Now I just need to baste it, bind it and quilt it.....
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Mystery Quilt 2013 Completed
In January I posted a blog about a mystery quilt I started in 2013. It was my second ever quilt and I freaked out when I got to the flying geese. Well, I have finally completed the top and it feels great to have completed it! It's much prettier than I ever imagined it would be.
Phew! Been a long time!
It's been quite some time since I posted on this blog. Almost six month exactly! Good golly how time flies. I have much catching up to do and hope that I don't inundate you with posts. :p
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Quilt top completed for QOV
I finished my quilt top for my Quilt of Valor donation. Pretty pleased with it. I struggled a bit with the sashing. I wanted it to be just right and have all the blocks line up but that proved to be difficult. I put it to the side for a bit to give myself time to relax and ease the frustration so that when I came back to it it would be with clarity. And it worked! Now I just need to sandwich it and quilt it, make a presentation bag and send it off for donation. :) Yippee!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Connecting Threads Mystery Quilt
Sorry for my long absence. I started a new job that has taken up much of my time. But I have still been quilting as it provides me with comfort. Best form of therapy in the world!
In April I joined a Mystery Quilt group through the connecting threads community board. I did this last year and started the project but have yet to finish it. This years quilt was only 3 parts and was a smaller scale quilt so was faster and easier to complete.
The fabric I chose was from the "Guess How Much I Love You" fabric line. This is one of my favorite children's books.
This was my first time doing a border like this and I could easily add another border to make it bigger. But for now I am liking it as is. It's super cute and cuddly. Now I just need to sandwich it and then quilt and bind. This is my first completed quilt top this year. I have a goal to complete at least 4 so not too bad so far. I am about 75% complete on another one so I feel confident I will reach my goal.
http://quiltwithus.connectingthreads.com/group/mystery-quilt-2014
In April I joined a Mystery Quilt group through the connecting threads community board. I did this last year and started the project but have yet to finish it. This years quilt was only 3 parts and was a smaller scale quilt so was faster and easier to complete.
The fabric I chose was from the "Guess How Much I Love You" fabric line. This is one of my favorite children's books.
This was my first time doing a border like this and I could easily add another border to make it bigger. But for now I am liking it as is. It's super cute and cuddly. Now I just need to sandwich it and then quilt and bind. This is my first completed quilt top this year. I have a goal to complete at least 4 so not too bad so far. I am about 75% complete on another one so I feel confident I will reach my goal.
http://quiltwithus.connectingthreads.com/group/mystery-quilt-2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
WIP Wednesday: Quilt of Valor
When I first got into quilting and the addiction for it got better and better ;) I googled like crazy for various quilting sites and blogs and stores and pretty much anything to do with quilting and came across the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
I was instantly in love with them and their efforts. I have always had a soft spot for military men and women. I have had friends in the military but no significant others. The only relatives in the war were grandfathers that fought a long time ago, my dad missed the draft for Vietnam by one day which is probably why I am here today so I am thankful for that. I just appreciate all that they do and what they put themselves through for the sake of freedom.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation takes quilt donations and gives them to veterans, both old and new, and wounded soldiers. There is nothing more heartwarming than providing a quilt to someone who could use a little love and comfort after what they have been through. So I found a pattern, picked out my fabric and have been working on my QOV quilt.
I have the main blocks done. Next I need to do the sashing and add the borders. My goal is to get the sashing done this weekend and if possible add the borders too. I'm going to set my expectations at just the sashing for now though. :)
Here is what I have going on so far:
WIP Wednesday
I was instantly in love with them and their efforts. I have always had a soft spot for military men and women. I have had friends in the military but no significant others. The only relatives in the war were grandfathers that fought a long time ago, my dad missed the draft for Vietnam by one day which is probably why I am here today so I am thankful for that. I just appreciate all that they do and what they put themselves through for the sake of freedom.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation takes quilt donations and gives them to veterans, both old and new, and wounded soldiers. There is nothing more heartwarming than providing a quilt to someone who could use a little love and comfort after what they have been through. So I found a pattern, picked out my fabric and have been working on my QOV quilt.
I have the main blocks done. Next I need to do the sashing and add the borders. My goal is to get the sashing done this weekend and if possible add the borders too. I'm going to set my expectations at just the sashing for now though. :)
Here is what I have going on so far:
WIP Wednesday
Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
This was a fairly decent read. I had this image of a 1950's crime drama even though it took place in the present day. I just always pictured Cormoran in a trench coat and fedora. There were so many details about the case and so many clues that by the time you get to the end of the book when all is revealed there are many "aha" moments. Even though I pretty much knew who the killer was I was still surprised at the end by the motive and the means in which he did it and all the other details that were mentioned.
