tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72863226729078639592024-03-12T20:27:41.252-04:00May Your Bobbin Always Be FullLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-57155017209503873322013-09-13T08:30:00.000-04:002013-09-13T08:30:01.154-04:00Festive for Friday-Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_3r7lT2_1Pz6WbyXtJsRfaEN6zblAkxEv6BcMOB6ajD3rTSsXHUeuvh_BF_ySNr9kyT9ZJx5RGu415CKiUmFLmg7A9hQOi-_aUR_s_zUKDN3k8cuiM0x_4oyEgmKA8UvjTs6EQ9WBGg/s1600/FestiveForFridayButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_3r7lT2_1Pz6WbyXtJsRfaEN6zblAkxEv6BcMOB6ajD3rTSsXHUeuvh_BF_ySNr9kyT9ZJx5RGu415CKiUmFLmg7A9hQOi-_aUR_s_zUKDN3k8cuiM0x_4oyEgmKA8UvjTs6EQ9WBGg/s1600/FestiveForFridayButton.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the things I was most worried about when I decided to move to California was the year round temperate climate. How can it be fall without all things pumpkin and apple flavored? How weird is it going to be when the leaves don't turn and fall? (although I'm pretty pumped that there will be NO leaves to rake!) It's September and so fall (at least in my mind) has just begun. It also turns out that September (and October so I've heard) will be two of the warmest and most glorious months in this fine city. AKA it's not foggy ALL THE TIME anymore. And I haven't turned the heat in my apartment on in weeks. Two things helped me feel fall this week, despite the heat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A tree near my apartment was dropping little bits of red pollen onto the sidewalk, completely filling in the street name etched into the cement. I may not have red leaves, but I have red pollen! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55wy9FIt_PA/Uiu74V7ZZ2I/AAAAAAAAI3E/t8e2lOQWoDo/s1600/IMG_1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55wy9FIt_PA/Uiu74V7ZZ2I/AAAAAAAAI3E/t8e2lOQWoDo/s320/IMG_1998.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The discovery that I can get a Pumpkin Spice Latte Frappucinno! I had a hot one earlier this week, but it was when I was in the a cold building during a meeting. I knew that that wasn't going to fly if I wanted to get anything done in Starbucks (another part of operation leave the house). This is pretty much the awesomest thing ever. The cold pumpkiny flavor with the whip cream and the dash of pumpkin spice on top made it taste JUST like a piece of pumpkin pie with a cold dollop of cool whip that we had every Thanksgiving growing up. I can tell this is going to be my go-to drink for this fall season...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPMeaNshzWk/Uiu7VBb6bCI/AAAAAAAAI2s/rU8_fx1h1ts/s1600/Photo+on+2013-09-07+at+16.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPMeaNshzWk/Uiu7VBb6bCI/AAAAAAAAI2s/rU8_fx1h1ts/s320/Photo+on+2013-09-07+at+16.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>What made your week festive? </b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-24123633492001899692013-09-09T08:30:00.000-04:002013-09-09T08:30:02.727-04:00Weekend RecapOh weekend. You were so lovely and yet you went so fast. I again kept pretty busy this weekend, with running, sewing, working on the book and drinking coffee.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pieces from my current quilt in progress! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mda2KDXm_RU/Uiu77wZVWCI/AAAAAAAAI3M/HdrN4Sjk8aM/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mda2KDXm_RU/Uiu77wZVWCI/AAAAAAAAI3M/HdrN4Sjk8aM/s320/IMG_1995.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite adventure of the weekend (which is also a continued part of operation "leave the house each day" was exploring Clement Street. Referred to on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/clement-street-san-francisco-2" target="_blank">Yelp</a> as the "new Chinatown," Clement Street in Inner Richmond and is full of shops, restaurants, cafes and bakeries. There is a decidedly Asian feeling to the street in terms many of the restaurants, cafes and produce shops. It was a warm afternoon when I wandered through, and as Yelp predicted there was the occasional strong whiff of fish, too.<br />
<br />
My most exciting find was definitely <a href="http://www.greenapplebooks.com/" target="_blank">Green Apple Books</a>! This store came recommended to me as a must-see by a colleague at work and I was NOT disappointed. They have both used and new books, as well as music and DVDs. And let's not even talk about their collection my greatest weakness: notecards, memo pads and blank journals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EX13Dn_0wOc/Uiu7nFA_-JI/AAAAAAAAI20/9JYu7ggzydo/s1600/IMG_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EX13Dn_0wOc/Uiu7nFA_-JI/AAAAAAAAI20/9JYu7ggzydo/s320/IMG_2008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unfortunately (or fortunately for my wallet?) I stopped by when I was heading back from a run so I only had the emergency cash that I keep stashed in my phone with me. So I clearly will need to go back with a large bag and my credit card, starting with these two gems...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODjVzhAx40M/Uiu7Rtoyx2I/AAAAAAAAI2c/Kv7YFkBVFhU/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODjVzhAx40M/Uiu7Rtoyx2I/AAAAAAAAI2c/Kv7YFkBVFhU/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK0dIrHviOo/Uiu7S5DrCnI/AAAAAAAAI2k/OuCHAUVzmkA/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK0dIrHviOo/Uiu7S5DrCnI/AAAAAAAAI2k/OuCHAUVzmkA/s320/IMG_2009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When I got home from my adventure I was super pumped to see that this had arrived in the mail!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhQjJ6wN14o/Uiu7z8Q5JmI/AAAAAAAAI28/0WtPcpm_OCQ/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhQjJ6wN14o/Uiu7z8Q5JmI/AAAAAAAAI28/0WtPcpm_OCQ/s320/IMG_2010.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
My <a href="http://www.zipcar.com/" target="_blank">Zip Car</a> Card! I have a friend coming to visit in November and we'll need a car to get down to a hockey game in San Jose, and since Fluffy is still back in Indiana this was definitely the way to go. Now to just get over my fear of parallel parking...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>How was your weekend? Any adventures? </b></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-37162659655450229602013-09-09T01:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T01:00:08.962-04:00#goalsatchoice-Update #1A quick update here from my first week doing <a href="http://mayyourbobbinalwaysbefull.blogspot.com/2013/09/goalsatchoice.html" target="_blank">#goalsatchoice</a> with Coach Krissie from <a href="http://www.committedcoaching.com/index.html" target="_blank">Committed Coaching. </a><div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqpeWc2XkaA/UiJcF4bzJoI/AAAAAAAAIz0/_H318mLq4sM/s1600/IMG_1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqpeWc2XkaA/UiJcF4bzJoI/AAAAAAAAIz0/_H318mLq4sM/s320/IMG_1989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Self Care: Doing pretty good with my daily meditation with the <a href="http://www.getsomeheadspace.com/" target="_blank">Headspace</a> app. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Health: Work out plan is more or less on track for September. Only got in one day of yoga last week, but ran four times. I have fewer work obligations over lunch this week (when I go to yoga), so that should go better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Space: I remain constantly amazed at how much I can get picked up each night in just five minutes. I also remain amazed at the amount of mess I can manage to make each day considering I'm at work all day! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Stretching: So of all my goals, this is the one that was (and still is!) the scariest for me. It's also been the one I've been super successful at during the first week! I've written letters, written emails, gone out to lunch with family and colleagues, skyped, gone to a new book club and gone bowling! And what do you know, I've actually had a GREAT time meeting new people. It's taken a lot of staring at meetup.com to convince myself to sign up for things (the bowling and book club this last week), but I've had a nice time at both events. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's been great having Coach Krissie check in every couple of days, just to see how I'm doing and prompt me to think about how I can find solutions for any hurdles I run across. Excited to see how the rest of the month goes! </div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-69624341245264435462013-09-06T08:30:00.000-04:002013-09-06T08:30:04.216-04:00Festive for Friday. Happy Friday! Nothing is more festive than the Friday of a short work week! This week I bring to you five things about living here in San Francisco that make me happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_3r7lT2_1Pz6WbyXtJsRfaEN6zblAkxEv6BcMOB6ajD3rTSsXHUeuvh_BF_ySNr9kyT9ZJx5RGu415CKiUmFLmg7A9hQOi-_aUR_s_zUKDN3k8cuiM0x_4oyEgmKA8UvjTs6EQ9WBGg/s1600/FestiveForFridayButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_3r7lT2_1Pz6WbyXtJsRfaEN6zblAkxEv6BcMOB6ajD3rTSsXHUeuvh_BF_ySNr9kyT9ZJx5RGu415CKiUmFLmg7A9hQOi-_aUR_s_zUKDN3k8cuiM0x_4oyEgmKA8UvjTs6EQ9WBGg/s1600/FestiveForFridayButton.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/" target="_blank">Trader Joe's</a>. More specifically, these Coffee Latte and Cream Bars. They're like my super sugary and creamy morning coffee but frozen. And served for dessert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO3bs4kFGws/UiJcCABCOKI/AAAAAAAAI0w/Ty9NyIvsMKk/s1600/IMG_1985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO3bs4kFGws/UiJcCABCOKI/AAAAAAAAI0w/Ty9NyIvsMKk/s320/IMG_1985.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
