A Crafty Fox

Quilting. Books. Lifestyle.

It’s My Party {And a Giveaway}

This is a post I have been thinking about forever. It keeps me up at night. And I always wonder if what I learned could help someone else. I just turned 30 (yesterday! can you believe it!) so I am taking this opportunity to deviate from usual crafty goodness and talk candidly about life.


(My actual to-do list from Monday)

You see, I have a problem. I love to set goals for myself. At night I make up a list of what I hope to accomplish the next day. I like making the list. But the next morning my list becomes the enemy. A war to be fought and won. And when not everything on the list gets checked off, I can feel pretty down. As if I lost. Like I failed…again.

Am I the only one?

I hope not.

If you haven’t felt this way, feel free to skip down to the bottom of this post!

I have had this problem my entire life. I wanted to be a Broadway star growing up. I trained and practiced and auditioned against extremely talented girls (who did go on to be broadway stars). And then I went to college. I realized that I didn’t like big cities. I love small towns.

(A journal entry from 2001)

I decided I could become an attorney. One quick debate class quickly taught me that I hated confrontation.

(A journal entry from 2002)
So, I rethought my future and decided to become a doctor. I pushed myself through a difficult science program at my University, once again competing for grades with students much smarter than myself. And then I met my husband. And I decided that for our family to work, he needed to get through school. So I graduated and began working at a real grown up job. But I wasn’t a doctor.

And then we wanted to begin having children. They didn’t come right away. I worried and fretted. It was one of the hardest things I have dealt with.


When my little girl came to us, we were thrilled. But a whole new opportunity to tear myself down presented itself. Now, I could measure my faults not just with myself but with my daughter. If she cried in public, if my husband got frustrated with her, or if she (or I) ended up covered in all of the usual baby messes. A whole new opportunity to tear myself down.

Through all of this, I hold on to one amazing piece of advice I was given. At one of my low points in college, I met someone who absolutely radiated peace. He was a religious leader over my group of young adults. One day, I decided I would ask him how he always managed to be so put together. I showed him my lists, explained how they never all got done, and broke down in tears.

He was so kind. His advice a decade ago still keeps me going, and helps me to give myself a break. He told me to add something to my list. He told me to make it a goal to

fail at something every day.

Maybe that seems a little strange. I thought about it for weeks. And then I added it to my to-do list. I gave myself permission to maybe not get it all done every day. It let me have some wiggle room. It is a reminder that it is ok if I am not super-mom every day. I am doing my best. I am trying to get it all done. And if one thing (or a dozen) fall off of my list, even better! Because then I got my ‘fail’ in, too.

So, I am 30 now. I have the best gifts I could ever ask for. I have a husband who spoils me rotten. One busy little girl and snuggly little boy. I have a {tiny} little business that I absolutely love. So, for my birthday, I would much rather give than receive.

I have a fair bit of fabric. That shelf is made up of all of ‘my precious’ collections. And it won’t be sewn at this house anytime soon.

So, one lucky winner this week will get a little goody bag from me to you. It is a flat rate envelope stuffed FULL of pretty fabrics, scraps etc. I’ll start with a Madrona Road fabric roll.
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And then I’ll fill in the extra space with fabrics tailored towards you! So, I guess what I need to know is what you would want!

To enter this giveaway leave me a little note letting me know your all time favorite fabric collection. It doesn’t have to be out of print or hard to find or even popular. I’d just like to make you smile 🙂

For an extra entry, follow me on facebook or twitter.

And, if you don’t win, we’ll probably do this again soon to celebrate that our etsy shop has reached 1,000 sales. It has been a journey worth remembering!

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Related posts:

  1. Summer {Sault} Time: A Giveaway
  2. Something Finished and A Little Giveaway
  3. Starflower: A New Quilt Top (and Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!)
  4. Quilt market recap and giveaway: day four

Comments

  1. What a wonderful lovely post! I personally love Ruby by Bonnie & Camille 🙂 Something about lime, aqua and red just does it for me.

  3. What a lovely idea. Happy birthday. I’ve not been sewing all that long, and my favourite seems to change every time I see a brilliant new collection. But I do love the Tula Pink Prince Charming prints.

  5. What a sweet post! And the pictures are adorable! 🙂 My favourite line ever must be the first Far far away by Heather Ross, i have fallen hard for the unicorns and i keep noticing that the odd scrap here and there keeps making an appearance in my sewing odds end ends 😉

  6. Such a fantastic post that I especially needed today – thank you so much. I feel like I already “won”. I love Hometown by Sweetwater. I think it’s the subdued colors and text prints that I love about it.

  7. I already “like” your Facebook page (and as a sidenote have always loved your Etsy shop – congrats on nearing 1,000 sales!!!)

  8. Happy birthday for yesterday! I hope you had a wonderful day and were thoroughly spoiled.
    My absolute favourite fabric line is Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt. I just love the colours and the simple, graphic designs.
    Thank you so much for the chance to win!

  10. My favorite line of fabric ( until now ) is Flea Market Fancy by Denise Schmidt. I simply love it. Thanks for the chance.

  11. The wonderful giveaway aside, I really appreciate this post. This is very much how I feel a lot of the time with two kids and even before growing up. Though I wasn’t quite as brave as you were to try things out as much. I keep all the lists, make all the plans and get so frustrated and upset when I don’t get them done…and I have totally felt the same way now being a mom that it’s partly another way to see all the things I should’ve done. I want to thank you for sharing your advice and experiences, it’s really needed that bit of help today 🙂

    And happy birthday!!! I am sooo in love with Madrona Road and am biting my nails off to get my hands on Sarah Jane’s new collection when it comes out. I also love Tula Pink’s clever work, and I think everything you have in your shop is a favorite!

  12. Happy, happy birthday!! I love Heather Ross or Munki anything 🙂 I mean, really, who doesn’t?!??? Also really loving the purple color-way of the new Tula. This was a great post by the way. I did the same thing in college (couldn’t decide what I wanted to “be”) and then decided that what I really wanted to be was a mommy 🙂

  14. I don’t usually enter giveaways because I’ve always found myself to be one of those people who has no luck with these things. Scratch tickets, raffles, giveaways. I never win! So I’m entering simply to achieve the goal of failing at something today 😉 Great post and insights. You seem to be an incredibly ambitious person with a big heart.

    And since you asked, I guess I wouldn’t be mad at some Garden Party fabric by Anna Maria Horner. I missed the bus when it came out and recently discovered I’m in love with it. Bummer.

  18. Happy Birthday. I know how you feel . . . I’ve gotten to the point where I quit making lists, but then even if I have finished something, there’s nothing to check off. And then of course, there’s things like laundry and dishes that never get to be checked off. But life is good anyway, right?

    I love anything bright and saturated. I love the purples and brights in anything Kate Spain. Thanks for the chance.

  19. My favorite collection is Hope Valley from Denyse Schmidt. I am not a huge Denyse fan (I mean, she’s amazing and everything, just not generally my style), but I love Hope Valley. It goes so well with so many things and uses beautiful colors. The prints have really grown on my over time and I try to keep my stash stocked with them.

  22. Probably Flutterby by Tula Pink. And speaking of to-do lists, I have a Flutterby bed quilt for me that’s literally 4 years in the making at the moment – I need to buckle down & finish the last 40% of hand binding so I can wash & use it!

  23. Loved hearing your story 🙂 Love the concept of ‘fail at something everyday’. I, too, make lists – although mine are mental lists. Sometimes I finish, sometimes I don’t. Yesterday, I finished my list and it felt really good 🙂
    Anyhow! My favorite collections are vintage feeling, 30’s-50’s types, and I love love love anything aqua with a touch of red and gray 🙂

  24. I WANT WANT WANT to get my hands on the new Out to Sea by Sarah Jane! I need mermaids and narwhales 🙂

  25. My favorite would be ANYTHING by Bonnie & Camille. I love everything they do!

  28. I love this post! You have a gift for writing! I love the Storyboek line, both 1 and 2.

  30. What a wonderful post and an outstanding attitude! I, too, have struggled with expectations versus what is best for the family. You seem like you have found the right balance!

    As far as fabric, I love so many different kinds, but lean toward modern, bright or geometric. I love Sweetwater, Denyse Schmidt, Anna Maria Horner, Tula Pink, and so many others!

    Happy, happy birthday!!!!!

