I've been in a funk lately. Where I'm usually excited beyond belief to be sewing, lately I've been ... down in the dumps. Somewhere between lacking motivation and depressed.
This weekend, I found a remedy. I picked up some of my older, QAYG blocks - blocks that sat unfinished and untrimmed. Neglected, even! Just trimming them gave me a sense of sastisfaction - they looked so neat! I finished about six on Saturday, three on Sunday and two more yesterday. I think it's safe to say I'm on a bit of a roll! I love working on these blocks: it's the quilting and the piecing all-in-one, which is the reason for my little love affair with quilt-as-you go. It's also really gratifying to complete even a little more work on a couple of projects that got put to the wayside (I even cleared some room for them on my bookshelf!)
Currently, I've got two in the works: one centered around Heather Ross prints where each block is a different color, and one with a green-and-brown neutral palette that, while pretty, is a bit more masculine in nature. One is for my bed, and the other is meant to be a Christmas gift for my brother and his wife. I think they'll like it - I certainly hope so!
There's been other things going on this week, too:
- I snagged 12 habitat half-yards from Sew Modern Online. They're 3.93 each! That's a steal for yours truly!
- Got in a set of Folksy Flannel fat quarters. I'm thinking another flannel quilt may be in my future.
- My Lizzy House pattern bundle came in! With THE COLORIST! I'm so psyched!
- Ordered some tonal prints for the stash: some Lark, the woodgrain prints from The Woodlands, and a few more LouLouthi flannel prints I loved. I've also gotten in some more of the jewels from Lizzy House's lines - I'm glad to be able to put these to use in my QAYG quilt!
- Worked a bit more on my niece's quilt. For a project that was so quick in coming together, it's been difficult to pick up! Maybe I'll have some energy tonight ...
While this week should be busy, I'm also looking forward to getting some things done this weekend...
- "Woman in Black" and "Chronicle" both hit theaters this weekend! I'm seeing both!
- Tonight I'm washing a quilt made by my Dad's mother. It's been passed down to all of us, and after years of washing and use, it's got some holes and a bit patch missing (although it's not as bad as the smoke smell). I'm going to see about getting rid of the icky smells, and then trying to repair the damage. I think I'm up to the challenge: I loved that quilt as a kid, and I would really like to see it retain some of it's former glory! We'll see... I think I'll post some before and after pictures...
- I ordered some WASHI TAPE by Rashida Coleman Hale! I love those prints - so pretty and graphic! Just perfect! Can't wait until they arrive!
- MOAR QAYG
- And hopefully some more Modern Meadow blocks completed! (Hoping for all of them to be done might be too ambitious ... but definitely some ...)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday
Another week has passed, and alas, not much sewing has been done. Mostly due to my unwillingness to take on projects when I'm either a.) trying to ensure the cleanliness of the house, or b.) know I have a lot to do in the morning. I'm also having to adjust to a new schedule wherein I'm working by myself three nights a week, which takes quite a bit of my energy.
However, there were some things accomplished:
- Took a friend to Bush Intercontinental Airport. It was fun for about five minutes, and I'm glad I've never had to fly internationally because that place is RIDICULOUS.
- Grabbed some Lizzy House goodies! She had a deal going on her website for her pattern book, two patterns, a notebook, and some embroidery patterns - I could not resist! I've been eying that book for a while...and those notebooks are SUPER cute.
- More Echino came in; it's definitely for my nieces' quilts this winter, but I'm holding off on starting either one of them until it's a bit later in the year.
-Broke down and bought the LouLouthi Velveteens. I got mine from Charm Stitch. I can't wait to try them out, but I may just be petting them for awhile...
- Reorganized my fabric; they're now all in bins that are about the same size. I love it.
And there are definitely some things planned:
- Cutting out all of my bits and baubles for my Outfoxed quilt - making a new quilt top is so exciting, it always gets my energy up!
- Finishing up my niece's quilt top. After taking a step away and taking a look at the one I've got down, I'm pleased with the result so far. Fun, colorful, but not obnoxiously loud or too childish. Perfect for a child of seven.
