My latest Journal Quilt . . . .

My journal entry is printed directly on fabric for the back of this piece.

March 20th, 2007: * Journal Quilt Number 11 *

I am a day late with this weeks’ journal quilt, but that’s okay - to tell you the truth, I simply forgot! But here is journal quilt #11 – it’s hard to believe I have created this many already.

This little art quilt is more personal in nature I think than any of my previous ones. Last year in September, my husband Steven lost his job of 14 years. Fortunately, he has gotten some work since then doing what he does as senior level computer tech – but there’s been no regular salary for these past few months. Last week was especially hard and frustrating for both of us with few prospects of a regular job after much searching and applying. Steven has even gone so far as thinking of starting his own computer business. This could be a great thing, but it would also be difficult while getting it off the ground.

For any of you who have ever been in a similar situation, you know how the stress of a job loss can affect your relationships with those you love. It is difficult to navigate your feelings and your spouse’s feelings through this difficult time. Steven had a bad day last week where he felt very frustrated about the whole situation and I shed some tears over this when he did not understand my point of view. It took some talking until we sorted it all out. Our love prevailed.

The hands are a scan of our hands we did a while ago for possible artwork. I took the scan, printed it mirror image on a transparency and then used gel medium to transfer it to fabric. I stamped various images with VersaCraft ink onto the fabric & the transparency . . . . And! . . . We heard yesterday that Steven got a job!! : ) Lenna