  31. Good for you! Keep on failing and giving yourself some understanding. I know it’s hard for ME.

    I love Lotta Jandotter’s Echo, but missed out on most of the prints because I was being a good girl and not buying more fabric I didn’t need. Sob! Once I decided I had to have some, it was nearly impossible to find. I also like some older Amy Butler (French Wallpaper was OOP before I started quilting and knew it existed), loads of Tula Pink, and just got a FQ bundle of the FMF reprint.

    Happy birthday!

    • Feel like I should have also mentioned I love bright colors and solids, too. Love your little shop! Happily waiting for your message about Bella.

  32. Thanks for the giveaway. I turned 30 this year too 🙂 I like anything bright & cheerful. Finishing up my Flea Market Fancy quilt this week.

  34. ooh im loving Low Volume right now… and Navy… and I do love the Ruby line..
    there are so many fabrics to love… and I do have a killer stash but Oh I love to get a flavor of my friends… makes my quilts sparkle…

    R

  35. happy 30th. The best is truly yet to come!
    Favorite fabric line…Folksy Flannels by Anna Maria Horner. It’s becoming harder to find, but just last week I bought 3 yards of each print.

  36. Happy Birthday! This was a good read 🙂
    Just in case, my favourite designers are Joel Dewberry & Sandi Henderson…and Heather Bailey. I’ll stop there…

  38. Holy cow, amazing stuff! You hit it right on the head. I make lists too and I usually don’t get it all done! But at the end of the day I figure if no one is in the ER, the dinner dishes got cleared, and little guy got a bath (if needed) then all is well. I’ll have to remember to put that on my list too, “fail at something” today. Love it. Thanks for giving me permission to do that.

    Hmmm for scraps? I have so many scraps! All i can say is no pink, green, or blue. Too many of those 🙂 LOVE the Madrona Rd fabic rolls! I managed to buy 1 yard of each of the word fabrics… fabulous!
    Happy b-day!!!! I’ll be 32 this year, someone pinch me!

  40. Loved your post, but it made me hurt to read that you tend to be hard on yourself. I really believe that compassion is the most important thing in the world and that in order to feel it deeply for others we have to first extend it to ourselves; I try to do both, though sometimes the first is easier than the second…

    My favorite fabric line is the Suzuko Koseki one that includes the words “My Recipes” and “Whole Wheat Bread” in huge print. The one with white writing on bright red is my all-time favorite print ever!

  41. Happy 30th to you!!! I’m not far behind 😉
    I’m lovig Pat Bravo’s Summerlove collection 🙂

  43. I turned 30 a couple years ago, I had just (FINALLY) finished college, I was (and still am) a SAHM, and felt like I’d accomplished nothing. I didn’t have a career, I’d only just finished college, but wasn’t working in that field OR the field that I’d originally went to school for years and years ago. Then I realized that all the years of struggle had made me a kick ass woman, a good mom, and a pretty darn good wife. I have 3 great kids and a loving husband. Those things take work, too!

    Anyway – my point is that self-reflection is hard, and I think you’ve turned out pretty awesome, even though you’re not a dr or a lawyer. Making babies isn’t always hard, but it is hard to be a kick-butt mom and a wife. And finding time to have a business as well? Yeah, I’d say you’re doing great. Happy Birthday 🙂

  44. This is the second blog post today ( the other is Ann Voskamp)that hit on those woman issues lots of us deal with like guilt, self esteem, being hard on ourselves, not feeling as if we measure up. Yours is sweetly written and contains much I can relate to. Thank you and have a wonderful birthday! Fabric….I love Lecien Flower Sugar, I love the colors and paisleys in Blitzen by Moda, and mostly I just love fabric! Pink, red,aqua, yellow, green…and most other colors of the rainbow!

  45. happy happy 30! i know exactly how you feel, and have done all those things myself at some point too! what do i want to do? i stil don’t know! my son is heading back to school and i have no clue.
    thanks for sharing your celebration with us- i love anything tula pink, but esp. the new birds and bees line! and any solids- i need some!

  46. Dear Amanda,
    Happy Birthday! The one thing that you can always count in life is that things will always be changing in your world. “Change” is a constant and the paths of our lives all happen for a reason. Loving someone, building a family and legacy for your children based on kindness, creativity, honesty, love and forgiveness will give you many happy memories well past the age of turning 30!! Live each day with an open heart and may your upcoming year be filled with everything you dream of!

  47. Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoyed your day and best wishes for the year. Recently I have fell in love with Tula Pink’s the birds and the bees. But I think my all time favorite is the Wing It collection from Moda. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  48. Hi! I loved this post – I used to make lists and occassionally still do, but I find it to be too stressful now. My favorite collection is Half Moon Modern, I am making my swoon out of it and going King Size!

  49. What a great blog post! Thank you for being so open and transparent with your readers. 🙂 My favorite fabric collection is Wonderland, although I missed the boat with it when it came out (because I had just started quilting, and didn’t even know about it). Within the last month or so, I got my hands on a layer cake and jelly roll. Now they can happily collect dust in my sewing room, until I’m ready to cut into them. 🙂 Besides that, right now I’m seriously crushing on some Christmas fabrics, which are my weakness. Specifically Cherry Christmas and Dear Mr. Claus.

  50. Patriotic fabrics. I am in the middle of making as QOV’s I have 2 done (well, almost) and enough cut for 2 more! So, more patriotic fabs or at least reds and blues would be great!

  52. I love making lists too! But sometimes it is overwhelming to see that by the end of the day, you didn’t mark off all of them, or as many as you’d have liked. Keep working hard! I am currently building up my fabric collection so anything to in bright colors and pinks, I love :]

  54. Happy Birthday! Love your blog about you not getting your list done! That fits me to the T. Also have figured out everything takes me at least twice as long as I plan & also always need to add in time for the unexpected. I love Denyse Schmidt’s, Anna Marie Horner’s, brights, and batiks, etc. In other words any pretty fabric! I am moving in the direction of modern quilts which are so fun! Thank you for thinking of such a kind event!

  55. What a lovely post! I can certainly relate. I don’t know if it’s my “most favorite ever” but a current favorite of mine is Reunion Vanilla and Ink Johnny’s Jacks. There’s something very artsy and retro about it that I love. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

  56. Happy 30th! Your spiritual leader gave you some great advice. We all put far too many pressures on ourselves to be perfect and to accomplish more than possible for any one person. Letting ourselves fail is a good start!
    I am a fabric junkie. I do not get to buy all of my faves, but I do drool for them! I adore just about anything by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake. There are many Michael Miller fabrics I love – especially in the citron and the spa colorways. American Jane Punctuation is adorable. Tula Pink Birds & the Bees, Full Moon Forest and Nightshade are also faves of mine (told you – JUNKIE!).
    Hugs,
    Heidi

  58. Happy birthday! I love that advice… must share it with my daughter, who is very goal oriented!

    My favorite all time fabric line is probably Fig Tree Patisserie. Love it!

  60. You know, I’m turning 60 this year and if there’s one thing I learned along the way is that time passes much too quickly and that you have to enjoy each and every day. Happy Birthday! I love cheery fabric and whimsical fabric.

  62. Love the fabric! Happy birthday!
    I love Acadia by Sanae but I also love anything retro and vintage looking!

  64. Happy Belated Birthday!! I remember 30, believe me life gets soo much better now!

    What fabric I want? I’m not choosey. I love the brightest, neon, gorgeous pink, blue, green, & yellows! I cherish my fabric so much some times it’s hard for me to cut it up it’s so pretty. Eventually, I do cut it and sew it & it’s beautiful.

  65. What an incredible post! I’m always astounded when people are able to be so honest with themselves, let alone with others, and over the internet:) You really sound like you have everything you could want on this particular birthday, but I still wish you a better year than ever.

    (Fabric…oh, you know, the retro-y looking Japanese imports always get me!)

  66. Happy Birthday!
    Thanks for the reminder to be okay with not getting it all done – I have four kids home for the summer including a baby, and I”ve felt like a total fail all summer because I haven’t got to the museums or beach or done anything cool with them. But we’ve had lots of park time and water time at the park and free play, so that’s going to have to do this summer.

    In any case, my favorite fabric collection is Freshcut, but I have lots of that already. I love anything by Erin McMorris or Heather Bailey or Anna Maria Horner and if you have any of Violet Craft’s earlier collection with the elephants and peacocks, I would love some bits of that one.

