Hi everyone, September 2024
Today is September 1st, the weather is hot and I’m thinking about the cooler days to come. I do believe we’re all following suit .... anxious to have the cooler weather and ready to get to the sewing machines because it makes us happy. Sit back and let me share a bit with you as to what has happened and what will be happening to Linda Ballard & Co.
The past 6 months have been crazy busy and that’s how I like it. Last week I just got home from my 15th quilting cruise to the Western Caribbean. We had a marvelous time and enjoyed the cruise, people and places. The weather .... well the humidity wasn’t fun but we all survived. The ship was a blast, so much offered it was pretty fun. We are looking to doing another cruise in 2026 .... location tentatively is Hawaii but too early to say the date and to be a definite destination.
As you might remember, Dave has become my driver nowadays due to my eyesight. Yes, DMV says I’m legally blind but I totally disagree. I’m doing what I can to ‘fight’ their decision. Stay tuned for an update as I proceed with a few more ideas. Anyway, back to Dave as my driver. He has learned over the past 6 months that I’m a workaholic. If I teach, he also goes .... he’s getting rather good at occupying himself while I’m working. He’s finding staying in a hotel isn’t always the best but it works. I do have to say I ask him when booking if he’s ok to be gone multi days at one time or multi venues while on the road ..... so far so good. Some of my girlfriends have helped out letting me ride with them if we’re traveling to the same venue which makes Dave smile ..... yes, he gets to stay home. All in all he’s been so good with this ..... didn’t ask for it but he’s always willing to go when it’s time. Lucky me to have this man.
I’ve had some great adventures these months with numerous guilds in SoCal. Saw some quilters I haven’t seen in ages and of course met many new quilters who enjoyed what I had to say or present. Guilds are always just a pleasure to work with. My travels also included annual events .... this means private retreats that happen yearly or twice a year. These are special to me ..... they keep asking me back and it’s so much fun seeing them. A lot of these people I only see at those retreats so it means a lot being asked back. Guilds and private retreats I’ve seen are Island Park, ID ..... Material Girls of Shady Cove .... Fresno Quilters ..... Harmony Ridge Girls ..... Rendezvous in Reno Retreat .... Moonlighters/Oroville Piecemakers and so many quilt shops ..... Sew Katie Jean, Runs With Scissors, Sew Simple. The Sewing Room. Friends Around the Block, Blue Iris Honey Run Quilters and Farm Girl Quilts. Thank you all for supporting me.
I still have products that I sell, all you have to do is call me. My workbooks are readily there, project bags in various sizes and tools to make your quilting easier. Unfortunately the ruler I dearly love, Precision Trimmer 6 is no longer being made, but hopefully one day someone will pick it up. I’m now carrying BlocLoc flying geese rulers, the assorted sizes that are the most common for my patterns. Yes they’re expensive, but you are worth it ...... treat yourself to them if you haven’t. And as always the general sewing notions that we all have to have is available through me.
Family update ..... Dave I’ve already said is my ‘go too’ guy. We celebrated 56 years this past May, hard to believe. Jim and family are busy with sports and life.
Blake is a senior and will be graduating this coming June.
Elle is in 7th grade and every time I see her photo, she’s growing up way too fast.
Both grandkids are avid sportsmen .... they do get this from their parents. Love them all a great deal. Cheri is my girl .... she has such a good life, she’s always happy and that makes us happy.
As for me, I’m still out there doing my best for all of you quilters. Not slowing down unless something happens. Designing new patterns often, just loving the idea of teaching and presenting my knowledge to those who are willing to listen.
As I mentioned earlier, watch for the 17th cruise coming in 2026. Location sort of decided but can always change. It all depends on the ship/conference room availability/prices and life in general.
Please read over the retreat pages, there are changes like everything else in the world.
I lost the Trinidad facility and am currently looking for another coastal location. I’m trying to keep it at the same timeline, fingers crossed something will come along.
I hope you will find time in your busy schedule to attend one of the retreats if not more ..... we always have a great time and I will do my utmost to make it a great experience for you.
Your support of my business and me is never taken lightly ..... I thank you all the time whether you hear me or not. As always, it’s a big Thank You!
Enjoy!
linda@letsquilt.com www.letsquilt.com