Closet: Worse Than Ever

O.K. It’s official. I am never going to get to the bottom of this closet. I am trying. Honest. Lately I’ve taken on a few challenges and the closet has again become a great place to stack, stuff and bury crafty things.

Aside from crafting, and working, I decided to take the ATP written test.  The FAA has changed regulations that will make getting an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate more expensive in the future. So, I jumped on the let’s-take-this-test-before-the-end-of-the-month band wagon. This involved a fair amount of studying and stress. Just to make it a bit more challenging, I  previously scheduled a trip to Texas which cut into the time available to complete the test. All in all, it resulted in a couple sleepless nights, a tiny bit of crankiness, and a passing test result. Phew.

The revisions to my novel that the editor requested were finally completed. Editing is so much harder to do than writing. Sitting down to write is even harder. It was a relief to send it back to the editor.

Getting the test and edits out of the way made travelling that much more fun. San Antonio was the site of the Romance Writers of America national conference. Motivating, inspirational and just down right awesome. It was like Nora Roberts was speaking directly to me when she said, “Quit fucking around and sit down and write.”  There was an opportunity to meet with editors and agents to pitch our books.  Pitching your book is terrifying and exciting. Again, I have received what I consider good news, “let’s see” – not a rejection.

 One thing that makes it ‘The Great State of Texas’ is that my daughter lives there. What can be better than to play tourist with my baby girl. We had such a lovely time while we managed to visit most of the items on the top ten things to see and do in San Antonio. There was also some serious work done on Tex-Mex food, margarita’s and cupcakes. Of course we took a selfie with the Alamo!

Lest you think I have completely neglected the sewing room; I did finish a quilt for one of the pilots I fly with. Making quilt was especially meaningful for me, as he just finished his Instructor Rating. This is what a happy successful applicant looks like with his happy instructor. (Upgrading from two stripes to three.) And the baby quilt featuring airplanes, naturally.

 

Phew!

First, let me say how stunned I am when I look at just how long it’s been since I’ve been here. Things have been great, busy, exciting, and just a little terrifying. In a good way.

In the last couple months I have finished several clean-out-the-closet projects. There was a little sewing emergency. Back at Christmas I made a couple shirts for some terrific boys. The problem was that I made them so they were just the right size. Weeks later they had outgrown them and tragedy was at hand. I quickly whipped up some that would last a longer (read: a bit baggy.) You’ll notice that I used the Disney Airplanes fabric already. The boys were happy, disaster averted. Bonus: one extra shirt so one could be laundered while they were wearing the other. Yep. They were that popular. Best compliment ever.

I had a great time in Vegas with my daughter. The upgraded shirt was a winner. Plus I got my daughter to autograph my copy of her self published title. Pretty awesome stuff. You can get a copy of London’s book here. 

 

There was a baby shower for one of the flight instructors I work with…which necessitated a trip the the fabric  store….

I had these… but really needed these…

 And there was a birthday too. 

 

I tried my hand at making quick pickles…. very tasty.

 

I did go to work from time to time…crack of dawn at the airport.

And… saving the best or most exciting, (the thing that was wonderfully terrifying) I went to the Desert Dreams Writers Conference and pitched my book to an agent and an editor. They liked the pitch and both wanted to see it! I’m awaiting their response. Fingers crossed.

Small Things

Can you believe how fast January went by? This time of year is busy for me at work, as the weather is so perfect. I realize that sounds just a little snarky, We have had a few days in the 80’s, now we’re back to a seasonal chill of mid 60’s. You really can’t beat Phoenix for winter.

Of course, I have managed a few very small projects. It started with Las Vegas. I met up with some dear friends and my daughter to celebrate a birthday. Naturally I was packing every item of clothing I own that is covered in things that sparkle. It just wasn’t enough. So I pulled a not-so-favorite shirt from the closet and got to work. The best thing about a shirt like this is that you’re not too emotionally invested. If the project goes South you won’t lose any sleep over it.

I stitched on the paillettes  and glued on the sequins. Done in about an hour. I received impromptu complements from strangers (gotta love that!)  Now it’s one of my favorites.

