I had grand plans for sewing this weekend, I tell you. Grand plans!
And yet, there's been little accomplished. And that is because on Friday night, I started feeling twinges in my neck/shoulder again - the very same ones that caused me a hell of a lot of pain two weeks ago. Lo and Behold, the same pain - except worse - came back Saturday, and has now been my constant companion since then.
What a bummer.
Worse than that? I had a two hour masssage yesterday in the hopes of working out the kinks in the muscle area, and while it helped for a few hours and cleared up some pain in my arms, my shoulder and neck still hurt. I'm hoping that, with some more TLC and refraining from doing Ridiculous Things, it'll ease up a bit: it's already better than Saturday, but I think it takes time. I'm going to head to chiropractor anyway for an adjustment and to find out the cause.
I didn't get a lot done, but I did finish a few things:
- Cut out fabric for my Modern Meadow Sawtooth Star: I've got about 12 blocks left!
- Pieced together 4 more 'Scrappy Strings' blocks, and set up four more to be sewn.
- Cleaned my bathroom! (mostly!)
- Watched "Inkubus", which you can find on your local Redbox. It was pretty good, all-around.
- Watched "Stardust" again. God, I love that movie!
And, pain or no pain, I plan on finishing a few things this week (because really, what's the point in not doing it?)
- A few more Modern Meadow blocks.
- Those scrappy strings blocks!
- Watch "Return to Oz".
- Put away fabric!
It's off to work I go; but everyone have a great day! :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
he's the wiz and he lives in oz!
I love musicals. There, I said it. When I was a kid, I watched "The Wiz" on TV and absolutely loved it. How could you not - all the greats were there, the musical numbers were catchy, and they did a damn fine job of the special effects! I bought that the other day and watched it, and man did it take me back!
While I watched this - and "Tin Man", the miniseries from 2007 that was a re-do of the Wizard of Oz (also not half bad) - I got a little bit more work done on my quilt tops.
- I finished three more blocks for my brother's quilt-as-you-go top.
- I finished three more Modern Meadow blocks! Only 13 more!
I also started a new quilt. I've had these scraps just laying around for my QAYG blocks, and as I looked at them, I realized that some were precious, but most were scraps I wasn't going to use at any time in the near future, not even on my QAYG. Separating out my Heather Ross scraps (which I might use for a ticker tape for my niece), I went through ALL of my scraps. What was once two small laundry bags full of scraps became one small laundry bag loosely filled.
Since string quilts are a favorite of mine, and they're quick and easy, I decided that was the route I would take. So far, I've got six completely random, totally scrappy blocks and even if I don't LOVE them, I think I'll love the finished product. It may very well be the first quilt I quilt myself on my new machine! I think it would be the perfect thing :)
Other things happened this week, too ...
- Bought Hello Pilgrim! And some Deer Valley and Chestnut Hill, and Essex Linen...
- Organized my quilting tutorials and books!
- Went through my mom's things (finally).
- Picked up a friend from Bush Intercontinental!
- Got my brother to try Naked Juice, Green Machine! He hated it, but the look on his face was PRICELESS!
- The Shamrock Shake at McDonald's is good - if you like mint (like I do!)
I'm looking forward to finishing up my cleaning tonight and some more scrappy string blocks! :) Have a great week!
While I watched this - and "Tin Man", the miniseries from 2007 that was a re-do of the Wizard of Oz (also not half bad) - I got a little bit more work done on my quilt tops.
- I finished three more blocks for my brother's quilt-as-you-go top.
- I finished three more Modern Meadow blocks! Only 13 more!
I also started a new quilt. I've had these scraps just laying around for my QAYG blocks, and as I looked at them, I realized that some were precious, but most were scraps I wasn't going to use at any time in the near future, not even on my QAYG. Separating out my Heather Ross scraps (which I might use for a ticker tape for my niece), I went through ALL of my scraps. What was once two small laundry bags full of scraps became one small laundry bag loosely filled.
