Fighting the Funk

Have you ever been in a funk?    Where you find yourself stuck, unable to move forward, unable to progress, unable to improve?

I have been fighting a creative funk for sometime now.  I have been dreaming, drawing, and drafting my ideas to make them a reality.  But something small is preventing me from making my dreams into a reality.

This is my something small.  He's adorable, snuggly, full of personality, and oh sooooo needy.

The other day I was working on a digital card for a friend, I spent 2 hours on and off of the computer trying to get it done.  Each time I sat down, he would run to me with his arms up, asking to be held.  Once I had him, he wanted to run the computer.  

It is just THAT time.  The time he needs me.  After having 3 older kiddos, I know how fleeting babyhood is, I am a little less likely to power through these moments.  I give in, I hug and love him, and put off until later the creative things I want to do, and I spend my time and love on him.

I am getting precious little accomplished. 

 I am okay with that. 

Honestly, I couldn't be happier.

However, I am happy my book is inspiring others to learn to quilt. Thanks to Denise, for letting me actually put a stitch or two in her quilt, it was nice to get my hands on some fabric for a change.  

Hitting Shelves....

It's amazing, I know, but Ty and I have begun a relationship.  For so long, I was just an admirer.  Watching from the comfort of my couch while he outfitted homes on trading spaces.  Since then, things have changed.  1st...my cable is gone, and so is trading spaces.  2nd...He now has his own show.  3rd...I have my own book, and 4th Ty and I now share something pure and strong...

the love of fabric.

Poor Ty, he has totally missed out on meeting me (and sharing a true connection with me), but we share some pages in the new April/May edition of Quilters Home.  This time, I actually have a quilt pattern featured.  Can you believe it?  I love the pattern, you will TOTALLY have to check it out.  It's called Tender Bloom's (pictured below in the middle).

But for now, head on out and pick up this months copy.  You won't be sorry...I mean who can resist TY,...oh and me too.

Book Reviews

One of the fun parts of being an author for Martingale, is that I get to review books for them.  Seeing new designs, new designers, and different ways of doing things is so fun.  Each quilter tends to have their own way of doing things.  We all have our own style and personality.  Some of us like bright and cheerful, some of us like things bold and daring, while others love the subdued and calm.  Whatever style we adopt, we can always appreciate the work that others do.

So...let's start the appreciation!

What a fun book!  You can find dresses, tops, accessories, home accents, and some great basic sewing instructions in this great new book.  This author did a great job showing how inventive one can be with thrift store finds.  My favorites are all the purses and accessories, she takes fun sweaters and turns them into some really fun things.  You should check it out!

4 Stars

Amy Ellis takes a totally unique look at quilting.  She teaches, you don't need a dedicated sewing space, you don't even need a stash of fabric, you just need some fabric and a sewing machine!  Her simple designs make it easy for any level of quilter, and each quilts design is new and fresh.  These quilts are modern but certainly have traditional roots.   I love the colors, the design, and the personality that shines through each quilt.

4 Stars

This book offers 9 different patterns for you to satisfy your country quilt whims.  Each quilt is easy to make, and great for your precut fabrics.  The quilts that feature applique have just enough applique to satisfy your urge to handstitch, but you won't be handstitching for the next 2  years just to finish!  (of course, you can always machine applique too).  If you are a country girl, you will love the quilts in this book!

5 Stars

When I received this book, I had no idea I would be reading about history as well as books.  I probably should have known, I mean look at the title.  This book is full of great information about the civil war and the role that quilts played in its history.  

4 stars

Jelly Rolls, here we come.  18 quilt designs beckon us to take the challenge, and make quilts using up our 2 1/2" strips.  The designs

lend themselves to any kind of jelly roll.  She has examples in brights, muted, pastels, etc.  But whatever colors you like, you will find a pattern to showcase what you love.

 4 stars

You may not know this, but I am a total sucker for wool.  I love it.  Absolutely adore it, so this book is a winner in my book.  This book is the pattern to 1 fabulous quilt, and a 8 smaller projects that use the appliques from the larger quilt.  This is the perfect book for someone who wants to  work with wool.  It is fun, beautiful, and endearing.

5 Stars 

Get 'er done!

I don't know how you feel, but I have been needing some serious organization around here.

My kids have been "free range" children for too long.  

Of course, we have chores.  But, each day I feel so bad for asking them to do one more thing.  Yet, their rooms have been HORRIBLE.  Towels on the floor, beds a mess, clothes littering their rooms, and stuff....the stuff.

Enter...the CHORE CHART.  It's highly exciting, and it is actually working (so far).