It's not an intellectually stimulating read but very entertaining and engrossing. This was my first of Rowling's books that wasn't Harry Potter and I was glad that I didn't read it in Harry Potter's theme at all. It felt completely original and detached from that series.
It's not an intellectually stimulating read but very entertaining and engrossing. This was my first of Rowling's books that wasn't Harry Potter and I was glad that I didn't read it in Harry Potter's theme at all. It felt completely original and detached from that series.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Sister by Rosamund Lupton
I don't really have very much to say about this book. It was just OK. It was tough to get through because it just dragged on at times. I ended up skipping paragraphs. I think it's bad when you can skip paragraphs and not miss anything in the story, that shows me the author is too wordy and could probably have shorten the book.
The format of the story was very interesting though and I enjoyed the twist at the end as well. I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars which is my "meh, it was okay" rating. Not exceptional but had a good ending.
The format of the story was very interesting though and I enjoyed the twist at the end as well. I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars which is my "meh, it was okay" rating. Not exceptional but had a good ending.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Quilt for QOV
I began working on my quilt for the QOV foundation. I'm fairly pleased with my nine-patches. Could be a little tighter but considering this was my first time doing them I am pretty pleased.
These came out a smidge smaller than they should have so I will have to resize the next part which is the border for these nine-patches. I had started to sew the borders on but there are color blocks that aren't matching up with these nine-patches and I just can't have that. It's pretty off and is bothering me so I will need to resize them so it looks good.
This is for the Quilts of Valor Foundation so I don't want to it to look bad.
Everytime I sew I can see areas where I need improvement. It's a learning process the whole time but I am getting better and will continue to get better. I enjoy quilting and plan on doing it the rest of my life.
This is for the Quilts of Valor Foundation so I don't want to it to look bad.
Everytime I sew I can see areas where I need improvement. It's a learning process the whole time but I am getting better and will continue to get better. I enjoy quilting and plan on doing it the rest of my life.
The True Beginning
I never did any of the shows in Middle School, I was WAY too shy to get cast in anything. Plus the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) teacher directed the plays and 9 times out of 10 she would cast her students, which I was not.
Determined to break out of my shell I decided to take drama in high school my freshman year. Our drama teacher was awesome. He was this funny little man with messed up hair and smelled like coffee ALL the time. Made sense since he was always super hyper.
He cast me in the lead of "I Remember Mama" my first semester! I was nervous as heck but he helped me through it. It was only a small portion of the show so that helped. I did pretty good for a first timer. For the spring show he asked me to be the Stage Manager for Steel Magnolias. I was more than happy to do so. I was not ready to act in a full length show. However, the girl that played Clairee was also on the varsity track team and was at a track meet in Santa Maria, CA, the high school was in Ventura, CA and Santa Maria is a couple hours away. She should have made it back in time but there was a horrible accident on the 101 that day that delayed her by HOURS. By showtime she was still not at the theatre. The show must go on so since I knew most of the lines and the blocking, they dressed me up, put some makeup on me and threw a script inside a magazine so I could use it while onstage. AGH!!!!!!
But I did it. Luckily I only had to do it for 1 act, thank goodness! I was shaking soooooo much but the rest of the cast was so supportive and helped me the whole way. By doing this I was free of my shell and the following year was able to perform on my own in Our Town as Mrs. Stimson, the music teacher. (We had to do cross-gender casting often since boys at my school didn't think drama was cool). My senior year was my favorite performance of my high school career though. We did The Man Who Came to Dinner and I was the doctor. I made my role the comedic relief and it worked. Had such a great time doing that show.
My stage fright and shyness had pretty much disappeared at that point. In looking back on my choice to following acting I am glad I did it because without it I don't know if I would be where I am today. I currently work as a Contracts Negotiator and without the skills I learned in acting I don't think I would be as successful as I am today. I wouldn't have the courage or confidence to speak in front of others and have conviction in what I believe in. So I am forever thankful for the time spent in developing those skills so I can be successful today.
Determined to break out of my shell I decided to take drama in high school my freshman year. Our drama teacher was awesome. He was this funny little man with messed up hair and smelled like coffee ALL the time. Made sense since he was always super hyper.
