Sunday 30 December 2012

SKoW progress @ 2012 EOY


Although I wish I could be “standing up there” with all the diligent ladies who’ve finished their SKoW quilt to at least their top, I am unfortunately *not* going to be one of them.  This past year has been an insane rollercoaster of heath issues, emotional fragility at times (aka apathy &/or depression), and a host of family and personal issues … leaving me lacking in the having-finished-my-SKoW-quilt department, despite my desire to have it completed.

At last update (beginning of November), I had … 

  • 7 blocks completed,
  • 7 prepped for needleturn,
  • the rest of the blocks’ background fabrics cut out along with their corresponding pieces of pellon,
  • and all my pattern templates & guides prepared for use.


Since then, I have been able to complete the needleturn on all prepped blocks, and finish the stitchery for five of these … with two (the ‘presents’ and ‘sun’ blocks) to complete.
** The stitching on the "hot chocolate block" is finished ... just a hiding in the shot! 
I am currently down in Adelaide for a couple of weeks holiday with my mum’s parents, so I am a touch restricted on the amount that I was able to bring down to work on while here … especially since I’ve started back in with my uni over this past month, with an assessment due yesterday (done), and an another (1500wd essay) due Friday coming … so I’ve had to be realistic on what I might be able to can achieve while down here.

As I have the full third & fourth rows to work on (plus one on either end row … sweet things pavlova, and chair wine & cheese), I decided to go with those in the third row (house, “gardening” flower garden, tree to sit under, and rainbow) and the ‘shoes’ block.  As I only had a half hour to collect everything together, I have also only gathered up the background pieces (already cut), and a collection of fabric choices (separated in little baggies) in addition to my small cutting mat, 14in ruler, rounds of threads and pencil case of cutters & pens.




I am determined to, at the very least, have the basic pieces on the blocks, and the needleturn begun … Dawn, can you guess what I’ll be working on @ the sewing group next Tuesday?!!! LOL!

I am determined that this will be my first “big” finish this coming year - and preferably in January … though, realistically probably in mid-February.

I am looking forward to seeing what Chooky has decided to select for the coming SAL.  I’m sure it will be perfect - and that I’ll probably join in ‘sidecar-style’ *wink* once this one is finished.  Thankyou Chooky for *ALL* you've done to encourage us along this project ... and thank you for deciding to continue the SAL - it really is inspiring to see everyones progress!!



Sunday 23 December 2012

2013 NewFo Challenge

2013 is shaping up to be quite different to the years previous.  My daughter will be going from 2 days of childcare, to 3 days of Preschool ... about 20 mins further away ... I will be increasing my study load to full-time, rather than part-time ... and I have decided that this will be the year that I will actually make some things for US.

While I enjoy making items for others - especially those I have been following prior to the swap - I have decided that it is about time that I make a few items for me, my daughter ... and maybe even some of the handmade gifts I've thought about making for friends, but just not had found the time to make.  This year I want to be able to make a quilt for both my daughter and myself ... and since I now have the skills to make them, I am hoping to get started on these now.


I decided to join in with Barbara's 2013 NewFo Challenge ... for those of us without a whole bunch of UFOs to work on ... and so, without further ado, these are some of the items I hope to start in the coming year ...

1.  "Once Upon a Time" by Melly & Me for my daughter.
{Source}
I am not quite sure which fabric range I will be using in this one, but I have decided to start by working on the stitcheries first, and then finishing off each of the blocks once I've found the perfect fabrics.

2. Camille's "Swoon" by Thimble Blossoms.
{Source}
This one I am making especially for me.  I've not yet decide which fabric range I am going to use in this quilt, but I have got it narrowed down to either my FQ bundle of Ruby (also by Camille), or Nine Dots fabric for Henry Glass.


3. Thought & Found's "Oh My Stars" quilt along from earlier this year (2012).
{Source}
I'm not quite sure what fabrics I will be using in this quilt either, but I am thinking I'll be using either some brights or batiks.  I really enjoyed making one of the stars earlier this year for a block swap, and I'm looking forward to making the whole range - in all three fabric sizes!

