Crafting Plans 2019

Here's a aerial view of my sewing plans.  I managed to collect a couple kits several years ago, so I plan to start with those since I already have the fabrics.  I have learned that my best approach to quilting should be like my knitting-find a pattern first [except sock yarn] and go from there.  I am much more successful tackling projects this way.  Brenda is coming over next week, so I hope to she'll be able to help me with a few things.  She's been quilting and sewing for a long time, and has even designed some patterns, as well as, design work for Jacquelynne Steves -she is so very talented!

Plans include:
1. A Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt-I have just over half of the required fabrics and I did an on-line order for the rest and hopefully that will arrive by next week.
2. I found a skirt pattern I had bought a long time ago.  I hope Brenda will help measure me and between her and Mary I think I should be able to make at least 3 of these skirts.  Perfect for warm weather.
3.  A Christmas Tree Wall hanging
4. A table topper for my kitchen table [the red poppy fabric]
5. A small quilt using the jelly roll fabric
6. A larger quilt using the green and yellow fabric-I had all the fabric required for this quilt.-it's just a matter of starting it.  I have another complete kit in my stash that I'll save for another time.
7.  Another Christmas project using a panel and coordinating fabrics that I bought forever-ago.

I've also got a cross-stitch project I want to do-it requires a linen fabric, but I can't see the holes very well so I'm going to start over and use Aida 14 count and see how that goes.

I'm inspired by Carole's post about small seasonal goals, so while my list may seem exhaustive I think if I work on things slowly and with purpose I'll be able to get these projects to the point I want them by the end of the year and hopefully sprinkle in other small projects here and there.  I figure if I have my plan, materials, and tools that's half the battle.  I'm going to start by cutting the pieces I need for each project, label them and keep them handy so I can pick up a project and make progress depending on how much time.  One thing I really need to do is to improve my cutting skills.  Once my  new mat arrives I'll begin that process.  I can take the cutting to work as we have several long tables that'll make this job a lot easier.

I would dearly love to deplete my knitting and fabric stash substantially this year, and have completed projects as an end result.  I need to stick with projects that are at my skill level [maaayyyybe a little bit of stretching of those skills] as I'd rather do a few projects that are great than a bunch that are okay, or I'm not really happy with-so we'll see how all that goes-stay tuned

Weekending Times 2

I had ever intention of blogging about last weekend, well last weekend-then this week was upon me and now it is Sunday evening.  I am very pleased that much has been accomplished here at Maison Sheffield in the last 9 days and that it wasn't all work and no play.  I took 2.5 days off from work which would explain my ability to get so much done.  I made 4 trips to our storage unit between Sunday and Thursday as I've been determined to get it cleared out.  I am happy to report that all that is left in the unit is a table saw, a dining room table/chairs/china cabinet, 3 curios/cabinets a piano bench, a grandfather clock, and my great-grandmother's rocking chair.  Unfortunately, I think we are going to have to part with the curios/cabinets as the space we have in the house needs to be reserved for functional furniture-well really just one piece-this one from West Elm I'm hoping we'll add so we have more storage and serving area.  We have decided where the clock and piano bench will go, but nothing so far for the rocking chair.  I also managed to unpack ALL THE BOOKS that I've had in storage and while I got rid of quite a few in our moves the ones remaining have sentimental value-maybe I should mention ALL THE PHOTO ALBUMS that I have as well.  Needless to say those aren't going anywhere.  My next approach is to sort through things that were PJ's-that's going to be a tough chore, but will need to be done [in due time], and Andrew's childhood stuff needs to be organized too.  I want to have things arranged so that it will be easy for him when he decides what he wants to keep.  We have to space to store it so I'm not worried about it leaving the house anytime soon.  We got our swords and Italian pottery plates out as well, and so we're hoping those get put up soon.  That's worth another blog post as these items are hundreds of years old and I know once they are on the wall that'll mean we are settled/settled in our new digs.  Also, the swords require some thought and engineering so it's not a job you rush through. 

