My First Pattern Test!

Posted in Uncategorized by Zenia Rene

One of my favorite things to do online is to check out other quilting blogs. I was reading a blog back in November where a girl was talking about being a pattern tester. What is a pattern tester?A pattern tester is a person who test patterns! Well I wanted to be one so I started looking online for peeps who needed one. There were several options to choose from but I decided to go w/The Quilt Pattern Magazine and signed up to test the Sashing Surprise pattern. I had this cute big print fabric I got at Goodwill that was just sitting there looking cute…and now it had a purpose.

I call this quilt Full Steam Ahoy. It is pictured in this months issue of The Quilt Pattern Magazine.

This one is for sale in My Etsy Shop!

A Thread for Life

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:16 NLT

21Jan2014

WIPs

Posted in Uncategorized by Zenia Rene

I’m officially on a fabric fast. I’ve taken a challenge not to buy fabric from Jan 1 – Jun 30. So far, so good. I even went to Goodwill last weekend and looked at (and touched) fabric and didn’t buy any! There is a 2nd part to the challenge and that is to use up all the fabric I have on hand. My stash isn’t as big as some…but I am proud of it.

I get so anxious when I think about the WIPs I have and all the works I want to have in progress…and I’ve got myself all stressed out. So, I’m going to try to do just 1 project at a time for awhile. I’m supposed to be participating in 2 quilt-alongs: a mystery quilt w/QA and a crazy quilt along…so I may allow myself to do these in addition to my 1-at-a-time projects…but I might not.

Currently I have 6 WIPs. I’m really close to finishing 2 of them . I should have some pics posted this weekend. Then I have 3 small quilt tops (2 pictured below) that need to be quilted and listed on Etsy…and lastly, I still have my Spring/Summer 1BW that I just really want to keep folded up at the top of my closet.

4-Step Flagstone

quilt top #1

Cuttin’ Corners

quilt top #2

I sold my Quilt Frame this past weekend to a Snowbird here from Iowa. It was really just a catch-all in my sewing room and a dust collector. I’d only used it twice in the last 2 years, plus I’m raising money for my trip to Canada in May.

I also have other WIPs besides quilting. A few weeks ago I transplanted some Aloe Vera and Prickly Pear. Someone told me all you have to do is stick it in the ground and water it occasionally. So far, so good. I also planted 2 Mesquite trees in my backyard. Thankfully the weather is mild enough to plant year round here in AZ and everything seems to be doing well.

Last week at Goodwill, I by-passed the fabric…like a good girl…but look at this treasure I found, that I couldn’t resist! I paid $4 for it. I sanded it, threw some ebony stain and a coat of poly on it and, voila! it’s a lovely little side table! =)

Before

After

A Thread for Life

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

–Oceans by Hillsong

21Dec2013

‘Tis the Season…

Posted in Uncategorized by Zenia Rene

to overeat, overspend, etc. I cannot say “no” to any goody that is in the immediate vicinity. If I can see it, I’m going to eat it. This is not a healthy way to be. Combine the stress of training new staff at work with the usual holiday stress, no time for the gym AND a nonstop barrage of cookies, cakes, donuts, potlucks, parties etc. and what do you get? A BIG big ole muffin top! I feel…and look like a busted can of biscuits!

The boss says we get to wear jeans for the rest of the year (we usually only get to on Friday) and I’m ashamed to say that only 1 of 15 pair fit me! So today I went to the 50% off sale at Goodwill and bought some bigger jeans to wear for the rest of the year. Now before you judge me, please understand this is only a temporary solution. I will not buy anymore clothes to accommodate my fluffier, busted figure. Come the new year…there will definitely be changes. I don’t usually make resolutions but I ~~am going to~~ have already for 2014. I simply cannot go on like this. I understand sacrifices will have to be made, and because I’m so uncomfortable the way I am, I am willing to make them!

Here are my resolutions.

Get back on a regular workout schedule. I’ve been slipping for a few months now.
Go to bed earlier. I definitely need more rest, especially if I have to be at the gym for that 515a class.
Incorporate better eating habits; less sugar, more veggies. I’m shooting for 6 small meals/day.
Spend quality time in God’s word. I read the bible regularly but I’m usually rushing it.
And last but not least…Stop spending money! I mostly spend $ on fabric, so the biggest challenge I’m taking is to NOT purchase any fabric, 2nd hand or otherwise, for 6 mos (Jan 1-June 30).

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