One reason I haven't posted for a few days is because my school's fund-raising auction is a week from Saturday, and I've been quilting like mad. This is the first item up for bid.
This is a quilt pattern I made up, based on classic Montessori materials. All the fabric I used was from my fabric stash. The quilt is about 42 inches square, so it could be used by a small child or hung up on the wall. Clockwise from the top, the materials showcased are the Red Rods, the Pink Tower, the Short Bead Stairs, the first puzzle map, and handwriting. The Short Bead Stairs section was an add-on when I realized I had some space to fill, but it's one of my favorite parts of the quilt. They're actual beads, and it's such a nice tactile element.
This was a lot of fun to make, and I'm happy to report that all of my co-workers went crazy over it. As I've been working on this quilt in the evenings, I've been reflecting on my crafting talents and how they have been viewed at my various places-of-work.
Here, my knitting, sewing, and quilting is applauded and bragged about. I was knitting while I was waiting for my job interview, and I think that went significantly towards me getting the job. I get to share my love of crafting with the children in my class, my co-workers, and my administration on almost a daily basis.
At my old place, a software company, I think my hobbies were considered at best quirky, and at worst, simple (not in the good sense) and a bad excuse to be going home at a reasonable hour. One of my former co-workers (who I really like and respect) once admired a small quilt I had brought in and then set his coffee mug on it when we moved on to talk about the day's work. I still have not fully recovered from that incident.
All of these thoughts, and and a several-week stretch where I was not sick, made me realize how much I love my new job.
Seriously, I cannot ever remember being happier with a job. Not only do I not dread Sunday night, I also am cheerful when I'm driving into work in the morning. It's the best feeling, and I wanted to tell you about it.
I will let you know how much this item gets, and I'm hoping to also get a few sunshine-y pictures of the quilt as well. I didn't realize how little clear floor space we had until trying to take these pictures!
wow that quilt is AWESOME!
I didn't know you worked at a montessori school, they are fabulous!!
Posted by: kelly | April 16, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Oh, Kristy, how lovely -- the quilt, and the fact that you love your work so. You are fortunate!
Posted by: Liz K | April 16, 2009 at 08:52 AM
That quilt will be the hit of the auction. Cha-ching! Sounds like you have found your niche. It's great to have your talents/hobbies appreciated and applauded instead of humored and viewed as an oddity. I am shocked that a former co-worker put his coffee mug down on your quilt! WTF!
Posted by: Kim | April 16, 2009 at 03:42 PM
I know how you feel about going to work everyday. Isn't being a teacher the greatest!!!!
Posted by: Nikki D. | April 16, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Very cool! It's great that you love your work so. :)
Posted by: tiennie | April 16, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Very cool quilt! I'm sure it will bring a fabulous price at the auction.
Very glad to hear you love your new job so much, and that your students and colleagues are happy you teach there.
Posted by: Brenda | April 17, 2009 at 01:38 AM
What a wonderful quilt! My son was fortunate enough to be able to attend a Montessori preschool last year, and it was the most amazing place I've ever seen - so tranquil and loving.
Posted by: Ruth | April 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM
That quilt is *awesome*! I'm so glad you're happy at your new job. Teaching at a Montessori school is something I've always thought I might enjoy doing (I got a small taste in high school, when I taught Orchestra at the local Montessori school).
Posted by: whitney | April 18, 2009 at 05:42 PM
You did a great job! I am sure it will be a hit. And I completely understand how you feel about your job. I found it the second I stepped in to the nursing home. I knew then, I was meant to be a nurse. I quickly got my CNA license and I will start school full time this summer to get my LPN/RN. It makes going to work so much easier. AND, as an added bonus, my residents love my knitting. I purposely where my handknit socks so they can see them. They ask to see them. I have even sat with uneasy Alzheimers residents and calmed them with watching me knit. It's a great trick!
I love watching your projects come along. Great job!
Posted by: Stacey | April 19, 2009 at 05:37 PM
I hope you raise lots of $$$!
Posted by: nova | April 24, 2009 at 04:12 PM