Hi! and Welcome! Thank you for visiting my blog. I am participating in this years #2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop hosted by some fantastic folks that I met here on the internet! This Is the week I get to tell you about me...
I am a new quilter and a new blogger, so I am new. New like: I don't know all of the rules yet, new.
Scrap quilting and large applique seem to be my thing. I have values that hold close to the upcycling, recycling, responsible eco thrifty and traditional quilting values.
I think it is in my Blood
My mom used to make her own clothes in the 70's. Lovey caftans, with vibrant prints and colors, could be found in the trunk in the basement. I wore these treasures in my teens (90's) with a reverence for free spiritedness.
Upcycling and recycling are very important to me.
I adore the roots of quilting where it was about making the best of what was available. I care about the environment and the people who make our textiles. I want to live a conscious life and I want to contribute as much or more as I take. (I am such a girl guide [eye roll] )
I have found a few bloggers in the quilting community that share my values:
I adore Kaja's philosophy and style at Sew Slowly her improv ad-hoc utility quilting inspires freedom and makes me feel like I can breathe.
Jo Avery from My Bearpaw who wrote this post about the Green Quilting Movement.
Blair Stocker at Wisecraft just wrote a book about upcycling in quilts! and Debbie at a Quilters table wrote an introductory post about it.
If you are interested in the upcycle aspect of quilting, I would love to connect!
The 9658 Brand
I know that some people are curious about the name 9658 Textiles. The 9658 is a brand of sorts that started with my 9658 Honey products. My husband and I make honey in our back yard and on a woodlot in Ft Assiniboine, Alberta Canada.
9658 is my house number; 9658 is the house brand. So when you come over and I have perfected the rhubarb wine recipe, I will pour you a glass of the 9658 house wine, then send you home with a jar of the house jam or pickles, and a bunch of the house cut flowers, you will be taking home a little bit of 9658 with you.
So far on my blog, you can find my textile pursuits such as rug hooking tutorials, finished rugs and my crochet work.
I have just started this blogging journey and It is great to have you along. It has really turned into so much more than I thought it would. Follow me on my Journey who knows what we will learn together!
My hive is hosted by Beth at Cooking up Quilts
And the other two hives are hosted by Leanne at She Can Quilt and Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl. Check out my blog mates hives for cool stuff and giveaways
- Jan of Cocoa Quilts http://www.cocoaquilts.com/
- Yanicka of Finding Myself as an Artist http://yanickahachez.blogspot.ca/
- Vanda of Quilt in Piece http://chittenden.co.za
- Abbie of Sparkle On sparkilyblog.wordpress.com
Stay crafty my quilty friends.
Until next time,
Sarah
Sarah, it is so great to read your story. I love the name and logo, it is great that you have it working for all your ventures. Looking forward to following you on this journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan! At first the dear husband (DH) really didn't like the number thing. Now it works very well for us and he chuckles when he uses it.
DeleteSo nice to meet you! Your voice and your vision come through so clearly. I look forward to learning more about you as you continue in this journey!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, It is so nice to meet you too. I love being part of the online community of quilters! I look forward to following your quilty adventures as well :)
DeleteQuilting has deep roots in up cycling, and I am glad you have found several people online with whom you can connect already! I enjoy that we can all approach quilting from a different perspective but be working on the same craft and enjoy and learn from one another. Thank you so much for being a part of the blog hop!
ReplyDeleteThank you so greatly for hosting the blog hop Yvonne! I have met so many fantastic people. I love how quilting also has roots in gathering together to share perspectives and ideas! I really value how everyone is in a different place with their craft, it is so refreshing! thank you for bringing us together <3
DeleteI love how you have integrated 9658 throughout all your ventures, and the story behind it. It is so personal, and your passion for upcycling shows clearly. My sister shares those same values and lives her life accordingly. She doesn't blog, but will enjoy reading yours. I can't wait to find out more about your rug hooking. I've always had an interest, but other than a simple kit purchased from a local big box craft store, have had no experience with it. Thanks for sharing your story with us!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, Thank you, firstly for being our hive leader and helping to organize us for our posts and the blogging technology! I have learned so much from being a part of the group. I wasn't sure if the rug hooking would be ok on the quilting blog, but a fair number of quilters are interested and rug hookers are interested in the quilting! I look forward to sharing more rug hooking and quilting! YAY
DeleteHi Sarah! It's wonderful to read your story, thanks for sharing. How wonderful that your niche is recycling and upcycling, for it makes such cool looking scrappy quilts! I love that you have branded your house name, it's such an interesting idea! What will you do if you move?
