Meanwhile, back on the farm…

So it’s been awhile. My blog is one of a few things that I’ve been neglecting.

Back in December I made a list of resolutions. You can read about them here.

And here’s an update….

I have been working out, still not as regularly as I’d like, but I’ve gotta blame work for that. I am making it to spin class at least 2x week, and even though I haven’t lost a single pound, I feel somewhat accomplished. I’ve stopped eating ice cream on a nightly basis, but I’m definitely still eating too many sweets.   I also blame my job for this.  I’m a stress eater and my job is stressful. I realize at some point I’m going to have to stop blaming work for this…but right now, it is what it is.

As far as going to bed earlier…I have been getting in the bed earlier most nights but not necessarily going to sleep earlier. I’m an avid reader but I only read at night before I go to bed. Depending on how good the book is (and there are a lot of great ones out there!!) some nights I’m up later than others. I’m currently making my way through The Outlander Series.  I read the first book, Outlander, back in 2007 and last year, for some reason the next book I read was A Breath of Snow and Ashes. After reading this, I heard that STARZ is bringing the story to life this summer!! I don’t have cable but I have friends who do and I will be bugging one of them to DVR this.  Although the books can be read independently of each other, and although the series is only about the 1st book, I’ve set my mind to read the rest of the books in the series. I am about a 1/4 of the way through Voyager.  If you are into historical fiction, time travel, voyages and just beautiful love stories, I highly recommend these books.

As far as spending quality time in God’s word, I got better with it and then I  just stopped. I’m actually embarrassed about this and can’t believe I’m writing it, but when things get tight and I’m juggling a bunch of things, unfortunately, this is the first thing that falls by the wayside.  The ironic thing is, God’s word is restoring and life giving.  When I opt not to read it, I start to forget His promises and I lose my way…which is why I’ve been struggling so much lately.  Please pray for me in this regard. I”m so very thankful for His faithfulness!

I am however proud to say that I have not bought a single piece of fabric. So I’m doing good where Fabriholics Anonymous is concerned.

I finished the “sweetheart” quilt for my son’s GF just in time for her birthday 2/21.  As much I love the way FMQ looks, I’m totally horrible at it.  I’ve heard it takes hours and hours of practice…. but I just don’t have that kind of time!! So this is simply straight-stitch quilted 1/4 in from the seams…but the GF loves it and that’s what matters!

As far as quilting goes, I’m working on a mystery quilt w/my QA chapter. I signed up and even started a Crazy Quilt Along but so far I’ve only sewn about 5 pieces of fabric on one block. I don’t know when I’ll finish this. Sorry +Caroline Heinrichs  =(.   I plan to start a rag quilt to sell in my Etsy Shop w/some charms I got on clearance at Connecting Threads.  The collection is called Solid Oceanfront.  I’ve really got to get some more things on there.

Until next time, happy quilting.

A Thread for Life
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7

Blogging vs Sewing

When I started this blog I planned on posting once a week but I haven’t been living up to it.  Blogging isn’t easy and it takes a lot of time. Writing, editing, editing/posting pics, links, labels, hashtags, sharing…aghhh!! When I get home from work it’s shall I sew or shall I blog? It’s not always an easy decision but sewing usually  wins. Blogging is great though and I’m excited to say I made a new friend! Meet +Greta Anderson from Material Detachment. A marvelous seamstress/quilter and a remarkable writer. I had the pleasure of talking w/ her on the phone yesterday. She’s an admirable person w/a huge heart for kids and humanity! Make sure to stop by her blog.

As you can see, I’ve made quite a bit of progress on the Kaleido-Hex quilt, officially known as a One Block Wonder (I’ll be referring to it as 1BW going forward). It still isn’t the only thing I’ve been working on (see distractions below:  origami bag and applique).  Once I have all of strips sewn together it will measure approx 56 x 90.  I’m planning this for a king size bed so the side borders will have to be substantial.  I picked out border fabric yesterday. What do you think?

Border Fabric

1st Audition

This coming Saturday I’ll be heading out for a week long quilting retreat to Colorado w/a couple of friends. I’m so excited! I’m also very ambitious and will be taking at least 4 projects to work on, one of which will be the 1st quilt I’m getting paid $$ to make (A Rag Quilt). I’ll also be taking the 1BW, the applique wall hanging and a Quilts w/o Corners quilt that I’m turning into a tree skirt.

For the Rag quilt I bought some charm packs, but I have the backing and fleece already cut.

I whipped up another cute Origami bag over the weekend for a friend’s birthday.

The wall hanging is ready to be appliqued which I plan on doing while I’m in Colorado.

This is the Quilts w/o Corners quilt that will become a tree skirt. You can’t really tell from this pic…or maybe you can…but the edge of this quilt is all jacked up. I’m going to cut a slit in it, cut the middle circle out AND attempt to add a ruffle of Christmas fabric to the edge.

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

A Thread for Life
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever. 
1 Chron 16:34

I’m linking up on Val’s Tuesday Archives.