What's Going On

I've been largely absent here lately. My shift change has taken longer to get used to than I thought but I think I'm starting to get into a routine I can thrive in. My free time has been spent knitting. Last time I shared the projects I have planned for Mad May and I'm working on checking off that list. As a bonus, there is a contest to go along with the KALs for the most FOs. So far, I have finished nine things and am in various stages of more. I started the month with a goal of finishing ten knits, which will be easily met. Now I'm shooting for fifteen. FO posts will have to wait until June for these, and the ever-growing stack of knits that have been waiting all year.

In addition to my knitting, spring has finally came to the Red River Valley. Getting off work while the sun is still up makes it hard to want to be inside. Of course we are on a rush into summer, where everyone here will soon be complaining about the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes (versus snow, bitter cold, and wind).


This month will also bring a bit of travel. I have to go to Minneapolis for a few days for work again and this time I will be going alone. I need to drive down on a Sunday so I will have an extra day to visit old and new places in the area. For all the time I have spent in the Twin Cities, there are still things I haven't seen, so I'm taking advantage of this. I'm staying by the Mall of America and will be skipping going there (for the millionth time) though. Rain is in the forecast the entire time I will be visiting, but I still hope to get some photographs to share.


The other trip I have planned is to head into Canada to visit Winnipeg, Manitoba. Again, this is a city I have visited many times in my lifetime, but it has been awhile since my last visit. In addition to seeing the city, I have some side trips in mind that are off the interstate.

To be honest, I have plans for many exploratory trips this summer. It seems my over-planning has moved from projects to travel. I do still have many projects in the great queue in my head and can't wait to get to them starting in June. As much as I love to knit, I miss creating in other ways.

Another post may come in May, but more likely won't be until June. See you soon!

On Free Time and a Little Stashing

I briefly mentioned in my last post that I've made some changes to how my free time is spent. I'm going to share that but first show some of my recent stash acquisitions. Don't let the lack of yarn fool you; I have welcomed more skeins into my life than I would rather publicly admit.

I got my fabrics for the Road to Round Rock QAL. I don't care for the polka dot print with the others, which was not my first choice anyway. I got notification that the print I wanted is back in stock, so it's on its way to me now. The QAL just started today so there is time to join in if you want.


A few other fabrics snuck along for a ride. I love everything that Lizzy House comes up with, so of course I had to get some of her Constellations prints.


I also bought some new books. I have only paged through these but hope to dig in soon.


As for my free time, or should I say time I am not at work/sleeping/taking care of the house, I'm taking a different approach. The way things have been going, I have only been knitting, which is fine, but it means I don't work on any of the (many!) sewing projects I have on deck. After brainstorming over why this is, I decided that I waste the free time I have before going to work each day. I don't spend that time knitting since I like to knit in large chunks of time so instead, I just relax and really, waste a couple hours each weekday.

Knowing this, I decided to try sewing in the time before work. With sewing, I find I am satisfied with a shorter time window. In an hour or two, I can sew enough seams without ironing, and then the next session I can iron them out. Cutting is also something that I can only do for so long, so doing that before work has been great.

I don't have any fruits of my labor to show really, other than the Sugar Block Club blocks I shared last time, but I can say the past couple weeks have been very productive for sewing projects. This way, I also get to spend a couple hours after work knitting without guilt. (Guilt over not sewing, that is.)


Another new thing is an updated smart phone. My old one (the smaller one with the cracked screen) wasn't useful for doing much online. With my new one, it's easier for me to type on the screen so I have been working into the habit of using it to answer emails and read blogs. Some days this has been useful, but it all depends on the time I have to check up on things. Most of that time is at work, so if the office is not busy, I am able to be on my phone.

And you know what else a new phone means, right? I new phone case. As you can tell, my old one won't quite work any more.

Thanksgiving Visit

    The images here were taken on Thanksgiving on our visit to Chad's father's gravesite. This cemetary is located next to the farm he grew up on and is the resting place of many of his family and neighbors. I am sharing them for a couple reasons. One, I just love images of rural North Dakota. I live in the heavily populated area of the state and being out there is heaven to me. Second, I also am enamored with the history of this area. I won't go too deep into it other than to mention it's the epicenter of the German-Russian immigration into America. The iron crosses are an homage to their culture and are sprinkled over the surrounding counties. I also love the German on this one. Languages get me every time.