ReplyDeletehahaha, Hi Liz, we will keep the 9658 number :). There are so many social media platforms out there that require an operating name. It has been interesting trying to sort out where everything goes and what to call it.
DeleteWhat an interesting journey! Love your values and the way you express them in your quilting. The 9658 brand is a great concept and so pleased that you carry it through all your endeavors. Nice to meet you on the blog hop, and wish you were closer to taste some of that rhubarb wine and enjoy your hospitality.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet you too Kathleen :) there is always post... lol. I'm not sure that sending wine through the mail is allowed though. :/
DeleteSo nice to meet you! I love that you express your values through quilting. Enjoyed reading your story and look forward to seeing more of your quilty adventures.
ReplyDeleteHi Jess, Isn't that the truth about adventures; we all grow and evolve and change in one way or another!
DeleteLove how you came about your brand name. Honey, too? Wow, very cool. I love how you have a clear direction and purpose in your quilting adventure.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy. Nice to meet you! I did have to be mindful about it. I had to sit down and think about what I am about, and what I value. The blog hop has been a great platform to grow and develop ideas and skills. We are building 4 more hives and working on our honey processing house this spring! I am so excited!!
DeleteAhh, now I know the story behind the name! It's great to find out a little more about you!
ReplyDeleteHi Paige, Thank you for inquiring of the name early in the new quilt bloggers group and suggesting it as part of the introductory post. Your help and advice has been excellent in the blog hop group! thanks!
DeleteHello newbie blogger, I too subscribe to upcyling, recycling and refashioning. The majority of my fabric and thread are thrifted. Absolutely love improv quilting, in fact I have trouble keeping to strict templates and rigid rules.
ReplyDeleteI am visiting from the Blooming Quilters hive with my debut post on May 1.
Pop on by for a visit some time
http://thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
I checked out your links and they were very interesting. Of note, was the callout by one blogger on the fast quilting phase of those who turn out quick projects for the sake of posting. Can't say I am one of them, I just go with the flow (and have more than one WIP to show for it).
DeleteHi Tami! Hahah. I know how you feel about the templates and rigid rules. I feel that they are meant to teach skills but thennnnn.... meant to be used and experimented with! lol. perhaps we are kindred spirits that way. I do find that the desire to show something for my work motivates me to continue on with projects, I have to be very discipline and creative to keep working the quilt. there was a process pledge going around a couple months ago which I thought was brilliant! but I haven't seen it for a while. Does anyone know who's button/project that was?
DeleteI really enjoyed getting to know you. I saw that you followed my blog recently and I think we may have much in common. I love improv and I am interested in upcycling although at the moment I am trying to work my way through the fabrics in my stash. I often think about how consumerist I have become since I started quilting and I would like that to change.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, I did start following sunshine in winter quilts! I love how you show the construction of the blocks in your posts. I feel that is how quilters used to socialize when they would get together; they would pass on secrets and hard won information about the craft. hehe. I am pretty sure that using up your stash counts as being good to the environment by using what you have. Maybe I can support your want to change by posting more about upcycling?
DeleteHi Sarah, love your post and your thoughts on creativity really shines--well done. One of the first quilts I made and hand sewn, nonetheless, was from my boys old blue jeans and cotton summer shorts which I still have. There is a great satisfaction making something from up cycling. Unfortunately, I don't do it enough. Thanks for being an inspiration. Glad to have met you in the Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, I am dearly glad to have met you in the blog hop as well. I am inspired by your great photos and your willingness to figure out that technology! so fun! I really want to turn my sons baby clothes into a quilt. I kept the nice ones because I thought he might want them when he has a child.... I really don't think he will. lol. I should just make a quilt/play mat and his baby can use that instead.