4. The Farmer's Wife Sampler
{Source}
I haven't yet purchased this pattern yet, but I decided earlier this year, after seeing several different versions of this quilt, in non-traditional fabric ranges I might add, I decided that I simply *must* make one of these quilts for my "glory box", lol!  I'm thinking either Marmalade or something similar in colour.

And lastly, I am also thinking of joining in with ...

5. Leah Day's "Express Your Love" wallhanging sew-along when she starts in later in January.
{Source}
Gorgeous isn't it?!!  I'm not sure what fabrics I'll use, but I'll worry about that later in January, once my first assignment for this unit is finished, and once the SAL has started.

... On top of all these, I am determined to finish off my Some Kind of Wonderful quilt (by mid-January if possible!), finish off another AHQ I've had to work on for far too long (sorry Jan-Maree!!!) early in the year, make a few bags - Melly & Me's latest handbag pattern firstly, to replace my current (and falling apart) handbag - and make an effort to make at least one item to go into a handmade-gifts-for-Christmas box each month.

So big plans, have I ... and this is just my sewing plans for 2013 ... more on that to come *wink*.

Friday 21 December 2012

Santa Sack Swap 2012 (part 1)

This year I was lucky enough to participate in Cheryll's Santa Sack Swap.  I remember seeing everyone posting about the sacks they received all through last year ... wishing I'd been able to join in the fun.  Well, this year was my year - yay!  

My partner was Ngaire of Up, Up & Away, and she sent me through this gorgeous sack - the colours, fabrics are gorgeous ... especially that delicious pale blue & white cord!!!

Over the last six months, Ngaire sent through several gifts at a time, beautifully wrapped in a combination of brown paper, fabric, doilies and thin red & white cord ...

Last week it was announced that the day we could open our sacks was Tuesday just gone.  Unfortunately for us, the last few days were quite busy and I wasn't able to find make the time to open them up.  As there was a gift included for my daughter, we I decided to open them up together (its more fun when you get to share it with an enthusiastic 4 year old!! *giggle*), and so we sat down and opened them up this afternoon.  
Lavender scented Moisturising Shower & Bath Gel
Lavender scented Wardrobe Sachets & "Fragrant Scent Sack"
Ah!  One of my favourite scents!!!  Always love me some lavender - really wish we could find a variety that grows well up here in the humidity!! ...

A gorgeous little photo/card album ... 2 x 3in pics will fit in here nicely!!
Gorgeous Memo Board Magnets ... SOOO cute!!  
A sweet little inspirational ___ with gorgeous quotes,
both biblical and not, to encourage me through my day
A gorgeous Baroque Address Book with matching pen.
A *GORGEOUS* 15cm plate.
Two candle holders ... they're actually supposed to go up
the other way according to my sister - for tea lights.  
Some yummy Macadamia Butter Shortbread ... already 1/2 consumed!!!  ;) 
A set of 3 delightful little knitted folk ornaments for the Christmas tree ... which is not yet up yet, lol! 
A set of cookie cutters which could be hung up on the tree if we add a ribbon tie
 ... and it didn't invite ants into the house - downside to living in the tropics!
A cute little Christmas felt pen ... which my daughter has already claimed ;)
A sweet little brooch ... she will probably also claim this one soon too, lol!
A roll of 5 x F8's (I believe) in Christmas fabrics by Moda ... gorgeous fabrics!!
Here they are, unrolled from the roll ;)
... the top white-based fabric has sweet deer all over it.
And a roll of sweet ribbon
... I'm going to have to find just the right pattern to use this in!!
She also included a beautiful table runner in bright fabrics ...  Not quite sure where I'll be placing this, but I *love* the fabric choices!!
Lol ... nearly as tall as the little person!! ;)
All of the items together ... Thankyou!!
And, because Ngaire included a gift for the little one ...

I'll include a rare photo of her ... she was mighty pleased with her gifts too!!


I need to thank Cheryll for allowing me to be a part of this fabulous swap!  I have enjoyed being a part of it, and hope to join in again next year!!

Saturday 3 November 2012

1st Friday Night With Friends

Last night I participated in the inaugural Friday Night With Friends ... Another night of crafting to run in conjunction with Heidi & Bobbi's FNSI, launched this month, and to continue (I hope) each month following on the 1st Friday of the month - giving us *two* Friday's of sewing "with friends" - what a FANTABULOUS idea!!!

