Gratitude is always a good practice, so it’s especially nice to have a holiday specifically dedicated to thanksgiving.  Here are 10 reasons I’m thankful for quilting:

1. Every project is a new learning experience.  Even if it is, sometimes, “another *%@!! learning experience” 🙂
   

   A learning experience!

2. There is no failure. Projects that don’t turn out as planned can be recycled into something.  (It may take a while to figure out what.)
   

   This one had to be cut up and made into placemats!

3. Friends.  Quilting is a great way to meet interesting people and make new friends.  I love making friends online, too, even though I may never meet them in person.  It’s such fun that people from 3000 miles away follow my blog and I follow theirs.
   

   A new friend holding up one of my quilts at a recent guild talk

4. Quilting is a great creative outlet, whether or not I choose to be an “artist”.
   

   Quilt made for a class with Gwen Marston

5. Gifts.  I’ve made quilts, placemats, table runners, potholders, and bags to give to friends.
   

   Divided basket made from pattern by Noodlehead

6. Opportunity to give to the community.  I make quilts for Ronald McDonald house.
   

   One of my quilts for Ronald McDonald House

7. Color!  Who doesn’t love playing with all the beautiful fabrics?
   

   Yummy fabrics at Studio Stitch, where I sometimes teach

8. Socializing: it’s great to get together and work on a project with friends.
   

   An especially quilty friend at a sewing group

9. Being alone: it’s equally great to spend a quiet day alone in my studio
   

   View from my home

10. Problem solving: Many projects present problems that need to be solved, and I love the challenge.
    

    I enjoyed the challenge of designing and making this quilt

What are you thankful for?