Since string quilts are a favorite of mine, and they're quick and easy, I decided that was the route I would take. So far, I've got six completely random, totally scrappy blocks and even if I don't LOVE them, I think I'll love the finished product. It may very well be the first quilt I quilt myself on my new machine! I think it would be the perfect thing :)
Other things happened this week, too ...
- Bought Hello Pilgrim! And some Deer Valley and Chestnut Hill, and Essex Linen...
- Organized my quilting tutorials and books!
- Went through my mom's things (finally).
- Picked up a friend from Bush Intercontinental!
- Got my brother to try Naked Juice, Green Machine! He hated it, but the look on his face was PRICELESS!
- The Shamrock Shake at McDonald's is good - if you like mint (like I do!)
I'm looking forward to finishing up my cleaning tonight and some more scrappy string blocks! :) Have a great week!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
its too eaaaarrrllly.....
It's way too early to be up.
(Okay, maybe it's 10:30 and I got up an hour ago, but I'm not a morning person. Even a late morning.)
When I woke up - coincidentally, fourteen minutes before I had to be at work - I heard thunder and went, "Oh, crap." And sure enough, I had to wait about ten minutes before I could be out the door, because there was a 100% chance of me getting drenched before I got to my car.
But I made it! No wet clothes here (except for maybe my jacket, a little, and my shoes).
Rainy days usually equal days people don't come to the island, so for us it might be a slow day. I brought my tutorial notebooks (filled with tutorials I've printed for later use) to organize (they're a bit big!).
As for other cool happenings this week?
- I watched "The Wiz". I'd forgotten how much I loved this movie. And the soundtrack came with it OMGZ
- I sewed a few more QAYG blocks! So far I'm only missing 18 for one quilt!
- Organized all my fabric! When I say "organized", I say "put it in places where it looks like it goes". Usually I put all of the same line together, and I'm planning on writing on the plastic containers what's what. Sometime.
- I'm up to 34 of my 48 Modern Meadow blocks! I've got another three in the works, but it's taking me a hot minute, because I like to be accurate and that's tedious.
- Bought some Deer Valley. I'd already gotten all the 'Floral Drop' prints, so I bought all of the 'Antler Damask', 'Architectural', and 'Meadow Lace' prints. At first I was a little skeptical of this line, but now I love it. I'm planning a quilt around those antler prints, but we'll see!
- Cut out some 11" square sheets of paper to make a string quilt. I'm planning on using up some of my scraps ... I've got way too many, specifically cut for my QAYG quilt, that I'm either not super fond of or will never use.
- Basted some hexagons! :)
I have a few plans for this weekend: buy 'The Hobbit' and 'Tin Man', pick up a friend at the airport, sew some more. Probably watch 'Ghost Rider' with my buddies. And sew some more. But for right now, I need to get to stepping on this work ... have a great weekend and if you're dealing with a rainy day, may it be a sleepy one!
- Kait
(Okay, maybe it's 10:30 and I got up an hour ago, but I'm not a morning person. Even a late morning.)
When I woke up - coincidentally, fourteen minutes before I had to be at work - I heard thunder and went, "Oh, crap." And sure enough, I had to wait about ten minutes before I could be out the door, because there was a 100% chance of me getting drenched before I got to my car.
But I made it! No wet clothes here (except for maybe my jacket, a little, and my shoes).
Rainy days usually equal days people don't come to the island, so for us it might be a slow day. I brought my tutorial notebooks (filled with tutorials I've printed for later use) to organize (they're a bit big!).
As for other cool happenings this week?
- I watched "The Wiz". I'd forgotten how much I loved this movie. And the soundtrack came with it OMGZ
- I sewed a few more QAYG blocks! So far I'm only missing 18 for one quilt!
- Organized all my fabric! When I say "organized", I say "put it in places where it looks like it goes". Usually I put all of the same line together, and I'm planning on writing on the plastic containers what's what. Sometime.
- I'm up to 34 of my 48 Modern Meadow blocks! I've got another three in the works, but it's taking me a hot minute, because I like to be accurate and that's tedious.