DeleteHi Sarah, fun to meet you through your post and to learn about your love for upcycling and recycling. My daughter is into that as well, so I am learning from her. I have a difficult time getting rid of any type of fabric, since I was raised to reuse if I can. I have to admit that I don't do it enough either, but I try my best! Have you seen the Seven Shirts Quilt? That's one I'd like to make someday, for the fun of it! Wendy at piecefulthoughts@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI googled it! way cool! It kind of goes to show you can make a variety of patterns up from upcycled materials! oh man, the plaids today would make an awesome quilt. (I am so tempted by the licenced plaids off the bolt. I just hold my breath and put it on the list of materials to look out for in our clothes or at the thrift shop)
DeleteSeven Shirt Quilt:
http://thethriftyquilter.blogspot.ca/2009/06/seven-shirts-seven-steps-one-thrifty.html
Morning Sarah - love to get to know you better with this post. Isn't Kaja fantastic - I hope to be meeting her in real life in the not too distant future. I have been led astray in my quilting journey these last 18 months after I bought my first FQ in August 15 - prior to that it was all vintage, recyled and thrifted fabric - you have given me pause for thought. I look forward to seeing where you go on your journey!
ReplyDeleteHi Abigail, The community of quilters we have here is really amazing. Kaja is great, I agree :) you guys will have to post if you do get together :) hehehe that would be so fun. Thank you for including me in the community Abigail, you have been very supportive and encouraging!
DeleteRhubarb wine?!? That sounds delicious!! We really love raspberry rhubarb pie here! It was great to get to know you better! I love the work of Sherri Lynn Wood (I follow her on IG). She is a big proponent of upcycling and reusing too.
ReplyDeleteoooh! I will have to check her out! thanks for sharing that info! I am still new to the "scene" so discovering people is part of the fun! Now I am thinking rhubarb raspberry wine..... hmmm... maybe if we get a lot of raspberries this year I will try it :)
DeleteHi Sarah! It's nice getting to know you through the blog hop. You live a very fascinating and fun life. I love your movement towards upcycle and recycling with your quilts. I use up every bit of scrap fabric that I have. Rarely does anything go in the garbage when it comes to quilting.
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired! I love how people use up every little bit! I feel like I am in good company! Thanks for following along and chatting! I cant wait to share ideas and stories of how we upcycle :)
DeleteIf I go to Canada, I would love to stop and have some Rhubarb wine. I make rhubarb/blueberry and rhubarb/strawberry jam. Yum!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever do come to Canada Danette, stop in at my place. you can even stay a while and explore the boreal forest :) rhubarb strawberry is my favorite combo! yum!
DeleteRhubarb wine....yum! Enjoyed reading about you and your crafty life. I have been crocheting since age 10, and sewing as well. So nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, nice to meet you too! You have some amazing sewing skills at yellow cat quilting designs. Thank you following the 9658 blog.
DeleteSounds like you're a busy girl! Your talking about making honey and rhubarb brought back great memories to me if my childhood. I grew up in Alaska on 40 acres and had a wonderful childhood. Many years ago I did some rug hooking and it would be great to pick that up again. What's one more UFO, hehe. I'm a new follower so looking forward to checking out your blog.
ReplyDeleteusairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com
Wow! Swoon! Alaska :) The closest I have gotten to Alaska is Dawson City Yukon. I lived there for a couple of months in the summer with my toddler. I left a peice of my heart there in the open skies and fresh air. I will do my best to sneak in the rug hooking stuff for ya'll. So nice to meet you Jodi!
DeleteWhat a great post. I'm honoured to be included in it. I love the way your quilting seems to be an integrated part of your approach to the whole of life and your brand name is perfect.
