carson.j.designs

Valentines

2010-02-15T11:50:00.005-06:00

My Valentine's Day this year was spent in my apartment working on an assignment that is due later today. 9 hours straight staring at the computer screen (and listening/glancing at the Olympics coverage!) makes for a long day. Fortunately my awesome and crafty friend Heather had sent me a fantastic Valentine's Day card with some wise words of advice:

Besides that school is SO busy I don't have time for ANY crafting besides what I make out of paper, plastic, and PVC for my assignments!!

PS I am paying close attention to my fellow Parkites in the Olympics. GO JULIA MANCUSO, TED LIGETY, SPEEDY PETERSON, AND STEVE HOLCOMB. AND GREAT JOB NATE ROBERTS!!

Survived!

2009-12-11T17:50:00.006-06:00

So I made it through the end of my first semester of school. I am pretty sure I've never had to work so hard as I did over the past 3 months. Architecture school is serious business. I like it, but I am a little sad that I don't have time to enjoy the primary reasons I stayed in Chicago: my friends. There isn't much I can do about it, I try to emerge from my Architecture world as often as I can to meet up with them, but even when I do I'm really out of the loop and out of place. Oh well.

Since Monday I have spent time with my cousin who was visiting and then today I spent all day at home. Lazy? Maybe. But I did almost 75% of the things I said I wanted to do when I had time during break!! I sorted and filed my important documents, wrapped some presents, and made a cover for my all important Moleskine notebook. The first sewing I've been able to do in 3 months, it was a really quick and simple project and so so so enjoyable!! I used the tutorial here by Mr. Monkeysuit and some Floragraphix fabric I've had for almost a year for both the cover and lining. I really like how it turned out. My other to-do is to craft more over the next month of my Christmas break and tell you allll about it!!

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-11-29T22:43:00.008-06:00

As you may be able to tell, I have been too busy to do much of anything except schoolwork. I love architecture, but architecture school is hard!! My friend Alex put it best, "it looks like this is one of those situations that what doesn't kill you is going to make you stronger." Fortunately I have a lot of people who are supporting me in the wings, I don't know what I would do if they weren't at the end of the phone line when I needed them! (thanks!) With about 7.5 days until the end of the first semester I thought I would take a small break from my Theory Final to post some pics of what I managed to finish craft-wise BEFORE I was too busy! This is the quilt I made for my friends now 4-month old, Helen. She is the most adorable, mellow, awesome baby and this quilt is perfect for her (if i do say so myself). I finally gave it to them on Thanksgiving (since I stayed in Chicago they invited me over) and even Helen's dad said "I love it! Grey and green is AWESOME!" = SUCCESS!!!

I'm going to make an identical one for myself over break and I can't wait to get back on the sewing machine ;)

Zig-Zag Quilt from CrazyMom Quilt tutorial, Erin McMorris Wildwood and Kona Cotton Solids

A long Time

2009-09-08T20:16:00.003-05:00

Since I posted last almost two months ago things around here have been SUPER busy. First of all I had my last day of work, then headed off visit my grandparents and uncle, and cousin in Sacramento, then I moved to a gorgeous HUGE new apartment (WITHOUT a moving truck and only a little zip car, well and a few large guys to help), took another trip, this time with a few friends, up to the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and finally, I started Architecture School!! Im now in week 5 as an architecture student and I'm exhausted!! I can't tell if I "like" it yet, mainly because my brain is going to be adjusting to the college life and architecture in general for awhile. I've spent several 10+ hour days in the studio, but its a good feeling to be busy and to be doing something that few have done before me, and even fewer have done well. Here are some pics of things I've seen and done in the past few weeks. Enjoy!!!

Love, Jenny
Sacramento, CA
Chicago, IL on the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour (amazing a must do in Chi)
Odessa Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
New Baby quilt in the work for a dear friend and baby Helen!!

Been Gone So Long....

2009-07-17T20:32:00.006-05:00

I know I know, I'm such a bad friend. I just leave for a month without even a good bye or a reason why. If anyone happened to notice, I am SO sorry!! Things have been pretty busy around here. I finished two quilts (see below), went to an AMAZING wedding in St. Louis, made a dress to wear (also see below), lost an apartment and a roommate, and finally today found a new apartment!! If you scroll to the bottom you will see some brand new arm candy I just got.

Me with the beautiful bride and my amazing teal dress (favorite color by the way) :-)
And finally......

Amazing fantastic new watch by NIXON. My most favorite-ist watch company ever.

Architecture Tour Chicago

2009-06-14T20:40:00.004-05:00

I see buildings I love (and hate) around whenever I'm traveling and of course walking the streets of my city of Chicago. Now that I'm headed off to architecture school in the fall I've decided to start photographing and keeping a record of these notable structures. Today I went on a walk (because it was FINALLY sunny and warm!) and made a point to go by this amazing home on Burling Street in Lincoln Park. I need to look up who the architect is (uhm, internship please??) but in the meantime I will share what I like about it. First and foremost is the beautiful woodwork paneling going up the facade. The wood is placed horizontally which perfectly opposes the strong linear vertical-ity of the rest of the facade. The dark color next to the greenish tint of the large windows gives it a very "natural" feeling, like a forest and stream. The concrete finishes the look for me. I love it. I want to live there.

Oh and I really dislike this one. I don't think you all need me to explain the reasons why...

Stay Tuned

2009-06-05T21:31:00.003-05:00

Gilbert Lake, Wisconsin

I'm currently at the end of a "semester" which I know only included one class, but I still have some final term work to finish up. On top of that I started ANOTHER class which is requiring time and effort away from my more crafty endeavors. PLUS, work is taking me down to Indianapolis in the midst of all this, so I haven't been doing much else. Please look at my older posts and I will be back before too long with a dress (made by ME!), completed wedding quilt, and maybe a peek at my new amazing apartment (with my new amazing roommate/friend Lauren) in the West Loop. Like I says, stay tuned!!!
Love, Jenny

oh darn my arm.

2009-05-20T22:39:00.003-05:00

Does anyone else burn themselves when ironing? And I'm talking not just once or twice but on a fairly frequent basis? Hmm...anyone? Well, its not just ironing, I seem to have something with hot metal. Ovens, oven racks, baking sheets, and hot irons (im sure if i had a hair curler that would do it too) all seem to attract my fingers, hands and arms. While I admit that a year ago I got this weird equal sign-looking scar on my arm (cooking pizza) that I think is kinda cool looking (gives me street cred haha), I think I am over this burning thing. In the past week and a half I got a burn on my upper left arm (broiling steak), top of left hand, and wrist of right arm (iron). ow, ow, and ow, im that girl getting neosporin over everything. Also, my doctor looked a little concerned that I have burns and scars all over my arms and hands. Gosh darn.