- Continue with the apartment overhaul. I'm also trying to set aside some fabrics that are definitely not stashers, but might look good in Farmer's Wife Quilt Blocks!
- Going through my DVD's and giving away the ones that aren't particularly "keepers".
And there are always things I'm looking forward to, particularly for Spring:
- Hello Pilgrim! Can'twaitcan'twaitcan'twait.
- The Thing on DVD!
- Undeworld 4! The Woman in Black! CASA DE MI PADRE (do not laugh, unless it is at the trailer for this because it is going to be RIDICULOUSLY funny).
That's all she wrote for now, folks! I'm off to work (a bit!)
However, there were some things accomplished:
- Took a friend to Bush Intercontinental Airport. It was fun for about five minutes, and I'm glad I've never had to fly internationally because that place is RIDICULOUS.
- Grabbed some Lizzy House goodies! She had a deal going on her website for her pattern book, two patterns, a notebook, and some embroidery patterns - I could not resist! I've been eying that book for a while...and those notebooks are SUPER cute.
- More Echino came in; it's definitely for my nieces' quilts this winter, but I'm holding off on starting either one of them until it's a bit later in the year.
-Broke down and bought the LouLouthi Velveteens. I got mine from Charm Stitch. I can't wait to try them out, but I may just be petting them for awhile...
- Reorganized my fabric; they're now all in bins that are about the same size. I love it.
And there are definitely some things planned:
- Cutting out all of my bits and baubles for my Outfoxed quilt - making a new quilt top is so exciting, it always gets my energy up!
- Finishing up my niece's quilt top. After taking a step away and taking a look at the one I've got down, I'm pleased with the result so far. Fun, colorful, but not obnoxiously loud or too childish. Perfect for a child of seven.
- Continue with the apartment overhaul. I'm also trying to set aside some fabrics that are definitely not stashers, but might look good in Farmer's Wife Quilt Blocks!
- Going through my DVD's and giving away the ones that aren't particularly "keepers".
And there are always things I'm looking forward to, particularly for Spring:
- Hello Pilgrim! Can'twaitcan'twaitcan'twait.
- The Thing on DVD!
- Undeworld 4! The Woman in Black! CASA DE MI PADRE (do not laugh, unless it is at the trailer for this because it is going to be RIDICULOUSLY funny).
That's all she wrote for now, folks! I'm off to work (a bit!)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
weekends are for fun - mostly
It's only Tuesday, and I'm already BEAT.
We had a wedding Saturday that, while it was fun (and it went well, and the family had fun which was the most important thing), was also incredibly taxing mentally. I worried about it for months! Now that it's over, I feel like I can relax. (A little).
I started on a quilt for my niece! The last time I made one for her was when she was a newborn - seven years ago! I figure it's high time for a new one. This one will be her Christmas gift. A few months ago, I cut out a bunch of vintage sheets and fairy tale prints - but nothing looked good together, so I scrapped the project. After being inspired by the scrap-usage of all the quilters online lately, I thought they might look good together, after all! Going through my stash of saved 5" squares from charm packs, and those previously cut fabrics, I managed to put together a quilt I rather like! I think she'll love it, too. I'm 1/3 of the way finished with the top, and if I can keep the momentum up, it'll be done in no-time!
Other things that went on this week:
- Bought some batting and Gutermann thread for the machine (after using Gutermann, I don't think I can go back, even if it IS more expensive).
- Bought the novelization for "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" for my kindle.
- Watched "Sleeping Beauty".
- Brought home some Echino scraps for possible quilts for my nieces - we'll see - and some of Patty Young's LUSH! I'm in love with her Running Stitch print.
- Got some solids in for my Outfoxed quilt. After tweaking the pattern a bit, I think I'm going to be very pleased! I can't wait to finish the two quilts I've got going and start on this one!
I'm off to close down. Here's to a productive week, eh?
