Confessions of a Lazy Blogger

I confess:

1. That I like to read blogs more than I like to write them.

2. I don't want to post to my blog unless I have photos to include.

3. I have been busy.

4. I am terrible with time management.

All of these things have contributed to the fact that I haven't updated my blog since the middle of August. I also haven't been very productive on the creative front (see nos. 3 & 4 above) so I don't have much to show, but I will include a few photos of the fun I have had since August.

An engagement party for my son and future daughter-in-law on the beach of the Long Island Sound. The weather was perfect and the party a blast.

A get-away weekend with my quilt group. We laughed, ate, drank and laughed some more...oh, and there was a little sewing going on too!

I watched my baby sister run her first marathon. It was amazing!

And I met my new great nephew, Charlie. Here he is showing off the play quilt I made for him.

I will try to be better about my time management, creative endeavors and blog posting in the future. I promise!

My Favorite Summer Vacation

I always liked summer vacation when I was a kid, I loved summer vacation when my kids were in school, but since I have gone back to work (in a school) this has been my most favorite summer vacation ever!

I have been very busy and lazy at the same time. Too lazy to post anything here! I am going to try and be better at my blogging.

First up is my new toy. I purchased a Nook before I went away on a trip this summer. I love this thing!! I am able to download ebooks from my library and read them on it. I can also listen to audio books on it. I made a cover for it so I didn't have to worry about it breaking or scratching while I was traveling.

I went to the ASG conference in Atlanta this summer. It was so much fun and exhausting at the same time. I took a class from Peggy Sagers on blouse fitting. I have made a sleeveless blouse since I got home...photos later. I purchased many of Peggy's patterns, a couple of Louise Cuttings and lots of fabric. I also purchased some inks and dyes. I am looking forward to spending some time playing with these. I'm heading to the sewing room this afternoon so hopefully I'll have more to share later...stay tuned!

More Red and White

Our niece is expecting a baby at the the beginning of September. One of the gifts I made for her was this quilted floor mat. I found the instructions here at the Moda Bake Shop. Since we don't know if it's a boy or a girl I went with the latest fabrics still sitting out from the last quilt...red!

I did the stipple quilting myself. I have been "piecing" for years and sending my quilts out for "quilting". I decided to give the stippling a try since this is a play cloth for the floor! I was pleased with the results of my first try. I'm not sure I would like to do a queen sized quilt, but, Hey you never know!

My New Passion

Podcasts are my new passion. I have spent most of the day at my sewing machine listening to the podcasts of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" from NPR. It makes me laugh out loud. So funny! You can subscribe to it for free at iTunes. I have also been listening to The Moth Podcast.

I finished a skirt that just needed hemming and am working on a sleeveless shell to wear with it. Photos when I am done...stay tuned...

First day of Summer vacation

School's out for summer.....

Here's what I did on my first day of summer vacation...not much!

1. I slept in.

2. I spent some time organizing and cleaning my sewing room. This is something that will have to happen everyday this summer to get it in order, it's a mess.

3. I applied for a job...the same job I have been working since September. The person I was filling in for has decided to retire. I think I'll be a shoe-in, but you never know!

4. Tonight is a quilt guild meeting. Tomorrow is a needlework guild meeting.

It's shaping up to be a great summer! Stay tuned....

Finished Quilt

Today my daughter is the maid of honor in her college roommate's wedding. Her gift to the bride was a quilt. Of course, I had to make the quilt! My daughter sent out squares to family and friends and I chose red and white fabrics from my stash to create the quilt. I'm going to have to replenish my reds!!

A Beautiful Wedding

Two weeks ago our niece was married. It was a wonderful day.

All of my children were able to make it. And everyone was wondering who would be next...

They will! My son and his fiance. A wedding next summer to look forward to...and another daughter, finally!!

Happy Mother's Day

We just returned from a quick trip to Newport, RI. We went for the wedding of one of my daughter's closest friends. My daughter was in the wedding and our whole family was invited. Unfortunately, our youngest had to stay behind at school because of final exams. So I was able to spend Mother's Day weekend with three of my four kiddos. We had so much fun.

This morning was brunch and an introduction to son #1's girlfriend's parents. Very nice people (although I knew they would be because their daughter is a lovely girl). Then we hopped in the car and drove 7 1/2 hours home. I was able to get quite a bit of knitting done during the ride...photos tomorrow...I'm too tired now...stay tuned.

Spring has arrived

Spring has officially arrived at our home. My crazy husband planted 1500 tulip bulbs last fall and fought with the deer to keep them growing. I think my husband won! Enjoy the display, I sure do.

Happy Easter

It's been a while, I know. Working full time has put a crimp in my creative spirit, but Spring seems to be here and with it a new sense of inspiration.

I was hoping to participate in the SWAP at Stitcher's Guild, but I never got much past thinking and planning.

I did make this Sewing Workshop pattern. It's the Now shirt. The fabric is a beaded, silk batik that came from the home dec department of JoAnn Fabrics. It was on sale (last fall) for $4.50/yd. I really liked the way this pattern went together. Next time I make it I will lengthen it by at least two inches. I have another vacation from work in two weeks, so hopefully more sewing is ahead...stay tuned!

Mid Winter Break

I am on vacation. I have the week off from school just like the kids. It is gray and snowy outside, but inside the fire is blazing and I am getting some sewing done. First up, a quilt. It started out as a scrap quilt and then I purchased 10 yards of fabric (2 1/2 yds. of four different fabrics) because I couldn't decide what to use for the setting strips! I'm very happy with the results. This is a gift for someone special.

