The New School Of Monmouth County Student Pillows

The New School of Monmouth County (TNS) is a private alternative school in NJ. The philosophy of the school is based on the British integrated day, where there are no changing of classes only a central class where students explore all aspects of education. The curriculum is project based through which students gain all aspects of education. 

The last few weeks I have been working at TNS to help complete a pillow project the students have been working on for the last few months. The students, who are 7-10 years old, worked with co-teacher Kathryn to create drawings using geometry, math and geometric shapes. From these, they created patterns and used these patterns to create patchwork pillows. 

I came in to assist the students cut out their patterns and hand sew the patchwork. From this project they gained experience in math skills, applying math to tangible applications, drawing, technical drawing, pattern making, hand eye coordination, following a pattern, following verbal and written directions, knot making, sewing, stuffing, working in a cooperative setting, helping fellow students, and patience. Among other things.

Below are some of the students work, made completely by themselves from start to finish, with only help and guidance from teachers. 

This pillow depicts a closed book seen on an angle. 

Even though the work is not my own, I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching to show it off!
 

OMG: May Recap + June Goal

Welp, May didn't see me get as far as I would like on my Ohio Star Quilt.
But a fail for May OMG is an opportunity for June!

It may be ambitious, but I'm shaking up my June OMG Goal and expanding it to incorporate two items; Two quilts, one goal! This will help me get back on track for OMG and the 2016 Finish Along.  

So, this month, I will finish my Ohio Star Quilt and the Tree of Life Baby Quilt (or cry trying).  

May in Review

OK May, you kinda got away from me but you were a good month! 

We took advantage of this pre Summer month by seeing some sights, working in the yard, heading to the beach, entertaining family & friends, and working hard at jobs & at home. 

1) Yarn bombing at Convention Hall. 2) Gold caps in Howell, NJ. 3) Dreamy sunsets on the Asbury Park boardwalk. 4) Fancy carpets in Cape May, NJ. 

A lot of May was spent taking care of our cat family, our people family, and our home. I am constantly delighted by our house and those we gather around us. It was wonderful to take stock of that this month. 

1) The Doctor. 2) Pit Star. 3) Sticky. 4) (me and) Tommy Boy. 

Blogging, quilting, and all things creative were done this month, but they took a back seat to living life. We celebrated birthdays, helped create Micro Societies, hosted guests, BBQed and worked a lot in May. 

1) The pool at The Asbury Hotel; newly opened. 2) High Contrast in AP. 3) Ever expanding Bossk collection. 4) GITD ghoul. 

Every month in our new home has been interesting and exciting, but May was a real eye opener. We started really seeing how things will be year to year in our yard, with flowers, bushes, and birds we never kew we had popping up all over. Watcher cats and dogs cropped up in new places. Exciting events and openings happened around town.

1) A good neighbor always keeps a #watchercat. 2) Keeping a #watcherdog eye on the yard. 3) Watcher cat most modern. 4) I gained a follower, but only for a block.  

Along with all the new things we learned we were also able to keep up some traditions and create ones that may stick next year. Family visited this month and we hope they will come back often and soon. I spent some time at my mother's school, helping to finish out the year. Friends took back a Memorial Day Weekend tradition that can now continue. We saw shows, went to the fair, played and planted. 

I wasn't wrong to hope that May would be exciting, maybe I was too right. With Summer, I'm hoping comes swimming, bright and sunny beach days, lots of work getting done, but some relaxing, too, please!. Bring it on, June!

A Night at the Fair

Every year Asbury Park celebrates Memorial Day weekend and the start of the Summer Season with gusto. Beaches are open, lifeguards are out, ice cream is everywhere and the fair comes to town. This was the first year we decided to attend. 

Although I delight in the lights and sights, I do not ride rides. We were lucky enough to have friends come along so my husband could ride.

We really enjoyed our time at the fair and ended up going back for a 2nd night. We will definitely be keeping an eye for it next year!

