Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sewing & Crafting of 2009
One more post before we say goodbye to 2009, a collection of some of this year's sewing and crafting!
Favorites of 2009
2009 was an interesting year. I welcome the new start that 2010 offers. Here are a few of my favorite photos from 2009.
I would like to record here a few goals that I have for myself for 2010.
*I need to stop making mountains out of molehills. No one is perfect, least of all myself, so to expect others to be is just silly. That means less time arguing and being upset and more time enjoying the company of the people I love.
*I would like to aim to spend at least an hour a week at the sewing machine. Often when I get busy I put crafting and sewing away but I've found that just a little bit can make me feel much better and less stressed.
*I'd like to try and take at least a photo a week. While most weeks this is far from a challenge, at times I have a hard time finding a moment to take photos.
*In 2010 I want to try new recipes and new foods. I have always been picky but I'm ready to expand my horizons! There are only so many different ways to make pasta!
*I want to spend less this year and recommit myself to Reducing, Reusing, & Recycling as much as I can.
*Finally, I want to slow down and try to maintain a lower stress level.
Thank you all for your support, this has been a fun year. I hope to continue to blog weekly this coming new year. A very Happy New Year to you and your families! :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Evergreen candle
Sound of: Lebron Interview!
Taste of: Strawberries
Sight of: George
Feel of: Flannel pajamas
Good Things about Today:
- Managed to get finish up some errands!
- Finished up my Yoga bag
- Took a nap with Black kitty
I would like to record here a few goals that I have for myself for 2010.
*I need to stop making mountains out of molehills. No one is perfect, least of all myself, so to expect others to be is just silly. That means less time arguing and being upset and more time enjoying the company of the people I love.
*I would like to aim to spend at least an hour a week at the sewing machine. Often when I get busy I put crafting and sewing away but I've found that just a little bit can make me feel much better and less stressed.
*I'd like to try and take at least a photo a week. While most weeks this is far from a challenge, at times I have a hard time finding a moment to take photos.
*In 2010 I want to try new recipes and new foods. I have always been picky but I'm ready to expand my horizons! There are only so many different ways to make pasta!
*I want to spend less this year and recommit myself to Reducing, Reusing, & Recycling as much as I can.
*Finally, I want to slow down and try to maintain a lower stress level.
Thank you all for your support, this has been a fun year. I hope to continue to blog weekly this coming new year. A very Happy New Year to you and your families! :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Evergreen candle
Sound of: Lebron Interview!
Taste of: Strawberries
Sight of: George
Feel of: Flannel pajamas
Good Things about Today:
- Managed to get finish up some errands!
- Finished up my Yoga bag
- Took a nap with Black kitty
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Flickr Favorites
1. another one, 2. Quilted coasters pink, 3. baby wonderland III, 4. red letter day 032, 5. Untitled, 6. Jacob's Coat Quilt-along, 7. Mermaids for Cathy, 8. Waiting for Christmas, 9. pillow
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Can you take a guess at what's been on my mind? :)
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Can you take a guess at what's been on my mind? :)
Tuesday
It was a pretty busy Tuesday. We were all over town running errands and getting things done. One hting we managed to squeeze in was picking me up a loose tea teapot! My Mom received one for Christmas along with a selection of loose teas and we have been trying them all out. I had no idea how much better loose tea tastes in comparison to tea bags. While at our local tea room we also picked up some Christmas tea, which is delicious. So far my favorite is strawberry. I'm excited to try new teas and work tea into my daily routine!
Another food item checked off the list today, spices! I have been without a spice rack or many spices since I moved into my apartment. After receiving a spice rack for Christmas I visited our local grocery store and picked up a bunch of $1 spices. They don't sell them up by my apartment so I was happy to find all the spices I needed for $1 each! They may not be super quality, but I don't think I'll be able to tell the difference!
Also picked up some Moda fabric today in the form of a turnover. I have been fascinated by these neat charm packs they have and finally found a quilt shop nearby that carries moda fabrics. I think I'm going to cut these triangles in half again and make a pinwheel patchwork out of them. We'll see!
