The end of matriculation

Today I will officially have completed my graduate degree. I cannot believe I made it. It's been a hard journey, but I survived and I'm incredibly proud of myself and thankful for the support I got along the way. I hope the future brings me new opportunities. I know that it changed me and had enhanced my life as well. And that brings me to my bucket list. For the last 2 years I've put so many things on the back burner, but now I think I have time to really explore some new adventures.
There's a ton of changes coming soon (I'll get into those more later), but let's just say I'm excited and looking forward to the future.
Now that I have more time, I'm ready to take on some new projects on the home front. I've been scouring tons of shelter blogs getting awesome ideas, can't wait to try some out. I also have some crafting in my future as well, I have a couple quilts to finish and my little sister is having a baby so I have somethings I want to work on for her as well.
Anyway, one adventure is ending and another is just around the corner!

Hysterical

I have to share a dirty little secret. I adore Korean Soap Operas. Actually I love all soap operas. Korean soap operas are extremely addictive, but certainly have a predictable formula to them. Essentially they are all Cinderella love triangles. Cinderella, because it's almost always a poor girl/rich guy and usually two guys are vying for the girl. The girl is usually spunky and not considered beautiful or a real catch, but always has a heart of gold. Oh, and at some point she get's a makeover and everyone ends up realizing she's super special. But, I found this vid on you tube (my new obsession for a fast laugh) by StillnotDavid that really explains how Korean Dramas explain the meaning of life. I don't know how to post the vid, so I just linked you to it above. Be sure to check it out. It's freaking hysterical.

First planned project of the new year

Knitting is still hot, just check out the amazing site Ravelry if you don't believe me. Cowls are the new black. Super cool and chic. For my 2013 crafting kickoff, I thought I'd whip (haha) something just for moi. I plan to make the Honey Cowl and keeping with my ongoing commitment to be frugal in my crafting, I'm going to find some yarn from my stash that will work. I'm sure I have something. I'm thinking something in green, wouldn't that be fun and unexpected?

I'm back?

My little sister reminded me recently that I had not blogged in forever. So, true...apparently almost a year has passed since my last post. My life has been crazy busy and I had to prioritize. However, things should be slowing down very soon. In the meantime I still sew, although other than lounge pants I haven't sewn many clothes in the past year. I've quilted though, in fact I've probably completed 4 or 5 quilts and have 2 tops finished that I need to quilt. Anyway, the point is, I'm still here. I'm excited about the new year. Hopefully there are bright things in my professional future as I finish up my graduate degree (fingers crossed). And I hope that the slowing of my life means I can spend more time with the family doing things that we love. That I can focus on the homefront. That I can craft and share the stuff I'm working on in my blog. Come back and see what's up, I'm still here. I'm excited for 2013 to get here already

To stash or not to stash

I have an INSANE amount of fabric. I mean I-N-S-A-N-E. It's really my only vice. I love being able to go out in the garage (you see it won't all fit in the house) and pick out a beautiful piece of fabric and being able to make whatever I'd like in that moment. The problem is I keep finding more fabric that I like. I just purchased 5 yards of this gorg. linen to make a Collette dress for myself. And of course I picked up a few of the DSQ prints from Joann's (only the green and blues...the red seems too much like 4th of July to me), I have tons of precut fabrics and plans in my head. I wish I could sew as fast as I come up with ideas...alas, I don't seem able to manage it.
One of my goals for 2012 and isn't it one every year is to sew from my stash and stop shopping. I'm putting it out there...again. I've been doing better. I've only added a few yards (ok, maybe a few more than a few) to my stash last year, but I did make a point to make many items just from what I already have. That's also bled over into other parts of my life, which is a good thing. Anyway, I've been commissioned by friend and family to make 4 quilts in the new year. I'm making a point to use fabric I already own. I'll be sure to share the results of the stash quilts.

The Knitter's Almanac

I love a project and learning new things. I've had this book for a while, but never got around to really making much from it. I've decided that I will spend the next year making the projects and building up my knitting skills. Want to knit along with me?

An annual event...new year's resolutions

A new year looms, all bright, shiny and new, full of possibility. I'm super excited about 2012. But of course I can't embark on the new without giving some thoughts to the old.
While 2011 was full of changes, heartache, and tribulations, I can say as we end it, I'm probably happier personally than I have been in ages. New things are happening and I'm excited about the future. School has been fantastically hard, but enjoyable and challenging. I'm excited about the possibilities it will offer me professionally.
The family is in a good place, each child coming into their own. Soon, We'll have a senior among us and then he's off to college (fingers crossed).
Fitness has been less than a home run, but I'm going to get it together, I'm determined. Baby steps and no excuses. It's a gift to myself. I feel better when I'm active.
My crafting is keeping me sane (isn't true for so many of us). I've completed 5 quilts this year, which doesn't sound like a ton, but when you have my life, 5 quilts accomplished is monumental. I've made some quilty friends and joined a guild and a bee. Fun times.
I have lots of plans for the coming year.
1. Show and tell my kids how much I love them every day
2. Continue to live, laugh and love
3. Move more and make my health a priority
4. Sew more for me and my family
5. Continue to do well in school, you can do this girl!
6. Sew from my stash (you don't need to shop for fabric!)
7. Try new things
8. Let the past go
9. Do something fun every day
10.Finish one project/month (Get rid of the UFO's)
11. Live more frugally
12. Destash and Declutter