On My Mind on Friday Morning

I've long wanted a good leather moto jacket. I've seen a few I like recently (One, Two). And yes, I know it's almost Summer!
This "flying" sea snail is so cute! 
W Magazine has current actors doing reimagined casting calls for classic movies. I love some of their takes, but Eddie Redmayne, you're over acting!!
I only started going to the High Line in the last few year, but it's such a special place! I highly (tee hee) recommend it for anyone visiting NYC. Nice to see they are planning further expansion. 
At the end of last Summer, we bought a little azalea bush and put it in a pot on our back porch. Little did we know that several bushes in the back yard were also azaleas! Now that it's spring time they are all blooming!

Bonus Link: This is a sad video (with a happy ending) about sponsorship in surfing. 

New Block: Diagonal

MadCatBOM May! I went back to Blossom Hearts Quilts HST Sampler for my May block. I like the geometric aspects of many of the blocks there. Diagonal shows this off well!

This block had a bunch of HSTs but it came together really quickly. I tried to add some different and bright colors into this one. But I wanted to make sure it still worked with the rest of the blocks. 

I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. 

Full Circle Sponges

Disclaimer: My product reviews are completely unsponsored and unsolicited. The opinions are my own from my own experiences. If someone would like to sponsor a post, please contact me thru the contact button above. 

I'd been looking into some eco friendly, recycled, and/or made in the USA kitchen sponge options. I'd tried a few of the big businesses eco versions and just wasn't satisfied with their performance or completely convinced they were better for the environment/world. 

When I discovered MightyNest and their box subscription, MightyFix (more on that later), I was excited to see that they had some of the sponges that I was researching. They also offered free shipping if you add items to your MightyFix order. How nice!

Like many, I'm just starting my journey on how to live a more sustainable life, and just learning how to find good companies to help me on my way. Full Circle is doing some interesting things as a company, so I wonder how their products are to use. MightyNest offers several Full Circle products and there are many more on the Full Circle Website. I purchased the Walnut Scrubber Sponges and the Scour Pads. 

Now I'm not sponge expert but here are some of my observations.

The first thing I noticed, taking the sponge out of the package, was how tough and durable it felt dry. Some sponges feel weak and floppy. I recently tried a Twist sponge (that I picked up in a Whole Foods without researching, bc I desperately needed a new sponge) and it was bulky and weird feeling and now destined to wash bathroom areas. 

After the first uses, I had a good feeling about this sponge. The walnut scrubby side gets the sticky food, and the sponge side is really absorbent. After thirty uses, I still like it!! The sponge side has stayed clean and white. Unlike the Twist Sponge which stained and felt dirty almost immediately. There is some pilling on the scrubby side, but it comes off easily with a little tugging and leaves a still useful scrubber.  

I haven't used the scour pads yet as I haven't felt the need to. The sponge works great on it's own! I would recommend this product and will definitely be trying other items from Full Circle. 

Now, maybe this is a terribly dull post, but I can't help but get excited every time I find a more sustainable option for daily life. Have you recently added any sustainable products to your routines?

New Block: Maple Leaf + #quiltsforFortMac

Over the years, I've gone back and forth about making a maple leaf block. I guess I always knew I would make one eventually. This year, I figured I'd make one for my MadCatBOM, but I found an even better reason!

Although it's not my style, I'll iron this block before sending it. 

SLOstudio put the call out to make maple leaf blocks for quilts to send to families displaced by the wildfires surrounding Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada. The fires have been raging since May 1st and show no signs of stopping. Authorities are saying it could take months to get the fires out. Almost 90,000 people have been evacuated, leaving homes and belongings behind.

Making this block was fun and easy. I didn't use a pattern, but there's a really good one at Slostudio.com. Of course, with my no measuring, no ruler cutting methods, I didn't get the perfect 12.5" size SLOstudio was looking for. I put a little boarder on mine to get it the extra inches. Since SLOStudio said that the blocks could be traditional or improv, I think this addition will be fine.    

I'm linking up with Sew Cute Tuesday and planning on sending this block and a few more I will make to madaboutpatchwork, who has offered to collect the blocks. 

WIP 5/4/16

A distraction! Although I should be working on my Finish Along and OMG Goal for this month, I've gotten into some blue scraps. 