  67. This is a wonderful post Amanda. I have a massive amount of lists too. I have my clear app on my iphone, Things App on my iMac, and tons of notebooks and sticky notes. But, I too have learned the same lesson and just try and do what I can do, and try to be mindful of my family along the way, so that I am not consumed with work. I love seeing the things on your lists too, you are such a giver, always doing things for others 🙂

    Well I am not a very well versed fabric guru, I like a lot of things, but probably couldn’t tell you the name. I do really love solids and would love to try the Michael Miller Couture solids. I love sketch prints, and LOVE text prints, but don’t have any. I like Art Gallery, Alexander Henry, Kaufman, Moda and Free Spirit.

  69. Happy 30th Birthday!! I thought my 30s were the best years of my life, we maybe not as good as my 40s, but way better than my 20s. Congratulations! I love all kinds of fabric, but florals are my favorite!

  70. Happy Birthday!! I think everyone has lists, I know I do and I routinely fail at doing things on it or things not going how I wanted them to do. My all time favorite fabric line is Outfoxed. I have a jelly roll of it tucked away in my stash waiting on me to find that just so project so I will finally use it. I might be ornery enough to wait until I have kids myself before I use it. Still I hope you have a great birthday!

  72. Amanda, just pretend I’m giving you a big hug right now!! I appreciate this post so much. I have often felt the same way as you. I’m a huge list maker as well. Admittedly my goals (daily and lifelong) have not necessarily been as ambitious as yours, but I fail often nonetheless. For awhile I got out of the habit of making lists, maybe because it can be so devestating to not be able to cross it all off. Even now there is a list on my fridge that has been there for over a week. And there’s that list of things to sew for which many things have been waiting for the past 2 years. And motherhood…I know just what you mean! When I stop to think about it I get so overwhelmed and feel like such a failure. It’s certainly a learning process to daily do your best and consider that enough, just like you said. I want to give it my all, not beat myself up over the unfinished, and, for me, to realize my humanity just illustrates my need for the One who can make up the difference for all of my shortcomings. Like I said, it’s a learning process. And it’s encouraging to me that I’m not alone in this endeavor!

    And I know I’m a big dork, but it also makes me excited to know we’re the same age (I turned 30 in January) and maybe we both graduated the same year (class of 2000). I’d love to win the Madrona Road (seriously, that’d be enough for me. I’m doing so well limiting my fabric spending & trying to dwindle my stash), but really I just wanted to write and say thank you for sharing a bit of you. Happy happy birthday!!!

  73. Happy 30th! I’m a mom and I fail at something every single day. I know I do! But I’ve discovered (also) that that’s part of life. 🙂
    I really like anything Anna Maria Horner.

  77. I think you must be one of the nicest people in the world! And a true giver! I am a list maker/goal setter too. My lists help organize my day & set priorities. What doesn’t get done goes back on the list tomorrow. I love all fabric but Heather Ross’s munki munki is always cute! Happy day after your birthday!!

  78. Awesome giveaway! I like Good Folks by AMH. Although I’m in love with The Birds and the Bees and Indie right now!

  80. Happy belated Bday!!!! I love how you are so open! I tend to compare myself to everyone around me as well…it’s hard to not do. I like the bit of advice you were given…fail at something everyday? I can accomplish at least that! Congrats on your sales btw!!!! Thanks for the chance to win some gorgeous fabric! I’m crushing REALLY hard on The Birds and The Bees by Tula Pink (but then again…who’s not?)

  81. I went through a similar journey upt to turning 30. I dreaded that birthday. It was as if I was turning into the century of being ancient! My 31 & 32 birthdays were no worries. I enjoyed celebrating them AND I’m not ancient! As for fabric tastes, I have similar likes to you. I’m still drooling over those fmf and heather ross fabrics you sent me for mendocino! Madrona Road and Marmalde are the 2 lines I’ve been looking forward to. Love AMH, etc.

  82. Happy birthday! I’m much older than you, and have reconciled to the notion that it’s ok to procrastinate sometimes, do less, and just relax about it all.

    I love many fabric lines, including Violet’s Madrona Road, and also love Lotta Jansdotter’s fabric line Echo. And Flea Market Fancy.

  83. Oh my gosh, Amanda, you made me cry. If we had time, I’d tell you about my week and why I so needed to hear this today, but that’s another story. Thanks so much for sharing this.

    I love any fabric by Heather Ross, Melody Miller, Lizzy House, Tula Pink, anything retro inspired or text prints. Hope your birthday is the best!

  84. happy birthday! i think that is magnificent advice and i really, really needed to hear that today. thank you.

    and thank you for your kindness. what a sweet (and awesome!) giveaway.

    though i’d never expect to get this even in a giveaway, as it is HTF and $$, i am quite taken by the heather ross far far away (i & ii) lines. i also love anything with a fairly small print suitable for doll clothing or quilts, which i make for my daughters and our family of waldorf dolls. i also love linen, and solids, and really just about anything.

    i had to laugh and remember myself and my past too – it’s funny how far away we can land from where we expect to end up!!!

  85. Happy birthday! It is also my ex-fiance’s birthday but I won’t hold that against you, LOL! I am also a compulsive list-maker. I always start my lists with ‘make to do list’ so I can immediately check something off (ahhh, the satisfaction that comes along with that little checkmark is tremendous, isn’t it?!). My current favourite fabric line is Gypsy Caravan by Amy Butler. Such gorgeous (and timeless!) prints!

  87. Happy Birthday! I used to have problems with self confidence, but I’ve learned to trust in the Lord. Through Him I have come to accept myself the way I am and to enjoy each day. Thank you for sharing with us. The fabric collection I like the best is Reunion by Sweetwater. I love the text prints.

  88. I too am a listmaker. I have noticed as I have gotten older, that my lists have gotten much less ambitious! Maybe you’ll find the same thing happens to you. I have recently started quilting again after many years off, so I am overwhelmed by all of the new fabric choices!! Loving Lucy’s Crab Shack and Salt Air as well as the Birds and the Bees. I am always drawn to blues and purples! Happy Birthday!

  90. I think one of the most under-appreciated roles in life is motherhood. You are a cook, a maid, a baby sitter, a dietitian, a wife, a teacher, a lover, a doctor (for boo-boos that need plenty of kisses) on and on….
    So think of all the things You ARE. And then think about how lucky those kids (and hubby!) are to have all those roles wrapped in one snuggle-loving package called Mom.
    Happy Birthday–the world is a better place with you in it!

  91. Happiest of Birthdays! What a gift your leader gave you! Thanks for sharing your stash…I gravitate toward Denyse Schmidt and the like! Love the Madrona Road.

  94. “fail at something every day.” I remember hearing that in college as well. I think it is something we need to remember in our church culture where everybody is striving so hard for perfection.
    Madrona Road is such a fabulous line! I’m trying not to focus on any specific lines right now because it makes me want to buy fabric, I’m just trying to build up my stash when I find good sales on clearance. I was so pleased to score an Amy Butler roll the other day though.
    Happy Birthday!!

  95. Happy birthday! The 30’s are pretty awesome! I love love love Riley Blakes chevrons and ombre dots…and all Aneela Hoey, and Bonnie and Camille! I pretty much love fabric 😉

  96. Happy birthday to you! Thanks for shining a little light today through sharing your words and experience. Am happy to follow you on Twitter as well.

    I also am a chronic list-maker, and the arrival of my first child brought the same sorts of issues to the fore. I’m trying to make 2012 the year of going-with-the-flow. It’s not working as well as expected, but it’s a definite improvement on 2011 🙂

    I came to quilting this year but have had good success sourcing my favourite lines… and I LOVE scraps ^_^ Love AMH, older Amy Butler, Tula, Sweetwater, MoMo, older Sandi Henderson, Kate Spain, newer Bonnie and Camille, American Jane esp. Recess, any Japanese text print, Lecien basics, Kei Geo Style, any tight pinstripes… but in general I just really like working with scraps. Really really 😀

  97. Thanks so much for the post. I really needed to hear that today! I love anything bright and retro when it comes to fabrics!

  99. Happy birthday!! I hope that you have a wonderful day spent with the people you love doing things that make you smile! 🙂 I’m a list-maker too– and often find sleep eludes me as I lie there planning and pondering the coming day’s events. And, I *never* get it all done, but, like you said, “That’s okay”. Life is in the living– and there’s always tomorrow for dreams to come true. 🙂

    Thank you for sharing your special day with us– and giving us a chance to win your wonderful giveaway! I have so many favorite fabrics, that it’s hard to choose a favorite… I do really like cheerful colors, though— like those in the Madrona Road line. 🙂

    By the way, your little ones are so precious– adorable!!! 🙂 It’s been many years since my girls were small– and I miss those days so… but, God has blessed us with a beautiful little granddaughter and we are enjoying every day with her.. 🙂

    By the way, your little ones are so precious– adorable!!! 🙂

  101. Happy Birthday! My favorite fabric line is probably Katie Jump Rope with the new pezzy prints being a close second! Hope you have a great B-day!