When Risks Pay Off and What Would You Do With Ten Days of No Obligations

A couple weeks ago, I took a huge risk. I put notice in at my job without having another lined up. My co-workers were shocked and in this economy, I don't blame them. Even living in an area with the lowest unemployment rate in the country, it isn't the best idea. However, that's the point I hit and this had been discussed to death with Chad over whether it could be done. I wasn't worried at all and really wouldn't have been worried until deep into December when my safety dwindled.

It turns out that by taking this risk is what lead me to getting a new job. Through a contact in the industry I work in, I was brought in to meet his boss and this week an offer was made and accepted. And as a bonus, I don't start until after Thanksgiving so I get a ten day vacation. I'm excited to start my new position and that taking a chance paid off in a good way. Of course, I am sad to have left my old employer and saying goodbye isn't my favorite thing to do. This is pretty much how I felt yesterday:

On to my ten day break. What would you do with all that free time? Traveling is out so I plan on spending my time catching up with everything: housework, friendships, and creative pursuits. Aside from Thanksgiving Day, I don't have any obligations.

My plans include finishing the reorganization of my creative spaces, finishing a quilt top and maybe two, finishing one or two knit projects, taking photographs of any lingering FOs, many walks with my dogs, and giving our house a deep clean. There is also an afternoon spent with a friend to look forward to and lots of time with Chad.

Once I start my new job, I will be gaining 20 hours a week compared to my previous job. That's a lot of time to be doing the things I love, which means I will be around here more often than I have been. Boy have I missed sharing what I'm doing and seeing what you are up to.

So my question to you today is, what would you do with all this free time?

A Little Change of Weather

Would you believe me if I said 48 hours ago it was 80 degrees outside? Maybe if I wasn't sharing this view from this morning...

We got our first taste of winter already and it is only to the delight of Angus (at least in my household). I am ready to hibernate as is Jameson, who wouldn't even slow down long enough to be captured here.

I'm working a different shift this week, covering for another supervisor, so everything is off kilter. I haven't touched any project all week but did manage to snap a couple photos of what I have been making progress on.

I started knitting up the hand part of one of my gloves. This really could be a quick knit if I sat down with it.

Instead, I have been working on my garter stitch scarf. I only have a little ball left compared to what there was so this project will be coming off the needles by the end of this weekend.

There are a few posts I have up my sleeve that I'm going to try to get to in the next week. One of which is my recap for the 3rd quarter of the Finish-a-long. I also bought some new art supplies and have been craving some time to draw.

I am off to bed (dang overnights) and will see you this weekend!

Finding Balance

I feel like I have written about this before and if I did, it was under different circumstances. I can't believe it's been three weeks since I have posted and honestly, I haven't even turned on my computer much in that time. The balance of my time is weighted heavily towards my job. There is some light, however, as I will be (finally) training someone to take over my old job duties. Yes, I have been doing the work of two people the past month.

Instead of feel completely frustrated though, I have been trying to look at this break as a good thing. There are days where I am crabby because I do nothing but work, sleep, and eat, but they have been few. I have been thinking about direction, listening to my heart about the things I want to do, as well as sketch and write out ideas when I can. The time will come when I can bring these ideas to life. Until then, I will continue to evaluate and edit.

The focus of my free time has been finishing my last project for Camp Loopy. The deadline to finish is Monday and I have under 20 long rows left to knit. It is doable but I will be relish the freedom to work on multiple things instead of be monogamous to a project. (It is a pride thing for me to finish, not that I am feeling pressure from anyone else. Also, a free skein of yarn as a bonus for finishing in time.)

I went to our local Fiber Fest a couple weeks ago. I put myself on a budget but found it wasn't really necessary. I bought a few things and looked at all the exhibits but was disappointed in it. I was hoping for more independent sellers and instead found more LYSs selling goods that I could buy anytime.

My haul is a skein of wool (purple/red skein), 100% alpaca (brown), corn fiber (white/blue), and a needle felting kit put together by a local artist I admire. I have projects lined up for these yarns already so they will not linger too long in my stash. The alpaca is a dream to touch and the corn fiber intrigues me. Both are produced locally.