He cast me in the lead of "I Remember Mama" my first semester! I was nervous as heck but he helped me through it. It was only a small portion of the show so that helped. I did pretty good for a first timer. For the spring show he asked me to be the Stage Manager for Steel Magnolias. I was more than happy to do so. I was not ready to act in a full length show. However, the girl that played Clairee was also on the varsity track team and was at a track meet in Santa Maria, CA, the high school was in Ventura, CA and Santa Maria is a couple hours away. She should have made it back in time but there was a horrible accident on the 101 that day that delayed her by HOURS. By showtime she was still not at the theatre. The show must go on so since I knew most of the lines and the blocking, they dressed me up, put some makeup on me and threw a script inside a magazine so I could use it while onstage. AGH!!!!!!
But I did it. Luckily I only had to do it for 1 act, thank goodness! I was shaking soooooo much but the rest of the cast was so supportive and helped me the whole way. By doing this I was free of my shell and the following year was able to perform on my own in Our Town as Mrs. Stimson, the music teacher. (We had to do cross-gender casting often since boys at my school didn't think drama was cool). My senior year was my favorite performance of my high school career though. We did The Man Who Came to Dinner and I was the doctor. I made my role the comedic relief and it worked. Had such a great time doing that show.
My stage fright and shyness had pretty much disappeared at that point. In looking back on my choice to following acting I am glad I did it because without it I don't know if I would be where I am today. I currently work as a Contracts Negotiator and without the skills I learned in acting I don't think I would be as successful as I am today. I wouldn't have the courage or confidence to speak in front of others and have conviction in what I believe in. So I am forever thankful for the time spent in developing those skills so I can be successful today.
Friday, February 7, 2014
100 Books to read in a lifetime
Amazon put together a list of 100 Books to read in a lifetime. Seems like a pretty good list.
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=8192263011
I have only read 20 of them. That's not too bad. Looks like I have some reading to do. ;)
Currently I am reading Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton which is NOT on the list, haha.
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=8192263011
I have only read 20 of them. That's not too bad. Looks like I have some reading to do. ;)
Currently I am reading Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton which is NOT on the list, haha.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
How I got into acting
I started to write this post with the intention of starting to talk about when I started acting in middle school but I realized that it actually started prior to that. I think we are all actors as children, playing make believe and what not, so I'm not going to start there. I believe it started in fifth grade for me. I don't remember if I did it for an assignment or if it was just for fun but I wrote my first play in the 5th grade. It was based on a dream I had had but also a bit on true life.
The play was called "The Day the Unicorns Came" and it was about a little girl who lived in the country (even though I lived in a beach town, the country seemed to make sense for the story) and was sad and lonely most of the time. Her family was always upset or sad about something and despite her efforts to bring happiness to her family, home life was a little depressing. The farm was struggling and the family was broke. One day this little girl spots a beautiful white horse in the field and upon approaching it she notices the horse has a horn, but she is the only one that can see it. I don't remember all the details of the story but in the end the unicorn saved the family. It helped the fields grow and it helped the family become more of a family and the girl wasn't lonely anymore. Of course the unicorn couldn't stay because it was only there to bring happiness to the family so the little girl had to say goodbye but she was much happier now.
My childhood was tense most of the time. There was always tension in the house, someone was always mad at someone else and you could cut through the tension with a knife if someone didn't bite your hand off first. I didn't like drama. I hated the fighting. I dreamed of a loving and kind family all the time but that was a pipe dream. And I had had a dream that a unicorn came and made my life happy and brought my family closer together so that's where I got the idea for the play.
So in fifth grade, for whatever reason, I wrote this play and casted it with fellow classmates and we rehearsed and then performed it in front of the class.
I had almost forgotten about that until this morning. I think that is where my acting career truly started. :)
The play was called "The Day the Unicorns Came" and it was about a little girl who lived in the country (even though I lived in a beach town, the country seemed to make sense for the story) and was sad and lonely most of the time. Her family was always upset or sad about something and despite her efforts to bring happiness to her family, home life was a little depressing. The farm was struggling and the family was broke. One day this little girl spots a beautiful white horse in the field and upon approaching it she notices the horse has a horn, but she is the only one that can see it. I don't remember all the details of the story but in the end the unicorn saved the family. It helped the fields grow and it helped the family become more of a family and the girl wasn't lonely anymore. Of course the unicorn couldn't stay because it was only there to bring happiness to the family so the little girl had to say goodbye but she was much happier now.
My childhood was tense most of the time. There was always tension in the house, someone was always mad at someone else and you could cut through the tension with a knife if someone didn't bite your hand off first. I didn't like drama. I hated the fighting. I dreamed of a loving and kind family all the time but that was a pipe dream. And I had had a dream that a unicorn came and made my life happy and brought my family closer together so that's where I got the idea for the play.
So in fifth grade, for whatever reason, I wrote this play and casted it with fellow classmates and we rehearsed and then performed it in front of the class.