We had a wedding Saturday that, while it was fun (and it went well, and the family had fun which was the most important thing), was also incredibly taxing mentally. I worried about it for months! Now that it's over, I feel like I can relax. (A little).
I started on a quilt for my niece! The last time I made one for her was when she was a newborn - seven years ago! I figure it's high time for a new one. This one will be her Christmas gift. A few months ago, I cut out a bunch of vintage sheets and fairy tale prints - but nothing looked good together, so I scrapped the project. After being inspired by the scrap-usage of all the quilters online lately, I thought they might look good together, after all! Going through my stash of saved 5" squares from charm packs, and those previously cut fabrics, I managed to put together a quilt I rather like! I think she'll love it, too. I'm 1/3 of the way finished with the top, and if I can keep the momentum up, it'll be done in no-time!
Other things that went on this week:
- Bought some batting and Gutermann thread for the machine (after using Gutermann, I don't think I can go back, even if it IS more expensive).
- Bought the novelization for "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" for my kindle.
- Watched "Sleeping Beauty".
- Brought home some Echino scraps for possible quilts for my nieces - we'll see - and some of Patty Young's LUSH! I'm in love with her Running Stitch print.
- Got some solids in for my Outfoxed quilt. After tweaking the pattern a bit, I think I'm going to be very pleased! I can't wait to finish the two quilts I've got going and start on this one!
I'm off to close down. Here's to a productive week, eh?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Happenings, Stashings
It's been a quiet New Year's weekend for me: luckily so, because we were swamped at work all week and the reprieve was nice.
- Watched "The Prophecy" one and two for the first time. Viggo Mortensen is terrifying as Lucifer. "You know what Hell really is, Thomas? It's not lakes of burning oil or chains of ice. It's being removed from God's sight, having His word taken from you. It's hard to believe. So hard. I know that better than anyone."
- Worked on some more blocks for my Modern Meadow quilt! I think I've got about four left, that are ready to finish, and then about 20 more after that! It's exciting how quickly it's coming together!
- I started working on my quilt-as-you-go log cabins again. I finished another block and started working on two others. It's an easy, painless project to work on when I get frustruated with the particulars of more difficult projects. I have two going: a heather ross log cabin, and a green-and-neutral log cabin. I've about ten or so blocks finished for both!
- Did some organizing! Picked up a few little bins at Target; pictures of that coming soon!
I've also picked up a few things for the stash ... bad, I know. But this is as bad as I'm going to be for the next few months while I try to straighten out my finances (and do some mad saving!)
- Picked up the entire collection of Ruby Star Rising in fat quarters. I'm in love with this line: so bright, so fun! Paired with some black framing and some solids, I think I'd end up with a beautiful quilt!
- The "sprout" colorway of Parisville. So lovely!
- All of the "eyedrop" prints from Parisville. I wasn't very fond of them at first, but they've definitely grown on me: I think they're a perfect addition to my stash!
- Picked up six of the "Snip Snip" prints from Wonderland! I'm so glad to have found them, I looked for them everywhere before ... I've got them in Jam, Sugar Plum, Glass, Sky, Tomato, and Chai! I only need them in Pistachio!
Once I finish my Modern Meadow top, and my Little Miss Alice top, my next project is an Outfoxed top! But I'm resolved to withold buying the solids for said quilt until I'm ready to start :)
I'm off to work on a wedding. You have a great day!
- Watched "The Prophecy" one and two for the first time. Viggo Mortensen is terrifying as Lucifer. "You know what Hell really is, Thomas? It's not lakes of burning oil or chains of ice. It's being removed from God's sight, having His word taken from you. It's hard to believe. So hard. I know that better than anyone."
- Worked on some more blocks for my Modern Meadow quilt! I think I've got about four left, that are ready to finish, and then about 20 more after that! It's exciting how quickly it's coming together!
- I started working on my quilt-as-you-go log cabins again. I finished another block and started working on two others. It's an easy, painless project to work on when I get frustruated with the particulars of more difficult projects. I have two going: a heather ross log cabin, and a green-and-neutral log cabin. I've about ten or so blocks finished for both!
