Benita of Victoriana Quilt Designs approached me if I wanted to participate in a Quilter's Meet and Greet. And since both kiddos are in school this year, I actually have a little more time to actually blog, so I figured this was a great time to join the fun.
So here is a little more about me, my quilting journey, and life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!
Hi! I'm Jess Pugh and I grew up in Ludington, Michigan, famous for the Lake Michigan Carferry the
S.S. Badger. Went to Michigan State University for my undergrad in botany and later my Master's at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee for my MLIS.
I was set up with my husband on a blind date, and were married 6 months later. In January 2020 we will be celebrating 12 years of marriage! This by far was one of the craziest things I've done!
I have two girls, Nora and Enna. Nora is a 1st grader this year and Enna started preschool. Plus we also have our 10 year old black lab, Berrie.
I started sewing as a way to help heal my soul after a miscarriage. I took up quilting just before my first girl was born and haven't stopped! Sewing truly was my life saver, along with my husband and my doctor! I enjoy the whole process, and have recently started designing a few quilts. Next on my list is a long-arm, one day!
After a few moves, my family and I have landed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. And we love it here. We moved blindly, no job, no family, and no friends. And this has been one of the most successful moves we made as a family. We fell into a great group and this has made all the difference. I can't imagine living anywhere else at the moment. The access to all things outdoors is simply amazing!
Finally I am currently training for my first half marathon, in October. I tried getting back into running after my first daughter and ran for awhile. Then again after my second daughter was born, but it never stuck. This past year my oldest wanted to participate in a running program at school and since she was a kindergartner a parent had to run with her. Something about this restart clicked and I continued to run consistently 3 days a week even after the program finished. So I decided to fully commit and signed up for a half marathon in October. I've been some good progress and more importantly I'm doing it solely for me!
Hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me and viewing some of my favorite quilts!
Be sure to click the links below to be taken to the main Quilter's Meet & Greet page and to enter for a chance to win the grand prize!
Visiting from the Quilter's Meet & Greet. Even though I follow you on Ig, it's nice to hear more about you and your work! So glad you found a solace in quilting. Dare I say I'm so impressed with your running - that's awesome!
ReplyDeletenice quilts - quilting can be such a stress reducer!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best with the half marathon. A few years ago, we rode the Badger to Luddington; it is a fun memory due to a few events along the way. Those pineapples are so cute. Is there a pattern?
ReplyDeleteBeen a Michigan girl all my life, until the last 4 months, moved to SC. Love the UP, everything is beautiful any season. I always enjoy your quilts and your location pictures.
ReplyDeleteFun to “see” you again and be reintroduced. 2 in school is major - I wish you luck as you continue your quilting journey!
ReplyDeleteI am also a native Michigander. The UP is one of my favorite places. Wish I could move up there.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I always admire all of your quilt projects.
ReplyDeleteThe snails are wonderful. They could live at my house.
ReplyDeleteLoving the Pineapple Mini Quilt!
ReplyDeleteYour quilts are great. Good luck on your half marathon.
ReplyDeleteWe've taken the Badger. We love the UP (in the summer) -- we've been from the Sault to Cedarville, Houghton (to Isle Royale), and to Ontanogan. But what caught my eye was your MLIS from UWM. I'm convenor of the ALA Biblioquilters (librarians who quilt!) and would love to talk to you about that. (And a P.S.: of course we've read the Lilian Jackson Braun Cat/Qwilleran series!)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed getting to know you a little better. I admire the bravery of your family in moving with no jobs in place but it sounds like it is working out well. Love your pineapple quilt.
ReplyDeleteI've been following you for a while but didn't realize you were a fellow librarian! I love your fun, colorful quilts. The snails is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for some time and on IG. It's nice to get the more information on who you are as a maker.
ReplyDeleteI have one of your darling Pineapples!! My friend made it for a mug rug swap that we did a while back. Thanks for sharing with the Meet & Greet and best of luck on your upcoming marathon!
ReplyDeleteGreat quilts. Love your pineapples. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove the Bear Pillows!! And those adorably fun Snails too!! thak you for being a part of this Hop..was fun meeting you. (good luck with the Marathon! )
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you Jess ! Lovely quilts, and a great post!
ReplyDeletePineapple patterns always catch my eye, love it!
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing your story, thanks for sharing. Your quilts are gorgeous, esp the snail quilt! I'm adding you to my reading list and look forward to following your blog. I'm not far from you, in SW Ontario Canada.
ReplyDeleteYour snails are superb, and to share your life and family with us is extra special. Love the snow, the waterfall, and I agree, the outdoors is the best.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely healing journey and it your running is impressive too.
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