Meet Me in St. Louis

2009-05-19T20:19:00.004-05:00

Phew, I finally got the quilt top done for the wedding I am going to in June. My friend Jessie from Colgate is marrying her lovely fiancee Alex in St. Louis and obviously I couldn't show up with any old gift from the registry. After many months of searching for the right fabric I finally found some to use in the zig-zag quilt pattern shared by Crazy Mom Quilts. I should mention that I really struggled in the middle of this and couldn't seem to get the right squares in the right places. I blame my lack of space to lay the whole quilt out. Anyway, now I need to figure out how to get to Joann's to pick up some backing fabric so I can get this sucker quilted!! Maybe I can sneak away with the car this weekend when my girlfriends Anna and Ruthie are enjoying the sun by Gilbert Lake, WI. ;)

May Weekend

2009-05-10T12:24:00.004-05:00

Spring time here in Chicago is heartbreaking. One day its sunny and seventy degrees, the next it is torrentially downpouring, and the next its cloudy and 40 degrees with wind chill. The last one is what the weekend has been like here. After a chilly early morning Dragbies softball game yesterday I came home and worked on finishing up the quilt I am going to give my brother for his 24th birthday in July. He lives in Alaska and likes to camp and be outside so I think it will be great for him to take with him in his truck. The back and binding is a cozy blue flannel. I just need to sew the binding but I have plenty of time for that.
Now I have to make the wedding quilt for my friend Jessie and her fiancee Alex who are getting married June 20th in St. Louis. She requested blue and yellow and is "traditional". Uh, I am NOT traditional. I don't really like flowery fabrics, usually they seem cheesy to me. So I attempted to find the perfect fabric online for about three months. Finally last week I bit the bullet and started to order these frenchish flowery blue and yellow prints, but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't work on a quilt for the next month without liking the fabric. So I found these fabrics from the fabric shack. Now I'm going to make them into a zig-zag quilt!! Ill post updates as I move along. Have a great Sunday!!!

I need these.

2009-05-05T20:19:00.004-05:00

I browse the Shopbop website everyday. For about 5 years I've done this now. And I haven't purchased a single thing. Its horrible, its like the worst kind of shopping torture. Especially when you need retail therapy and you come across something like these shades. 1. Ray Bans. 2. rounder wayfarer shape. 3. NEON. OMG I want. I'm a nut about sunglasses, I will go for just about any look, the bigger the better. And they match the watch I mentioned a couple weeks ago. Too bad noone reads this who would buy me these things (actually im sure noone would buy these even if they were reading this), but I really want them. Please style gods please??

Such Inspiration

2009-04-24T20:32:00.003-05:00

This dress is from Myne, the designer I met in LA when I went there in February. I am going to sound very cheap but I can't afford this. And despite the fact that I LOVE the design, and the elastic gathered empire waist, the Ikat pattern, and the grey and yellow colors, I just don't have the funds!! BUT, I do appreciate quality craftsmanship and beautiful design. If you need some inspiration or a new dress for the summer head over to Shopbop.com and check out the rest of Ashley Ann's Designs.

Blushing

2009-04-19T19:21:00.002-05:00

thank you everyone for your comments on my quilt festival entry. They have really made my day. :-)

Also, I started a new quilt with some blue blocks of fabric I cut out many years ago for a quilt for an ex-boyfriend (haha).

Blech.

2009-04-19T14:59:00.003-05:00

It is raining today, I guess it is spring but I am in desperate need of at least 1 week of sunny beautiful warm weather. Do you ever feel like everything you do is wrong? Like you aren't really in control of things and when you try to get in control nothing works. In general things are pretty great, mainly I am headed to UIC for architecture school next year. And while I love Chicago and I've been fortunate to have wonderful friends here, it just seems like things are drifting apart. I decided to stay here because there really is no better location to study architecture but the world capital of architecture (it's true), but maybe I needed to make a change. Maybe Chicago and I have run our course? Or maybe I am just socially incapable of figuring out rough spots and lulls and boredom. Who knows what the answer is, maybe there isn't one, or perhaps its far beyond any comprehension, either way I guess I will be staying here no matter what so I will have to figure it out. But in the meantime, I am just not feeling RIGHT. Blech. Not even sewing is making me feel better or even distracting me.

My Second Favorite Quilt

2009-04-17T23:54:00.003-05:00

I have decided to participate in the online quilt festival. I love to read people's stories of inspiration, so I thought I would contribute mine too. Unfortunately my camera died completely yesterday so I wasn't able to get a pic of my first quilt, which is my favorite because of the sentimental value. I will write about it here sometime. just not today.

My second favorite quilt is the one I made for my best friend Jennifer. Her and I have had a tumultuous friendship, and somehow despite the hardships she has endured and I have tried to help her with, we made it out on the other end. I call her just to call her, and usually she doesn't answer but I usually just feel better after the action of dialing the phone. When I do talk to her, she instantly gives me the best advice because she KNOWS me and she loves my little quirks. She calls me Martha as in THE Martha and we make jewelery together and explore and shop and hike and eat and I love her. I never know if the people I love know how much I love them. So in this case I decided to make her a quilt as a housewarming for the new abode that her and her BF Robbie bought in LA.

I am pretty modern and wanted to do something with solid colors and used a pattern I had purchased to make a batik quilt for my mom, but I thought it would look amazing with greys and purples. Also a perfect color combo for Jen. It was a long process and a lot of cutting, and there was NO grey fabric out there, but oh man. I LOVE this quilt. i can't even express how much I love it. Without further ado, here it is. I hope you enjoy it!!

Thanks for looking!! Join the fesitval and the FUN!! Quilt on!! ;)

Online Quilt Festival!

2009-04-16T20:23:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to join this online quilt festival. Everyone should check it out. You take some pics of a quilt project of yours, then you post them and share the story. I know exactly what quilt I am going to write about. My very very first one. I love IT. Ok, I'm going to take some pics and be back to talk about it.

Note: Just realized my camera display is BROKEN!! That dinky viewfinder is WORTHLESS. grrrr unhappy Jenny.

PS: the host of this festival is ParkCityGirl...I haven't figured out what Park City she is talking about, but I am hoping its Utah so we can chat about my hometown!! (I doubt we will chat but at least be like "hey don't you love.....(nacho mamas, baja cantina, the mountains)?")

I want this.

2009-04-04T09:48:00.003-05:00

Awesome. I want some neon in my wardrobe, ASAP. Baby-g-Shock via ShopBop.

So this is architecture school

2009-04-03T09:44:00.002-05:00

I'm off work today because I have an admitted student event at University Illinois - Chicago (UIC). I'm very excited to see what the deal is, since I pretty much have no idea. Today we are going to be at the school, with tours and talks and meeting people (eeek I always get nervous for that!), then tomorrow we are getting taken to several alumni architecture firms (SOM, UrbanLab, etc). This is IT!!! I am hoping this will help me make my decision between UIC and IIT soon, because I want the decision to be over!!!

