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.

I’m nearing the end of my 2^nd week in Tampa, my 2^nd week as a travel nurse. I haven’t yet taken care of a patient, so there will still be a lot to adjust to, but so far it has been every bit as fabulous as I had hoped. The whole roller coaster of emotions has gotten a little less extreme: it’s probably just a kiddie ride now. Prior to getting here I would flip from pure excitement to pure fear in a second. Then back to excitement. A whole bunch of sad thrown in, as I had to bid farewell to some amazing people who’ve been my life for the last few years. The goodbyes really even made me rethink my decision, wondering why I was putting myself and them through this. But I kept reminding myself that Morgantown didn’t offer enough for me to build a life on, and I would have to move on at some point, so doing it when the destination was so exciting was probably the best time.

The drive down was all I thought it would be. Exhilarating, freeing, totally fun. Just me, Boris and some really good music. Reflecting on what I was doing made me feel really proud of myself. I was actually doing this: something that I had thought about and dreamt about for so long; something that inspired near envy in everyone I told; something that I even thought that at one point I would never have the guts to do. And guess what? I’ve got the guts. I just proved it to myself. So the drive allowed me precious time to urge myself on and revel in the fabulousness of what I was doing.

Once I got close, about 20 minutes out, the butterflies took over my stomach. Serious nervousness set it. I had to keep reminding myself that I had done the hard part, now all I had to do was show up. But the nervousness had me wanting to puke. Obviously, it was unfounded, and getting into my new apartment was a breeze.
I drove down the street just in awe of how beautiful it is: so much green everywhere, and then covered by this brilliant blue sky. I was so happy to be here.

That sense of awe hasn’t left me yet. Every time I step outside, I thank God for the chance to be here, to be doing something fun and still worthwhile. I thank him for this beautiful creation of his and that I get to enjoy it every single day.

I’ve been to a few restaurants, to a beach on the bay, and for a walk along the bay. I’m going a lot of places alone, but the only thing different about that is that I’m going places. I spent so much time in Morgantown alone, but I didn’t have anywhere to go, or the desire to go anywhere I should say. So the aloneness isn’t new. But the activity is. The ease with which I share things with people, and how open I am- that’s new. It’s like, by only living here for 13 weeks, I have nothing to lose. So why not go ahead and put my whole self out there. Nothing to lose. There’s a freedom in being alone; a freedom in knowing I’ll be moving on soon. It’s bringing out a confidence that I knew I was capable of. 

So Boris and I are pretty happy. I thought it might be hard to feel "at home" someplace where I didn't have my belongings, a new place with loaner furniture and all. But it's been surprisingly easy. Hasn't even been 2 weeks and I already feel it. Boris certainly does- that's him enjoying his new patio. Notice the grin on his face- he's loving being a Florida dog.

It's like Christmas Eve as a kid

I finally hit the road tomorrow, for real this time. Not like when I left Morgantown, since I've only made it as far as Pittsburgh since then. I had a lot of down time, some time to recover from the mania of the last few weeks of packing, paperwork and finishing up my job at Ruby. I've still been somewhat productive but have managed to get in a few naps.
I have my route planned and I got my new address today, so I actually know where I'm going. I've spent the afternoon (since waking up from my nap) googling pictures of my new neighborhood and apartment complex. I'm so very excited to be in that sunshiney climate again- all the pictures are just overwhelmingly blue and green.
I'll be stopping in NC for a night tomorrow, then in GA for another night Sunday, then I'll arrive at my new home Monday, in time to get Boris settled in and learn a few of the roads before starting work on Wednesday.

Boris seems to be pretty happy with the whole thing so far. He's totally unfazed by everything we've been through this last week and is still happy as can be.

