Starbound Studios

My Oh My!

2011-07-15T23:17:00.000-05:00

It's been such a long while since I've been in blogland, and I've started looking back at some of my favorite blogs from way back when...

And I realized - I wish I could just sit and sew all day long!!

There are so many stinkin' cute projects out there, and I have a bit of a stash built up, but not enough time to stitch it all up. :o(

It's crazy how much inspiration is out there on some of these blogs, like....

....this little diddy from Laura at the luckiest

....and this uber super cute one by Katie at Paisley and Polka Dots

...and how could I resist looking at these from Film in The Fridge! Even though I don't have any little ones around, they're still adorable!

There were so many more absolutely adorable and inspiring things out there...let me tell you!

I guess that means I just need to get kicking with my last few weeks left before school starts, and it shall start....Monday! I so wish I could get crackin' tomorrow, but work must come first, don't we all know it.

I shall have some more fun things done soon to show and share, 'til then....

Hugs & Giggles!

Katy

And I'm back!

2011-07-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

Hello, hello all my happy, beautiful blogland friends!

I have been feeling the jump to come back and do a bit of posting, so here I am! Life has been a bit crazy, and so many changes in live have occurred - so it was probably I took a little break on here to get things all figured out and situated.

I have a new home, a new man, a new career, and much new-found happiness! It was all a much needed change, and life is....well very different, and so much more fulfilling than I ever imagined it could be.

You've maybe also noticed a bit of a change around here, I decided things here needed a little freshening up along with everything else.

So life....still in school, still working (wait, that's new too!), still sewing and quilting away! Mom and the girls and I still get together once a week for dinner and sewing, which is absolutely wonderful! And I swear, has been my saving grace through this all. Maybe more about that later....

Many awesome projects as of late! I don't have pics on this computer, but will be working to get some up soon!

Thank you all for stopping by!

Katy

Time to take a break...

2010-10-25T13:54:00.000-05:00

Well, Blogland friends, I am taking a break from the blogging world. School has taken over my life and I've come to the conclusion (with some help...) that some things need to be set aside while I work my way through. Unfortunately, blogging happens to be one of them. :o(

I want to thank you all for stopping by, commenting, and giving me forever inspiration! I will still be checking out the other blogs that I have often read. I'm not sure when I'll be back, we'll just have to see where life takes me. I have a feeling there may be a post or two while I'm on winter break between semesters, but not going to make any promises.

"I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it."

-- Rosalia de Castro --

Until next time, my dear friends!

A little privacy please

2010-09-17T16:47:00.000-05:00

This morning, mom came over to do a little baking with me and work on curtains for our front door. We made some delicious Rotha's Buns family recipe, and Chocolate Zucchini Cake {which I will share the recipe over on my other blog later this week}. While the buns were rising and the cake was cooking, we were working on the curtains for the front door at my and hubby's house. We didn't have to do much, just make a pocket at the bottom for a second rod to fit. Quick & easy, just the way I like it!

Anywho, the door is almost half window and our house is on a main road, so anyone driving by or out walking their dog could easily look into the house and up the stairs. I found the curtains at a church garage sale almost two years ago, but we all know how life goes... So we finally got it all figured out and finished today! Awesome! It looks beautiful! Just like it was always meant to look like that! Yay!

We also spent some time brainstorming for a blogger name for her. She's always reading blogs, and has wanted to leave comments but doesn't have an account. And I wouldn't be surprised if blog posts come out of it all some day either! So stay tuned...

Always,

A day behind.

2010-09-15T16:36:00.002-05:00

Alright, I was all ready to post last night....then I went to Hulu, and found a TV show I just had to watch, apparently I procrastinate a bit....who woulda thought! So anyways, here we go!

Another great night sewing with the ladies! We were all doing a bit of our own thing. One was finishing her Stop Sign, two were cutting for the quilt along over at Fat Quarterly, and I was onto my sewing blocks together for the quilt along.

We all picked our own folder or the quilt along instructions, all fun colors! When Dani was asked which color she wanted, she chose yellow. Her reason? "It's yellow like a sunshine, and I'm bright like a sunshine!" Yes my dear, you have a very bright and smiley personality, the color fits!

After picking our folders and reading thru this week's instructions, off we went. I was all cut, so I decided to go ahead and start my sewing!

As I'm sewing them together...next thing I hear from Mom: "Are you following the directions? Or are you just going?"

Directions? Here's how my life goes:

I live my life outside of the box. I'm not really an "inside-the-box" person, I often am thinking {and doing} "out-of-the-box". I'm usually a "wing-it" girl, not really always a direction girl. Mom, on the other hand, is a follow-the-directions type of person, do it how they show it. I like to take risks, do things different! I don't always do it the "right" or "as told" way.

But hey, I'd say the ones that I finished turned out pretty well, wouldn't you say?!?

This is just a portion of my fabrics, I still have many others that I was working on before I left!

Another little tidbit from last night that we all must remember:

Marinate it.
Boil.
Cool it off so it doesn't spoil.
Wrap it up in some tin foil.
Put it in the freezer; keep it there forever.

What are we baking? Nothing. This just has to do with...

Success
Feelings, the fact that we're all beautiful!
Fabric scraps
Whatever...you make it, you bake it!

Oh such fun we have on Tuesday nights!

Oh yeah, and one last thing...we were all working away, and what comes around the little corner that makes mom scream?! A MOUSE! Yep, mom and dad have always had mouse traps set in the basement, mind you, it is livable. But the weather is getting cooler, and winter is a'comin' so those little critters are working their way in. Dani saw it before Mom, but didn't say anything, haha! She thought it was cute! Then mom saw it (my back was to it), and there weren't any words that came from her, just wide eyes, pointing, and noise. Then I turned, saw it, and walked "leisurely" to the other side of the room. Keep in mind, I've never really liked these little critters...I used to live in the basement...

So all in all, it was quite a night! As Tuesday nights usually are. And now I'm off to class!

Always,

Inspiration, Inspiration Everywhere!

2010-09-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

I went downtown to meet with a friend for lunch earlier this week, and I saw quilt inspiration everywhere I looked. Here are a few of my favorite ones!

What has inspired you today??

Always,

Another one added...

2010-09-08T11:20:00.000-05:00

...to the mile long list of on-going projects...

A quilt-along with Fat Quarterly!!

The fabric has been picked, ordered, and arrived!

And now cut!! {well...most of it at least...}

Katie's fabric was making her hungry - "it looks like candy!"

Dani's fabric reminded her of an Ugly Sweater party.

My fabric reminded me of a bright spring day.

An Mom's were a gorgeous, serene fall evening. (She wasn't home, so didn't get a chance to cut yet.)

All in all, we each love our fabrics and can't wait to see what they turn out to look like during this quilt along!

Always,

{Sorry, no creative name today....I'm pooped}

2010-08-31T22:57:00.002-05:00

*Disclaimer: Apparently on Tuesday nights, we like to make up our own words. Some of these words will be used throughout this post, but no worries, I will define them as we go!

First off, before we get to quilty things....these two new kittens are so precious and absolutely adorable!! I have never had kittens before (we had always gotten them a bit older), and oh my goodness...these two will get us ready for kids, let me tell you!

Ruby and Gustav - a.k.a "Gus"

They went to the vet for their first check-up, what an adventure that was!! Ruby was still a bit timid, not quite sure what to think of being there. Gus, on the other hand, was all over the place, jumping up & down, chewing on whatever he could find. They both got a great bill of health though, thank goodness!!

Such a big day for two little kitties! In the middle of playing with daddy, Gus Gus pooped out for a bit tonight while Ruby was still ready to keep playing! She not only played with the feather toys with dad, but also attacked her brother's tail while he was trying to sleep....sibling love!

Okay, now on to 3 Young Chicks & the Hot Hen quilting! We decided to take a little break from our other projects, and all made Stop Signs {octagonal table toppers}.

During this time, we were instructed to make sure to Per-hess it! {Press it!} You need to make sure that the seams lay flat before moving on...

Once the seams are flat, be sure to trim off all of your thready-bobbers {stray threads} before the next step of sewing, otherwise they'll cause you problems!

There were also a few Dang-nabbits! and Cer-aps! throughout the night as well... We seemed to have some type of Southern-Midwest accents tonight...not quite sure where that came from.

Anywho, the Stop Signs aren't quite finished yet, that will be next week....but here's what we ended up with so far!

Awesome thing!! We've decided that we are going to go ahead and jump on the bandwagon and join in on the quilt-along over at Fat Quarterly! We just needed to make sure that we have our schmagerbag of fat quaters {I'm guessing "assortment"...}. Our fabric has been ordered from Connecting Threads, and we are all waiting with baited breath for those first set of instructions to come. Granted, it isn't until Monday, but we're ready and waiting!

Always,

Off to the Fair!

2010-08-28T19:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, hubby and I spent the afternoon and evening at the fair! The Great Summer Get-Together!!

The place of:

Thousands & thousands of people...

Cheese Curds at every turn....

All kinds of dairy...

And anything you can think of on a STICK!!

Of course, you can't forget about

The Midway...

And one of my favorite stops...

The place with all of the snowboarding stuff. Bring on the snow!!

{Well, after a bit of the fall!}

And a great day it was!

Today was spent getting a much needed massage, and time with the hubby...searching, petting, meeting, and finally bringing home:

Ruby (left- girl) & Gus (right - boy)

2 1/2 month old sister & brother who made their way into our hearts!

Always,

Hexie Fever

2010-08-27T13:16:00.001-05:00

I've had the itch to sew lately {besides just on Tuesday's}, and since my machine is at Mom's....handsewing was the answer!

So Hexie Fever has come forth!

These are all leftovers from a baby quilt made for a co-worker. I have always loved the fabric, and what better project to make than a table topper for myself! And as you can see, it will go great on our island in the kitchen!

We'll just see how quick I can finish this little diddy!

Always,

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-25T15:20:00.001-05:00

A day of goodness!

2010-08-24T22:18:00.000-05:00

Ah, a good day it was!

Learned much. Fixed some things. It all makes sense now. Made it through with a pass!

Looked online. Found a couple. Find out where they are. Hmm...

Made a pizza. Absolutely delicious! Lots of chit chat and education. Success!

A finished project (by Katie!!). Making sure things were right. More blocks finished. We'll all be stopping!

Talking and deciding. Spilled Cheerios box in the closet. Guess we're going! Now to find out where they'll be...

And we will conclude that with a photo!

Always,

Where has the time gone??

2010-08-21T12:53:00.003-05:00

Hello all of my bloggy friends! It has been a while, I know...I think of you often. I just can't seem to keep up with everything. I feel like I come on here often apologizing that I haven't posted much, but life has taken over. And things have been very busy! No worries, I do take time to stop and smell the roses tho!

So in life, wow, crazy busy! And many changes going on, priorities, dreams, goals, all taking a bit of a turn (for the better I might add!). I will say tho, there have been days that I'm wasn't so sure why I rushed to grow-up!

Okay, I'll try not to make this a text-heavy post, some pictures will be included :o)

First off, we've been taking care of our little kitty and had to put her down. :o( She was a wonderful little kitty, but got very sick, and nothing we tried seemed to help. We did all we could, but I still feel like I didn't do enough. I guess that's the motherly instincts kicking in... We miss her like crazy and will love her always, but I know she is in a much happier place with no meds and no more seizures! We love you, Abbi!!

Second off, what a wonderful summer it has been {besides the factor above :o( }! A bit warm, lots of storms, but also some great days by the pool, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing!

Now, I know some of you may be reading this thinking, "Hey now, summer isn't over just yet! Don't wish it away!" Well, I have two days of summer left, then another big adventure in life will be beginning!

School....that dreaded word...but I'm excited for it! Going back, who knew... Mom always reminds me that I swore up and down when I graduated college the first time that I would never go back. Well, I'm eating my words, and learning once again: "Never say Never."

It seems like just yesterday the decision was made that I'm going back! Then school didn't start for a couple months, then a few weeks, now here we are...two days! What?? Where did the time go? I have recently caught myself thinking, "what am I going to wear on my first day of school?" Wait! How old am I again?? I was even excited to buy my textbooks, what?!?

