190

I finished sewing together each row of my hexagons. I ended up with 190! The scary thing is that I have tons more. I'm not sure what will ever happen with them... Anyway, now that all the rows are ready, I can sew them together. I've already sewn 3 and 1/2 rows and have realized this will be pretty slow going. That's OK, I'm actually enjoying it more than I expected.

I also started a new embroidery project. I may or may not end up giving it to a friend for a present.

I spent the morning doing some job stuff and going through clothes (ended up adding a bunch of things to the sell/donate pile!). This afternoon, I started working on my Spicing Up The Kitchen swap projects. I'm going to make 2 hot pads and either a mug rug or some napkins. I'll post some pictures of my progress soon. My partner has very specific taste (which isn't a bad thing!) so I've been very cautious in planning and working on her items. I hope that she'll like them!

On a whole other note, I finished a long-standing WIP and am thinking of selling it. I love it but am thinking that I'd really like to try listing it in my Etsy shop. So far, I've only had baby quilts up, so this would be the first larger quilt I'd sell. It's about 50" square and is a perfect lap quilt. I spent a fair amount of time on it and it's made from only Kaffe Fassett fabrics so it's worth a lot. For those of you who sell larger quilts, how do you decide to price your quilts? To be perfectly candid, I already have a number in my head but I'd like to hear from you before I go ahead with it. If you don't feel comfortable posting your info, you can always email me at rlevenkron@gmail.com. I'd appreciate any information! (And yes, I'll post some more pictures soon!)

Well, off to do some more sewing, walk Louie, and get everything ready to make potato soup.

Whoops

So after taking a fabulous fall on the sidewalk in spite of plenty of salt and while wearing hard-core winter boots with insane traction. Yup, awesome.

Most of the afternoon was spent with a cold pack. Not much crafting. Lots of whimpering (to Louie, who looked at me skeptically, as if to say, "Really? You didn't break anything so why are you whining?").

True. Except my pride.

Sigh, oh well. Ended up letting Louie out onto the patio and then coming back inside to sew hexagons and plan a new embroidery project.


Ah well. ::Takes a bow::

Lessons Learned

1. If you use colored chalk to draw lines for quilting, make sure after you're done quilting you wash the quilt as soon as possible. Leaving it to sit lets the chalk set in. (Hopefully a second washing with stain treatment will do the trick!)

2. Trust your instincts, but also do your research! I was determined to find two-sized fusible/interfacing to bond the tee-shirts for Erica's quilt to muslin - and I did! After spending too much time on the internet, I figured what the heck, I'll try Michael's and low-and-behold they had a 5-yard roll of two-sided fusible that's typically used for applique work but works PERFECTLY for this. I highly recommend it as the tee-shirts look awesome! I contemplated trying out just stabilizer and cutting out the muslin but I've used it in the past and not been happy with how the fabric moves. Now, bonded to the muslin, it has great movement and I think will be wonderful in the quilt.

3. Don't be afraid to try new things. Like embroidery, South African style (especially when you love all things South African).


Other things going on:

~ More baby quilts for the shop
~ FINALLY going to finish one of my quilt tops that's been lying around. My sweetie were talking about our vacation (about a month away!) and we were discussing the beach and how his uncle always brings a great beach quilt and wouldn't it be nice if we had one too? Well, soon enough we will! One of my quilt tops is slightly larger than a twin sized quilt which is PERFECT for the beach. We found cheap batting and backing and I'm going to baste/quilt it up lickity-split before we leave. Yay!
~ Loving my volunteer days at the refugee organization (hopefully job opportunities will come soon!)

If you’re going to be passionate about something, be passionate about learning. If you’re going to fight something, fight for those in need. If you’re going to quest something, question authority. If you’re going to lose something, lose your inhibitions. If you’re going ot gain something, gain respect and confidence. And if you’re going to hate something, hate the false idea that you are not capable of your dreams. – Daniel Golston

A good start

I woke up in a good mood this morning. I think mostly because it's Friday! My sweetie and I don't have any specific plans for the weekend but he doesn't have any work lined up so that's good. It's supposed to warm up here a bit which means a trip to the dog park is probably on the agenda (Louie is wagging his tail as we speak). What are your weekend plans?

I'm not sure how it got to be March already! That means we've been here in the Big Apple for over 3 months. It feels both way shorter and way longer than that (funny how that happens, huh?).

I may be going into work this evening (on call) so I don't want to make the day TOO busy. I do plan to do some crafting this afternoon.

In light of the economic times (ahem, my sad little bank account), I've been trying to be thrifty. I'm a total book-lover, the type who loves to OWN my books, but I've been so good lately and haven't bought anything in months. One of the many benefits of living in New York City is a fantastic public library system. This week I requested a whole bunch of books and they're slowly making their way to my local branch. Yesterday I got a copy of Sublime Stitching and after a quick trip to Michael's (embroidery has to be the cheapest hobby - spent only $5!) started to work on stitching. It's easy! I'm definitely going to keep this up and integrate into my quilts.

Speaking of quilts, I've been steadily making baby quilts to sell on Etsy. I know that there are many more experienced quilters out there but I like to think that I have good taste and a decent ability and people will want to buy my quilts! I'll post some pics later. So far I have two completed quilts, one quilt top, and one other top in the works (squares cut, ready to sew).

I've also decided to make my first quilt gift! I have a dear college friend getting married this summer...in Hawaii! Unfortunately, my sweetie and I won't be able to go - it's just too expensive - but we still wanted to give a meaningful wedding present. Will keep you updated on the progress (though maybe not too many details in case she reads this...)

And I still promise to post about my knitting. This week somehow got away from me.

Oh! And yay for a new month for quilting bees! Can't wait to get fabric in the mail!

Behind

Sorry I've been delinquent about blogging this week! I promise I will today or tomorrow. Hints at what's to come: knitting projects, baby quilts for sale, embroidery beginnings...

Stay tuned...

I want a snow day!

Seriously, am I back upstate? We've gotten a fair amount of snow here - and it's still coming down! Remember how great it was to have a snow day? We had so few when I was growing up. That's what happens when you live in a place that has winter from November through April! I remember learning to drive (one January way back when) and there was about 2 feet of snow. We called it "bumper driving!"Anyhoo, unlike the kids who go to NYC public schools, I have to go to work today (actually already went in for a training this morning and will be heading back for a real shift this evening). But in the meantime, I'm home in my sweatpants, cuddling with the dog and admiring the snow. I think it's time for lunch, Project Runway from DVR, and some knitting*.

For now, here's a crafty-themed wishlist! I've been eyeing all the beautiful stitchery over on Flickr and I guess it was only a matter of time before I jumped on the embroidery bandwagon. Thanks to John for the encouragement! Once I have a little more money in the bank, I'm going to get myself some supplies and start stitching! For now, here are some delicious craft-related wants...

Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart (though her website already has awesome instructions - free!)

And eventually, for when I get good enough, this ADORABLE pattern by Aneela (sold in her Etsy shop!)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the "Little Folks" line from Anna Maria Horner. I think I need a quilt made of just this and some bright Kona solids

Yummy cashmere yarn by Lobster Pot (from Purl Soho)

*Knitting is my absolute favorite craft. I've been doing it for over 10 years and like to think that I'm pretty good. My newfound love of fabric has sort of monopolized my crafty activities lately (and this blog!) but I assure you, there are many yarn projects currently on the needles. I promise to devote an entire post soon to my knitting projects and adventures.