Picking up old threads

The thought of picking up this blog again, and adding all the projects that I've completed in the interim was a little overwhelming, so I'm just going to start again. I'll add the other projects as I get around to it, but for today I'm just going to show two blocks that I've made. They're entirely unrelated to each other, except that they're both made from scraps from my stash. I didn't have a project in mind and I just picked some blocks and started just to have something to work on. I love watching the patterns emerge as I piece scraps together. It's so cool how a seam here and a seam there suddenly create an image.

This and That

I haven't really made one thing worth posting about, but I've made a few smaller things that I'm pleased with.

From Twinkie Chan's book I made the cupcake hat and cupcake scarf. Not surprisingly, I bought a can of icing at the grocery store today.

Those were made hurriedly to redeem the fact that this hat turned out way too large. I still love it, and I found it a good home. It was my first successful attempt at intarsia, even though my gauge must have been off.

Then I made this little messenger bag from a kit that I bought. It's not lined- the seams show on the inside. It's not something I would have made had I set out to make a nice purse, but it was a quick project: took about an hour and I now have a simple bag that can take a beating without me worrying about getting a work of art dirty.

Years after Clapotis became all the rage among knitters, I finally got around to making it. It's so soft and drapey and cozy. I can't wait to wear it.

I feel like I should be out more; I'm in a new place for only a few months, I should be taking advantage of it all. But it's a small town so there's not a whole lot for me to explore, and this surge of productivity just hit me, so I want to take advantage of that, too. I think maybe a nesting thing in response to all this talk of fall coming.

Over a year ago I won a jelly roll of Plume by Moda. The fabrics are so fabulous and the colors so rich and beautiful, and exactly my style. I made the quilt top before my move to Tampa, and now I've finished the quilt.

A close up of that awesome backing fabric with swans!

Bird Quilt

Mine entirely, from the conceptual phase to completion. I adored the fabric multiple times in the store before finally buying it, simply because I had to. I designed the pattern using EQ7, pieced the top, layered it, and free-motion quilted it, even did the binding. I had some technical help from my mother, of course, but I own this puppy heart and soul. And despite the numerous mistakes in my quilting, which I won't point out because they don't even show up when you look at the quilt as a whole, I'm very proud of this bad boy.

Boris likes it, too, can you tell?

I couldn't have asked for a prettier day today. Made photographing it that much more fun.

Rollin' out of Tampa this Weekend

I can't believe it's been 4 1/2 months. 19 weeks. I was almost certain I was going to renew my contract, I was enjoying myself so much. But when this position came about in NC I felt such a peace about going, and now I'm excited to be on the move again, to go somewhere new, see different things, meet different people, get to know myself in a different way than I did in Tampa.
But, oh how I love Tampa. The beaches, the sun, the festivals and goings-on, all made me fall in love with it. I wonder if I'll feel this crush-type infatuation with each place I go, simply because it's new and different and short-lived. But regardless, Tampa will always be special to me because it's where I started.
And I feel a great affection for Moffitt and the people I worked with there. They welcomed me so readily and cheerfully and really made this a great experience.
And as I pack up to reload my car with all my belongings, there's someone moving all their belongings into a UHaul and I don't envy them. Their furniture and everything...I feel so lucky to just be able to pack up the car (and mail a few things to make room for my traveling companion).
So, off to take care of the few things on my to-do list :) the hard work is behind me still.

I'm teaching myself embroidery. I've given it some half-hearted go's in the past, but I'm pretty excited about it this time.
I didn't realize just how much I would miss my sewing machine while I was traveling...I miss it like a person...so I needed to find something creative to occupy my hands that doesn't require a lot of tools or accessories. So, thanks to www.sublimestitching.com I have a new hobby on my hands. I think it'll be fun to learn the stitches, and when to use what stitch. It'll be a challenge to think in a different way, and I'm hoping I can expand from just following the lines. But I'm pretty happy with my cute little tea towel and napkin so far. And I thought the Beach Babes images were particularly fitting for this time in my life.

It's my first night of actual nursing on my new unit. I'm so relieved to finally be able to stop anticipating it and experience it. I tried to nap today to make the transition to nights somewhat easier, but of course I couldn't. When in the world have I not been able to sleep? I can always sleep. But my nerves I guess got the better of me.
I'm wearing scrubs a friend got me, and carrying the mug another friend gave me, so that I have reminders that there are people who believe in me.