Next weekend is my favorite of the year and one I look forward to weeks in advance: the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher's Reunion in Rollag, MN. (For my posts last year click here.) The feature this year is Farmall/International Harvester, which is what we own. Chad has been working on getting the tractor running so we can have it in the parade in addition to bringing it to the grounds to show.

I'm excited to spend a weekend with Chad surrounded by steam engines and "slow work". I will be bringing my camera to capture images as well as my sketchbook. The only thing that would make it better is if I could bring Jameson and Angus with. I am, however, planning on a few weekends this fall spent at various state parks. It's too hot and humid to have them out walking all day right now.

Speaking of next weekend, that reminds me that I still have work to share from my summer drawing class. I used images from last year as references for some pieces.

Aside from knitting I did manage to sew up a box pouch using Kaelin's tutorial, which I have had bookmarked ever since she posted it. It's the perfect size to fit my knitting notions and was very easy to put together.

How easy it was for a post intended to be about balance to turn into a random mish-mash of thoughts. I hope all is going well with you and yours and until next time, enjoy the ebb and flow of live.

xo

A Magical Moment

These photos have nothing to do with this post. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me, so you will have to imagine the magic I experienced. Plus, you have to admit my dogs are adorable and so gracious to be modeling my shawl for me. Photos of me wearing it will come soon.

Today I experienced a little magic. Amazing considering my mood and the fact that I didn't want to be around anyone (save for Chad and my dogs). But, Chad's family had planned a little milestone birthday celebration for him (40th) and a couple other family members who hit 30 and 50.

The party took place at a lake in Minnesota. One day I will share the lake country with you some more. It is beautiful and green, with gently rolling hills. So unlike the flat plains that I reside on. This landscape change is just miles away and holds all of the lakes that Minnesota is famous for. (Seriously, forget the Twin Cities [Minneapolis/St. Paul] if you come visit. Please visit the state parks and enjoy the outdoors. If city life is in your travel plans, I do recommend Duluth, which sits on Lake Superior, housing the amazing Splitrock Lighthouse.)

The big highlight for me was not the party at all. The heat and humidity truely ruined any chance of me wanting to be outside. But then we were told of a bald eagle's nest on the lake that has three young eagles. A trip out on the pontoon was in the plans and I couldn't wait.

This is where I wish I had a camera. Imagine looking ahead and seeing water as still as glass. The reflection of the lush, green trees are mirrored in it's surface. The only sounds are the gentle purr of the pontoon motor and the sporadic loon calls (my favorite sound). You are the only vessel on the water.

Slowly, you pass by secluded cabins and bunches of dead trees still clinging to the earth. You are taken around a corner and nestled in one of the dead trees - a massive truck with branches still reaching to the sky - is the largest nest you have ever seen. Surrounding the nest are three eagles with their wings slightly spread, motionless like statues decorating a building. Nowhere to be found are the mother and father eagles. It is still silent. The sun is starting to set, casting a glow upon everything, amplifing everything - the colors, the reflections, the eagles standing proud on their tree.

Trolling along the lake shore, you go back around the corner and are finally able to breathe. Magic, pure and simple. The kind that probably couldn't be captured with a camera and an experience you are not soon to forget...

Seriously, if I could have had all of you with me today, I would have jumped at the chance. I am still in awe and will continue to be for some time. This is life and how I want to live out my days. Finding magic and seeing it with my own eyes.

Studio Sunday: Painting Final

Today I'm going to show you my final project for my painting class. I do want to warn you in advance that if you are easily offended by foul language or sensitive to certain subjects, that one of my pieces is dealing with my past. It is going to be the last project I share in this post, so feel free to look at only the first project if this is the case.

We had to come up with two projects for our final critique. The first was our choice. Everyone had to submit a proposal, which was given feedback and only one person had to completely change their proposed project. My project was to hand paint fabrics and turn those in to at least five items. I did only get five done in time but would have done more if I could have fit them in.

I didn't think to take photos of the fabrics prior to cutting and sewing them. I also used different techniques to apply paint, which made for different results. The fabric bases were different as well. I pretty much wanted a variety of things to play around with.