Quickie

2009-04-01T22:07:00.005-05:00

On Sunday I made another skirt, using the same "pattern" as the other one...BUT this one was NOT silk. Everyone can exhale now in case you were holding your breath. Anyway, remember how I mentioned my obsession with Ikea, and how I'm mostly Swedish, and love modern design? Well, Marimekko has alot to do with all of the above (well except for making me part Swedish, that's because of my greatgrandparents) N-E-ways, my amazingly crafty and stylish Madre has been talking about this Marimekko person since forever. Madre loves to sew, loves Scandinavia, and loves design, and Marimekko was synonymous with all of these. Of course I find out that Marimekko isn't a single person much later in life (I still refer to Marimekko as a her), but have been drawn to their textile design since forever. Along with my introduction to FLW and The Fountainhead, Marimekko textiles were the catalyst that transformed me into a architecture and design fanatic. Not only that, but a modern one at that. Note: I don't like unnecessary adornments FYI EVER.

Ok, so I said this would be a quickie, and here it is. The skirt I made out of Marimekko LELO fabric (first designed in 1991) from the Crate and Barrel outlet here in Chicago. For....wait for it......4.5o a yard...and I used less than a yard for this skirt.
And the buttons were from the DIYODS show last weekend via the Chicago Craft Mafia, approx 5 cents a button. Wish you could tell how awesome they are....

Sewing 102

2009-03-28T22:18:00.008-05:00

My friend Kristen was my first friend here in Chicago. I moved here for a job without knowing anyone but the people who hired me. Kristen was a Notre Dame grad my same age and her cubicle was right next to mine. Before too long she decided that she needed to take me under her wing and bring me into her circle of friends. Well I was so flattered, and in desperate need of some company, and it wasn't too long before we discovered our joint love for baking, traveling, and judging ;). So here we are more than three years later, she is no longer my coworker but a best friend nonetheless, and I can generally count on her to go on adventures with me.
About 2 months ago I convinced her to take a trip to the burbs with me to go to Ikea. A staycation as my friend Anna pointed out. I have this extreme obsession with Ikea, largely because I am mostly Swedish and adore modern design. Anyway, after Ikea we stopped by Joann's in the burbs, and Kristen found this bolt of home dec fabric in the red tag section. It was awesome, and somewhere in between the fleece, and zippers, and buttons she decided she needed curtains. So we dug through the patterns and found a great one as a guide for tab top curtains. She went up to get it all cut and it turned out that the red tag fabric she wanted was only $1 a yard. $1 are you kidding?! I wanted to rip it from her hands and steal it.

The next weekend she came over and we started to put together the drapes. Just like a good teacher I had her cut and iron and cut, etc. The fabric was silky and slippery and the drapes were long, 6 YARDS!!! We didn't finish them that first day so she came over the next Friday night. She made me some homemade pizza, perhaps to bribe me to help her finish the drape project, but then we got to work. From 8 to 10 things were going well. Then it was that time we all experience, where you know you should stop. Your concentration and patience is GONE and you're mussing up everything and the seam ripper is on hand always. Well, we pushed through until FINALLY at about 12:00AM she finished. And I have to say that they are AWESOME. I mean they really are people, some might think they are "loud" or "busy" but they are gold and fuchsia and flowery and amazing. Trust me. So ended my first sewing lesson. And another reason Kristen is a BFF. I'm so lucky to have such creative and goodnatured people in my life!!!

This is the process, see Kristen working hard to get things straight? She was very careful about her seams and ironing!! I taught her well HA!

And here is the final product, 100% by Kristen:

Spoiler Alert...

2009-03-27T22:18:00.008-05:00

If your name is Jackie Canty, do NOT go to my flickr page.

Tonight I finished the baby quilt for my BFFL Jackie and her baby boy. He hasn't arrived yet, but I am pretty sure he will be here any day!! (Editors Note: Just found out I was off on the due date by 2 months, NO I am not a bad friend I swears). I have been working on this quilt for almost 3 months now and the first time around I started with a pattern I drew up. I was inspired by Jenny's quilt which I think is a version of a Denyse Schmidt pattern. It was a pretty great idea I thought, but using a fabric with directional images didn't work how I wanted it to.

So after I put it away for a few weeks I decided to scrap that idea and go with another Denyse Schmidt inspired pattern, the chinese coin quilt. I used the dimensions for the blocks based off of Handmade by Alissa's coin quilts (ps don't you just love her quilts?). I used what I had left of the David Walker Robots, picked up some basic colored prints from Joanns, and some sashing fabric there too. I have been hearing about the wonderful benefits of using linen for quilting, and I was very skeptical. I didn't like cutting it, and you should know that I am an iron, cut, iron, sew, iron, iron girl, and obviously linen isn't as conducive to that. But once I cut it, and sewed everything together, I began to appreciate how soft and cozy the linen is. I can't wait to see how it gets after washing again. The top came together really fast and then it was off to Joann's for some backing and batting. I decided to go with the coziness theme and found the perfect flannel for the back. Heather was worried it was a little busy and might make the baby sick (I could see what she meant, but it may have been the overtired state I was in at the time), but I thought it was too perfect color wise to pass up. I pieced a strip of fabrics from the front and sewed it off center with the flannel, and I might like the back just as much as the front!! I am definitely making myself a flannel quilt for next winter. Anyway, used some David Walker planets and the yellow stripes from Jo's for the binding (love using pieced and striped binding!) and slapped it all together. I did very little quilting to put it all together because I just didn't want to detract from the linen and the simplicity of the pattern. I hope it works out in the long run. I am still a newbie at machine quilting. So that is the basics.

Here is a sneak peek...

I can't wait for Jackie and her hubby Brian to get it, I really think and hope that they love it as much as me. I think all children should be taught to aim high and follow their dreams, and I think a planet and space robot quilt is perfect for that.

Jackie is my oldest friend, from back in the third grade, and we had some great times growing up. One time, in 3rd grade, we wore the same clothes and no one could tell us apart. Well, she quickly grew several inches and the most beautiful hair and we didn't look anything alike anymore but we still LOVED watching Goonies, and singing along to Newsies, playing capture the flag, snowboarding, and of course playing soccer together. She was a soccer stud all the way through college and I don't know if she knows how much I admire her work ethic and dedication, as well as her compassion and love. I wish I knew Brian better, but I know that she is happy and they have the most beautiful daughter, Tillie, and I can't wait to see her all grown up.
Love, Jenny

Smooth as Silk

2009-03-19T22:42:00.005-05:00

First off, after taking these pictures, I realize that I apparently still have my swimmer legs. oh and I am pale. Please ignore everything BUT the skirt.

grey houndstooth silk!

see those buttons?

