Mando Knows Something's Up

Today I decided to do something I probably should have done a long time ago. I tried on every single garment I own.

With the change in season, it felt like the right time to clean out my closet and really take stock of what still fits, what’s still in good repair, and what I actually still like wearing. Thankfully, I’m not much of a clothes horse, so this wasn’t the overwhelming all-day ordeal it could have been. Still, I was genuinely shocked by how many pieces I own that are still brand new, tucked away because they almost fit.

You know the ones. The “when I lose 10 pounds, this will fit perfectly” clothes.

I am so tired of saying that to myself.

For so much of my life, I’ve been living with this idea that I’m always just 10 pounds away from the version of me I’m supposed to be. And unfortunately, with my latest medication, I’ve actually gained another five. For the first time in a long time, I found myself asking, “How much of my life have I been postponing for a future version of myself?” So I’ve decided that this year, it is what it is. Either the garment fits the person I am right now, or it’s time to let it go.

And honestly? That felt bigger than just cleaning out a closet. It felt like making peace with the life and body I have today instead of waiting for some hypothetical “better” version of me to arrive. Once I finished letting go of what no longer fits, it was time to think about what I actually want to bring into this next season.

Of course, while I may be excited, not everyone in this house is handling the countdown so gracefully.

Mando has apparently been suspicious for a while, but the moment the suitcases came out today, all suspicions were confirmed. He has now entered full panic mode and is following me everywhere like my furry little shadow, clearly convinced that suitcase season means abandonment (even though he'll be well loved and spoiled rotten at Grandma's). It’s both heartbreaking and, if I’m honest, adorable.

New Type of Videos

As I've been recovering from my facial nerve issues, I haven't produced full, scripted videos. But I've hosted two spontaneous live meetings in the last couple of months that focus on a specific topic. They seem to be well-received. What do you think and what would like to see me talk more about?

Karen's Quilt Circle

Makers get on my radar for a variety of reasons. And Instagram will mysteriously decide certain quilters should be in my feed. Kathleen Riggins of Kathleen Quilts, was one of those suggestions, and I watched her progress over months as she finished the quilting of her Dear Jane quilt. Then Tula Pink showed off her latest amazing applique quilt…and it was quilted by Kathleen Quilts. Too much of a coincidence; I had to invite her on the podcast. And she said yes. Click to watch the video here.

Take a moment and listen to them all. You won’t regret it; just click on the playlist here.

Listen to any of my Karen's Quilt Circle podcasts on the YouTube Music app here. 

With our Japan cruise now less than a week away, my attention has quickly shifted from closet purging to making and packing. I still have a couple of things I’d really love to finish before we leave. Another shweshwe skirt and another Logan bag. Thankfully, both are relatively quick makes, especially compared to quilting, but time is definitely ticking. I always seem to convince myself I have more pre-trip sewing time than reality allows.

There’s something especially satisfying about making something with my own hands for a trip like this. Maybe it’s because handmade pieces always feel a little more personal, like I’m packing not just for the destination but for the experience I want to have there.

Live Q&A June Meeting

The June meeting for my Live Q&A is canceled as I will be on our Japan cruise for a large portion of the month.

Karen's Quilt Crew

Join us for comradery and stitching! You must be a member; sign up in YouTube to join our community.

It feels like forever since our last cruise, and I can feel that familiar pre-travel mix of excitement and chaos settling in. There are books to choose, board games to pack for the inevitable quiet moments, and all the little rituals that make a trip feel real.

And then, there’s the technology. Why is it that a vacation somehow requires enough charging cords, plugs, adapters, and gear to support a small military operation? There are a computer, phone, camera equipment, and all the assorted charging necessities. I swear streamlining this mess may be the greatest challenge of the entire trip.

So that’s where I am this week: letting go of what no longer fits, making what I still want to carry forward, and preparing, both practically and emotionally, for what comes next.

Maybe that’s really what this season is about.

Just making room for who I am now.

Take care,

Karen (and her shadow)

---