“Joy & Sled Wool Ornaments” by Julie Wurzer for Patch Abilities

Can I get real with you for a minute?

My name is Julie. In 2001 I lost my identity.  Up until then, I was Julie the Agronomist. I loved Ag, loved working with farmers, helping them achieve their crop goals.  My manager came to me one Friday and wanted my resignation. I had worked my tail off for the company and felt confident I had done a terrific job, so quitting was not an option for me. I forced them to fire me. Yes, I was fired. Proudly fired. =)

Something in me told me this was a blessing, but now what, “who was I”? It was time to dig deep and figure out who “Julie” truly was. And that began my soul searching.  It was a dark depressing time, but also necessary.  Out the other side of the darkness, came the creative Julie that I had pushed back for so long. My creative river began to flow again, I dug out my sewing machine that my Mom had given me as a college graduation gift and I began to stitch.

Everyone has a story and every business starts with nothing but an idea steeped in passion.

Some time after “listening” to my imagination and jumping back into my river of creativity, Patch Abilities pattern company came into it’s existence.

Today, Patch Abilities is a pattern company that specializes in creating “approachable patterns that invite beginners into this soul-satisfying hobby of quilting”.  I love creating small designs (6” x 22, 6” x 12, etc.), with minimal basic sewing, and simple designs to applique around so a beginner can do it and not “screw it up” (as one beginner told me).  I try to write my patterns with simple yet complete instructions, so that anyone can pick it up and create the cute design without frustration . . no matter what their skill level is.

If a Patch Abilities pattern is the open gate that invites beginners to this soul-satisfying hobby, then I am successfull.  Really, my goals come from my heart – I want to entice everyone who has any inckling of learning to quilt, because I want them to feel it.  It warms the soul, like a warm cup of coffee or cocoa in front of a crackling fireplace, when you come in from the cold on a winter’s day – – seriously – i want them to feel quilting and pass on the gift to those they love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for these holiday tree ornaments, I created these for us to use on our Christmas tree at home. I now have little boys and a deep desire to create a festive holiday in our home that is steeped in the warmth of hand-made Christmas decorations. So, I began by making woolen tree ornaments that echo my own memories of Christmas. I even got my old sled to use as inspiration and my model. Making these in wool (versus cotton), I believe, gives them a extra layer of love.These ornaments remind me to keep our family Christmas simple, with a generous dose of magic.

 

Visit Julie’s website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.