2. I can't even remember where we saw this, but I took this picture the first week I was here when the N-boy and I were out exploring the city. Since the Momcat and Daddo are scientists I was amused.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6AeFleigGY/UiJb6ap4YYI/AAAAAAAAI1A/J13g5Bt_nKs/s1600/IMG_1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6AeFleigGY/UiJb6ap4YYI/AAAAAAAAI1A/J13g5Bt_nKs/s320/IMG_1943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3. Celebrating Baby Brother's 25th birthday back at the beginning of August. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've been able to celebrate with him in person since I went to college (aka a long time ago).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wclIKLbnQo/UiJb5mvRL0I/AAAAAAAAI1Q/GuHXv0KY168/s1600/IMG_1962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wclIKLbnQo/UiJb5mvRL0I/AAAAAAAAI1Q/GuHXv0KY168/s320/IMG_1962.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
4. Being able to walk to work. The boys are pointing down the "hill" (since it's technical name is Lone Mountain I question calling it a hill) to my apartment, which is visible when it's not foggy. What is slightly less festive is climbing these 160 steps (yes, I counted) each morning when I've only had one cup of coffee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVzefC9x36A/UiJb5wmZgJI/AAAAAAAAI1I/0FXDS32dV4Q/s1600/IMG_1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVzefC9x36A/UiJb5wmZgJI/AAAAAAAAI1I/0FXDS32dV4Q/s320/IMG_1938.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Food. So I'm pretty sure food will make this the list of all things festive each and every. This was at the <a href="http://www.thecornerstore-sf.com/" target="_blank">Corner Store </a>for brunch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnzEQdZAyo3OnTSPOz5vRgCW7hdB1sZlTimDmrnx-qu6bs8LB_n3ylqZdeRx4yCpoc-5ZN-AicB-92treUMbk6eM9FvST7iFgz7Wk7lP0NTC1EfSeJ73pRb5LRtjIhl4ushyphenhyphenIYjh2Q-w/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnzEQdZAyo3OnTSPOz5vRgCW7hdB1sZlTimDmrnx-qu6bs8LB_n3ylqZdeRx4yCpoc-5ZN-AicB-92treUMbk6eM9FvST7iFgz7Wk7lP0NTC1EfSeJ73pRb5LRtjIhl4ushyphenhyphenIYjh2Q-w/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>What made your week festive? </b></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-16318942928283357992013-09-02T19:54:00.001-04:002013-09-02T19:54:15.350-04:00Labor Day Weekend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's just take a moment to reflect on the awesomeness that three day weekends are. I had an absolutely wonderful weekend. The weather in San Francisco has finally turned into days of gorgeous sunshine and perfect temperatures. If this weekend, the traditional first weekend the start of the fall season, is anything to go off of, I am going to be very happy here come, oh mid February. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend I...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Consumed a LOT of coffee. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gqjn1PAjAwI/UiJcIior74I/AAAAAAAAI0M/aL9v5e5AyHo/s1600/IMG_1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gqjn1PAjAwI/UiJcIior74I/AAAAAAAAI0M/aL9v5e5AyHo/s320/IMG_1990.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVA-QeF0UxU/UiUcrgUv99I/AAAAAAAAI1Y/BrGBViuNu0A/s1600/IMG_1997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVA-QeF0UxU/UiUcrgUv99I/AAAAAAAAI1Y/BrGBViuNu0A/s320/IMG_1997.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1qiyT_oPuI/UiO1-LydbOI/AAAAAAAAI0U/2nrIc5g-QYc/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1qiyT_oPuI/UiO1-LydbOI/AAAAAAAAI0U/2nrIc5g-QYc/s320/13+-+1" width="283" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Worked on sewing at home with this guy watching over. A friend sent him to me as a surprise last week and he's so cute and sparkly. Now he just needs a name...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFHFS-iELtc/UiJcBtESYfI/AAAAAAAAI0o/9K-1P7xOy-w/s1600/IMG_1988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFHFS-iELtc/UiJcBtESYfI/AAAAAAAAI0o/9K-1P7xOy-w/s320/IMG_1988.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Went a little bit crazy at Papyrus buying notecards. I HAD to. All of mine are back in storage in Indiana and I need cards for <a href="http://mayyourbobbinalwaysbefull.blogspot.com/2013/09/goalsatchoice.html" target="_blank">#goalsatchoice</a>. Ad they were on sale!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---DI7WnMoso/UiJcIupx5mI/AAAAAAAAIz8/JbqxpaBf5D4/s1600/IMG_1991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---DI7WnMoso/UiJcIupx5mI/AAAAAAAAIz8/JbqxpaBf5D4/s320/IMG_1991.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Drooled over this catalog that randomly appeared in my mail slot. I tend to get a lot of random catalogs from previous tenants. Even though I do everything on my phone and ipad i still love looking at paper planner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OS_smroa9aw/UiJcCAI4J0I/AAAAAAAAI0g/awMxstH4a0o/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OS_smroa9aw/UiJcCAI4J0I/AAAAAAAAI0g/awMxstH4a0o/s320/IMG_1987.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
Worked on testing the directions for projects in our <a href="http://www.prairiesewnstudios.com/2013/08/here-we-go.html" target="_blank">book</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77NwclJeJNo/UiUcuOhUSDI/AAAAAAAAI1g/dzUPMae_o4c/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77NwclJeJNo/UiUcuOhUSDI/AAAAAAAAI1g/dzUPMae_o4c/s320/IMG_1996.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How was your long weekend?</b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-78387356566766824572013-09-01T18:20:00.000-04:002013-09-01T18:20:27.061-04:00#goalsatchoiceHappy September! In my mind today marks the official start of fall. And fall is my FAVORITE. I'm a bit nervous to see what it feels like here in San Francisco when the change of seasons is not as dramatic as in the midwest, but everyone has promised that there will be plenty of things pumpkin and apple flavored, including my friend the Pumpkin Spice Latte.<br />
<br />
I feel like I'm starting to settle into the city a little more, although of course I won't be fully settled until the N-boy and the cats join me, along with all of my stuff. And when I'm not subletting. But BESIDES all of that, I'm feeling pretty good! To keep the good going I'm super excited to be undertaking an accountability self challenge in September called #goalsatchoice with Coach Krissie at <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-68gLGkghuY8/UiN04C4n1mI/AAAAAAAAIy4/e1MYMi8cnZA/w400-h426-no/recite-26628--630693105-1j0rx2h.png" target="_blank">Committed Coaching</a>.<br />
<br />
I found Coach Krissie through one of my favorite blogs ever, Cassie at <a href="http://backtoherroots.com/" target="_blank">Back to Her Roots</a>. Krissie has guest posted on Cassie's blog a few times and when she offered BTHR readers the opportunity to enter for a free discovery session I put my name in right away. And I was chosen! Woohoo!<br />
<br />
I REALLY liked talking with Krissie on Skype about where I am in my life, and what small things I could change to make things even better. She really helped me lay out and understand that I've had a lot of very, very big changes in a pretty short amount of time (new job/promotion, selling the house, moving across the country, being apart from the N-boy and the kittens, writing a book). Although I've been trying to settle into a healthy and mindful routine here in SF, some days it's hard.<br />
<br />
For #goalsatchoice I skyped again with Krissie to set four goals for the month of September, one in each of four areas: self-care, health, space and stretching. We have an adorable printable made by none other than Cassie herself, and Krissie will email/text/checkin with each person as we go through the month. A "perfect" score is only 25/30 days for each goal, so there's room for flexibility. My plan is to check in once a week here to share how it's been going.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqpeWc2XkaA/UiJcF4bzJoI/AAAAAAAAIz0/_H318mLq4sM/s1600/IMG_1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqpeWc2XkaA/UiJcF4bzJoI/AAAAAAAAIz0/_H318mLq4sM/s320/IMG_1989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1. Self-Care: 20 minute meditation every day through the <a href="http://www.getsomeheadspace.com/" target="_blank">Headspace</a> app.<br />
<br />
2. Health: Figure out a plan for each week that includes three days of running, two days of yoga, a bonus day, and a day to rest/plan for the next week.<br />
<br />
3.Space: Spend five minutes picking up the apartment each night before I go to bed. A five minute Room Rescue ala <a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/fly-faq/#rescue" target="_blank">Flylady</a>. <br />
<br />
4. Stretching: This isn't about the act of physically stretching, but about choosing something to do each day that's hard or that I'm a little bit scared of. For me, this is keeping in touch with friends and family while making new friends here in SF.<br />
<br />
<i>I was selected for the free discovery session with Coach Krissie through the entry on BTHR, but I'm doing #goalsatchoice with my own time, money, heart and soul. </i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-56187823224326667312013-08-31T21:25:00.000-04:002013-08-31T21:25:25.335-04:00Big News. So I'm pretty excited to publicly share some big news about a project the Momcat and I have been working on.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
