Tickle Me Pink

Weddings on my mind

2009-09-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

So, I went to my first non-relative bridal shower this past weekend. It was just lovely! It was for a co-worker of mine and she's just hilarious, so I wanted to do something special. So, I opted for making her an apron. And here it is in all of it's wedding-bliss glory:

(ignore the messy closet, it's a disaster, I'm aware)

and here's the apron posing on the newly purchased Ikea computer chair.

She really loved the apron and that made me feel really happy. I wish I had a photo of it all wrapped up because the present itself looked awesome. I bought this really great wrapping paper. It was the kind of gift I would want at my bridal shower. It was that awesome looking.

Anyway, the bridal shower was fun and I had a great time. I just wanted to show off this cool apron!

More to come soon!

First day of September

2009-09-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

It has certainly been a hectic last few weeks! But I'm very happy to be sitting in my bedroom looking out at the sunset, realizing that today was a perfect almost-fall day. Makes me even happier that this coming weekend is a long one. I'm so ready for it!

I have managed to get some sewing done lately, so that has helped keep my spirits up during a difficult time. It feels good to complete projects, right? My boyfriend's sister's baby shower is coming up and since she lives in Missouri, I have to mail it out to her. I've been busy getting it all ready, but now it's good to be shipped, just as soon as I take it to the UPS office later in the week. His sister is only 17 and she's having a baby, so it's been a struggle to imagine if she realizes just how much her life is going to change, but babies are the best customers to do work for! So I sewed up a little quilt and some bibs for the coming bundle of joy!

Above are the two bibs that I'm sending to her.

Isn't that robot fabric simply adorable?! Don't mind my shadow, my studio lighting is awful!

And the baby quilt! It's finally all finished and ready for baby!

And this has been my present to myself. I've been wanting this American Jane quilt since I laid eyes on the pattern and now i am finally making one. And it's all for me! And if it turns out well, I might do a smaller one for my grandmother!

Something else that I did recently was my first excursion to Ikea. And I fell in love. A computer chair and lamp came home with me, but believe me when I say I wanted the entire store! I have horrible space estimation, though because when I bought the computer chair I thought for sure it would fit in the back of my boyfriend's tiny car. I thought it wouldn't be a problem.

It went in, but not without quite the fight. And then, I couldn't even fit the box in my car when it came time to actually drive it to my house. That was kind of a pain, but it all worked out in the end and I couldn't be more pleased with my new, chic computer chair.

It's been the highlight of coming home. Well, one of the highlights anyway. I only wish I had this quality of comfort at work!

Inching right along

2009-08-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

I must say that I've been steadily working on some more projects lately and I'm surprising myself with the speed in which I have been completing them. Unfortunately, I don't have a knack for carrying around my camera everywhere, so I don't have photos of them yet to show you, but it's been fun working on them.

See I finished a quilt top that will be made into a Christmas present. I also have a baby quilt pretty much finished. And now I get to work on something for me. It's "Rainy Day Paper Play" by American Jane . I fell in love with it and I was going to order the pattern online, but then I went on vacay down to the beach and found a quilt shop there with the pattern and fabric, so I had to buy it. And I can't wait to see the finished product. I even bought extra fabric so that if it turns out really well I'll make a smaller size quilt, for my Mom-Mom, most likely.

And after that, I promised my brother a quilt, and I have been SLOWLY working on that. But I've really got my eye on this. That might have to be put on hold though, I've got to get an apron done for my co-worker because I'm going to her bridal shower and my boyfriend's sister is having a baby so I'll probably have to finish up the little baby quilt (or not, because it's so adorable I might just keep it for myself for any future offspring i may ever decide to have). Yikes. At this rate, I'm going to be steady sewing until February.

But I must say one of my favorite parts of quilting is the complete hoarding of supplies (namely fabric and patterns). I love having a stash. It makes it all that much better on a rainy day where I don't want to get out of my pjs, but yet want to try a new sewing project.

On a separate note, I'm on the hunt for a vintage chandelier for the house I'm going to rent someday after I finish paying down some bills and find a decent place to move into. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Let's get this started

2009-08-03T19:26:00.001-07:00

My, oh my have I been a busy girl. And don't worry, I've got photos to prove it. But, oh, where to start?