  102. Happy Belated Birthday! What great advice to follow. I used to be a serious list maker, but since having kids I GAVE UP! LOL

    Favorite fabric….I love everything Anna Maria Horner has ever touched, I am really really looking forward to her new fabric line!

  103. Happy Birthday! I think if I could pick a group of fabrics I love, it would be all the colors of Lizzy House’s Pearl Bracelets.

  104. Happy Birthday Amanda! I connect so much with this post! Your mentor also offered some really wise advice that I will have to try to remember. 🙂 I would be happy with all kinds of scraps. Some of my favorite designers are AMH, Tula Pink, Joel Dewberry, and Erin McMorris. Thanks for the great post and the giveaway!

  105. I love the idea to fail at something everyday. Truly.
    Happy birthday to you! Congrats on letting go

    My favorite fabric collection…has to be Good Folks.

  106. You made me cry. Seriously. I think we all fail and hate it when we do. I always think I need to be more like me Mom since she always seemed to get a million things done in a day but then I realized I am not my Mom. Still I beat myself up over it all the time. You are not alone at all. Happy Birthday also 30 was hard for me I hate getting older 🙂 Who told you that at school? Was it someone from the 70? He was a smart man 🙂

  110. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    I really enjoyed ready your post 🙂 I’ve never had any trouble with lists… because I never make them! There is a reason for that though – I know I would never have enough time to complete any list if I did, because I’m sure there would be 1 million tasks on there! I’d be setting myself up for disappointment.

    Anyway…. on to happier things! I absolutely adore anything with animals on it (especially the cute Japanese fabric), and Moda’s Ruby by Bonnie & Camille has always caught my eye.

    By the way, I’m already following you on Facebook and Twitter.

    Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway!

  111. Happy, Happy Birthday:) Thanks for the giveaway..awesome! One of my favorite fabrics is Ruby. I am actually in the process of making a quilt with Ruby. This is the third quilt I’ve made and wow , not like sewing clothes for the grandbabies! Thanks again:)

  113. Such a great post – and I love that advice you were given! Maybe I need to allow myself a little failure now and then… I’m certainly no perfectionist but I do dwell too often on my mistakes and unallowed failures. Maybe if I gave myself a daily free-bee it wouldn’t be so bad 😉

    Happy Birthday! And what a nice idea to give away fabric to your readers – very generous!

    I love Heather Ross, who doesn’t? I also love lizzy house, rainy days and mondays, the ghastlies, and… anything bright and beautiful but not batik 🙂

  114. What a nice thing to on YOUR birthday. I love to make lists, but often never end up even using them as a reference. They just help be focus my head to what needs to be done.

    It is really hard for me to think of a favorite fabric collection, I have sooooo many! I love brights and muted tones. I also love retro and vintage inspired prints! I love Lizzy House, Denyse Schmidt, and Heather Ross! Would love to get my hands on some Echino! Happy Birthday to you!

  115. I love fabric. Any quilty fabric. Yup, pretty much. But, my faves are probably anything Bonnie and Camille or Fig Tree or Sweetwater or 3 sisters or, or, or…. Nevermind, I just love fabric…

  119. I’m so glad you took the time to write this post. Everything you’ve said here has been circling through my mind on repeat lately. Adding “fail once” to a list is great advice!

    As far as fabric goes, I’m a fan of Far Far Away and of Michael Miller’s quirky fabrics. I don’t actually have a fabric stash (if you can believe such a thing!), so I’m not too picky.

  121. Happy belated 30th! Your post definitely resonates with me. I so appreciate your honesty and openness. I’m a list maker too and often find myself thinking about things into the wee hours of the night. Your post has helped remind me to always keep things in perspective and that life isn’t meant to be lived by some grand master plan. Those “deviations,” however frustrating or heart breaking at times, from the plan are ok. They just make the destination all that much sweeter. 🙂
    On a lighter note, love your shop! I got my order today (so fast!) and thanks so much for the little extra! My all time favorite fabric collection is probably Momo Wonderland (although American Jane Wee Play is right up there too!)

  125. i love any bright fun patterned fabric my favorite right now is probably Riley Blake Designs chevron fabrics!!

  126. Happy Birthday! That’s stellar advice, permission to fail, to not be perfect. It’s tough advice to follow though!

    My favourite fabric lines are by Heather Ross (Lightning Bugs is #1), I hoard all of mine in a ‘precious’ bin, and like your precious fabrics it never gets sewn with. I think I’m afraid to ‘screw them up’. Perhaps embracing (potential) failure is wise in fabric, as in life?

  128. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
    ― Thomas A. Edison

    you write my thoughts exactly!…and just so you know. I made one of my projects today ”not work”. 🙂

    Love,

    Monica

  129. Have a great b-day! Thank you for a wonderful giveaway, too.

    I tend not to like entire lines. Instead, 3 or 4 prints catch my eye and make me smile, the paisley/florals in Clermont Farms by Moda comes to mind, or the to-be-released Nancy Drew line. My all time favorite fabric is a Hoffman 1895 batik called “Waikik” – it is the most perfect shade of blue and makes me happy every time I use it. Of course, I always have some in reserve!

  130. Happy Birthday! I have so many favorites right now. I grew up being sort of a scrappy utilitarian quilt maker. Now you can buy all these coordinates and everything looks so perfect when you make something. I am just getting into new modern type quilts. I love grey with just about anything especially loving aquas and ocean blues. And greens, I love greens. And earthy colors. Oh and I love solids …a – lot! 😉

  131. Thanks for such a candid blog post – thought provoking and emotional. I hope you had a wonderful birthday! Mine is fast approaching and I thought I’d like to be 30 again, but NO! I beat myself up daily over the little things that are wrong and keep failing, but I’ve been blessed with a gorgeous daughter who’ll soon be starting school and I love being here right now, watching her grow 🙂
    Thanks for the amazing giveaway – I just love fabric full stop! Ok, maybe I particularly like Heather Ross, AMHorner, Tula Pink, Melody Miller, Pat Bravo and Violet Craft 🙂

  132. Happy Birthday! Thanks so much for sharing and remember, your family isn’t going to care if you accomplished everything on a list. Years from now they are going to remember all the love and laughter that you share.

    As for my favorite fabric line I would be hard pressed to pick one. I love fabric and almost everything appeals to me. I do have a piece of Dolce by Tanya Whelan that I adore. The best I can do is tell you that I lean toward aquas, greys, reds and yellows.

  134. I follow you on Facebook 🙂

    Maybe I should write a few lists instead of holding everything in my head and feeling the pressure grow!

  135. I’m a list maker too! And lately the lists haven’t been getting short enough fast enough! Happy birthday to you!! As far as my favorite fabric, I can’t choose just one! I love Kate Spain and Lizzy House. I enjoy fun bright modern prints and the retro-vintage looks as well.

  138. Happy Birthday! Those big round numbers are hard to take – I hit 40 this year. Ugh!

    As for fabric – my recent favorites are Sweetwater’s Lucy’s Crab Shack and Seaside by October Afternoon. But I’m really wishing for more solids right now. Hey, anything would be fantastic! Thanks!

  140. Happy Birthday and thank you for the giveaway! My favorite collection is a new one that is just coming out – Chicopee!!

  142. What wise advice! I would like to remember to give myself a little more grace every now and then, too. 🙂 Happy, happy birthday! My favorite fabric line is Moda 1974, because I used it to make my first quilt!

  143. Oh my goodness — my heart is breaking that you were feeling like a failure! You banish that harsh inner voice! (or it will be passed on…)
    You don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. 🙂
    And my favorite coming fabric line is Out to Sea…
    But that was a beautiful post.

  146. Well! What a great entry! I love geometric prints. LOVE them. My favorites are generally zig zags and herringbone, and my all time top favorite item right now that I just can’t justify buying is StoryBoek II. My all time favorite item I CAN buy is the herringbone prints from the Modern Meadows collection. 🙂

  148. Happy Birthday. MY all time favourite line is Bliss by Bonnie and Camille (I love all their lines but Bliss is still something I can’t resist) Thank you for the chance. hugs xx

  149. Happy Birthday!
    I think my favorite line right now is the Pezzy line; although, I love anything with bright colors (dots especially)!