I picked up a few more remnants at JoAnns today, at 70% off they are hard to beat! I was also excited to pick up some fabric on clearance for my yoga mat bag. I am taking yoga at school this semester and I'll need a stylish handmade bag :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Tea
Sound of: The Cavs
Taste of: Annie's Cheddar Bunnies
Sight of: Fabric
Feel of: Warm scarf
Good Things about Today:
- Got a lot of errands done!
- Caught up on some emails.
- Finished shopping for Michael's birthday!
Another food item checked off the list today, spices! I have been without a spice rack or many spices since I moved into my apartment. After receiving a spice rack for Christmas I visited our local grocery store and picked up a bunch of $1 spices. They don't sell them up by my apartment so I was happy to find all the spices I needed for $1 each! They may not be super quality, but I don't think I'll be able to tell the difference!
Also picked up some Moda fabric today in the form of a turnover. I have been fascinated by these neat charm packs they have and finally found a quilt shop nearby that carries moda fabrics. I think I'm going to cut these triangles in half again and make a pinwheel patchwork out of them. We'll see!
I picked up a few more remnants at JoAnns today, at 70% off they are hard to beat! I was also excited to pick up some fabric on clearance for my yoga mat bag. I am taking yoga at school this semester and I'll need a stylish handmade bag :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Tea
Sound of: The Cavs
Taste of: Annie's Cheddar Bunnies
Sight of: Fabric
Feel of: Warm scarf
Good Things about Today:
- Got a lot of errands done!
- Caught up on some emails.
- Finished shopping for Michael's birthday!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Mr. Bear
It has been slow and lazy around here post-Christmas. After being busy getting ready for Christmas I have not had the motivation to do much of anything! Warm blankets have been calling me away from my sewing machine and projects. I did manage to whip something up today though! I tried out the Peg Bear from One Yard Wonders. It is such a cute pattern! In comparison to my first and only other softie attempt, it turned out wonderful! I love him! I am excited to make another when I am back at school and have access to my entire fabric stash! I also want to get plastic eyes for the next one! But first I want to tackle the cute Elephant pattern that is in the book too!
It finally started to snow around here. As much as I hate being cold and hate how long Cleveland winters seem to last, I was feeling a little left out around here without any snow. The west got hit, the east got hit and Northeast Ohio was getting through December with pretty much no snow at all. Then last night it started coming down and it snowed all day! I would have liked to go out and run a few errands but that's ok. It's nice that there is something other than the brown of the ground and trees to look at now. :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Evergreen candle
Sound of: Guilty pleasure music :)
Taste of: Chicken noodle soup
Sight of: Snow
Feel of: XL fleece pullover
Good Things about Today:
- Had a nice long phone talk with Michael
- Finished a sewing project
- Wen through some Cavs photos
It finally started to snow around here. As much as I hate being cold and hate how long Cleveland winters seem to last, I was feeling a little left out around here without any snow. The west got hit, the east got hit and Northeast Ohio was getting through December with pretty much no snow at all. Then last night it started coming down and it snowed all day! I would have liked to go out and run a few errands but that's ok. It's nice that there is something other than the brown of the ground and trees to look at now. :)
Today I love the..
Smell of: Evergreen candle
Sound of: Guilty pleasure music :)
Taste of: Chicken noodle soup
Sight of: Snow
Feel of: XL fleece pullover
Good Things about Today:
- Had a nice long phone talk with Michael
- Finished a sewing project
- Wen through some Cavs photos
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Right Now
Beautiful Hope Valley fabrics by Denyse Schmidt.
December's enamelware additions.
December's Pyrex additions.
Was busy sewing Christmas presents.
Found this Orla-inspired mug.
Bunny.
Finally got around to watching Julie & Julia, loved it!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Dove Shampoo
Sound of: George running around
Taste of: Bretzel
Sight of: New photos in my stream
Feel of: Slippers
Good Things about Today:
- Did all my returns today!
- Found more remnants at JoAnn's
- Basking in the wonderfulness of the Cavs crushing the Lakers on Christmas day! :D
December's enamelware additions.
December's Pyrex additions.
Was busy sewing Christmas presents.
Found this Orla-inspired mug.
Bunny.
Finally got around to watching Julie & Julia, loved it!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Dove Shampoo
Sound of: George running around
Taste of: Bretzel
Sight of: New photos in my stream
Feel of: Slippers
Good Things about Today:
- Did all my returns today!