What's even more fabulous?

...

I'm here *actually* posting about my evening's achievements, lol!!!

I decided to use last night to get a modicum of prep done for my SKoW quilt, if only to get the ball rolling.  Lol!  I got a lot more done than I expected, though it still looks like not very much, lol!


I started by laying out my current finished blocks on the mat, and cut out the remaining bases for my blocks.  I am pretty happy with the layout I have here, though my perfectionist streak tells me that the value percentages are all haywire, lol!!

And no, Furbie (our youngest) would *not* get off the umbrella block so that I could take the photo - she had to be in the shot!  Lol!  She's the cuddliest of our three kitties, though it does get a bit frustrating when she leaves us with all her black hairs all over things :) ... Oh, and we did have some LOVELY rain last night, from about 2am when I finally got to bed ... so maybe she was trying to tell me something?!!! *giggle*

I have pinned a label onto each block so I know exactly what they are for ... and then pinned each row together from top to bottom as I did the pellon earlier in the week.


I was also able to push through and get six blocks prepped for their needle turn, adding in the stitchery details with my micron pen so I don't have to go back and draw that up once the appliqué is done ... it's all ready to go.

Clockwise from top left : "A good book to read", "Birdsong in the morning", "Family",
"Butterflies fluttering", "Sunshine on my face", "Presents to share"
So, six blocks ready to get stuck into ... the rest of the blocks cut, ready to be prepped once these are done.  I am hoping to get as much of these six done as soon as I can since I was asked by a close friend if I would redo the (pathetic!!!) hand quilting on the quilts she purchased online for her girls - that's three single bed quilts, requested in two weeks!! LOL!  At least she's said she's prepared to pay me well for it!!  It'll be a big job, just from looking at the photos she sent me!! (I'll get more of a close up tomorrow when we catch up at church).

So, that's where I'm up to ... and a touch of where I am going headed over the next month.

Now, to go get some lunch, before getting stuck into some needle turn appliqué ... Oh, and I have floors to clean today too!!!  Better get a move on!!!

Wednesday 31 October 2012

SKoW Update


Unfortunately I have not been able to complete the top, let alone my version of this amazing quilt, as our planned timeline has laid out.  I am so sorry for letting the ladies all down, and I am truly sorry that this will be a contributing factor if Chooky decides not to begin another Sew-A-Long - I have enjoyed seeing the progress of each participant in this SAL, and will miss watching them grow if this is the case.  I DO however pledge that I will continue with this quilt - and my goal, however extreme, is to have it done by the end of November.  I am determined to commit to working on this for at least a couple of hours each evening, in order to achieve this goal.

So, I believe that an update on where I'm at is in order.

I spent an evening printing out copies of all of the remaining pages in triplicate, saving one as a frame-of-reference for the stitchery elements (as I have no lightbox as yet, I am relying on sunlight, windows & masking tape to line up everything 'just so') ...


the other copies were used to cut up the different appliqué elements, and then laminated.
I have left them uncut at the moment, ready to separate as needed.  I then keep all the pieces for each block separated in their own ziplock baggies.


I have only been able to complete three new blocks since I last updated.  
I am using the needle-turn appliqué method ... which has contributed to making this process long.


My daisy [Jan] ...


My chocolates - yum [Jan]!  
I chose to use a silver sparkly metallic thread for the stitching on four of these chocs, just to make them look even more extra yummy!!!


My ice-cream [Feb].


My hot chocolate block is prepped and ready for it's needle turn and stitchery - tonight's task!!


And all my finished blocks together ... I still have one block left of December (since I decided to change the cupcakes to pavlova ... I have finally found a pic for this, and will also be prepping this tonight, along with all the July & Aug blocks).


I even have my pellon all cut and ready to size for all my remaining 17 blocks.  And some squares for the strips - though only creams have been cut as yet.  Although I did start with one range of fabrics, I have started adding others ... and with my perfectionist streak on overdrive, I want need to make sure I include some of each fabric in the coloured blocks.  As a result, I am leaving this until after I have finished the blocks - or at least until I have finished the first two rows.


