Okay. It was bad enough when cameras had actual print film. I would shoot the roll, take it in to be developed (maybe within a month if I was lucky) and then said photos would spend a blissful existence in their photo envelope. In a shoe box. Occasionally seeing daylight when I decided to "organize" or "reminisce"...

Now I've cut out the developing middle man... but all my photos now dwell in electronic form. Sure, you're saving money on developing (especially on photos you didn't even know were bad until you had them printed) but there's just something missing from the experience when you're showing your trip/birthday/fashion photos on a computer screen.

This is why I enjoy scrapbooking... and trust me, I could probably do a whole YEAR of UFO months getting all those books finished. Eep.

But anyway, I have wonderful friends and family, and wonderful photos of them as well! I decided to invest in a photo collage frame, to get as many photos out there as possible. Of course, that involves choosing the photos you want AND photos that prescribe to the strange shapes that the frame has decided you can use. Then you can't just pop over to Target or Walgreens and get these pictures printed to the size you need... oh, no. You've gotta edit them, and re-size them, and then buy new ink cartridges for your printer because your old ones dried out from disuse.

This was a bit more expensive of a UFO than I expected.

But it looks good! AND... the frosting on the cake... I actually got it HUNG UP, too! W00t!

PS - on an unrelated note... today I learned that when you're running outside in the winter, you may want to consider tucking your shirt in.

Scrapbook Win!

I've dubbed the upcoming summer as "The Summer of Run." I've signed up for a 5k, 7k, a Duathalon (5k run, 18 mile bike, 5k run) and two Half Marathons (13.1 miles each!) However, my first real year of running has just come to a close. Because I never throw anything away, I have my race bibs from all the 5k races I participated in. So, I decided to combine them with another something I have too much of -- scrap book binders.

Now I have a record of all my races -- a bib, my finish time, and a little blurb about what happened, who I ran with, how I was feeling, etc.

A Resolution!

Okay, so this isn't about a UFO, but it is about one of my New Year's Resolutions: cooking a new recipe once a month.

This month's recipe is from my Everyday Foods magazine... I just got their "light" issue and thought the Sweet and Sour Chicken with Peppers and Green Beans sounded nummy! (The link is for the non-light version... but it was the only one I could find on the website.)

I think it will be really delicious for lunch this week. I have a tendency to get tired of things that are too sweet -- I hope this isn't one of those things.

Neither a borrower nor a tailor be...

So one of my UFOs was a minor tailoring project. Years ago I purchased a skirt at the Guthrie Costume Sale (one of the rare objects that would fit a woman of my stature.) I wore it a few times, but it is now much too big. SO... I decided I would remove the elastic waistband and put in a zipper.

So, I took the waistband off.

And then I put it in a bag along with a zipper I found to sit in a corner of my craft room for a couple years.

SO... I finished it! First I got the zipper sewn in (in my own way, blatantly ignoring the instructions. Not too wise.) Then I realized I would need to make the waist smaller, and thankfully remembered a LITTLE bit of sewing terminology -- darts! Of course, I had no idea how to properly place or create darts. I do have a great little book, Sew What! Skirts, which gave me some direction. So I put some darts in there, and a waistband and... VOILA!

Once I put it on I realized that the darts probably should be about 2" longer, and I should have used 1/2" bias tape for the waistband.

I also realized that I am doubtful that my future lies in the tailoring arts. Another experience that makes me truly appreciate the skills of costumers everywhere!

Moving right along...

So now my craft room has a bunch of projects kind of scattered around. I discovered that I think I know better than the directions how to install a hidden zipper. (I can't confirm that... So far it's just pinned but it looks like it might be fine. Maybe.) I also tried to print pictures on my wicked-fast printer that I haven't really used in a year or so and was surprised to find that the ink might be a bit dry. (Duh.) So I'm having some setbacks. However, I have acquired a photo of my siblings and a frame to mail to my grandmother in AZ. Now, how long it will take to get it in the mail is another thing... But it's totally ready to go.

It occurs to me I have a show opening at the end of the month, so perhaps choosing an activity that is craft-focused was an unfortunate choice for a month that will inevitably be craftastuc already...

UFOs!

That's "UnFinished Objects."

Also known as those things you get started and then just fall to the wayside!