Last quilt-related post for a while

I finally found a travel position, and all the pieces fell into place, so I'll be moving to Tampa in just a few weeks! I've been working toward this for so long, I can hardly say that it's happening quickly, but it's soon anyway. There's sooooo much to do, but one of my priorities was finishing this quilt so that I could pack up my sewing room. My travel assignments will be 13 weeks each, and I'm driving so I can only take what will fit in my car while still leaving room for Boris. So my sewing gear is going into storage (minus one box of WIPs that's going to my mom's sewing room for when I'm on breaks). I'm very sad to be stowing my sewing machine after it's brought me so much joy these last few years, but it's all for a good reason and I hope to be so busy exploring my new cities that it won't leave a gap in my life.

So I'm tweaking my blog a little bit. I'll still post whatever I'm crocheting/knitting (yay for portable crafts!) but I'm also going to post my travels. I feel so lucky and blessed to have this opportunity; hopefully I'll have all kinds of fun and cool things to update on here- if not, then rest assured that I'm just too busy to blog, not that I'm having a horrible time.

So here's the quilt that I finished just in the nick of time. I sent it off to be quilted, then had to do the binding before packing the machine up. I think it was a good project to send it off with.

It's coming with me. I'm bringing a few blankets for decorations, to make wherever I am feel like home. Is there any better way to feel cozy than to snuggle up under a handmade blanket?

Scarf Crazy

I've been on a crochet scarf kick. I love how fast they are, and how endless the possibilities are.

I made a hat to go with this one, too, but left it at work, so I couldn't get a picture of it.

This one I just picked an open crochet stitch and used some leftover yarn I had hanging around.

I finally finished knitting Anne Shirley. I loved making this- the pattern repeat was simple enough that I memorized it, but interesting enough that it was still fun to knit. And I love the fact that it can be worn without blocking, because I hate blocking. So instead I'm going for the more shibori-like effect, which I actually like- the texture is great.

Haven't used my sewing machine much lately because I've been obsessed with finishing this, and I'm so happy that I did.
I'm expecting two exciting packages in the mail this week: I ordered some batting to finish a project or two and some extra supplies to make $50 so I could get free shipping; and the quilt top that I sent off to be quilted is on its way back to me, so I'll just have to bind it and it'll be done. I started this one over a year ago so I'm beyond excited to complete it. Pictures to follow, naturally.

I made the Awesome Lap Quilt from the Moda Bakeshop with the jelly roll of Plume that I won a few weeks ago. I love the fabrics- they're even more vibrant than they appear in the photos.  

Today I'm going to add the borders to the Mozambique quilt, then I'll have 3 quilt tops recently completed that need to be finished, and I guess I'll change my focus for a little bit from piecing to quilting. I really have a lot to learn in that realm, so I'm going to have to throw myself into it wholeheartedly. Wish me luck ;)

I love birds

I fell in love with this bird fabric the first time I saw it ages ago; after pointing it out and drooling over it a million times I finally broke down and bought it. I wanted large blocks to show off the birds as much as possible.

When (if) it stops snowing, I'm going to take it to my local quilt shop to try to find a backing for it. If there's nothing there that'll go with it, I'll order the complement in the Rumba line by Hoodie for Blank Quilting. I'd like the immediate gratification of finding something local, though. With the smaller size of this, I might even be able to quilt it myself. 

I came home to some new fabrics that I ordered, too. Poppies in the Spice colorway by Michael Miller, that made me swoon when I saw it. So maybe today will see me cutting into that. Or into the jelly roll that I won. We'll see what the day brings...I love being able to sew on these snowy days when the thought of going outside makes me cringe. It brings some warmth to my life.

A sunny cold day and some fat quarters

First off, I won some awesome fabric from Lilac Lane in the SewMamaSew Giveaway Day. I was pretty stoked to win, since there were hundreds of entrants to each giveaway I visited. So I'm looking forward to getting that package in the mail, thanks Lilac Lane!

When I want to pick up a new little project but don't know what to do, I usually stand at my ironing board pressing fabrics- fat quarters or scraps or any little leftovers- until inspiration hits. I wound up with 6 fat quarters, cut them up and made half square triangles with them.

Then I had moments of pure joy playing with the squares and realizing that I have soooo many possibilities for layout.