We're publishing a book with the <a href="http://www.americanquilter.com/" target="_blank">American Quilter's Society</a>! </h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdibk6TYozQ/UiKTmoGLfbI/AAAAAAAAIxE/0-ujSBDqJ3I/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdibk6TYozQ/UiKTmoGLfbI/AAAAAAAAIxE/0-ujSBDqJ3I/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We submitted a proposal for a book about making containers out of fabric using our nifty English Paper Piecing technique. And they accepted it for publication! Woohoo! Our manuscript is due in November, and we're hoping the book will be published in Spring 2014. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wrote a longer post on our new website <a href="http://www.prairiesewnstudios.com/">www.prairiesewnstudios.com</a>. We're (well, mostly me!) a bit nervous and anxious about this adventure, so any support or comments on the <a href="http://www.prairiesewnstudios.com/" target="_blank">new website</a> would be much MUCH appreciated! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Off to keep writing and sewing! </div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-40190602735817608842013-07-08T08:30:00.000-04:002013-07-08T08:30:00.305-04:00Lions, and tigers and... flamingos!I'm digging this whole relax and vacation thing so far. Especially now that I've stopped waking up at 5:45 and have managed to catch up on some sleep instead! In addition to working on projects, the parentals and I have tried to head out for an adventure each day.<br />
<br />
Saturdays adventure...the <a href="http://www.omahazoo.com/" target="_blank">Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5zST-ch1cQ/UdmCXKzhWmI/AAAAAAAAIag/KUbyyaiLeYE/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5zST-ch1cQ/UdmCXKzhWmI/AAAAAAAAIag/KUbyyaiLeYE/s320/IMG_1906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Omaha actually has an AMAZING zoo, complete with a jungle, desert dome, butterfly house, aquarium and of course the most important aspect of a zoo-flamingos! We had a zoo membership growing up and I remember going there often as a child. Now that us kiddos are out of the house, the Momcat and Daddo decided to join again so they could go for a few hours every once in a while and not feel like they had to do the whole zoo in one day.<br />
<br />
I was slightly worried about the field trip since Omaha recently tore down the old Rosenblatt baseball stadium, building a new stadium downtown and making the old stadium and its parking lots into additional parking for the zoo. The zoo parking was desperately needed, but I'm not a huge fan of tearing down childhood memories. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they'd made a little park with some of the old seats, bases and pitchers mound in the middle of the parking lot. They also left up the vertical foul ball markers and marked where the bases originally stood. Gold star, Omaha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDG72HGdvl8/UdmCXKmQaTI/AAAAAAAAIac/k0IPhBQ49Yw/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDG72HGdvl8/UdmCXKmQaTI/AAAAAAAAIac/k0IPhBQ49Yw/s320/IMG_1891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We didn't hit everything, but I think we saw everything we really wanted to see. Or in some cases, ate everything we really wanted to eat. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXNesEBE9r4/UdmCXGIIncI/AAAAAAAAIac/G_93ZvRifGE/s1600/IMG_1905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXNesEBE9r4/UdmCXGIIncI/AAAAAAAAIac/G_93ZvRifGE/s320/IMG_1905.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Cone of Deliciousness! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fsHz_vr5my8/UdmCXBCsrFI/AAAAAAAAIac/AY1HaU1LwBw/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fsHz_vr5my8/UdmCXBCsrFI/AAAAAAAAIac/AY1HaU1LwBw/s320/IMG_1895.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterflies in the new (to me) butterfly house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZmxI3xR61s/UdmCXLaScoI/AAAAAAAAIag/b8_bWw5XcYA/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZmxI3xR61s/UdmCXLaScoI/AAAAAAAAIag/b8_bWw5XcYA/s320/IMG_1896.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddo and the Momcat. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIIYZD6F0Io/UdmCXGmVR5I/AAAAAAAAIac/k9AyPV60490/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIIYZD6F0Io/UdmCXGmVR5I/AAAAAAAAIac/k9AyPV60490/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Crab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And last, but not least, the most important animal at the zoo...<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Flamingos!</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9JZiDDDEzI/UdmCXPSk9pI/AAAAAAAAIag/2mBTXYbCE3Q/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9JZiDDDEzI/UdmCXPSk9pI/AAAAAAAAIag/2mBTXYbCE3Q/s320/IMG_1903.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-68941235586090944892013-07-05T08:30:00.000-04:002013-07-05T08:30:01.365-04:00Work is over, Vacation has begun! Wednesday was my last official day at Notre Dame. I keep waiting for it to feel real that I've moved on and don't work there anymore. The facts that yesterday was a holiday, my part of the office is closed today and that I'm going back in on the 16th for the official goodbye party probably aren't making this any easier. I hope it kicks in soon, because for right now...<br />
<br />
I'm on VACATION! (or, as Daddo put it "now you're unemployed!" Thanks, Daddo).<br />
<br />
CatCat, Friday and I spent nine hours cozied together in Fluffy the Scion xB yesterday driving to the parent's house in Omaha. We'll hang out here for the next week before I head off to the next adventure and they remain here for a vacation from stress of moving across the country and selling a house. I somehow feel like the cats have gotten the better end of the deal here...<br />
<br />
I'm actually going to be pretty busy here working on things with the Momcat (more on this VERY exciting news next week!) and learning how to parallel park from Daddo. The N-boy is alarmed that we didn't have to learn this in driver's ed, especially since it does seem to be a required skill for living in San Francisco. What can I say? Nebraska seems to have PLENTY of space so parallel parking is rarely a necessary talent. Given that Daddo recalls his New York City days saying that "parallel parking is an art form," I'm really quite surprised he didn't teach me when he taught me to drive. I'm sure it will be fine. I learned how to drive on a manual, and today demonstrated my driving prowess by successfully negotiating back onto the interstate, in a manual while eating an ice cream cone and ignoring two very grumpy cats. (A feat that did not seem to impress the N-boy when I told him about it.) Surely parallel parking is easier that that.<br />
<br />
Basically this next week promises to be...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2VKkCNszIQ/UdYK4VdkaHI/AAAAAAAAIWE/zJ5_sOjKs0k/s640/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2VKkCNszIQ/UdYK4VdkaHI/AAAAAAAAIWE/zJ5_sOjKs0k/s320/IMG_1841.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-27288577463284102112013-07-03T08:30:00.000-04:002013-07-03T08:30:01.241-04:004H County Fair-2013 EditionThe N-boy and I went to the 4H County Fair last weekend, which definitely felt like it was part of one last "huzzah for the midwest" act since <a href="http://mayyourbobbinalwaysbefull.blogspot.com/2013/07/july.html" target="_blank">we're moving to California</a>. Although the N-boy assures me that California will also have agriculture and animals and 4H. Still, the county fair feels VERY midwestern to me.<br />
<br />
This year we were smart and planned ahead by looking online at the fair schedule to make sure we'd see everything we wanted to. We've learned from past years that you can't go the first day, because the animals aren't there. And you can't go the last day because the animals aren't there. Since clearly the animals are on of the main highlights for us, this was an important lesson to learn (and it only took us four years!).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This duck made me smile. He looks like Mozart to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3pm0G1bGGY/UdI4_nEK96I/AAAAAAAAIVU/gl6KDAh9UXo/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3pm0G1bGGY/UdI4_nEK96I/AAAAAAAAIVU/gl6KDAh9UXo/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Please tell me you've seen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9m_RqYpOzM" target="_blank">this video</a>. Pretty sure we need a goat if only to do this in our spare time. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zYpe_nAlB_k/UdI4_iY549I/AAAAAAAAIVU/FDcGN9g49eA/s1052/IMG_1883.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Dc342b21472aaf1f1%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1375323689%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D65091B8216B210E292F904C3E046F7C3C127689E.1E98961C18E5A0ABCB38588804EC0B624F6461B7%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Dc342b21472aaf1f1%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1375323689%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D65091B8216B210E292F904C3E046F7C3C127689E.1E98961C18E5A0ABCB38588804EC0B624F6461B7%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We get a little overly competitive about ski ball. We tied this year, each winning laffy taffy on exactly one round. And losing on the every other round. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBrGLAVGHLo/UdI4_jRy4vI/AAAAAAAAIVY/amv0SF-vWZw/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBrGLAVGHLo/UdI4_jRy4vI/AAAAAAAAIVY/amv0SF-vWZw/s320/IMG_1888.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twist ice cream cones are my absolute favorite summer treat. Let's not talk about what is going on with my medusa-like hair in this picture. It was windy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01uBkKit5p0/UdI4_isXoWI/AAAAAAAAIVU/nk2r2xZ0Rvo/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01uBkKit5p0/UdI4_isXoWI/AAAAAAAAIVU/nk2r2xZ0Rvo/s320/IMG_1884.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Goodbye, 4H Fair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6H4grNtzME/UdI4_rMYVQI/AAAAAAAAIVY/uli-aA7jViI/s640/IMG_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6H4grNtzME/UdI4_rMYVQI/AAAAAAAAIVY/uli-aA7jViI/s320/IMG_1885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-5767953037155145572013-07-01T22:10:00.000-04:002013-07-01T22:10:16.772-04:00July.I love that today is July 1 and officially the start of the second half of 2013. It's an even better happy July 1 because it's on a Monday! I always feel over-the-moon giddy when the first day of a month (or a year!) falls on a Monday. It's the color coded spreadsheet part of me that just loves the feeling with the stars align a fresh start with the calendar.<br />