Well, it's been a great summer and I've gotten done a few things here and there, along with getting accustomed to my new job. And luckily, I've also gotten a few Christmas gifts, as well. Oh, you wanted photos?!
Did I mention I finally got my new camera? It's awesome. I'll prove it to you. Say hello to this beauty.

Oh, hello, David Cook. You're so, like, up close and personal and stuff. (sorta).

So yeah, I saw Mr. Past-American Idol himself in concert. And I do have much better photos, if you're curious, but...my laptop can't handle all his good looks, so they'll have to wait until I get a request for more photos from someone.

Until then, the good stuff.

This weekend I finished this pillow:

it's a modified version of the pillow on Moda Bake Shop blog. Modified meaning I basically redid all the measurements and and some of the placement, and made it slightly more wonky in the process, but this is the finished product. The brown and reds for the border are from 3 Sisters 'Glace' line. I love that line. Simply beautiful. And this pillow is also from the same line, but notice the complete variation.

Also, I used some more of that 'Glace' for this baby quilt top that I just recently finished. The main fabric shows scenes from Mother Goose Rhymes. I wanted a quilt that would be slightly more appropriate for a baby boy. I think I kinda achieved it. What do you think? At first I didn't care for it much, but it's definitely grown on me and now I like it. I'm looking forward to quilting it, actually and usually, that's my least favorite part.

I have finished a few other odds and ends around here, but unfortunately after my little photo session with the above models, my batteries were running low, so it'll have to wait until I make a stop and pick up some more.

But I am working towards getting Christmas gifts out of the way. I'm working on using the rest of the 'Glace' line for a Christmas quilt...or maybe some aprons. And then I've got an American Jane quilt that I just cannot wait to see how it looks when it's done!!! Super stoked about that. And after that, I'll probably finish up this quilt I've been working on for my brother. And probably a few more pillows, as well. I just need to think of something to make for all the women I work with. I'm thinking some cute tea towels might work. And I've also got a co-worker's bridal shower coming up, as well and I've got an adorable apron in mind for that. I'll try to keep up with photos to let you know how all these plans work out!

Until then!

Cha-Changes

2009-06-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Is it sad to admit that sometimes your own blog depresses you? I think it's the dark purple in the header...I don't know, something.

Either way, I'm thinking this thing needs a makeover and a new name. So, that's what's going to happen.

Awful good timing too, because I start a new job tomorrow morning and I have a new camera on its way to me! (the boyfriend totally spoiled me with birthday presents!)

So, I think that's a great reason for changes. Also, I'm beginning to seriously consider opening an etsy shop. Just because I love sewing all these different things, but I don't always have any use for them. I mean, yeah, aprons are great, but I don't really need ten sitting around when I've already got a favorite one. So, I feel the need to do something with these wonderful creations I make. So if you're at all interested in that sort of thing, then I guess just keep your eyes peeled.

Also, I need a new name for this blog. 'I'm a Little Teapot' just popped into my head when I originally came up with this thing, and now it's kinda dorky, I think. If I can change that I will. I think.

Anyway, just a short update here. Pictures will be coming soon with the arrival of the new camera!

Hooray for many reasons

2009-05-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have just ordered my first Moda fabric! Isn't that something?! I'm super psyched for it. I ordered a layer cake of 'Glace' by Three Sisters. I want to get an early start on my Christmas stuff and this line is perfection!

Okay, okay, so maybe I was inspired by this at Moda Bake Shop. But the apron I have in mind is different from that one, well, basically minus the big pocket in the front and a few other very minor details. And then I'm also thinking with the leftover fabric, I may be able to make a small Christmas lap quilt. Oh the possibilities!

Also, those of you who have seen my photos on this blog will be very happy to note that I have a new camera on its way to me. But I'm still no great photographer.

It happens to be my 23rd birthday this Sunday, so my somewhat-boyfriend is getting me the camera, as well as something else, which I'm guessing is going to be a Phillies jersey - but I have to wait and see. I could be very wrong. But I'll be very happy if i'm right. Unless I'm wrong and he's getting us a vacation to Disney World, then I'll still be very happy. But I'm pretty sure he'd laugh in my face if I told him I would like a vacation to Disney World with him. Oh well.