ReplyDeleteAwww shucks, Thank you Kaja :D
DeleteThank you for sharing your story with us. I loved reading about you. And you know what I completely forgot to post about my venture with eco quilting. I very rarely buy new fabric. Only when I want a constant background behind design. So far all the quilts I have made, has been made from scraps of fabric that was given to me by people who wanted to throw these bits away. I promised myself I would never buy fabric, until I have used up all my scraps. I even buy second hand half used spools of thread from the local charity shop. I have found some super vintage spool that way. My dad and son, pass on any of their shirts for my quilting venture. So in a way, I am a green or eco quilter. I love knowing there are other out there that does the same. I even keep the 1 inch bits for a postage stamp quilt I am slowly working on. The the threads and bits of fabric that is left, is used to stuff soft toys and pet pillow or beds. No waste. When my square ruler's lines started fading, I past it on to someone else who loves to sew, but could not afford to buy one herself. There so many ways...
ReplyDeleteAwwweeesome! you really have the idea of upcycling downpat! I have often thought of using the little bits to stuff pin cushions and such. Thats it, I'm going to start doing that. I will send you the first one :) ok, maybe the second one :p (just in case the first one sucks) also... A postage stamp quilt! I smell a Quilt challenge coming on. I also have a bunch of 1" strips for string quilting, but I have always wanted to do something postage size! I am so glad to have met you Vanda! eeeee!
DeleteI really like how you present your style. The roots of quilting are so fascinating! I have always tried to incorporate a few of our favorite shirts or my Grandma's fabrics into my quilts though I haven't always broadcast it.:) It's a very sweet touch to have that bit of memorabilia.
ReplyDeleteAudrey, I was just reading your post at Quilty Folk about the creative process! Fantastic! Isn't it awesome what types of learning happens when we challenge ourselves? I love that post, it is so human and rich with experience! thank you for commenting on my post! I feel pretty honored :)
DeleteHi Sarah! I love the idea of house wine and house jam! It's great to meet you, I look forward to following your upcycled quilting journey!
ReplyDeleteI am really hoping to measure up! sometimes I don't measure the big things though. I just try and do my best as I go along. Maybe I should go have some jam to reassure myself. I am good enough. I am OK. Isn't that weird how we get insecure sometimes?
DeleteHi Sarah, I loved your post. Your personality really shines through. You have captured the real essence of quilting through recycling what is available and the challenge of making it into something beautiful and practical, which you have done. I love how you have used your house number in your name, and the offer of rhubarb wine and home grown flowers is a lovely touch! It screams this is who I am, this is what I do! I look forward to learning more about your work.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, thanks for saying such nice things :) It reminds me of a favorite saying from the series firefly. They always use the word Shiny as a substitute for the word cool!
DeleteGreat post and nice to "meet" you! I love that you have a house brand. Looking forward to seeing more from you.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! Your color play Friday looks pretty fun! Its great to "meet" you too!
DeleteVisiting from the hop, I too like a variety of textile arts. Interesting note on your brand, honey and wine, sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol! it is nice to meet you! I saw that you have a post about up-cycling with fabric! YES! Love it.
Deletehttps://frommycarolinahome.wordpress.com/category/scrap-crafting/
It sounds like you are a busy lady with an idyllic lifestyle, it is lovely to meet you. A great introductory post, it makes me want to know more about you. I wish you fun on your quilting journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate! I try to keep things in my life that are important to me. I do have the 5 o'clock dinner struggle, teenager challenges, football son pride, step family adjustment issues, house money and car woes and dont even get me started about my health. lol. I love sharing the things in my life on here that nourishes me so I can deal with all the other life stuff. Thank you for being a part of that. :)
DeleteWhat a great story, I wish I could pop over to talk quilts and try your house wine!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have you over! :) the spring just came here and I have been working on tidying the back yard and fancying up the lawn furniture, tune up on the hot tub (it is from 1995) and general enjoyment of the sunshine. If you came over today I would send you home with some daffodils and salsa Verde from last summer :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the blog! I peeked in because of the blog hop and got lost in reading your posts! It's great to see Canadian content! I, too am a new blogger, but have been quilting for decades. It's such a fun "hobby". I enjoy repurposing favorite clothes and love ve making scrappy quilts with contents of my scrap bin. It makes those quilts special with so many fabrics having memories of people or occasions attached to them.
ReplyDelete