I first painted yardage of a white cotton. I bought a quilting weight, though not Kona as it wasn't on sale, so there is a difference in the feel of it. I watered down the paint and applied it broadly, hoping for more color mixing than I got. I wanted a fabric that had reds, blues, and purples, but the red and blue weren't going purple easily. So instead, I went with the patriotic theme and added random stars and stripes.

Out of this fabric, I decided I could make two things. First I made a gathered clutch, which was adapted from Noodlehead's tutorial. Her tutorial makes a smaller clutch than what I wanted to make, so I basically just used her idea of gathering the front piece and placing a strip of fabric over it. I didn't follow her directions for assembly (or really even read them) since I just made it the same as any other zippered pouch I've made.

The inside is lined with the same fabric. I thought about using something else, but in the spirit of making everything out of fabrics I have painted, I didn't.

The second item I made was the Pocket Clutch from Keyka Lou (though now I see she has changed her business name to Michelle Patterns). I did follow the instructions she gives, though I changed the interfacing and batting to just fusible fleece. Oh, and I also put the snap in prior to when her instructions suggest. There are some other construction steps I would change when I make another one of these. Again, the inside is the same fabric.

The second fabric I painted was a linen blend apparel weight fabric. I decided I wanted to have more control over what the final project looked like, so I first cut out the pieces and then painted them. I wanted more of a washed look so I wet down the linen before I started. I used another Noodlehead pattern for this one, this time the 241 Tote.

My inspiration for this one came from a photo I took while walking. I saw these bright tulips against some concrete and tried to portray them. Chad told me it looks like I dropped the purse in dirt and that's all I see now too. I do like the style of this bag and will make more in the future.
I then painted some yardage of white knit. I wanted to make a tank top using the pattern from Wiksten. The pattern seems to be written with wovens in mind, so I pretty much only used the pattern pieces and then assembled it as I saw fit. I did make a muslin first, using a cheap knit from Walmart. (I actually love the muslin so I will be finishing it to wear. I will share that once I do.) I'm glad I did because I did have to lengthen it and also cut the neckline a little higher.

I honestly don't care much for it right now. I have some ideas of how to tweak it to make it better for me. I think part of the reason I'm iffy is that I don't normally wear shirts that are so loose. I think this makes my upper body look incredibly large, and is only worse if I don't have a cardigan over it. The neckline with this knit is also pretty baggy.

I did wear it to critique though and the rest of the day. So, I could say this meets the "I Will Wear It in Public" challenge, but I know I can do better for that. Let's just call this one a trial.

The final piece I did for this project was an art quilt. I took a piece of canvas and started applying color to it. I went with the colors that I am loving right now: a deep red, mustard yellow, and gray. After the paint dried, I took it to my sewing machine to add some stitching. I used threads that matched each painted area and sewed a bit of each in the colors. To finish I then layered it with another piece of canvas and then zigzagged the edges together.

I love the look of it and am thinking of other directions I can take this.

Now for my second project. This one was a collaborative project with an assigned artist. Unlike a true collaboration, we did not meet with the other artist, but instead were to take something from their work and combine it with what we already do. This could have been materials used, a style, or philosophy. He didn't want us to outright copy the work of the artist (which some of my classmates did).

My artist was Sue Williams. Most of her art stems from the abuse that she suffered over her life. The worst of which was a boyfriend that shot her and left her for dead. My instructor had no idea that I grew up in an abusive household and also dated abusive men, until I decided it all had to change. I knew what I had to paint for this project, even though I don't like putting all of this out there for the world to see. This semester has been a reflection of sorts on my past, which has been helpful but also uncomfortable. I think I do still need to explore these issues but keep the outcome to myself in the future.

I had this vision come to mind of getting out the things that have been said to me that have stuck. These are not made up (which someone in class thought) and were said by my parents, step-mother, sister, some other family, former friends, and ex-boyfriends. I don't remember if I have shared that my mother is bipolar, which amplified what she would say to me at times. It's not an excuse in my opinion, just fact.


It felt really good to get all of this down and out of my head. I was really nervous about critique though because it's a sensitive subject and I am putting it in the viewer's face. This painting is about 6' high to give you an idea of size. Any smaller and it wouldn't have had the pow that I knew it deserved. To prepare myself for class, I just kept telling myself that there isn't anything a relative stranger could tell me that is any worse than any of the things on my painting.