- Bought some Deer Valley. I'd already gotten all the 'Floral Drop' prints, so I bought all of the 'Antler Damask', 'Architectural', and 'Meadow Lace' prints. At first I was a little skeptical of this line, but now I love it. I'm planning a quilt around those antler prints, but we'll see!
- Cut out some 11" square sheets of paper to make a string quilt. I'm planning on using up some of my scraps ... I've got way too many, specifically cut for my QAYG quilt, that I'm either not super fond of or will never use.
- Basted some hexagons! :)
I have a few plans for this weekend: buy 'The Hobbit' and 'Tin Man', pick up a friend at the airport, sew some more. Probably watch 'Ghost Rider' with my buddies. And sew some more. But for right now, I need to get to stepping on this work ... have a great weekend and if you're dealing with a rainy day, may it be a sleepy one!
- Kait
Saturday, February 11, 2012
at home, waiting for me
My half day was pretty awesome yesterday. I'd bought some yardage, so there was the cutting of mini-bolts (I use foam and cut them into 7x10.5 inch boards), followed by the folding of yardage.
I also reorganized my fabric stash (by collection and then by type). And there was some obligatory watching of Star Trek: TOS. I finally put all of the fabric I bought away, and put up my laundry (all three loads of it ...)
Today is the first "parade day" of Mardi Gras in Galveston. I'm not sure how much business we'll get, since they're blocking off a lot of the back roads, but we're usually busy. Once that's over, I'm looking forward to going home, finishing up a few QAYG blocks, getting ready to start on my Outfoxed quilt top, and watching "The Devil's Backbone."
If you've never seen this movie (and you're a horror movie fan), you need to see it. It's intense. The cinematography is beautiful and haunting - it's perfect for a ghost story. Like "Pan's Labyrinth", it takes place in Spain, where a young boy, new to an orphanage during the war, has repeated run-ins with a ghost. I"m a huge fan of Guillermo del Toro, so this movie is a favorite for me.
I'm off to start the day - hopefully it won't be too intense. I need some aspirin and some sleep! Have a great day! Happy MARDI GRAS!
I also reorganized my fabric stash (by collection and then by type). And there was some obligatory watching of Star Trek: TOS. I finally put all of the fabric I bought away, and put up my laundry (all three loads of it ...)
Today is the first "parade day" of Mardi Gras in Galveston. I'm not sure how much business we'll get, since they're blocking off a lot of the back roads, but we're usually busy. Once that's over, I'm looking forward to going home, finishing up a few QAYG blocks, getting ready to start on my Outfoxed quilt top, and watching "The Devil's Backbone."
If you've never seen this movie (and you're a horror movie fan), you need to see it. It's intense. The cinematography is beautiful and haunting - it's perfect for a ghost story. Like "Pan's Labyrinth", it takes place in Spain, where a young boy, new to an orphanage during the war, has repeated run-ins with a ghost. I"m a huge fan of Guillermo del Toro, so this movie is a favorite for me.
I'm off to start the day - hopefully it won't be too intense. I need some aspirin and some sleep! Have a great day! Happy MARDI GRAS!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
weekend fun!
It was rainy and wet here in Galveston this weekend, which led to some very, very slow days at our restaurant! And while that's sometimes (see: rarely) pleasant, this weekend it just let to incredible boredom, which is one of my least favorite things! But I did get a few things done once I got off work on Sunday/Monday...
- Watch "Chronicle". If you are looking for a feel-good, kids-become-superheroes movie - which wasn't really what I was looking for, I'm just saying - turn away now. This move is so intense and emotional that you would almost forget about them having powers. I felt so intensely bad for the main character: if you've ever been bullied, or at the bottom of the social totem pole, you know exactly how he feels. And having gotten past that - having survived it - makes it all the more upsetting to see what becomes of him. That said, it's one of the best movies I've seen this year or last year.