Anyway, I'm also making a quilt for my best friend, her birthday is just 5 days after mine and I have to say, I'm on schedule with it. I just have to bind it and then it's ready to be wrapped up all nice and pretty. I know she'll love it. I picked out the fabric with her in mind and once I get my new camera I will show you. (or maybe once I bind it, I'll just use my crappy camera to take a quick shot)

And before I go, I just wanted everyone to know that my dog is snoring very loudly at the moment. And he's only a little chihuahua. And yet, he snores pretty loud for a dog that's only about a foot high. Hopefully he's having good dreams of chasing the FedEx man.

I've got photos!

2009-05-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I have finally taken some photos of all my sewing projects as of late. The first one is the purple quilt that I was working on a long time ago. It's actually been done for a while now, I just kept forgetting to get some photos of it to post and show. So, I headed outside on a dreary day here in Delaware to photograph and to also demonstrate how badly I need a new camera. Or to perhaps work on my photo skills. Could go either way. Anyway, the quilt.

That quilt was actually my first go at machine stippling/quilting. It didn't turn out so well, but at least I picked a thread that matched and therefore, you can't really see all the mistakes very clear even up close. So that was a good idea on my part, for once.

A while back, I also took a shot at making baby bibs. It was fun. If I decide to ever open an etsy shop, I'm sure these will be there. They have terry cloth backing, you know, towel material. I'm so bad with naming fabric material. Anyway, for these, I browsed online, got the general idea and then improvised with the sizing. They're probably too big for a newborn, but I'd say toddlers could wear those. Do toddlers even wear bibs? I don't have any kids and nobody I know does, so I'm lost on the whole baby thing. But i'm in love with that cute tree fabric. I'm going to use it for something else, I just don't know what yet.

This next one has been my baby for the past few days. I actually love the main fabric and didn't quite get to do what I wanted to with this apron, so I'm making another one and I'm hoping the next one isn't so showy, but more beachy. Anyway, here's the half-apron.

If you're wondering, the pocket is a tie pocket and I got the idea from laurasaurus on craftster That's why there's a slight pull - I double knotted it. But if I take out the double knot and stick with a single, there's no pull and it's super cute.

I have no idea what I'm going to do with this apron. I don't want to keep it, but don't really have any celebrations where I could gift it to someone. So, we'll see what happens with this one. That was my first half apron and I really like how it turned out. I'm more of a full-apron kinda girl, but I do like this one.

That's about it for me. Tonight I'm going to purchase an embroidery set to do for my next apron and I also have another half apron I'm working on and a baby quilt. Hopefully it won't take me so long to take some photos this time!

What have I been doing, you ask?

2009-04-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well, oh well, oh well. Hey, just to let you know, I got an ultra clear shot of the moon from my window. It's adorable. Makes me feel like a little kid again.

In other unrelated news, I have been doing little crafting. I'm trying to make an apron with a sweetheart neckline and flowy skirt, but, being a beginner seamtress makes this difficult. Add into that the fact that I did poorly in geometry and can't picture how to put things together so that seams won't show = many failed attempts.

I would show you said failed attempts, but,...they're bad. Maybe another day.

But what is a post without pictures, right? So, first, I'll let you know what I have been doing successfully besides creating messed up aprons.

I've planted my sunflowers - which, I do need to take pictures of. Perhaps tomorrow. They're transplanted outside and from what I can tell, are doing great. However, I managed to kill my daisies and cosmos, because,...I kind of forgot about them. So we may be trying those again in the near future.

I've done some spring cleaning of my room. My sewing room desperately needs to be spring cleaned, but I'm waiting until I successfully complete the sweetheart neckline apron I'm going for.

Also, this past weekend I managed to see these guys in concert:

Which from this horrible picture, you can't tell, but that's Kings of Leon. I seriously need a new camera. Or learn how to operate the one I own.

They put on a great show, if you're wondering. !HOWEVER! I went with my best friend, and the unfortunate aspect of going with just one other person is that one of you has to drive and you don't want to drink by yourself and leave your friend to just watch you drink. So, neither one of us drank. But, everyone surrounding us did. And it was a sold out show. And we had general admission standing room only. So a lot of beer was being spilled and a lot of people were drunk. So drunk in fact that the man standing next to my best friend during the concert decided to urinate. And he got some of his pee on her feet. Disgusting. Needless to say, it ruined the rest of the show for her. Which is a shame because they are a great band to see live and a great band just in general.