- Did some organizing! Picked up a few little bins at Target; pictures of that coming soon!
I've also picked up a few things for the stash ... bad, I know. But this is as bad as I'm going to be for the next few months while I try to straighten out my finances (and do some mad saving!)
- Picked up the entire collection of Ruby Star Rising in fat quarters. I'm in love with this line: so bright, so fun! Paired with some black framing and some solids, I think I'd end up with a beautiful quilt!
- The "sprout" colorway of Parisville. So lovely!
- All of the "eyedrop" prints from Parisville. I wasn't very fond of them at first, but they've definitely grown on me: I think they're a perfect addition to my stash!
- Picked up six of the "Snip Snip" prints from Wonderland! I'm so glad to have found them, I looked for them everywhere before ... I've got them in Jam, Sugar Plum, Glass, Sky, Tomato, and Chai! I only need them in Pistachio!
Once I finish my Modern Meadow top, and my Little Miss Alice top, my next project is an Outfoxed top! But I'm resolved to withold buying the solids for said quilt until I'm ready to start :)
I'm off to work on a wedding. You have a great day!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Goals for a New Year
I'm a big "goal" person. I like to plan out what I'm going to do and then go for it. If I succeed, that's great: if I don't I can try again. Every year, though, I kind of eschew the "new year's" goals - but not this year!
This year, I've got a few. But I think they're reasonable.
1. Take time to exercise - at least thirty minutes a day, a few times a week. I can't promise myself I'll get up at five every morning to run, but I can take thirty minutes to speed walk or jog on the beach.
2. Eat healthier - less sweets, more fruits & vegetables! I'm not a big vegetable fan, but this year I've found my tastes changing, and I think I can learn to love them. I want to be the healthiest Katie I can be.
3. Finish up the quilts in the closet! I've got five or six quilt tops just waiting to be finished - but I like making the tops too much to do the quilting! Hehe. Someone asked me what I would do with all those quilts around the house, and I told them I usually give away clothing to make room - I only really wear my work uniforms and pyjamas anyway!
4. Stick to my list when it comes to buying fabric! I've made myself a (tenative) list of what kind of fabrics I want to buy this year, and I have decided to stick with it. Mostly things from my favorite designers or stash builders I've seen and would like to have, all with saving money in mind!
5. Save money. I'm a big loser when it comes to saving, and this year - with my brother's surgery, my best friend's wedding, and other things pressing on my wallet - I'm ending 2011 with $14 in the savings department (and that's in coins). So this year, I'm determined to save up! I'm cutting out: eating out every week, buying movies all the time, and just generally wasting money on things I don't need. I think I'll feel better for it.
6. Declutter! The organization continues. In 2011 I began to feel like I had too much - and I think I was right. I've made efforts this year, moreso than any other, to simply give away things I haven't touched in six months. But there are more things I need to let go of, and I'm going to see it done!
7. Try new things. I think I've improved as a quilter this year: I've tried new things, and I want to keep trying new things. I'd like to try paper pierced blocks, a farmer's wife quilt out of scraps, mod mosaic blocks, a crazy quilt, and a few other things I've had in mind! In trying new things, I hope to grow and become an AWESOME quilter!
8. Buy a new camera! And post pictures! I've been borrowing my dad's camera, using instagram, all of that jazz ... but I think I need my own camera, hopefully sometime soon!
9. Avoid zombies. That one is just in case the apocalypse really DOES happen.
Those are my goals for 2012. What are yours?...
This year, I've got a few. But I think they're reasonable.
1. Take time to exercise - at least thirty minutes a day, a few times a week. I can't promise myself I'll get up at five every morning to run, but I can take thirty minutes to speed walk or jog on the beach.
2. Eat healthier - less sweets, more fruits & vegetables! I'm not a big vegetable fan, but this year I've found my tastes changing, and I think I can learn to love them. I want to be the healthiest Katie I can be.