How about this fire?! Since we have an old school fireplace I don't ask for one of these unless the weather really calls for it which it did on Saturday!  We plan to hang the swords over the mantle-and photo of their installation will definitely make it on the blog.

As I said the last several days have not been all work, oh no, on Wednesday I went to the High Museum with Polly, Mary and Karen and saw a new to me artist and it was quite the experience.  Since Mary did a great job I'll take the easy route and link to her blog post ;-).  I honestly will never look at polka dots the same way again! 

On Thursday I had to make a quick trip to help my Mom and decided to go to the Frederick Remington Exhibit at the Booth Museum in [little bitty] Cartersville, Ga.  I'm so glad I did, I wish they'd have allowed no-flash photography, but alas I only have my memories.  I learned so much about this artist and I'd love to go visit his museum/home in NY-road trip anyone?!  This museum is truly a hidden gem.  Also on display [temporarily] were photographs by Bob Kolbrener and landscape paintings by Scott Christensen and Quang Ho.  I need to keep this museum on my radar so I don't have to rush to see the next exhibit.

Today I had plans to FINALLY sit down at my sewing machine and work on the quilting portion of the the only quilt that has a finished top and backing.  I've decided that the other quilt tops that I've done will be quilted by someone with better skills than I have as they are large and I don't do well with them.  They are neatly folded waiting for me to get backing, batting and schedule a time to drop them off with a quilter I learned about nearby. 

But alas----when I went to do a little practicing to make sure the machine was in working order I discovered that the feed dogs aren't doing their job?! Ugh!  I reached out to my friend Brenda who guided me by text and phone on what might be the problem, but to no avail Helga is going to have to go to the shop.  The last time my machine was serviced was in 2014-what?!  To be fair I've used it very little since then, but I need to make sure she gets in more frequently to be serviced.  I spent the rest of the afternoon organizing my sewing/quilting books and patterns.  Many of these books have been in storage and I'm so glad I have them out now for reference.  I did go through many of the kits and such that I've collected and I have a quilting game plan for this year.  I'll feature those plans in a separate blog post.  I'm feeling very inspired and since I have so many friends who are happy to guide me along I think my sewing/quilting for 2019 is going to be very satisfying.

On an unrelated topic-here's the yarn that Andrew gave me for Christmas-lovely sock yarn from Dragonfly Fibers he got at the LYS Looped Yarns in DC which we visited when I went up there last year-[Pajamas (L) and Big Apple (R)]-what a good lad!  Now to decide what to knit with these. . .

As the weekend comes to a close I'm looking forward to another glass of wine, some on-line shopping and hopefully another episode of Outlander-nearly done with the current season.  Jamie has certainly grown on me- Claire is starting to, but I'm not sure about Brianna-we shall see.  Here's to another good week of good things.

Hello 2019 and Hello to a very old friend

I got an unusual text early Monday morning basically asking me to confirm my identify by someone claiming to be an "old friend".  Needless to say I was a bit suspicious.  I responded that they had the correct person and then wanted to confirm where I lived- hmmm now it was getting more suspicious and the text-er wanted to stop by if I was free?!  Problem with that was that Steve and I were getting ready to leave for a party, so I asked him how I should respond.  Do I say we're not going to be home in case this was a scam?  I had the person confirm "Kim's" last name from when I knew her, and then it was like OMG turns out it was my friend from elementary school.  So plans were made for her to come by the house today, and we did a LOT of catching up. 