  151. My favorite fabric line is Katie Jump Rope by Denyse Schmidt. For some reason, it makes me think of my childhood.

  153. Happy Birthday to you! I love your little shop..it’s divine. 🙂

    My favorite fabric collection is Ruby by Bonnie and Camille. I’m pretty sure anything by Bonnie & Camille makes me smile.
    Enjoy your week!

  154. My favorite fabric line is Mendocino. What made me lol today? Your journal entry for 7-8… I loved the Gilmore girls!

  155. Permission to fail what a great gift to give yourself. Happy birthday! I dont know if i could ever choose an all time favorite collection. I would love to get my hands on Lush by Erin Michaels, I also love Jane Sassaman’s Prairie Gothic, and Sarah Jane’s Children at Play.

  158. Happy Birthday! I used to make lists in middle and high school, but found that it was too much. I remember to do the really important things and things I want to do. Everything else can wait. I don’t have a favorite fabric collection that I can think of. Worst sewist ever, right??

  160. I turned 30 this year as well; your post really struck a chord. My favorite fabric line is AMH loulouthi. It does just make me smile 🙂

    When I write a list, if I accomplish something that wasnt on the list, I write it in and cross it off for the sheer joy.

  161. I know just what you mean about setting yourself those standards and lists and plans then feeling that you’ve failed when they haven’t happened… Life has happened in the meantime and it’s too easy to miss it. So I’m trying to live day by day… 🙂 What a great giveaway – happy birthday to you! My favourite collection is Kate Spain’s Terrain but I’m also an ‘anything bright’ girl and a Heather Ross junkie. 🙂

  162. I remember holding my third child in 3 years and looking at my list. I then sat down and wrote a list of everything I had done since waking up- it was only 10 am. The list was a page and a half. That completely changed my thinking. I still have my lists but I try to focus on what I have accomplished.
    Thanks the fun giveaway. I don’t have any real favorites. I like so many fabrics- Ruby by Moda, summerville, the Kate Spain prints.

  163. Happy 30th Amanda! I am sorry you have had difficult times but think you totally have the right attitude and am glad you give yourself permission to fail. Having met you, I know what a lovely person you are so I am glad you are not too hard on yourself anymore.
    What a generous giveaway- fingers crossed. I’d say some of my favorites are Heather Ross, Far Far Away and Just about any Denyse Schmidt or Anna Maria Horner.

  165. Wow- you are an amazing woman. I’m not saying this b/c I love the idea of free fabric…truly I mean it. I have been battling to become organized enough to even have a to do list. I just turned 39 a few months ago and I am trying… So please don’t be so hard on yourself. If need be think of folks like me who are still struggling to get to where you are 🙂

    I love all kinds of fabric.. I am not good at remembering lines ( shocker I know!!!) But I love Park Slope Erin McMorris for Free Spirit…Have a great day

  166. What a wonderful post. I don’t think I really had a clue who I was until I hit 30. It took me much longer than that to accept myself since I was far from perfect. Now I am happy with good enough.
    I love anything by Kate Spain, especially Terrain.

  168. It’s been awhile since I turned 30 but I can tell you it’s much more fun than some of the other milestones that are years and years ahead of you! So enjoy your birthday, it’s one of the best!!
    I love so many fabric lines but flea market fancy is one of my favorites!

  170. A very touching and real post – thank you for sharing. My lists rattle around in my brain which I think make them all the more elusive to attain. I try to remind myself that “shoulda-woulda-coulda” does more harm than good. Happy Birthday!

  171. Happy birthday! I think I needed to read this post today. It is something that I’ve been struggling with…this list thing 🙂

    My favorite fabric collection is hands down the DS (or maybe it is DQ) Collection that JoAnn’s has right now that is vintage-y type….kinda like an affordable Flea Market Fancy. Thanks for the chance to win!

  172. Amanda, I stumbled upon your wonderful flickr site and have had so much fun getting to know you from your blog! I love that the best advice you have been given is to “fail at something every day”. Us list makers can completely relate. My favorite collection…hmmm…I would say I love everything. So share with me something you love!

  173. It’s my husband’s birthday today too! Happy Birthday! I do hope you keep taking that advice, I hate the thought of anybody being so hard on themselves.
    My favorite fabric lines would be Heather Ross’ Mendocino/Far Far Away (pt 1) such lovely warm colors (one reason I like Madrona Road) Thank you so much for the giveaway!

  174. Happy Birthday Amanda! Reading all the comments I think we all share a little (or a lot) of what you wrote today.

    What I did on my lists that helped was break things down – so rather than write ‘paint the porch steps’ I’d write ‘get paint and brushes out of basement’ and then ‘sand loose paint’, etc. This works for sewing projects too. I check off a lot more things on my daily list since the tasks are broken into 5 and 10 minute parts. And lets face it – our days are often spent on doing a whole bunch of 10 minute things we don’t give ourselves credit for 🙂 Good for you for letting go of perfect and enjoying yourself!

    Oh and fabric…I love it all. It makes it really hard with every new collection that comes out!!

  175. Happy 30th!! I turn the big three 0 in Feb. :0! What an excellent piece of advice! I’m a big list maker as well & I do just like the commenter above me, if I accomplish something that wasn’t on the list I add it so I can cross it off & see what all I did!! lol
    I really love heather ross’s far far away lines. especially the earlier purple princess one!:)

  176. I loved your post. I remember in school learning about parenting and how it was far better to be a “good enough” mom than a perfect mom. So, I try to be good enough in the thighs I do, but never try to attain perfection which is not possible.

    Happy Birthday!

    Favorite line? That is so hard, but u would have to say Katie Jump Rope. I love the colors and it is so versatile.

  178. First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope you had a wonderful day and your 30’s are everything you hope they’ll be. I can tell you from experience, your 30’s are WAY better than the 20’s. ENJOY!

    As far as my favorite fabric, it’s only just now coming out. I am in deep, deep love with Out to Sea by Sarah Jane. I can’t lie, I want to own it. All. En masse. I want to just roll around in it. I know, it’s perverse but I’m in love.

  179. Happy 30th! Oh to be 30 again… My problem is I don’t make lists and try to remember everything I need to do! I don’t get much accomplished. There must be a happy medium! My favorite collection is Uptown by Erin Michael. Enjoy your wonderful family and live your life happily!

  181. I enjoy batiks and Laurel Burch, Paula Nadelstern fabrics. Try to enjoy your smaller accomplishments as well as large ones

  182. Hope you enjoyed your birthday! I love your shop and how you offer precuts of special collections. Favorite fabric line ever? I would have to say Peacock Lane. I recently finished my Swoon using it and I just love seeing the rainbow of colors and the elephants and peacocks. I hope to get my hands on Madrona Road eventually. Thanks for the giveaway!

  183. Part of me continually hoped I’ll win one of your giveaways…i doubt it will ever happen, ha. i liked reading about your little story it was really cute. Every time I see the flea market fancy fabric (one of the only ones i actually can say i know) i always think it’s way flipping cute.

    i follow you on facebook (duh). does instagram count to?;)

    love you!

    ps- do you have a button for westwood acres I can add to my blog?

  184. I am a list person as well and mine seems to be never ending :)!

    My favorite fabric collection is Cheep Talk. I love the fun colors and prints. I have been told its out of stock so I’m hoarding the little bit I have left until I find the perfect project.

  186. What an inspiring post!! Thank you so much for sharing and bravely talking about yourself in this way–what a valuable lesson to share with us for your day. Happy Birthday and thanks for the chance to win your lovely surprise 🙂

    As for fabric choices, I seem to be in good company when I say Heather Ross! Also a fan of 30’s reproduction and most things by Sweetwater 🙂

  188. Hmm, can’t delete my earlier comment but I actually already like you on FB but now have friend requested another site for you too? Weird… Feel free to delete my other comment if you can, see I was just taking your blog post to heart and failing at this today 😉

  191. I’m new to quilting, but so inspired and excited someone giving away fabric is awesome!

  192. Well Happy 30th Birthday and wishing you many more blissful years ahead! I just adore Good Fortune by Kate Spain! awolk at rogers dot com

  194. Happy birthday to you and thanks for sharing the presents with us!
    I think I need to start making lists! Your post was the second I read today about doing just that. I need help focusing…or maybe I just need the kids back in school!
    My first fabric love was Park Slope. The fabric love I a.lways come back to is Summer In the City… And the fabric I most love and really really want to use in an upcoming project is hope valley…and my all time favorite print is henna garden!