I have some ideas for these scrappy improve blocks: a project I've been ruminating on since Dec 2014? We'll have to wait and see if it pans out. And May the 4th be with you. 

April in Review

April was a surprising long month. At least, time seemed to go at normal pace, not zoom by as many months seem to. And what a full month it was!!

The month started out with parties and celebrations, planting, visits, and the weather warming up, life heated up, settled down, and I feel like we are cementing our place in this new environment. There is so much to look forward to in May, but let's take a look back at how awesome April was. 

1) Little nugget. 2)Springtime in Ocean Grove. 3) All the Pinks in Asbury Park. 4) A safe shard. 

I got a good amount of sewing in in April! I was right on track with making one quilt a month at the beginning of April, but I fell behind, somehow... I will try to make this up at some point. I've really enjoyed being part of the 2016 Finish Along, OMG, and Year Of The Stash, so far this year... I can't wait to continue.  

1) My May goal. 2) A new block. 3) Vintage squares. 4) A city by the sea.

Planting, plants, yard work, and the beach were big themes this month. Having a yard is great, even when we have to mow! It's really exciting to plant this year, while keeping in mind how it will look next year, as well. An opportunity I've never had before!

1) A broken bud comes inside. 2) An expected azalea. 3) Yard blooms. 4) Party Leftovers. 

April started out with parties but there was a lot of work to be done, as well. But we had some relaxing time with family and friends. 

1) The look of someone who should not be in the guest room. 2) The look of someone who should not be in the sink. 3) Flounder finds some space. 4) Just the right place. 

So many amazing things happened this April, you guys! I hope everyone out there feels as happy and excited about this month as I did, and I hope that feeling carries us right through May!

Sunday Stash: Yard Sale Finds

In my Year of the Stash Manifesto, I stated that I would try not to add too much to my stash this year. The exception would be vintage or reclaimed fabric. For 4 months, I did a good job at not buying or aquiring anything. 

But now it's yard sale season!

Right after I wrote a YoTS post (here), I added quite a few yards to my stash. Better get sewing!

Today I'm linking up with Mollie Sparkles for Sunday Stash. 

April OMG Finish + May Goal

I finished my April goal early in the month so I could add it to my Q1 finish Along completed list, as well. Check out the post here. 

So I'm on to May!

I've been working on this Ohio Star quilt for a looooong time. It's been on every one of my Finish Along lists for 2015, and 2016. I think May is my month to get it done!

Linking up with Red Letter Quilts for OMG May.
Since I started this quilt way back in 2014, all the cats have had a hand in helping me. Here, pit gives me some advice about how to continue the quilting and reach my May Goal!

Bangkok 8

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here.

Another book from my unread book pile, I think I originally picked Bangkok 8 by John Burddett up off a stoop or at a cheap book sale but it may also have been given to me by a fellow mystery lover purging his collection.

I did not pay $2 for this book, that I do remember. I'm pretty sure it was totally free. 

Thai Police Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep is trying to stay on the path to enlightenment with the Buddha, but it doesn't come as naturally to him as it does to his partner and best friend.  When Sonchai's partner is killed as a result of a mysterious and snake filled murder, he must solve the case and put aside his spiritual ascension to seek revenge. Although a gifted detective, the case proves difficult not the least bc of a sexy and forward FBI agent also on the trail. Sonchai's learning a lot about about Western vs Thai culture, life in general and himself. Will he be able to avenge his brother when the time comes? 

I really enjoyed this book, it has an interesting pacing and inner monolog of it's main character, both of which switched back and forth from a seemingly Western pace and mentality, to a more Eastern slow and spiritual approach.. The details of life in Thailand make it clear that the Author spent a lot of time there but I still felt that the reader was getting the information translated through a Western white male perspective. I felt that took away from the book a bit bc I felt dubious about some of the feelings and reactions in the book. This might have just been my take on it, tho. I really enjoyed the fact that I wasn't sure what the resolution would be, right up to the last chapter. I would recommend this book to those who like foreign thrillers, books set in exotic locals, and people who enjoy reading about Buddhist mentality.  

