Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I know I haven’t posted anything on this blog for a LONG time. In fact, it’s been over a year.

It’s not for lack of having anything to say. And it’s not because I haven’t had quilts or projects to share. It’s just that, like many other people with a blog, I’ve struggled with having my own voice. It’s discouraging to see that so many other people out there have already said what I would like to say. Many of them have done it very well, so I didn’t see a need to reinvent the wheel or add to the internet noise. Friends and family have encouraged me to put it out there anyway, but a nagging little voice would tell me “Not yet. Find your unique voice first.”

I kept thinking it would come to me, and about 4 months ago I started searching in earnest. Up until this week there had not been a lighting bolt or “Aha!” moment. Interestingly enough, about the same time I started wresting with this, my dearest friend in the whole world texted me and said, “Hey, I’m ready to learn how to quilt.” I was thrilled! And as life would have it, we haven’t been able to get together to even start talking about the basics.

Last week we swapped a handful of text messages, and once again mentioned the need to start those lessons…and then it hit me!

So, here is my voice: I’m going to be Sandi’s personal quilt trainer with blog posts several times a week to get her started on some quilt workouts. And anyone else can play along, too. We are going to start with the basics, but move up to exercises that will have her QUILTING STRONG in no time. I’m calling the series “Quilt Coach.”

I know there is a lot of quilting instruction out there. But I also know that Sandi needs to hear it a certain way, so I’m hoping that I can put all this info into a format that is clean, simple, straightforward, and builds some serious quilting skills. But it’s not just for Sandi.  It’s open to anyone out there who wants to learn, so if that’s you, I hope you will play along.

And if you’re already a quilter, and have a friend who wants to learn, please send them here. And you never know…I may share a trick or two that will make even a seasoned pro a better quilter.

Happy Quilting!

Maria