And on that note, I shall go enjoy what is left of the night. Let me know what you have been up to! I need to learn how to make some blogging friends!

Spring Update

2009-04-14T18:48:00.001-07:00

So, I know it's been a while. I feel that way with just about everything in my life, I've just put it all on hold as I try to figure out where I am and where I'm going. And that's just taking too long, so I've decided to finally update this thing.

I've still been crafting, but I'm in dire need of new camera batteries and I have yet to remember to pick them up everytime I go to the store. Perhaps this week.

Anyway, I've finished the purple quilt. I made two baby bibs. I've also started working on some aprons again. I botched the first one because I'm going for a sweetheart neckline and I don't want to use a pattern and unfortunately sew-as-you-go measurements aren't my forte. Who knew? So, I had an apron top that might have fit a ten year old. I was going for one that would fit a 22 year old.

Speaking of which, I turn 23 next month. It doesn't feel right. I swear I should still be 21. This just ain't right.

Hopefully I'll get some photos up soon. I also have another quilt in the works, but I just need to take a break from quilting after doing the last one. It's hard work and it takes me a while (mostly because I procrastinate like a champ!).

Also, it is baseball season and since the only time I really sew anymore is on Sundays, my sewing time will likely be further reduced. I'm going to the Phillies game this Sunday. I love going to Phillies games. Okay, so they're the only MLB team I go see, but I still love going. Sometimes, I do watch games on tv, but not very often.

Alright enough from me!
By the way, do we love love love the new spring green color?

Who likes cell phone pictures?!

2009-02-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

So I must admit, all the other lady bloggers out there amaze me with their fantastically wonderful photo-taking skills. Photography is an art form I love, however, it is an art form that does not love me. I knew I should have taken that photography class last semester!
Anyway, be that as it may, I have attempted to take some photos of my ongoing crafting adventures. However, they were taken on my crappy little cell phone camera, so bare with me, okay? And I really do apologize in advance. I do indeed have a real digital camera, but...I'm lazy and besides, I roasted the batteries for that camera on accident. I had NO idea that it hurts the batteries to recharge them forever. Like, I would let them recharge for weeks. Who knew?!

Anyway, here's photo numero uno:

Above is a picture of the quilt top (the purple parts) I laid down the gold (or what looks like gold in person) next to the quilt, because in my head, I thought it would make a good border. Clearly, it doesn't, so I ended up not using any border and am currently in the middle of quilting it. It's my first free-motion quilting adventure and I've only spent the whole day on it. Ugh.

That beautiful cake above is a cake from scratch that I made for my parents on Valentine's Day. Well, mostly I made it for my mom since she has been on my case for a white cake. Apparently it was very good. I was too busy eating this....:

Which if you recognize this cake, my apologies. I saw it somewhere on a blog and I can't for the life of me figure out on who's blog I saw it. Anyway, it was fantastic! I actually made this cake for me and my best friend for our V-day movie night. We watched 'Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist' which was really cute. We love Michael Cera. He reminds us of one of our friends, who's currently doing a teaching position in China. So, we decided that we would watch Michael Cera's film so that we felt like we were spending V-Day with our friend.

And these lovely little babies were today's recent additions:

I'm going to be making bibs and baby quilts for the first time, so I stocked up on what I considered cute fabric. The one on the right reminds me of animal crackers. I told my mom that and she said that everything reminds me of food. She's probably right. Anyway, I'm not quite sure what exactly I'll do with bibs and baby quilts, but it's a great idea to have them on hand. I do know at least one person who I'll be giving a baby quilt too, but we're not sure if it's a boy or a girl yet and I have the worst time picking out gender neutral fabric. I end up convincing myself it's leaning one way or the other.

While we're on the subject of babies, I've always pictured doing a nursery in a "Goodnight Moon" theme. I have no idea where in the world I'll ever find fabric or anything to even go with that. I mean, I've likely got almost ten years to work on it, but still. I always go for the challenges.

Anyway, that's all the photos I have for now. I will update with photos of my first free motion quilted quilt when that becomes done!