Have you read this novel? Can you suggest other books set in Thailand?

Something New: Bullet Journaling

I'm a list maker. I make a list everyday. I like to cross things off, to add things in, sometimes to add things in just to then cross them off.

But lists get lost, they get full, new lists need to be made. I'm also a note taker. But where to keep these notes? How to find them?

Even with my notes and lists, I'm not so great at self motivating for well, myself. Give me a job, at work, I'm all over it. But me telling myself I need to do some laundry, or complete a project, or any number of tasks I'm doing for myself, just isn't the same.  
When I realized that I would be working less, and being home more, I knew I needed a real system. 

That's when I discovered Bullet Journaling. I first found it through a link on Rowdy Kittens, and thought it was intriguing.

Bullet Journalling is an analog way to keep your to-dos, appointments, lists, events, personal notes, calendars, habit tracking, reminders, etc.... in one place and away from the internet/phone. It really appealed to me bc it's physical, simple, and easy. 
The idea behind BuJo is simple, keep every thing you need in one place, a single notebook. But the possibilities and variations are endless.

You can find everything you need for the basic set up in the Bullet Journal video. I really love that you don't need any special supplies, you only need a note book and a pen (of course, there is a special BuJo notebook you can buy if you want to). 
Bullet Journal suggests you set up 4 basic things in the journal: An index (where you keep track of everything in the journal), a six month over view or Future Log (where you keep track of large events, holidays, birthdays, etc...), a monthly calendar with checklist (which you make at the beginning of every month and where you keep an overview of that moths events and tasks), and a daily log (which you make day of or a day or two in advance and contains tasks, notes, etc... that pertain to each day). There is a set of symbols to use for each item on any list: a dot for task (to be crossed out when finished), a circle for events, and a dash for notes. It suggests covering these with a forward arrow to move to the next day or month, and a backward arrow to go far in advance (onto the six month overview). 
In addition to the basics, you can take notes (classes, meetings, etc...), make lists (movies to watch, books to read, shopping, and so on), track your habits (water intake, exercise, whatever!), set goals, track social media, log expenses, make charts, graphs, note the weather, draw, practice your calligraphy, and pretty up your journal however you want, to name a few. 
Many people fancy up their journals, making them sketchbook, inspiration book, note book, calendar, appointment book, scrap book, and diary all in one. They use washi tape, markers, fancy headers, stickers, mantras, and anything thing else one can think of. There are tons of site and videos to watch for inspiration and ideas. Some creators have reached near guru status.  

Most people seem to use either a Moleskien or the Leuchtturm 1917 journal but I just rummaged around until I found a blank book with graph paper that I already had. I use a black pen (either a uni-ball, or paper-mate). I don't make any attempt to make it pretty, I really use my Bullet Journal in a utilitarian way.