<br />
The first half of 2013 has been....interesting. Some ups and downs, but the second half promises to be even crazier and (hopefully) more exciting because...<br />
<br />
<b>WE'RE MOVING TO SAN FRANCISCO!</b><br />
<br />
I got a new job as the director of an international student and scholar office at a university there, so on July 23 the N-boy and I head out to get me settled in just in time for new student orientation and the kick off of the fall semester. The N-boy is actually teaching here this fall, so he'll only be with me for a week before heading back to South Bend. Even though it's a little frustrating that we'll spend the semester apart (again), the excitement of a new job, a new city, and a whole new west coast culture makes it all ok.<br />
<br />
I think I'll have lots to say about the move (as well as some other exciting updates to share), but I'll leave most of that for later. One thing I am definitely looking forward to is living in the same city as BabyBrother!<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Not sure San Fran is ready for us!</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYg7709VDq0/UdI1tRrRLFI/AAAAAAAAIVA/856rsqEy8JI/s640/BBDAF81C-4885-4843-832F-28B75F837659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYg7709VDq0/UdI1tRrRLFI/AAAAAAAAIVA/856rsqEy8JI/s320/BBDAF81C-4885-4843-832F-28B75F837659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-62287520198293318472013-04-07T17:23:00.000-04:002013-04-07T17:23:45.528-04:00Christmas Tree Bargello WallhangingSo it's been a while again since I posted anything here. I figure it's my blog, so that's ok with me. It's been a rough spring, but things seems to be looking up now. AND it's finally warm outside so, woohoo!<br />
<br />
One thing I'm working on in 2013 is finishing up some of the flimsies that are sitting around in my closet. Some of these projects are years old, just waiting for quilting. Some of them are for babies that aren't quite so baby anymore. And some just bring up lots of feelings and emotions so it's hard to get any traction on them.<br />
<br />
First up for the year is the Christmas Tree Bargello. I'd actually posted <a href="http://mayyourbobbinalwaysbefull.blogspot.com/2012/09/ufo-sunday-christmas-tree-bargello.html" target="_blank">about this</a> this back in the fall of 2012 as a link up to <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Leah Day's Sunday UFO day</a>. I was super excited when she <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2012/10/ufo-followup-6.html" target="_blank">chose my UFO to respond to</a> on her follow up day, and also that several very nice quilters came and commented on my own blog post! <br />
<br />
I actually finished this wallhanging in February of this year, and even managed to take pictures but with everything going on in my life just haven't been able to post them until now.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Tada!</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlRUDryRRZE/UWHgefGCGqI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/2tVdoIYswfU/s1600/EAE61522-63B2-4BEE-AFBC-50BF59639F89.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlRUDryRRZE/UWHgefGCGqI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/2tVdoIYswfU/s320/EAE61522-63B2-4BEE-AFBC-50BF59639F89.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In the end, I decided to STOP worrying so much about choosing a perfect quilting pattern. Since I'm still very much learning how to be comfortable with free motion quilting, I knew that the quilting itself wouldn't be perfect (I mean, really, will it ever be? no). so I should just make the commitment to getting it done and ready for next winter!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the borders I used <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-264-icicle-lights.html" target="_blank">Leah Day's icicle lights</a>, but just did it going one direction instead of two. I liked how they invoked the feeling of twinkly christmas lights, and I think the gold Isacord thread is sparkly and festive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7z2nMEtYKQ/UWHgeTLlkQI/AAAAAAAAHBc/I3vJgryr0ls/s1600/F81311E8-3C08-4A02-9B3A-0792DC060B3A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7z2nMEtYKQ/UWHgeTLlkQI/AAAAAAAAHBc/I3vJgryr0ls/s320/F81311E8-3C08-4A02-9B3A-0792DC060B3A.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the sky background I went with just a simple swirl. There are couple of places where I tried to add a five pointed star, but wasn't really feeling it was working so I didn't too too many.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM47mgsClZk/UWHgeYRwbBI/AAAAAAAAHBY/1ASRddrcGLI/s1600/68EBC321-4DD4-4540-BEF8-21FCD63A74A7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM47mgsClZk/UWHgeYRwbBI/AAAAAAAAHBY/1ASRddrcGLI/s320/68EBC321-4DD4-4540-BEF8-21FCD63A74A7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the tree itself I just did a simple meander, focusing on not crossing back over any of the stitching. Lesson learned here-be careful with scale. I started out on a scale that was probably a little too small for the look I really wanted, but again just decided to run with it once I got started. Definitely something I'll keep a closer eye on next time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haRwQQbJD3o/UWHgeU9_jYI/AAAAAAAAHBU/gj3F8x0L5Zc/s1600/6D47AB9E-4DF8-42A3-8AB3-3CC373D63FB9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haRwQQbJD3o/UWHgeU9_jYI/AAAAAAAAHBU/gj3F8x0L5Zc/s320/6D47AB9E-4DF8-42A3-8AB3-3CC373D63FB9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shot of the back, with the label. The backing fabric was very shiny, and went well with the front of the quilt and the red and gold finding. I didn't take a picture of it, but I actually followed the <a href="http://aqsshows.com/news/hanging-sleeve-guidelines/" target="_blank">AQS guidelines</a> for adding a sleeve as an exercise in doing it right. Gold star for AQS having a YouTube video to help me along!I'm actually quite pleased with how that sleeve turned out, so I'm happy I took the extra time to do it the "right" way. I'll probably keep adding that extra effort for all of my future wall hangings, instead of my usual "OMG I'm almost done just slap something on there" effort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X62W1ZDVMck/UWHgeb5m4oI/AAAAAAAAHBM/5hUYeafGBPo/s1600/B59A7E3C-C497-4D6D-A0E1-4B26EC2B0D76.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X62W1ZDVMck/UWHgeb5m4oI/AAAAAAAAHBM/5hUYeafGBPo/s320/B59A7E3C-C497-4D6D-A0E1-4B26EC2B0D76.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So with ONE finish done for this year, I'm working on my next one! Hopefully I'll get some pictures taken this week. I've got several other VERY VERY exciting quilting and sewing projects going on, but since I don't want to get burnt out on just one thing I'm going to try and spend a little time doing different things to keep it fun.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-31665444806186552202012-12-10T08:30:00.000-05:002012-12-10T08:30:03.859-05:00Tea time. The N-boy and I have a tea problem. We drink it pretty much every night, especially when it's cold outside. The problem isn't the tea drinking, but more of the chaos of our tea cupboard (yes we have a whole shelf dedicated to tea and hot chocolate. I think the moment of truth came with the N-boy opened the door and boxes fell on his head.<br />
<br />
His solution to the problem was to toss some stuff that was REALLY old and to put a moratorium on buying more tea until we reduce the stash. My solution was to take some of it to work to drink there, since I need to stop drinking so much Starbucks. And because I'm not a fan of the tea in Keurig in the office kitchen. And so we can then buy more tea.<br />
<br />
