Delays, Delays, Delays

I know I promised that there would be kits in October.

I lied.

Okay, I didn't lie. It wasn't a deliberate deceit. I was overly confident.

The intrepid testers of the intermediate level kits have reported back that the instructions are not... instruction-y enough. And so, my adoring public, I will be delayed yet again in my launch.

You'll notice I said “I”, this time, and not “we” - that is because Freddie and Leona aren't to blame. They are doing their best to manage the strategic dust and lint reserves, and they are doing a fantastic job.

What improvements to the instructions need to be made? Oh, mostly unimportant stuff. Stuff of no consequence. For instance, it turns out that instead of being told "Use the Y-seam technique," people would like to to actually have the Y-seam technique explained. Gosh, who would have thought?

Technical writing is hard for me because I've never done it before, and I want to make sure the instructions and diagrams are as clear as possible. Also, I could just copy someone else's instructions or (I guess?) have AI do it for me but that seems like cheating. Apparently AI can do everything now, that's what I hear. However, I understand there may be minor complications. Like you might end up with your perfectly pieced quilt sewn to your face.

But there is good news! As soon as I complete the instructions for binding on a rectangular shape, I will be able to put out three styles of Irish chain kit. Which is great, because I already have a few cut up and in boxes, including one I am tempted to keep for myself (I know I'm going to have this problem a lot). It's going to make someone a very striking quilt. It's a twin double Irish chain in black and red and white – which sounds fun but kinda traditional, right? Here's the kicker. You'd assume the sashing is the white part, right? But it isn't, the sashing is the red, and it's a sumptuous red. Gah. I feel like I'm talking myself into keeping it. I better stop describing it.

I have this problem, and I know it's not going away. I'm going to wind up selling a grand total of seven kits and dying at the age of 83 on top of a mountain of boxes, telling people about all my quilts.

Some assembly required.

So, Jae Marie, when will these kits actually be available?

Excellent question. I have a family obligation late in January. If you know me personally and you know what you want, I may be able to make it for you before then. If not, I hope my store will be up and running in February, but I'm not promising anything this time. Freddie and Leona have told me not to make that mistake again.