- Also watched "The Woman in Black". This movie is beautifully shot and the actors are favorites of mine (Ciaran Hinds! Daniel Radcliffe! Sadly, I was the only one who knew the former). It's intensely scary and unnerving - not in the same way as "Insidious", which was terrifying, or "Paranormal Activity 3", which made me scream, but in the same vein. It's a wonderful ghost story, and I definitely recommend it if you like them! Living on an island with marshes and occasionally thick fog made this one much creepier for me...
- I bought a few things ... yes, I know, I'm bad. I picked up some more sashing/backing fabric (white kona), and some Kona Carnation to repair my grandmother's quilt, as well as a template and some 50% off Gutermann thread! And some hand-quilting needles, too. I also snagged a few of my favorite "green" prints to go along with my green quilt-as-you-go project.
- Not to mention some new fabric (some Sea Breeze, Deer Valley, Essex Linen in Flax, and some misc. stash builders), all of my Habitat came in! I'm only missing one print from the entire line, but I'm in LOVE with this fabric. Once I finish up a few of my ongoing projects, I think I'm going to making a string quilt with the Essex Linen in Flax and Habitat! I'm psyched just thinking about it!
- Finished two more of my Heather Ross blocks! This time a periwinkle featuring Alice in Wonderland and a plum/lavender featuring Pussycat and the Owl!
- Watched "What's Your Number?" (very cute!) and Blade II (which I've seen a million times, but still love).
I've got big plans for tonight, nerd that I am. Since I'm off tomorrow morning, I'm going to: make more fabric boards, sew some blocks, and do some cleaning and reorganizing. I've been (purposely) neglecting my laundry all week, so this will be the laundry day of reckoning. Eek!
I'm off to do some (actual) work, be back later!
- Watch "Chronicle". If you are looking for a feel-good, kids-become-superheroes movie - which wasn't really what I was looking for, I'm just saying - turn away now. This move is so intense and emotional that you would almost forget about them having powers. I felt so intensely bad for the main character: if you've ever been bullied, or at the bottom of the social totem pole, you know exactly how he feels. And having gotten past that - having survived it - makes it all the more upsetting to see what becomes of him. That said, it's one of the best movies I've seen this year or last year.
- Also watched "The Woman in Black". This movie is beautifully shot and the actors are favorites of mine (Ciaran Hinds! Daniel Radcliffe! Sadly, I was the only one who knew the former). It's intensely scary and unnerving - not in the same way as "Insidious", which was terrifying, or "Paranormal Activity 3", which made me scream, but in the same vein. It's a wonderful ghost story, and I definitely recommend it if you like them! Living on an island with marshes and occasionally thick fog made this one much creepier for me...
- I bought a few things ... yes, I know, I'm bad. I picked up some more sashing/backing fabric (white kona), and some Kona Carnation to repair my grandmother's quilt, as well as a template and some 50% off Gutermann thread! And some hand-quilting needles, too. I also snagged a few of my favorite "green" prints to go along with my green quilt-as-you-go project.
- Not to mention some new fabric (some Sea Breeze, Deer Valley, Essex Linen in Flax, and some misc. stash builders), all of my Habitat came in! I'm only missing one print from the entire line, but I'm in LOVE with this fabric. Once I finish up a few of my ongoing projects, I think I'm going to making a string quilt with the Essex Linen in Flax and Habitat! I'm psyched just thinking about it!
- Finished two more of my Heather Ross blocks! This time a periwinkle featuring Alice in Wonderland and a plum/lavender featuring Pussycat and the Owl!
- Watched "What's Your Number?" (very cute!) and Blade II (which I've seen a million times, but still love).
I've got big plans for tonight, nerd that I am. Since I'm off tomorrow morning, I'm going to: make more fabric boards, sew some blocks, and do some cleaning and reorganizing. I've been (purposely) neglecting my laundry all week, so this will be the laundry day of reckoning. Eek!
I'm off to do some (actual) work, be back later!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
a productive weekend.
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 ...)
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 ...)
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!)
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