I'm tackling a few for my 30 Days in January.

Some projects I know I want to complete:

Hemming the curtains in my bedroom
Filling my photo collage frame with awesome pictures
Getting one of my oversized photo prints framed and hung in my house
Sewing the curtains for my dining room (I bought the fabric Memorial Day weekend)
Finishing painting the trim in my bedroom - I think I'll save the doors for nicer weather
Plus a number of miscellaneous sewing projects that are half-done

As for my 30 days of fitness... I think it was my least successful month as far as meeting goals. I didn't lose the weight I wanted to, but I think it went far to make sure I didn't gain any. I can totally do the girly pushups. I'm not doing the sit-up test 'cause my chiropractor told me not to. As for the 5 mile run -- I think I can do it (I did do 4.75 that last time) and I will try again for that this month now that my leg is better. I was also going to track changes in my measurements... But can't for the life of me remember where I wrote them down Dec 1st!

So... fail. But hey, it's a new year! So much ahead.

It's over!

...or is it?

It's day 30. I forgot. I was thinking about ALL December, so I don't have an update on my goals. I'll try to get that figured out tomorrow.

As for January, I haven't given it a lot of thought, but I think I may do 30 Days of UFOs. (UnFinished Objects.) I have a few crafting and household projects that just need some finishing up... A good way to start out the year, right?

So, stay tuned for the results of my month of fitness, as well as my UFO goals - coming soon!

I love magazines.

Just picked up the latest issue of Runner's World... It's interesting to me how impressionable I am. I read the magazine and all of a sudden running is just the coolest thing ever! I need to remember this going forward this season when I'm trying to train for my half marathon. Anyway, another beauteous day (and my birthday) so in celebration I ran 3.3 miles. I know, technically since it's Wednesday I should be trying to achieve my '5 miles in 60 minutes' goal... But I just didn't want to run another lap and a half around the lake. Plus, then you're on the other side from where you parked and have to walk all the way back... Blah blah blah...

Besides... It's my birthday.

Beautiful day!

I missed (wussed) out on running yesterday - it was gorgeous. I was not about to let that happen today, so at noon I hit the pavement! And the snow! And the snowbanks! :)

My leg is still bothering me, so I didn't run as far as I would have liked. (I had planned on my 5k route from home, around the lake, and back again... But only made it down to the lake and back.) Still 30 minutes of activity and all... And I plan on doing it again tomorrow because it is supposed to be likewise lovely.

I did forget lip balm and tissues... Guess I can't let so much time pas in between runs from now on.

Learnings for today: apparently if school is not in session, it is not mandated that the sidewalks around such institutions are kept snow-free. Also, people who don't shovel after the plows have spilled more snow around are lame.

But it's almost Christmas!

Okay, so I haven't been terribly diligent this week. I have excuses!

1.) I did pull a muscle last weekend, and I have learned that sometimes you just have to take some time off.

2.) I have been booked solid all week! And thankfully so.

...Plus we got MORE snow last night, so today I got to shovel. Yeah, 'got to.' W00t.

I have been staying on top of my circuits, just not the running. So, I may not get my 5 miles in 60 minutes goal, but I feel like I can really get my pushups goal done. Besides, I have a whole week still, and most of that I have off from work. The past couple weeks have been really physical at the ol' job, and it's been tough to be motivated.

So, not a total loss yet... But I need to get back on it!

...and what for next month??

Curses!!

Well, in a sad effort to get back into my fitness regimen I attempted a half-assed circuit last night during SNL. I also went a little sale-crazy and purchased a new running shirt and full-length running tights. (I swear it was a really good sale.) Anyway, I made a deal with myself that I could keep them if I ran outside today. (Because, really... Do I need two pair of running tights? Really?). So I did. I ran outside and it was kind of glorious... But I fear I pulled my groin. Sometime during the loose snow, or the vaulting over the piles left by the plows, (Yeah. Vaulting.). So I'm wrapped up and icing as much as I can.

It's supposed to be more than 20 tomorrow, so I hope I can run outside a little!

(Running tights are also awesome for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing... Two activities I want to do soon!)

Gym Fail.