- Found more remnants at JoAnn's
- Basking in the wonderfulness of the Cavs crushing the Lakers on Christmas day! :D
Monday, December 21, 2009
Today
Homemade Nutella. Totally delicious. Recipe.
New, inspiring book.
Cheap remnants.
Diy projects.
Honey Bunny.
Today I love the..
Smell of: Macaroni Grill Bread
Sound of: The Cavs
Taste of: Chocolate Pretzel Cookies
Sight of: George
Feel of: Warm blankets
Good Things about Today:
- Survived a trip to the mall!
- Christmas presents came in the mail
- Snuck in a little afternoon nap
- Cavs are playing with intensity tonight!
New, inspiring book.
Cheap remnants.
Diy projects.
Honey Bunny.
Today I love the..
Smell of: Macaroni Grill Bread
Sound of: The Cavs
Taste of: Chocolate Pretzel Cookies
Sight of: George
Feel of: Warm blankets
Good Things about Today:
- Survived a trip to the mall!
- Christmas presents came in the mail
- Snuck in a little afternoon nap
- Cavs are playing with intensity tonight!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Chocolate Pretzel Cookie Recipe
My very favorite Christmas cookies. They are fun to make and super chocolatey! This recipe is from the Gold Medal Century of Success Cookbook from 1979.
Official Name: Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Twists
Unofficial Name: Chocolate Pretzel Cookies
Makes around 4 dozen cookies.
Chocolate Pretzel Cookies:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 375˚. Mix butter, shortening, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa, and salt. Stir dry mixture into wet mixture until combined.
Take level tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into pencil-like logs on a floured surface. Form each into a pretzel shape and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for about 9 minutes. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
Chocolate Glaze:
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (1oz each)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
Optional: 1/4 cup topping (crushed candy canes, sprinkles, etc.)
Melt butter and chocolate squares in a medium/small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Either dip cookies into the glaze or swirl glaze over them by dipping a spoon in the glaze and letting it drip onto the cookies (shown above). I usually do this on the cooling rack. Place a sheet of wax paper underneath to catch all the drips!
Quickly add desired topping. Allow to dry for an hour or so before boxing up. This could be sped up in the fridge.
Enjoy! These are quick to make and they taste great with a glass of milk. If you love chocolate, you must try these.
Merry Christmas to me!
Time for a little catch-up! I have been back at home since Wednesday afternoon and have been procrastinating taking photos. It is really hard to find good natural light here at home, so it's hard to find a good place to photograph things. I'm so spoiled by my apartment, it's so light and bright! I finally bit the bullet and managed to get a few shots. My order from Sew, Mama, Sew! came yesterday. The fabrics are beautiful. I was very happy to find fabrics from Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party line on clearance! They are much prettier in person! I also picked this very floral Robert Kaufman print. I didn't realize it until I looked it up again on their website, but it was inspired by Liberty of London. That's about as close as I'm gonna get! We'll see how long it takes for me to cut into these beauties, I tend to hoard fabrics that I love.
Any project suggestions for these prints? :)
I have been picking up a few vintage sheets lately, hoping to make some sort of patchwork with them. These two I found in the last week for $2 each. They are currently soaking (along with the set in the next photo) in the laundry sink with some oxiclean. I have used it on a few old things and it really seems to brighten them up a bit. We'll see!
Can't hardly go a post without posting a photo of George. He doesn't really like being at home. It doesn't look or smell anything like my apartment. Plus there are two kitties here. He can definitely tell! He's not doing too bad though, just sleeping in his box and eating little treats of banana, his favorite food.
Our one cat, Bobbie has been sleeping in this clear plastic storage container. It is way too small for her! It looks so uncomfortable. Knowing her though, she's just showing off.
I noticed the other day that I don't take very many horizontal oriented shots. I shoot mainly vertical shots. So, I am going to try and challenge myself this next year to take more of a balance of the two. I succeeded today at least! :)
Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Stew
Sound of: Harry Potter 7 audiobook
Taste of: Chocolate
Sight of: Fabric
Feel of: Warm blankets
Good Things about Today:
- Did some successful Christmas shopping
- George gave me kisses
- Finished sewing two Christmas presents!
