Perseverance is Everything!!

As I have talked about in earlier blog posts, in these past two years, I have just pursued things that I normally wouldn’t and was grateful for what came my way and worked out.  This meant applying to shows to teach, getting my name out there by social media (it is a very time consuming thing!!), and writing letters to guilds, potential shows, etc.  It is a lot of work.  My philosophy has been that the worse that can happen is that I am told “No”….and what difference does it make.  I would rather try and be told “no” than to never have tried and always wonder what would have happened.

So, I just finished teaching at my first major show at MQX.  I am contracted to teach this July for AQS Syracuse, and am always filling out proposals to teach at other shows.  For those of you who have never done this, it is a time consuming process and a never ending process as every show has different proposal guidelines and deadlines.  And in reality, I would rather be quilting than doing paperwork!!!

So, now for my big news that I hinted at in my last post……..

Last Fall, I had decided to write a letter to HandiQuilter (the maker of the machines that I quilt on), and introduce myself.  I never heard back, but didn’t really stop too long to think about it, as my goal is always to move forward.  It isn’t unusual to hear back from a teaching proposal with a typical…… “thank you for your proposal/email and we will keep you in mind” …..type of thing.

Anyway…..when you are teaching in a HandiQuilter equipped, hands on classroom, there is a HandiQuilter Educator in that room with you.  I have to tell you that this made me extremely nervous, but they (Diane & Susan) were so nice that I instantly felt like we could be fast friends.  After my second day of teaching (this was my long day of classes), I got back to my room and had an email from HandiQuilter Corporate asking me to contact them that evening.  I was terrified……but no need for that….lol!!!  As I was talking to HandiQuilter, they said that I was coming to them as very highly recommended and that they would love to have me join their team as a HandiQuilter Educator and travel for them to attend events that they schedule.  Oh my gosh!!!  I couldn’t even answer that night, as I was exhausted, but after giving it thought for a couple of days, I told them yes!!!!  So, not only will I be able to quilt and teach personally, but I will also get to travel to HandiQuilter events when needed and represent the machines that I love so much!!

I have already met the CEO of the company and several Educators, and have been welcomed with open arms, and on the 24th I leave for three days of training in Salt Lake City.  I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity!!

So…..my advice to everyone….persevere!!!!

Happy Quilting!!