Aside from feeling kind of ooky and whiny... I tried 3 different treadmills and the TVs were being all weird and when I finally got one that would show Criminal Minds I realized it was the one where you can't bump up the volume and of course when I'm running all ultra-fast it gets kind of loud and with Criminal Minds you kind of NEED to be able to hear the dialogue plus it was a new episode so I couldn't even make up dialogue...

...I did run the first mile at my goal pace. But then I only held on for a total of 20 minutes. So then I hopped on the bike for 10 minutes, stretched and went home.

I was in bed with my kitties and The Sing Off (from Monday) on my iPad at 9pm.

...but at least I got my shovelling done. Finally.

Slacker.

So I haven't been to the gym since the snow... The extent of my cardio has been shoveling (20"!!!) but I did do my circuit at home last night during The Biggest Loser Finale.

No worries though... Back on the horse! There is still 2+ weeks left, and I am going to the gym tonight.

Now if I can get all my beautiful coworkers to stop bringing in delicious treats we might get somewhere.

This had better not be the dawn of...

...30 days of shoveling.

I did not sign on for that!

Still haven't gone to the gym today, but the plows didn't show until 4. Plus I decided 30 minutes of moving snow as deep as my waist was enough cardio and weight training for the day.

Yes, I did then consume some holiday treats... But you've gotta live sometime, right?

Besides, after tomorrow everything should be back to normal.

In spite of the pain in the neck this weekend has been.. I [heart] snow very much. Yay, Minnesota winter!

It keeps snowing... and snowing... and snowing...

Yesterday:
Goal: 30 minutes running
Diversion: Outside! Snow! Nature!
Result: 30 minutes, 1.9 miles
Learnings: It was pretty fun... mixed up my usual route and set myself up for a couple short hills. I did learn from my last excursion -- I had chapstick in one pocket, and a kleenex in the other. However, I learned that more than one kleenex is a good plan.

Today:
Goal: 30 minutes on the bike, plus my circuit
Result: Helllooooo, snow! How about a mid-storm shoveling of 10-12 inches? Yeah, that's right... MID-storm. It's disheartening to shovel only to see your sidewalk re-covered by the time you finish. Plus it took 2 hours and my dad's help to dig my car out and move it 2 blocks to avoid towing from the snow emergency tonight. Secretly I wish I had snowshoes. I saw someone out skiing this morning while I was shoveling -- it looked like fun! Anyway, I feel as though I've gotten a bit of a workout today. Plus I get an off day, so today might be it!

Moving Right Along...

So, yesterday...

Goal: 60 minutes on the treadmill, and 5 miles?
Diversion: Criminal Minds
Result: 60 minutes, 4.75 mile (.25 miles more than last week!)
Learnings: Still super annoyed by earbuds... Pulled them out 3 times, plus they get all slurry and slip out when my ears are sweaty. (Ear sweat. Now THAT is hot.) I am really cruising toward my5 mile goal, and it wasn't even that hard! I'm feeling good about my training schedule - I feel like it's letting me add mileage without making it not fun. I also ran 5k in less than 39 minutes, which is a PR for me. I may reach my sub-30 5k goal by the new year!

Today is the bike and circuit training, which I plan to do at home while I bake cupcakes for my coworker's birthday. Awesome.

Hippo-palooza!

Okay, so I know that technically the 30 Days of Creativity are over... but some things are just too good to let go. PLUS, one of my activities from November blossomed from one custom apron into NINE custom aprons. Soon my work will grace the employees of the Hyppo (gourmet popsicle shop) in St. Augustine, FL. I sewed up 9 of these suckers this weekend... got them in the mail today. They turned out so awesome!!

(Also, because I had to get them all done and packaged up and in the mail today I did NOT go to the gym yesterday. So, I missed my biking -- but I did do my circuit at home after the frenzy of sewing and packing and addressing.)

Day Six!

Yesterday: Technically my "off" day... but since I didn't do my circuit on Saturday, I did it today! The beautiful thing is that it doesn't require gym equipment, so I did it at home! Woot! (And Reuben helped. Not really.)

Today: 30 minutes on the treadmill
Goal: 30 minutes. And, eventually, maybe 5k?
Diversion: Scott Pilgrim... because it was not a good time of day for cable.
Result: 35 minutes, about 2.5 miles
Learnings: I am really excited for cordless earbud technology. Errr, affordable cordless earbud technology. I pulled the bug out of my left ear at least 6 times during the run. Lame.