This started it. While my daughter and I were shopping it seemed grey with sparkle was everywhere. Who knew? I’m never on trend. A wacky coincidence. When I got home I got to work on project number two. This sweatshirt was less than $6.00, Do you still have your ‘Bedazzler’? Get it out.

Then there was the end of year sale, and coupons and other such temptations. I did start with what I had, but it was lacking… Isn’t that what we all say as we justify our fabric store purchases? It started with the birthday in Vegas (not mine). My friend celebrated 60, momentous. She had just come back from a trip to Ireland and so I thought a St. Patrick’s Day quilt would be so lovely. Here’s what I’ve got so far. The plan is for a ‘Double Irish Chain’. 

Oh, and I couldn’t resist a little of this…

And, last but not least, I have completed the edits on my manuscript and submitted it to a writing contest. I cannot tell you the stage fright this has created. Crazy. We’ll see what happens. I’ve signed up for a couple writing conferences where agents and publishers and writers all assemble in one place. I never realized how scary putting one’s work out for public consumption could be. Keep your fingers crossed.

New Year’s Resolutions

Usually I make most of my resolutions on my birthday. Somehow it feels more personal to me, my own special day for making my own special plans. New Year’s is a great time to renew the resolutions, and any chance to set some goals is a good chance to take. As I mentioned a week ago, cleaning up my sewing room disaster was on the list, and, ta da! done. I thought I better take pictures as it us unlikely to last.

I’m feeling just a little smug, because I’ve finally finished 3 of the 4 projects that I have promised well before thanksgiving….(See me dusting off my hands and patting myself on the back.) The fourth project is nearing completion Lori, look carefully at the pictures, you’ll see it by the door…There are no pictures of the desk in the corner… perhaps another resolution.

The completed projects are pictured here, two boys shirts, of course featuring airplanes and one adult size.  Because, who doesn’t need plane clothes?

and last, but perhaps most important, is a sewing convert. I can’t tell you the number of times I hear how horrible Home Economics was in school, how many people were turned away from my favorite power tool, the sewing machine. I don’t know why, but I have to agree, Home-Ec was awful. Yesterday whilst I was finishing up these shirts, Kim was converting some of her men style tee shirts into cute girly style. “I never thought I’d say this, but this is fun.” And she had great success.

Other goals for the new year? Getting my novel off to the publishers in the first quarter. (I’m prepared for rejection:) Write novel number 2. If you can write one, why not keep going? Half-marathon. Turn my defunct hot tub into a planter. Sew, use or give away all the fabric in the closet.

I’d love to hear your resolutions. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

As always, the holidays arrive in a flurry of activity and I never quite get to all of the projects that I have planned. All the same, the important things get done, like baking pumpkin chocolate chip bread and oatmeal cookies and smothering pretzels in caramel, pecans and chocolate.

This is a great time to say thank you to those of you who read and/or follow my blog. I cannot tell you what a thrill it is to see your comments and ‘likes’. Thank you.

I did manage to complete one little sewing project. Originally this was to be a quilt project… however it was started about 8 or 10 years ago, so it’s safe to say that I was not inspired to finish it. While perusing Anthropologie’s catalog I was inspired by their apron design and just had to make something similar for serving Christmas Dinner.

Mine

The closet and the sewing room are rather a disaster at the moment, so I’ll spare you the update. My new year’s resolution will be to clean and organize the entire room this year. Photos to follow. Thanks again. Have a very Merry Christmas and may the new year bring you peace and love.

Kat

Oh Baby!

Well November is past and I did manage to complete the 50,000 word NaNoWriMo challenge. I’m currently working on the third go around of editing. Most exciting, terrifying really, is one of my readers has returned a marked up copy. I haven’t had the nerve to open it to see what they said. My goal is to come up with an actual marketable novel. To that end, I guess I’ll have to toughen up and see what kind of edits are suggested.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to celebrate with friends the upcoming birth of their first baby. Naturally I made them a baby quilt. The best part of quilting is giving the finished quilt to someone and seeing their happy expression.