So, that's where I'm at.  I am so upset with myself to have fallen so far behind - but yes, I will get there!!  My next uni course begins in December, and I have decided that I want this quilt finished before I start my studies!!

Monday 22 October 2012

Weekly Goals, Oct 22 - 28

Okay, so last week I didn't put my goals down, but I DID...

  • Take DD to the water park & kindygym
  • Work out 5 days, working on Level 3 of Jillian's 30 Day Shred
  • Clean & clear out 3 nights underneath my desk in the bedroom 
  • Cooked dinner 3 nights
  • Finished the 12in mini to the binding stage ... I decided at the last minute to block the mini - something I have *never* before done!!
  • Cut my hair ... dramatically!
So, this week I have my parents coming home after a 3&1/2 week trip around the centre & eastern parts of Australia, so I have a HUGE list quite a bit of cleaning to do to make sure this place looks alright before they get home on Wednesday (this place gets dusty as soon as someone drives up or down the driveway!! ... plus, the grass has just shot up while they're away, so I need to work out how to use the lawnmower, lol, and if I have time, the ride on lawnmower!!).  I also have most ALL of the SKoW blocks to do, needle turn appliqué & stitching ... and somehow be a mum in amongst all of that!!

My goals for the week ahead ...


Health

1. Work out 4 days this week; Level 3 of Jillian's 30 Day Shred, followed by Level 1 of her 6 Week Six-Pack workout dvd.

2. Drink 2 litres of water each day.

Spiritual

3. Spend some time each day with God.

4. Listen to at least the first 10 hours of Chuck Missler's Learn the Bible in 24 Hours series.

Home-making

5. Cook: Chicken Stroganoff (Monday); Lasagne (Tuesday); and a Roast Turkey & veges dinner with a cake for my sister's birthday dinner on Thursday.

6. Work through my HUGE cleaning list by Wednesday afternoon.

Craft

7.  Finish all the SKoW blocks.

8.  Make two QBSA blocks - for my Sept & October partners.

Mothering

9. Take DD to the water park & kindygym.

10. Spend time reading to / with DD each day.

Monday 15 October 2012

Living & Active Challenge Wrap-up


Source
I am both glad and frustrated that this challenge has come to an end now.  It has been the only challenge I have successfully stuck-out in the last year and I am hoping that this is the turning point that I have needed for a long while!  I have worked out at least 4, if not 5, days each week over the last 5 weeks.  I have gotten stronger, lost inches around those 2 inches below my bustline - and probably other areas, but not as significantly - and I am *finally* starting to lose some of my weight.

Week Five's results :

Exercise - This week we started doing level three of Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  Oh boy - am I *dying* or what?!!  On Thursday I was even a little sick when doing the super mans!!! 

We worked out on Monday (level 2 ... wanted to get in the full "10 days").  

Tuesday I ended up going around to my workout partner's place to help her scrub her repurposed kitchen ready for the builders to see to determine measurements/fitting for their new house.  I was there two hours, in a squat/standing-bent-over-with-my-bottom-in-the-air-so-as-not-to-touch-the-filthy-verandah :) position the entire time, scrubbing these filthy drawers & cupboard doors (they weren't cleaned by the previous owners, and then stored in a storage unit for 11 months... we had to use jif!!), and refilling the bucket with fresh water as needed ... it may not have been a Jillian workout, but I sure was sore, stiff and tired by the time I had to head home!!!

Wednesday through Friday we *killed* ourselves doing level three.  Not fun - though there are a few exercises that I will be getting heavier (I'm thinking 2.5-3kg) hand weights for when I get paid later in the week.  By the end of this particular workout though, my thighs & calves, shoulder muscles and abs are all SCREAMING!!  

We are going to continue through this particular workout this week, possibly adding either a cardio or abs based workout (also by Jillian) to the mix by the end of the week.  Next week we  plan to continue doing two workouts (with a drink break in-between) and then follow this up with a week of rest ... Give our bodies time to rest, recuperate and repair before throwing ourselves into the Jillian's Extreme Shed and Shred dvd.  FUN!!  I am hoping to have gotten down to the low 70s, if not into the 60s by Christmas (huge feat, considering I am still currently around the 83kg mark, lol!)