This is the skirt I made based on a skirt I bought in LA last month. I had been thinking about this project ever since then. I realized that it couldn't be THAT hard to come up with my own pattern. Well, to be honest it really wasn't. I made up a muslin trial skirt one night in about an hour and a half then tried it the next night in the silk. As you may be aware, sewing with silk is like jumping up to skiing a black diamond after your first run on a blue. Just as you are feeling confident, you step a little too far out of the comfort zone and have to side step a few of the steepest slopes. And that is what happened to me.

Enough ski analogy, the cutting was hard, the fraying was unbelievable, and I was deathly afraid of snagging something. Plus I momentarily blacked out and sewed the waistband wrong and had to take out stitches (EEEK) and do it again. I also used this project to make my first buttonholes. Who does that? Obviously me, like I always say...Go big or go home.

Well, I am hooked, I loved when people complimented my skirt and I said "I MADE IT!! and its REAL silk, and its Ferragamo, and I got it for 6 dollars a yarddd!!" While that was more than 99% of the people wanted to hear, I loved the feeling. So hopefully there will be more skirts and hopefully a dress or too before summer!! :-)

Quick Mid-week Update

2009-03-18T23:21:00.007-05:00

I was all ready for bed, but I've been having some scary dreams lately and just wasn't ready to turn things off around here. Then I realized I hadn't shared the pictures of my amazing St. Patrick's Day purse. It was made from the pattern available on the MadebyRae website. It is really the most amazing pattern, perfectly put together and so easy to make. I wish all patterns were like this!!! Thanks sooo much Rae for posting the free tutorial and pattern. I will definitely be making many more of these bags. Perhaps in clutch form as well...

Made out of that Echino fabric I love SO much!! (ps please forgive the icky pics and shots taken on the radiator)

I also made a skirt out of a pattern I came up with myself. Its silk, and let me tell you that I can't believe it turned out. It was my first experience with sewing silk, making a pattern, AND making buttonholes. Phew. I will take some pics soon so y'all can see it. Did I mention it was FERRAGAMO silk. woot.

Here are some pictures in closing. One from a recent trip to Joann's. I was being an enabler and tried to talk Heather into buying this fabric. Because she really needed to make a MUUMUU for the summer (I mean who doesn't)..............thank goodness she didn't buy it. But hysterical at the time.

And finally, the maid in my hotel in Lansing, MI had left this little towel creature in my bathroom. It was too adorable to use. Can you tell what it is?????

Final FQ

2009-03-14T08:37:00.003-05:00

My last FQ came in the mail!! Such a sweet surprise yesterday. Its from Rebecca in Kansas City, MO, she insists there aren't many fabric stores there, but I think she did a great job finding some. Well, anyway, you can decide, but I cant wait to use this and the goodies that came along with it!! Thanks Rebecca!!

Ok I'm off to celebrate St. Patricks Day with the rest of Chicago!! Slainte!

Monday Monday

2009-03-09T22:17:00.008-05:00

Why is it that Mondays seem so much worse than any other day?

Anyway, just a quick post before I'm off to bed.

The "missing" FQ from my swap sister in Germany. The truth was it was "missing" in the package it was sent in. Yes, this is the second time this has happened to me. They apparently make their padded envelopes with more than one pouch (probably not intentionally to hide things). On to the goods!!

It came with a pretty springy fat quarter, some German chocolate and a great postcard. I'm not sure what I will do with the FQ yet, I need some suggestions for a good easy project. Especially after the Weekender Bag fiasco!!
Thanks so much Karin!! PS I'm So glad you like the package I sent!! :-)

Also, here is a peek at the fabric box I made about a month ago for my linens, I had had it stored up in the high reaches of my closet on the precarious shelf my management company installed. But once I put together my new Ikea bookcase and it sat in my closet for a week, I realized it was the perfect size to fit!! How smart am I ;) ? haha.
Well everyone have a great week, one down, four to go!!

Finally...

2009-03-08T20:22:00.003-05:00

Weekend, originally uploaded by Carson.J.

Just wanted to send a shout out to my FQ swap partners. The two FQs on the left are from my partner for the Spring FQ swap, she sent two perfect fabrics for me!! We should all know by now how much I love that AB martini and also grey, wink!! The one on the right of that shot is from my Sew Mama Sew! FQ quarter swap, she even sent it along with some Winnie The Pooh stickers (I love Eeyore!). The one on the right is a package I got all the way from Germany, awesome red vintage reproduction fabric, even the selvedge is in German!! I got another package from Germany, but I admit that its currently missing in my little apartment. I will find it and post it ASAP!! Still missing one FQ from the SMS Swap, so that's strange...
Then the bottom four pics are the FINISHED product of the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag pattern. I'm sure we are all sick of seeing this bag on my blog!! Like everyone has said this bag is a bleeeeep to sew. But whatever, its done, I'm just hoping it doesn't fall apart when i use it the first time. There are alot of seams on this thing! Also made a label for the inside, I really like it. I used a download from A Print A Day, I lovvveee her work. Cheers everyone. Have a Great week!

words of wisdom

2009-03-03T22:11:00.003-06:00

Sometimes a few words of wisdom puts things into perspective, that and a cup of tension tamer:

"when I have a really messy place and it's stressing me out, I set my time for 15 or 20 minutes and just clean clean clean for that time and it's amazing how much you can accomplish in that little time plus it's like a mental vacation from whatever else you were doing. A little psycho sounding, I realize, but it works for me!"

-from my fab friend Heather. I can't stress enough what a great friend she is. Thanks buddy!!

Weekender

2009-03-02T22:04:00.005-06:00

A picture is worth a thousand words. Spent tonight with my thimble, needle, and thread to reinforce the corners. I LOVE it. How awesome is that grey and hot pink combo?? Ikea and Kona Solid fabrics. Just need to add the lining now!! That probably won't happen until the weekend. No hurry though, no trips planned in the immediate future! xoxo

PS this is going to need a few more hours with the needle and thimble, I didn't get any of the layers sewn all together apparently!!! ARGH.

I'm Pooped.

2009-03-01T21:26:00.008-06:00

This weekend was so busy!! Yesterday Heather and I made an impromptu trip to Ikea following another trip to Vogue fabrics. I further dug myself into a hole by buying more fabric for dresses. Honestly, who am I kidding?? I don't have a good track record with making clothes. Mainly because I know myself and my inability to follow directions. Ask my mom to dig out my old report cards, there are comments on almost every single one that say "very bright (hehe), but has a difficult time following directions". But on the bright side, the exterior of my

Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag is pretty much done. There is some hand sewing around the corners that needs to be done, but besides that it looks FABULOUS!! Well you can decide for yourself:

I guess these pictures aren't very good, but I hope you get the idea. Once it is all done I will be sure to add to the tips and tricks of lots of fellow crafters out there. I just hope it stays together........