Oh well, I'm ready for this next part of my journey and am going to make the best of it!!

And don't you worry, friends, I still have time for sewing in amongst everything else. My girls and I still get together every Tuesday at Mom's to sew! That's right, the 3 Young Chicks & the Hot Hen are still at it!

Dani currently has two quilts she's working between {Mom and I say she's now a true quilter because she has more than one project going!}.

Katie has been working on a couple smaller projects (a bag, coasters, hot pads, etc.).

And I am finally working on Mom's retirement quilt! I know, it was supposed to be a surprise...but I'm just not very good with surprises. I get way too excited!

So there you have it in a nutshell {or a quick post}! I will still be posting, but I can't make any promises as to how often. Just know I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth, promise!

Have a fabulous day!

Always,

An afternoon of Celebration!

2010-07-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

First I have to say, Happy 4th of July to all!! And so many thanks to those who have served for our country in order for us to all have this wonderful freedom!

Now, onto another recent celebration!

Mom is officially retired, and we celebrated that last Tuesday at 3 Young Chicks & a Hot Hen!! We had a delicious pot roast, a picnic on the deck, Grasshoppers, and a wonderful cake that Dani brought!

Picnic on the deck complete with a Red & White checked table cloth!

The delicious cake Dani brought - that's right...3 Young Chicks, the Hot Hen and a quilt!! Love it!

We then quilted our little hearts out with Grasshoppers in hand :o)

I also have another recent finish, the Disappearing 9-Patch/Katy Flare quilt that I had been working on during our Tuesday Night sewing dates. It was made with Folkart Fancies fabric that I had been collecting for a while, always loved them - but never knew what I would do with them!

Finishing hand sewing the binding! A good pic of the gorgeous flannel back I found!

All finished!! And I'm in love....again! How many times can you fall in love with fabric???

Well, I think that will be it for today, I'll have more later! Off to celebrate with a delicious dinner then fireworks with the fam jam!

Always,

Life has taken over

2010-05-26T13:12:00.001-05:00

Well, I know I haven't blogged in a couple weeks (don't worry Mom, I have a post today!!), but not much craftyness has gone on. I mean, we are still getting together every Tuesday, but we're not quite done yet with our quilts, they have kind of been at the same point for the last few weeks, until this week!

Dani and Katie are both quilting their quilts, and I just about have my top all put together. Mine is taking a bit longer, because {of course}, I decided to do a Disappearing 9-Patch/My own design. I know they are all going to look great and can't wait until they are finished!

{Going to appologize for the photos...sometimes we just have way too much fun and forget to take them until the last minute!}

Dani's Quilt all ready to have the quilting done. (Katie's is very similar, but without the border and a pink back rather than blue.)

My quilt all laid out, ready to sew the top together.

Besides these beautiful quilts, I haven't done much sewing at home. I have been in the scrapbook mood and have been powerhousing on our scrapbooks lately! Almost done with our wedding & 1st year scrapbooks, and started on our 2nd year one. I can't believe how far behind I got.

Life other than quilting has been crazy! Summer is finally here, I've been working out again like a mad-woman, I've been working to figure out what I want to do with my like now that I'm finally working thru losing my job, and Mom is retiring! So there have been a few parties to go to for her so far with a couple more on the way. I am soooooo incredibly happy for her! And she absolutely deserves some time to do what she wants!! She has by far earned it!

Phew! So I'm back, can't guarantee I'll be posting every day {but at least once a week, hopefully more!}

I hope all of you out there in Blogland have a wonderful day!! {And remember, in all bad situations, there is always a silver-lining!!}

Always,

Handmade is the way to go!

2010-05-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

So I was shopping in Target yesterday...{who doesn't love that store!!} and I was looking thru the jewelry and hair accessories. I'm trying to get a bit more fashiony and have always loved the cute headbands {can't wear...they give me a headache}, and the flowers you can clip in your hair. But really.....almost $5 for a measly flower that is the size of a half dollar and is fraying??

That sent me in search of a way to make my own, and this is what I came up with:

I found the tutorial for the fabric flowers on Blair's site. I think I may have found a new project that will take up a bit of my time...I have so many friends that I'm sure would love one!

Always,

Before & After

2010-05-12T10:48:00.002-05:00

Over at Alyssa's blog, she posted a photo before & after a little editing done by her Man. Then she challenged us to go ahead and do the same with a photo of our own, so here it is!

Before

After

I love this photo!! I took it on Mother's day of the gorgeous flowers that my brother sent to Mom! They were so fragrant, and so big!

So let's see you do a little editing with one of your photos!

Always,

Another Finish!!

2010-05-11T21:46:00.001-05:00

Oh my, what a night! A wonderful Tuesday night {as usual}!

A top was almost finished;

Borders were measured and sewn on;

A baby quilt was completed;

And White Reinforcement Dots (WRDs) were earned by all!!

I finished the baby quilt I've been working on for my former co-worker, just in time since I'm having lunch with her and the other ladies on Monday! Now it just needs to be washed and dried! It's so cute, I am just so in love with it! {Thankfully I have fabric left over so I could make one for future use :o) !!}

Some quotes from the night:

"Oh look, my foot is in a bag..."
"Just a heads up...when you walk in there, watch your feet!"
"I like busy {pertaining to fabric}, because then my mind doesn't have a chance to think so much."

And of course, the White Reinforcement Dots that were earned!

Dani ~ +1: Her birthday is on Saturday!!

~ +1: She was awfully funny tonight

~ +1: Learning to do borders

~ +1: Half of her borders are on her quilt!

Katie ~ +1: Amazing singing skills that appeared tonight!

~ +1: Quilt rows are all sewn together

~ +1: Being so darn cute & trendy! {I want to be like her...}

Mom ~ +3: Staying on task with 3 of us

~ +1: Wonderful task management & helpful!

~ -1: Demanding lots of WRDs {okay, so not really...but maybe there was a little tone}

Katy ~ +1: Finally deciding on a baby quote

~ +1: Finishing the baby quilt!!!

~ +1: I'm in charge of the WRDs {this was given to me by the others...don't worry, I didn't decide on this one!!}

So that leaves the tally at:

Oh, and our theme song for the evening.....{and mine for life!!}

"Billionaire" by Travie McCoy

(FYI: Quite a catchy song! *Make sure the kiddies are around if you play it...a little F* here and there, just wanted to warn you!)

Always,

White dots and the "special" iron

2010-04-27T21:47:00.001-05:00

Good evening Ladies & Gents!

Another wonderful Tuesday night was had by all! Still working on the Disappearing 9-Patch with Flair quilts.

Katie's beautiful Disappearing 9-Patch/Flair quilt

It was very task and goal oriented tonight though. And we were all completing our goals, so of course we earned.....gold stars?? Nope, apparently Mom didn't have any gold stars in the house, so I found the next best thing!! Which means we were all earning White Reinforcement Dots! That's right, those little white circles that you put on 3-hole punch paper so it doesn't tear out of binders.

"You finished your ironing your quilt top? White Reinforcement Dot!"

"You're all ready to lay your blocks out? White Reinforcement Dot!"

"Great thought on making it easier to iron! White Reinforcement Dot!"

So we all have our own little cards. Why you may ask?? Well, as Mom put it tonight when talking to a neighbor, "You never know what you are going to hear, or what is going to happen on a Tuesday night with these girls...". Just a few 20-somethings having a great time while sewing!

We also were joined this evening by the iron with a slight flatulence problem. Thankfully there wasn't a smell...just a bit of noise. Someone just walking in during the "incident" may think it was the user, but nope...it's just a "special" iron!

Well, it was a wonderful evening, and I am all jazzed up to get that baby quilt done! So I'm heading up to finish the binding and figure out a label. Love it!!

Always,

and two become one....

2010-04-21T22:51:00.000-05:00

Tonight the Binding Buddies (Mom's group) and the Young Chicks (my peeps) joined forces and had an awesome night of craftiness! There were make-your-own baked potatoes, lotsa chit-n-chatting, fobs made for scissors, and some fabulous show-and-tell!

My fobby spot

All of our finished fobs! (I think most of us made 2-must have one for the big and little scissors!)

Me (Young Chick) ~ Baby quilt for co-worker

Me (Young Chick) ~ Sewing Studio wall hanging

Me (Young Chick) ~ Disappearing 9-Patch/Flair quilt

Me (Young Chick) ~ Batik Grandmother's Flower Garden

Me (Young Chick) ~ Kaleidoscope quilt

Me (Young Chick) ~ I-Spy quilt (finished a few years ago-mom is using as a sample for class)

Sue (Binding Buddy) ~ One Block Wonder quilt with original fabric

Russ (Binding Buddy) ~ One Block Wonder wall hanging for Sue's cube (original fabric on back)

Russ (Binding Buddy) ~ Stars & Stripes Forever wall hanging

Dani (Young Chick) ~ Disappearing 9-Patch/Flair quilt

Mom (Binding Buddy & Hot Hen) ~ Fabric for her One Block Wonder quilt

Mom (Binding Buddy & Hot Hen) ~ Disappearing 9-Patch/Flair quilt

Cynthia (Binding Buddy) ~ Easter towel

Cynthia (Binding Buddy) ~ Homespun 4-Patch Flip quilt for her Godson

Cynthia (Binding Buddy) ~ Homespun 4-Patch Flip quilt for her Godson (Back shown here - love it!!)

Cynthia (Binding Buddy) ~ Bag made for Mom (her birthday gift from Cynthia)

Deb (Binding Buddy)~ Fabric for her One Block Wonder quilt

Phew! What a night it was! Hopefully you got inspired a bit, maybe added a project to your never-ending list, or (like me) that much needed kick in the pants to go and get some PhDs finished!!

Always,

Hello Happy Tulips!

2010-04-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

Before sewing today, I just had to take a walk thru Mom's garden! The joy of Spring and new blooms!

Beautiful flowers on a beautiful day!

Always,

Goodness Gracious!!

2010-04-14T13:23:00.001-05:00

Did I really almost just break my vow after only 2 days?????

I had to run to JoAnn's for some things, and I walked by the remnant basket....and I looked....then touched.....walked around with these in my cart...

.....then thought about it....fought with myself....and put them back!!!

There was nothing that I needed, thought I certain could have found a use for it all!! But I didn't let myself break that easy, for goodness sakes - it's only been 2 days!!

But with that said and done, here's a little update from 3 Young Chicks & A Hot Hen last night:

Unfortunately there were only 3 of us, one Young Chick was off to an appointment. We did get quite a bit done though!

Dani was onto laying out her quilt and had to make one more block.

Honest to goodness....the picture does not do this quilt justice!! It is all batiks and absolutely gorgeous!! Disappearing 9-patch with a little Dani-Flare!

And I almost have my blocks all together, I'm kind of doing my own spin on a Disappearing 9-Patch {with a little Katy-Flare}!

Some super fun fabric I've had sitting around for a couple years. Again, photo does not do the quilt justice! Obviously I need to work on my photos a bit...they were a bit rushed last night.

Always,

P.S. If anyone else wants to join with their vow, let me know! We have 4 participating now and the more the merrier {plus, your pocketbook will love you!}!!

My New Quest

2010-04-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

I think it's about time I start this. Really, I should have started this little quest a while ago... What quest is that you ask?

How long can I go "Fabric Purchase-Free"!

I am planning at least one month, but with one exception.

**There is this one quilt that is waiting to have that perfect fabric found... So if that fabric is found while I'm on my new quest, that is the only purchase that will be made. It is a very special quilt, it will be the first I have ever made Mom! {I'm not so good with secrets, I just get way too excited!! So we'll see if I can keep the process from her until it's actually finished...here's to hoping I don't get way too excited and break!} We are just waiting for her to spy the fabric she just can't live without!! The pattern is chosen, the thread is ready, now the fabric must just make it's way into our lives. There isn't really a deadline {well, in my head there is- I wanted to have it finished before a certain event}, but I'm still hoping the lucky fabric makes itself known to us rather soon!**

Anywho, I will be keeping tally on my sidebar. And if you'd like to join me on this quest...I will figure out how to make a button....I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! Anyone out there know how?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! If I have others join me it this quest, I'll include linkies to all blogs in my sidebar as well. Who doesn't love all the great inspiration in blogland to stash-bust in this purchase-free time?? I know I do!

