The first month of the year went relatively smoothly for us. We got back into our regular routines pretty quickly after being home for the holidays. I think it helped that we came home a few days earlier. It was only a couple days, but it made a difference. I didn't waste nearly as much time getting back into the swing of things as I usually do. Part of that was out of necessity. I actually did quite a bit of sewing this month, but it's under wraps for the time being. Luckily I get to share soon!


I actually tackled my tax organization already! I am normally doing that in late March/early April, so I'm pretty proud of myself. I do very little along the way, so it's a pretty big undertaking when I finally do tackle it. This time around I set myself up with documents and a new organizer to help ensure that I do more to prepare throughout the year. Hopefully I'll keep up with it. I think that I will, it's a bummer to spend so much time at once thinking about and working on tax stuff.


I finished a few knitting projects this month, including a hat using only leftovers from other projects (this one). I'm getting ready to start two new knitting projects that I'm excited about. To keep myself accountable I'm tracking my yardage for both yarn and fabric, so here is how I did in January:

Fabric
Used up: 12.5 yards
Brought in: 21.75 yards
Net: +9.25 yards

Yarn
Used up: 942 yards
Brought in: 885 yards
Net: -87 yards

Not bad for the first month! It's amazing how fast some fat quarters and a bit of garment yardage adds up! I need to be more careful in February.


Looking at my other goals, I met my Double Wedding Ring monthly goal by making 16 wedges. I also finally stitched up the bodice muslin for the Emery dress and am hoping to sew up my first one this week! I have everything ready to starting knitting Fiddlehead Mittens (I can't stand waiting any longer!!). I also completed my first month of Project 365: a photo a day using my DSLR camera.


This coming month I'm primarily focused on getting ready for Quiltcon, specifically sewing up class samples. I'm also hoping to launch a fun project using the blocks from the 60 block chart in my book, Patchwork Essentials: The Half-Square Triangle!


In other news, I was able to visit the newly opened Stitch Supply Co in Altoona, WI! Part of our summer cabin crew went up and attended an open sew retreat there. It was so much fun! The retreat space and shop are lovely, Ann and her husband thought of everything. I actually sewed (which is not my norm, I talk too much), and it was great to catch up with friends and do lots of laughing. I'm excited to be teaching from my book at a retreat there in October. I hope you'll join me! It will be a beautiful time of year to travel! All the information about that retreat can be found here.

(Bags: Jane Market Bag, Super Tote, Sew Portable Tote) 


George the bunny! I have a George video for you today! I bought him a Trixie Snack Board. It's a logic game made specifically for bunnies! This was his first time using it, and he aced it! I need to order him something more challenging.


Enjoy!

Disclaimer: You may end up watching this video more than once. It's pretty crazy cute.

This Month

Happy Wednesday! I'm back, at least for today. This month has been pretty draining. I am working towards finishing up some deadlines, doing regular work, trying to keep the apartment in order, and planning our wedding from afar. Plus, it was Michael's birthday and our anniversary this month.

I haven't had much to talk about or show in this space, and honestly I think I needed a little break. I've been pretty quiet on Instagram too, I guess I've pulled back from most social media this month, and it's been good. I can't do everything, so something has to give. Hopefully next month things can get back to normal.

I did find time recently to refresh the quilt ladder. I love having quilts on display! It was made using this tutorial.


I've joined a quilt bee for the first time in years and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a traveling bee, so we had to send out our quilt "start" last month. I choose some orphaned blocks that all happened to coordinate in color. I can't wait to find time to work on this project.


I started my first knitting project of 2015, a Schwimmen hat (pattern by Shannon Cook). It's another gray hat, because I love gray hats. This is the fourth gray hat I have made, whoops! Oh well, I know what I like! More on my Ravelry.


We are finally to the point where we are simply running out of space in our apartment. Since we aren't planning on moving until we leave Madison, this means some purging is necessary. Thankfully, I love ridding through things, so it's not all bad. This past weekend I tackled my sewing room. I took almost everything out of the wall of closets, and got rid of a decent amount of stuff. Not enough, but there is nothing being stored on the floor anymore, so definitely an improvement! I also ordered this FJÄLKINGE shelving unit from Ikea to take better advantage of the space between my sewing table and the window. It's definitely one of the better quality pieces I've seen from there, and it fits perfectly.