Any project suggestions for these prints? :)
I have been picking up a few vintage sheets lately, hoping to make some sort of patchwork with them. These two I found in the last week for $2 each. They are currently soaking (along with the set in the next photo) in the laundry sink with some oxiclean. I have used it on a few old things and it really seems to brighten them up a bit. We'll see!
Can't hardly go a post without posting a photo of George. He doesn't really like being at home. It doesn't look or smell anything like my apartment. Plus there are two kitties here. He can definitely tell! He's not doing too bad though, just sleeping in his box and eating little treats of banana, his favorite food.
Our one cat, Bobbie has been sleeping in this clear plastic storage container. It is way too small for her! It looks so uncomfortable. Knowing her though, she's just showing off.
I noticed the other day that I don't take very many horizontal oriented shots. I shoot mainly vertical shots. So, I am going to try and challenge myself this next year to take more of a balance of the two. I succeeded today at least! :)
Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Stew
Sound of: Harry Potter 7 audiobook
Taste of: Chocolate
Sight of: Fabric
Feel of: Warm blankets
Good Things about Today:
- Did some successful Christmas shopping
- George gave me kisses
- Finished sewing two Christmas presents!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Flickr Favorites
1. Drawstring bags, 2. Turquoise, 3. Both Blocks, 4. daily wear 12-16-09, 5. pillowcase stack..., 6. Pile of colors, 7. Tuesday blog pillow, 8. The Cute Line [Explored], 9. Untitled
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
I have been really inspired by patchwork lately. I'm just starting to get interested in it and it's been really exciting! It's also been a little overwhelming. There is SO much inspiration, it's hard to know where to start! Regardless I'm very excited and I can't wait until after Christmas when things will slow down and I have time to sew!
I have also started to check the linens/bedding section more often at the thrift. I have been collecting some floral sheets. I am so inspired by this beautiful quilt. I'd like to make a quilt-top using one sheet, but pieced in triangles or squares to make it more interesting. We'll see!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Pumpkin Waffles
Sound of: The Cavs
Taste of: Chocolate
Sight of: George
Feel of: Wool socks
Good Things about Today:
- Lots of donations at the animal shelter!
- Bunny time
- Brinner (breakfast for dinner!)
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
I have been really inspired by patchwork lately. I'm just starting to get interested in it and it's been really exciting! It's also been a little overwhelming. There is SO much inspiration, it's hard to know where to start! Regardless I'm very excited and I can't wait until after Christmas when things will slow down and I have time to sew!
I have also started to check the linens/bedding section more often at the thrift. I have been collecting some floral sheets. I am so inspired by this beautiful quilt. I'd like to make a quilt-top using one sheet, but pieced in triangles or squares to make it more interesting. We'll see!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Pumpkin Waffles
Sound of: The Cavs
Taste of: Chocolate
Sight of: George
Feel of: Wool socks
Good Things about Today:
- Lots of donations at the animal shelter!
- Bunny time
- Brinner (breakfast for dinner!)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Quilt Progress
This quilt is coming together super fast! Now that I am out of school I am free! I cut all the squares yesterday and laid out the quilt this morning. Now it's time to get sewing!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Finally Done!
I am finally done for the semester! Exams are done, papers are written and it's time to relax, sew, and bake for the next month. I am so relieved. This was a long, busy semester. Taking 19 credit hours is not advisable! Now that I've finished up I need to play catch up around here!
I finished choosing the fabrics for my next quilt, the cool colors version. I am excited to start cutting into them! I really need to clean up my apartment first. It was hard to keep it clean during finals week. The only reason I really haven't cut into them yet is because I hate ironing. It won't be too bad though!
Picked up a few new fabrics at Joanns Thursday. I used the pink print in my first quilt and the other three colors were on clearance for $3 a yard. I think this is an Alexander Henry print but I'm not 100% sure. I love it though! I will be using the blue and green in my new quilt!
I whipped up this little tote bag for a friend's birthday this week. I hope she likes it!
I decided to get Wall-E out for some photos yesterday. I loved taking photos of them and have been meaning to for a while!
Happy Holidays from George and I!