Before I started the painting, I thought I might burn it to release the words but now I'm not so sure. I think instead I will burn the notes I made prior to starting it. That also holds these words, and more as I couldn't fit everything here.

That wraps up my painting class. Next Saturday I will share my projects for photography. Our critique isn't until Wednesday and I am still finishing up my pieces. We have to make five different pieces dealing with how we are now.

I hope your Sunday is a good one. We are off to rural North Dakota for a confirmation and then back to our normal Sunday routine.

Studio Saturday and a Tour of My Sewing Space

I don't have many photos to share about my studio projects this week, so I thought I would show you around my sewing room as well. I still don't have everything up on the walls that I want to hang because I am undecided on what will go where. Also, this is how it looks every day once I have tidied up from each sewing session. I didn't make it spick and span because that wouldn't be real. So yes, there are piles of things lying around and stuff crammed in places. Basically, if you were to pop over unannounced to my home, this is how you would find the room.

My sewing room is just off of our living room. Our house is small; just a bedroom, kitchen, living room, my sewing room and a half bath upstairs. Our full bath is in our basement, which is not finished aside from the bathroom. And actually, Chad said when he bought the house (which a family of three lived in!), my sewing room was a second bedroom. He blocked off the closet in it in order to expand the closet space in our bedroom.

It is very bright in these photos because the sun was out in full force (thus changing my plans for the day again) and I have the advantage of two windows.

This is the doorway into my space. We have horseshoes over most of our doorways. And (real) wood paneling, which I know most people hate, but I love. The +B you see here burned into the wall is the brand that Chad now owns and was his family's brand when he was growing up.

And the entire room from the doorway. As you can see, the space itself is pretty tiny, but I love that I have my own room to work in. There isn't a door either, so I don't feel like the walls are closing in on me. The ceiling is pretty low. I'm 5'10" and the ceiling barely clears my head. Perils of living in an old house, I guess.

My stash, aside from the the apparel yardage that is waiting to be washed. I also have my fabrics that I will be dyeing over the summer in the basement so I don't mix them up with everything else. Scraps are downstairs too, in a dresser that used to house most of these fabrics. Until I put everything on the shelves, I thought I didn't have much fabric. Now I think I don't need to buy any for a long time. On the floor in the basket next to my ironing board are all of my apparel patterns. There are not organized at all and I probably should destash some of them.

This is my sewing table, which Chad built for me. It's taller than a table you would find in a store so that my long legs can fit comfortably under it. I covered it in vinyl to give it a nicer surface. And under the table is the basket of future projects. Most of them I haven't blogged about and are sorted into plastic bags by project. So yes, more fabric is shoved in there, but I believe once the projects are completed, I won't have much scrap from there.

I need to organize the shelves in this corner again, but that isn't a priority.

And finally, my fabulous sewing machine. She isn't a stunner in terms of features, but I love her and could not ask for a better machine for me. I bought her used from a sew and vac store and didn't want all the computerized features that are on newer machines.

So that's my sewing space. Of course I would love to have more room to work in, but this is great considering our living space. In our next house, we have already discussed how we both need more room to work. Chad is outgrowing the garage and really could use a seperate shop. We want to move to the country so we will have to wait until then to have the space we want.

Now onto my school update. In all three of my studios, we are working on final projects, which are pretty involved.

In sculpture, we are building a dwelling from wood and another material. I need to make a small model of it still, but my inspiration is coming from this seed pod.

I wanted to think of dwelling beyond a house and instead as a place that houses life. What better than a seed pod that houses so much life. Plus, I love the space of this one so much. Can I pull it off? That is yet to be determined. My other material will be fabric.

In photography we are to make five pieces that speak about who we are right now in our lives. I am still not sure what I'm going to do, though I did sketch out some good and bad ideas. I need to revisit those tomorrow and flesh them out.

In painting, we have two final projects. The first is one that we are to come up with ourselves. We all had to submit a proposal, which he gave feedback on. My project is going to be at least five pieces. I'm going to paint various fabrics and then turn them into various items. I have it in mind to make a top, a couple purses, and an art quilt. I have to go pick up fabrics and textile paint before I can start this.