Spent time with my cousin last night then made some cookies today as well. OH and I had to assemble my new Ikea bookshelf. I am hoping it will help to rein in my mess. HA only a miracle could do that. Or maybe my mom. Mom, can you please visit and help me clean/organize!? Oh messed up putting the bookcase together too, see those darn directions again!!! Happy week everyone!!

DB's Sister's Cookies

2009-03-01T12:35:00.005-06:00

Got this recipe from one of my bosses, they are AMAZING. This recipe makes alot.

Do NOT use a mixer, just mix together by hand otherwise it gets too watery!!

2 Sticks of butter (room temp)
1 Cup Oil
1 Egg
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix Above Together then add:

3.5 Cups Flour
1 tsp baking soda (I prefer using 3 tsp of baking powder)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cream of Tartar

Mix in then add:

1 Cup Rice Krispies
1 Cup Oatmeal
1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Take a teaspoon size of dough and make into a ball, coat the bottom of a glass with sugar and flatten the ball. Bake at 350 Degrees for 12 Min.

Yummy. Its also good to freeze some of the dough for later (or as I did, leave in fridge for a couple weeks, hope its still good, figure I would take the risk, then bake it up).

Weekend Update

2009-02-27T22:52:00.002-06:00

Confession: this weekend I am being selfish. I moved up my Weekender Bag to the top of my to-do list. sigh. Spent the evening tonight (No I don't think it is lame to craft on a Friday night) doing laundry, watching the Blackhawks (they lost BTW, grrr love J. Toews though), and ironing and cording and sewing. I have to pick up some more interfacing tomorrow (of course I didn't get enough), and then hopefully I will finish it up this weekend!!
xoxo CJ
PS I am currently thinking this project isn't so bad, I survived the making of the cording, but I have a feeling its going to come back to bite me. :-) wish me luck!!

Revised Must-Do List

2009-02-23T22:28:00.003-06:00

OK so I've been in a craft-induced frenzy which has since led to a craft-induced coma. I have all this fabric with no immediate purpose, a half-finished baby quilt top, weekender travel bag supplies piled up in a corner, cut-out chef's jacket pattern, and a new Japanese sewing book. I NEED to get it together here folks. Its starting to STRESS me out, and isn't my crafting supposed to promote the opposite effect? (affect?? ugh whatever) So here is the plan, Stan.

1. FINISH quilt top for baby.
2. Cut-out weekender bag pieces (I think this project may best be done in stages)
3. Sew a dress using muslin to get the perfect fit from my new Japanese book.
4. Sew dress from muslin pattern using some fabric lying around here.
5. Use my newly acquired pattern following skills to finish chefs jacket.

OK that's the plan for now. I am hoping that by putting this down I will force myself to follow it. HOPING. really HOPING.

In the meantime check out my friend's blog. No these boys aren't crafty, but they are pretty entertaining in that post-college life way. Let me know what you think!!

Colored Pencil Roll Tutorial

2009-02-22T22:25:00.019-06:00

Materials

12 (or 24) 12 “ long x1.5” wide strips, one strip for each color of your pencil pack.
13” x 12” of Home Dec fabric (for the back)
13” x 9” strip of Home Dec Fabric , same as the back or coordinating, for the pocket
12” of coordinating cord, for closure
1 cord stopper (available at Joanns, etc)
Thread
Fabric Marker

1. Iron the pocket strip to make a 13” by 4.5” strip
2. Sew the 12 colored fabric strips together, using a ¼ inch seam allowance, in order preferred (I used the order they were packaged in, like a rainbow).

3. Iron seams in the same direction, and iron completed patchwork flat

4. Trim the patchwork rectangle so that top and bottom edges are straight.
5. Pin the pocket (with the unfinished side meeting the bottom of the patchwork rectangle.
6. Mark the seams of each patchwork strip on the pocket with a disappearing ink pen.

7. Sew along the marked lines to form individual slots for each pencil on the pocket. Be sure to reinforce the top and bottom of each slot. Tie off and trim all thread ends.

8. Pin the right side of the backing rectangle to the right side of the patchwork/pocket piece. Double the cord, insert the cord stopper, and place inside the sandwich, just above the pencil slots on one of the sides. Match the ends of the cord with the raw edges of the fabric.

9. Sew a ¼ inch seam allowance along the sides and bottom of the rectangles, making sure to reinforce the cords in the seam by reversing several times along the seam.
10. The seam allowance on the top of the roll will be ½ inch, sew along the side leaving 4 inches unsewn in the middle so you can flip the roll right side out.
*NOTE*: when i prepared the roll for the tutorial I didn't follow my own advice and left a hole open on the side. Don't do what I did!! Follow the written directions in that regard. sorry!!
11. Now turn your roll so the right sides are facing out. You’re almost done!! Make sure the cord is outside the roll (I did it wrong the first time!).
12. Iron down the open seam at the top so that the raw edges are inside the roll, then top stitch along the edge of the entire roll to finish it off.

13. Insert the colored pencils in their assigned slots, fold down the top flap, roll it up, and tighten the cord to keep it all together!! Congrats!!!

Make sure to send it along with a coloring book. Have fun!!

Please be understanding as this is my first tutorial, just let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Also, let me know if you make one, I want to see pics!!

FQ Swaps

2009-02-22T11:02:00.009-06:00

I found two fat quarter swaps to join, sewmamasew and Stitches and Scissors, and managed to convince my crafty partner in crime to join in as well. I have 5 people that I am paired up with and Heather and I worked on our packages yesterday during a snowy windy day. Here is what we came up with: our chosen fat quarters, a chocolate lolly from a Wilton kit we impulsively purchased from Joanns (haha), some ribbon, and a homemade card. These are cutouts I have used before for cards and I also made a larger one to frame for my apartment. There is a second half that can be used along with the left side which includes the Hancock Center and other buildings on the northern side of the Chicago River. We used some Amy Butler paper and some other paper from a sweets paper collection. I think they look really incredible if I do say so myself...I hope my partners really love their packages. I can't wait to get mine in the mail (who doesn't like getting mail?).

On Friday night we celebrated Heather's boyfriend Nate's birthday, the big 26. She made a fantastic dinner per usual, and as a really special treat she made two cakes. A cheesecake for Nate, and a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass frosted chocolate cake for me. See, FLW (as we affectionately refer to him) was my first introduction to the study of architecture, the idea that someone could create buildings that would be considered art. My friends here in Chicago have taken a few trips to various FLW attractions in and around Chicago, from Oak Park to Taliesin. Hence, the conception of my FLW cake. Here is the pic from Friday, it made me sad to eat, and I tried to forbid anyone from touching it, unfortunately that wasn't a popular order. So it was cut into and it was an amazing cake. I can't thank Heather enough, and all my great friends here in the windy city, really I am so lucky to have such supportive friends, and it makes me feel so loved that they want me to stay here for architecture school!! Cakes are definitely a good bribe.