I think this little guy appeared in my stocking last year. Under the duck is a mesh tea strainer, and then it sits in the little blue cup when your tea has steeped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziZSViWdXqk/UMU0qQAWVhI/AAAAAAAAF5A/Au395i_U2Uw/s1600/78E49F45-B444-47AA-97D8-6F266CEF8B0A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziZSViWdXqk/UMU0qQAWVhI/AAAAAAAAF5A/Au395i_U2Uw/s320/78E49F45-B444-47AA-97D8-6F266CEF8B0A.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's super cute. And I get a kick out of back from the kitchen with a duck floating in my cup. And I'm drinking yummy tea instead of Starbucks. Ok well there's still been some Starbucks. But it's a start, yes? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pO7sVTS6nFU/UMU0qXJOd8I/AAAAAAAAF5A/i9Pd8jyxD7Y/s1600/518F3C88-03E7-43A2-82C6-D9E172F2AAA6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pO7sVTS6nFU/UMU0qXJOd8I/AAAAAAAAF5A/i9Pd8jyxD7Y/s320/518F3C88-03E7-43A2-82C6-D9E172F2AAA6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-63864640419881702212012-12-05T08:30:00.000-05:002012-12-05T08:30:02.056-05:00Christmas Festiveness. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As mentioned previously, this was Christmas decorating weekend in our household. Really, everything on Sunday was part of the "get Laura more into the Christmas spirit" movement. Some progress was made, but the 65 degree weather is definitely not helping me feel very Christmassy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A view of the Christmas tree and the marriage tree. We receive this sculpture for our wedding and it was possibly our favorite gift ever. We tend to decorate it with simple decorations for each holiday or season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cFJOtBR3IM/ULvHpk2-obI/AAAAAAAAFz4/yui6puN1YVY/s1600/598056DF-D181-4B3A-B409-9E43127F3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cFJOtBR3IM/ULvHpk2-obI/AAAAAAAAFz4/yui6puN1YVY/s320/598056DF-D181-4B3A-B409-9E43127F3164.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This poor little guy was in the box of ornaments. I think the rest of the ornament was originally a spaceship. But it's ok, Marvin's head is on the tree. The N-boy seemed to find this creepy but acquiesced to the inclusion of Marvin. Or at least Marvin's head. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nktspHMXOkY/ULvHpkEYLEI/AAAAAAAAFz4/-xzT-n-h_fw/s1600/9B5BF262-7A2D-4121-948C-F9B5C3CB8EB2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nktspHMXOkY/ULvHpkEYLEI/AAAAAAAAFz4/-xzT-n-h_fw/s320/9B5BF262-7A2D-4121-948C-F9B5C3CB8EB2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The brother-in-law and sister-in-law-in-law got these super awesome Christmas Carol rubber duckies for me a couple of years ago. The N-boy set them up on top of the TV (we'll see how long that lasts with the cats) and didn't even realize that Scrooge duck is facing the opposite way as all the others. But really it seems appropriate so we've left it as is.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy5a0-LN7LU/ULvHpozs23I/AAAAAAAAF0g/mREIE0PW_DY/s1600/FE6E6ABE-0892-4654-9D18-20AE5BA6D23E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy5a0-LN7LU/ULvHpozs23I/AAAAAAAAF0g/mREIE0PW_DY/s320/FE6E6ABE-0892-4654-9D18-20AE5BA6D23E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our friends gave me this drink container last year and had it filled with Christmas ornaments. I loved the idea so we decided to repeat it for this year's festivities. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeQ0aRVunos/ULvHptzoaBI/AAAAAAAAFz4/SAxgrH33evA/s1600/DE556D7C-4068-4DE9-AEB1-836FA83C76D6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeQ0aRVunos/ULvHptzoaBI/AAAAAAAAFz4/SAxgrH33evA/s320/DE556D7C-4068-4DE9-AEB1-836FA83C76D6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've got a couple of other decorations up, but nothing too crazy. I have a bag full of obnoxious red bows that I'll probably hang up around the house over the course of the week as the mood strikes me. </div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-89518169097348856712012-12-03T08:30:00.000-05:002012-12-03T08:30:06.169-05:00Weekend Recap. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Craft show, with the N-boy in tow. He's such a good sport. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lOo5nAyw_t8WfgPmpyFLPV0rTPIVxOpkkmtgFOz_Q8Ic9ixhVb34HMASya8pEo5kJOB7kyQb590gLB9iubrAsViqzpUBvfTQCV9dQdQrXBKGTeQkzperpeTEayvWnnxmUSC913Skq_I/s1600/6B326463-E2A7-4A2B-BF08-656C70BC77ED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lOo5nAyw_t8WfgPmpyFLPV0rTPIVxOpkkmtgFOz_Q8Ic9ixhVb34HMASya8pEo5kJOB7kyQb590gLB9iubrAsViqzpUBvfTQCV9dQdQrXBKGTeQkzperpeTEayvWnnxmUSC913Skq_I/s320/6B326463-E2A7-4A2B-BF08-656C70BC77ED.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished the test of a revised pattern for a heart shaped bowl (I really want to call this pattern "Heart Shaped Box" but i'm also pretty sure that the Momcat wouldn't get the reference. Daddo would, however, so maybe it's worth a shot?) Let's just say that this pattern is without a doubt my arch nemesis. This is my THIRD attempt at making this blankity blank heart bowl and I finally got it to work. The pattern is significantly more complicated than the other shapes I've worked on, and the pattern needed some serious tweaking for us more novice crafters. At last, however, victory is mine! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlepG-dgs5U/ULvHpoNY83I/AAAAAAAAFz4/H2FLW3dsIi4/s1600/27C1E7BB-DA9A-4865-AF0D-F993AB633D84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlepG-dgs5U/ULvHpoNY83I/AAAAAAAAFz4/H2FLW3dsIi4/s320/27C1E7BB-DA9A-4865-AF0D-F993AB633D84.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The N-boy purchased Russian food from a somewhat questionable van in a definitely questionable car repair shop. However, the then turned said purchase into these <span style="background-color: white;">Сырники (sirniki). Basically pan fried farmer's cheese with jelly on top. Yum. Sketchy groceries for the win.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSviF5tqwG8/ULvHpikb41I/AAAAAAAAFz4/rGQwJRhpT7o/s1600/945CC386-279A-45F4-9160-1FF76DD5DDF8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSviF5tqwG8/ULvHpikb41I/AAAAAAAAFz4/rGQwJRhpT7o/s320/945CC386-279A-45F4-9160-1FF76DD5DDF8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decorated for Christmas. More on that later-Christmas decorations definitely deserve a post unto themselves in my book. Let's just say that one of my new goals in life is to have an ENTIRE tree decorated only with flamingo ornaments. Yes, I'm serious. I do have flamingo Christmas lights already in my office, so I'm well on my way. The N-boy was less than impressed by this life goal. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bd-IX4pExzE/ULvHptyupEI/AAAAAAAAF0c/Cfz14_QAr8Q/s1600/9CFB6C0B-E01A-498C-A639-4529221F7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bd-IX4pExzE/ULvHptyupEI/AAAAAAAAF0c/Cfz14_QAr8Q/s320/9CFB6C0B-E01A-498C-A639-4529221F7326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We escaped the football games on TV and went to a coffee shop to work for a while. The N-boy worked on his dissertation (ok well I assume he was working on his dissertation. Sometimes I don't ask too many questions because then he wafts poetic about cholera in provincial Russia while I'm trying to consume a tasty beverage). Is it weird that I think the foam on cappuccinos taste like the crispy part on a perfectly toasted marshmallow? Pretty sure that must be a weird thing. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Cv_GCxK1PQ/ULvHpgKZ5nI/AAAAAAAAFz4/D7LwvRgsPnw/s1600/17C985B8-744B-4A1A-BC63-C1B86416F871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Cv_GCxK1PQ/ULvHpgKZ5nI/AAAAAAAAFz4/D7LwvRgsPnw/s320/17C985B8-744B-4A1A-BC63-C1B86416F871.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And that was our weekend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-31610591565805435312012-12-01T20:35:00.003-05:002012-12-01T20:35:54.846-05:00Happy December. Oh December. I'm pretty happy you're here. For the most part. Not that part that realized I turned 30 in exactly 70 days. But since I am a huge fan of Christmas cookies and eggnog, we'll give that a pass for the moment.<br />
<br />
Today was a busy day with my one and only craft fair for the season. It wasn't great. Luckly the N-boy came along with me and we talked a lot about what kind of venue (if any) is right for the kind of thing that the Momcat and I are focusing on. Don't worry, Momcat, lots of notes and ideas to discuss with you!<br />
<br />
Of course, I did put him to work. You don't just get to sit at my pretty table without hauling boxes and praising my wares to strangers. (Somehow that sounds indecent...I swear it wasn't).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyHgXYk1Mqc/ULqu1VUng3I/AAAAAAAAFwA/YMXxVuS6Egk/s1600/783E632C-A79B-4EFF-B33D-1557EB86B595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyHgXYk1Mqc/ULqu1VUng3I/AAAAAAAAFwA/YMXxVuS6Egk/s320/783E632C-A79B-4EFF-B33D-1557EB86B595.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I did let him out for a short break where he ventured out to find the super secret Russian market that appears in Elkhart one Saturday a month. In the bay of a car repair shop. By people who drive a van full of Russian food from New Jersey to Indiana. The sketchiness of this adventure was possibly the highlight of his week.<br />
<br />