So here's to a journey that will not only save me money, test my patience and my self-restraint, but will also hopefully push me to finish the many {oh, at least 10, just here at my house} PhDs (Projects Half Done) that I currently have up in my sewing studio.

Day one...let the quest begin!!

Always,

My day...

2010-04-08T19:21:00.001-05:00

.....today has consisted of:

Studying for my big test tomorrow!! (some of you may remember back in October when I took a big professional exam...well I only passed half of it :o( so I go back and take the other half, .....again....., tomorrow)

Business calls and chats with other consultants... {I really don't know how I would ever survive without that phone...}

And a bit of sewing in between all of the other craziness!!

Ahh, my stress-reliever!

How has your day been??

Always,

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T15:57:00.002-05:00

Always,

New Project in the Works!

2010-04-05T19:18:00.002-05:00

Yes...another new project is now in the works! Surprising?? Shouldn't be....

I found some of the Authentic line by Sweetwater while on a little shopping trip with mom, grandma and other quilty friends to Country Threads, and I thought "such awesome fabric to use for my Pure Romance quilt!" That's right, I'm one who can find any reason to make a quilt, and I figured since I am a consultant, why not make a quilt with that theme! So I was on the lookout for blacks and pinks....and here's what I have after Country Threads and a little Quilt Cove stop!

I am going to make a hedgerow quilt with this beautiful fabric and can't wait to get going on it! I've started cutting a bit, just have so many others on the plate as well!

Totally awesome Hubby both moms flowers this weekend for no reason! He also got me some gorgeous Calla Lilies this weekend! Such a sweetheart he is!

*Also be sure to check out Thrifty Beginnings in a bit for a little update...a new adventure that I am beginning (with mom's help, of course!) **Edit....okay, so now it is updated! We had a little kitty emergency...not worries, she's fine!**

~~Well...off to have dinner with Hubby, then up to sew a bit! Hope you all had a wonderfully crafty day!~~

Always,

It's been a while...

2010-03-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

So I know I haven't updated in a few weeks, it's been a bit of a challenging couple weeks. Two weeks ago, we went through another round of lay-offs at work, and my number happened to come up in this one. We all knew it was coming, and I tried to prepare myself "just in case". But then it happened and things were set in a bit of a whirlwind. Anywho, I'm one to always look for the silver-lining, so I'm using this time for a little self-discovery and figuring out what I really want to do in life!

So I've spent lots of time with the little kitty, working on my Pure Romance business, and doing things I couldn't have done while I was working (watch some tv, going with Mom to pick up Grandma, did a bit of a color job on the hair-okay, so I could have done that anyways...just never got to it), and making a list of all the things I've always wanted to do, but never have. There will be cooking classes with mom, mornings at the pool, doing a thourough clean through the house, and so many more things thru life!

And crazy enough, I haven't done a lot of sewing!! What??? I have done quite a bit of hand sewing on the batik flower garden, but not much with the sewing machine! I know... But we are still going at it with our 3 Young Chicks and a Hot Hen! In fact, I finally remembered to take photos this week of our current project! We are all working on Disappearing 9-Patche quilts. Dani and Katie (and Mom) are making theirs with batiks, and I am making mine with a stash of fabric that's been sitting for a while waiting to be made into something. We're all about at the point of making our 9-patch blocks, ready to cut-flip-resew!

Mom helping Katie with cutting strips.

My little workplace, sewing away.

Katie's pile of fabric, just sewing away!

And of course, a lot of ironing going on!

Dani working that iron!

Oh how I love our Tuesday nights!! Thankfully I have that with my girls, helps me to keep the days straight a bit, and love the time with others!

Well, I'm off to cut a bit more batiks for the Flower Garden that I'm working on! Have a glorious day!

Always,

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!

2010-03-06T09:20:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to all who entered, there were many great people who visited from all over!

Using www.random.org, our winner is: #24

wackywoman said...Congratulations on year one!

An email has been sent out to get an address so this little bundle of great fabrics can make it to their new home!

Thanks again to all who entered, became followers, and blogged about my giveaway!

Always,

Oh, What a Night!

2010-03-04T23:50:00.001-06:00

Another great night with Mom and the quilting friends! There was a quilt show and lecture at a high school near us, and fun was had by all!

Some photos to add to the inspiration binder:

{Sorry, I know they aren't the best photos, I was trying to take them quick before the speaker was to start!}

Oh, and the speaker was Maxine Rosenthal who wrote the One Block Wonder books! And Dani & I got to be a couple of her "holders & folders". Yeah, and Dani, Katie, & I were by far the three youngest chicks in there...

Speaking of which, us girls thought of a name for our Tuesday Night Sewing Date group...

3 Young Chicks & A Hot Hen!

There had been a lot of debating and laughing and such, but I think that is what we've settled on :o)

So Mom has her Binding Buddies, and I have my 3 Young Chicks (Dani, Katie, and me) & A Hot Hen (why Mom of course!!).

Such a great night, and so many more to be had....

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway! *Ends tomorrow night (3/5) at 11:59pm CST!

Always,

{Not such a} Wordless Wednesday & A Giveaway!!

2010-03-03T19:56:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness! I can't believe one year ago today this little diddy started! I have learned so much, gotten inspired many times over, and met some really great people out in Blogland!

So in great Blogiversary tradition, I am doing a giveaway! A bundle of 5" squares I made up from brights & geometric/graphic prints left over from my "Summer Fun" 9-Patch quilt.

Before all the nitty gritty stuff, I just want to say thanks to all of the awesome ladies {& guys} out there who have some really great blogs that keep my mind going and creating! Thanks to all you out there who visit my blog and leave sweet comments, I really do read every single one! I still get all giddy when I see I have a new one :o) And, of course, thanks to my Mom for getting me started in sewing oh so long ago, and for your passion of quilting so I had the opportunity to let my interest grow into a passion as well! I love you much!

Okay, so there are 3 ways to enter (be sure to leave a way for me to contact you in your comment):
    {1} Leave me a comment, anything will do! - *required
    {2} Become a follower (leave a separate comment)
    {3} Blog about my giveaway (and post your link in a separate comment)

The giveaway will end Friday at 11:59pm CST. Side note - depending how many entries there are, I may just to give away two!! Good luck all!

Always,

Cuttin' Cuttin', I'm up Cuttin' Away....

2010-02-28T14:58:00.001-06:00

For a special little thing on Wednesday! {Could it be a....giveaway?} Stay tuned :o)

*

Happy Spring Sewing Party!

2010-02-27T10:19:00.011-06:00

8:45pm - Update
Back to sewing after dinner, a grocery run, and a little snack :o)

Where this turned into.....

A delicious Grasshopper and a cupcake that hubby and I made yesterday! :o)

As for the baby quilts that I've been working on, some of you have expressed how impressed you are that I have finished so many tops...really, they are very easy, let me tell you! I now have 7 finished. It is a pattern used with three fabrics, and just by the way you cut the fabric, you end up getting 3 baby quilts from it all! Now I'm ready to get on to the quilting!

3 tops done, one pinned and ready to be quilted!

2 more tops done (the third has already been finished and is put away somewhere....must find)

2 more tops done, the front quilt is finished and waiting to go to it's new owner!

So there we are, baby quilt tops completed so far and ready to be quilted then bound :o) I just realized though that I don't have many for baby girls...oh well, so will work for both!

4:00pm - Update
Well shoot, there won't be any snowboarding today *tear* It's in the upper 30's today and the snow is starting to get slushy, wet and melt :o(

So I'm back from shopping {got a cute top and a couple cardigans - man things are expensive!}, and I figure since I won't be playing out in the snow, sewing is the next best thing! I'll be back up in the sewing room soon finishing off those adorable little baby quilts!

11:45 am - Update
Computers, I tell ya....well, Kelly was absolutely a doll to add my blog link to her list, so I'm part of the Party once again!

I have 5 flannel baby quilt tops done, but now have to get all cleaned up to head out for some errands with Mom. Stopping by Grandma's new place, hit up CVS to replenish the pop supply, and off to do some shopping with Christmas gift cards!! Yippy! I can't tell you the last time I actually went shopping {for something other than necessities or fabric}!!!

I will be back later {after the shopping trip and some snowboarding} to do some more sewing! I'm hoping to get those baby quilts {mostly} finished today!

10:00am - Update
Just wanted to drop in quick and update --

First project of the day is {almost} done!! Just have the hand sewing left for the binding, then it is fished!

And now I'm back up to the sewing studio to get a bit more work done before errands with Mom, then snowboarding with Hubby! Next up...baby quilts!

I'll be checking back later to see everyone else's progress too!

** Edit: Well, checked Kelly's blog today, and no linky back to here, apparently I didn't make the cut I guess. Oh well, I will just have my own Sewing Party! Sewing Party - Party of One, come on down!! **

Hope you all are having a great time sewing!!

Always,

Spring Sewing Party

2010-02-26T14:39:00.001-06:00

Well, I didn't think I would be able to participate, but.....

I can!! :o)

** Want to join? Head over to Kelly's blog and make your post before tonight at 9pm. **

My plans for tomorrow were rescheduled, so I am free to sew most of the day!

{until the late afternoon when Hubby and I will be headed out onto the slopes!}

I am so excited to sew tomorrow!

I have a few things that I am working on that I really want to get finished.

Plus I need to get going on a few baby quilts.

I tell ya...there are at least 5 people at my work pregnant (or their wives are), so I really need to find out what they've been drinking and stear clear of it!

Lol, but so happy for them all (all first babies now that I think of it), and all are having girls so far! Do I see pink and ruffles? Maybe...just maybe...or just lots of adorable baby/modern prints, yep!

But stayed tuned and check back tomorrow for updates throughout the day of progress!

Maybe I'll just have to start a little early, like now!!

Happy sewing all! I'll be checking in!

Always,

New Arrangement makes room for New Inspiration

2010-02-22T23:22:00.001-06:00

Did quite a bit of work in the sewing room this weekend, lots of sewing and some re-arranging.

Two main reasons for the re-arranging: {1} we canceled cable and now have antennas on each TV, and it just so happened with the old placement of the TV, the antenna had to go across part of the room and sit on my sewing table to get the best signal (meaning I had to reach over the cord to get to the ironing board...not so convenient); and {2} My sewing studio has been quite a bit in shambles as of late.

It has now become not only our second bedroom/guest room and my sewing studio, but also my "home office" for my business. It was quite disorganized and I didn't feel like I could really get anything done successfully when I was in there. So after some thinking, and help from the wonderful Mom and Hubby (!!), I now have a more organized and function room once again!!

And as you can tell by the title of today's little "Chapter in the crazy life of me{!!}", with this re-organization and switcharoo came some inspiration! While putting all of my fabric together (...I had so many little bags that have been collected over the past few months...) I found a lovely pile of "Wildflowers" by Heather Mulder Peterson (in the browns/reds/greens) that I had purchased from my favorite little quilt shop. I still didn't have any idea what I was going to do with it, so I put it in a baggy and in the "fabric bin" it went.

So yesterday evening after I had put a few more things away and finished my blocks I received from the "No Sew Block Swap", I had this itch to pull those fabrics back out. I started ironing and cutting, sewing and ironing, and just let my mind take over to see what would come out. I worked a bit more tonight, and this is what I came up with!

I wasn't sure what I would come up with, but I absolutely love, love, love it!! Not sure of the size at the moment (its all packed away in my bag to take tomorrow night for Tuesday Night Sewing Date to show the girls), but it is going to be a wall hanging {probably for my sewing room}. And I am just in love with this little guy who shows up a couple times in the main fabric!

Cute, cute, sooooo cute!

