Tiny Tuesday with epic fail

Vicki wearing Beard Hat attempt one

epic fail!

Let's start out with what I would call epic fail. The above beard hat is the first knitting project in a while. I had tons of problems reading the pattern, made stitches wrong and it turned out more Assyrian style beard versus pirate styled. I am making another one for my son and it is going much better so far.

The block is an epic fail. I had reversed the darks and lights in one of the "feet". I fixed it but after much work and much frustration, it isn't remotely square and it is a bit small. I am not working on it any more. It may or may not make the audition for the quilt. :)

This block however, went together very well. It is called Ducks and ducklings in the Farmer's Wife book. It is just what I needed! It is square and the right size.

Back to work today after a week of stay cation. Hmmm, should be interesting because we have had a winter storm the past two days so road travel will be slick for some people. Our drive is cleared and ready to go but the kids are off school just the bonus every school kids could dream of an extra day of Christmas vacation. I am so jealous!!

You can read about my New Year's Resolution's in my previous blog post.

New Year's Resolutions

Backyard Christmas Day 2011

I have been thinking about this post for several days spurred on by the retrospectives on Tv and the internet. I thought about blogging daily. Unreasonable and what would be the purpose?

I thought about increasing my sewing time, practicing music, exercising and cleaning time. I don't think that is really a resolution just a time management issue.

I thought about what is occupying my mind more than anything else and I have decided that there are really only three things I am working on for the year. However, they are really big things that will take tons of commitment to do.

1. weight loss of 50 pounds-I gained a few at the end of last year and need to get back on track
2. Finishing the quilts I have top made for-stop starting so many new ones!!
3. finishing the patterns I am working on and submit the book proposal that I have dreamt up.

Christmas Day complete with table cloth!

The last one is in the beginning stages and will probably take me more than one year but I am hoping to have it finished by the end of summer. I have been procrastinating a bit on all three resolutions for at least 6 months now and I need to focus on them daily to complete them. I joined the Special K plan to help me in the weight loss goals. I have several tops completed and 3 in progress that all need to be finished by the end of the year. I am buying batting and backing fabrics one at a time when on sale. I have enough to finished 3 tops currently.

Resolutions in writing. It makes it "official."

Simple Living

Irish Soda Bread

We had a simply wonderful Christmas with turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, baked beans (  I made these), fresh veggies, cheeses, pies and the pictured Irish Soda Bread. It was a wonderful meal and a   special time with family. It was cooked by my husband, who if I haven't mentioned before is just fabulous!

special Christmas snow on Dec 25th!

We have had a simple week of stay cation at home. We are visiting with family. We are playing games, sharing stories and cooking meals. We have been working out and watching TV. Of course, there is always a sickness going through. Most of us had it last week, but my son in law had to go to the walk in clinic this morning. I think we will all be well enough to ring in the New Year with joy!

That's what I call simple living at it's finest. Happy New Year to all!!

Merry Christmas to all !

I love Christmas and all it represents. I love my family. I love my husband. I love giving gifts.
What else can you say about the beauty of this time of year?

Merry Christmas and God bless us every one!

Tiny Tuesday

Three more Farmers Wife blocks done. The foundation papers are out of order so here they are by name

Top: Friendship

Bottom l to r: Friendship Block and Four Winds

I have been working on my Aunt's tree quilt and long arming customer quilts. I have been to wrestling tournaments. I made a 5 hour car ride one way to pick up a sick kid from a tournament Saturday. I cleaned and shopped like a mad woman yesterday.

Now, I hope to avoid the sickness. I did go to the gym tonight for balance. I have had to go to other offices and work twice in a week. All of the driving one hour to get there is really wearing me out. I am not a driver anymore. I am a bit worn out. Yawn.

Doesn't matter, Christmas is coming!!!

Merry Christmas!

A bit of sewing and quilting here and there. Need to do more but there is always next week when I am on vacation!

This picture is the first of a few pages,  in book I have,  that I will share over the week.
Merry Christmas to all, peace to you and your family.

The Happiness Project

It is interesting that I chose Wednesday to do updates on the happiness project. It is mid week. I usually workout after my day job then go work at the studio. I feel very satisfied afterwards.

Happiness is keeping my focus on what I need to do today. I have plans to complete the tasks I need to do before Christmas and not look too far ahead. Slowly all will be done and I have plenty of time. I just need to stick to the plan. Hmm, easy to get off on a tanget but I keep working on that.