The last week, and the next week coming I expect, I'm breathing new life into this old WIP.
2016 Finish Along - Q3 Recap and Q4 Lists
So, while I technically missed the link op for Q3, here's my list anyway:
1. Finish binding and label Ohio Star Quilt.
2. Quilt, bind, and label Maybe Lyz Quilt.
3. Piece front and back, baste, quilt, bind and label Atlanta Falcons Baby Quilt.
4. Quilt, bind, and label Geometric Gift Quilt.
5. Make backing, baste, bind, and label Alabama Quilt Top.
None finished. Again.
I won't be missing the link op for Q4 and, despite my last two rounds, I hope to have my most productive quarter yet!
I'm only listing 4 goals for the last quarter. In preparation for this list I took out a bunch of tops and projects and my Q4 looks a little different.
1. Finish quilting, bind, and label Maybe Lyz Quilt.
I started this one a log time ago, and made some progress in the last few months. I'm thinking this big quilt will be nice to cuddle up under while I'm working on it as the weather gets cooler.
2. Baste, quilt, bind and label Alabama Quilt Top.
I made a little progress on this vintage quilt top we found on our trip to Alabama last year. I need to figure out how to quilt it and get it finished.
3. Make a back, baste, quilt and bind the Vintage Squares quilt.
4. Finally finish Ohio Stars quilt.
I've been working on this one too long. I have the last bits to finish, not more than a days work, but I could not get motivated to finish it for Q3. I'm over this quilt and it needs to get done.
Blood Oath
One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. This kinda counts. See other books I've read here.
Another book my father recommended I listen to, Blood Oath was written by Christopher Farnsworth and read by Bronson Pinchot.
I'm torn over whether listening to books counts toward my goal of reading more in 2016. For 2017, I have plans for a new goal to watch less TV... I think listening to audio books will definitely help that.
It wasn't Nathanial Cade's choice to be turned into a vampire, or to be bewitched into serving the American government by protecting the President at all costs. Getting a new, arrogant and inexperienced "handler" with a history of youthful indiscretions might be is too much. When an old threat resurfaces, Cade's loyalties will be tested and he will be forced to trust those he never expected.
I thought Blood Oath was an interesting take on a vampire tale, switching between several character's points of view and mindset, not only focusing on the vampire. Farnsworth plays with the vampire and monster mythos, posing interesting questions about otherworldly beings. This book has violent moments, as any vampire story does, and the descriptions are not for the faint of heart. The reading is very expressive and the voices distinct. Bronson Pinchot does not sounds how I thought he would! Overall, I really enjoyed this book, I would definitely get the sequel, but I'm not sure if I would read or listen to it. I recommend this book for those who are vampire enthusiasts, monster lovers, and people who enjoy political thrillers.
What are your favorite vampire books?
October OMG Goal
For my October OMG, I'm revisiting a goal I tried over the Summer. It was too hot in x to quilt the Maybe Lyz Quilt, but October seems to be just the right month to be snuggled under this big quilt.
This big quilt gets all wrinkled from quilting in my lap. I don't use a hoop or frame.
Linking up with Red Letter Quilts with my October Goal.
September in Review
September went so quick!! Am I a broken record? September might be my favorite month of the year. So much change, so much growth.
In brief, here're some things I did in September:
Beach walks-
Cat talks-
Dream life-
Local's Summer-
October is already rolling. Better catch up.
Wrinkly Old WIPs: All The Tops
Before I post my Q4 Finish Along list, I thought I'd take a look at some of my quilts under construction.
This bright heart quilt is ages old. Earlier this year, I backed and basted it. Now to decide how I want to quilt it and if I want it on my Q4 list.
Baby Tree of Life is a completed top but needs a backing. This is not my normal color scheme, so I'd like a back that will open it up. I don't know how to quilt this one, either.
I made this top from vintage squares, blues, and thrifted browns and stripes this past year during a slump. I think I know what I'd like to back this one with.
This is the Alabama vintage top, I backed it recently and as usual, have to decide how to quilt it. This one is definitely going on the Q4 list.