Aww, how I love just letting my mind take over to see what will come out with a bit of fabric that I just love! And of course just had to buy without knowing what it will turn into. I'm sure we all have that disease, right??? {please say "yes"! I'm hoping it isn't just me!}

Well, I guess that's it for tonight! Hubby is already in bed and I really should be headed that way too! Night and sweet dreams!!

Always,

Such a great night!!

2010-02-18T12:40:00.001-06:00

What a great night it was last night!! It totally made up for work, which I could have easily walked out and never come back {yes, it was that bad...}.

I had my last snowboarding lesson and finally connected my turns! No more going straight down the hill for this girl. And good news, no big falls - no concussions - no doctor visits today! It was quite a success!! So many people were surprised I was heading back out only a week after my big fall, but why let it get me down, right? Snowboarding is something I've always wanted to do, so one little concussion isn't going to stop me! Oh, how happy and giddy I was when we left.

But then it was time to race home to watch some Olympics. First, I must say....Way to go Lindsey Vonn!! She got her start out at Buck Hill in MN, where I go snowboarding and had my lessons....maybe someday I'll be a big star :o) Umm....doubt that, but I will be in my own mind! It was absolutely crazy last night. They had a showing of the Olympics, and the place was packed. 2 different news channels were there, and they even had to have parking attendants out in the lot because so many people came. Crazy I tell ya!

Anywho...we got home just in time to see the Men's Halfpipe, and the awesome win by Shaun White! Wow, that kid is amazing! Not so sure I'll ever really get to the point of doing tricks in the Halfpipe and all, but if I do, he's one I would aspire to be like. Haha, and Dani (Tuesday Night Sewing Date) and I were talking about him when we saw one of his interviews Tuesday night, we're both jealous that he has better hair than we do! What?!? A guy should never have better hair than a girl, it's just not right. That said and done, he was still awesome in the Halfpipe. It was the perfect end to a great night!

And now I'm ready to head out to the slopes again...I'm trying to get Hubby to go with me Saturday. Knowing him, he wouldn't turn it down.

Okay, sorry this didn't really have anything to do with sewing, but I'll be back at it tonight!

Have a wonderfully awesome day!

Always,
Katy

Tuesday Night Sewing Date!

2010-02-16T22:07:00.001-06:00

Tonight we all finished the other half to our first pillowcase that we made a couple weeks ago (last week was the quilt show)! I now have an adorable set, all I need is for someone to get married!

I also brought my finished Webby Quilt top to show! I just need to get some fabric for a back and binding (probably a solid light neutral for the back and white for the binding). {And there's Mom, my "Happy Holder" for the night :o) }

Here is one of my favorite selvages ("Here Comes the Sun" by Patrick Lose with the star by it)!

And I had a package sitting and waiting for me when I got home. I got my other blocks for my "No Sew Block Swap"! And of course, Miss Abbi thinks it was a little package just for her! Aww...love her!

Well, that was my wonderful evening with the girls. And I am now up to watch some Olympics with Hubby and cut some blocks for our next project for Tuesday Night Sewing Date next week!!

What did you work on tonight??

Always,

Finally back on the horse!

2010-02-14T09:23:00.002-06:00

First off~

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Just a little something from Hubby for Valentine's Day. Isn't he great??

Second off~

It's so good to be back to feeling somewhat normal again! It has been a rough past few days as I've been nursing my neck back to somewhat normal after a fall on Wednesday while snowboarding. I think I may have also had a slight concussion after looking at all the symptoms. I've been to the doctor, had my wonderful CT scan (nothing found, thank goodness!), been given muscle relaxants to try and loosen things up, and will be calling tomorrow to see about doing some physical therapy. None-the-less, once I'm all healed up and good, I'll be back on those slopes!! A little spill (well, maybe not that little) won't keep me from going again! Though, I know Mom and Dad are wishing it would. But I've been thinking, all of these Olympians fall, even in front of millions of people on live telelvision, and it doesn't stop them from going, right? Not saying that I'll be an Olympian, but I'm not one to give up either. I am determined to get snowboarding down! And I must say, I have gotten a lot better, if I don't say so myself :o)

So needless to say, I haven't been up to a lot of sewing lately! Yesterday was finally the first day I could sit up and walk around without having to lay down because I was so dizzy. Which of course means I spent time at the sewing machine while watching the Olympics!! My project as of late has been:

Yep, my webby quilt! {Don't you just love how Miss Abbi thought I was making a new quilt for her? But of course, who else would it be for, naturally.} I now have 28 blocks finished, not really sure how many I am going to end up with. I haven't quite decided how big I want this thing to be.

I'm hoping to soon have this finished, or at least something finished! I haven't gotten any projects done in 2010 yet, and I feel like I'm lagging behind! Not that it hasn't been busy around here with work (not busy at all, but have to be there), snowboarding (of course!), my new business venture (Pure Romance consultant), and life with Hubby and Abbi!

Hope you all have a grand Valentine's Day!

Always,

Tons of Inspiration!

2010-02-08T21:20:00.003-06:00

Today will be a photo-filled day of photos from my adventure with Mom yesterday. We were off to a quilt show with a wonderful bed-turning!

First off....this was what we saw on our drive to the quilt show and back:

Driving through rural southern Minnesota on an overcast and snowy day leaves for a hard time deciphering the sky from the ground in the distance.

I want to make one like this for my sewing room!

Love the ruffles! Someday I may

make the venture to do this....

Such luscious colors!!

Great edges! Love that it isn't all just straight :o)

Curved? Who would've thought??

Oh how I love Figgy Pudding!

Beautiful Stack-N-Whack 4-Patch

Antique Grandmother's Flower Garden - Made in the 1930's

Antique Double Wedding Ring - Don't remember when it was made

Antique Signature Quilt - Made in 1950

Antique Quilt, Victorian Ladies similar to Sunbonnet Sue

- Don't remember when it was made

Antique Applique Rose Bud Wreath Quilt -

Again, don't remember when

Mom - if you remember when some of the quilts shown in the bed-turning were made, let me know and I'll add the dates in on here. Thanks! Love ya!

So many absolutely beautiful quilts at the show, and so much inspiration floating around, I was just ready to get home and work on my flower garden!!

We're off to another show and lecture tomorrow for our Tuesday Night Sewing Date! More pictures to come after that show!!

Always,

Katy

Tuesday Night Sewing Date!

2010-02-03T11:03:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful Tuesday night it was last night! We had a pizza dinner, lots of chit chat, laughing, and sewing of course!

It was the first night that our dear friend, Katie, joined us! And it was her first time ever really on a sewing machine! I love that I am able to introduce my friends to this wonderful {and slightly addictive} hobby that I so enjoy :o) We had a great night together, and all worked on pillowcases. Something very easy for Katie as her first project, still easy enough for Dani to continue with, and just the project I have been needing to do with some fabric I got quite a while ago for wedding gifts. We don't necessarily have any weddings coming up here in the near future, but ready to be prepared, right??

And what awesome fabric it is too! I may just have to make a set for Hubby and me!

So we got one full pillowcase each finished!

We will finish it's "other half" in a couple weeks {next week we have one of the annual quilt shows/lectures that Mom and I go to every year, this year we're just bringing along a few others!}.

They all turned out so cute! And let me tell you, Katie and Dani were so excite to have finished their first one last night that they each had to bring them home!

How I love my friends and can't wait to have sewing buddies for life! Many more years of sewing and quilting fun!

Always,
Katy

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2010-01-20T15:46:00.002-06:00

So things were a little busy when I got home last night, thus I'm updating about "Tuesday Night Sewing Date" today.

It was a great night with much girl chat and laughter! It is always such a great time when the three of us get together! And happy news- we will soon be adding a fourth! One of my really good friends, Katie (yes, we "K's" tend to stick together), has mentioned that she has always wanted to learn to sew, so I said "come on down!!" I was talking to Mom that she should turn this into a little gig on the side, teaching others to sew, and we'll all be her first success stories! {Then I was told by Dani I don't count since I'm the daughter ;o)} We could give her testimonials and all!! Maybe sometime in the future.. So Katie will be joining us soon enough!

Last night it was back to the wedding quilt. No real new pictures, it's just plugging along, pretty much at the same stage as it was before {plus I figured others wouldn't want to see a picture of plastic bags with fabric in it}. Hopefully next week I'll have some blocks to photograph and show!

What was your project last night??

Always,
Katy

One part down.

2010-01-17T19:52:00.002-06:00

A slight procrastinator I am...I know I have a few weeks left until everything needs to be cut and sent to Kathleen, but I was hoping to get it done early!

Well...I have the pink all cut...and I'm all cut out! So the green will get done another night. I haven't been able to sew all weekend and am getting the itch to sit at my machine and sew, sew, sew!! What shall I work on tonight....

I'm thinking I'll head up and work on the webby quilt for a while since I just got a while new bag of selvages from Mom!!

Oh, look at the time! I better get up there and get all set up! My shows are about on! Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, popcorn, a can of pop, and sewing- my idea of a grand way to end a weekend before heading back to work in the morning!

How do you end your weekend??

Always,

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T19:45:00.004-06:00

She has some fascination with the toilet when it flushes...we don't get it...

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2010-01-12T21:58:00.001-06:00

Another Tuesday has come {and almost gone}. Tonight's project was trying out my block for the "No Sew Block Swap" that I'm taking part in. Got my fabric on Sunday during the quilty excursion, and decided to cut and sew today. And let me tell you, it is adorable and went together so simply! And I love the combo I picked (even though it was a last minute "how about this one and this one..." pick at the end of a long shopping trip). Why does it always seem the quick picks are loved the most??

Anywho, I really want to show a pic, but am not sure if I can {or if it should be a surprise to the ladies in my group} so I'm going to go check other sites to see if others have posted theirs.

*Update: Looks like others have posted pictures, so here you are!!

Other things purchased on Sunday were:

Fabric to make this apron from this awesome new book, One-Yard Wonders.

Fabric for a special baby quilt for my co-worker.

Fabric for my block in the block swap.

And a few other various pieces (owl fabric to match some other that I have in my stash for future use, golf fabric for a collection that I want to use to make a quilt for Hubby, a small ruler, and a Clover seam ripper-love it!!)

Such a great trip it was, now to just work away at things!

Happy Tuesday Night Sewing Date! What did you work on tonight?

Always,

Yet another one.....

2010-01-06T22:24:00.001-06:00

OMG, what have I done? Am I going for the award for most WIPs/UFOs/PhDs (whatever you prefer to call them)? Or most new projects started in one month?

That's right, another has begun.

I've been collecting selvages for a while now, and have been wanting to make a spiderweb quilt with them. So last night when I got home from our sewing date, the basket was calling to me. I found a little tutorial, cut my paper and white fabric, and got going! I did the upper right block first using the selvage pieces without the print. Then I decided to do half of each block with the printed fabric, and half with the typed selvage. I really do love making these blocks, even though they are quite a bit tedious! It is so fun as I sew each fabric remembering what project it was used for (many from my own projects, and many from Mom). I must say though, least favorite part--tearing that darn paper off of the back once all the stitching is done.

I know this project will be around for a while, as I'll always be collecting more selvages, so I'll go ahead and update every so often to let you all know how its coming along!

Oh, and if you usually just throw your selvages and would love to donate them, I can make a wonderful home for them!! Just throwing that out there ;o)

Always,

Hmm...

2010-01-05T22:51:00.001-06:00

So apparently one of my scrap baskets decided to explode tonight......

*sorry about the picture, all I had near was my phone :o(

More to follow tomorrow......

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2010-01-05T21:18:00.001-06:00

Back to it, and all three were present this time!

Dani and I headed to Mom's after work for our Tuesday night date. It was wonderful to be back! There was a bit of show and tell, working on current projects, and planning our next quilty excursion! I'll be looking for fabric for my first project out of One-Yard Wonders (one of my wonderful Christmas gifts!!),

fabric for the "No Sew Block Swap" that I'm participating in, and fabric for a big project underway that was slightly revealed tonight! {more to come on that later....}

But back to the night at hand; the project worked one was my Mod Quilt. Did the laying out of blocks, planning, and am now ready to finish it!