  195. Happy Birthday!! Madrona Rd is beautiful! Way to many wonderful fabric options to pick a favorite love them all 🙂 !

  197. Good advice indeed. I worry that my Imogen is going to be awfully hard on herself too. She’s a perfectionist already (with some things, not everything) and gets so worked up with things don’t go as planned. Bridget is quite the opposite!
    My favourite fabric collection…I think I have too many to name. Anything by Heather Bailey, AMH, Flea Market Fancy, 30’s repros. Love them all!

  198. I have no idea on a favorite. I love Joel Dewberry’s lines, Taza, Kate Spain, Anna Maria Horner, and others. It depends on what it is for. I’m really open. Thank you for sharing on your birthday. Mine was recently and I turned 50. I have a good 20 years on you.

  200. I am a new mom and recently turned 32. This blog post is perfect timing for me. I need to be easier on myself. I don’t have a favorite fabric line of all time but today I love Heather Ross and Madrona Road by Violet Craft. Tomorrow I will love a different one I am sure!

  202. Sweet post. Glad you got an excellent piece of advice! My friends and I borrow a line from the Yaya book…its probably paraphrased a ton since its been so long…but we say “don’t beat the baby”…meaning, don’t beat yourself up! So whenever we hear one or the other saying negative things about themselves we say Don’t Beat The Baby!!! 🙂
    My favorite collection is usually whatever is coming next! LOL!. Been so many great ones. Anything by Valori Wells always catches my eye.

  204. Happy Birthday to you! I have so many favorites..hard to choose..but really liking the new retro lines. thank you for asking what I like!

  205. I like your tip. I wish I was enough of a perfectionist that it would make a difference in my life, but I’m not. It is nice to know, though, that it is all right if we fail sometimes.

    I love Mary Engelbright, but that is the only designer I know that I like what she has done. I love blues, purples, pinks . . . just LOVE to sew.

  207. Wow! Great post, makes me feel like its not just me. I have a love hate relationship with my lists.
    My favorite fabric is Collection is Lucy’s Crab Shack. I think it’s fun and the colors are just great!
    Thanks for a great giveaway!!

  209. I love almost all Kokka prints, they are always make me smile 🙂 thanks for chance and good luck in your plans!

  210. Hmm…my favorite fabric so far. That is a tough one! I would have to say something with a vintage flair…like Flee Market Fancy! Have a great day! Jean

  212. I think the fabric I most went gaga over – my only fat-quarter-stack ever, was Kate Spain’s Terrain. But I am disappointed I didn’t buy up Echo, so maybe soon, I’ll get some Bella . . .

  213. Happy Birthday! You are a very generous person to give away your favorites. If I am lucky enough to be chosen, I would love to have some little busy prints, because part of me wants to hand stitch some fussy cut hexies. I’ve never tried that before. Or purple fabrics. Either one would be absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the give away.

  215. Happy Birthday! I stopped making the lists, because there was just never any way I could possibly get everything I wanted to get done, done. Still hard on myself, but trying to tell myself that I am doing the best I can. Kudos to you!

  216. Happy Birthday! I’m not a big list-maker, mostly because I’m not good at following a list. 🙂 I love the advice your friend gave you – what a great way to take some of the pressure off yourself. It’s amazing how hard we can be on ourselves, especially when we become parents.

    As to fabric, well I don’t know that I have an all-time favorite collection. I love so many of them, and don’t own a complete collection of anything! I love Japanese prints, especially the ones printed on cotton-linens and I also love everything Heather Ross.

    Thank you for the chance to win! 🙂

  219. Congrats on 1000 sales! Nice to be able to make a little money off something you enjoy! As for my favorite fabrics, I love Mendocino, and almost anything Tula Pink. Love how she incorporates hidden little pictures in her fabrics. Also drawn to bright colors. Congrats again!

  220. Great post. I definitely feel where your coming from and I’ll take that advice with me too now. Happy Birthday!
    I’m pretty new to quilting and the fabric world, so my favorites are changing all the time. I can’t get enough of Aneela Hoey and Lizzy House and I adore Rashida Coleman Hale, Sarah Jane, and Japanese prints.

  226. Lovely post! I have many many “precious” bundles that wont be touched for a while too 🙂 If you were to treat me, a litte bit of Denyse Schmidt that isnt on sale in UK (the Joannes ranges like Picnic & Fairgrounds, Sugar Creek etc) would be wonderful! Thank you for such a generous giveaway 🙂

  228. Happy birthday! It was an excellent piece of advice; I tend to be a bit too harsh with myself too. Thank you for the great giveaway!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

  231. Happy Birthday…30 years old, oh my goodness! My youngest daughter, Betsy, turned 30 in June! I have been sewing and quilting since the 70’s and my stash is 99.9% “old fashioned fabric”. My eyes are starting to adjust to the newer prints and I must say I do like what I would call a fresh look. I have three daughters and four grandchildren, so I have lots of reasons to quilt. Help to bring this older quilter into this new era of quilting!

  232. I do follow you and other young quilters on facebook…helps to keep me young at heart and mind.

  233. HapPy Birthday! I follow you an like you on FB. I’m glad you found the positive in failure – by failing you learn and grow – it really is not a bad thing. And I love your little shop!

  234. Happy 30th Birthday! I hope you were showered with love – it sound like you are every day. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

    I am really looking forward to madona road. I’m not sure what my all-time favorite collection is. Maybe something Anna Maria Horner, Art Gallery, or Denyse Schmidt. I also love text fabric. But there are so many lovely fabrics out there it’s hard to narrow it down.

  235. I hope you had a wonderful birthday! I will be having one tomorrow. I loved your post — it’s always good to know that others go through the same struggles that I do. I am a fellow fabric lover (seems there are lots of us!) and don’t really have just one favorite collection. I like Kate Spain’s fabrics, things in bright, clear colors, retro and modern things, and most anything with leaves, trees, birds, etc. Thanks for sharing!

  236. My birthday it’s coming soon..maybe I will celebrate with new fabric to sew ;-))
    Loved your post… Thank you for sharing with us.
    Kisses
    Mimi

  237. Happy Birthday! My favorite fabric is Good Folks- though I’m drawn to many other collections that are bold & bright with color!

  238. Hi! Happy Late Birthday! And glad to know that I am not alone in that fear of everything not working exactly right and taking blame for it. My now 4 year old has had serious health problems and during that a divorce ….Finally I realized I can’t control all that might happen 🙂 So luckily I Fail at something at least once an Hour! Love your stash and any of it would be a treat! Take Care and thanks for Blogging.

  240. I make list for everything and often don’t accomplish every item. And I think it is okay to leave an item or two undone.

    Happy Birthday!

  242. That is a great piece of advice. My new motto is “Livin’ the dream”. When things go nuts, as they often do, remember all the positives in your life. We recently moved to the property of our dreams so that is our big positive. We go out on the back deck and take a deep breath and remember we’re “livin the dream”
    My favorite fabric right now is marmalade by bonnie and camille.
    cindi

  243. I am loving loving Brr by Laurie Wisbrun. I love those polar bears in the turquioise and red!
    Happy 30th from another list maker!

  244. Happy Birthday! I hope turning 30 was wonderful and that you had a great time celebrating with your family 🙂
    So much of what you wrote resonated with me – I think I could go on for a long time about it. But lets just say that it was incredibly helpful advice for me to hear that it’s ok to fail. I am so thankful that God loves us anyway and lifts us up through those failures!
    My favorite fabric line is Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt. I just love the saturated colors 🙂 I also pretty much love anything by Anna Maria Horner. Thanks for the chance to win!

  245. I also follow you on Facebook 🙂 And I would love to make a chevron quilt following your tutorial!

  246. That is such great advice, I’m definitely going to give that a try. I really identify with the beating yourself up thing, especially on the raising my child front. Thanks for posting about this!

    Also, if I am a lucky bunny, I love 30’s repro fabrics, cute Japanese prints and feedsack prints!

    Sandra x

    PS – I’m a twitter follower too 🙂

  249. What a fabulous post!
    I have just written ‘fail at something every day’ in my journal – Thank you!
    I love Kate Spain’s fabrics!

  250. I guess I’m doing it right because I seem to fail at something every day! Happy birthday!

  251. I follow you on FB. So hard to pick just one favorite out of all of the beautiful fabrics out there. Aneela’s new stitchy line or Tula Pink’s newest in any of the colorways would be my choice.