Memory Verse -  A big and important one ...
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"                   ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23
I have really enjoyed adding this verse to my repertoire of known verses to call upon in times of need!  I can still remember the earlier verses in this challenge too, which is great!  I will certainly be challenging myself to incorporate this 'scriptural verse' memorisation to my daily and weekly plans!  It is *so* important to have Our Lord's words available to us to call upon in times of desperation and temptation - both of which, along with depression, I struggle with on a daily, if not hourly, basis!!

Diet & Weight Loss Goals - I decided to forgoe the grand plans, and just aim for working on my water intake to begin with ... Over the next few week I'll *up* my vegetable soup and protein intake (rather than carbs & stuff I really shouldn't be consuming if I'm wanting to lose weight!!).  So my goal this week was to drink at least 4 cups of water each day ... bearing in mind that the cups I usually drink out of hold approx. 450mls of water - so 4 cups brings me close to 2L.  I was able to achieve this ... and this is another thing I am hoping to continue to work on.  

Thankyou so much to Clare for hosting this challenge ... and to those who've been either participating, or following along with my progress.  It truly has helped me stick with it!!

** I have a HUGE list of sewing projects to complete (and some of, send) over the next couple of weeks that are left this month.  I wonder how it is possible that it is October already - and even then, how it has become the 15th so darn quickly!!!  I pray that I will be able to be diligent with my time, and persevere through the to do list to the best of my (with God's strength) abilities.

Friday 12 October 2012

*Reeally* late L&A update [wk5] & Goals

Living & Active

This last week I've been challenged health-wise once again - this time with a on-and-off migraine, sinus congestion & sore throat, all of which culminated with me losing my voice over the weekend (and not really getting it back until yesterday, though its still a little off) ... BUT ... with the help of Nurofen plus, and a nearby bucket (Thurs & Fri, lol!) I was able to workout 4 days last week!  I also did more stuff with my daughter this last week too, which was great!!  I have now successfully completed the fourth week of this challenge, including my fourth week of doing four or more days of exercise.

Week Four's results :

Exercise - Last week we worked out a total of four nights - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.  This was the second week of level two.  By the end of the week I was super pooped (though that *could* have been due to the fact that I wasn't well!!) but I was able to do more of the workout, and keep going longer, with heavier weights.  I didn't add in any extra workouts as it was super hot during the day,  and we ended up working out during the evenings from Tuesday.
Wednesday was out as my migraine was horrible (day one) .. and so instead we went through and sorted my fabric stash, pulling out some items I can get rid of as I really can't see myself using them.  We also worked out a plan for the next month, workout-wise ... boy are we going to *die*!!!

Memory Verse - A beautiful verse - and definitely something good to always remember!!
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" ~ Proverbs 4:23
Diet & Weight Loss Goals - No weight lost.  Eating habits still shocking.  Blah.

Week Five's plans :

Exercise - This week we have started doing level three of Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  Oh boy - am I *dying* or what?!!  Today I was even a little sick when doing the super mans!!! We worked out on Monday (level 2 ... wanted to get in the full "10 days"), Wednesday & tonight (level 3 both nights) and will do level 3 again tomorrow night to get in the four days this week.  Depending on how I am feeling on the weekend (and how much work around the house & sewing I actually achieve tomorrow!), I *may* also do a workout on Saturday.  

Tuesday I ended up going around to BFF's place to help her scrub her repurposed kitchen ready for the builders to see to determine measurements/fitting for their new house.  I was there two hours, in a squat/standing-bent-over-with-my-bottom-in-the-air-so-as-not-to-touch-the-filthy-verandah :) position the entire time, scrubbing these filthy drawers & cupboard doors (they weren't cleaned by the previous owners, and then stored in a storage unit for 11 months... we had to use jif!!), and refilling the bucket with fresh water as needed ... it may not have been a Jillian workout, but I sure was sore, stiff and tired by the time I had to head home!!!

*Not* looking forward to the following week though, as we our third workout buddy is joining back in after giving her knee a rest, and so we will be doing level 3 at my place, then heading out to her's to do level 1 *cue utter exhaustion*!! lol!