Could that be the first finish of 2010?? We shall see!

Hope you had a wonderfully quilty night!!

My First Swap!

2010-01-04T15:00:00.002-06:00

Well, that's it....after watching all of these different Swaps going on, I decided to throw caution into the air and join one! I'm not really sure how it will go, fine I am sure (I'm uber excited to finally do one!!), but I absolutely love the idea of having a quilt with all different blocks selected by other crafty/quilty ladies throughout the world all in one quilt!

I'm taking part in the "No Sew Block Swap" that Kathleen was gracious enough to put together and host! I'm in one of the Pink/Green/White groups, and I've always wanted to make a quilt with that color combo so it only seemed natural to join!

You should go over and check it out (click the Swap button over on my sidebar)! {tho I'm not sure if she is still accepting people}

Now a wonderful excuse to go fabric shopping!

Have a fabulously quilty day!

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2010-01-03T19:06:00.002-06:00

Today is the last day of my much anticipated, and much needed, holiday break! And Hubby didn't have any problems helping to remind me of that. Sleeping in, sewing, and doing what needs to be done around the house all day is totally something I could get used to. Someday... I must say though, I did get quite a bit done during my break- but never as much as planned. I was able to cross a few things off of my list of things I wanted to do while on break.

I didn't get any scrapbooking done like I had wanted, but you never can do everything, must pick and choose. And well, quilting and sewing won out this time!

I wish this time had lasted a wee bit longer {okay, really I wish I had a lot longer!} but that's why quilting and all is a hobby and work is work. Eck.... I just look forward to actually having something to do at work again, maybe next month...

I'm going to head up, watch my Sunday night shows (finally new episodes tonight!!) and sew a bit more! I guess someone else is ready for me to head up too!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! And as for tomorrow..back to the rat race!

Always,

A little update

2010-01-02T21:07:00.003-06:00

Another day spent in the sewing studio trying to move things along. I did a bit of cleaning, and then worked my little heart out- sewing, cutting, ironing, sewing, ironing, and so on...

I thought with all the work I've done in there this last week and the new year upon us, I would go ahead a give a little update of my current WIPS and their progress. So here we go!

~ Christmas 4-Patch Flip: blocks are all sewn together, now ready for the borders.

One of my favorite blocks in the quilt:

~ Batik 4-Patch Flip: blocks ready to be sewn together.

~ Batik Grandmother's Flower Garden & Vintage Feedsack Grandmother's Flower Garden: Continue making hexies and connecting. These two projects will be going on for quite some time I am sure.

~ Wedding Signature Quilt: Top in the process of being put together. Need to get back working on this now that the holidays are over!

~ Christmas Table Topper: In the quilting process, just need to sit and finish it.

~ Flamingo Quilt: Top finished, just need to piece the back, layer, quilt, bind and done!

~ Mod Disappearing 9-Patch: blocks all together, ready to arrange and add sashing.

~ Baby Quilts: I have two tops currently finished and others in various stages of the process

Let's see, phew! I think that is the bulk of the WIPS with a few others here and there. Man, kind of eye-opening to see how many I actually have sitting there waiting to be done. Some so close... I just can't resist starting another project when it's staring me right in the face! I call it "Quilter's disease". I think there are many of us out there that have it, wouldn't you agree??

Well, I'm back up to get working a bit more before bed. Hope you all are having a quilty and crafty night!!

Always,

Welcome 2010! Let's make this a great one!

2010-01-01T21:15:00.001-06:00

Oh what a day it's been, bringing on in the New Year! I've been home feeling a little under the weather today (thank goodness I didn't have to go into work), so that means I've been all cooped up...in my sewing room! I've been working on my Mod quilt, all finished cutting, and now sewing it all together. I'm not so sure about this quilt, but like I've said- I'm a little out of my box with this one. I don't know if I'll like it when it is all finished, but we'll just have to see!

I've also been thinking of a few goals for the New Year. I'm not one for "resolutions" since they never really seem to stick. I figure I might as well jump on the bandwagon with everyone else who is doing these posts.

So for 2010, a few of my goals are:

~ Work on my cooking and working around in the kitchen more {I will admit - I'm not all that good in the kitchen, Hubby is the cook in the family!}

~ Finish at least one project a month (and hopefully not start one each month as well, I already have plenty going!)

~ Get a better hold on our finances, and work a lot more on the saving aspect of it all.

~Get my Pure Romance business all up and running with at least 6 parties a month.

What are your goals for 2010?

Always,

Day Four of Break: Great Friends & Good-bye to 2009!

2009-12-31T15:59:00.001-06:00

{I'm posting a little early today since this evening will be packed with tons of fun with family and friends!}

What a great day it has been so far! Slept in a bit (such a treat! I could really get used to this...), then was off to meet a couple friends from high school for lunch. Oh goodness, how wonderful it was to see them!! I haven't seen either of them for quite a while. One friend has been venturing on living in various states with her hubby, one of our tough fighting soldiers! So it was so nice to see her while she was home for the holidays!

Then it was off to the grocery store to grab some ingredients so I could take a stab at making Mom's delicious caramel puffcorn! I just hope it turns out as good as hers always does. I must admit, I'm pretty sure I've already called her at least three times through the whole process.

Needless to say, I'm trying to get this whole cooking and baking thing down, especially if I'm going to be home with little ones some day! (Oh how I would love to be a stay-at-home mom once we start a little family!) The puffcorn is finally cooling on the wax paper and looks scrumptious!

I am hoping to get just a wee bit of sewing in before we are off to my SIL's house to ring in the New Year. I've started yet another project...can never have too many! I decided to step out of my box a bit and am working on a quilt with a bunch of fat quarters I picked up at JoAnn's a while ago, all "mod-ish" fabrics that I wouldn't necessarily use otherwise. They are going into a mish-mash of a Disappearing 9-Patch quilt. Got the prints, the sashing, and now to cut and sew!

What a crazy year 2009 has been, and here's to a better year in 2010! Happy New Year to you and yours!!

Always,

Day Two/Three of Break:

2009-12-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

This is going to be a two day update since I didn't have my computer last night. So....

Day Two: Tuesday Night Sewing Date w/Mom!
Since I had the day off, I went over to Mom & Dad's a bit early (they both have the week off too!) to spend some time with them, Big Brother, and Grandma. I did a bit of ironing, cutting, and finishing! I finished a trio of pillows that I started on Christmas Day while we were over there. They are the absolute cutest little pillows!

And I love the fabric that Mom had in her stash that I used for these! We were originally thinking felt, but when we saw this fabric, we knew this was it!

Day Three: Out and About & Movie Night with Hubby!
Today was a day of running and trips all over the cities! First Dad and I made our trip to a local tea shop. He has lately gotten me into drinking tea, I'm trying to wean off all the pop that I drink...not easy! But I've been trying all different kinds, working my way up to the stronger stuff {I'm not quite there yet, in the greens now}. They have some of the most delicious teas! And better yet, I had a gift card! I found this scrumptious almond one, and Evening in Missoula (a common one maybe), yum! Nothing is better than a warm glass of delicious tea and a little treat!

Ah, may favorite cup filled with delicious tea and a piece of pumpkin pie, snack of champions!

Then it was movie date night with Hubby! He got the movie Hangover for Christmas, and we hadn't watched it yet, so tonight was the night. And that movie is funny! I mean, yeah, it's the stupid humor type, but good for a laugh! Of course, I was working on hexies a bit too, I just can't sit still...

Hope you all had a wonderful day!

Always,

Day One of Break:

2009-12-28T19:44:00.003-06:00

Been quite a productive day so far! {I think this may be a post of mostly pictures}

Of course, I had to sleep in a bit, especially with a warm bed and cuddly kitty laying next to me.

Then I got up, had breakfast, and headed to the sewing studio to work on a few projects:

Flannel baby quilts

My Christmas quilt

And looked through a wonderful book that Mom gave me for Christmas, and made quite a list of all I want to make out of this book!

Then Hubby and I went out to the slopes for a bit!

Had some dinner, worked on my Christmas wreath.

And am now on my way upstairs to work on some batik hexies for a bit.

Hope you all had a wonderfully productive day as well!!

Always,

Why buy it when I can make one!

2009-12-27T21:19:00.002-06:00

While shopping all of the wonderful after-Christmas sales with Mom, I decided to do another project {why not add another to the list, right??}. I picked up some beautiful colored glass Christmas balls, a wreath form, some floral wire, and decided to get started tonight!

I have always seen wreaths like this around the holidays, and figured "why buy one when I can make it!" So I got working like a busy little bee; cutting wire, shooing the kitty off of the table {apparently I couldn't have fun without her},wiping up a little blood-sweat-and tears (okay, really just a little blood from sticking myself with the wire), and letting the creativity come out!

I'm not quite done yet, but have a pretty good base done.

But I must take a little break for some popcorn and hexies! As of late, I've had a kick of hexie-fever again. Quite a few batik hexies are finished and have been joined together. Man, I really don't know when this project will ever get finished. Mainly because I seem to have been working on it a ton and it isn't getting anywhere...but also, I keep finding so many great batiks that I don't have already, and I just have to add them in!

And what have you been working on this Christmas Break? I would love to see!

Hugs & Giggles,

We got our wish...

2009-12-25T21:31:00.001-06:00

For a White Christmas!

The storm that was predicted has hit and continues! And is it ever beautiful! Couldn't ask for anything better on Christmas morning :o)

It looked like someone had given the snowglobe a mighty good shake!

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence

of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

―Burton Hillis

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday with you and yours!!

Hugs & Giggles!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!!

2009-12-23T17:20:00.000-06:00

Christmas break has finally come!!

The unfortunate part of it...the office is closed for the week between Christmas and New Year's (woohoo! I know!) which means unpaid time off. But what it really means is a whole week that I can get some sewing done! I have been making my list {and checking it twice} of all the things that I want to work on while I'm off, and let me tell you, it just keeps getting longer, and longer, and longer.....

I'm hoping that this will be an uber productive week for me and that I will just be able to check things off my list left and right!

Tho, along with a time of great joy comes a time of sadness. We found out this morning that Hubby's cat he had since he was a wee-one, Mitzi, passed away last night. She had a wonderful long life, a long 20 years, so it wasn't necessarily unexpected. But as many of you with pets know, it is never easy! I'm sure Mitzi is just running around happy-as-can-be right now up in kitty Heaven!

Well, I'm off to eat some dinner then hunker down in my sewing studio to finish one last Christmas gift for Hubby's grandma and grandpa, while waiting for the snow to fly! {We supposedly have a huge winter storm coming that is supposed to last 'til the weekend, so hopefully I will have some beautiful snow pictures to post this weekend!!}

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday and a very Merry Christmas!!

Hugs &Giggles,

Finished before Christmas!!

2009-12-22T22:24:00.007-06:00

I have finally finished all of the projects that I wanted to before this Christmas! And I can say I have Mom to thank! So thank you, Mom :o) These are all projects that have been in planning/in progress since at least last year (except the last little things), and I'm so glad they are finally completed! Oh, and all of these are from Nancy Halvorsen and use her line of fabrics.

First off is the "Santa's Coming" Advent Quilt. Absolutely adorable, I just couldn't wait to get this up!

Then, her wonderful little stockings (mine is the angel, and hubby's is the elf - kinda looks like him too!). On the panels these came from, there was also Mr. & Mrs. Claus (Mom & Dad, of course), and a snowman and Rudolph (Big Brother, and future who-ever).

And hung with care! Next to little miss Abbi's stocking of course! (Also in this pic is the fabric garland that I have been working on from scraps- great tutorial here).

And last, but not least, Mom made a few ornaments from the scraps of the stockings, and I worked to do some embellishing! Perfect for the tree since we made sure there were no breakable ornaments on the tree this year with little Abbi running around.

Now that I have my advent calendar and stockings from Nancy Halvorsen all finished, it is time to find-or make-a pattern for a tree skirt! We have a tree skirt now that I made last year for our first Christmas together as husband and wife, but I'm loving the theme I have going now! Does anyone know of any panel/pattern for a Nancy Halvorsen tree skirt out there? I haven't really been able to find one just yet.