The second project is a collaboration with the ideas/styles of an assigned artist. My artist is Sue Williams, who is a painter that made it big in the early 1980's with her in-your-face style of art. She was physically and sexually abused throughout her life, even being shot by a boyfriend, before she sought therapy to change these patterns. I am not a fan of most of her work as it's very graphic. I would share an example, but it isn't appropriate for all eyes. If you are curious, here is a link to one of the galleries that represents her work.

My painting for this project will be dealing with the abuse that I have endured over my life. This is starting to be a theme for this semester, mostly unintentionally. I'm a little nervous about critique for this one, as what I have planned is pretty bold for me.

I have a lot of work to do and only a few weeks to get it done. But at least I'm sneaking in some sewing to these projects, so that will make up for not being able to work on other projects as much.

That's all for this week. I finished a little something earlier today, and depending on the weather tomorrow, I will show you what it is. We are due to get some of the rain that has been sweeping the middle of the country.

Hope your weekend is going well!

TTT: Mind Jumble

Sometimes, it's best if I just get out all the thoughts in my head. Now, I won't be sharing everything with you because I doubt you would want to read it all. I just need to focus a little and these topics may be relevant to others.

Habits: both good and bad. I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking about changing habits. I have made progress over the years to shed some of them that I developed growing up. When you are raised by a parent with bi-polar disorder, despite not suffering the same ills, you do still alter behaviors to suit them. It sucks but all can be overcome with time and persistance. Not that I'm blaming all of my habits on my upbringing, mind you.

One way I used to "deal" with my childhood was by drinking, and at times, using various drugs to basically forget it all. I would not classify myself as being an alcoholic or anything, though there were times I did drink daily with friends. I started this at a young age with friends who came from similar households. We didn't talk too much about our parents, but we all just knew. This continued until my mid-20's when I decided enough was enough. I was getting to the point where I didn't want to spend my free time in a bar doing the same thing and socializing with the same people day in and day out.

I successfully dropped this habit and started confronting my issues head on. This was what prompted me to cut myself from contact with my family as things were just not changing on their end. I've talked more about this before (and like I've said before, I do not want to hear that I'm doing the wrong thing but if you have more questions, I am willing to answer them). I am possibly doing another piece for school that deals more with the abuse I have encountered over the years, expanding into the abusive relationships I had with men during this time.

I didn't really mean for this to get so personal... but I'm a believer in being honest and since this is a series of habits that I have overcome, I think it's important to get down. There are other things I want to work on; habits to change and develop that will be vital to me eventually working for myself. As much as I like to learn on my own through experience, sometimes it may be better to learn from someone else. Rachel posted today about a book she is working though that sounds interesting to me and that I will be picking up soon myself.

Master or a Jill-of-all-trades. I've mentioned many times how I love to learn and explore new things. This has been a life-long trait and one that I do not want to go away. However, I think I'm hitting the point in my life where my explorations need to be more focused on a few things.

(As a side note: I went through a similar, though smaller, experience when it comes to music. When I was a teen, I loved to listen to everything. I used to want a huge library of music and soaked it all up. Then, as time went on, I have noticed that my tastes have narrowed. This is what I'm sensing in other parts of my life.)

I have one thing as an example of something that I really don't need to learn. I hate cars. Everything about them, including driving. Unfortunately, where I live, it is almost a necessity to have one. Not impossible, mind you, but almost with the schedule I have. Our public transportation does not run around the clock and does not cover all areas. I work in city limits but the bus does not come anywhere near my workplace. Despite hating cars, I used to think it would be fun to learn how to restore an older car and then maintain it. But why? In my head this may sound fun, but I do know myself and it really wouldn't be what I think it is.

So in addition to everything else I have going on, I have been trying to take time to examine my interests and those things I think I want to pursue. Essentially, I try to do too much at times and then I want to take on even more? We all have a limited time on this planet and I am in the process of deciding how I want to spend that time.

Well I think I have rambled on enough for today. I am in great need of a walk before I go to work for the evening. Feel free to weigh in on these topics, if you wish, and if Becca posts today, I will be linking up with her for Thursday Think Tank.