Here's what I have in my Journal so far:
The Index - My index is a mess! I wasn't really sure how I wanted to set this up so the first page is ugly. That's OK! One of the great things about BuJo is when you "mess up" you can just move on, keep going, and not worry about it. I changed the way I made my index from the first to second page, and I will most likely change the whole thing when I start a new journal
The Future Log - Since I started this journal in April, I made mine until the end of the year. I keep birthdays, holidays, and major events here. It's nice to reference back to when I'm like "when is Calvin's christening?" or "what month are we seeing the Violent Femmes?"
Monthly Calendars - I started this book in mid April and used that month as a test for how I would set up my monthly calendars. So far, I'm making them just the way BuJo suggests; I list the dates of the month, what days the dates fall on, and fill them in with events, appointments, and birthdays. I reference back to this when I need to see only one month, not my entire Future Log. 
Monthly Tasks - Next to each month, I put a list of larger tasks that I want or need to accomplish that month. These are mostly items that do not have a specific date to get done. I refer back to this list to see what I've finished without realizing it (cleaning the microwave) or to add to a daily list if I think I can. 
Daily Log - I use one page for each day of the week (except Sat/Sun, they share a page) to list the tasks I need to or want to get done each day. These can be as mundane as doing the dishes or laundry, cleaning the cat boxes, etc... I use this space for my work schedule, events for the day, and keeping track of getting work at home done. I use the bottom of each page for making notes about that day. I like to keep track of when I took a nap, when interesting things happen, or anything I think I might want to reference back to like "won at cards with Al and Sienna" or "opened all the windows today" etc... My Daily Log is by far my most used and most helpful pages. When the day is over, I make sure to move things forward and cross things off.
Habit Tracker - This is where I keep track of things that I want to get done or things that I do on a very regular basis, or that I want to keep track of how often I actually do them. I list things like exercise, quilting, drawing, juicing, watering the plants, and other things for each day of the week there. When I have completed it, I fill in the little box for the appropriate day and item. I have been doing a weekly habit tracker this month, but for May I'm moving to a monthly one. A nice thing about BuJo is that it's very easy to try new methods of keeping track. You can find what works for you. I think a monthly tracker will give me a better overview of which of these tasks I get done and when I do. If I see I'm not doing something on the regular, I can add it to my Daily Logs. 
Expenses/Earnings - I keep a weekly record of everything that I spend and everything that I earn. I divide one page in three parts, at the top I put my expenses and the date they were purchased, and in the middle I put my earnings for the week (from work, web sales, etc...). At the bottom of this page, I make any note I want to look back on. I'm working on a monthly overview for this as well, to see what I made, spent, and saved, what went to bills, eating out, etc... I haven't worked out how to best log this yet. Any ideas?
Lists and Notes - I keep a few running lists (my yard wish list, things I need my husband to help me with, long term goals...) and a few reoccurring lists (groceries, food that needs to be eaten, dinners for the week...). I keep some notes on budgeting (expenses and time), future projects, and other things.  I add to these whenever necessary. 

These are the symbols I use:
Dot ( • ) - I use the dot for an and all tasks.
Circle - I use this for events such as "work (10am - 3pm)", "drinks with Mike", "rummage sale". 
Dash - I use this for notes in my daily logs, expenses, lists, etc...
X - I X out all finished tasks and events. If I do a task twice, I add an additional X next to it (say washing the dishes twice in one day).
Forward Arrow - I use this when I'm "migrating" a task, when I move a task from one day to the next, or one month to the next if it's a monthly task. I use a double forward arrow when I'm moving something far in the future (more than a day or two). 
Box - I use boxes for habits. I also use them on daily tasks when the task was halfway completed. I fill in boxes as I go. 
Eyeball - I use the eyeball for a research task. Bc I might not need to get this done in a specific time frame, or bc it's easier than writing " • research how to make a bullet point with the keyboard". 

I've only been Bullet Journalling for about three weeks now, but I'm pretty sold. I'm excited to have a small, simple space for all my planning, and to add to it in the future. I can see it being becoming an essential tool in my lifestyle journey. And I can see improving on how I use it to an almost infinite degree. I like it as a day to day tool, but I also like seeing my progress, process and evolution in work and home life I can't wait to see that on a larger scale as weeks and months go by. 

Who out there uses a bullet journal? Share your experiences and links to pics in the comments!

New Block: Tree Of Life Variation

A little while ago, I was inspired to make a baby quilt in white, silver, red and black. Not my usual palate, but I thought I'd give it a try. Then I set out to find a pattern that interested me. 

I've long thought that a Tree of Life Block would make a great focal point for a baby quilt. I've avoided this block because... so many HSTs! After looking around on Google images, I worked out a variation and got to work. It's a little wonky but that's kinda my style. At least Elvis likes it:

I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. 

On My Mind on Friday Morning

I'm looking for a good, recycled, environmentally friendly, made in the USA, kitchen sponge. Is that too much to ask? I found a few: this one seems simple and good, these are all good options, and these all seem interesting, too.  Anyone out there have any ideas?
I love it when my favorite blogs seem to be reading my mind! Since we moved, we've had a huge junk mail problem, Erin has the answers! 
I love this blog from the NYC Zoos, and was so happy to see one of our favorite attractions from our favorite zoo featured!
New Zealand has a sock stealing cat.
Check out this Ultimate Guide to Quilt Sizes. Important info and a great graphic!