What is on the chore chart?  Well, morning chores are pretty demanding: get dressed, eat, brush your hair, push your drawers in, etc...  You can see what a slave driver I am.

Afternoon chores (these are pretty difficult too): hang up your backpack, put your shoes away, etc... but there is the clean the sink, toilet, empty garbages, clean up backyard, and tidy room in there too.

The house is looking better.  And, maybe now I will have time to work on a little of this....

Quilter's Home Magazine-Bookmarked

A few months ago I got a call from Quilters Home Magazine, asking if they could do a small little ditty on me for their magazine.   Clearly, you can see my answer.  I was so excited.  I mean, I am virtually a "nobody," so I was happy to get out there in the quilting world.

I went on a treasure hunt to find the mag when it came out, found it at Barnes and Noble, and I have been pleasantly surprised since.  This magazine is perfect for those of us who are slightly cheeky.  It is fun, light hearted, and informative.  You should definitely check it out.

Oh, and if you are looking for me, you can find me on page 69.  I know, you can hardly wait!

On to the really exciting stuff.  Yesterday was Valentines Day, and I had a full one.  Lucky for me, my sweet toddler threw my phone into a yard garbage can full of water on Saturday while I was working on science projects and hot pads for a class I am teaching tonight.  That made me have a couple chores on Monday.   

On the list:  get a new phone, get valentines presents for the kids (oh yeah, probably should have done this earlier to have them all ready valentines morning), do all the laundry, get a Rx for a new sinus infection (yeah for me), and go out to celebrate.  I almost got everything done, but the laundry is still not put away.  

My fever totally knocked me out by the end of the day....laundry can wait.

Here is my Lizard while we were waiting at the Pharmacy for my Rx to get filled.  I love her green teeth from eating her Valentines party.  And the photo...taken with my new phone a mytouch.  I am loving it!

  

Even Slower

Things are pretty crazy over here.  After recovering from a pretty awesome stomach flu last week, we are now dealing with strep throat and head colds/flu.  

I have been feeling sorry for myself because I am the opposite of productive.

Then, I got a super fun box in the mail.  It was from my MOM.  She always makes me feel special, remembered, and loved. 

I read a blog earlier this week about love.  Not the romantic kind, but the charity kind of love.  I have been thinking about it a lot.  How many times do we think about how wonderful someone is, and keep it inside?  I know for me, it is often.

I am surrounded by amazing people.  They are everywhere.  They are in church, at my kids school, in my neighborhood, at the store, and far far away.  So many people are appreciated silently.  What if we all took a moment to recognize 1 or 2 of these people?  

Go ahead, send an email, a real handwritten letter, or give someone a call.  I can guarantee it will lift their heart as well as yours.

Moving Slow.....

Yes, I have started working on more sewing projects.  I am moving at an incredibly SLOW pace.  Way too slow.  What is inhibiting me?  Well, those lovely guys shown above take up a fair amount of my time.  This motherhood thing can take all your free time if you let it (insert small chuckle).  Honestly,  I am loving motherhood, and I am happy to put off my projects to enjoy moments like the one above.  Oh, the joy of watching my kids enjoy each other.  It is precious and perfect.  One of my big dreams for my family is for my kids to love each other, to want to be around each other, and to be on the same team.  We certainly aren't there all the time (as I am writing this I am breaking up squabbles), but I love the shining moments of joy.  Ahhhh, deep breath.

Also taking my time was a little rearranging in our home.  Shopping has taken up quite a bit of my time.  I am serious.  And no, I don't love shopping.  I wish I did!

Yeah, in true Sarah fashion, I had to re-do something in my house at the start of the new year. Luckily, this year, it isn't anything major.  Just rearranging.   What did we do?

Well, in order to create a more orderly life, I think having one of our computers downstairs will help us.  Help with calendaring, emails, etc.  It's a challenge to be with the kids downstairs, and be working on "work" upstairs.  To move the computer downstairs we needed a spot.  

Well, we have a little cove in the kitchen (previously occupied by the hutch in the picture below) where a computer would work.  But, then we had to move the hutch.....where?  Into the living room, which we turned into a dining room/piano room.  We got rid of our couches, had to get a new kitchen table ($300, thanks to the Sharp's from Craig's List), and got a new desk from Costco.  So, the pictures below are from the new dining room/piano room.  I would LOVE to show you the new computer area...but alas, the desk we got from Costco was broken out of the box.  NO more desks were left.  More shopping.  I found a desk from JCPenney and it is on its way.

Maybe after we get the desk in there I can work a little faster to show you something FUN!