  252. Happy Birthday! It is good to know that someone at 30 is feeling what I am going through at 39 soon to be 40! Thought I would have had the extra 10 years of wisdom and get my act together, but like the fact that I can fail at something daily without the guilt. I love MoMo fabrics and others that are so bright and cheer me up when I do fail terribly!

  253. I’m a new quilter – I’ve only made 2 quilts, a weird sized one (we’ll call it an unusually large mini quilt to make it sound like I planned that 🙂 ) and a lap sized one, but I’ve recently bought 2 charm packs of it’s a Hoot so can get going as soon as I’ve decided on a project! Easier said than done, given all the amazing quilts out there! I don’t really have a favourite fabric line yet, but I like things like Flea Market Fancy, and Vintage Modern, just anything bright and not too old-fashioned!

  255. Happy Birthday. Sounds like your spiritual friend gave good advice. Life is too short to worry about details. It’s to be enjoyed with those you love! If I win, I’m super easy to please. I like beachy, ocean, brights, anything really. Very easy…I just love fabric. Thanks for the giveaway and hope you have a great birthday rest of the week!

  257. Happy birthday and thanks for the tut on the Groove quilt, I am going to study up before I start. I like the idea of less seams a lot! As for favorite fabrics, I love so many it is hard to pick…I really am liking the new Sweetwater Mama Said Sew as well as the new Tula Birds and Bees.

  258. I’m a big fan of anything Tula or Heather Ross! Thanks for reminding me (near my bday) that I need to cut myself some slack!

  260. what a lovely post. We all have times of doubt and self criticism, the battle is to silence the wee voice in your head. Small steps but a wee victory every day makes the difference

  261. Congratulations on your 30th! Enjoy your family and husband, the best presents ever. As for your lovely Giveaway, I love any scraps, bright colours, spots and stripes especially Amy Butler and Michael Miller.

  263. Your post really hit home. We need to ease up on ourselves. I hope that this year is a real blessing for you as you find ways to do just that. Happy Birthday!

  264. Happy Birthday! Wise words…be kind to yourself…life isn’t perfect.
    What a great giveaway! I love the new Pat Bravo Indie in Midnight Temple. I love aqua blues and teals (ocean/sea colors). I love all batiks. I love florals. I love Alexander Henry Olympia, and Cynthia Frenette Kona Modern Quilts. There are just so many I love…hard to pick a favorite.

  266. My all time fabric collection that I do not have is Good Fortune. Love those great blues and purples. I also like Heirloom, Marmalade, Cuzco, FMF, Vintage Modern, Bliss, Strawberry Fields,… guess I like most every fabric collection that I see …

  267. We already liked you on FB as Margaret Wright (and Marcia). Thanks for sharing your story – it’s a good idea for me to consider using.

  268. I love, love, love Kate Spain’s Terrain. Everytime I see something made from that line, I sigh a little inside, because it just feels right.

  270. Loved reading this post…rang very true to me! I’m totally a list maker too. There are so many “favorite” fabric lines of mine…but one that comes to mind is Flea Market Fancy. And, I just love Madrona Road…so fun!

  272. I mostly gravitate toward fabrics like Thimbleberries, Kansas Troubles and Red Rooster. But…. I’ve seen so many fun lively fabrics that I should try. Maybe something in blues, blacks and/or browns with some other color for pop.

  275. I think that my favorite fabric collection (which is jealously hoarded and gets petted and stroked) is Heather Ross’s Lightning Bugs & Other Mysteries. I have just about all of it! The goldfish in bags, of course, is the ultimate in cuteness.

  276. My favourite fabric collection right now is Tula’s Prince Charming. I’m hoarding it terribly.

    Happy Birthday!

  277. Happy Birthday! I think you have things mixed up – you are supposed to receive gifts on your birthday rather than give them away! But I fully understand. I can hear the joy radiate in your post. Big smiles for you. Oh – I follow you on FB as Mountain Quiltworks.

  278. Boy, what a tough question. All time favorite fabric? There are so many neat fabrics out there these days, but the one that instantly popped into my head when I thought about this was a blue and purple print with some black in it. This was w-a-y back in 1970. My grandmother made me a Maxi Skirt out of it, and I adored it! Mostly ‘cuz she made it for me, and to this day, that still makes me smile 🙂

  280. Oh Amanda, boy do I get it. I can also be too hard on myself, especially now that I have 2 little people that I’m in charge of raising. I was really touched by your friend’s advice. I am definitely going to try to remember that everyday.

  281. every bit of this post resonated with me 🙂 i’m going to take the advice you are passing along for myself, too.
    my favorite fabrics always seem to be designed by sweetwater.
    Thanks for sharing and the chance to win 🙂

  283. First of all, Happy Birthday! Reading your post I must say you are wise beyond your years. I too have struggled with many of the same (and many other) issues that you have, but I am now in my 50’s and learning every day. If you were my neighbor I would take you under my wing! Your giveaway is a very generous and wonderful thing for you to do and I applaud you for it. Whether I win or not doesn’t matter. I love fabric, all fabric and every piece makes me happy. I wish you all the best! xoxo

  284. Happy Birthday! I am so adding that to my daily to-do list! I love Heather Ross fabrics or anything aqua and red! That is just total fabric fun!

  285. What a sweet post Amanda! I fail at many things everyday! 🙂 Congrats on the growth of your shop and on making it to 30! My 30s have been far better than my 20s and I wish you the same! I think my favorite fabric changes depending on my mood! Right now I’m loving AMH’s new Field Study, but I also love Garden Party, Good Folks, Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries, Mendocino, Katie Jump Rope, the list goes on and on and on! It’s like picking a favorite child! ha ha!

  287. My current favorite fabric is California Girl. I just finished a quilt for my son and daughter-in-law using many of the fabrics from that collection. I’m looking forward to getting Marmelade and Tapestry when they come out. But then, I also love so many other fabrics!!! Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂

  289. I love anything Riley Blake or Pat Bravo……..or Vintage Modern or Ruby (forget the designer!).

  293. I really enjoyed your post today…I am a list maker as well….
    new to quilting but have become obsessed and must do a little something everyday (not easy with 3 young boys!!) I now follow you on FB and I LOVE reproduction vintage looking fabrics!!!!
    Have had my eye on Flea Market Fancy and Feedsack for ages 🙂
    Hope the sun is shining…..Kelli

  295. Hi Amanda,

    Sometimes we need that permission to cut ourselves some slack. What wonderful advice. I’m still making list and failing to get everything done on them! Another piece of good advice given to me when my kids were babies and I was distraught, “you have never been a mom and they have never been a child before, figure it out together.” Raising kids is not always easy when you are in the thick of it but is the most rewarding and important thing I have ever done in my whole life!

    My favorites are anything HR (especially her mermaids) and Tula Pink. xo

  297. So glad to have found your blog. I’m a list maker too and more than not don’t get it all done (probably never).
    I do know if I can pick a favorite collection, my love of fabric is pretty wide spread. Surprise me 🙂

    Thanks for the opportunity and Happy Birthday!

  298. Wow! Congrats on your 30th birthday and your great post! I really see a piece of you through the lines, between your words. My mom still calls me her “200% daughter” because I try to be perfect in everything I do. That’s hard :o/ I’ll become a new follower this minute as I’m curious how you proceed your journey. Thanks for this generous giveaway. My precious would be Echo by Lotty Jansdotter. I own one FQ and long for more :o)))
    Greetings from Germany
    Christine

  299. HAPPY Birthday : ) I have got shelves FULL of happy, bright, playful. The picks today….. Tula, Kate Spain, and a Dear Stella PlayDate Monkey print. My daughter is trying for her first and I have been given colors and animal theme to start working with for her nursery. A little Madrona Road could work for nursery at my house : )
    All the best

  300. I absolutely love “Flea Market Fancy”!
    Thank you for the chance to win your awesome giveaway and HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🙂

  302. I absolutely LOVE Lucy’s Crab Shack– I can’t wait to use my little stash and start sewing! 🙂

  305. It’s so so true! We are not superhuman,though we seem to think so most days. My all time fabric line would hands down be erin .mc Morris’ park slope!

  307. Thanks for sharing Amanda I so totally am the same way. Glad I’m not alone as my husband does not get it.

    I really liked the Arcadia by Moda collection but I don’t really have a favorite I seem to like bits and pieces from collections and like to mix them together. Currently I am really loving the Madrona Road Haystack prints in all colors!