Last month when it wasn't quite so cold (it's 2 degrees right now), we got brave and went out onto Lake Mendota for some photos of the ice. It was really cool. Don't worry, this is as far as we got from the shore.


George bunny has been good. He is so sweet, I like to pick him up for a squeeze everyday. He has been waking us up every morning at about 6:30am to go out in his play area. Stinker!


One more George photo just for good measure, cause he is so cute!

Have a great day!

This Week

Granny Square Table Topper, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Lots and lots of crafting happened this week. We got a bunch of snow late in the week, and being cozy and stuck inside tends to amp up my motivation! My favorite finish of this week is definitely my table topper! These squares are not as quick to sew up as traditional patchwork, but still took relatively little time to put together. I used Jolene's granny square quilt block tutorial, using 1.5" squares instead of 2.5". 

Granny Square Table Topper, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

I added a few more fabrics to my original stack, giving me 8 fabrics in each of 6 colors.  For the background I used Quilter's Linen in I *think* natural (I must write done what colors get cut next time I buy some!).  It's backed in an Amy Butler Soul Blossoms print and bound in the focus fabric from Domestic Bliss by Liz Scott.  Don't look too close at the borders, it ended up a bit wonky! Thankfully, it looks great in it's new home next to the futon! :)

Wiksten Tank, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

On Friday I decided to pull out the Wiksten Tank pattern by Jenny Gordy again, this time using a blue gingham fabric I thrifted when my Mom visited.  This is now my fourth tank from this pattern, and I'm just getting started. It's so quick and easy to whip up and fits great too.  You can now purchase the Tank and Tova patterns in paper or downloadable versions here!

Bow Tie Top, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

I headed to Joanns this morning to pick up a couple Simplicity patterns I've had my eye on. Since I had lots of coupons I sifted through my garment sewing pinterest board and found this Simple Bow Tie Top tutorial I had pinned a while back. This seemed the perfect opportunity to pick up some jersey and silk on sale.  I came straight home and sewed it up. So simple, but I think the result is quite nice.  I'm excited to wear it this summer! I can't resist things with giant bows!

Retro Flower Mini Top, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

In between everything else, I finally sat down and tried out Christina's Retro Flowers Quilt Pattern. I set my goal of one block and was amazed by how easily it came together. I don't have a lot of experience sewing curves, but this block made me feel like a pro! The techniques used to achieve precision are awesome. Now I'm thinking I might need to make a whole quilt! (Fabrics are Rawhide by Moda, Quilter's Linen in Natural, La Petite Ecole by French General)

Nametag, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

This month for the Madison Modern Quilt Guild we decided to make name tags for ourselves. I still had one from Sewing Summit, but figured I could use another one! I used more Quilter's Linen (can you tell I'm in love with this stuff?) and some Little Folks voile scraps!

If you're a local Madison quilter interested in joining, check us out on Facebook!

Wintery Wisconsin, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

A snowy view of this week's storm!

George, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

George! He is working hard shedding at the moment. His new fur is SO soft!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Lavender dryer sheets
Sound of: Harry Potter 6
Taste of: Sesame seed bagel
Sight of: Sun
Feel of: Wool socks

Good Things about Today:
-  Productive day!
- Chocolate!
- My handmade wardrobe is growing!
- George :)

2011, The Year of the Rabbit!

Project 365 Year 2, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Wow, I can't believe another year is already over! So much happened in 2011! I don't even know where to begin! I graduated from college, Michael got accepted into graduate school, we moved to Wisconsin, I taught at Sewing Summit, made some wonderful friends! It's been a crazy year of big changes and opportunities! I am looking forward to what 2012 will bring!

I am very happy to have completed another Project 365! For those who aren't familiar with it, you take a photo a day, every day for a year! This is the second year I have completed it and it was still just as fun! I had one random day in November that only had an Instagram photo, but that's okay.  I hope to get them printed soon! You can see my last Project 365 here.