3. Finish up the quilts in the closet! I've got five or six quilt tops just waiting to be finished - but I like making the tops too much to do the quilting! Hehe. Someone asked me what I would do with all those quilts around the house, and I told them I usually give away clothing to make room - I only really wear my work uniforms and pyjamas anyway!
4. Stick to my list when it comes to buying fabric! I've made myself a (tenative) list of what kind of fabrics I want to buy this year, and I have decided to stick with it. Mostly things from my favorite designers or stash builders I've seen and would like to have, all with saving money in mind!
5. Save money. I'm a big loser when it comes to saving, and this year - with my brother's surgery, my best friend's wedding, and other things pressing on my wallet - I'm ending 2011 with $14 in the savings department (and that's in coins). So this year, I'm determined to save up! I'm cutting out: eating out every week, buying movies all the time, and just generally wasting money on things I don't need. I think I'll feel better for it.
6. Declutter! The organization continues. In 2011 I began to feel like I had too much - and I think I was right. I've made efforts this year, moreso than any other, to simply give away things I haven't touched in six months. But there are more things I need to let go of, and I'm going to see it done!
7. Try new things. I think I've improved as a quilter this year: I've tried new things, and I want to keep trying new things. I'd like to try paper pierced blocks, a farmer's wife quilt out of scraps, mod mosaic blocks, a crazy quilt, and a few other things I've had in mind! In trying new things, I hope to grow and become an AWESOME quilter!
8. Buy a new camera! And post pictures! I've been borrowing my dad's camera, using instagram, all of that jazz ... but I think I need my own camera, hopefully sometime soon!
9. Avoid zombies. That one is just in case the apocalypse really DOES happen.
Those are my goals for 2012. What are yours?...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Singer Stylist 7258
I wanted to do this meme not because I have any intention of it being posted anywhere, but because there's hardly any reviews on the internet about it, and I wanted someone looking for information to be able to find said information. So here we go:
What brand and model do you have?
Singer 7258.
How long have you had it?
A couple weeks.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
Anywhere from $200-$300, although I have seen it sold on Amazon for less.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I mainly quilt and a lot of my work on the machine are quilt tops in particular, but I also do home dec projects.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew nearly every day for at least an hour, sometimes more.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. It's a delight to work with after having two machines previously which, while they were little workhorses, were not nearly as smooth. It doesn't have a name yet; I'm thinking on it. :)
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
It offers free-motion quilting, a see through bobbin plate, and speed and stitch width controls, and is generally very easy to get started.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Nothing that drives me nuts, but sometimes there is a pause in between the backstitch and forward stitching. As far as problems go, it's very minor.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
I got it from my older brothers for Christmas! It's definitely needed and loved, and I feel very loved to have two brothers who picked out a gift so perfect.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would. I think that if you're looking for a machine that sews well, is in a good price range, and has a variety of appealing features, this machine would do very well for you. It's really been lovely to work with.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Personally, I wanted a machine that free-motion quilted, was sturdy, and was simple to use and set up, all of which were conditions that were met with this machine. I believe that, under normal circumstances, you should definitely try the machine out and see if you like the way it sews.
Do you have a dream machine?
One day I'd love to own a Janome Horizon, but I'm very, very pleased to have my Singer 7258 and I think we'll be great friends :)
What brand and model do you have?
Singer 7258.
How long have you had it?
A couple weeks.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
Anywhere from $200-$300, although I have seen it sold on Amazon for less.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I mainly quilt and a lot of my work on the machine are quilt tops in particular, but I also do home dec projects.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew nearly every day for at least an hour, sometimes more.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. It's a delight to work with after having two machines previously which, while they were little workhorses, were not nearly as smooth. It doesn't have a name yet; I'm thinking on it. :)
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
It offers free-motion quilting, a see through bobbin plate, and speed and stitch width controls, and is generally very easy to get started.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Nothing that drives me nuts, but sometimes there is a pause in between the backstitch and forward stitching. As far as problems go, it's very minor.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
I got it from my older brothers for Christmas! It's definitely needed and loved, and I feel very loved to have two brothers who picked out a gift so perfect.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would. I think that if you're looking for a machine that sews well, is in a good price range, and has a variety of appealing features, this machine would do very well for you. It's really been lovely to work with.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Personally, I wanted a machine that free-motion quilted, was sturdy, and was simple to use and set up, all of which were conditions that were met with this machine. I believe that, under normal circumstances, you should definitely try the machine out and see if you like the way it sews.
