilts cater to more drop in sewing and often had kits made for people to just get going. Both stores offer long Arm services. Cloth and Quilts offers rental time of their long arms. The two stores have a very symbiotic relationship and often refer customers to the other store. They both offer different services and seem to help each other grow.  As a result their customers are the winners. I did make purchases at both stores but didn't break the bank. I was pleased to see the two stores working together.

Friday I headed home.  I didn't get in until late (11:30 pm) but the flights were uneventful and I read two books on the way home.  Saturday I was so proud of myself. I unpacked my suitcases and put everything up including my quilt store purchases. I didn't just pile things up. I also went through the mail and took care of it right away. Then I finished squaring up the blocks I made before I left. After that I sewed 50 more blocks all of which are pressed and squared up as well.

I am finding that I am more eager to work on things, even excited. I have even kept up working on the studio.  I also have had a few epiphanies but I'll save those are for another time.

Are you staying productive? What are you working on?