Quilts 2011, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

I sewed and quilted like crazy this year! Minis included, I completed 36 quilts! Not too bad! I have lots of quilts planned for 2012! :)

Favorite Sewing Projects 2011, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

A few of my favorite sewing projects from 2011! Lots and lots of bags! And pillows too! A little garment sewing as well! You can see all of my 2011 finishes here.

George 2011, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

And of course, LOTS of George bunny! It was the year of the rabbit after all! I had no choice! ;)

I love the possibilities that a new year bring. It's like a second chance! I have a lot of goals for 2012, crafty and otherwise. I hope to share a few as well as kick off our Half-Square Triangle Block of the Month soon! For now, I'm taking off for a few days to enjoy family and make the drive back to Wisconsin!

Until next year! Thank you for all of your love and support this past year! It really means a lot to me!

Happy New Year!

This Week

High Tide Mini Quilt, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

A few more crafty finishes for 2011! I finished up my High Tides mini quilt this week!  I had a lot of fun with this little quilt! It uses fabrics from the Horizon colorway of Morning Tides by Mark Cesarik! I added in a few Kona cottons and Heath by Alexander Henry. I backed it in a fun vintage sheet stripe and finished it off with some Mingle by Monaluna for the binding. It's quilted with a few simple diagonal lines.  It finished at 20" square. I'm really happy with how it turned out, it's so bright and cheerful! Now to find some wall space for it!

Drawstring Bag, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

I was itching to sew something with these lovely Echino fabrics I received from my Aunt for Christmas! Another drawstring bag seemed like just the thing! This one was made using the project size in my Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern!

Cozy, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Right before we left I made myself a new camera strap cover. It was time for something new! I use this tutorial!

Thrifting, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Did really well thrifting! Will be reopening the shop with these beauties next week! :)

Dansk Kobenstyle, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Also managed to find some enamelware! At an antique shop, but still! I found this Dansk Kobenstyle fondue pot and it even has it's stand! In love with it!

Snow, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

We finally got a bit of snow, although it hasn't lasted long. Still looked pretty though!

George, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

George!

I'll be back tomorrow with a final recap of 2011!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Pancakes
Sound of: Harry Potter 7 part I
Taste of: Cheerios
Sight of: George
Feel of: Wool socks

Good Things about Today:
- Making Bretzel later!
- The sun came out for a minute!
- Got a Hello Kitty Xmas t-shirt!
- Snuggling with Blackie kitty!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Hope you all have a happy and relaxing holiday! I won't be gone from this space for long, but a little break over the holiday is necessary! We're hitting the road for Ohio early tomorrow morning! :)

Happy Holidays and safe travels!

Wednesday

Turquoise Pyrex, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finally! This turquoise pyrex mixing bowl set has been 2 years in the making! It is my absolute favorite set! I finally broke down and bought the last bowl online when I spotted it for a good price! The other three bowls were found thrifting. I'm so happy that it's finally complete :)

Make-up Roll-up!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I pattern tested this fun little make-up roll-up pattern by Rachel of Stiched in Color this past month! It's so nice to have a proper travel kit for my makeup! I made mine using Robert Kaufman Quilter's Linen and Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow! The pattern even makes use of a sewing trick that Rachel has dubbed George's Trick! He is quite honored!

Beeeeee Happy, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Beeeee happy! Baby's breath from my roses!

Photos, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I finally printed all the photos from last year's project 365! Snapfish had a deal I couldn't pass up! Unfortunately they were not printed in chronological order, bummer! Haha, I was hoping they would! Oh well! Now to figure out how to store/organize them! :)

Mmmm, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Made Bretzel again this weekend using my favorite recipe. Would anyone be interested in a little video "tutorial" of the baking soda bath? There are always a lot of you interested in this bread, is the bath what is stopping you? I'd be happy to go through the recipe step by step if there is interest!

George, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Thank you so much for your response to my Dream On quilt! I love reading your comments and I know everyone is so busy, I appreciate that you're taking time out of your day to leave me a note! I am feeling back in blogging mode which is awesome! I turned in the rough draft for my Thesis today, so I am feeling really relieved! Hopefully in a few weeks I can start up the Art of Choosing posts again! :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Pumpkin candles
Sound of: Spongebob season 3!
Taste of: Japanese takeout
Sight of: George
Feel of: Cool fan

Good Things about Today:
- Finished my rough draft!!!
- Happy, happy mail!
- Sunny afternoon despite rain forecasts!
- Watching spongebob! It's such a stress-reliever! :)

2010

2010 Project 365, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I did it. I actually completed my project 365. I took at least one photo every single day in 2010. No cheating, no "it's after midnight but I'm still awake" and only a very small handful of "oops it's 10 pm and I haven't taken my photo yet"! I attempted a project 365 in 2008 and failed partially because of lack of motivation and I was living in a dorm (not much to photograph). This time around, I really did it. I am so so happy. I want to get all the photographs printed in a book. Any recommendations? I can't wait to do another year of 365, starting tomorrow! :)

2010 Sewing, Quilting, Crafting, originally uploaded by jenib320.

2010 was a huge crafting year for me. I learned to quilt! In mid-March I quilted my very first quilt. Now I can't imagine not quilting. I made a lot of sewing strides this year and participated in a lot of swaps. I am so happy that sewing has become such a large part of my life. It's led me to some of the most amazing people. I am so thankful for my wonderful online quilty friends! :)

2010 Vintage & Thrifting, originally uploaded by jenib320.

2010 brought on a treasure trove of vintage goodies! Pyrex, enamelware and later in the year, tons and tons of vintage sheets! I also opened up my shop, which has had such a great response, thank you all for your support!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year!

See you all next year! ;)

The Pyrex Collective

PyrexCollective, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Wanted to share a fun project I have been involved in with Erin of Yard Sale Snoop! We collaborated to start up a blog dedicated to blogging about Pyrex called The Pyrex Collective. It's a big group of bloggers talking Pyrex all the time! I haven't been able to post much lately with school in full swing, but it's come along great! If you love Pyrex you should head over and check it out!

Photo by Erin.

Anyways! Erin wrote a great article for the Toronto Star and asked me if I'd be interested in contributing some of my photos to the article! I of course said yes and long story short, the article was published this past weekend! It's so cool to see such a big article about Pyrex and to see some of my photos in print! You can head on over to the Toronto Star website and read the article here: Passionate for Pyrex. It's a great article!

Photo by Erin.

Thanks for this opportunity to get involved Erin! :)

Happy Pyrexing!

Lotus Bowls

Favorites, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I know it's going to be a long day when it is necessary to take my 365 photo at 9:00am! My three favorite vintage lotus bowls, orange yellow and red. Used the keep things organized on my sewing table. The pincushion is the first one I ever made :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Winter
Sound of: Silence
Taste of: Peanut butter + banana
Sight of: George
Feel of: An evening nap

Good Things about Today:
- Had a productive day
- Took a much needed nap
- The worst day of the week is over!

Warm Colors Patchwork Quilt

My first quilt is finished! FINISHED! I am so happy and excited! I had it professionally quilted by Christina over at The Sometimes Crafter! She did and amazing job, I highly reccomend her for your next quilting project! I will certainly turn to her for my next quilt! Which is already being planned :D I think I want to do a quilt just like this one except with cool colors instead of warm. I have such a large fabric stash and this is such a good way to clear some of it out. So it would be blues, greens, and purples. I'm excited to start going through my fabrics and planning it all out!

Soon I will be trying to take better photos of this beauty. The gray of Cleveland winters is slowly creeping in. I haven't had good photo-taking light in my apartment since Saturday so it's been hard to get decent photos. However as soon as it's nice there will be many more photos. Here is an older post that documents each step of the way: My First Quilt!

If you'd like to make your own, check out my Colors Quilt Tutorial.

It's Finished!!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finished Quilt - Close up!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finished Quilt - The back!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Today I love the..
Smell of: New Shampoo
Sound of: George running around
Taste of: Diet Coke
Sight of: My Quilt
Feel of: George

Good Things about Today:
- Found some Pyrex thrifting!
- Did well on German test
- Yummy Burger at Max & Ermas