Well, that's the latest! If I don't get a chance to blog before this weekend, have a wonderful and safe Holidays!

Hugs & Giggles!

As life passes you by.. Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2009-12-15T21:42:00.004-06:00

Oh my, another month has passed and I've been a horrible blogger :o( I guess life has just been happening...

Thanksgiving has come and gone, the cold weather has made it's appearance, our first snow storm has occurred, and Christmas is just around the corner!

Along with all of that, the hubby, siblings and I just got back from a much needed vacation to sand and sun! It was our "real" honeymoon, and a nice getaway for us all. We went to Cancun, had gorgeous weather, and missed a nasty weather week here at home!

Now to the matter at hand, Tuesday Night Sewing Date! Yes, they have continued, even though I haven't stayed on top of the blogging part... The wedding quilt is a bit further, tho far from finished. The Christmas Advent Calendars are finished and hanging! And now we are onto stockings!

Mom found Nancy Halvorsen stockings, enough for Mom & Dad, Hubby & me, and Brother & (whoever he may someday be with). They are absolutely adorable, and these will for sure be done for Christmas this year!!

What did you work on tonight?? Oh, it's good to be back!

Hugs & Giggles!

The Mother of All Updates!

2009-11-05T22:57:00.001-06:00

So, my last big update was back in mid-October... let's start from there...

Well, the Hubby and I celebrated our first anniversary on Oct. 17th! We spent the night away, did some hiking and sightseeing with all of the beautiful fall colors, and had a delicious dinner! I can't believe we've already been married a year, but then again, we have really been together 8 years.

Speaking of wedding, Mom and I continue to work away on our wedding signature quilt. We didn't get it finished by the first anniversary (our goal), but we're getting there! We are in the process of sewing groups of 4 together with sashing, then will go ahead and sew all of the groups together. Here is everything all laid out before the sewing-fest began!

I have also been working away on my Christmas quilt!! I am so excited about this quilt, I just can't contain it! I found the adorable Christmas line "Hallmark Christmas" from Free Spirit at one of my favorite quilt shops around here. It's nothing traditional, and very whimsical- exactly what I was looking for! I'm doing the "4-Patch Flip" pattern again, and paired the holiday patterns with different subtle patterns/solids of all different colors. I have my blocks all made, and am now ready to lay it out and sew it all together!

And there have been a few Christmas presents that have begun. One is almost finished, can't show the other tho...they may be reading!

Let's see, what else...

Oh yes, our little kitty is keeping us very busy! I can't believe that we've already had her a month! There are days that she gives us quite a run for our money! But with just one look at her precious face, no matter what she's done, I just melt all over again!

And her coloring, I just can't get over how gorgeous she is! I know I'm a little biased ;o)

Work has been going alright, we've been a bit busy, things will be slowing down here though I have a feeling. And we've had a few more lay-offs, nobody in my department, thank god! So thankfully I have my quilting and crafting to go to!

I have soooo many projects to finish before the holidays also, but who doesn't, right?
* Christmas Quilt
* Stockings
* A few more Christmas gifts
* Advent calendar
* A couple wall hangings

Oh, and I am going to have a ton of baby quilts to make in the next few months!! It must be that time of year, or I'm just at the age now (weddings checked off the list, babies next on the list), but within the past two weeks one friend gave birth, I found out that 8 friends are pregnant, and a couple more are now "trying" (or at least not "not trying" as they put it). I just hope that doesn't mean more people are going to be asking when we're going to get pregnant. I can say, it won't be for a while! As my husband says, "we have too much traveling left to do before having a baby." Agreed, I like your thinking Sweetheart!

Well, I think that's a pretty good update of my life both in the crafting world and in the "real" world! I just have to leave you with one little thing. While I was typing this little update I heard this noise behind me. What do I turn around to see?? Someone found a new place to hang out! Oh Abbi, how cute are you?!?

Hugs & Giggles!

I'm sorry, so sorry

2009-11-04T13:39:00.002-06:00

*singing the song out loud*

My goodness, where has the time gone! Can you believe it is November already?!?

Looking back, I haven't posted for a few weeks, and I feel horrible I haven't, but things have been a bit crazy around here! Just the usual things, you know...work, life, work, life, sleep, and continue.

I promise, mark my words, that there will be an update tomorrow! All complete with life lately, and pictures, must include pictures.

Hugs & Giggles!

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2009-10-13T21:34:00.005-05:00

Tonight was the beginning of a new project! Now, that doesn't necessarily mean something else got finished....but I really want to get started on my Christmas quilt! So I did a bit of ironing and cutting after all the fabric was washed. Brought home a whole pile to keep cutting this week and weekend. Dani also started working on a table scarf for her mom for the holidays. Should be a simple little thing for her to do quickly. Then it's onto a few gifts that she'll be making!

I also did a little show 'n tell tonight! I bought all of these batiks at one of the quilt stores (really a fabric warehouse, and HUGE!) to make a 4-Patch Flip. I cut Saturday and did a bit of sewing on Sunday, and this is what I've got so far!

As usual, the camera doesn't do justice for what the fabrics actually look like. Absolutely stunning! I can't wait to get this quilt together, and it's so dang quick!

What were you working on tonight?

Hugs & Giggles!

Slightly on a Fabric High!

2009-10-11T00:55:00.007-05:00

What a great day it was (okay.. blogging late, so it's really still Saturday to me)!

(For many out there..sorry if you really don't want to see this)... It all started off when I woke up this morning. I looked out the window, and there was a bit of white on the ground! I know it's only October, but I am ready for some snow (can't wait to snowboard!), and absolutely love the Christmas season! Here's a little smattering of what I saw when I got to Mom's for our adventure day:

Love the red berries in the evergreen bush!

Beautiful flowers dawning a little snow cover!

And now that I got that out of my system (for today), onto the real plan of attack today! Mom, Dani and I planned a shopping excursion for, what else, fabric! Well...3 ladies, over 100 miles in the car back & forth and all over, 9 hours, and 7 stores later this is what we ended up with:

A ginormous amount of fabric, and multiple projects each!

I have fabric for so many different things, some in progress, some in planning, and of course, some new!
~ Binding fabric for a Nancy Halverson Christmas wall hanging
~ Fabric for a few Christmas gifts
~ A smattering of different fabrics for an out-of-the box quilt for me
~ A bunch of batiks for a batik quilt using the 4-Patch Flip pattern from Heather Mulder Peterson
~ Fun & whimsical fabric for a Christmas quilt!

Such a great trip, and many happy hours later I'm now home! Dani is here scrapbooking, I'm cutting some batiks for the quilt, and we're watching Elf (who doesn't love that movie)!!

Off to a bit more cutting! Hugs & Giggles

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2009-10-06T21:44:00.006-05:00

Ah, back to the usual Tuesday nights without the guilt of "maybe I really should be home studying..."

Dani is almost done with her bag! She just has the button to sew on, and it is quite an adorable bag!

More of her great wave/ocean fabric!

And shell fabric for the inside pockets and straps!

I worked more on the wedding quilt, finished the blocks, and now am ready to put them in their groups of 4. While Dani was still working, I made a couple little fleece kitty blankets, one for our kitty and the other for my kitty at my parent's.

Oh, how great it was to be back sewing tonight, and here's to many more nights!

Hugs & Giggles,

WooHoo!

2009-10-04T19:40:00.004-05:00

The test is over! I have my life back! And now I can go sew!

After two long days of test, the big exam is over, and now I just have to wait until Dec. or Jan. to find out the results...ugh...

I now have my life back and time to do all the things I couldn't do before while studying for that crazy exam. I am going to clean the sewing room now and get my head back in the game tonight to finish some of the projects that have been sitting and calling my name the last few months!

We also added a new little addition to the family this weekend! Little Miss Abbi!

She's 4 months, all gray with her little white spot on her chest. Absolutely adorable!

I haven't let her into the sewing room yet, I knew I needed to do a bit of cleaning and kitty-proofing in there before she started exploring...maybe I'll get there tonight!

Well, I'm off to do some cleaning! And maybe some sewing!

Hugs & Giggles,

New blog!

2009-09-30T22:44:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I started another blog about our journey of living thrifty! Be sure to check it out Thrifty Beginnings!!

What are some of your great tips for being thrifty?

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2009-09-29T20:35:00.007-05:00

We did a bit of cutting tonight, then I did a little bit of sewing when I got home, after this:

My husband and I both grew up with cats, and he has been asking me when we would be getting one ever since we moved into our house about a year and a half ago. I always told him that we should wait a year after moving into our house since it was brand new (one of my little rules, weird, I know). Well, a year was in June, and he's been mentioning it often ever since. I finally decided that I was ready, so I thought it would be fun to let him know in a fun way, and this is what I did! We'll be getting all of the stuff, and maybe going to look for one at the Humane Society this weekend! I miss my kitty (not so much a kitty anymore...about 18 now) and am ready to have one in our home! So soon there may be a new addition to the family!

Anywho, so back to some of the sewing. Mom and I decided to do a quick little project tonight, and I wanted to do something Christmas! And this is what I came up with:

I fell in love with the blue Santa Hat fabric when I found it in her stash! I have another set cut out, and fabric for a potholder of each of the combos. Those shall be finished and posted soon.

So what was your project of the day?

Hugs & Giggles,

A Day of Lessons Learned

2009-09-26T10:23:00.011-05:00

Today was full of learning and filling my head with more knowledge!

First off, I slept in, which I knew I would need with the weekend I have ahead of me. Got up, ate breakfast, then mom came over to teach me how to hem! I figure it's about time that I learn so I don't have to keep sending things to her house to have them done. I also sewed on a couple buttons, man am I getting all domestic! Needless to say, I was always the non-functional sewer, shall we call it. It was nice to do a little project today that was useful! (Not that quilting isn't useful! Who doesn't need to let a little creativity out and have another beautiful piece of work??)

Sewing the lace on before hand-sewing a hem.

And the first of many buttons.

We finished 2 skirts, a jacket, and a few buttons on a couple jackets.

After working on some hems, it was back to the books for the rest of the day. The big test is next weekend and I've been studying my tush off lately. That is what today and tomorrow consist of... Learning all about fabric types/uses, contract documents, mechanical/electrical/structural systems, sustainable design, codes (building, ADA), professional practices, and the list goes on! Also did some of my timed hand drafting practice tests. You know, drawing floor plans, furniture plans, making sure you have correct egress, lighting plans, power/data plans, millwork details, all that fun stuff.

My life as of late...and the reason I haven't had any fun quilty/crafty pictures or stories to share! But no worries, it will all be back to normal by this time next week!

And now back to it...

Hugs & Giggles

Hello Fall!

2009-09-23T17:47:00.008-05:00

And welcome to all of your fall-ish goodness! I love your cool days, your stunning colors, and all the fun that is to come in the next few months! You are my favorite of the four seasons (just don't tell the others)!

There are always gorgeous colors when you are near!

We may not have a fireplace, but there is always warmth in our home!

And I don't get laughed at for having pumpkin pie, like I do all the rest of the times of the year (what can I say...I just love pumpkin pie)!!

Yep, even made some tonight :o)

Hugs & giggles,

So I've been thinking...and wondering...

2009-09-18T06:41:00.004-05:00

First, before I get to the things that have been running thru my mind....

Tuesday Night Sewing Date!
I know I didn't post Tuesday, things have been pretty crazy this week so I didn't get a chance to post until now. Plus I feel like I'm in a little blogging-rut :o( But it's nice to have this fun night to post about to keep me going!

So, Tuesday was a bit of a mish-mashy day, worked on a lot of little things: mom & I worked on altering the dress I'll be wearing to a wedding this weekend, got ready to hang some pictures in the basement, worked on sewing blocks for the wedding quilt, and picked fabric for another block!

I found this absolutely wonderful little pattern that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it! It was so touching, because I have loved Willow Tree Angels for at least the past 8 years since my Grandfather passed away, and then collection began. My husband gave me this Willow Tree Angel last year "Promise" for our first Christmas as husband and wife. I don't remember where I found it, it was on one of my late night blog excursions, so if you know where it was, I would love to thank them, and give credit where credit is due!