My daughter was home for the weekend and I altered two bridesmaid dresses for her. Size 2 dresses are too big...can you imagine?

Today I am going to try to straighten up a little from scrap quilt sewing and work on a skirt that I started a while back. It's going to be a busy week...stay tuned!

Happy New Year

Ahhh. I always breathe a sigh of relief at this time of the year. Christmas is over, another successful holiday dinner...this year for 20 guests...and a new beginning, a new year. I have high hopes once again to finish up some UFO's, participate in the Stitchers Guild SWAP and get myself organized. I can dream can't I?

This has been a difficult year for me because I left my comfortable part-time job for full time work. I haven't worked full time in over 27 years. It has been an adjustment to say the least. I am learning to say "no, I'm sorry I can't do that."

My mom keeps telling me that she is checking my blog and "do you know you haven't updated it since October?" Hi mom, this post is for you! I have been making things, but never seem to have the time to photograph the finished project before it goes out the door. I am going to try to be better about that so I have something to post about. Until then, Happy New Year to you and I wish you (and me) a productive, creative and most importantly a healthy new year.

A Giveaway

Wouldn't this be handy to have at the fabric cutting counter?  You could win it!  What a treat that would be.

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Look What Followed Me Home

The guest speaker at our neighborhood ASG meeting this morning was a woman who makes the most beautiful buttons.  They are mostly made from polymer clay and each one is a work of art.  I have purchased her buttons before in some of our local fabric and yarn shops, but each shop has a limited supply.  She brought hundreds to the meeting.  One was prettier than the next!  These are some that followed me home...

I'm Back

Finally something to post!  I finished a jacket from the Sept. issue of the Burda magazine.  It is 100% cotton flannel.  I would like to make it again, but next time I will make the sleeves full length.  I can wear 3/4 sleeves on tops, but I don't like them on jackets.  It takes me back to my gawky teenage years when I couldn't find pants or shirts that were long enough!

      

I also started another job so now I am working 5 days a week.  I don't have much energy for blogging these days.  Hopefully I will get used to the routine and be more productive with my time.  Here's hoping...

Back To School Shopping

I'm going back to school.  I got a job!!  I am sooo excited.  I will be working two days a week in a local elementary school as a computer tech aide.  It is only a temp position, but I'm hoping that it's a "foot in the door" opportunity.  And if I'm putting my foot in the door won't I need new shoes?  And doesn't one always get new shoes when it's time to go back to school?  I know it was always my favorite part of back to school shopping.

I bought these red shoes in black too because they were so comfortable.  I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time on my feet.

I'm a sucker for fabric shoes.  These will go nicely with lots of black and gray that's in my closet.

How could I resist faux snakeskin and patent leather?

I also made a trip to the fabric store for this pattern while it was on sale.  Check out Christina's posts on this pattern here, here and here.  I couldn't resist giving it a try.  I bought a black lightweight knit from Joann's.

I also received the new Burda magazine over the weekend and I love, love, love this issue.  I purchased some denim for the jeans style trousers and this fabric for this jacket.

Now I'm off to straighten up my sewing room and get started tracing the patterns.  Stay tuned...

Blogging Vacation

Here's what I've been up to during my vacation from blogging:

1.  I made cushions for a friend (photos later).

2.  I traveled to Boston for a few days to visit my daughter and slipcovered a chair while I was there (photos later).

3.  I'm knitting a maternity sweater.  No, I'm not pregnant!  Here's the story:  my LYS had a model sweater that I tried on and really liked.  It had a "swing" shape to it.  When I asked for the instructions I realized it was a maternity sweater!  Here's a photo from the book and my sweater so far.  Honestly, I didn't look pregnant in it.

               

4.  I have been looking for a new job.  I must say this is a very humbling experience.  I have a few possibilities so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

5.  I have been designing a project for the needlework guild I'm in.  It is a pattern darning piece that accommodates our guild charm.  It will be a needlebook when finished.

I am teaching this piece in a week and a half so I'd better get back to it!  

A Wonderful Day

Our niece was married last weekend.  It was a wonderful day.  I didn't get my special dress made in time so I pulled something out of the back of my closet.  This was the first wedding in our immediate family...the first of many we hope!

Me and my crew on the big day!  We had so much fun.

Some Crafting Friends

When my children were small I would put them down for their afternoon nap and have some "me" time in front of the television with Aleene's Creative Living show.  Do you remember the show?  It was full of fun crafting lessons with Aleene of Tacky Glue fame and her daughters, Tiffany and Heidi and other great guests.  Last night when I was searching for something on the net I happened upon a site where there were people remembering the show and the people connected with it.  Well, as you can imagine, these crafters are still doing their thing, adapting to the times with blogs and podcasts.  

Tiffany's website is here and she has a podcast that I downloaded to listen to later.

Two of my favorite guest crafters were Cheryl Ball and Katheryn Bieber

I feel like I have found some long, lost friends!  

Where'd My Mojo Go?

I have not accomplished a thing for myself since my last post.  I took a sewing job for making outdoor furniture cushions and it has taken me waaaaayyyy too long!  I should be able to finish today.  I haven't sewn one stitch for the JCC that ends on June 30th!  I also want to make a dress to wear to my niece's wedding on July 4th.  Ugh!  I hate it when I have no mojo!