Scenes From a Sunday

I spent most of Sunday in my sewing room working on this and that. Here's a couple sneak peeks of my mini for the Mini QT Swap on Flickr. The theme is movies and in this swap we know who are partner is. I don't want to show too much because she will definately know what I'm up to. These two photos are prior to any stitching.

I also took a long walk with my dogs. Angus found a new piece of rawhide that some other dog must have lost. He carried it back home and settled on the grass to start working on it. We don't allow rawhide in the house. Jameson was a bit put off because there was only one piece, but anytime I've had some for both, they still fight over the same one. He was forced to stay indoors until Angus was finished chewing, then I switched them around and let Jameson chew for awhile.
Chad took my bicycle out of the shed and filled my tires so I can start riding for the season. Because of it, I took a ride before the sun set. I didn't go far because I honestly am not in the best shape for a long ride. This is on my list of goals for the summer though and I start that goal today. Nothing can happen until you start, after all.

My weekend was relaxing despite how much work I did in the sewing room and kitchen. How was your weekend?

I've Been Tagged!

I was planning on writing out answers to the questions Jennie at Clover & Violet posted for her linky when I discovered that Toni tagged me in her post. So, I'm going to answer 22 random questions.

To break it up, I have some test shots I took today for my photography project. We are doing portraits and I decided to do two self portraits showing my relationship with each of my dogs. These turned out ok but I'm leaning towards taking some in film and then processing them. To sum it up, I'm holding Jameson because he is a little needy and loves to cuddle. Angus is sitting still only because I'm holding a treat. I want to show his perky personality in the final images and him begging is pretty spot on for that.

Questions from Jennie:

1. When you look at your stash, is there one color that dominates it?

I don't think any single color stands out. I love all colors though some are not as represented as others. I would say I have the least of oranges and yellows.

2. If you didn't quilt, what other artsy/crafty pursuit would you follow?

Well, I already do other things. I sew all types of items, I knit and crochet, love embroidery, drawing and painting, cooking and baking...

3. If you could hire a maid to clean only one part of your house, what would it be?

Bathrooms, hands down.

4. If you do/did work a 9-5 job, what is it/would it be?

I guess you could consider my "9-5" to be school and then I also work Monday-Friday evenings in the transportation industry. I do paperwork all night, which is a good balance to all of the creativity required during the day. My dream job would be to have a small farm and be able to run that and work as an artist.

5. What is the oldest item of clothing that you continue to wear?

I still wear a jacket that once belonged to my father in college. He bought it new in the late 1960's and aside from a small tear, it looks brand new. I took ownership of it when I was a teenager.

6. What is your dream vacation spot?

Just one spot? I can't pick just one, so it would be either Wales or the interior of Brazil.

7. What does your sewing space look like right now {optional: post a picture!}?

It's a mess right now. I have little free time and spend that trying to make things versus organizing. I have projects all over the place. No picture because of it!

8. If you could change your first name, what would you choose?

I used to want my name to be Kelly but I think I'm find with Katie/Katherine now.

9. If I visited your hometown, where would you take me?

Hmm... we would not stay in my hometown and instead go to one of the nearby state parks. I suppose I could also show you the sights, but there isn't much to see. I suppose we could go to one of the bars I used to hang out at. It's a biker bar with a bad reputation, but that's just the assumption from people who have never been inside.

10. How did you get started quilting?

I just decided to give it a try one day. No one in my family quilts so I don't have anyone who would have taught me.

11. What is your go-to dinner {share the recipe if so inclined!}?

I don't really have a go-to dinner. I try to eat a variety of different things, which cycle through regularly. I also don't use recipes for food other than baked goods. I cook with my senses most of the time.

Questions from Toni:

1. What is your least favorite color?

I love all colors, but tend to shy away from neon colors, unless it's neon pink.

2. What is your dream vacation, and would you take anyone with you?

A trip around the world with Chad and my dogs. I have way too many destinations I want to visit.

3. What was your first car?

A 1980's Buick. It was a beast but I loved it. I drove it for eight years until the repairs needed cost more than the car was worth.