I had almost forgotten about that until this morning. I think that is where my acting career truly started. :)
Acting Stories
I decided to add another section to my Blog for your reading enjoyment. From Junior year of high school to about 5 years ago I wanted to be an actress. It was all I thought about. I focused on it for about 10 years and then decided I didn't want to do it anymore and quit cold turkey. I just wasn't happy with it anymore. It made me depressed more than it made me happy so I felt it wasn't the right life choice for me. I'm happy with my decision so there are no regrets.
But there were a lot of great stories and I feel like telling them and what better place to do so than on my blog. I hope you enjoy! :)
I will be posting my first story shortly.
But there were a lot of great stories and I feel like telling them and what better place to do so than on my blog. I hope you enjoy! :)
I will be posting my first story shortly.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Garbiel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard
This book was the second installment of the Gabriel's Inferno trilogy by Sylvain Reynard. I have to say I was quite disappointed in this one.
SPOILER ALERT
I had hoped this book would be more about their relationship and would dive deeper into their issues but I felt that if any issues were brought up it fizzled out too quickly. It got a little intense when the two of them were going through the "trial" at the University but I have to say even that was a tad too dull. I wanted him to stand up and fight for her. After finishing the book I see now why he didn't but still there was just something missing in that entire exchange. It seemed highly unlikely that she would have missed the cues he was giving her that he wasn't leaving her. She was too smart to not pick up on that. And the fact that nothing happened to Christa was a disappointment. Also, the thing with Paulina seemed to fizzle out too quickly. I thought for sure Paulina was going to wreak more havoc on their relationship but she just seemed to disappear. I feel like Juliette forgave Gabriel too quickly, was hoping her and Paul would have developed more of a relationship and then have Gabriel come back and fight for her. That would have made for a more interesting story. The proposal and marriage of the two main characters was lackluster and boring.
This series fizzled out a bit with this one. I will probably read the third installment just to see how their story ends but probably won't read it for some time. Need a break from the cheese factor.
SPOILER ALERT
I had hoped this book would be more about their relationship and would dive deeper into their issues but I felt that if any issues were brought up it fizzled out too quickly. It got a little intense when the two of them were going through the "trial" at the University but I have to say even that was a tad too dull. I wanted him to stand up and fight for her. After finishing the book I see now why he didn't but still there was just something missing in that entire exchange. It seemed highly unlikely that she would have missed the cues he was giving her that he wasn't leaving her. She was too smart to not pick up on that. And the fact that nothing happened to Christa was a disappointment. Also, the thing with Paulina seemed to fizzle out too quickly. I thought for sure Paulina was going to wreak more havoc on their relationship but she just seemed to disappear. I feel like Juliette forgave Gabriel too quickly, was hoping her and Paul would have developed more of a relationship and then have Gabriel come back and fight for her. That would have made for a more interesting story. The proposal and marriage of the two main characters was lackluster and boring.
This series fizzled out a bit with this one. I will probably read the third installment just to see how their story ends but probably won't read it for some time. Need a break from the cheese factor.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
South Coast Winery in Temecula, CA
Last August I took my mom to Temecula for wine tasting and relaxation for her birthday. My aunt suggested South Coast Winery so we decided to follow her recommendation.
The wine country of Temecula is tucked back in the hills away from the freeway and it is quite lovely. Different topographically from Napa Valley. It's much more open with low rolling hills as opposed to the mountainous green valleys of Napa. Napa feels much more spread out and can be overwhelming for a first timer. Temecula is more compact and easier to navigate as there are only a few wineries.
South Coast Winery is about in the middle, and is quite impressive. It is a resort and spa as well as a winery. The winery is in the front and a hotel sits behind it with luxury villas tucked in the back amongst the vines. We stayed in the Villas and it was wonderful. Each Villas is a stand alone building with private patios, some of the Villas have patios that overlook the vineyards but ours did not. The rooms are suites with eating area and sitting area equipped with a gas fireplace, mini fridge and the basic hotel room amenities. The bathroom is glamorous with marble flooring, a Jacuzzi tub and large shower with multiple shower heads. Luxurious. The beds were super soft and comfortable.
Our first morning we decided to order room service and eat on the lovely patio. The only problem I had with our stay was the room service took a VERY long time to arrive and when it did the food was cold. We sent it back, got a refund and decided to eat at the restaurant. The food was delicious however and sitting on the outside patio of the restaurant was great so it wasn't too bad. Great food in the restaurant, large portions and very tasty.