I've looked all around the internet for a good chart and easy access to quilt sizes, so I was so pleased when I was directed to Suzy Quilts article. Anyone have any other good resources on this subject?

Commissions: Two Open Slots + Pricing

I've made several commissioned quilts and I really enjoy them! 
I wish I could say that I could make them all the time. But the truth is, they take me a long time!! I have not picked the easiest way to make quilts (sometimes I wish I liked working on the sewing machine). All my quilts are hand pieced, basted, quilted, and bound. I find they take me 3 months, at the very least, if I'm working on nothing else. To be safe, I'd say they take me 5 months to make a baby quilt (or lab) quilt. 

I've been planning out some quilting for the year and I would really like to take on a few commissions! Being April, I calculate that I have time to do 2 baby or lab quilts before xmas. To be sent out in time to give as gifts. 

Please use the contact tab above if you are interested in a Mad Cat Quilts commission. 

Quilts have base prices, and then money gets added on for design complexity, fabric selection, quilting complexity, backing, etc... Which all can range from $20 - $?? above the starting prices depending on what we choose together. Here are the starting prices :
Minis start at $75
Baby or crib quilts start at $175
I don't have time for a larger quilt at the moment, but here are the larger size prices:
Throw start at $225
Twin size starts at $350
Full start at $400
Queen start at $650
King start at $850

The way my commissions usually go is pretty organic. I get some info from the buyer about what they would like, come up with some color, fabric, and pattern ideas to run by them. Once that is decided, I show them the start of the top, and we kinda go from there. If someone has something specific in mind, we look at those options. I've always had really good luck in that my clients know and like my style of quilting: slow and all hand done, no measuring... etc... People seek me out for this style and that's really lovely.  

I really hope I can make a few special quilts for my readers out there!! I'm really excited to work with some new people on great new quilts. Please use the contact tab above if you're interested in one of the slots!

New Block: Drunkard's Path

I knew I would eventually try the drunkard's path block during the MadCatBOM. But what an intimidating block!! I bet a lot of quilters feel that way! Curves!! How nerve-wracking. But guess what? This block was awesome to make. 

I looked at a few tutorials for this block, but in the end I really didn't use one. I just winged it! I tried to bring in some brighter and new colors with this block. I'm hoping to add more and pull it all together at the end. 

As you know, I don't measure my fabric, I free hand measure and cut all my work. I found this worked well for the curves in this block, but the block itself came out quite a bit smaller than my other blocks for the BOM. So I might add a boarder later. 

You can find the rest of the MadCatBOM blocks here. I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching today. Are you?

Thoughts On... A Lifestyle Column

I wouldn't call this a "Lifestyle Blog".

But it kind of is one. It's a blog about my life, my lifestyle and how I want to live. 

Recently, especially since the move, I've been trying to identify the things that make my life better. These are usually small, everyday things, routines, products, mantras, practices. Little things that make my life easier, make me happy, or help me to hone the lifestyle I want to create. These are my thoughts on...

Making the Bed. 

A few years ago, I had a friend staying with me who always made the bed. I had never done this before. We weren't a bed making family growing up. She made hospital corners. She was the inspiration for me to start making the bed, but not regularly. 

Now I try to make the bed every day. I don't go crazy. I mostly just straighten the pillows, brush off the fitted sheet, and reapply the blankets in a more orderly fashion. That's it. Nothing fancy. 

But it really makes me feel quite good! I feel like I'm getting something done when I do it and it's nice to get into a made bed at the end of the day. 

Now, we have 5 cats, so sometimes I don't want to disturb them. Or sometimes I'm just lazy, or sometimes I just don't want to. But I know that when I do make the bed, I feel a little better about life. I don't feel worse if I don't make it, but I feel better when I do. It's not a chore, it's a helpful practice. It makes my life a little more orderly, going to bed a little less of a struggle, and doesn't a made bed look sweet covered in cats?

Who out there makes the bed regularly? Who hates making the bed?