4. How did you meet your current partner/ love interest?

We met at a former friend's house, who is Chad's neighbor, at a Fourth of July gathering. Not too long beforehand I had sworn off dating anyone for awhile but we just clicked. It was refreshing to not date someone I met at a bar or party too, as my luck with boyfriends wasn't the best in those situations. Now that I'm living next to her, we no longer speak, but for reasons not related to him and I being in a relationship.

5. What is the worst injury you've ever had?

I'm accident prone and have had many injuries. The worst was probably when I dislocated my knee in high school. It still bothers me to this day too. I also broken both of my wrists, sprained ankles, had stitches, you name it.

6. What is your favorite snack?

Either carrots with hummus or some chocolate. Depends on if I want something sweet or savory.

7. Besides quilting, do you have any other hobbies?

Yes, I sure do. Reading, music (listening and playing), cooking/baking, other sewing, creating art, photography, playing with my dogs, exploring the outdoors.

8. What is your least favorite household chore?

Cleaning the bathrooms.

9. How close do you live to the place you grew up?

I live in the same town and a few miles away from my childhood home.

10. If you had to pick a favorite quilt, which one would it be?

None are coming to mind as favorites.

11. Do you have any pet peeves that you don't mind sharing?

I do not like fake people and drivers who do not use their turn signals.

Now my turn... I am to tag 11 people and give them 11 questions to answer.

1. Are you a morning or a night person?
2. If I were to visit your hometown, where would we go?
3. Did you play any sports growing up?
4. If you didn't make quilts, how would you use your creativity?
5. What's your favorite color and why?
6. Least favorite and why?
7. Where is your favorite place on earth to be?
8. How did you meet your sigificant other/love interest?
9. What is your dream job?
10. What is your favorite movie and why?
11. What is your favorite type of music?

I'm going to tag Janine (Rainbow Hare Quilts), Sana Saroti, Jenelle (Echinops and Aster), Allison (Dreaming in Patchwork), Erin (Billy Button Design), Norine (Five Baht Elephant), Debbie (A Quilter's Table), Krista (Krista Stitched), Kelli (Seriously..I think it needs stitches), Pam (Threading My Way), and Cindy (Tops to Treasures).

I'm looking forward to seeing your answers! I must get to work now and may be back with some progress to show tomorrow. Have a good day!

A Few Things

I know yesterday I wasn't sure if I would be posting much this week. Well, since Chad has left to be with his family for the week and I will not be joining him until the funeral Thursday, I found a few things to share. Yes, I already miss him and may actually get a lot done to just find a few distractions. He's not sure if he will be staying with his mother through the weekend either. Good thing I do have school and work too.

Anyway. I just got back from posting my swap package for Mouth Stitches. This had to get done today since we are expecting about a foot of snow tomorrow. I really hope she likes it and the scraps I sent along. The pouch finishes at 10"x8" and has a pocket on the inside.

Last week, I got a package from my friend Janine. She had asked me if I wanted some fabric she wasn't going to use. I had been waiting for it and was happy to finally see it. Mail seems to take forever to get to me sometimes. Thank you again! I can't wait to put it to good use.

I meant to post about this last week, but it slipped my mind. This is why I write every single thing down right now. Kelsey gave me the Liebster Award last week and then Debbie did the same thing over the weekend. Thank you, ladies!

This award is for bloggers with 200 or less followers. As a part of it, you have to thank and link back to the blogger who gave it to you as well as pass it along to five other deserving blogs.

I never like picking for things like this because I don't want to leave anyone out, but I will for this, and I will list them in alphabetical order. This isn't to say that there aren't more blogs that I think deserve this award, fyi.

1. Echinops and Aster - Jenelle has such talent and makes beautiful things. If I lived closer to her she might find some of them missing. ;)

2. Krista Stitched - Krista also makes amazing things. Just check out her Rose Star blocks.

3. Making Rebecca Lynne - Becca is currently making life's greatest thing: another baby. I am in love with the quilt top she just finished along with so many other items she has sewn.

4. Rainbow Hare - Janine is another talented sewist and a sweet woman. She told me about some of the challenges I've been trying to participate in but haven't managed.

5. Sana Saroti - Sana is not shares her creations, but she has given peeks into her life in Berlin as well as visits to her husband in Texas. Fingers crossed they are reunited for good soon.

That's all I have for today. I hope your week has stated off well!