Thursday, February 20, 2014

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

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Quick Progress Post

I was able to finish 3 more WIPs this weekend. No haste and no mistakes!  I even got my Etsy Shop up and running. I planned to open it when I had 3 completed quilts to list, but I ended up selling one at work (YAY!!) and decided I'm giving another one away. So currently there is 1 lone quilt for sale in my shop. But it's okay, I will have more on there in no time. My shop banner is kinda generic just like my blog banner but I'm working on creating something cool or cute. 















I hand-tied this little number and bound it w/flannel. First time binding w/flannel.



I just started working on a quilt for my son's girlfriend. Inspired by this.  I should have the top done by the end of the weekend. After I decided to make this I thought, if only I had some of these already made up. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, they might've sold well on Etsy.  Other avenues I'm considering are consignment shops and a little table at First Fridays.

I almost forgot I added "Pages" tabs on my blog. I've got a page w/pics of all the things I've made, a link to the Etsy shop and to my pinterest page. =)


A Thread for Life
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13