Day Four!

Yesterday's Activity: None
Excuses: Okay, so it snowed. One might think that Minnesotans would be capable of dealing with a couple inches of the white, fluffy stuff. One would be wrong. After spending 2 1/2 hours in the car to travel less than 10 miles... plus having a "challenging" day at work... I was done. And I was feeling kind of crummy and achy, so I drugged myself up and went to bed. I think it was the right choice.

Today (so far!): Running outside!
Goal: Not to freeze, or throw in the towel too early.
Diversion: A beautious winter snowscape, and my Nano.
Result: 24 minutes, about 1.5 miles
Learnings: Running in snow is hard! Big kudos to the folks clearing the snow along Wheelock Parkway -- nice job. The feeling that your running tights are going to fall down is quite disconcerting.I was pleased to be correctly dressed -- I didn't freeze. I also have the best snow-running ensemble ever -- all black! So, I won't be running in the dark.

I may still do my planned workout later today, but I am glad that I took the time to try the outdoor running.

Day Two!

...and I already was whining. But I thought, A) it's only the second day, what kind of wuss am I? and B)... well, I forget what B was but it got me to the gym.

Yesterday's activity: 1 hour on the treadmill
Goal: 5 miles
Diversion: Criminal Minds
Result: 4.5 miles (up .25 miles from last week, so I think my goal is attainable!); 800 calories.
Learnings: It is unfortunate when the show you are watching causes you to get a little choked up when you are already wheezing a little from the exertion. (Also, I was able to do 30 "girlie" pushups in under 20 minutes so I may have to amend my goal to be "real" pushups.)

Today's activity: 30 minutes on the bike, circuit training
Goal: 30 minutes, complete circuit before getting booted out by a class
Diversion: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Result: 30 minutes attained -- SPvtW is a good diversion (and good for another 3 sessions!), circuit completed without cutting anything short; 480 calories.
Learnings: Was way too thirsty (undermedicated) and drank way too much fluids before the workout. It made biking a bit uncomfortable and my ab work too (especially the stupid plank.) Also forgot my arm band for my Nano 'cause I had to load Cee-Lo on my Running playlist. Annoying (but worth it.)

My Final Day!

And not very exciting...

I decided that December should be a commitment to me and my fitness... mostly so when all the newbies show up at the gym in January I can look down my nose at them.

So today I created my fitness plan for the month of December.

My goals will be:
Lose 4 pounds. (Seems realistic - what with the treat overload I'm anticipating for the month.)
Be able to run 5 miles in under 60 minutes.
Be able to run 5k (3.1 miles) in under 30 minutes.

Also, for fun... the Army Fitness Requirements:
45 pushups in 2 minutes (yes, I'm counting the girly kind with my knees bent.)
76 situps in 2 minutes (with my back issues, not sure if this is happening.)
2 miles run in 16 minutes.

I'm also hoping that some snow will show up, because I'd like to do some winter fun "cross training" including: ice skating, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Here goes!!

Me and Trader Joe's

...make a great team for pasta!

I picked these tortelloni up (pesto stuffed) from Trader Joe's. In a fortuitous twist of fate, the unidentified container I chose to thaw from the freezer (freezer roulette, anyone?) was pasta sauce!

The pasta was super easy -- put in boiling water for 4-6 minutes and done! And re-heating the sauce was a piece of cake, too.

And both tasty... and timely. I was only able to make it through a couple days of the pumpkin curry soup (it became more and more potent the longer it stewed in the fridge.)

In The Works!

So the only thing that really keeps me on-task with stitching is if what I'm making is a gift -- so here's the most recent! I think it's adorable.

Pumpkin!!! Soup!

It doesn't look like much. For sure. (A lot like baby food.) But my dear friend baked and pureed pie pumpkins this year. She was nice enough to give me some, so I made some Pumpkin Curry soup! This is my first creamy-type soup... I've done stuff with broth before but this was exciting. It's all pumpkin, with sauteed yellow onion and garlic. And curry powder, of course. (Maybe a little tooooo much.)

Another apron!