LA and More!

2009-02-17T20:19:00.011-06:00

First of all, I just found out I got into the Master of Arch program at UIC in Chicago!!! I am SO excited. I really wanted to stay here in Chicago, and the program at UIC is fantastic, and I can even stay in my same neighborhood!! The only downside is less time for crafting...haha. I will find time no matter what!!

On to the point of this post, my amazing trip to LA. I took the quilt I had been working on as a housewarming present for my best friend from Utah, Jennifer, her wonderful boyfriend Robbie, and their dog Roman.

They loved it. And so of course did Roman!! The next day Jen and I visited her friend Ashley at her office/showroom. Ashley is the designer and owner of the Myne-LA fashion label, and her designs have been seen on everyone from Rachel Bilson to Vanessa Hudgeons, to Selena Gomez and she is even featured in Elle this March! Her clothes are exactly my style, simple, beautiful, modern yet also with a vintage flair, and easy enough to wear anywhere for a hot look. Definitely check her out!!

The next day was Valentines Day (blech!) but it was the perfect day to be outside. Jen had to work so I walked up a few blocks to Runyon Canyon for a hike. I admit I was so busy looking for famous people the whole time that I barely noticed how steep the hike was, but believe me I am feeling it in my legs even today!! I guess thats what happens when you live in the FLAT midwest!! The skies over LA were crystal clear and the temp perfect for a brisk hike. I came back and laid out on their grassy lawn and enjoyed as much of the sun as I could before heading back to Chicago. That night I met up with a great friend from Colgate, a superstar on the Bakersfield Condors, and his equally stellar teammate. They were the best Valentine's dates ever. We went to dinner at my favorite place, barneys beanery, then hit up a club, a must to complete a fantastic night. I danced circles around those boys, but they are definitely better on skates!! (thats no question as I am a disaster on ice).

The next morning Jen and I headed to the Long Beach Flea Market where I picked up some fantastic finds:
Several embroidery patterns (Aunt Martha!), some Scandinavian style trim (Heather is going to LOVE this!), and a Coats&Clark book, "100 Embroidery Stitches". Can you tell what my next project is going to be?? I also got a beautiful resin aspen leaf pendant. That night we made a wonderful burrito dinner, and I made a Brownie pudding, courtesy of the Barefoot Contessa. One word: wow. It was the most amazing dessert EVER.

My last day was Monday and before I hopped on the plane I took a second trip to Mood Fabrics. Uh. Bad. Idea. Really. I have a hard time with clothing patterns, that whole following written directions thing is lost on me. I need pics. Please. but I came away with the absolutely most beautiful silks I've ever seen...I'm enlisting my mom to help me make a dress and two skirts. (do you see the ant fabric in pumpkin!?)
Then it was back on the plane after a sad goodbye to my Los Angeles family. I really had the most fantastic weekend. I can't thank Jen and Robbie enough for putting me up. I will hopefully be back there soon, this time for the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and maybe a hockey game???

Trip to LA

2009-02-16T23:20:00.004-06:00

the quilt top, originally uploaded by Carson.J.

This is the finished quilt I took to my best buddy Jen, her fabulous boyfriend Robbie, and of course Roman, their child, i mean pug. They loved it, really really loved it, it made me so happy to finally give it to them!! For more pics check out my flickr.

ps. please note the sunny weather, it was AMAZING!! booo Chicago winter....

Pencil Roll!

2009-02-09T21:18:00.009-06:00

I have talked about the baby quilt I am making for my friend Jackie's boy bun in the oven, but I wanted to make something for her 1.5ish year old Tillie since she deserves a little present too!! So I have seen these colored pencil/crayon rolls all over these days. I finally tackled the project and came up with my own pattern/method!! (really impressed with myself to be honest) I even think I will put up a tutorial on how to make it!! But first I want to show it off:

PS: Jackie if you read this, I just couldn't keep it a secret!! xoxo

PPS: Heather please don't be mad I used some of our shared fabric!! I heart it!!

Newest Additions to the Stash/Crafting

2009-02-09T19:31:00.006-06:00

I haven't been very bloggish lately. Oops! I have to be better about that!! Anyway, last week I didn't make or do anything too thrilling. I finished up the quilt for my friend Jen, and I will be bringing it to her and her boyfriend this weekend. I can't wait to see them, and Roman (the "child" aka a pug), and their new house, and LA!! In the slim 1 in 1000000 chance that she might read my blog I won't post the final pics til after I get back.

So in the meantime, here is the next quilt I am working on. A baby quilt for Jackie's newest little one, just a small peek though!! I think she might in fact read this and I want it to be an amazing surprise when her and her hubby get it!!

And finally, to round out the Monday post, here is the package I got today from Fat Quarter World, all on Sale!! My favorite Amy Butler, Martini in Mustard, LOVE grey, LOVE yellow!! I scooped up a yard and a half! And some Anna Maria Horner Garden Party, I was getting worried I would miss out on snatching some up!!

I'm cut off from fabric buying at the moment, unless of course I can find an amazing deal on the entire line of Joel Dewberry Aviary in the Bark Colorway. I swoon, I want, I must have!!

Sweet Treat

2009-02-03T23:35:00.003-06:00

PS I promised a pic of the amazing cupcakes I made for Sunday's Cupcake Bowl/Ruthie's Birthday. They were AMAZING!!! Check out those toppers too!! Blempgorf gets all the credit for these. She is my new cupcake/quilt inspiration via the blogworld.

My Therapy

2009-02-03T23:13:00.004-06:00

I don't want to spend much time venting about things in my life that aren't going well. Thats not why I started this blog. But, I did start this blog and my etsy store and all my recent craft projects for the sole purpose of comfort, distraction, and confidence. I have had a pretty rough 12 months, yes a whole year, but this past summer I realized that I wanted to DO something about it. To start feeling better.

I started an Introduction to Drawing Class through the Continuing Education department at the SAIC in September. It was incredible. My professor, Ross, taught me to be confident enough to draw what I see in my head and all around me. I can't tell you how amazing it was. This helped to push me to apply to architecture school by getting one of the hardest parts of the application, the portfolio, on its way. I started Carson.J Designs around that time to give me a "reason" to make the jewelery I've been creating for forever. I rather quickly lost interest out of frustration and discouragement. I would still feel periods of sadness and loss, especially as I live alone, but the drawing and jewelery making really made me happy. It allowed me to focus on something outside of the pain in my heart and create something worthwhile.

