Don’t you just hate it when a blogger you follow just seems to have dropped off the face of the planet?! Ahem… Yep, it’s been nine months since I last posted on this ol’ website. And over a year since I posted anything other than a quilt block tutorial. Hello, again!
But spoiler alert – it’s also goodbye-ish.
If you follow along on Instagram, then you’ll know that my life has continued to change over the past few months. I have gone from working 3 days a week in an admin role at church, to now 2 days a week in a communications role. And I have also now added a second job – teaching a gifted education program 1.5 days a week. It’s a busy schedule these days, switching between two very different jobs! But I absolutely love both roles so much, and am beyond grateful that I get to do both and not have to choose between these two passions of mine.
What you might have also noticed from Instagram is that I’m deeply into English paper piecing now. In fact, I have not touched my sewing machine in almost six months. Yep, for real. I’m in the process of piecing together my Hexie Harvest quilt, and just this week, I’ve started on my next EPP project!
I love the pace of EPP, I love that I can mix up what creative task I’m doing – cutting, basting, or sewing – depending on my mood and my energy. I can do it from the cosy comfort of my couch with my dog (who is currently snoozing on the couch next to me). Or at night time while watching something with my husband, or take it with me out and about to friends’ houses like I did today. I can easily do just 10 minutes of sewing and make awesome progress! No need to go out to my cold, lonely sewing room that is currently just giving me flashbacks to the cold, lonely lockdowns… Yeah, I need to do something to that room to help my brain rewire itself to enjoy being in there…
However. What I assume you probably haven’t really noticed (because why would you?) is that I’ve also been winding down a lot of “business” things. Cancelling business subscriptions like my newsletter. Moving my patterns back to Etsy. Unpublished my online courses.
I needed to fully come out of that childhood-trauma-processing, lockdown-shocked, complete and utter burnout phase and begin to blossom again in this new season of life before I could make some of those closing down decisions. But now that I have, I have zero regrets.
I have been able to accept that the quilt designer season of life has now passed, and fully embrace and thrive in my next season of life.
One should never say never, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, who knows what life will throw at you next?! But I do know that for now, this is goodbye for the professional Blossom Heart Quilts. And hello to Alyce, a quilter blossoming in life.
Erica says
I’m pleased for you Alyce. It’s your life to live in whatever way will nourish you the most. Onwards.
Regina says
Thanks for all the years of sharing your creative life with us. Godspeed on your next phase in life, enjoy.
Bev says
Good for you! I think that many of us are finding the same. Life has changed again now that we are able to go out when ever we want. Even so it’s a different th8ng than before lock down. I know I am much more intentional in the choices I make
Elizabeth says
I totally get this. While my blog still feeds my creative urges (I’m at the other end of your spectrum of life), the hassle is real. Keeping up with keeping up. When did our creative vocation become drudgery? Couple that with some of the quilt drama, I can see that my blogging days are probably numbered, too. I hope you continue on with whatever your passion is, and hopefully your great blog will remain here for a while. Thanks for all–
Elizabeth says
Hi , I am Elizabeth also! I live in BR, La and searching for a quilting Bee near me. So long I looked, and now I found this site. Hoping this/somehow can help me find a Bee.
Thank you
Elizabeth in BR
Joan says
I misplaced you! Couldn’t find you and looks like I’m really late to the party. But I have many of your patterns that I will enjoy for years to come! To every thing there is a season. (And we happen to be knee deep in snow right now – Chicago!) Glad we could travel together for a while. Thanks
Fran says
With every good wish for in your new journey forward.
So sorry to read your negative thoughts and memories of lockdown. I discovered you during lockdown and followed your scrappy quilt sew along. I had never done anything like it and it started me on my quilting road. Your enthusiasm and generosity in a very bleak and difficult time was a sanity saver for me. Thank you so much
Rita says
Good for you for finding your “why!”
I do have a question…
I purchased a paper piece and course from you some time ago and haven’t accessed it since 2020. I still have my password and I’m wondering if there’s a way to log into that course. Thank you!
Alyce says
Hi Rita,
You should still be able to log in through your original order email.