I'm hoping this will motivate me

2009-02-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Tangles of the Yarn Princess and I thought it looked like fun, so I'm going to give it a shot. I should be working on quilt #3, but I'll do it afterwards. Hopefully I'll get most of the quilt top done today or tomorrow and then I'll take a photo and put it up.

Here goes!

Started your own blog - I have and this is one of two.
Slept under the stars - No.
Played in a band - Only in elementary school and only for a few months.
Visited Hawaii - No.
Watched a meteor shower - Not really. I get too impatient. I won't sit around for too long.
Given more than you can afford to charity - Yeah, it feels good.
Been to Disneyland/world - I've been to Disney World something like 7 times.
Climbed a mountain - Does hiking a hill count?
Held a praying mantis - No and I doubt I will. Those things freak me out.
Sang a solo - Only in the privacy of my own car.
Bungee jumped - No and I doubt I ever will.
Visited Paris - Not yet, but is pretty high up there on things to do before I get married.
Watched a lightning storm at sea - No, but that does sound like a good time.
Taught yourself an art from scratch - Yup. Hello quilting!
Adopted a child - No, but I think I hope to someday.
Had food poisoning -Not that I'm aware of.
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - No, but I did ride the boat around it.
Seen the Mona Lisa in France -No, but that's a high priority when I do go to France.
Slept on an overnight train - Yes, it was on the way to Disney World once.
Had a pillow fight - Definitely. It's a good stress reliever.
Hitchhiked - Well me and some friends got a ride from a guy one of us knew. I only saw him around school, so I'm sure that this counts.
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - Of course!
Built a snow fort - No we never really get that much snow.
Held a lamb - No
Gone skinny dipping - Not yet.
Been to a Broadway show in NY - No but that, too, is a must!
Ran a Marathon - No, but I would definitely like to someday.
Been in three states at once - I'm not even sure where I could accomplish this feat.
Ridden in a gondola in Venice - No
Seen a total eclipse - No.
Watched a sunrise or sunset - Yes. Matter of fact, I watched the sunrise in the Bahamas last year.
Hit a home run - Maybe when I was a kid.
Been on a Cruise - Yes, I went with two friends and we had a blast!
Seen Niagara Falls in Person - No.
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors -No but that does sound like a good idea to do.
Seen an Amish community - Yes, I only live like two hours away from Lancaster.
Taught yourself a new language - Well, I didn't teach it to myself. It took a good five years of Spanish. I would love to live in Spain for a year to perfect my Spanish, too.
Had enough money to be truly satisfied - Not yet. I'm only 22!
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person -No but that's a must do.
Gone rock climbing - Nah, I might pass on that one.
Seen Michelangelo’s David - No but I need to! It's gorgeous!!!
Sung karaoke - Yes. I sung with my best friend. We did "American Pie" by Don McLean. Longest song ever. We sucked, but it was a good laugh afterwards when our friend showed us the video he had of it on his phone.
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - No.
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - No, but I gather this is something I must try.
Visited Africa - No but I have a good friend who did and it seems I should try to go.
Walked on a beach by moonlight - Yes. I love doing that.
Been transported in an ambulance - No thankfully.
Had your portrait painted - No. I'm not photogenic or portrait-genic at all.
Gone deep sea fishing - No, but I'd be game for it.
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - No, but I want to! I don't think I'll believe my eyes.
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - No.
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - Yes. A wonderful memory. My best friend used an underwater camera to take a picture of me snorkeling and she framed it for me and I have it right above this desk.
Kissed in the rain - Yes.
Played in the mud - A little.
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco - No. Is it bad I can't really picture who Grace Kelley is even though I know I've heard the name before?
Gone to a drive-in - Yes! I love it!
Been in a movie - No.
Visited the Great Wall of China - No.
Started a business - Not yet, but I would love to.
Taken a martial arts class - No.
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea - No, but is that a must-do?
Visited Russia - No.
Served at a soup kitchen - No.
Sold Girl Scout cookies - Yes.
Gone whale watching - Tried to, but apparently they were painting the boat that day.
Gotten flowers for no reason - Yes.
Donated blood, platelets or plasma - No, it's an adventure just to get blood out of me.
Gone sky diving - No, but I have done parasailing.
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - No, but I've been to the Holocaust Museum in DC. One of my favorite museums, they do an excellent job there.
Bounced a check - Not really. It was a paycheck from my employer and her's bounced. She always forgets to put money in the bank.
Saved a favorite childhood toy - Many!
Visited the Lincoln Memorial - Yes, gorgeous! Whenever I'm in DC, I like to check him out. It's just a great sight.
Eaten Caviar - No, I don't eat seafood.
Pieced a quilt - Yup!
Stood in Times Square - Yes. I want to go back there.
Toured the Everglades - No.
Been fired from a job - No.
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - No.
Been on a speeding motorcycle - Not a speeding one. But I've been on a motorcycle. My dad carried me on one of his when I was a little kid. We went around the backyard LOL.
Seen the Grand Canyon in person - No.
Published a book - No, but I have had a piece published in a university magazine.
Visited the Vatican - No.
Bought a brand new car - No. Someday.
Walked in Jerusalem - No, I would love to though. Maybe it'll be remotely safe enough one day.
Had your picture in the newspaper - Yes.
Read the entire Bible - No, but I should.
Visited the White House - Only from the sidewalk. I would like to take a tour.
Killed and prepared my own meat - No.
Had chickenpox - Yes.
Saved someone’s life - No.
Sat on a jury - No.
Met someone famous - Sorta. I met the kids from last Season's American Idol. I met Michael Johns, David Archuleta and some of the girls.
Joined a book club - No, but I would like to. I wish they had ones around here for people my age.
Lost a loved one - Yes.
Had a baby - No.
Seen the Alamo in person - No.
Swam in the Great Salt Lake - No.
Been involved in a law suit - No.
Owned a cell phone - Yes.
Been stung by a bee - Yes.