Then in October I was given the perfect reason to bring out the sewing machine, a new baby on the way! My friends told me they were having their first child, a girl, in March and I quickly leaped to the cause and began work on the quilt. These friends, while far away now, mean alot to me, and I like to show people my gratitude, respect, and love by making things for them. What began as a smallish quilt project,quickly expanded into a full on fabric obsession (I have only recently discovered the amazing designer fabric out there) and a sewing project mission. This was it for me. I really began to pull myself out of the hole I had been in and get back into my groove.

I think about what to make, how to make it, all day, and even to put me to sleep and it soothes me. Relaxes, distracts, and comforts me. I am so grateful and fortunate to have the ability, or at least the desire to "create". It has been the most potent therapy, besides my nightly mug of Sleepytime or Tension Tamer tea. Thank you.
-love, j

Sunny Saturday

2009-01-31T10:26:00.008-06:00

I took the first sunny day in awhile to take a few pictures to share. The first one is of a small stack of my fabric stash. These are all recent purchases of fat quarters from across Etsy. Floragraphix is my FAVORITE of them all, but there are some Amy Butlers in there and Patricia Bravo. My original plan was to make lots of laptop cozies but I havent gotten around to it. Some day soon I will get a little push I hope!!
The one on the right is a fabric jewelery pouch I made to give my friend Ruthie for the big 2-5 tomorrow. She shares her birthday with the Super Bowl, how uhhhh exciting? Or really just a reason for us to give her a little party without her knowing. There is a little treat tucked inside the pouch. I made it out of Heather Ross Mendocino fabrics I had leftover from the baby quilt I just made. We are also making cupcakes so I thought that cute cupcake toppers would be the perfect accompaniment. I just used some images of the Mendocino line and now all I have to do is find my paper cutter and put them on some toothpicks. Im going to use a cupcake idea from blempgorf and I will let you all know how it goes. Happy sunny Saturday from chilly Chicagoland!

Bound

2009-01-29T23:37:00.003-06:00

My mom searched out binding for me back in SLC. I wasn't having any luck on my search here in IL and online, so I trusted her to pick some out and (wash) and ship it here. I cut right into it and sewed it onto the quilt. For some reason I have the worst time with the whole "continuous binding" concept. Well anyway, nothing left to do by hand sew the back!! Ill post pics then....Hope it turns out like I imagined it!

Sad Mittens

2009-01-28T11:48:00.004-06:00

Sad Mittens, originally uploaded by Carson.J My friend Scooter "gave" these to me about 4 years ago. I say "gave" because it wasn't like a formal gift exchange, it was more like, I used to always borrow them and he let me keep them. Maybe he doesn't realize he gave them to me but anyway, THANKS SCOOTER!! I've worn them every winter since then, I've tried "patching" them (as you can probably tell) but they are now beyond repair. They have fleece on the inside so they should last to the end of this winter. But I either need someone to direct to a place I can pick up a pair of these (likely in Canada somewhere) or sit me down to help me knit a pair myself (uhhh I prefer option 1). Anyone?? Love, Jenny and her Sad Mittens
PS did I mention that they are probably my most favorite "gift" ever??

Great Weekend!

2009-01-25T21:42:00.008-06:00

I had a wonderful weekend. First I finished off Jen's quilt (well except the binding). This accomplishment kept me up late friday and took all day Saturday. BUT it was very worth it!! I think it ended turning out amazing. Well you can decide...

Then "the girls" came over that night for some wine and snacks. I had to clean my craft stuff up and that was a task! There was thread and small scraps of fabric everywhere. My friends still ended up with thread all over them. Sorry!! Heres a pic of my cleaned up living area:

This morning, Heather and Nate picked me up and we grabbed brunch with Ruthie and Ian. Then the girls headed to my new favorite fabric store, The Needle Shop. We picked up fabric and headed back to Heather's crib to craft. We wanted to get Ruthie back into sewing and she picked Amy Butler's Chelsea Bag as a starter project. Well it turned into about 6 hours of cutting, fusing, pulling, cursing, sewing, and lots of laughing. We almost got it finished for her, but she just needs to hand sew the two sides together. Again, the machine had a hard time with the thick interfacing. Guess I will have to start saving up for an industrial machine!! I bought some beautiful fabric to make a clutch, keep a look out for that this week!! Thanks girls for such a wonderful day sewing!! xoxo

Another Travel Disaster

2009-01-23T10:57:00.004-06:00

Another travel disaster, originally uploaded by Carson.J.Yesterday I attempted the drive to eastern Indiana again. Well, it was a full 50 degrees warmer than the last time, a beautiful day, and I was zooming around in my little rental Prius. The good fortune was not to last however as I apparently broke the "engine shield" going over some snow. The car had to be towed and fixed at the local Toyota dealership, causing a 3 hour delay in my day. Dad says that once January is over my year will get much better!!!

...hope hes right. This is supposed to be MY year!!

Cool!

2009-01-22T21:07:00.003-06:00

Found this little tool while I was scrolling through Jessica Jones' blog.

Style Obsession

2009-01-22T20:11:00.003-06:00

More on this later, but i am seriously obsessed with Smythe. I found them thanks to MakeSomething. I wish I could afford each and every one of these jackets. I'd wear a new one each day.

Design Disgust?

2009-01-20T22:31:00.003-06:00

So I am working on the quilt I mentioned in the last post. As you may be able to tell it is made up of different shades of purple and grey. Well, I don't know if anyone has noticed but there is like ZERO grey fabric floating around out there. I only found two shades of grey at my local Joanns, both different weights and had to order a third (which seems to be a silly waste of money). I went looking for more yardage of the darker grey today and it was nowhere to be found. UGH. I also just want grey striped fabric for the binding!! Why can't anyone carry grey striped fabric!?! I am seriously doubting this project, despite the top pretty much being finished.

Jen's Quilt

2009-01-18T22:35:00.003-06:00

Jen's Quilt, originally uploaded by Carson.J.
Yay! Finally got my third grey (Kona Slate) in the mail yesterday from Fabric Depot. Washed it this morning (even with a massive hangover), then after brunch with Katie I sewed and cut and sewed and cut and cursed at my machine, and sewed some more. Can't wait to get the top done so I can start working on the machine quilting!!!