I must have done the pleating a little differently on this one... it seems longer, but I think that's because it's not as "poofy" at the bottom... strange. I guess that's what make hand-made special! You just never know if your math is going to be right! :)

Turkey Hand!

Classic.

Pasta!

Inspired by an incredibly garlicky entree at The Cheesecake Factory, I was looking to make a pasta with a very simple sauce (olive oil) and lots of my favorite vegetables.

I love the slice 'n' dice process, so I started with tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers (orange, yellow, and red,) mushrooms and (of course) garlic.

The result was so pretty!! But not very flavorful... I need to do more research on herbs/spices for the next time.

Cheesecake!?

Something I have always enjoyed... but secretly feared. I mean, not that a cheesecake would come for me o my sleep or anything -- more feared its creation. But this was going to be it! My attempt to make a cheesecake. First, some backstory...

I saw a recipe called "Maple Cheesecake with Baked Pears" (with a picture, of course. I can't tell you how many recipes I pass over, though I'm sure they're delicious, because there's no picture. A picture will get me every time!) and knew it was the one. I talked about it at work, and one of my coworkers said I simply HAD to make it (and bring it in for everyone to eat, of course.) I said I'd love to, but unfortunately I didn't own a springform pan... of course, she did and said she's try to remember to bring it in for me to use. Now, were this me it would mean I hoped that I would remember to get it to work within the next week or two... or month. But no, she brought it the next day. No pressure, right?

Anyway... today was the day. I was not as successful doing the press-in crust as I would have hoped. I need to do some research on a better method for that. It was uneven, and therefore baked unevenly... it didn't go halfway up on the sides like it was supposed to... etc. Also the pears weren't cut very consistently, so they didn't bake very evenly. Next time.

I think it turned out awfully pretty, and I hope it tastes good, too!!

Here comes Turkey Day!

So I admit it... I love the cranberry sauce from a can. That Ocean Spray whole-berry is delicious and sculptural! BUT... for the past two years I've tried to broaden the horizons of my extended family by making cranberry sauce from scratch.

Behold, my super-delicious cranberry pomegranate sauce! It also features a granny smith apple and an orange. And a cinnamon stick (but I recommend removing it before serving.)

I only made a half-recipe this year... both because cranberries were a ridiculous $2.50 per bag (ouch) but also because I just finally finished all the leftovers I froze from last year. I know it's a novelty, and it will never replace the ribbed mold of the can -- but I try!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Dala Horses!!!

In hindsight... I probably should have gone for something more muffin-shaped. Something portable and freezable -- but these lovelies can certainly come to work with me.

The pans are from IKEA -- it's funny because I don't have any normal loaf pans, so it's dala-shaped or nothing.

The mini chocolate chips are just a little extra something-something to tip the scale from "bread" to "dessert."

Yum.

Eggselent!

Started today off right... with a tasty omlette! This is not my usual breakfast fare (now with the cold weather I usually go for oatmeal) but the nice thing about weekend mornings is that you have a little more time t be creative.

Anyway, this ended up being a sort of "clean out the fridge" omlette... some leftover pico de gallo, some meatless Italian sausage, green onion and cheese! It was taaasty!

It's a Seeeecret!

I made something today... But it's for a gift, so I cannot reveal it.

I also created a digital copy of my Scott pilgrim vs the World so I can carry it with me constantly only iPad.

A Craft from the Past!

When I was thinking about the "rules" for this month I kind of ruled out anything I did at work, since my job is kind of "creative." However, since this was kind of an "above-and-beyond" project, and it's a bit nostalgic, I decided I could use it anyway.

So, I remember waaaaaaay back to a faboo craft called "Perler Beads." You've got these little tube-shaped beads, and pegged grids -- you arrange them into shapes, and then lay wax paper over the top. Add a hot iron, and the beads melt together making shapes!

Teh awesome.

I like the orange the best... though it just made me want to make other fruits, and PacMan, and Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde. Oh, and all the Mario stuff... 1UP mushrooms, etc.

A Custom Order!

One of my favorite things about my Etsy shop is getting emails from people that have bought my stuff and are sooooo excited about it. Today I got to fill my first custom order -- a woman in Florida who wanted an grown-up version of my hippo apron for kids. Apparently, her friend works at a popsicle shop called the "Hyppo" and wears an apron while he works... SO... It will be a nice birthday surprise, I hope.

