Top Post of 2025

Right off, Happy New Year to everyone!👹

I am a big fan of Google Analytics. It revealed this blog's top post for 2025 ai-impacting-quilt-design was from March 2024. There, I entered a prompt in an AI generator of "an abstract quilt depicting food realistic" from the 2024 California State Fair description of "Almost Edible" in the Crafts Special Contests category. My interpretation of a cupcake wasn't selected. Beading and all, I still love it. 💗

I didn't enter the special crafts competition in 2025 because the prompt was "Action Sports."

I will definitely run that prompt again when the Fair posts its 2026 prompt for that category. One reason I enter that category is hoping for less competition. From the time of the posting of the prompt to fair submission is 3 months or less. 

Art quilts are another category I have entered with modest success as honorable mentions. I know enough not to compete against fantastical quilters, these were entered in the fiber art category. Another of my popular posts this year is the-encounter-abstract-in-fabric, an art quilt from 2018. 

If I decide to complete another art quilt, 1950s abstract painting by Ney might be my inspiration. 

There is also the Amador County Fair scheduled in the months to come. A special crafts prompt might be posted for that event. I will keep you posted. 

Keep On Truckin'

My post title was a popular phrase in the 1970s. It is hard not to get discouraged as a seller during the summer months. I try to keep my eye on the prize. My sales prior to summer averaged $500 a month.  

Trying to clear up the backlog of items to list for sale. My latest listing session was needlekits. I cannot remember where I picked up this nearly-finished cross-stitch kit. I don't even remember buying it. So sad. I know I "zone out" when I am at estate sales. Especially if there is a large amount of items in my categories. Like a kid in a candy store. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186020799732

I don't pass up the partially completed kits. Santa also needs a home. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186020786578

Sneaking in some images from the Amador County Fair. This is one of my favorites - the court in the craft exhibition wearing their tiaras, sashes, and cowboy boots. 

We arrived early and left early to avoid the crowd. We gobbled down some hamburgers, fries, cotton candy, and a waffle ice cream maple syrup carmel concoction that was indescribably delicious.  

The fair theme was Zinfandel and Zinnias.  

The rooster who was such a show-off. 

On to other things: Sally Stand-In models this apron I found while rummaging through my fabric. 

The Mr. mentioned he would like a "fish" quilt. I have been saving remnants of fish print fabric so now is the time to make it into some useful. I will detail the process in an upcoming post.  

Friday in the Middle of May

My remote work station continues to evolve. I replaced the bulky tapestry with a curtain panel made of the zoomy purple print fabric backed by corduroy fabric. A $2 thrift shop find. It is the exact length from curtain rod to floor that I needed. 

While the California State Fair has been put on hold, the Amador County Fair will be going forward. I have never entered my crafts at the county level, and it is high time that I do!

In light of my desire to enter a quilt in the fair, I cancelled my summer session art history class. There is no way I can complete an entry and another 8-week class prior to the July 9th deadline. I am even considering entering my plum jam into competition. 

Reseller's update: A crocheted blanket finally sold, if only for a few dollars profit. I nearly pulled it from the listings. I have one left to list but it is a black-bordered granny square one with colorful centers, with those being more popular it should move quickly. 

I discounted my listed CDs to half off just to get them out of inventory. Next up for deep discounting are the books. 

Ending the post with the best thing I've seen on the internet today, Quilting for Monkeys. Friday next, I will be flying out to finally see my 93 year old mother in Seattle.