Fabric Baskets

2009-01-17T12:18:00.004-06:00

I found this tutorial on MissBehave's blog and had to try it out. I have a teeny tiny little studio apartment and it seems like all my things are always being knocked off of shelves and tables. Heather and I bought some fabric last weekend at the Vogue Fabrics in Evanston to make the big boxes, but after I found that great fabric yesterday at Joanns I wanted to make something smaller for my bathroom. My little Elnita sewing machine had a hard time at the end sewing through two layers of heavy heavy stabilizer plus home dec weight fabric and cotton fabric so I just hand sewed the corners where there was the most bulk. I wish I could just zoom through all the layers but my sewing machine does what it can and I do love it!! I can handle a little hand stitching on a Friday night. Besides that the little box turned out GREAT! It was exactly what I needed in my bathroom and it is currently storing all my day to day makeup and tools.

Shoutout

2009-01-16T22:12:00.006-06:00

I have to mention my fellow crafter and partner in crime in all things involving my right brain, Heather. She is a wonderful hostess who throws the most amazing parties that even Martha would praise. She is also up for any adventure (especially to Ikea!), and will generously take me with her (since I'm car-less) wherever she goes!! Thanks Heather!!

This is a pic of Heather, Dan, and myself. Heather and I made this beautiful shirt for him before he moved to California. The back said "the fastest gun this side of the Chicago River". We thought it was pretty clever and Dan humored us by wearing it the whole night (under his buttondown, but still!!)

xoxoxoxxo

Shot of the thermometer in my rental truck

2009-01-16T18:31:00.005-06:00

Shot of the thermometer in my rental truck, originally uploaded by Carson.J. Yes that temperature really says -23 degrees. This was at about 8 AM on the Indiana Toll Road. Shortly after that I began to see cars off the side of the road and nearly spun out myself. Unfortunately the rental truck didn't have 4WD as it was advertised by the lovely Enterprise rental agent. Seriously, who gets/makes a TRUCK without 4WD? I don't understand. I didn't make it to my destination, I had to pull over and collect myself then turn around and make my way back to chicago. On the way back I hit a HUGE traffic jam....

When I finally made it back to the city, I took a much deserved stop at Joanns Fabric. I picked up this really great home dec fabric (30% off). I had been needing draft stoppers for my doors and windows because this 100 year old apt building keeps none of the heat in or cold air out. I also had some kitty litter around from when I had thought I wanted to adopt a cat (another story for another time), so I was able to make two using the instructions here. My sewing machine stopped liking the fabric/kitty litter combo so i finished up the second by hand. A little sloppy but I think they do the job and I LOVE the fabric!!

Resurrgence of the blog

2009-01-15T19:44:00.003-06:00

Hello, I don't know that anyone will ever read these posts. But I have been inspired by so many things recently that I need to share them. And since my friends, family, coworkers, random people I force into chatting with me, can only tolerate so much I thought I would try the blogosphere.

I haven't been making my jewelery for about 3 months now. I'm not sure why, I have a tendency to lose interest in my projects pretty quickly. I sold a total of two items to people I didn't know so I guess I got frustrated and gave up. But not to worry, because I have been crafty nevertheless.

First I was working on my architecture school applications. I LOVED putting together the portfolio!! I am obsessed with blurb and lulu and ended up making a book for my brother for Christmas. I now have dreams of making picture books for everyone in my life. In addition, I found out that my good friends, Simon and Lisa, were going to have their first baby in March. A girl!! So that gave me the perfect excuse to buy some of the awesome fabric Id been scoping on etsy and make a quilt.

Well that opened a HUGE can of worms. I finished the top and sent it along with the beautiful backing home to SLC with my mom to get quilted. I haven't jumped into machine quilting yet, mainly because my sewing machine might not make it through. And i might go crazy, so I sent it to the Quilting Bees, and they did a phenomenal job. I finished it up when I was home for Christmas and sent it off about a week ago. I got a message from Lisa and they loved it!! I can't wait for the little one to come and snuggle up in it. I always dream that my quilts will become their beloved comfort blanket forever.

During my week in Utah my mom and I went to the most amazing quilt store, Quilts, Etc. It is so huge and overwhelming if you don't have a project in mind. But Madre of course managed to find a project, and somehow it got passed along to me!!

So the first weekend I was home, I felt the itch in my pedal foot and sewed the whole top. I am a little nuts. So that got shipped off to mom for quilting, but she hasn't made the hand off yet to QB.

Since then, I've obsessively been stalking etsy for more fabric and bought ALOT to make goodness knows what. Laptop covers? but how many laptop covers does one girl, with one laptop need!?! Ive volunteered to make everyone I know one, but no one really leapt to the offer. Oh well, I'm just going to put together some more quilts. Namely a modern solid colored one for my BFFAEAE Jennifer and another one for my other BFF Jackie and her bun in the oven (a boy!!). I'm going to post things here to ponder, and also to see various images i find in a different light. I am always finding beautiful works of art in nature and in life so I will share them with anyone who reads this!!

a block

2008-09-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

I have a block, a creative block. I am taking a drawing class at the art institute and my first class was great. We worked on drawing cylinders. I have so many creative juices but I have no direction for them. I feel so intimidated by the other people on etsy.com that I have sort have lost my drive to create jewelry. I am hoping that it was just a bad week and next week is better. Its kindof a rough time right now as it it. xoxoxo.

A much needed vacation!!

2008-08-29T16:19:00.001-05:00

Yay! Im off to a cabin in the woods of Wisconsin. No cell phone reception, no television, and definitely no internet!! I love going off the grid for a bit. While I'm gone please check out my etsy shop, I made a new pair of earrings that I am in LOVE with. They remind me of the ocean and I think thats a great way to end the summer. Have a great weekend!!!!!

The Gem and Jewelery Show

2008-08-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Also known as the most overstimulating experience I've ever exprienced. I've been to a few of these before, in Utah, Maryland, and DC, but it seems like each one has a different personality. Im pretty convinced that the sellers are exactly the same and i'm pretty sure I saw some strands of beads that I bought 5 years ago. No matter where I go, every single strand of beads glitters and calls for you to buy it. I have done that and now i have a random assortment of beatiful gems and beads I won't use. So this time I tried to be better prepared and get only what I knew I needed. Well when youre put in a massive room with thousands of strands, you lose all sight of the goal.

...Keep an eye out for some of the stunning creations that will come out of my purchases!!

How to be an artist

2008-08-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Well this is my first blog post as an "Artist". Does that sound strange? And really what right do I have to call my self an artist? I guess the truth is that I am just trying to be an artist.

I have begun to put my jewelry creations on etsy.com. I found this website several months ago. I thought, maybe I should TRY to sell some of the many things I make. I have loved Pouncing around and seeing all the beautiful amazing things that people have created. But I have a bit of a self-esteem problem and i thought there is no way that anyone will want to buy what I am making. But that didnt stop me from buying more and more supplies and making more and more earrings only to give them away. So finally I decided to try peddle my wares and support my creative therapy.

Creative therapy you ask? Well designing and creating is what keeps me sane. I have a full-time job but it isn't enough. Through all of the drama that may happen I need to make things.