Quilt #3, as yet un-named.

2009-02-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

After several attempts to upload the pictures I'm going to share, I finally figured out where they went. Apparently my digital camera has gone haywire and just sent the photos into whichever folder it felt like at the time. Well, at least I found them.

So, by now I think I've mentioned that I'm in the process of working on another quilt. And since I have no plans for it to be a gift, or for me to keep it, I'm taking my time on it. I think I'm up to a month spent on it, now. But, it's coming along. Anyway, the quilt is purple. I've only used two fabrics so far, but I do want to add a border, so I will be using a third and probably a fourth and fifth for the back and the binding. I like using different patterns for that, so we'll see how that goes. I'm hoping to sell this quilt. It's going to be a pinwheel quilt, and here's some peaks of the fabrics I'm using and how the blocks are turning out.

The fabric that looks kinda white from here is actually gold and yellow.

So that's the quilt. I've got a spring one after I finish this one. And in the spirit of spring, here's a photo I took at the Smithsonian in DC, they had a Darwin Orchid exhibit, so here's a photo from that. They're my favorite kind of flower/plant. I've actually had two of them, but I have killed them both. I don't know what I do wrong, but I know it's me. It's not the plant. They're great.

Other than all of that, I've been just trying to keep busy. I, like every other American out there, am on a job hunt and that's of course, a depressing thing, but I'm lucky I have great friends and family.

And as I sit here, typing this, my room is begging to be straightened up. I've got blankets and papers and cups everywhere. It really is a disaster. But I bought a red card stock paper from Michael's earlier today and I think I'm going to get to work on making a valentine for someone. That sounds like more fun, doesn't it? Yes, I think I will do that. If it turns out well, I'll post a photo of that as well, now that I have semi-figured out where my camera was spitting my photos.

Anyway, have a great weekend! And if you happen to live on the East Coast like I do, make sure to enjoy the nice weather we're supposed to get tomorrow!

Freaking Finally

2009-01-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It's been forever! And I really do feel bad for ignoring this thing. I feel like it's the only thing I contribute to the crafting world. And I do believe it was probably one (of many) of my new year resolutions.
If you want excuses, I'll give them to you. I take horrible pictures- but I put 90% of the blame on my crappy digital camera. However, I will work to make my photos better.
Also, I haven't been crafting THAT much.