Dani joined us, like usual, and worked on an adorable little bag she's making with left-overs of her beach fabric. And by golly, it's going to be adorable!!

Okay, now for the thinking and pondering.....
The hubby and I have talked that when we have kids, I would like to stay at home with them, at least for the first few years. With the state of the economy, it wouldn't be anywhere near possible now, but we're hoping when the day comes, we can swing it. So my questions go out to you stay-at-home-moms...

- Did you do anything to prepare before making the decision to stay home?
- What kind of things are out there for a stay-at-home-mom to do to help earn some income?
(I know some of the usuals: sell on Etsy, garage sales and sell things in the house, Tupper Ware/Mary Kay, etc.) but I'm wondering if there are other things out there that I'm just not thinking of/aware of.)
- Was there a point where you struggled, but decided to just stick with it, and made it thru?
- Any other thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated!! Answer yourself, bring friends, and thank you!

I know everyone out there in blogland is so helpful, and I would love to get some insight on how so many amazing women are able to make it at home with their children. I would love it if it worked out that I would be able to do this, I just don't know if we'll make it there.

Always,

A day to never be forgotten

2009-09-11T13:02:00.003-05:00

8 years ago today...

I was sitting in class, the beginning of my Senior year of high school. Thinking about all that was to come; fun, excitement, apprehension, joy, and sadness as I would go through my final year in high school and embark on a new journey in life. Never did I imagine that this day, September 11th, would be a day that would change the lives of all Americans forever. It was during the first class of the day that an announcement came over the speaker and TVs were turned to the news, Good Morning America in my classroom, instantly. I remember getting up to go to the bathroom during that hour, and hearing the televisions echoing throughout the hallway was an absolute surreal feeling.

A day that evil came to America, a day will never be forgotten.

Image from: http://onespiritproject.com/september11.shtml

What a weekend!

2009-09-07T20:27:00.007-05:00

Oh how I love long weekends, and even better when they are 4-days long! And so much got done this weekend, I really needed this...

Wonderful (mostly) Labor Day weekend activities:
- Trip to Sam's with mom to print off pics for my Quilt Journal
- Cleaning in the house done that needed to be done
- Pictures framed and hung in the house (including the big wedding one, woo hoo!!)
- Studying
- Sleeping in
- Lots of time with the family
- Golfing and reminiscing about the wedding day
- Relaxing
- Boot camp
- Sewing
- and a few other things along the way...

And must show a few pictures!! Of course, how could I not, right??

First off we have a few vintage patterns mom and I found and have framed to hang in our sewing rooms.

Mom's:

Mine:

I also finished a gift for a family friend's wedding in 2 weeks. This gorgeous table runner and set of coasters go with the quilt that mom is making here with the beautiful batik fabrics:
Of course I had to do the photo "toe-catcher" style as AmandaJean sometimes does, so fun!

And last but not least, I did a bit more work on my Batik Grandmother's Flower Garden, and have starting connecting another grouping:

And projects on tabs for September you may ask? Nothing really, I'll just be teetering along on my Grandmother's Flower Gardens. I also wanted to let you all know that if I go MIA during the month of September, have no fear, I will be back! I have my big, huge, professional exam the first week of October, and I will be studying during pretty much all free time I have. Needless to say, my social and fun life will be pretty much non-existent during the month of September (besides the weddings I have to go to).

Well, that was just a small compilation of my long, and delightfully joyful weekend! What did you do?

Hugs & giggles!

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2009-09-01T21:47:00.005-05:00

Tonight was spent making tea towels as our little project for Tuesday Night Sewing Date.

First Mom shared her latest top she finished (minus the border). Honestly, the photo doesn't do it nearly enough justice!! It is all batiks; greens, browns, oranges, etc. Absolutely gorgeous!

Then onto the towels. Dani made a couple with some of her scraps from the coasters, and I made a Halloween one. Have I mentioned I can't wait for fall??

They all turned out so cute! Like I said before, I think I'm hooked :o)

What did you work on tonight?

Always,

Dear Long Weekend,

2009-08-31T18:17:00.007-05:00

Can you please come here faster??

What a day it was today...busy busy at work, I'm not even sure what all I did!

But tonight has made up for it! Had a wonderful dinner with the hubby and did a bit of sewing! Finished up another set of coasters and worked on my Vintage Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt.

Also, I received the email today that my towel has been opened! Which means that I can share it with you all as well :o)

My first, and definitely not my last! I loved making this and will be making more! Tomorrow, in fact, for Tuesday Night Sewing Date!

Happy Monday!

Sunday Stash

2009-08-30T22:55:00.004-05:00

The stash today is a group of Halloween fabrics that I found at a local church garage sale this past week.

I know many out there aren't ready for summer to end, but I'm ready for fall to come! I absolutely love fall! All of the colors, the cooler weather so you don't sweat as soon as you walk out of the air conditioning, apple picking, and so many other things... Love it!

Always,

A little gift

2009-08-27T20:57:00.004-05:00

Was waiting for me when I got home today!

I received my tea towel and recipe from Esther in the mail today for our Charming Girls' Quilt Club exchange. Absolutely adorable!

The recipe is for Key Lime Pie, which my husband is quite a fan of! So she must have had him in mind for the exchange as well ;o)

Now I just hope she likes the one I sent her as I love the one I got!

Always,

A brightened end of the day!

2009-08-26T22:01:00.004-05:00

Oh what a day it has been....

Got up early to realize that I didn't have to go to work right away because I had a dr. appointment (which meant I had to drive today- I usually bus it to work). So I got up, got ready, sat around, ate breakfast, read thru some blogs, packed my bag for work, then headed off to the appointment. And of course, even though it was a usual check-up, it always takes longer than expected! Thankfully, all is good and "normal". Well, at least my normal. Then off to work to be busy all day. And halfway thru the day, I realized I wasn't wearing any make-up... I can't even tell you who I talked to, or what all I had for lunch, it was just go, go, go... And since I got there late, I stayed late to make up the hours, which meant I didn't leave until 7pm. Ick. Then walk 15 minutes to the car (the joys of parking far away to get a cheaper parking charge), 30 minute drive home, and I was finally having some dinner by about 7:50pm. A bit more blog reading, coupon searching, and then I looked outside. And this is what I saw when I walked out onto the deck:

I can honestly say that I did not do any editing to this photo, it was this striking!

Nothing like an amazing sight like that to remind me that all things that happened today, all the busy-ness and crazy-ness, is just a little spec and to never miss the little things. As they say "Don't forget to stop and smell the roses." Absolutely AMAZING!!

What made you smile today?

Always,

Tuesday Night Sewing Date!

2009-08-25T22:06:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful sewing date tonight!

First we played "Show-and-Tell"

Mom showed all her purchases while away up north for the weekend, Dani shared her fabrics for her first project, and I gave them both their Sherbet mini-quilts! I know it's not kindergarten anymore...but I just love "Show-and-Tell"!!

My girl, Dani, joined us tonight for her first sewing lesson on her new (used) machine! And she got her first project finished!!

This girl loves the ocean, and has ever since I've known her. So she picked up these great fabrics to make her first set of coasters. An easy project to do for her first time sewing. And let me tell you, they are adorable! In college, her room was always white and blue with pictures of the beach, sand and candles. So very her :o)

While Mom was working with her, I finished my tea towel for the tea towel and recipe exchange between the Charming Girls Quilt Club. Mine is going to Esther in Colorado, and I really hope she loves it! Tea towels are our next project for next Tuesday, something mom and I thought would be another easy project for Dani to do. Esther's towel will be sent out tomorrow, so I will show a pic once I hear that she has received it. No spoiling here! But it's too cute, so I just hope it gets there fast!!

What was your project tonight??

Always,

How does some sherbet sound?

2009-08-21T14:59:00.006-05:00

Melonberry Sherbet or Blueberry Sherbet that is!

Here they are! The little projects I have been working on this week! Of course, nothing that was on the "to-do" list, but just a little something I decided to whip up. All made with left-overs from my "Summer Fun" 9-Patch quilt, how I love using up stash fabrics!

I have seen a few others make very striking pieces using just half-square triangles with a print and a solid, so I decided to take a little stab at it. And let me tell you, love them! How is it that every time we make something new, we fall in love all over again? I'm always like "oh, this one is my favorite! I love it!" Then I'll finish another project and "oh, this is my favorite! I love it!" Who knew we could have so much love in our hearts! And there's still room for that wonderful hunk-of-a-man I get to be with everyday!

These two will be going to their planned homes next week, and I can't wait to give them! The Melonberry Sherbet (pink, yellow, and orange) on the left will be going to my wonderful mother. It was fun to make that, I don't think I've ever made anything for her before, but I have many more things to go before ever catching up to all the things she's made for me!! And the Blueberry Sherbet (blue and green) on the right is going to one of my besties, Dani! Dani and I were college roomies and we just clicked from the start! There were many late nights of tv, movies, popcorn, and girl talk. And of course, all of the adventures around town, and our many, many, many trips to Caribou once we finally got one at school (yeah, it was a small 'lil city). Anywho, back to the gorgeous piece... Within the last few months, Dani has shown an interest in quilting, and even started asking Mom and I questions about sewing machines. She has never really sewn (except maybe in middle school when we learned a bit in home ec), and she would love to learn. Well, as I'm sure with many other quilters out there, that just made our eyes light up and our minds start going! How awesome to be able to share our love of quilting with one of my best girls! So mom starting doing a little looking around, and of course, when she least expected it, she found a machine at a garage sale....for FREE! My favorite 4-letter word! Now it wasn't in the best shape, didn't have quite all the pieces (the power cord and foot were missing...this woman's little boy took scissors to it and cut the cord in half), but mom did a little research online, bought a new power cord/foot and some other accessories, cleaned it up, and got it running! Now I have got to say, that is one of the best finds of the summer!! And another wonderful thing, she'll be joining us for some Tuesday Night Sewing Dates! So anyways, my gift to Dani for inspiration and the beginning of her quilting journey will be the Blueberry Sherbet piece, and a quilt journey that I made! Ooo, hopefully she doesn't read this... Dani, if you're reading this...act surprised when I see you!! Love ya!

So there you have it, the next finish on the list! What is your latest finish??

Well, I'm off to study for a while for the big exam. Have a delightfully wonderful day!

Always,

Busy little worker bee

2009-08-20T23:21:00.006-05:00

Today was quite a busy, and quick day, thankfully! I finally can say that work has gotten busy again. And I can't tell you how nice it is to say that. Though it may be a bit stressful with deadlines coming quickly and all, but its nice to have work again and not just sit at work.

So with being busy, and productive all day, I decided to continue that at home tonight! I finished all of the quilting on my little projects I've been working on, and am now sewing binding on. I should have them all finished tomorrow! Here's another little sneak peak!

I also spent a little bit of the evening after dinner out on the deck. Ever since I was little, I have always loved watching the clouds, and grew up with a love for storms! (Okay, so maybe not thunder storms in the middle of the night when I was really little...) But I am fascinated with storms, and lightning, and thunder. And I just love different cloud formations and the absolute beauty of them! Its so interesting and intriguing to sit and watch them change as they move across the horizon. We've had some major storms here in the midwest lately (at least 4 tornado touch downs near here yesterday), and this evening was no different. The sky was really dark to the north when I drove home, and this is what I saw when I looked out the deck door after finishing dinner:

Such a beautiful sight! Maybe scary to some, but it all just amazes me!

Okay, so I should probably get to bed here soon if I'm going to get up and get some work done tomorrow! Night and sweet dreams to you all!

Always,

Tuesday Night Sewing Date!

2009-08-18T20:36:00.005-05:00

What a great night! And quite productive! Tonight I got some batting from mom for a little project I'm working on (I have been told lately "come shop at my house before going to JoAnn's" by her), finished planning out the tea towel for a little exchange I'm participating in, and worked on the wedding quilt!