  308. I love Parson Gray fabrics, but I never got the chance to buy them. Thanks!

    I use to make lists for myself. You do whatever you need to do to get things done in life.

  310. A belated Happy Birthday to you from another August birthday girl! What a super blog entry to read, so heartfelt and reflective…. I hope many people wish you well!

  311. I dont have an all time favorite because i tend to be so scrappy! But i do tend to love the characters that Anella Hoey does. 🙂 Congratulations by the way!!!

  313. Happy birthday, I hope you enjoyed your day.
    I can’t say I have a favorite fabric collection but I do have a favorite designer. I love all things Sweetwater. They use words, letters, numbers, phrases and have the cutest little flower and dot prints in fabulous colors. So I guess I could say I like anything “wordy”.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win some of your beautiful collection.

  314. Happy Birthday!!! All of heaven is rejoicing at the celebration of your birth! Happy Birthday!!! May you be blessed beyond measure, may rivers of blessings constantly flow around you…you are indeed blessed to be a blessing to others! Happy Birthday!!! May your birthday weekend be filled with joy and laughter, cake and sprinkles as you are surrounded by friends and family celebrating the day of your birth. Happy Birthday!!!

  315. You should see my diary as well, it is full of to do lists and I always seem to be dropping something or re-writing the list for the next week… Anyway, felt really touched by your words, thanks.
    I’m planning on a new quilt for our bedroom, so blue (and a little green) is the theme! I love bright happy colours, kids designs, tend to like smaller print and flowers… hope it helps!

  318. By the way, I liked you on facebook. [That always sounds so funny to me.] The hardest question faced all week is your question of “all time favorite fabric collection”…I realized I don’t have not one single all time favorite! I just love fabrics, their colors, the patterns, the textures…the possibilities…. 😀

  319. I follow you through FB. I loved the Walk in the Woods fabric and anything whimsical like that. Loved your blog about turning 30! It was a tough one for me, re-evaluated my whole life it seemed and realized it is a really good one, even if I keep getting older… ha ha!

  320. Hope you had a happy birthday. I think if I were you, I would throw away the daily goals sheet and turn it into a gratitude sheet. Just being alive and loving those around you is accomplishment enough. Give yourself a big hug 🙂 Anyway, my favorite fabric line ever is Moda Vintage Modern. Thanks for the chance to win!!

  322. Oh man, just one favorite line?! So hard! I seriously can’t choose, so if I win (I never win!) here are a few of my favorite things:

    mustard/goldenrod
    grey
    text prints
    red
    kelly green
    blues

    Thanks for the chance to win, and happy birthday!

  324. From my 57 years of experience, Ijust want to say, enjoy your life. Love the fabric and happy birthday.

  325. I’m trying to think of any fabrics that I don’t like, and not coming up with much. I love all the jelly rolls in that pic. I like bright colors, in general. Love Madrona Road and don’t have any yet. Hoping to get some of Cameo some day. And have a particular fondness for brown/copper, intense green/blue, orange/yellow batiks. [Which means I need more grey and black/white really. 😉 ]

  326. I do follow you on FB… and before I forget, thanks for sharing your thoughts, and Happy Birthday!

  327. I’m really glad to see you’re working hard at gettting crushed by those to do lists. I’ve definitely learned over the last 10 years that I can’t judge myself for my shortcomings. I still make lists everyday but I always add something fun like bake cookies or paint toe nails, and I always recycle them at the end of the day! And I figure as long as I get one thing on the list done it’s an accomplishment (even if it’s the easiest thing on the list!).

    Oh, yeah, and I love, love all things Anna Maria Horner!

  328. Happy trip around the sun!! I love Anna Maria Horner Fabrics! Looking forward to getting my hands on her latest Field Study. Thanks

  330. Oh My, fabric choice, I dont know of any off hand that I dont like.
    I would put the fabric to excellent use if I win I promise.
    Happy Birthday by the way…Enjoy your 30’s some of my favorite years

  333. I love Amy Butler prints. The fabric pics you included in this post are just gorgeous! Love the colors.

  334. What a lovely story! I definitely “fail at something every day!” lol 🙂 I am currently nuts about Riley Blake’s Verona fabric. So beautiful! My favourite colours, too! But I can’t wait for Tasha Noel’s “A Simple Life” is available – favourite cutesy fabric!

  335. I also make lists… I gave myself permission a long time ago to not get everything done in a day (mainly right after my daughter was born almost 6 years ago). I also have an almost 2 year old too, so even less gets done. If I get one or two things done per day, I feel like a rockstar 😉 Quilting is my relaxation, and I love so many different types of fabrics! I have been mostly buying more modern prints lately though. Thanks for the opportunity to win & HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🙂

  336. Oh, and I am a new FB follwer as well – saw your link from both Fresh Lemons Quilts & KelbySews 🙂

  337. Happy Birthday! Fav collection would be anything bright and modern (Amy Butler, Jennifer Pagenlli).

  338. Great post, great inspiration. You are so generous. I LOVE mendocino (and I know that you do too!). I love echino. I love anything Tula Pink! I just love fabric. =)

  339. Just love reading your blog, I find it very inspiring. My favorite collection ( at least at the moment since I always find new ones I love) is watercolor garden ( not sure who puts it out). I love having a wide range of colors and prints, especially since I make quilts for a wide range of people,the kids in my church, whom I’ve taught in sunday school, as graduation gifts, quilts for my friends as they have babies since every baby needs their own quilt, and quilts for my family. I keep thinking one day I will make a quilt to keep for myself,but making them for others is a fun way to make them smile while giving them something they can use.

  340. Happy birthday! I am a to-do lister too! I love the sense of accomplishment when even the littlest to-do is scratched off!
    I love anything Kaffe – big. bold & bright – but my favorite Kaffe fabric is “Bekah” in orange – i have yards of it that i just can’t bring myself to use! 🙂

  341. your post really resonated with me. thanks for sharing and i hope you had a wonderful 30th! and i don’t really have a favorite fabric collection, but i do adore fabrics with text, numbers, typography themes, and also anything with foxes!

  342. Hello! First of all, I loved that post, it was really inspiring. On to fabric! I love anything with animals on it, especially owls…other than that, I’m just starting to build my fabric collection (I started quilting a few months ago) so I’m open to just about anything. I really like the background on your blog if that’s any indication of my fabric taste!

  345. Seriously making me cry with this post! We are so similar in the words you have here.

    But my favorite line is the Flea Market Fancy. . and I have some in my stash and it’s precious.. not sure if I’ll be using it as it’s just nice to have!

  347. Thanks for your post on this topic, I really found myself relating. My propensity to seek perfection and set high expectations is exactly why I do not have a blog. I am a smart educated 30 year old and I believe I can accomplish most things I set out to do. The problem is I may sacrifice my emotional well-being in the process. I had to hit a spiritual bottom before I was able to embrace a softer approach to my life. Now I strive to prioritize my peace and serenity and something like a blog just wouldn’t fit into that picture for me. I admire you for sharing your life and creativity, especially now given your recent post. Thanks.

    Oh, and I adore all things Denyse Schmidt 😉

  348. I just found you on FB and love your page. I also looked at your shop on ESTY… I love the Simply Color by Moda.

    Happy Belated Birthday!

  349. I hope you had a wonderful birthday! Thank you for sharing some of your wisdom (and fabric!). I live Tula’s little ladybugs and I love Wonderland. Thank you for your generosity!

  351. wow! happy birthday & what a generous giveaway.
    I love anything Sweetwater, dots, Aneela. and such great advice – thanks for sharing it.

  352. Happy Birthday! I enjoyed reading this post and I think that is great advice! I love so many different collections but the first one to come to mind for my fave is simpatico.

  357. Happy (belated) Birthday!!!

    I love AMH’s Garden Party!! That was my very first fabric love. Followed closely by the original FMF line. Yum!!!

  358. Happy birthday! I found you through the Totally Groovy Quilt along and want to thank you for the awesome ‘log cabin’ tutorial. I’m definitely going to be using that method.

    I loved this post. I think some of us are just meant to be hard on ourselves (and I HATE it!). I have never heard the advice you were given and just think it’s brilliant.

    One of my favorite lines is one I found after it was out of print…Tula Pink’s first line, Full Moon Harvest. I’m in love with the owl in that print. I also love Jay-Cyn’s Commute, Mod Basics and Storyboek.

    Hope you had an awesome birthday. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and for the chance to win.

    rpsandbag(at)gmail(dot)com

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