It might come as a surprise that here in the US, we have a National Quilting Day. Now don't expect your boss to recognize this as a national holiday with time off. And, there will not be parades down main street, but there will be quilt-a-thons, special exhibits, and even some fabulous fabric sales. For me, the official designation gives me a very legitimate excuse to hide-out in my studio, cell phone off, and emerse myself in fabric and quilt!

It all started in 1991 with the National Quilting Association. Check out what they are up to for the celebration. It would also be a great day to get your quilter friends together to work on projects, especially for a charity project. Or you could just cuddle up with your favorite quilt and watch a DVD of How To Make an American Quilt. I'd love to hear what you are planning for National Quilting Day!

Oh, since this is my first blog post, I should introduce myself. I'm Jay Staten, and will act as one of the quilting group moderators. I'm in Cincinnati, Ohio these days, working for KP Crafts, one of F+W Publications imprints. Every day, I have the honor of working with some of the top qulters in the nation. Jobs don't get much better than this! Now, with mycraftivity.com, I will have the opportunity to share with quilters and fiber artists around the world.

I really don't know when I began quilting -- it was just always part of my life. When I was growing up in Kansas, it was all about traditional quilts, made from chicken linen, old clothes, and fabric scraps from other projects. Nothing went to waste in our house. Today, we would be considered very "green." But then it was just being very practical. I still love the traditional approach to quilting, but I keep finding myself working in the art quilt realm. That started when I went to work as the associate publisher for the American Quilter's Society about 5 years ago. I've moved on, but am still the biggest fan of the AQS shows and contests.

I just finished a bed quilt of blue-on-blue thread painting (unfortunately it doesn't photograph well). But, I have an itch to do a simple block quilt with Joel Dewberry's new Manzanita fabric line. I love the modern, romantic color palette. I'm thinking a simple, neutral sashing will off set these fabulous designs. Of course, I'm going to have to come up with something special for the quilting designs. My motto is: when in doubt, check out Golden Threads.