I have a lot of things I want to do over break. I want to piece my new quilt as well as decide on some new patchwork patterns to try. I also want to learn to crochet and start a granny square blanket. We'll see how that goes!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Pumpkin Waffles
Sound of: Harry Potter 6 DVD
Taste of: Diet Coke
Sight of: Warm blankets
Feel of: Soft pillows
Good Things about Today:
- It's sunny and 40 degrees!
- I have nothing I HAVE to do! :D
- Time for sewing!
- Still basking in the three adoptions we did at the shelter yesterday!
I finished choosing the fabrics for my next quilt, the cool colors version. I am excited to start cutting into them! I really need to clean up my apartment first. It was hard to keep it clean during finals week. The only reason I really haven't cut into them yet is because I hate ironing. It won't be too bad though!
Picked up a few new fabrics at Joanns Thursday. I used the pink print in my first quilt and the other three colors were on clearance for $3 a yard. I think this is an Alexander Henry print but I'm not 100% sure. I love it though! I will be using the blue and green in my new quilt!
I whipped up this little tote bag for a friend's birthday this week. I hope she likes it!
I decided to get Wall-E out for some photos yesterday. I loved taking photos of them and have been meaning to for a while!
Happy Holidays from George and I!
I have a lot of things I want to do over break. I want to piece my new quilt as well as decide on some new patchwork patterns to try. I also want to learn to crochet and start a granny square blanket. We'll see how that goes!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Pumpkin Waffles
Sound of: Harry Potter 6 DVD
Taste of: Diet Coke
Sight of: Warm blankets
Feel of: Soft pillows
Good Things about Today:
- It's sunny and 40 degrees!
- I have nothing I HAVE to do! :D
- Time for sewing!
- Still basking in the three adoptions we did at the shelter yesterday!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Flickr Favorites
1. www.flickr.com/photos/annamariahorner/4158111211/, 2. Kitsch Breeds Like Bunnies, 3. Knitted Acorn, 4. Brust of colour, 5. Ellie, 6. Amy Butler Art, 7. fa la la la felt, 8. hundreds, 9. midwest modern quilt
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Final Push
It is that time of year, finals week. This semester I have an excessive 8 finals. It's going to be rough! I am very excited for break, there will be lots of sleeping in, photographing, and blogging! For now though, I must keep it short. Here are a few photos I managed to squeeze in this afternoon.
The pink stems casserole! It arrived today, I can't think of a better way to start finals week. It is/was my #1 most wanted piece! It is so beautiful. I love the color and the stem pattern is very reminiscent of Orla Kiely!
The Clementines I picked up today looked great in my favorite bowl. These are going to be break study snacks :)
Today was full of pick me ups, including these pretty coral roses. Now when I look up from studying I have something nice to look at!
George has been good, he is becoming quite affectionate. He gives me bunny kisses on my nose, I can't resist him now!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Freshly Baked Yellow Cake
Sound of:Matt Costa
Taste of: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Sight of: Pink Pyrex!
Feel of: Wool Socks
Good Things about Today:
- Pink stems came today!
- Took a few photos
- Bunny kisses
- Super cute 3 month old kitten at the shelter!
The pink stems casserole! It arrived today, I can't think of a better way to start finals week. It is/was my #1 most wanted piece! It is so beautiful. I love the color and the stem pattern is very reminiscent of Orla Kiely!
The Clementines I picked up today looked great in my favorite bowl. These are going to be break study snacks :)
Today was full of pick me ups, including these pretty coral roses. Now when I look up from studying I have something nice to look at!
George has been good, he is becoming quite affectionate. He gives me bunny kisses on my nose, I can't resist him now!
Today I love the..
Smell of: Freshly Baked Yellow Cake
Sound of:Matt Costa
Taste of: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Sight of: Pink Pyrex!
Feel of: Wool Socks
Good Things about Today:
- Pink stems came today!
- Took a few photos
- Bunny kisses
- Super cute 3 month old kitten at the shelter!
Flickr Favorites
1. cold electric feeling, 2. Crafting 365, day 201 - Surrounded by Felt, 3. kitchen wall, 4. WHAT?!, 5. Happy Day!, 6. chubby bunny, 7. first in series of log cabin pillows-pink, 8. What's Cookin'?, 9. Christmas Quilt WIP
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!
Every week I go through my favorite photos on Flickr, and choose nine sewing/quilting related projects to showcase here. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If for any reason you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!
Happy Friday!