I also hope it looks a little more attractive on her friend than it does on my dress form. Eep.

Chilly Means Chili!!

I love chili. Well... my chili. I don't really like beans much. And I only use vegetables. And nothing canned, only fresh (well, okay the beans I *do* use are canned, but one day I might get dried and reconstitute them. Maybe.) And I don't like cumin, so I don't add that. Can I even call it chili? (I do use chili powder!)

Anyway... it's cold and chili is delicious. Plus it's easy! (Coming from someone who lives the "slice and dice" part of ay food prep the best.) Zucchini, and squash, and onion, and carrot, and tomato... and anything else I scrape together from the fridge.

This batch turned out especially well! (The only thing that could have possibly made it better was corn.) I can't wait to have it for lunch this week!

Afghan in Progress

I was at my parent's house the other day and my mom was crocheting and watching the game... and I thought "I haven't crocheted since last winter! I should get on that." So I did.

As can be expected, with my addiction to bags in general and wish to have every little accoutrement for my hobbies, I have this wicked-awesome crochet bag with places for 6 yarn skeins, plus scissors and hooks. And the pockets for the skeins have eyelets inside to thread the yarn through! I know. Awesome.

The reason why crocheting afghans in the winter is super-awesome, is that as you keep working the afghan keeps you warm while you make it!

Applesauce!!

I love apples. Nom nom nom. Unfortunately, I'm a little particular about them. My favorite apple is probably Jazz, and of course I love Honeycrisp. Sometimes neither are available at the ol' grocery store though, so I have to branch out. This past week was one of those -- unfortunately it was a fail. Bummer.

However, know what's also yummy? Applesauce! And it hardly matters whether the apple is all crisp, which is what I look for, 'cause it gets all warm and mushy anyway.

Anyway, this batch was lovey and tastes great in my morning oatmeal!

...and Cakes!

So, usually I'm a cupcake baker. Easy, cute, portable... and when you make them the way I do (box o' cake mix plus one can of diet soda) they're relatively low-calorie.

Anyway, I decided to mix it up today and make a CAKE instead... my first one! It was just your basic white cake mix, so I decided to sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips to add some excitement. The frosting is just your basic vanilla (and it looks like I may have sampled a little too much, 'cause the frost job is a little thin in spots.)

I was wishing I had extra so I could try some fancy piping on it... but it's safely tucked away in the fridge so I won't eat it.

Cupcakes!!

Oh, cupcakes are so cute. And delicious. These ones aren't edible, so much... but still cute! They started life as a kitchen towel, but it was a quick snip and stitch to get them into apron shape.

Warm and Toasty!

(...even when you don't exactly follow the instructions right!)

Okay, so the book "One Yard Wonders" is awesome because: A) It's written by a local author and part-owner of Crafty Planet -- one of my fave craft shops. Also, B) every project in it can be done with one yard of fabric or less! (However, let's face it... not everyone can actually wear a shirt or skirt made with only one yard. Nor should they.)

I was flipping through it because I was looking for a replacement for my exploded hot/cold pack, and voila! A pattern for a pack and an obi-style belt. I didn't care much about the belt, I just wanted something I could thrown in the microwave (like, NOW) to put on my aching neck.

In spite of following the directions wrong, the pack works just fine! It's filled with whole flax seed (organic, though that matters not) but I could also have used rice. I'll be tackling it again (the right way) to make the whole project... but it was a great, fast solution!

It's Wednesday!

And I will be stitching! But I'm not posting another photo of the project, 'cause it looks pretty much the same. I'm just not very speedy.

My new project of the week will be sewing a hot/cold pack! Last night, the gel pack I'd been using (and abusing) finally burst. Icky gel stuff all over. Yuck. However, I found a pattern for a hot/cold pack using rice or flax seed... and heaven knows I've got fabric to spare!

Pictures will be forthcoming!

More Ribbon Fun!

Today was beautiful, and gorgeous. My lawn mower would not start (again. Still.) so I went for a run, instead! It was a great day for it, and my body was ache-and-pain-free for once.

Of course, that cut into craft time, so I stiched together a few more of the ribbon blankets I prepped the other day. SO much fun! I like the monkeys especially.