The N-boy returned with some of his favorite Russian foods including these yummy desserts which are similar to cheesecake bites. And are amazing. I LOVED these when I lived in Russia and was super pumped to eat one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYxFA0_HYs8/ULqu1eAsvfI/AAAAAAAAFwA/7AesG1atPQg/s1600/C85B3C21-0E82-4BAD-9EED-E80852405C94.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYxFA0_HYs8/ULqu1eAsvfI/AAAAAAAAFwA/7AesG1atPQg/s320/C85B3C21-0E82-4BAD-9EED-E80852405C94.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On the way back from a rather long day we hit the grocery store before returning to the house where we promptly crashed on fluffy furniture. Chinese comfort food take out for dinner, and then the N-boy fell asleep on the couch with CatCat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCMAU1N5iu0/ULqu1ZShcBI/AAAAAAAAFwA/OQldoUKC5yg/s1600/0DE33365-5764-4327-A56E-D84814E99DC5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCMAU1N5iu0/ULqu1ZShcBI/AAAAAAAAFwA/OQldoUKC5yg/s320/0DE33365-5764-4327-A56E-D84814E99DC5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought this picture was hilarious, but apparently the whole time he was sleeping (or trying to sleep) it was an epic battle with the cat about who got to occupy more space on the couch. CatCat has a tendency to win these battles with her pointy claws.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we're planning on decorating the house for Christmas. I haven't been feeling very festive, so I'm hoping that a day full of festivity-however forced-will help get me into the holiday spirit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-24180522946641526062012-11-27T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-27T08:30:04.321-05:00The Travelling PicStitch BloghopI can't believe it's already the end of November and my turn to post for the Travelling PicStitch Bloghop! I actually had quite a bit of trouble choosing a picture for this project as I tend to have more pictures of people than landscapes. After auditioning several pictures (including a lovely double portrait of me and a goat at the petting zoo) I came across this picture of Daddo and BabyBrother that the Momcat took on a trip they took out west a couple of years ago. I'm pretty sure this picture is from their time in Rocky Mountain National Park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvZusT840mY3Yb_LwgAnZce_IC3uM55pWdSlBxzsfOc0aJyMjaYc9KslRtW2LMyU-vHIzp_bK5LWFAnzuHAhi_oyhEZx0gd9sFPc8ymUnZYqH7b-8BALNx9p2_hFtlRYUKNj6ARCiQZY/s1600/Dad+and+Billy+Palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvZusT840mY3Yb_LwgAnZce_IC3uM55pWdSlBxzsfOc0aJyMjaYc9KslRtW2LMyU-vHIzp_bK5LWFAnzuHAhi_oyhEZx0gd9sFPc8ymUnZYqH7b-8BALNx9p2_hFtlRYUKNj6ARCiQZY/s320/Dad+and+Billy+Palette.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I mentioned in my <a href="http://mayyourbobbinalwaysbefull.blogspot.com/2012/11/sneak-peak-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" target="_blank">sneak peek post</a> last week, I decided to stick with my favorite English Paper Piecing pattern of Grandmother's Flower Garden. I used 3/4" hexagons from <a href="http://www.paperpieces.com/" target="_blank">Paper Pieces</a>, which is where I get all of my papers for English Paper Piecing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X245Xcz-ZFc/ULQoOJXoVEI/AAAAAAAAFtg/ecSEfS5D7J0/s1600/B754A6B6-E6F6-454D-9C6F-C4150FA84AD7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X245Xcz-ZFc/ULQoOJXoVEI/AAAAAAAAFtg/ecSEfS5D7J0/s320/B754A6B6-E6F6-454D-9C6F-C4150FA84AD7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used two different Stonehenge charm packs for the flower petals and red and white for the centers. I'm not sure how I'll put them all together. I laid them all out together but I'm not sure if it's too much and might not be better with a row of white between each flower. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pn46MCDQkE/ULQoOMeyZ5I/AAAAAAAAFtg/c3Mm6x4YnCk/s1600/306BC35E-55E9-4F19-9BA4-204B654CD046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pn46MCDQkE/ULQoOMeyZ5I/AAAAAAAAFtg/c3Mm6x4YnCk/s320/306BC35E-55E9-4F19-9BA4-204B654CD046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have plenty of pieces left so I'll be able to figure it out-now to just find the time to sew some more flowers! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7892978673335165" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com.au/p/the-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" hea="true" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9HmjAZynUQ/UFKywVVCFPI/AAAAAAAADes/cTfcz0iPaPs/s200/TPS+Blog+Hop+Button.png" width="148" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is part of the <a href="http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com.au/p/the-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" target="_blank">Travellin' Pic Stitch Blog Hop</a>. From 1st October - 30th November we are hopping all over the world EPP-ing in some fantastic locations. Check out the full list <a href="http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com.au/p/the-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" target="_blank">here</a> and be sure to check out the other participants.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7892978673335165" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On 30th November it's over to you to link up for a chance to win these fabulous prizes!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sponsored by <a href="http://www.paperpieces.com/index.html">Paperpieces.com</a>, <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/">Fabricworm</a><a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/pages/shop" target="_blank">Pink Castle Fabrics </a>, <a href="http://www.marmaladefabrics.com/" target="_blank"> Marmalade Fabrics</a>, the <a href="http://fatquartershop.com/" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Shop</a>, <a href="http://www.wantitneeditquilt.com.au/rose-star-peeper-template-set/" target="_blank">WantItNeedItQuilt</a>, and <a href="http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Aurifil</a>.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbhebSJG8BI/UFsKu9VOuWI/AAAAAAAADmQ/SZr31QlmcAo/s1600/Prize+Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbhebSJG8BI/UFsKu9VOuWI/AAAAAAAADmQ/SZr31QlmcAo/s320/Prize+Pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Full details for competition entry can be found <a href="http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com.au/p/the-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></b><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-79797824808205768692012-11-21T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-21T10:47:21.475-05:00Sneak Peek-Travelling PicStitch BloghopI'm super excited to be participating in my very first blog hop this month! <a href="http://quokkaquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Quokka Quilts</a> has put together two month extravaganza event of blogs using English Paper Piecing to create blocks inspired by photographs. Details are on her <a href="http://quokkaquilts.blogspot.com/p/the-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" target="_blank">Travelling PicStitch Bloghop page</a>, including links to all of the blog participants and discounts from sponsors who specialize in English Paper Piecing supplies.<br />
<br />
My day to host the bloghop isn't until November 27, but here's a sneak peek of what I've been working on this month. I can't wait to show the final project!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsp0TiJXI6QeNRplS1Q1IWYr0CdK-OwlHMwu_8Rr_QuhRGO1l4ouHU2xDDEYncxJdoSwXhafN7FIFOahmk_t1sbK0-3heJGXBQcN-cXPYJ146PjrFE7ZUIK4SVyxevCyEGYKngEPIJ88/s1600/IMG_1293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsp0TiJXI6QeNRplS1Q1IWYr0CdK-OwlHMwu_8Rr_QuhRGO1l4ouHU2xDDEYncxJdoSwXhafN7FIFOahmk_t1sbK0-3heJGXBQcN-cXPYJ146PjrFE7ZUIK4SVyxevCyEGYKngEPIJ88/s320/IMG_1293.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm pretty sure no one will be surprised to see I'm using hexagons. Is there a more perfect English Paper Piecing shape?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzcFYeDPgfCVvEUU8UBDR9Opr_UUDzlSe2UTMUc4jVm39tnv8u97rtoWUKCp4bJiA1fLU3lRurbWDm3bm5kVGPWnj90NuTOW_-HJdYbji_usm-MNKbPF7u-UKAi9aE7est6Dcy5OalHQ/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzcFYeDPgfCVvEUU8UBDR9Opr_UUDzlSe2UTMUc4jVm39tnv8u97rtoWUKCp4bJiA1fLU3lRurbWDm3bm5kVGPWnj90NuTOW_-HJdYbji_usm-MNKbPF7u-UKAi9aE7est6Dcy5OalHQ/s320/IMG_1302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Have you ever participated in a bloghop? </b></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-24294184392133598222012-11-19T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-19T08:30:00.351-05:00Weekend fun and games.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">The N-boy and I had a pretty quiet weekend, following a rather stressful end to the work week. I love working with students, but sometimes it can be hard. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Saturday we saw Skyfall, drank a lot of coffee, and watched college football. Let's just throw in a Go Irish! for good luck here. I cannot believe that they're undefeated and ranked number 1. It's absolute craziness.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW76ZaLoMUjKfgDV4GmGY2pG9PVwNeEw8OCYo6eWd2njcH3EkGqdKUdRmOkCP-Cms_yzcxgNdzKwM3Ki_6GfLjVHXS6EyTR-4rKq9O-eec6oEPFrTtsTj222ThVc2p6gaFE85TQoVHnnU/s1600/IMG_1294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW76ZaLoMUjKfgDV4GmGY2pG9PVwNeEw8OCYo6eWd2njcH3EkGqdKUdRmOkCP-Cms_yzcxgNdzKwM3Ki_6GfLjVHXS6EyTR-4rKq9O-eec6oEPFrTtsTj222ThVc2p6gaFE85TQoVHnnU/s320/IMG_1294.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Sunday we took pictures of the N-boy with the awesome steel frame bike he received from Grandpa for his birthday. This bike had been hanging in Grandpa's garage for years. He moved into an independent living facility this summer, and the Momcat found the bike when she was helping to clean out the house. N-boy loves his newest bike (this would be bike number four for those keeping count at home), and we wanted to let Grandpa know that.