We planned our wine tasting to go to four wineries nearby and then end up at our own hotels winery that way if we were feeling the wine we could just head back to our room and crash. I bought one bottle of wine at two different wineries that we visited but when we got to South Coast the wine was exceptional and I decided to join the wine club. The vibe of the tasting room was much more fun and laid back. The Sommelier was funny and gave us extra tastings. We felt much more at ease and welcome at South Coast.
Since I liked the wine so much I decided to join the wine club. It was better priced than the other wineries and since the winery had a resort and spa attached to it there were extra benefits to being a wine club member that the other wineries didn't offer; such as discounts on hotel stays, restaurant visits, spa packages, gift shop, free tastings, and member exclusive events. It was more bang for your buck and for good wine. Definitely worth it.
Every quarter there is a new selection of wine ready for pick up or delivery. I had not picked up my November wines and the February wines were ready for pickup so this past Sunday my friend Catherine and I took a trip to South Coast to pickup my wine and do some wine tasting. I got my three bottles for November, 3 bottles for February and my one Holiday bottle so I walked out with 7 bottles of wine! Oh my! My wine fridge is loaded up. Better get drinking to make room for more wine.
If you are ever in the Temecula area I highly recommend South Coast Winery. Wilson Creek winery was also good but South Coast was the best.
The wine country of Temecula is tucked back in the hills away from the freeway and it is quite lovely. Different topographically from Napa Valley. It's much more open with low rolling hills as opposed to the mountainous green valleys of Napa. Napa feels much more spread out and can be overwhelming for a first timer. Temecula is more compact and easier to navigate as there are only a few wineries.
South Coast Winery is about in the middle, and is quite impressive. It is a resort and spa as well as a winery. The winery is in the front and a hotel sits behind it with luxury villas tucked in the back amongst the vines. We stayed in the Villas and it was wonderful. Each Villas is a stand alone building with private patios, some of the Villas have patios that overlook the vineyards but ours did not. The rooms are suites with eating area and sitting area equipped with a gas fireplace, mini fridge and the basic hotel room amenities. The bathroom is glamorous with marble flooring, a Jacuzzi tub and large shower with multiple shower heads. Luxurious. The beds were super soft and comfortable.
Our first morning we decided to order room service and eat on the lovely patio. The only problem I had with our stay was the room service took a VERY long time to arrive and when it did the food was cold. We sent it back, got a refund and decided to eat at the restaurant. The food was delicious however and sitting on the outside patio of the restaurant was great so it wasn't too bad. Great food in the restaurant, large portions and very tasty.
We planned our wine tasting to go to four wineries nearby and then end up at our own hotels winery that way if we were feeling the wine we could just head back to our room and crash. I bought one bottle of wine at two different wineries that we visited but when we got to South Coast the wine was exceptional and I decided to join the wine club. The vibe of the tasting room was much more fun and laid back. The Sommelier was funny and gave us extra tastings. We felt much more at ease and welcome at South Coast.
Since I liked the wine so much I decided to join the wine club. It was better priced than the other wineries and since the winery had a resort and spa attached to it there were extra benefits to being a wine club member that the other wineries didn't offer; such as discounts on hotel stays, restaurant visits, spa packages, gift shop, free tastings, and member exclusive events. It was more bang for your buck and for good wine. Definitely worth it.
Every quarter there is a new selection of wine ready for pick up or delivery. I had not picked up my November wines and the February wines were ready for pickup so this past Sunday my friend Catherine and I took a trip to South Coast to pickup my wine and do some wine tasting. I got my three bottles for November, 3 bottles for February and my one Holiday bottle so I walked out with 7 bottles of wine! Oh my! My wine fridge is loaded up. Better get drinking to make room for more wine.
If you are ever in the Temecula area I highly recommend South Coast Winery. Wilson Creek winery was also good but South Coast was the best.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Diamond String Quilt
A few months ago I took a class on doing a string quilt. When I first saw the sample in the store I thought it was beautiful but was beyond my skill level. My friend Catherine was teaching the class and assured me I could do it and that it looked complex but really was not. So I signed up for the class and fell in love with the technique and the design. I used scrap fabric in the class but plan on doing another one that is all batiks.
Block of the Month Quilt
Last fall I joined a Block of the Month with Fat Quarter Shop (www.fatquartershop.com). The fabric was Avalon and I just loved the fabric line so I knew I wanted to do the BOM.
Here are the 4 I did prior to the retreat I went on.
At the retreat I completed 3 more blocks.
Block 5:
Block 6:
Block 7:
Here is all 7 blocks put together:
I have no idea what the final layout will be. I haven't gotten my final kit yet and I still need to purchase my backing and binding kit for this.