These aren't all the quilt tops I have finished, but it is a chunk of them. I'm linking up with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching.
Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Prospect Park Zoo
It's hard to believe that in all the time I've been writing about Zoos at Home, Zoos Abroad, I haven't made an entry for one of our all time favorite zoos. The Prospect Park Zoo was our "home" zoo for many years and we visited it often. These photos were taken during our last visit which was back in August 2015.
In the heart of Brooklyn's biggest park, this zoo is a magical little slice of zoo with wild creatures and a little petting farm. It has also become a sanctuary for the areas birds and bugs within the city.
The Prospect Park Zoo packs a lot of wild and exotic animals into its small foot print. Some of my favorites are field mice, Pallas cats, red pandas, otters, mongooses, peacocks, and more!
The petting farm has chickens, pigs, sheep, etc... It's a nice connection of people and animals.
There are several buildings that contain the wild creatures, connected by meandering trails that make you feel like walking in an animal, bug, and flora filled wonderland. There's a aviary, duck ponds, a sea lion pool to walk through and around.
The Prospect Park Zoo is truly a Brooklyn treasure and I highly suggest anyone in the area to visit it.
September OMG Goal - Complete!!
Finally! I finished my first OMG in 4 months. My count now is 4 completed out of 9 goals.
Linking up with Red Letter Quilts with a completed goal!
September Monthly Plant Update
Inspired by Aquarian Soul, I've decided to record the plants I see around me each month.
It has been a fun first year in Asbury Park, seeing what grows and blooms in our yard and all around us. Some things were a total surprise! I documented many plants on Instagram and in the blog in a casual manner. This coming year, I'd like to keep a closer eye.
Here are some plants I'm seeing in September:
Beach Roses are blooming their last blooms. They smell amazing.
Some of the roses have already turned into huge hips. I might be researching how to forage and use these for something good.
I took our oxalis out to the porch to enjoy more sun before the cold weather. It was getting very leggy inside.
My neighbors chicks and hens bloomed weeks earlier than mine. So much so I started to think mine never would. But here they are!
The morning glories that we gladly share with our neighbors went nuts this month. They are out in full bloom in all manner of colors. We will have tons of seeds to harvest, spread and share this year.
My husband doesn't like succulents but I'm planning on buying some up after seeing them at Sunset Farms, our favorite local nursery.
What plants are cropping up where you live this month?
New Block: Railroad Spike
For my September MadCatQuiltsBOM I modified a block I saw on CrazyMomQuilts. She uses it as part of her crossed canoe quilt, but mine came out a little more like a railroad spike.
In these blocks I'm trying to bring in the colors and fabrics that I have chosen for this project. In the last few block, I am seeing where I need balance and contrast. I will try to incorporate these ideas as I go into the final stretch of the MCQBOM.
Linking up with Kathy's Quilts and Slow Sunday Stitching.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
I realized the other day that we only have two sets of sheets for the bed we got when we moved. (1, 2, 3)
"The Cube" is coming back.
These cat houses are architecturally intriguing and auctioned off for a good cause. See previous years here and here. Now go join a fancy architecture firm and make your own.
This Week in Prospect Park hasn't updated in forever, which is a shame bc it's a great blog!! I need to know more of the mysterious goings on in Brooklyn's largest park. (edit: they updated! Keep it up!)
Our poor Bippi is sick. She's all we think about.
A Week of Bowls
My smoothie bowl obsession is still going strong. Here's what a week in the life looks like:
Monday 9/5: Acai, banana, leftovers from last bowl (pitaya, bananas), spinach, cherries, coconut milk. Topped with local bee pollen, local peaches and blackberries, bananas, coconut, chia, cacao.
Tuesday 9/5: Acai, banana, spinach, blackberries, coconut milk. Topped with grapes, local blackberries, chia, local bee pollen, cacao nips and dried cherries. .
Wednesday 9/7: Banana, local peach, red grapes, almond milk. Topped with cacao nibs, chia, bee pollen, local blackberries, and coconut.
