I have been thinking lately about the progress I've made in my quilting journey. In some areas, it's not as pronounced - but in some areas, it's something that even I can see. Everyone's journey is different, and progress is sometimes (often times) a factor of the time one puts into working on their craft. At other times, it's a function of what gifts Mother Nature in her infinite wisdom (?) bestows on us, and how graciously, we accept her gifts. They can't be regifted or exchanged, but how we incorporate that new reality can make a world of difference in our daily living schedule.

Most people would associate sight (and I will get to that in a moment) as our primary 'sense' used in quiltmaking...but in fact each of the five senses is used in our craft if you think about it. The sense of touch is something that I associate with the soft, smooth feel of a really good quality cotton (or even flannel), where you just want to 'pet' the fabric or run your hands over it. That sensation is fed by the quality of the greige goods that are used in production. if it feels good on the bolt, won't it feel good on a cold night to snuggle under? I know that I've had the chance to run my hands over rougher quality cottons - and the label may say 100% cotton, but I go with how the fabric feels.

I hate to admit this, but sounds are also something that changes with the march of time - and that can be everything from the conversations you hear at a guild meeting, a class or a presentation you see or take, the background music that you sew to (and the volume), or the hum of your sewing machine. It may sound strange, but when I was in the market for a good quality sewing machine, I tested all the brands out there. I fell in love with the sound of my first Janome, and I've been faithful to the brand ever sense. I don't have a TV in my sewing space, but I do have a wonderful sound system that I can liscten to - and most days, I do. It's everything from instumentals to 70's/80's rock to podcasts...and it can ease the isolation of working at home.

I've never met a quilter who doesn't run on food, and tastes can change depending on the season, the hour or the mood. I know one wacky way my taste sensations have changed is my earlier preference for chocolate ice cream has now firmly evolved into coffee ice cream. I don't know whether it's an age thing, or whether it's a lifestyle choice with trying to consume less sugar. I know my favorite spirits is Bailey's, but that's mostly in winter.

Here's a fun fact about me - Santa usually brings me one bottle for Christmas each year. You know I've been working the diet plan well when you discover the unopened bottle in June!

Quiltmaking isn't something I usually associate with smells...but I have a favorite scent of Best Press (and I don't like to mix, even when it's on sale). Do you have a favorite BP scent?Leave a comment below and let us know which is your favorite.

What's probably the most universal of the senses we use in quiltmaking is sight, and that's something that almost universally changes as we get older. I began wearing glasses as the result of an injury in first grade, and wore them all throughout school. I was finally able to wear contacts as an adult, and never looked back. The photo at the top of the page is how I start my mornings - glasses (and yes, they are progressives!), then contacts - and invariably I add readers into the mix. Most of my sewing is done late at night, which means that the readers are part of the gear - or were until I found something that changed my life!

I love my Janome 8900 (oh, how can I count the ways) and it fits my needs/skills perfectly, but saw this

I love my Janome 8900 to pieces, and it's the machine that I use everyday in my sewing journey. It's supposed to be the machine that stays stationary here, but much more often than not, it's the machine that comes with me on the road.

I saw the AccuView with 3 magnifications set at a show last year on a higher end machine, and was absolutely amazed that they make an attachment like this. When I found out it was compatable with my machine, I couldn't wait to order it fast enough. This attachment is easy to install, and has a set of 2 lenses of progressive power levels...it really has made my sewing experience much more satisfying, and isn't that what it's all about?