We haven't been in touch for at least 25 years, and it was great seeing her again.  I dug out some old photos and apparently we were in the same 1st, 2nd and 4th  grade classes.  I moved from Roswell about half way into my 4th grade year.  I've tried to find Kim's whereabouts over the years, but last time I saw here she had married a naval guy and I had helped her move to Maryland, but couldn't remember her last name.  I also couldn't remember the names of her parents or siblings and even the high school's Facebook page did not provide any information.  It would appear that we both like to cycle and making things.  She was always a great sewer and crafty-probably from her Girl Scout days, and her Mom was very accomplished as well.  We still have a ton in common and since she lives less than a 1/2 mile away; we're hoping to see each other more often.  I think this was the perfect way to start the new year- new starts and a new/old friend.

 This is us in 1977-"nice" outfit amiright?! I was rocking the bob look before it was a fashionable, and yes, my hair was actually very red-ish when I was a kid.  So my transition to a red head is not that far off.

So here we are almost 42 years later and I'm so looking forward to nurturing this relationship.

December Daily-It's not always Merry and Bright

This week has definitely had some highs and very lows. I debated about whether or not to put these thoughts to a post, but I think it helps to me keep things in perspective.

Between Saturday and Tuesday I attended 3 funerals 2 of I did not know the individual, but felt the need to be there.  All 3 of these people left a huge impact on those they encountered.

A couple weeks ago I received the sad news that our realtor had passed away, Cary had mentioned when we began to actively search for a house that her cancer had returned, but I had no idea that it would claim her so quickly.  Our last text was in late August, and according to her sister she organized a family reunion out of state in October and by November her illness had taken over.  There were hundreds at her memorial service and many spoke of the impact she made not only professionally, but personally with her work with her son's scout troop.  She was a hard worker, and such a cheerful fun loving soul who will be greatly missed.

A co-worker's son had been diagnosed with cancer about a year ago right when he was getting ready to play starter for Vanderbilt University.  Turner became ill after his dad had transferred from our office, but we received regular updates on Turner's condition.  There was hope that he would get well enough to participate in an experimental treatment, but his health began to decline rapidly the last month or so of his life.  Turner was only a year younger than PJ, so dealing with this has been very hard.  It's not something you want to have in common with another parent.  Like at Cary's service there were hundreds of people that came to show their support for the family, and speak about the impact Turner made during his short life.  His parents work colleagues, members of the SEC Commission, Vanderbilt University, Virginia Tech and high school teammates of Randy [his dad], church and high school and so many others attended.  It was heart warming to hear the wonderful things that were said about Turner's character, his smile, and how much he meant to so many.  He made such a huge impact in such a short time, and it reminder me much of what was said about PJ.

Tuesday, I attended the funeral mass for a recently fallen officer in DeKalb Co. which hit close to home in so many aspects.  I have not attended a service for a fallen officer in almost 30 years, not because of lack of opportunity, but because of emotionally draining they can be.  Steve is wrapping up his 30 year career as a police officer and there were many days I worried about his safety.  I also work with about 75 sworn officers and have encountered countless more in my job.  Our office has a close relationship with the DeKalb Co PD, and I felt like I needed to be there to not only show support for the family, but also the 1,000s of officers and recruits who were in attendance.  Officer Flores was born the same year as PJ, and so a connection resonated once again.  The attendance included elected officials at the local, state and national level, and the one's who spoke did not use this situation as an opportunity to politicize the tragedy of losing this officer, but rather spoke to his sacrifice and how our society needs to examine itself.  No finger pointing-such a nice break!  His academy classmates of which there were only 4, including Flores, spoke of how his bright smile and sense of humor is what they will miss the most.  Again, another individual that made a huge impact on those around him in a very short amount of time.

It is not all doom and gloom for me this week as I was very fortunate to have some fun family things on the calendar to help me get over these sad humps during a time when it was sorely needed.  Sunday feature our 2nd annual cookie baking at Karen's lots of good food and company!  Monday after Turner's service I met Steve, Ron and Karen for dinner which was followed by an evening of jazzy Christmas tunes sung by Joe Gransden and his Big Band and featured Francine Reed.  So great, and the Roswell Cultural Arts Center provided a very intimate setting.  I'm looking forward to more events here AND it's so close to home!

