Home Again

I’m finally home again. What started out to be a one-week visit turned into two. I had a great time re-connecting with family and friends, and was able to squeeze in a fair amount of work, as well.

That’s one thing I really appreciate about being a designer—the ability to do my job from anywhere. I was working on a project for a publisher when I left home, so I took it with me to finish it up. A few days after I arrived in Illinois, I received a cell phone call from a different publisher offering me another job. I accepted, and she overnighted the materials I would need to finish it. I’m about halfway through that project, and will spend a few days finishing it up while I settle back into my daily routine. I can’t tell you what the projects are, of course, but I’ll announce all of my newly published designs here once they are in print.

I was also able to get some work done on the free pattern I mentioned in the last entry, but I’m sure you’ll understand that the projects for the publishers take top priority. Keep checking—I’ll try to get the free pattern up soon!

On The Road Again...

My husband, Carl, and I are leaving in a couple of hours on a trip back home to Illinois to spend time with our family for the 4th of July holiday. I generally tend to over pack, so I made a conscious effort this time to travel light. I was doing ok, too, until it came time to pack my yarn and thread…

I tried, I really did. I intended to limit the yarn and fiber to just one bag, but it ended up taking two. Every time I tried to reduce the amount, I thought of “just one more” project I wanted to make or swatch while I was away.

I don’t feel too bad about it, though. The last time I made the trip, I threw in some yarn that I only had a vague notion of using. While I was gone, one of my publishers called and asked me to swatch something for them in that exact yarn brand and colorway. So, I was able to deliver what they wanted quickly which made them happy and ultimately made a sale for me.

Then there was the packing I did for our two dogs, Raven and Rosie, who usually go with us on long trips. Between their food, folding kennels and accessories, I think they have more luggage than I do!

On the drive to Illinois, I’m planning to finish a project I am designing for one of my publishers and which is due shortly. As soon as I have that done, I’ll be working on some free patterns. Be sure to check back to see what I come up with!

Have Laptop, Will Travel!

I love my job. Working freelance gives me the flexibility to work when and where I wish, a luxury I didn’t have while working in the corporate publishing world. This is especially important to me since my husband travels a lot for his employer. I only have to answer to myself job-wise these days so it’s sometimes possible for me to tag along with him on his trips.

Such an opportunity has presented itself next week. He will be traveling to Illinois which is where we are both from originally and where most of our family still lives. He asked me if I would like to go along to spend some time with family, and of course I said yes! So, we’ll pack my office (which consists of my laptop, cell phone and a duffel bag full of yarn) our two dogs, Raven and Rosie, and hit the road on Tuesday morning.

Now, all I have to do is discipline myself so I get some work done while I’m gone. :)