Thursday 9/8: Acai and frozen mango with coconut milk. Nectarine, chia seeds, bee pollen, cacao nibs, bananas, on top.
Friday 9/9: Bananas, spinach, mangos and coconut milk with local blackberries, nectarine, bee pollen, chia and cacao nibs.
Saturday, I ate a bowl out. Sunday I ate some refrozen, then reblended left over bowl bits. And I've eaten a bowl everyday since. You can catch some on my instagram.
Bloggers Quilt Festival: Orange Cat/Grey Cat Baby Quilt
The Fall Bloggers Quilt Festival is here and I'm entering Orange Cat/Grey Cat in the Hand Quilted category. OC/GC was made for a friend and finished in late February. You can see the the original post here.
OC/GC uses new and vintage fabric. I dedicated it to two cats, one orange, one grey. All my quilts are hand pieced and quilted and this quilt has straight line quilting going vertically and horizontally. I used a clear thread for the quilting in this quilt. Since the the quilt top is mostly black and white I used a bright rainbow fabric for the backing.
I couldn't get any new pics of OC/GC quilt because it's now with it's new owner in FL. I think Calvin likes it!!
I'm linking up with Amy's Creative Side and the Bloggers Quilt Festival. Please head there to check out the other quilts in the Hand Quilted category and all the others.
Simple Matters
One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here.
I love Erin Boyle's blog, Reading My Tea Leaves, so I was happy to get and read her first book, Simple Matters.
I've bought 4 books this year, and 2 of them about decluttering and organization (the other two are about sharks). What does that tell you about my head space?
Like her blog, Simple Matters focuses on Erin's methods for simplifying and organizing one's life. She uses her own life to test theories and try out ideas for decorating, meal planning, entertaining, baby raising, and tiny life in the city.
It took me a while to get through Simple Matters. Although I love Erin's blog, I found the book to be a bit clunky and disorganized. Not everything on the blog in relevant to me but the book somehow felt less so. I had trouble weeding out things that felt useful and those that didn't. There were still many things I enjoyed about this book, but I wish it were organized more like her blog. All that being said, Simple Matters is full of gorgeous pictures and sage advice. I can't wait to read her next effort. I would recommend this book for anyone interesting in living in a tiny space, people trying to reorganize their home, or those who enjoy simple living.
What genre of books have you been reading more of these days?
New Block: Wrench Variation
I found this block on instagram (@kerenlewistextiles) and got a screen grab so I could try it out. When I was looking for my August MadcatquiltsBOM I happened back upon it. I'm not sure if this block has an actual name but it seems like a wrench block variation to me.
This block was quick and easy to put together. A perfect block for one behind in their BOMs.
Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Atlantic Farms
When we lived in Brooklyn, we went to the Prospect Park Zoo pretty often. It was our local zoo and a great zoo, too. Since we moved, we've been looking for a new local zoo.
We love the Cape May County Zoo, but it's a little far for us to visit whenever we want. So we were happy to find the Atlantic Farms petting farm this Summer.
We stumbled upon this little farm stand and it's petting zoo by accident but it's become one of our favorite places to visit! It's entry fee is very reasonable, which is rare.
At the farms, there are many sheep and goats, as well as cows, pigs, llamas and alpacas, donkeys and ponies, lots of chickens, turkeys and ducks. There's even some emus!
The best part is the snacks you can buy to feed the animals are just carrot chips from the farm. Good for the animals, and so fun to feed them!
We're happy to have found this spot that's only a 20 minute trip from our house. If you're Down the Shore, I suggest a visit!
New Block: Equilateral (Sorta) Triangles
Here is my MadCatQuiltsBOM from way back in July. I started it that month but Summer's been rough and I just got around to finishing it recently. I have seen a lot of great equilateral triangle quilts but never attempted this block before.
This is another block that is made tougher by using my no-measure technique. The triangles were definitely not equal, but they came out pretty interesting.
I'm linking up with Kathy and Slow Stitching Sunday as well as Moving it Forward Monday over at Em's Scrapbag.