I can do squares:

Or stripes:

Or pinwheels:

Or alternate the triangles:

There's probably even more I can do. How am I going to decide? The fun part will be piecing them all together. I don't think it'll wind up to be very big, so I don't know what I'll do with it, but sometimes it's more about the process than the end results. And sometimes it's the other way around.

Layout for the Moz blocks

I laid out the blocks I cut to get an idea for how they should be arranged. I think I hit the nail on the head on the first try. They look stunning together, don't they? A little lopsided and wonky because I had to lay them out on the bed, over my soft, cozy, warm, inviting bedspread that I got to linger in this morning, thanks to getting called off work. It was a perfect day to sleep in, and now it's a perfect day to get sewing.

Little Box- perfect snowy afternoon project

I made a little box from a tutorial on ps I quilt; I left off the handles because I wanted a box for my coffee table odds 'n' ends instead of a little mini-tote. 

There's nothing in the picture for context, but it's small- about as wide as my hand is long. It was a fun little afternoon project.

Gettin' My Mozambique On

After staring at these fabrics for a few months now, I got up the guts to start cutting. I wanted to keep the integrity of the designs, since they're so beautiful in and of themselves, so I wanted large blocks. I cut each of the small-patterned fabrics into 12" squares; I have 15 squares of each of those 3 prints = 45 12" squares to start from.

The fabric with the clover-shaped design wouldn't allow for squares to be cut around the design because of how they were laid out against each other, so I thought about fussy-cutting them and then appliqueing them. Now, I'm thinking the design might be too big to applique them all on...

I might have to wait until the squares are put together to decide how/how many of this design to applique. But since I can't get straight edges/square corners out of this, I think applique is my only option.

Again, any thoughts/comments/suggestions are welcome- I like brainstorming ideas; I love to hear what other people think when they see something.

On another note: starting this blog has altered the way I look at my projects and the way I process them in my head. I'm now in love with taking pictures as I go along and spending time looking at the pictures and processing it that way. It provides me a very different perspective- a bonus to starting this blog that I never anticipated.

Not crafty, just life-altering

I got news today, finally, from the South Carolina Nursing Board. I've been waiting for almost 12 weeks for my license, for no apparent reason, and they said it would be issued today. I almost starting crying on the phone with Karen Jean from the LLR as she told me it would be issued today and mailed tomorrow. Suddenly, the weight of all the stress and worry and sadness about not being able to move forward with my life just came pouring out of me in a torrent of tears. I felt foolish for crying but I couldn't stop. Suddenly, there was hope for me; a light at the end of Morgantown; a tremendous feeling of anticipation.

So from here it will be small steps finding the right position with the recruiter who has the best options for me. Then, BAM, it'll be time for me to move. There's a lot to be done so I need to garner all my energy to make it happen, but I'm hoping that it'll happen fast enough that I don't have time to slow down. I've been nothing BUT slow lately, wallowing in the hopelessness that I was feeling about my situation. I had really begun to stand still myself while I felt my life was at a standstill. But no more. In a show of faith that it'll all work out I started some more packing today. Of course, I only succeeded in making a HUGE mess of the dining room, but, hey, what can I expect.

I have some fears, naturally. But I know deep in my soul that I'm doing the right thing so I'm going to cling to that to get me through the hard times and scary times.

That, and the thought of some sunshine this winter!

Throwback

I've always looked at little quilted pictures, where some interesting fabric is framed by some other fabrics, and have been wanted to do something similar but never seemed to remember that when I was picking out new projects. But it finally came to me while I was thinking of what to do with that awesome grey fabric I bought a little while back. I found some fabric to coordinate, but as it was predominantly white I didn't want to do anything large with it. So I thought it'd make the perfect frame.

Then I used my newly acquired and still shaky free motion quilting skills to quilt it. There's another one to come, but progress had to be halted in order to watch a nerve-wracking Steelers game. But it was a pretty quick project, and with a 2nd one to match I think it'll make for some pretty cool wall decor. I put grommets in the top corners and some sheer ribbon, but the hooks that I hung it on are obviously not what I will use- it was just what happened to be available for me to snap a quick photo of it.

Go Steelers!