I just love this fabric and each month when I get a new block there is always a ton of leftover fabric. I look forward to seeing the end product.
Here are the 4 I did prior to the retreat I went on.
At the retreat I completed 3 more blocks.
Block 5:
Block 6:
Block 7:
Here is all 7 blocks put together:
I have no idea what the final layout will be. I haven't gotten my final kit yet and I still need to purchase my backing and binding kit for this.
I just love this fabric and each month when I get a new block there is always a ton of leftover fabric. I look forward to seeing the end product.
Mystery Quilt 2013
Early 2013 I decided to join a Mystery Quilt group through Connecting Threads. It sounded like fun. I was still VERY new to quilting so I was a little nervous about since I had no idea what the final product would be I had no idea if it was at my skill level or not. I went out and bought my fabric and couldn't wait to get started.
The first step was all about cutting the fabric and sewing a few pieces together. "No problem!" I thought.
Then I got the second step. Yikes. It had flying geese in it which I had never done before. I was instantly intimidated but the instructions seemed clear enough so I did it anyway. The first few that came out didn't look right and when I measured them the measurement was off so I gave up and didn't touch the quilt again.
I have always been a believer in finishing what I start. I always knew I would come back to the quilt when I had a bit more confidence. I brought the quilt with me to the retreat I went to seek experienced advice. My friend Catherine told me they looked fine and to remember that once the geese get added to the other pieces it will be fine. So I plugged away and kept making the geese and adding them to the other blocks. What a relief it was to see the final end product and to know it truly was going to be okay! Here is the end result:
I think in the beginning of my quilting experience I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect in every aspect. I've learned to forgive myself when it isn't perfect right off the bat and to keep plugging along because the end result may still be perfect even if this one strip is not. If I seek perfection 100% of the time while quilting I will just get frustrated and quit. Thanks to Catherine I persevered and created something beautiful. Now I will move of the next step and finally finish this quilt.
WIP Wednesday
The first step was all about cutting the fabric and sewing a few pieces together. "No problem!" I thought.
Then I got the second step. Yikes. It had flying geese in it which I had never done before. I was instantly intimidated but the instructions seemed clear enough so I did it anyway. The first few that came out didn't look right and when I measured them the measurement was off so I gave up and didn't touch the quilt again.
I have always been a believer in finishing what I start. I always knew I would come back to the quilt when I had a bit more confidence. I brought the quilt with me to the retreat I went to seek experienced advice. My friend Catherine told me they looked fine and to remember that once the geese get added to the other pieces it will be fine. So I plugged away and kept making the geese and adding them to the other blocks. What a relief it was to see the final end product and to know it truly was going to be okay! Here is the end result:
I think in the beginning of my quilting experience I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect in every aspect. I've learned to forgive myself when it isn't perfect right off the bat and to keep plugging along because the end result may still be perfect even if this one strip is not. If I seek perfection 100% of the time while quilting I will just get frustrated and quit. Thanks to Catherine I persevered and created something beautiful. Now I will move of the next step and finally finish this quilt.
Quilt retreat weekend
This past weekend I participated in my first quilt retreat! It was awesome. There were 4 of us total (Catherine the host, Camille and Nanette) so it was small and intimate and everyone from a different level of quilting experience. My dear friend Catherine hosted the retreat in her lovely home.
About my friend Catherine: I met Catherine about 5 years ago or so at a company we both worked at. I wouldn't say we became friends instantly but it happened pretty quickly. She is an amazing person and is the one responsible for my addiction to quilting. One day at work she brought in a few of her quilts to show everyone and I instantly fell in love and knew I wanted to learn. She makes amazing quilts! Thanks Catherine for sharing your passion with me and helping to create that passion in me.
When packing things up to prepare for the retreat I couldn't decide which projects to work on so I brought several.
One of them is a Mystery Quilt Block of Month I am doing with Fat Quarter Shop (www.fatquartershop.com). I will write a separate post about that quilt. I had completed 4 blocks prior to the retreat and had 3 more that needed to be completed so I brought them with me.
With each block I got better and better. I am so proud of my star in Block 5.
That is my first star and it looks to awesome! Woohoo! I am proud of how far I have come in just a year and no matter how frustrated I have gotten at times, I never quit.
Next I started working on another Mystery Quilt I had started working on early last year but gave up on it because I felt my flying geese were horrible and not working out. So glad I brought that with me and showed Catherine who reassured me it would be fine. I finished the stars for this quilt with the flying geese and I am very happy with the results. I made eight total, here is a close up of one of them. I will write a separate post about this quilt.