In other news, two of my monthly creations have sold from my Etsy shop! Oh the joy. It's one thing to finally see yards and yards of fabric turned into what you envisioned them to be -- and something completely different to see them leave your house!

It will be so wonderful when my tote of projects is empty. Here's hoping!

It's been a week!

And in celebration... something that's NOT an apron!














Another thing I started making (though due to some apparent patent infringement I cannot sell on Etsy) are these adorable ribbon blankets. I've read that they're great for the sensory development of babies, and they love sucking on the different ribbons and discovering textures.... blah, blah, blah.

It's really a great excuse to buy adorable flannels and fleeces!!!

I have a lot of fabric waiting to meet this end, as well.

(And owls are apparently VERY in, in my world.)

Playing Catch-up!

Sometimes you know that you're just not going to have time to do the things you want to. Thankfully, I wasn't able to craft every day because I was doing other fun, awesome things. SO, I figured if I had a net gain of +3 crafts for Friday-Sunday... that would still keep it as a craft/day.
(And I did MAKE a pig of myself on popcorn on Friday night at "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.")















So, it's 3 more aprons! (Actually, 6... I had supplies to make 2 of each style.) I'm really enjoying seeing all this fabric actually become something... not just take up space in a drawer.

I do have to confess that a trip to JoAnn was required -- I am starting with only things from my stash, but when you run out of the matching thread or coordinating trim, you gotta get more. But only what I need... okay, and maybe there was a cute remnant that I picked up to make another apron. :)

It's a sickness! I know!

Cook it up!

(Okay... not cooking, per se... Cut it up? Maybe?)

So, today I hemmed some curtains. (Finally. I hung them up in July, 'cause you know otherwise I would just have them sitting around in the package. So I hung them up, even though they were too long.) They are pre-packaged sheer panels, and I still have to sew the actual curtains. We'll see if that gets done this month -- It's just hard to find room to cut and pin 9-foot panels in my teeeny house. I think I may have to go off-site.

So, there's a farewell potluck for a couple of my coworkers tomorrow... It's hard to do potlucks at work, 'cause they always want you to sign up and tell what you're going to bring -- only I have no idea what I'm going to bring until I make it. So, tonight I made some of my signature pico de gallo (or as my family affectionately call it... "pinko.") I find such satisfaction in cutting things into teeny teeny pieces. The ol' slice and dice. This is a perfect dish for that!

What will tomorrow bring? I know for sure I'm planning on MAKING a pig of myself by eating a ton of popcorn at the Riverview while I watch "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." That'll probably be it! :)

Stitching!

So, here's my secret. I cross-stitch. The thing is, unless it's got some sort of deadline (wedding, birth, etc.) it's not going to get done. My stitching process is an eternal one.

So, anyway... here's what I'll be working on today. Why today? Because today is my weekly night at Stitch and Bitch. Every Wednesday, I gather with a group of 3 or 6 or however many people can show up... we eat, and chat, and stitch. We watch movies sometimes, too.

(Though occasionally we neither stitch, nor bitch... but we're flexible that way.)

Also... I didn't have my camera with me, so my cell phone had to stand in. (It looked much better in person.)

A variety!

So... I made many things today.

1. I made myself go for a run. (Okay, a jog.)

2. I voted! W00t! (I'm trying to CREATE change! Right?)














3. I completed another apron. (I confess, though... while digging around in my craft stuff yesterday I found it nearly completed! I'm not quite sure why I didn't take it that last few steps...)

Day One!

Meet my "Hoot" apron! I actually did a lot of the prep work for this yesterday -- and it still took a while to do!

I'm a little concerned that I might have bitten off a bit more than I can handle -- at least on the week days!

Anyway, I already decided that anything I sew has to use fabrics and notions that I already own... I have SO MUCH fabric. I actually bought this fairly recently, and only because I had a coupon. (And it is SO CUTE!) The bias tape on the bottom is way thinner than I am used to, and it kind of freaked me out. Pinning it on was probably the most time-intensive part of this project.

As an added bonus, some of the things I'm creating will be available for purchase in my Etsy Store!

Looking ahead for the week, I expect some baking might happen... but otherwise it just might be a bunch of aprons!

(I think I may need a plan.)