Something New: Smoothie Bowls
When I first started seeing these bowls, in social media, or on the beach, I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about. Sure, they were pretty and who doesn't like a big bowl of fruit? But what's the big deal?
In July, while my friend was in town, I finally tried a bowl. And it wasn't love at first bite, but I enjoyed it. But then a few days later I was still thinking about it. So I ate another one! Then I started making them at home. And I haven't looked back since.
People love smoothies, they taste good, are pretty and good for you. It makes sense that people like a smoothie, add extra fruit, stuck in a bowl. Factor in that most bowls use delicious and exotic fruits like acai and pitaya which are super good for you. They tend to be topped with superfoods, and are a great way to get your fruits and veggies, protein, vitamins, and nutrients.
But truth be told, I don't really like smoothies. I don't like the texture. Never been a fan. So why smoothie bowls, you might be asking?
And here's the answer: The ice cream effect.
Eating smoothie bowls are like eating ice cream, with awesome toppings, for breakfast.
As you know, I love new ways of eating fruits and veggies (like juicing) and this is another good way. If you like smoothies or if you don't like them, or if you just like ice cream, I suggest you try a smoothie bowl! Around me, there are many places that sell them, I hear you can get them at certain Wholefoods. But also smoothie bowls are super easy to make at home!
Since I started making them I have acquired lots of superfoods for topping, and frozen fruit for different bases, but here is a super easy beginners recipe with things you might already have on hand:
For the smoothie:
3 bananas (sliced and frozen at least 4 hours)
Handful of spinach. I use cleaned fresh baby spinach
A couple of tablespoons of milk (any type you like/have in the house will do. I've used almond and coconut.)
Optionally add any other fruit you like (frozen, fresh, or a little on the old and wrinkly side will do. The key here is not to out weigh the frozen aspect of the bananas).
For the toppings:
Go nuts!
Literally, use nuts. Or seeds, or granola, rawnola, fresh fruit, frozen fruit, superfoods, chocolate sauce, yogurt, oats, oatmeal, peanut butter, any other nut butter, honey, agave, bee pollen, coconut in any form, and on and on, etc...
My current favorites are; any local fruit I have on hand, chia seeds (these guys are so healthy and give a nice little pop), cacao nibs for crunch, and goji berries for chew.
Instructions:
-Get your toppings ready first. I almost always fail to do this but it helps you get to your smoothie bowl faster before it melts (especially useful if you plan on taking photos of your breakfast). Lay out the toppings sundae bar style, or at least keep them in arms length. Have your bowl ready, as well.
-Into your blender (whatever kind you have works fine) put the spinach and just enough milk to get it blending. This is the time to add any other non frozen fruit you may want.
-Once the spinach is pureed pretty well, add the frozen fruit. Add more milk for a wetter, smoothie consistency, or less for a "nice cream" style smoothie bowl. I prefer the nice cream rout.
-Pour your smoothie into a bowl and top with all the good stuff.
-Eat up and enjoy!
Anyone else eating smoothie bowls? Give us your favorite recipe in the comments!
On My Mind On Friday Morning
A few good articles with great pictures about historic NYC (1, 2, 3). All from Gothamist.
I really loved this post on naming quilts by A Quilter's Table.
Here's a nice little run down of plants that can help clean the air in your house! I have three out of five.
I once watched the 4th of July fireworks from this boat.
I started a nice little routine of taking a beach walk in the mornings. I hope to keep this up for a long time.
September OMG Goal
As I've said before, August, and all of Summer, was super slow in the quilting department. Far too slow!! I'm so looking forward to Fall and getting back in the swing of sewing!
Although, I've had a poor showing these last few months, I'm still avidly trying to set and complete my OMG goals. For September, I'm hoping to catch up on my MadCatQuiltsBOM. I'm a few months behind and I have to decide on 2 blocks and finish 3 to be back on track.
This seems like a great way to get back in the habit of my MCQBOM and finish an OMG goal! I'm linking up with Red Letter Quilts and OMG.
