long overdue.

It has been far too long since my last post. Though I have a whole list of excuses stored in the back of my mind, there really is none. and I apologize.

I've been pretty busy the last two months. I got a job at Hob Lob #12. I was hired as "Part-time Seasonal" but I've been working 38-46 hour weeks. That will all change on Jan 17, after inventory, when I will go to strictly part-time. Anyway, working has its ups and downs.. Dealing with angry/ridiculous customers = downs, fun co-workers and discounts = ups. Let's just say it continues to be a humbling experience, for which I am grateful. Also, I get TONS of crafting ideas.. I want to do everything. I want to make jewelry, bind my own books, decorate my future house, knit like 436278 scarves, etc. Actually, one of my goals for this year is to take part in a craft show. I think it would be fun! I have realized that one of my passions is making things with my hands.. and why not make pretty things, and then spread the love. Because I certainly don't have the space to keep everything I create.

Anyway, here are some of the projects I've had going on in the last couple of months:

first, it was the pinwheel baby quilt for my cousin's little girl, Leah June. This was really fun because it was my 3rd quilt I made by myself and my first try at triangles! I was grateful that it was made for a baby though. Also fun about making it for a baby girl: ruffle trim!

Little Leah June was born on Dec 17, and yesterday we went to visit and deliver the long over due quilt. I think she likes it. :)

another quilt is for my cousin Taylor:

When I showed her the baby quilt on Thanksgiving, she decided that's what she wanted for Christmas. So, I've been working on it for a while, and hopefully it will be finished tomorrow. Let's hope.

I also made her a cock-eyed owl to match, isn't he fun!?

And, guess what I spent Christmas Eve doing?! Learning to Crochet! My grandma taught me to knit when I was a kid, but I never learned how to crochet.. so I watched a few youtube videos and set out to make a yokoo-esque cowl. I ran out of yarn, so it isn't as big, but I like it! And I've got quite a few compliments on it.. I even told a girl at work that I would make her one too.. I am still waiting on the yarn..

ps. yes, that is a picture of me, nakie, as a baby, sitting in a tub in the background.

Last, is probably one of my favorite, on-going, long-term projects that will take quite some time to complete. And now I will reveal a little of my idea...

I decided a while a go (actually I decided in early July while traveling) that I wanted to do something with all of the pictures I took while exploring the East. I decided that I want to make an illustrated journal/organizer/day planner thing.
I took a lot of pictures of details, and I thought I would turn it all into something lovely that people can carry around.. thus, the idea of taking part in a craft-show.
I am also looking into publishers/printers who use recycled paper and soy-based ink, but I am having a difficult time finding them in Houston. I have two companies I'm looking at now, but I still have a while before I get to that point. I am thinking it will be ready to be used as a 2011 Planner.. So hopefully you will see a finished product in November-December. Let me know if you want one!

here is a sneak-peek:

The illustrating is pretty time-consuming, especially since I am pretty much working full-time and have about a million other projects I'm working on.. (still working on your recipe cards, stephie!) and I have so many more ideas.. and of course, I am still looking for a real job in my field (I have some prospects in the next 3 weeks, chat for me!).



Anyway, I just thought I would update you on my life for a while.. I've been pretty MIA, but I'm working on it.

also, this shot is from about a month ago when it froze and we had a pretty good snow..
Right now we are having a 'Big Freeze' and it should get into the 20's tomorrow.. so lets hope for snow!

ok. back to quilting and drinking beer.