Building cabins

A couple of weeks ago when I just needed a break I decided to clean out my fabric stash a bit. Since my focus has been on using what I have and buying less, I wanted to see what was in the scrap baskets and see what I could make. I learned a couple of things in that process- I buy lots of pink, blue, green, and purple although my favorite colors to craft with are yellows (or maybe I just use all my yellows so there are no scraps). I also realized I had loads of scraps that needed to be put to good use pronto.

Enter the scrappy log cabin inspired by so many amazing scrappy log cabin quilts I have seen lately. Traditionally I'm a bit more planned in picking fabrics and planning quilts but with this project it is literally a 'pull from the scrap basket, trim as needed, and sew' process. It is a bit liberating and I really have no idea how it will all come together.

I do know that I have about 40 half-finished cabins and loads more scraps so I hope it will be some-what pleasing to the eye. At this stage this project is all about trusting the process and enjoying the steps (in mid-week late-night studio sessions!).

Have a great Thursday!

25 Year Celebration

Yesterday I had myself a little celebration of my 25 year mark (and finishing those tests, too!). It was a blast. A simple breakfast of fruits, cranberry-orange bread, brie cheese, and blueberry pomegranate smoothies. A quick bit of studio time to whip up another scarf for me to wear and give as a gift---it is my sister's birthday tomorrow (that's her up there with me). A trip to visit her along with cake eating. There was some Mexican food in the mix there too and my celebration will continue at Second Storie .
At the end of the day I was happy with some new yarn and a cookbook in my hands, amongst other wonderful goodies. It really was the perfect day.

Again, thank you all for you encouragement along with way last week. I'm thrilled to be back to a bit more 'normal' life now (just a bit older!)

Old Fashioned Note

Hi friends-

The week is going well. I have walked a bunch and done yoga daily. It has been good but balance work was tricky. The mornings are getting cooler and frostier. I had to dig out my toasties for my walk today. I have some malabrigo in my stash that would make another perfect pair.

I have studied a bunch but found my confidence after passing Big Scary Test Number One on Monday. Tomorrow will be good as well, I'm sure.

Thank you all for your encouragement this week!

Have a wonderful weekend-
Jessica

Weekending in the Woods

A couple of thoughts this Sunday...

I spent yesterday morning hiking in the woods. It was one of those "Is it really November days?" full of sun and warmth, chirpy birds, and crunchy leaves.

Today I am going to hike again, but this time without my camera. I like to do this every once in awhile to just observe and clear my mind.

I did an interview at The Jolly Bee- pop over if you would like!

I have my big heart-flippy tests this week that I have alluded to for a while now. One tomorrow afternoon and another one on Saturday morning. I am going to take a little break from this space for a week while I focus my brain on anatomy, therapy, and diagnosis. I'll also be doing lots of yoga and walking to keep my heart calm and my mind ready.

After these tests full holiday crafting will commence. My mind is swimming with ideas and I cannot wait to get the rotary cutter in my hands.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

Crafting on a Budget: Overview

I am coming to the end of my job-less, full-time student state which could mean the end of 'crafting on a budget.' Except I love it.

I originally solicited advice when I realized that for six months I would be a student (something I hadn't been full-time in a long, long time) and wanted to keep crafting at the rate I was while working. You can read the two budget related posts here and here. The comments are full of great suggestions if you are looking for ways to make your craft budget go further.

I made a commitment to cut down on my fabric buying and use what I had. Doing that I finished up a quilt I had the squares for using thrifted fabric as the borders and refurbished a bag into a laptop sleeve. I sorted through my scraps and am working on an entire quilt using them before I even cut into new fabric. I discovered that the library is full of great craft books. I had to amazon and see what they suggest for me and then put the books on hold instead of ordering them. When I get the email from the library saying the book has arrived it is just as exciting as hearing the delivery truck outside. I hit the remnant bin before shopping for full priced fabric and that worked out great for so many projects.
So, the moral of the story is: I'm sticking with crafting on a budget. I like the challenge of taking what I have and making it go further. I am a bit more discerning when I see fabric I love (though often I still buy it if it is on sale that day). I really enjoyed working through my stash and discovering 'lost' fabrics. Yesterday I did splurge on some warm woolen plaids for scarves for holiday gifts. Let the crafting begin...

Have a great Thursday!