I do, however, have a list of items that I have to photograph to show what I've been up to. I've made an eco-friendly bag (well, one that is going to be eco-friendly anyway, since I'm going to try to stop using plastic bags, or at the very least, recycle the ones I do use). I also am in the process of making another quilt. This one is purple and has pinwheels, which will be my first time doing that. I think I'll probably put that one up for sale. And, if I may say so myself, it's turning out beautifully. I'll take some photos of my work for you.

So, yeah, I really need to get on the ball, huh? It's just that, I've finally chosen my career path and now I need to find a way in. I graduated college in May and have yet to get a full-time job, so everyone is on my case, now. It's frustrating. But, I am determined to achieve my goals and so, I will, somehow find a way into my career path.

Just so this post was not a complete loss - I'll provide you with a shot of my pooch, Junior.

The finished product

2008-12-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have to apologize for taking so long to update. It's been hectic and I hate my digital camera, but love posts with pictures, so I had to wait until I was in a fighting mood to take on my digital camera. Anyway, I have managed to finish the Sea Quilt. And it's all ready for my mom to open on Christmas morning. Here's some photos:

And there it is, all ready for my Mom to open. I think she'll like it.

I've also made her another apron in a really adorable fabric, but alas, I did not take any pictures on my camera before I boxed it up and wrapped it. I'll have to remember to take pictures on Christmas morning.

Oh, if the Sea Quilt looks a bit...shall we say, crappy? It's because it's only my second quilt and I didn't use a pattern for this one. I just went by what I felt like. I used two main blocks and just switched around the colors and stuff. It really is a large quilt, just a smidge smaller than a full comforter (I laid it out on my bed to check.) I wish I'd used a patterned binding and a patterned backing, but I didn't.

I have to say, it's been a lot of fun making my Christmas gifts this year. They all mean something special to me, so it'll be great to see everyone open them up. Hopefully everyone will like them.

I think I'm still going to try to sew a quick Christmas pillow tonight and perhaps even do a small Christmas quilt. I have some Japanese Christmas fabric that I'm dying to use, so that's my next adventure.

In the New Year, I'm going to contemplate opening an etsy store. I have to find out a lot more about it, but from the outside, it looks like it might be something that would interest me.

Oh, also I stumbled across this little etsy store and if you have some last minute holiday shopping, this is the place. Her stuff is all very reasonably priced and so dern cute! Anyway, it's called PetitGateau.

Alright, well if I don't add to this thing before the holidays, I hope everyone has a delightful holiday and that you get to spend it with the ones you love.

Muddling Through

2008-11-21T07:06:00.001-08:00

So, I'm working on finishing the quilt top to my Sea Quilt. It's turning out to be a mess, but that's exactly why it's going to my mom - she loves everything I do, even if it's done wrong. LOL.

In the midst of all my frustration about cutting some blocks the wrong size, I stumbled upon a pretty sweet giveaway and am going to pimp it out here!

It's a giveaway done by Simplify and the link to the actual giveaway is right here. She's giving away a quilt and it's a pretty fun giveaway, so definitely check it out if you like. I mean, who doesn't love free quilts? Especially with the weather that's been going on where I live -- flurries!

I had to whip out my new winter coat yesterday, it was so chilly!

Anyway, I'm off to organize my bedroom and then perhaps work on previously stated frustrating quilt.

The sea quilt

2008-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

So, I've only mentioned it a few times, but I finally took some photos of the quilt that I'm working on. It's going to be for my Mom, as a part of a Christmas present. And it's designed to be an image of water - I was thinking of the beach near us, as well as in the Bahamas. Not that this has anything to really do with my mom, I just think she'll like it, so she's getting it LOL. Anyway, I know it's a little messy, but this is only my second quilt and there's no pattern, I'm just doing what I feel like. It's only two block styles and I change around the colors. So...yeah. I have about a row and a half done. I'm thinking it'll probably get to six rows, hopefully. Anyway, here's some pictures.

Now, remember, i haven't sewn these together, I just stuck the blocks by each other for the sake of this picture. And I know they're not all the same size -- I'm working on fixing that at some point. But for now, this is what it might sorta-kinda look like.

And this is just closer up, so you can get a better idea of the fabrics. I swear I saw that ocean one on Grey's Anatomy last week, as Dr. Shepherd's cap. Seriously!

