One of my secret goals for 2013 was to lose weight and get in better shape. I didn’t write about it because I have tried and failed at this goal way more times than I want to tell you about. This year was different though, I’ve actually lost 24 pounds and am now a regular exerciser. I’m still a little surprised by it actually but I feel so good I’m not complaining. I guess if I had to pin down what worked exactly it would be....
I ate more plants and exercised (almost, wink wink) every day.
Health and fitness goals are definitely at the top of my 2014 list too. Starting next week I am going to add a new category to the blog called “Eat More Plants” where I will share some of the vegetarian recipes that have really worked for me. This year I am also going to start working with my friend Mike, a personal trainer. I’m excited about this although I know that it will definitely up the accountability level, something I really need right now. When we talked about this a few weeks ago he told me, “There is no reason that your best years of physical health can’t be in front of you”. How positive and inspiring is that?
Okay 2014, I’m ready. Let’s do this.
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December 2013
12/29/2013
2013...the BIG shift
12/27/2013
12/21/2013
Pattern Download
For those of you who are looking for the Fancy Flowers pattern download, you can find it here:
12/20/2013
12/16/2013
Inspiration of a Different Sort
I don’t have much to report today design wall wise but I do have inspiration. I get to meet some really amazing people through my work but earlier this month we at McCall’s were in for a rare treat. Debra Lunn and Michael Mrowka design Artisan Batiks for Robert Kaufman and they stopped by the office to share some antique batiks and tell us a little about their work in Indonesia. In addition to stunning design work Michael and Debra have been instrumental in improving the lives of the people who make their batiks. One of the ways they have given back to the people to Solo (population 500,000) has been to start a library, The Ganesa Study Center. It was truly an amazing day and I will never look at batiks in the same way again. You can find out more about The Ganesa Study Center and make a donation here:
www.ganesastudycenter.org
And, of course, here are some pictures of their beautiful batiks.
And here is a picture of one of the chops used to print some of the batiks made for quilters.
12/13/2013
Fancy Flowers Lesson 6...making the vase
Hello friends, here is Fancy Flowers Lesson 6. It's all about making the vase. Have fun!
12/10/2013
Today's Fun Email suprise
Blog reader Elaine made my Miss Hannah pattern for her quilt guid's "brown bag" challenge. Notice all the embellishing?
Nice job Elaine!
12/09/2013
Design Wall Monday
Here is a view of my design wall this Monday. I'm getting kind of addicted to these daisies. They are really fun to make!
Be sure to check out Judy's blog for some Monday morning inspiration.
12/08/2013
Aurifil Designer of the Month...Pat Sloan
Here it is friends! The final block of the 2013 Aurifil Block of the Month and finishing directions too!
Here is the layout:
And here are the diections for each:
Download 2013 Aurifil DOM Dec Block
Download 2013 Aurifil DOM setting
Be sure to check out Pat's Interview and picture at:
and take a looksie at the FLICKR group
www.flickr.com/groups/2013aurifildom/
This has been a really fun thing for me this year. I hope you guys liked it too!
12/07/2013
Injury Time Out
Ok so, you might not be able to see it in the picture but I did something dastardly to my right index finger a few weeks ago. I don’t know if it was sewing related or life related, which are basically the same thing in my little world. It kind of reminds me of when I hurt my hand a few years back at my previous job so I am doing all the same things to try to get it better. That being said, I also have some projects to catch up on for the magazine etc etc etc. so my bigish announcement is....
I’m not going to be able to do my usual Block of the Month style quilt next year. I’ve been really on the fence with this one anyway. Part of me really wants to get the whole thing done beforehand so I can give better yardage requirements and maybe even find a way to get kits for everyone. Part of me will really hate not having the BOM to give me a focus. Another part of me really wants to grow as an artist and try new things, something that has been hard with my crazy schedule. As you can probably tell, I’m conflicted. So here is my little compromise. This year I will be working on a TOTALLY FREE Basket Quilt based on the block you see below. There will be 9 blocks and finishing directions that I will pass out throughout the year. That way I can work on the big new BOM for the following year. AND add some more content to my blog about some of the new wonderful (except the finger, of course) things I have been learning about....hence the new blog design wink! wink! Hope you all will join the fun!