It was a great quilt retreat weekend. I made a lot of progress on two quilts and learned how to make Grandma's Flower Garden which I am excited to try. The food was amazing, the conversations were both funny and touching at the same time, and the projects being worked on were beautiful. I look forward to the next one.
About my friend Catherine: I met Catherine about 5 years ago or so at a company we both worked at. I wouldn't say we became friends instantly but it happened pretty quickly. She is an amazing person and is the one responsible for my addiction to quilting. One day at work she brought in a few of her quilts to show everyone and I instantly fell in love and knew I wanted to learn. She makes amazing quilts! Thanks Catherine for sharing your passion with me and helping to create that passion in me.
When packing things up to prepare for the retreat I couldn't decide which projects to work on so I brought several.
One of them is a Mystery Quilt Block of Month I am doing with Fat Quarter Shop (www.fatquartershop.com). I will write a separate post about that quilt. I had completed 4 blocks prior to the retreat and had 3 more that needed to be completed so I brought them with me.
With each block I got better and better. I am so proud of my star in Block 5.
That is my first star and it looks to awesome! Woohoo! I am proud of how far I have come in just a year and no matter how frustrated I have gotten at times, I never quit.
Next I started working on another Mystery Quilt I had started working on early last year but gave up on it because I felt my flying geese were horrible and not working out. So glad I brought that with me and showed Catherine who reassured me it would be fine. I finished the stars for this quilt with the flying geese and I am very happy with the results. I made eight total, here is a close up of one of them. I will write a separate post about this quilt.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Update
I am all moved in to my new place and I love it! Unfortunately I don't have the space I did before for a quilting corner so I will have to do on my dining room table but that's okay. This weekend I will heading to my dear friend Catherine's house for a quilting retreat so I will be sure to post quilting pictures during that time. I'm looking forward to the retreat this weekend. It will be my first retreat! I have so many projects to work on!
My goal for this year are to complete 4 quilts:
1. one for my mom
2. one for my sister
3. one for the QOV (Quilt of Valor Foundation www.qov.org)
4. and one for me
I have the patterns and fabric for 1 and 3. I have most of the fabric and the pattern for #2. I still need to decide what to make for myself.
I'm looking forward to quilting again, it's been too long of a break.
My goal for this year are to complete 4 quilts:
1. one for my mom
2. one for my sister
3. one for the QOV (Quilt of Valor Foundation www.qov.org)
4. and one for me
I have the patterns and fabric for 1 and 3. I have most of the fabric and the pattern for #2. I still need to decide what to make for myself.
I'm looking forward to quilting again, it's been too long of a break.
Friday, January 3, 2014
On the quilting front...
I am moving a week from tomorrow so I have been in the process of packing and getting ready for the move so I haven't had an opportunity to do any quilting. Once I am settled into my new place I will be able to get started on a project. Now I just need to choose which one to do....
Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard
I'm sure we are all well aware of the 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy and the craze it created. I read the books and they were....okay. I thought the sex was too gratuitous and fantastical to be believable and I ended up caring more about their relationship than anything and so I by-passed the sex scenes.
Garbiel's Inferno is the first in a series by Sylvain Reynard and I have to say is WAY better that the 50 Shades books. Slightly more believable and has more realistic events in them. However, the issue I have with these types of books is that so many of them involve some rich guy and a lowly girl who supposedly needs "rescuing". Where are the books about a blue collar guy and hardworking woman who fall in love? I would fall in love with a blue collar man far sooner than I would a guy with a ton of money.
That being said, I loved this book. I loved their relationship. I love that it wasn't ALL about sex (SPOILER ALERT: they don't have sex until the last chapters of the book). As their tension builds you build with it and I loved that about this. It can be cheesy at times but for the most part it is an endearing book.
I recommend it over the 50 Shades trilogy.
Garbiel's Inferno is the first in a series by Sylvain Reynard and I have to say is WAY better that the 50 Shades books. Slightly more believable and has more realistic events in them. However, the issue I have with these types of books is that so many of them involve some rich guy and a lowly girl who supposedly needs "rescuing". Where are the books about a blue collar guy and hardworking woman who fall in love? I would fall in love with a blue collar man far sooner than I would a guy with a ton of money.
That being said, I loved this book. I loved their relationship. I love that it wasn't ALL about sex (SPOILER ALERT: they don't have sex until the last chapters of the book). As their tension builds you build with it and I loved that about this. It can be cheesy at times but for the most part it is an endearing book.
I recommend it over the 50 Shades trilogy.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Since my blog is called "Quilts, Books and Wine" I figured I should actually post something about wine.