 

The company Christmas Party gave me an opportunity to clean out the notions box. Yep. Ugly sweater competition. Lest you think, just for a moment that this sweater is not that bad (I have heard this) you might be missing the fact that it is completely covered in plastic rhinestones in red and white, red sequins, red paillettes, and about a million red jingle bells. Well, if that were not enough, don’t overlook the stunning and realistic poinsettia and the topper, blinking lights. The overall effect was stunning, like a phaser. I found it hilarious when I came home just a little late and attempted to stealthily creep in so as not to wake those sleeping… jingling all the way. You can see we did not have a bit of fun.

 

Finally a view of the ever full closet. It is beginning to feel like Mary Poppin’s Carpetbag… an amazing number of things can fit in one closet. With Christmas coming I need to get busy. I’ve got some shirts to make for some small boys.

Three Weeks Left: National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo continues. It is as hard as I thought it would be to write 50,000 words. Well, to write 50,000 words into a cohesive story. 34,387 words so far.

It is difficult to stay on task, to not procrastinate, to not creatively avoid writing a novel because you have other things that are so important to do right this minute like updating a blog or baking a cake.

Now I will get back on task and bake a cake. No, wait, stop. I will, really, write right now. Really.

A Warm House

I don’t know the origin of house warming parties or gifts but I do know it is a great tradition. A friend of mine recently bought and moved into a new house; I wanted to share in the excitement by making a literal house warming present. Ann is an avid gardener and her home colors happen to work very well with my stash.

I also made a stack of Christmas pot holders. This fabric was originally used as a table topper, and was languishing on the shelf. On Christmas I help out at the salvation army dinner. It seems there is always a need for extra pot holders when handling hot plates. I’ll just tuck these in my apron pocket and share.

Here’s a sneak peak at the next project…

I hear a  friend is expecting…this might be a great time to try out these quick and cute half square triangle patterns. More later.

Fall Flannel

Even in Arizona we are getting into the spirit of fall. Sunny skies and temperatures in the 90°s; evenings cool enough to leave the windows open. With these chilly evenings it’s comfortable to turn the oven on without the air conditioner working overtime. last night I made pumpkin cake with apple slices and caramel.

Flannel is also much more interesting when it cools off. I haven’t found a way to put together a quilt without holding part of it in my lap. This is a snuggle size quilt I made for a friend who has had yet another surgery and facing some recovery time.

I used the pattern found herehttp://www.allpeoplequilt.com

The closet is looking quite well. Organized, manageable, and workable.

You might notice I’m in the process of covering the box of patterns. Cardboard boxes look very nice covered in fabric. This fabric was originally made into a shower curtain; after a little bathroom redo the curtain was retired. I’m loving the results here.

If you are very observant, you will notice that some stacks are actually larger after a project is complete. How can this be? I must tell you that not all fabric lives in this closet all the time. I don’t hide fabric around the house, although many people do, I just tend to keep fabric where I think I might use it. So a big chunk was in the garage trying to be a complete upholstery project. Alas, I did not love the results and that fabric has been banished to the garage until I found a new home for it. Here’s a sneak peak.

Visiting Dad

Visiting Florida is like spending a week at the spa,  especially when you live in Arizona. The balmy air and humidity does wonderful things for my skin and my curls. The lush greenery and swampy landscape are refreshing.

Dad and I had time for great conversation, which I treasure. You’ll see him here, looking sharp in his new birthday shirt.

I also found a really great quilt shop. I spent hours in here. http://www.rainbowsendquiltshoppe.com If you’re in the area it is worth a visit. You know they
had something I couldn’t resist. I was so tickled with this find that I snapped a photo as soon as I got to the car to share with my daughter. We love to shop together even when we’re miles apart; we chat on the phone while we shop, and swap pictures. It holds us together until we get a chance to do it in person.

Now that I’m home and unpacked I’ll get back to the sewing room. Oh, one more small confession before I go…. I just wasn’t loving the background I had for this project in flannel…

So, since it was on sale…I got a little of this:

Which really makes me happy with this project. My daughter reminded me that having fabrics that really appeal make you much more enthusiastic to finish a project.

There is no change in the closet as this weeks purchases are still on the cutting table. This could be cheating.