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjah1t28xH3LG-ZmFTH7jMq_ALX6wTNAp2cyQfKy15_XUOuo2XsqUc-r_PuvtOe8AIFk82tfGhFwUQDkxyXCWhVdT03dTcNrN6lXR9nhIY2uLBxZLcMohWUVOT7qdXkLq4UW0xeovINIi4/s1600/IMG_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjah1t28xH3LG-ZmFTH7jMq_ALX6wTNAp2cyQfKy15_XUOuo2XsqUc-r_PuvtOe8AIFk82tfGhFwUQDkxyXCWhVdT03dTcNrN6lXR9nhIY2uLBxZLcMohWUVOT7qdXkLq4UW0xeovINIi4/s320/IMG_1299.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also worked on some English paper piecing for a project (more on that project coming Wednesday!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrQ4mB9SCmxZLs6ZKbJqUX44jOATeAGyDrsWIev5YoL2YybXwC-VVVRnOQBeOps2q6EqL_A36K-aASb3ZESJgJOan10RSI9N6b4KiIrHDrwLl-UcZBmrhPxzvOOBCg4Gw99drmppc_7w/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrQ4mB9SCmxZLs6ZKbJqUX44jOATeAGyDrsWIev5YoL2YybXwC-VVVRnOQBeOps2q6EqL_A36K-aASb3ZESJgJOan10RSI9N6b4KiIrHDrwLl-UcZBmrhPxzvOOBCg4Gw99drmppc_7w/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we baked sourdough rolls to take to Thanksgiving. Don't worry; we checked and made sure they weren't poisonous before we packed them up. ;)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTHf-1XGughJrVZUBzHQvgEZZSdw13ZElFPvF-c5pUvMbJkgJhWtPzKvzcAVnlLR79gQhFKv580PD4HxSXrLJhjxSp1IeMqAY0SGhMw7p0ETRm0vW9tNhsoc-EEMzxBMDhsNLI6UhpJw/s1600/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTHf-1XGughJrVZUBzHQvgEZZSdw13ZElFPvF-c5pUvMbJkgJhWtPzKvzcAVnlLR79gQhFKv580PD4HxSXrLJhjxSp1IeMqAY0SGhMw7p0ETRm0vW9tNhsoc-EEMzxBMDhsNLI6UhpJw/s320/IMG_1301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our biggest adventure of the weekend was the eviction of an opossum who had taken up residence in the garage. I'd heard something rustling around in the garage earlier this week and had actually called the N-boy on my phone from the garage to come take a look. We couldn't find anything then, but the next day something had gotten into the birdseed and made a mess. The N-boy thought it was just a squirrel or a chipmunk so he blocked the crack under the side door and cleaned up the bird seed. Then today he went out to rake leaves and when he grabbed the big canvas leaf bag found Mr. Possum inside hissing irritably at having been disturbed from his slumber. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Animal removal is definitely not thing we learned in grad school. We called my parents to see if they had any suggestions (their ideas were leaving the door open so he'd come out, calling animal patrol and something involving dry ice-I didn't ask for details on this last one). Finally we just used a long pole to loop through the bag handles and pull the whole thing outside, shutting the garage door behind it. We went inside to give the poor little guy some space to get out, but a couple of hours later it was obvious that he had no intent of leaving his comfy nest. The N-boy (carefully) used the pole to move the bag into the backyard and gently pushed the bag over until the opossum crawled out. Hopefully this is the last animal adventure we'll have for a while. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfq7jniaAvY/UKk5KuGG9HI/AAAAAAAAFkk/ypx6c6IG3ic/s1600/2012-11-18" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfq7jniaAvY/UKk5KuGG9HI/AAAAAAAAFkk/ypx6c6IG3ic/s320/2012-11-18" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>Have you ever had to conduct any animal evictions? </b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-34252016819097401622012-11-16T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-16T08:30:01.342-05:00Baby niece baby quilt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm excited to finally share the baby quilt that I made for my niece, the first baby in the family. I actually gave it to her (well to her parents really since she's only 10 months) at Halloween, but didn't get a chance to share the pictures until now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWrZVN6fLcA/UJ-5P-G-CuI/AAAAAAAAFHU/dwNWuEV84Pw/s1600/D75E5383-61D9-4C19-B148-CDE4977D07ED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWrZVN6fLcA/UJ-5P-G-CuI/AAAAAAAAFHU/dwNWuEV84Pw/s320/D75E5383-61D9-4C19-B148-CDE4977D07ED.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started the quilt just over a year ago when I went back to Omaha to visit the parentals. The Momcat should know by now that anytime I'm standing in her quilting space and start a sentence with "so I was thinking it might be fun to..." that some new project is about to launch. Just ask her about my brilliant idea to make wall hangings for my bridesmaids and a quilt for my new in-laws before my wedding. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Momcat and I looked through her extensive collection of books and landed on a churn-dash in a straight setting with cornerstones. I'm proud (or somewhat terrified depending on how you look at it) to report that ALL of the fabric in this quilt comes from the Momcat's stash. I like to think I'm doing my part in helping her use fabric so she can buy more. You can thank me later, Daddo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I put the Momcat to work, and by the end of my short visit home we had the whole top pieced together, with just the border left to sew on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBViqm4jQOs/UKGvrOZ3D1I/AAAAAAAAFJw/PupDGa_1Xmg/s1600/IMG_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBViqm4jQOs/UKGvrOZ3D1I/AAAAAAAAFJw/PupDGa_1Xmg/s320/IMG_0270.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1IMOIQGfXx0/UKGvqmp92UI/AAAAAAAAFJo/sPwExA7JvcE/s1600/IMG_0271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1IMOIQGfXx0/UKGvqmp92UI/AAAAAAAAFJo/sPwExA7JvcE/s320/IMG_0271.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Each block had a fussy cut fairy in the middle of it, with more fairies appearing in the corner stones and in a corresponding print on the backing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ2x3TKd-6g/UKGvo6HDjKI/AAAAAAAAFJg/77L0bHSUA4E/s1600/IMG_0272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ2x3TKd-6g/UKGvo6HDjKI/AAAAAAAAFJg/77L0bHSUA4E/s320/IMG_0272.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I worked on the quilt off and on while the N-boy was in Russia. A couple of other projects (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prairie-Sewn-Companion/277187332317149" target="_blank">Prairie Sewn Companion</a>) kept me busy and out of trouble during this time too. Finally after the N-boy came back and we settled into the Fall semester I set out to finish it in time for the Halloween party.<br />
<br />
I'm SUPER proud of how it turned it. This was my first real-project attempt at free motion quilting and it was lots of fun to work on. Except for when my thread kept breaking. That was less fun. But I"m happy with it and I hope that niecy-niece loves it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCfCNZHESi4/UJ-5P4vaf3I/AAAAAAAAFJY/a0ia3ftcWW4/s1600/75B3E23C-E3FB-4CF0-A1D6-431CBE371B08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCfCNZHESi4/UJ-5P4vaf3I/AAAAAAAAFJY/a0ia3ftcWW4/s320/75B3E23C-E3FB-4CF0-A1D6-431CBE371B08.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I did a swirly-loopy-vine in the sashin and pebbling in the cream and gold rectangles in the center. I also did stitch in the ditch to stabilize the whole thing before I started. In the borders I did a simple meander. I got a TON of help and inspiration from the materials on <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Leah Day's blog.</a> She's an amazing quilter and her videos and blog posts made me positive that I could do this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOZ5FKmtnFY/UJ-5P4je_eI/AAAAAAAAFHU/rzUINurahjg/s1600/7763B43A-BFEF-42CF-A1ED-E255BA7DB7A5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOZ5FKmtnFY/UJ-5P4je_eI/AAAAAAAAFHU/rzUINurahjg/s320/7763B43A-BFEF-42CF-A1ED-E255BA7DB7A5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a little hard to see in this photo, but the back print has fairies in the center with more of the sashing fabric framing it like a picture frame. I used the same pink for both the border and the binding.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7j2sGnd3TpY/UJ-5P_4S2NI/AAAAAAAAFJU/i4v1kqX72S8/s1600/29453DA4-B80B-4F42-B1FB-70CF696A349E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7j2sGnd3TpY/UJ-5P_4S2NI/AAAAAAAAFJU/i4v1kqX72S8/s320/29453DA4-B80B-4F42-B1FB-70CF696A349E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm actually looking forward to working on quilting more of the tops that are languishing in my closet now. The free motion quilting wasn't as scary as I thought it would be, and it made me feel really good to get a project that was important to me out the door to its intended recipient.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-74225602218320164972012-11-14T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-14T08:30:05.224-05:00This is why I love my BabyBrother.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqWuO4SfZEM/UJ-9wW489OI/AAAAAAAAFJI/_BrF5N7-Co8/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqWuO4SfZEM/UJ-9wW489OI/AAAAAAAAFJI/_BrF5N7-Co8/s320/photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-19577161209782506982012-11-12T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-12T08:30:01.095-05:00Halloween. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok, so I'm clearly a little behind on posting since I'm just now getting to Halloween. But instead of viewing this as a failure let's just think of it as a way to keep the festiveness going on a little longer. Of course that also means we've crashed head first into Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I think a little extra cheer might be good for me right now since the <a href="http://mayyourbobbinalwaysbefull.blogspot.com/2012/11/winter-blahs.html" target="_blank">winter blahs have hit me early this year</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The N-boy and I headed to St. Louis again this year for his brother and sister-in-law's annual Halloween bash. Halloween is their favorite holiday and their parties always promise to be a festive occasion. This year was obviously the best year ever since it was the first year with the cutest baby niece on the planet. In a spider costume. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Second cutest costume (after aforementioned spider-baby of course) was my Robin Hood outfit. Which, when posed on the HOOD of my car makes for an even more clever costume. Too bad I didn't think of that until afterwards. But now it makes me look smart AND festive! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWwvBiJzjNo/UJ-5Pxj9qgI/AAAAAAAAFHU/JMlyi73aD6Q/s1600/3610BB4D-2FF9-4C53-9037-72F3A4EBE08A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWwvBiJzjNo/UJ-5Pxj9qgI/AAAAAAAAFHU/JMlyi73aD6Q/s320/3610BB4D-2FF9-4C53-9037-72F3A4EBE08A.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The N-boy donned a festive hat. And a plate of creepy gummy sushi. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylZfIo298oU/UJ-5P7giO5I/AAAAAAAAFHU/fWhZIOsCSLE/s1600/A8D5BF70-D6F6-4662-9A19-86C6A59F392F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylZfIo298oU/UJ-5P7giO5I/AAAAAAAAFHU/fWhZIOsCSLE/s320/A8D5BF70-D6F6-4662-9A19-86C6A59F392F.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found this in a magazine at their house. I really REALLY want this! Hint hint family members who keep asking what I want for Christmas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faZudYVy7os/UJ-5Pz2ahUI/AAAAAAAAFHU/klrqkujKN0Q/s1600/D7CAA495-0486-481A-BDA7-8278FF9966F3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faZudYVy7os/UJ-5Pz2ahUI/AAAAAAAAFHU/klrqkujKN0Q/s320/D7CAA495-0486-481A-BDA7-8278FF9966F3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-73256447025763064852012-11-11T09:44:00.000-05:002012-11-11T09:44:52.480-05:00Winter blahs. The winter blahs have hit me early this year. I'm not sure what the deal is. It's not that cold, the weather hasn't been awful (although it is supposedly going to snow next week). It's been dark, but no darker than usual for this time of year.<br />
<br />
Blech. I hate feeling this way.<br />
<br />
The N-boy and I kicked it old school last night with a comfort food dinner of Kraft Mac n Cheese. Yes, name brand even. Growing up this was one of the meals that Daddo would make for me and BabyBrother when he was left in charge of our feeding for a night. One time he tried to substitute store brand for the tried and true Kraft and was called out on the first bite. I like think this means BabyBrother and I have exceptional and epicurean taste buds. But it probably just means we ate too much boxed mac and cheese.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHnNA1huVLc/UJ-5P6CMKxI/AAAAAAAAFHU/fL5naVsMJ0Y/s1600/C5EB50DA-1209-4EE8-9B73-B6E698BA86B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHnNA1huVLc/UJ-5P6CMKxI/AAAAAAAAFHU/fL5naVsMJ0Y/s320/C5EB50DA-1209-4EE8-9B73-B6E698BA86B5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-24904266943065275112012-10-22T08:30:00.000-04:002012-10-22T08:30:00.053-04:00October.For being our quietest month in the office, October has been a busy month at home. I went home to visit the parentals, ran a 5k in a dirndl and have had out of town guests for a weekend. And October isn't even over yet! Here's a quick photo recap of some of the October adventures.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Flew to Omaha to visit the parentals.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_p5ixZiDWU/UISkIpYCCoI/AAAAAAAAE44/B306ab7pW2w/s1600/441C0B6E-9C56-4BF6-BA5C-282EE201A3C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_p5ixZiDWU/UISkIpYCCoI/AAAAAAAAE44/B306ab7pW2w/s320/441C0B6E-9C56-4BF6-BA5C-282EE201A3C1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Caramel sombrero at our favorite Mexican restaurant.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FXMHrCXFY4/UISkImzAqVI/AAAAAAAAE44/r2D-Iotx8R0/s1600/AFD09E36-FA62-4D02-93DA-55325745F126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FXMHrCXFY4/UISkImzAqVI/AAAAAAAAE44/r2D-Iotx8R0/s320/AFD09E36-FA62-4D02-93DA-55325745F126.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Road trip to Des Moines for the AQS Quilt Show. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aaDFCir8zPw/UISkIvbS1bI/AAAAAAAAE44/dunFwrW515M/s1600/060F07A8-FDE8-4EBA-B9C7-BF9AA1B6E91A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aaDFCir8zPw/UISkIvbS1bI/AAAAAAAAE44/dunFwrW515M/s320/060F07A8-FDE8-4EBA-B9C7-BF9AA1B6E91A.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVbno2mZsfs/UISkIvSy-rI/AAAAAAAAE44/61HLvZj8HlM/s1600/DC2B6DFE-174D-4A22-A5A8-C98A80576636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVbno2mZsfs/UISkIvSy-rI/AAAAAAAAE44/61HLvZj8HlM/s320/DC2B6DFE-174D-4A22-A5A8-C98A80576636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JHhhIVLk5s/UISkIkKgG8I/AAAAAAAAE44/84lAbhJ1JeI/s1600/6458CC86-DF14-4FD1-BF9D-7DC9B3419451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JHhhIVLk5s/UISkIkKgG8I/AAAAAAAAE44/84lAbhJ1JeI/s320/6458CC86-DF14-4FD1-BF9D-7DC9B3419451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJUYRYnBD7Q/UISkIgKmtEI/AAAAAAAAE44/8rPtvO-h4Qs/s1600/35D5B191-7BF2-41C7-AB33-4AD10F462D92.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJUYRYnBD7Q/UISkIgKmtEI/AAAAAAAAE44/8rPtvO-h4Qs/s320/35D5B191-7BF2-41C7-AB33-4AD10F462D92.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Germanfest 5k. In dirndls. </b></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZzJHe4vU4Y/UISkItF649I/AAAAAAAAE44/hXuXEUuHVU8/s1600/C4816911-AE40-4CEE-BB67-C88D3C1ED8A8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZzJHe4vU4Y/UISkItF649I/AAAAAAAAE44/hXuXEUuHVU8/s320/C4816911-AE40-4CEE-BB67-C88D3C1ED8A8.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TySbiaH7tLo/UISkIjFJMTI/AAAAAAAAE44/WRKTVBWWY1k/s1600/71FBF33F-5B35-4886-8E6C-D0D3A7FFA9D9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TySbiaH7tLo/UISkIjFJMTI/AAAAAAAAE44/WRKTVBWWY1k/s320/71FBF33F-5B35-4886-8E6C-D0D3A7FFA9D9.JPG" width="240" /></a>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286322672907863959.post-39600482477767420912012-09-30T20:24:00.000-04:002012-09-30T20:24:58.803-04:00UFO Sunday-Christmas Tree BargelloI'm really trying to work on my UFOs this fall; I had 7 flimsies sitting in my closet just waiting to be finished. All of them are completely pieced and just need quilting and binding. I finished one last week and can't show pictures of the whole thing yet, but here's a peek at my pebbling. I'm pretty proud for my first attempt!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKK6Q-R23ms/UGjiNWm7gGI/AAAAAAAAEyw/gNJfgaeHQOs/s1600/F21D93A5-6221-4C77-AA29-C589E0EBCA3D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKK6Q-R23ms/UGjiNWm7gGI/AAAAAAAAEyw/gNJfgaeHQOs/s320/F21D93A5-6221-4C77-AA29-C589E0EBCA3D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's the one I pulled out for this week; it's a bargello Christmas tree that I made in a class when we first moved to Indiana. Four years ago. Oh well. I'd really like to have it done in time to hang up for Christmas this year (it's a large wall hanging).<br />
<br />
I'm not entirely sure how to quilt it, especially since I'm still very much feeling my way into free motion quilting. I've been practicing, and I'm not afraid to try something new, but I'm still not sure what to do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4M9pFqfyHA/UGjf8UQUFcI/AAAAAAAAEyg/mwYUYAbKpxk/s1600/39E99CE2-2DC2-40D0-BF67-84BC3E4438FF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4M9pFqfyHA/UGjf8UQUFcI/AAAAAAAAEyg/mwYUYAbKpxk/s320/39E99CE2-2DC2-40D0-BF67-84BC3E4438FF.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Possibly <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2009/09/day-20-tree-bark.html" target="_blank">tree bark</a> on the trunk? </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zL8BdlsBB-U/UGjf8RvtqBI/AAAAAAAAEyg/KzAAaQAj7E4/s1600/17FD251B-4E4B-48BB-9DAD-BD71EBDA0B5C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zL8BdlsBB-U/UGjf8RvtqBI/AAAAAAAAEyg/KzAAaQAj7E4/s320/17FD251B-4E4B-48BB-9DAD-BD71EBDA0B5C.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Occasional round ornaments on the tree, with different free motion patterns filling each one? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Stars in the sky? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Trace the holly in the borders? </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_zAlmPDlbk/UGjf8f1JO-I/AAAAAAAAEyg/uDHmxLTD6yQ/s1600/4667E6C1-1DD5-470C-BEEA-94658D7CE1A9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_zAlmPDlbk/UGjf8f1JO-I/AAAAAAAAEyg/uDHmxLTD6yQ/s320/4667E6C1-1DD5-470C-BEEA-94658D7CE1A9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Suggestions are most dearly welcomed! </b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/p/ufo-sunday.html" target="_blank"><img alt="UFO Sundays on the Free Motion Quilting Project" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKg2mhzsGuoRAE_lIie9vyFuaXMp5nWfWd1Q9xLFADOSMOxvNvwwwR0W5A_HW7pns0yFQqT5szJKQdJHt0dNXe1TsaLcik1TunhVDZwtEV2k36KZ7qwOmpDsfyci-KC5Ld0EkmhglV9ic/s380/UFO+badge.jpeg" /></a></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484580635886199686noreply@blogger.com5