Do you have a dream machine?
One day I'd love to own a Janome Horizon, but I'm very, very pleased to have my Singer 7258 and I think we'll be great friends :)
Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone had a great holiday! I certainly did!
Christmas Eve was spent eating dinner with my brothers and dad. I cooked the meal and no one got food poisoning! (J/K, but in all seriousness I am NO cook). I had the time to give my brother his present ... a Marvel Comics Encyclopedia! I think he's officially in love with it.
We spent that night with my older brother and his wife's family, eating dinner and enjoying their company! It was awesome and fun. :) Christmas Day was spent wishing folks well, calling my grandmother and oldest brother, cutting out fabric and watching Star Trek. And as of this morning, I've sewn TEN of my Modern Meadow Sawtooth Stars and they. are. awesome.
I'm a very happy girl today, and I'll tell you why: I got a new sewing machine for Christmas! A Singer Stylist 7258. So far - and I haven't played with it much except for basic stitching and making blocks - it's run like a dream. I'm in love. It's computerized, which take some getting used to, but I'm okay with that!
I also received some cashola for Christmas, so you know, of course, what I did with it! (Here's a hint: it involves Etsy...and Sew Mama Sew...)
- The fat quarter collection of the Scissors Prints in Half Moon Modern!
- 1/4 Yard pieces of all the jewel prints in Outfoxed. I LOVE Lizzy House's basics!
- Charm Packs of Reunion, Half Moon Modern, California Girl, Salt Air, and a Walk in the Woods.
- A Summersault Print I didn't have.
- All the Chevron prints from the Boho Collection by Annette Tatum in 1/2 yards!
- Four yards of white fabric for stocking up! I used up every piece of it for the Sawtooth Stars
I debated on buying the fat quarter bundle of LouLouthi Velveteen, but I think I'll wait on it! I'm also itching for Ruby Star Spring to come out - I've got it bad for that collection!
Everyone have a great day!
Christmas Eve was spent eating dinner with my brothers and dad. I cooked the meal and no one got food poisoning! (J/K, but in all seriousness I am NO cook). I had the time to give my brother his present ... a Marvel Comics Encyclopedia! I think he's officially in love with it.
We spent that night with my older brother and his wife's family, eating dinner and enjoying their company! It was awesome and fun. :) Christmas Day was spent wishing folks well, calling my grandmother and oldest brother, cutting out fabric and watching Star Trek. And as of this morning, I've sewn TEN of my Modern Meadow Sawtooth Stars and they. are. awesome.
I'm a very happy girl today, and I'll tell you why: I got a new sewing machine for Christmas! A Singer Stylist 7258. So far - and I haven't played with it much except for basic stitching and making blocks - it's run like a dream. I'm in love. It's computerized, which take some getting used to, but I'm okay with that!
I also received some cashola for Christmas, so you know, of course, what I did with it! (Here's a hint: it involves Etsy...and Sew Mama Sew...)
- The fat quarter collection of the Scissors Prints in Half Moon Modern!
- 1/4 Yard pieces of all the jewel prints in Outfoxed. I LOVE Lizzy House's basics!
- Charm Packs of Reunion, Half Moon Modern, California Girl, Salt Air, and a Walk in the Woods.
- A Summersault Print I didn't have.
- All the Chevron prints from the Boho Collection by Annette Tatum in 1/2 yards!
- Four yards of white fabric for stocking up! I used up every piece of it for the Sawtooth Stars
I debated on buying the fat quarter bundle of LouLouthi Velveteen, but I think I'll wait on it! I'm also itching for Ruby Star Spring to come out - I've got it bad for that collection!
Everyone have a great day!
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