Wednesday featured more food and music.  Mary blogged about our Wednesday at the Opera with a lunch prelude and cocktails afterwards.  These are some of the important folks who help keep me grounded and uplifted.  As I journal each morning to remember those who need an extra prayer and thought of encouragement.  I am reminded of how lucky I am, that there are those who are suffering a great loss this holiday season, and to extend peace, grace and mercy to those around me.  Finally, take nothing for granted and see each day as a gift. 

Sophie and I have completed our 3.5 mile exploration, and I am off shortly to visit with my dad's oldest sister and my 2 oldest female cousins then hopefully a car wash/detail and getting my hair done.  Dinner will definitely be snacks and a glass of wine-here's to more merry!

December Daily-Cocktails and Cookies

Sprouts had beautiful and delicious blackberries ridiculously cheap so I decided to use some of them in the weekend's cocktails.  Friday I made what sorta resembles the Blackberry Bourbon Smash.  I used a sugar cube and lemon juice because I didn't have any plain simple syrup or limes.  I muddled the sugar, lemon juice and blackberries together then added bourbon, crushed ice then topped with a craft soda I had handy cause I didn't want to open something else.  I also didn't have mint, so there was no garnish or extra flavors.  It was very tasty so I made myself a second one-cause that's what you do right?!

Yesterday I muddled the blackberries and topped with prosecco, it really didn't need anything else. 

Today we Mary, Katie, Polly and I gathered at Karen's to bake lebkuchen and exchanged cookies.  The holiday favorites were well represented with the candy cane cookies, orange balls, short bread snowflakes, orange spice cookies, spritz, oatmeal/cranberry, rugelach, gingerbread, hay stacks, chocolate bark, and M&M cookies.

While our family has always exchanged cookies during the holidays last year was our first year to bake the lebkuchen together. 

Charlie also joined us this year and I think he enjoyed "shopping" for cookies to take home!  

And as always there was great food and company.

December Daily-Party time

Today was our annual Christmas pot luck lunch, and once it's over I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.  There is usually over 100 people that come and most of them either contribute a dish or money to cover the cost of the meat which is smoked by one of our investigators.  For my part it's really just coordination, and no heavy lifting, but still as any hostess would say, they want to make sure the food is good and everyone enjoys themselves.

These tables were laden with lots of great food.  When someone mentions what a success the party is I always tell them it comes together because everyone does what they say they will do, and they do it the way I tell them!  Honestly, I work with a great bunch of people who when things need to get done they are always there to help.  I'm also grateful for each day [and year] that goes by and these men and women make it home safely to their families.  Until next year  . . .

December Daily- Time on my hands and a surprise.

Due to the potential of black ice most of the schools in the general area and government office had a delay in opening.  This included my office, so instead of having to be out of the house by 7 am I didn't have to leave until closer to 9- yea 2 hours to "kill"

I slept about 10 minutes longer and rode my bike [indoors] for and extra 30 minutes.  With my other extra time I decided to cast on Caitlin Hunter aka boylandknitworks Birds and Ships cowl.  I got the yarn at the Ann Budd's Spring Knit for Fun retreat, and I think it will be perfect with this pattern.

Also, I "discovered" on Sunday that we have Starz-we've had cable at our house since July-so where have I been not to know this?!  This meant I can get caught up on the Outlander series.  I only made it part way through season 1 so I have a lot of of tv watching to do.  I figured if I ride my bike 4 times a week + watch a bit at bed time I should be caught up by the end of January.  I understand there is another book in the works, so I'd love to have the series watched.  There are supposed to be at least 2 more seasons produced and I really hope that they cover the books to date. 

I've just finished prepping a turkey for our office Christmas lunch and 2 pans of stuffing.  Now I gotta set my alarm so I can get up and put the bird in the oven so it's ready by 6:30.  Hopefully I'll remember to take a couple photos from the party.