I know I've said this before, but I can't wait for this quilt to be done! It's going to be wonderful! Tonight, Mom worked on pinning, and I did some sewing. We have a total of 14 sets (4 blocks each) of signature blocks sewn. So that's a total of 56 blocks out of 150 or so. We have quite a bit to go, but we're hoping to get it done before my and hubby's first anniversary, which means we have 2 months to finish it. Eek! We'll see if it makes it there by then.

And I can't wait for Friday! More than others, because I have this Friday off! Woohoo! I plan to sew a bit (finish my little project(s) so I can show you all!), study a whole lot, and maybe read a bit outside...if it's nice that is.. Oh how I love having days off!

So what was your project of the day? I would love to hear about it!

Always,

A lil sneak peak...

2009-08-16T22:28:00.003-05:00

So I know I haven't blogged lately...but here's one thing I jumped into!

Of course I had another little project I was hoping to finish this month (which I did some sewing on today, and still could finish), but typical me...I jumped into another little project instead. Here's a little sneak peak, and I'll show them when they are all finished!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Always,

And She's Back!

2009-08-09T21:05:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been almost a week since I've posted...I know that may not be long for some in blogland, but I was doing really well for a while. I've been super crazy busy this week, and I can finally blog again!

I didn't get to do too much sewing this week, mainly because my little machine was in the shop. Nothing major, thankfully (!!!), just the usual tune-up, which hasn't been done on this machine since I got it...quite a few years ago! And I've done a whole lot of sewing and traveling with that machine. It has been to college and back, down to Grandma's once or twice, and back-and-forth between here and Mom's more times than I can count. I haven't sewn with it yet since I got it back (been doing a lot of hand sewing!), but I reckon I shall soon!

Speaking of handsewing, I've kind of been kicking butt lately on my batik Grandmother's Flower Garden lately. I've gotten another little push for it. It's quite addicting, I must say! So I've been working on it quite a bit here and there lately, just something I can do a little bit at night before bed without diving too much into anything. I've finished a few more flowers and done a lot of connecting onto my large piece. It's coming along! It currently measures about 28" x 36". That is currently with 29 flowers and joining pieces. I really have no idea how big it will be when I am all finished. I have a lot more flowers, and quite a few batiks left that I haven't even made flowers out of yet, and am planning to make one flower of each to beginning with. And I just have to share...here is my current pile of "flowers to attach". So needless to say, this thing will be getting quite a bit bigger! There are at least 50-75 flowers there!

Well, sorry to have been MIA for a few days, but I'm back to it now that my exam prep class that I had this weekend is over :o) Even though I'm a bit exhausted (and can't believe that I have to go back to work tomorrow already...), I'm off to do a bit more hand sewing!

Always,

No Tuesday Night Sewing Date :o(

2009-08-05T09:06:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately there wasn't any sewing last night :o( Which I am super sad about, but hopefully Thursday! Instead Mom and I were out running errands. I got the rest of my supplies for my exam in October (I have a class this weekend to prep for the exam, all weekend...for many hours...) And I'm not so excited for the class this weekend, because it's actually supposed to feel like summer this weekend with heat and sun! Oh well... There was also a trip to CVS in there to pick up medical/health stuff with my slight over abundance of FSA dollars that I alloted to save this year, but didn't actually need. And of course used coupons, because I love coupons! I am always looking for ways to save money, and coupons are one of the easiest! So we got some of the essentials, basically anything the FSA covers. It's the whole "use it or lose it" philosophy for those types of accounts. So needless to say, but the end of the year, our closet will be stocked!

Anywho, I hope to get some sewing done this week, I have a few things that I need to get done this month, and why not start early, right?

Hope you have a wonderful and productive day!

August projects and My Studio

2009-08-02T20:23:00.006-05:00

Happy August! But where did the summer go??

I finished two different projects in July (and worked on many), so its now time to decided what will be finished in August. I know it will be a busy month- studying for my big exam, boot camp with the sisters-in-law, bridal shower for my hubby's cousin, and other random things here and there, so I'm going to shoot for a small project to finish this month. Unless we can finish the wedding quilt that is, but I'm not so sure that is going to happen. So, the project that I'm planning to finish is a baby quilt that the fabric was cut at the same time as the Water Animals baby quilt for the Habitat Auction at work. Same idea, just some different colors:

And as for the studio, I posed about it back here. I also added another couple little shelves that mom found for me at a garage sale. Great little storage for 50 cents total! Love it!

I'm now off to enjoy the last little bit of my weekend. Enjoy!

Always,

It's going to be a wonderful day!

2009-08-01T11:16:00.004-05:00

I can just feel it!!

I feel good, it's a gorgeous sunny day outside, and I got to sleep in! When I did finally wake up, the hubby had just gotten home from the Farmer's Market with a large, beautiful bouquet of flowers! What a wonderful way to start a day, right?? I knew he was a good one! Aren't they simply grand?? And such a variety! I guess they were grown not too far from our house either, he said he has seen the area that the woman was talking about that they were from. Nothing like supporting local businesses! And really, who wouldn't have a good day after seeing this??

Also on tab for today...
*Make a few more coasters - love how quick they are!
*Run a few errands
*Get together with the girls for a little research trip! We're heading off to a couple tattoo shops to check things out. I have been waiting 8 years to do this, and I think I finally have the courage and all!
*And whatever else may come up!

Hope you have a wonderful, glorious day!

Last finish of July!!

2009-07-31T22:57:00.003-05:00

I finished one last project in July!

This beautiful little octagonal table topper using fabrics from Soiree by Lila Tueller for Moda. It is a gorgeous line of fabric, and I absolutely fell in love with it on our trip. And you know the rest...just had to have it and make something with it! I must say, this was my first time using a stripe as the binding, and I love, love, love it!! I will possibly have to use more stripes in the future :o)

What all did you finish this month? And what are you planning to finish next month?

Always,

Back on the wagon

2009-07-30T22:11:00.002-05:00

...of Etsy that is! I opened my shops back in March, sold a couple things, then my push kind of fizzled out a bit. I have decided to get back into it though since I have so many things here that don't do me any good sitting on the shelf! I will be adding new things to Starbound Studios and Starbound Photography each day, so be sure to check things out!

Hope you had a wonderful day!

Always,

Tuesday Night Sewing Date!!

2009-07-28T22:25:00.006-05:00

What a great night! I love Tuesday's!

So first off....if you read the previous post, the "Stars of Wonder" flannel quilt is finished!

Quilt measures 58" x 80"

I made it using The Pointless Wonder pattern from Quilt Country. It is all flannel with the bright pink as the binding and backing. And I just love the yellow border fabric with all of the different colored stars!

It was mostly done to see if I could do a quilt all on my own, beginning to end, with little help. I felt that I was at the stage and that I had learned enough from Mom that I should be able to do one on my own, and I did! I did get a little help from her with figuring numbers and all (I'm not so good at that just yet), but other than that, I did it! So needless to say, it's not by any means perfect, but quite an accomplishment :o) I do love this quilt though it was a bugger to finish...but it's done!

The next little project (just a quick one) was to add extra padding to the ironing board. It's a great ironing board, and worked perfectly except for one minor thing... There wasn't enough padding and I felt like I was ironing right on the metal frame whenever I ironed. Thankfully we happened to have some extra badding at my house, took it all apart, made a pattern with some Christmas paper that I just can't seem to get rid of, put it all back together, and I ended up with a much nicer ironing board! Nice and thick!

And onto the last little enjoyable part of this post. If you remember this fabric that I found while on my trip with Mom to the Quilt Museum in Nebraska
(the group on the right, Soiree by Lila Tueller for Moda)
I decided tonight was just the night for the project with them! Here is a little glimpse! It is just about done, but not quite there yet...
It shall be done tomorrow or Thursday, then I'll show the finished product :o) Oh, the suspense!

Well, there is my fun for the night! What did you work on today?

It's done!

2009-07-27T22:52:00.002-05:00

I finished my flannel star quilt! But seeing as it is way past my bedtime, I will post more tomorrow about it...with pictures of course!

Night all and sweet dreams!

I love productive days!

2009-07-26T00:32:00.004-05:00

So today was a wonderfully productive Saturday!

I got to sleep in a bit, which doesn't happen very often around here anymore (except on my Friday's off), and I loved it!! For any of you that really know me...I am NOT a morning person! I have always been a night owl, and have been told I take after my dad in that aspect.

After a wonderful time of laying in our big comfy bed with the sun and a light breeze coming in the window, I got up and headed off to the tea shop with dad. Now mind you, I'm not a big tea drinker, and I don't really fancy hot drinks all that much either. I'm learning to like warm drinks though. I was the kid in the neighborhood that would always have milk and marshmallows while all of the other kids had hot chocolate after a long day of sledding and playing in the snow. Mind you, I love chocolate (sometimes a bit too much), I've just never liked hot drinks. So anywho, this winter I had some "Throat Coat" tea when I had a nasty cold with a sore throat, and I decided "hey, this stuff isn't actually that bad!" I decided to tell the 'rents, and dad made me up some samples of his teas that he likes. Let me just say this...he is an oolong and black tea drinker. If you are a beginner, you do not start there! So for Father's Day, I gave him some 'tea money' as we like to call it, and a gift certificate for a "Tea trip with your daughter". And today was the day! I got a couple herbals and green teas. I've realized that I really liked the licorice root in the "Throat Coat" tea I had, so I got a couple with that. I smelled almost all of the herbal/blend teas, and many green & white teas, and my goodness!! Some of them smelled divine!! If they all tasted exactly like they smelled, I would drink only tee the rest of my life! Okay, this was supposed to be a short entry, and I could obviously go on about my first tea store trip for far too long... Long story short, I got a few to try, had one today and loved it! I think I'm hooked!

Other productive things today...
~ did a bit of garage sale-ing: didn't find too much, but always love the hunt!
~ made myself a set of the "Summer Drinks" coasters similar to the previous ones I made.
~ got together with some friends from work for fireworks at a local celebration in the cities
~ and last but not least......I finished quilting the flannel star quilt and put the binding on!! I just have to trim, and hand sew the binding on, label and its finished! It will be done before July is over (sewing the binding is my favorite part, I can't get to that point and then just let it sit)!! Granted, it won't be used for a while...flannel and summer don't go well together. But it's been that quilt that didn't want to get finished.

So quite a productive day it was, and now I'm off to bed! Hopefully yours was just as productive!

Happy Friday!

2009-07-24T23:00:00.004-05:00

A very busy day it was...full day of work, 9-holes of golf, a trip to pick up the Mr's new ring (the other is in the bottom of a lake), the phone store, then home to eat dinner.

One of the benefits of living near, and working in the city are views like this! Maybe its just the field I'm in, but I love skylines with all of the architecture and all..

And who doesn't love a sunset?!? I know I love them!

A good end to a busy day! Just a few more stitches on my batik flowers, then its off to bed!

Tuesday Night Sewing Date

2009-07-21T22:14:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite days of the week!

Even though Mom wasn't able to get together tonight, I figured I might as well still use the time to sew. So I decided to make a little project, which I finished!! I made two sets of coasters for a couple that my brother currently lives with. They were out of town when we went to visit my brother this past weekend, but let us stay at their house so that we didn't have to get a hotel. I have only met them once, but just from talking to them and hearing about them from my bro, they are two sweet people!

Anywho, so back to the coasters. I was just going to make one set with a the wife's favorite colors (I figured the husband wouldn't care as much, as most men don't...), and they turned out to be blue, pink, and red. When I heard this, I immediately thought "and how and I going to incorporate those three colors and still make it look nice??" Well, I should never doubt myself, I found a couple great fabrics in the stash! I also found a great piece of summer drinks fabric that I just had to make a set from! I also cut enough to make myself a set :o) I have them all packaged with a cute little Thank You card, and ready to be mailed out!

Another successful Tuesday Night Sewing Date! What did you work on tonight?

One of my faves!

2009-07-21T09:51:00.003-05:00

A life without love is like a year without summer. ~Swedish Proverb

I'll be back later tonight for Tuesday Night Sewing Date!
Til' then!