Memory Verse -  A big one ...
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"                   ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Diet & Weight Loss Goals - I have decided to forgoe the grand plans, and just aim for working on my water intake to begin with ... next week I'll *up* my vegetable soup and protein intake (rather than carbs & stuff I really shouldn't be consuming if I'm wanting to lose weight!!).  So my goal this week is to drink at least 4 cups of water each day ... bearing in mind that the cups I usually drink out of hold approx. 450mls of water - so 4 cups brings me close to 2L.  

This week's Goals

I did shockingly when it comes to achieving my goals last week.  Much of it was due to the fact that I'd left much of it to the latter part of the week ... and then I fell ill and didn't feel like doing much of anything.  Unfortunately when I get sick, I also usually get *really* lethargic and have no energy! 
I am linking up with Crystal's weekly goal setting post again.

Last week's goals ...

Health

1. Work out 5 days this week, doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, Level 2.  Nope.  Only 4 days (as explained above)



2. Cook dinner 4 nights ... most meals should cover two evenings as we will only have two adults & one child eating here this week.  As we had so many leftovers (and I tend to cook pretty sizeable meals, lol), and DD & I went out on Saturday night,  I only had to cook twice this last week.



Spiritual

3. Spend time in God's Word every day.  Most days, not everyday.

4. Memorise memory verse (above); Keep working on remembering the memory verses from earlier weeks.  Done.  Beautiful verse!!

Personal

5. Write and post three blog posts.  Nope.  Just the one I'm afraid.

6. Paint my toe nails, and follow my skincare regime everyday (I've been getting slack!).  Bright fire-engine red ... but not a half hour later I wanted to remove it as one of the big toes was smudged, and another was slightly 'chipped' ... they're still on, but every time I look down at my feet I see where they're not *perfect* - probably why I usually go au-natural when it comes to my nails, lol!!

7. Finish 8 blocks for the "Some Kind of Wonderful" SAL quilt, have 4 more at least ready for needle turn appliqué to begin.  Unfortunately none as yet.

8. Finish and send "Welcome" mini and 3 QBSA blocks to appropriate partners [all late].  Nope, not yet ... but I only have a little stitching + sandwiching/quilting/binding left on the mini to go ... and the fabrics ready for the blocks.  I hope to have all these ready for Monday's mail.

Homemaking

9. Stay on top of the laundry, 'weekly' house cleaning & daily garden watering. Surprisingly, yes!

10. Finish going through drawers containing cross-stitch magazines & DD's birth/day cards - put cards into scrapbook. Not a chance!!


Mothering / Child

11. Take DD to a movie this week ... her first EVER!!!  We actually went twice - Monday it was Madagascar 3 with a cousin & her little boy; Tuesday we saw Tinkerbell 4 with my sister & BFF (w/ children).  I also took her to play mini golf for the first time on Saturday night as we'd been invited to a friends' 30th birthday party at a mini golf/golfing/archery centre.  She *loved*it!! ... Though she kept calling it a "goal" when she got the ball in the hole, lol!  SOO fun to watch!! ... Oh, and she even got a hole in one!!!  As we were leaving she told me "that was a great day Mummy!"

12.  Get DD in bed by 7:30pm most nights, 8pm at the latest (except Monday night as she will be accompanying me to my Bible Study as my usual babysitters are on holidays).  Nope.  We did achieve it twice though!

This week's goals ...


Health

1. Work out 5 days this week, starting @ Level 2 doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, ending the week with Level 3.



2. Drink four glasses, ice-cold water, every day.


Spiritual


3. Memorise memory verse (above); Keep working on remembering the memory verses from earlier weeks.


Personal



4. Write and post three blog posts.

5. Finish and send "Welcome" mini.

6. Finish and send four QBSA blocks.

7. Finish 10 SKoW blocks.

8. Make a haircut appointment for next week.

Homemaking

9. Go through the fridge - clean out & re-organise.  

10. Declutter & organise 3 hot-areas in my room.


Mothering / Child

11. Teach DD how to play "Guess Who" Junior.

12. Take DD to kindygym Saturday morning.

What are your plans for this week? ... Here's hoping we both have a great week!!!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...