I have no time for the usual I, I or Me, me stuff. This forum is an interactive blog with an emphasis on your input. 

I like to think while stitching, as Eleanor, a Florida quilter told me "she loves to immerse herself in the world of thoughts while hand quilting with my thimble".

I don't write anything lightly as a cheap sales pitch or a free give away. Why? Because I know YOU are far too smart for those stupid commercial or political spins. 

Listening to the real concerns and insights of everyday quilters, teachers, business owners, observing for myself everything happening around our quilting communities, I feel there is a need to create a place / a no-spin zone - for a good forum.

As a quilter who loves quilt making and cares about our own community environment, as a teacher who loves sharing my own inventions, as a quilting business owner to whom fair competition is vital, as a migrant who have lived and worked in different cultures and traveled extensively to different countries over a period of 15 years, I think it is important to all of us to create a space for some clean talk. No strings attached. 

There are plenty for discussion in a fast changing quilting community. I think it is important to all of us. Unless honest effort is made to preserve a fair rule of game and encourage true excellence, no one will be a happy winner amidst all the naked or disguised commercial push.  Truth sacrificed; Friendship abused; Excellence compromised and everyone exhausted...This is not to the best interests of those of us who quilt seriously and passionately.

Is it possible to have a sensible, positive, productive and intelligent forum? Absolutely!  Believe me there is no shortage of wisdom in this community! The key is how to bring  these voice out and over those commercial spins. 

I have met the most  incredible quilters! This is the most special and diversified community - I don't know of any other "community" that bring so many incredible citizens from all walks of life. Most quilters have another day job or a profession. The sharp insights and intelligence shared by so many of you  during after-class conversations, private dinner chats or in letters you wrote me often left me so impressed and inspired. Your articulation and great skills in English writing humbled me every time. 

Join me! Point out the issues; Think about them while stitching; Look for solutions; Post your suggestions! If you are not confident in articulating a point yourself, you still have a judgement. Come and read the suggestions of others, and just make a comment as "good point!" to whichever good suggestions we come up with.

Basic Rules of this Forum:
1. Interesting topics: issues concerning quilting community.
2. No slander or gossip... Incident could be used as an issue for discussion but no names should be mentioned unless backed by solid facts. The writer is responsible for the facts and their legal consequences.