So, that's it. Just two photos. I'm hoping it'll motivate me to kick into high gear and work it out in like a week. That would be great, but we'll see!

Still getting the hang of it all

2008-11-02T19:16:00.001-08:00

I've always been a pretty big fan of the internet, as well as 'over the internet' shopping. And I used to like to think of myself as an up-to-date on all the internet ongoings kind of person. But, wow! I was sorely mistaken. There's so much out there that I'm just amazed! I've always tried to hunt out the unique and handmade, and never knew it was just a few clicks away. Seriously, it's awesome.

And among all of the little treasures I've discovered, I just created my etsy account tonight. I had to, after I saw AnitaCraftyCreations . I wanted to pretty much buy her whole shop. And I came close to it, as a matter of fact! But I love stuff for baths and so do just about all the other women in my life, so I figured I'd pick up some things to try and things for holiday gifts. I mean, even if they smelled awful, they look so cute, that I wouldn't care. But I seriously doubt that will even be an issue - i think they'll smell very delicious!

I wish I could post more photos of what I've been working on as of late, but I have a love/hate relationship with my camera and so, it's usually a bigger pain for me to take pictures and upload them then I'd like to do battle with. But for now, I'll just say that I'm creating a quilt hopefully for my mom (i hope she'll like it). It's a vision in my mind of water. Particularly a reminder of the beach. Whether it be here, where I live or in the Bahamas, which I've visited twice. So, we'll see how it turns out. I think I have the first row done. Probably only seven more to go! I would be working on it tonight, but I got side tracked by internet shopping.

Anywho, that's about it from me. I'm working on getting myself to update this thing more, because I understand that's the way to get readers. Nobody keeps checking something that hasn't been updated in a month. I have to drill that into my mind. We'll see how it goes.

Candle Giveaway!

2008-10-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

So, I've been venturing around to various websites, just checking all that there is out there and I came across this pretty cool 'over-the-internet-giveaway'. All you have to do is check out:
ThistleDew Farm
and
Clay Hill Farm
and also,
Brandyanne's Candles and Prims
to check out all the greatness.

Everybody loves candles!!! Especially as gifts, they're some of my favorite to give and get!

Off to watch Cole Hamels deliver the Top Ten List tonight on Letterman!

My first post!!

2008-10-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! I finally got one! Who knew it was so easy?! Yikes. Well...I don't know what to say...so here's just some quick info on me and what I hope this blog will be allllllllllllll about.

1. I'm just learning how to sew.
2. That being said, I've already made 3 aprons and a quilt.
3. I can't stop sewing!
4. I'm 22.
5. I don't really know anyone else personally who sews that's my age. All my friends think it's cool though.
6. I spent 2 hours in JoAnn Fabrics yesterday.
7. I'm in awe, there's so much for me to learn.
8. I had no freakin idea that there was such a huge internet life for sewers and quilters and all that good handmade stuff!!
9. I could very easily go broke shopping on everyone's etsy store.
10. My goal is to someday have an etsy store when my sewing finally looks like store-bought quality and not so much girl-made-it-at-home quality. Which mine does, right now.
11. I think i've been sewing for a month.
12. My grandmother quilts, but she's not patient enough and always uses the 'cheater' quilts and her binding is just bad news. I love my grandmother but she gets fed up with it and it shows LOL. But i love that about all the quilts she made me (which is one).
13. Oh, I live in Delaware.
14. I graduated college from UD and so, i am always rooting for the Blue Hens
15. And the Phillies.
16. I love food.
17. I hope to stop this at 20.
18. I wish I had kids so that i could quilt for them, but alas, family planning is nowhere near the priority list.
19. I use most of my tip money from my waitressing job to buy fabric and string and stuff.
20. this all started out because I wanted to get my grandmother an awesome apron for Christmas. When I couldn't find one, I decided to make it.

So here's a few pictures:

whoops! I don't know why my quilt is at the top of the page, but whatev. I'll try again.

Oh look! It's an apron LOL. I realized you gotta move the pictures where you want them. Okay. Got it. So that apron is the first one I made and I didn't use an apron. It's going to be a gift to my grandmother. Hopefully I'll make some pot holders too with the left over fabric.

So, there's my first post. It's all very exciting!