Over the holidays I took a trek up to San Francisco to see the 49er's play their last season home game at Candlestick Park. Such an amazing experience and I am so glad I went. The following day I drove up to Napa Valley to do some wine tasting. My family is from Napa and have lived there my whole life but I have never done any wine tasting there, pathetic I know. So I made an effort to do it this time.
Our first stop was Beaulieu Vineyards, otherwise known as BV coastal. A standard winery with a basic tasting room. Wines were very pricey and tasted "OK". Nothing exceptional. My friend liked it and bought a bottle for herself. It just wasn't that great, I thought.
Next stop was Beringer. The Beringer property is absolutely beautiful and has been there since the late 1800's. I have driven by the property my whole life so I wanted to be sure to see it. The property was all that the winery had going for them unfortunately. Both my friend and I did NOT like the wine. Even their special reserve was not that good. But we had a blast anyway and had to leave fairly quickly to make our appointment for the tour at Castello di Amorosa.
Ah, the Castle. The Castello di Amorosa was built to look like a castle from Europe. Every stone and every piece of wood actually came from Europe. It has been 14 years in the making and is still in process. It even has a moat! Simple beautiful property! Our tour lasted about 45 minutes and ended in the cellars where they keep the barrels. We even got to taste wine straight from the barrel. The wine was not expected to be ready until 2015. But it tasted good even now. Our tasting happened in the cellars as well and was exceptional! I paid a little extra to do the reserve tasting and I am SO glad I did. The wine at the Castle was less expensive than BV or Beringer, if you can believe that. The Castle does not sell in retail stores so you can only buy it online or in the Castle itself. And it truly was some of the best wine I have ever tasted. So smooth and rich. I bought 3 bottles. 1 of their standard Pinot Noir, which was some of the best I have ever tasted. And 2 of their reserve La Castellana "The Lady of the Castle" which I will be saving for a special occasion. I could not have been happier with our visit to the Castle. The tour was amazing and the wine was superb. Highly recommend visiting this castle.
http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/
One nights where I just want to enjoy a simple glass of wine I drink my $6 bottle of Castle Rock. :) It's smooth but tends to go bad pretty quickly so I have to finish the bottle within a couple of days before we starts to go bad. But oh well. Cheap can sometimes be just as good as the better bottles of wine.
Over the holidays I took a trek up to San Francisco to see the 49er's play their last season home game at Candlestick Park. Such an amazing experience and I am so glad I went. The following day I drove up to Napa Valley to do some wine tasting. My family is from Napa and have lived there my whole life but I have never done any wine tasting there, pathetic I know. So I made an effort to do it this time.
Our first stop was Beaulieu Vineyards, otherwise known as BV coastal. A standard winery with a basic tasting room. Wines were very pricey and tasted "OK". Nothing exceptional. My friend liked it and bought a bottle for herself. It just wasn't that great, I thought.
Next stop was Beringer. The Beringer property is absolutely beautiful and has been there since the late 1800's. I have driven by the property my whole life so I wanted to be sure to see it. The property was all that the winery had going for them unfortunately. Both my friend and I did NOT like the wine. Even their special reserve was not that good. But we had a blast anyway and had to leave fairly quickly to make our appointment for the tour at Castello di Amorosa.
Ah, the Castle. The Castello di Amorosa was built to look like a castle from Europe. Every stone and every piece of wood actually came from Europe. It has been 14 years in the making and is still in process. It even has a moat! Simple beautiful property! Our tour lasted about 45 minutes and ended in the cellars where they keep the barrels. We even got to taste wine straight from the barrel. The wine was not expected to be ready until 2015. But it tasted good even now. Our tasting happened in the cellars as well and was exceptional! I paid a little extra to do the reserve tasting and I am SO glad I did. The wine at the Castle was less expensive than BV or Beringer, if you can believe that. The Castle does not sell in retail stores so you can only buy it online or in the Castle itself. And it truly was some of the best wine I have ever tasted. So smooth and rich. I bought 3 bottles. 1 of their standard Pinot Noir, which was some of the best I have ever tasted. And 2 of their reserve La Castellana "The Lady of the Castle" which I will be saving for a special occasion. I could not have been happier with our visit to the Castle. The tour was amazing and the wine was superb. Highly recommend visiting this castle.
http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/
One nights where I just want to enjoy a simple glass of wine I drink my $6 bottle of Castle Rock. :) It's smooth but tends to go bad pretty quickly so I have to finish the bottle within a couple of days before we starts to go bad. But oh well. Cheap can sometimes be just as good as the better bottles of wine.
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