Traveling and Crafting

Originally uploaded by amysgreatadventure

I travel some for work - sometimes a lot. After 7 years of working for the same company, I have found ways to entertain myself when traveling.

Long flights and loads of hours in airports or hotel rooms has driving me to needlepoint and cross stitching.

I've been working on the stitching, "Women Are Angels, When someone breaks our wings, we continue to fly. On a broomstick, we're flexible like that."

So this is how far I've come on this project while flying.

I may finish it by the end of the year...The linen is a pale butter cream yellow and the thread is charcoal hand died floss.

I may frame it for my sister if she is super lucky for christmas.

Rudy the Reindeer

Originally uploaded by amysgreatadventure

So I made Rudy yesterday as part of the Christmas in July event. I ordered the pattern from Banberry Place in San Antonio and sewed in up in about 3 hours total.

The instructions were great and easy to follow - I was so happy for this as I have had a hard time sewing little things in the past - see the red pig post.

I learned from this pattern to sew the pieces together before you cut them out of the fabric. Makes a huge difference. I also learned that stuffing holes really should be at least an inch and that the wooden skewer is key.

I think that I may make a few more Rudy's as stocking stuffers or present toppers for Christmas.

I am so happy with how he turned out!

Living it

There are just days that are better than others. There are days that just can not be put into comparison of a normal day and then there are days that just don't make the cut. Yesterday was the oddest day. I had a fabulous walk with the dogs. But then it hit me. This cloud of gray and exhaustion. Was so incredibly weird. The hubs was like what is wrong you just don't seem to be "here". I could only define it as being exhausted. Which didn't make much sense to me as I'd kind of slept ok that night.

But then today came around. What a great day. Lots of sunshine and feeling of eyes wide open. I've had a super long power walk with the dogs, finished up laundry, straightened the house, sanded down the stool I've been refinishing, painted the magazine storage boxes and moved uber cactus. I slept great.

Could sleep really be the key to all of this? I do believe sleep quality greatly impacts my mood and energy levels. Now how to regulate that, I'd be happy with somewhere in between the two days if every day was the same, but this back and forth is just ridiculous.

OK - so I'm going to go make some sort of apple something to make the house smell wonderful.

Just because I'm feeling sorry for myself today

I figured I'd post on my TMJ issues. Should be a good follow up to the shoulder issues! For years, I've have TMJ. For the last 2 years I've been going to a oral facial pain management clinic. I've had botox and steroid injections in my jaw several times, I wear a mouth guard every night. I have ear aches, jaw locking and popping, vertigo and migraines.

Recently, I had a consult with an oral surgeon to see if there is anything that can be done to surgically repair my jaw damage. After waiting 2 weeks for the MRI results, it seems I have to do the leg work on getting this to the surgeon and setting up all the follow ups.

Week of Fun and Games

Originally uploaded by amysgreatadventure

So on Tuesday I had a follow appointment with the doctor on my recent shoulder issue. Apparently, the MRI should all kinds of issues - bursas and tears - rotator cuff tears... Dr. McDreamy gave me three steroid shots in and around the joint and referral to and Orthopedic for surgery. I have some fun to look forward to.

Meanwhile, I was able to work on the two quilts from the weekend.



This quilt got a new binding...well mostly, I'll hand finish it tomorrow night.

The Moda Halloween quilt got more free motion quilting. It really takes some practice to get the hang of it right. By the time I finish the strip of free motion, I hope I have some sort of process for this. The outside bands will be quilted with straight lines.

Saturday's Sewing

Originally uploaded by amysgreatadventure

I tried making a quilt on Saturday. It came outgreat except I sucked it on the binding. So I'm going to cheat. I'm going to rebind it over the bad binding. I got some red fabric yesterday to cut into binding to go over the narrow red binding and do it the right way this time.

I took a quilting class last year and never made another quilt (or finished the class quilt either). I am so bad.



I have this little square, that I kept from the class, showing the steps of binding. I dug it out of a drawer and did some trial runs on some pot holders. I am now confident I can get it done right - the second time.





I then decided to finally sew up this Moda Halloween Jelly roll. I attempting to do free motion quilting on it. Free motion quilting harder than I thought, but all the blogs say free motion takes practice and this quilt will be my practice. I will bind it in this cute brown with orange polka dot fabric.

I'm learning to quilt by practicing - trying to get all the kinks worked out before I assemble the dryer sheet quilt so I don't ruin all that hard work.

AIW Swap Arrival!

I'm savoring the surprise for moment.




This is so what I would do:)



Sighs of Happiness



Jenn Sue you are so amazing. I love the apron! It will be my "company's coming' apron. I truly love it. Just perfect.

The audio book of AIW -you have no idea how much time I spend on the world famous 405 - this will be fully enjoyed.

The oven mitt, pot holder and towel will be well used in my kitchen.

Where do I start on the Alaska Tea Cup? It's so incredible - love it.



The pattern will come in handy too - christmas is right around the corner you know?

Same with the adorable teacup fabric you sent!




Thank you so much and I know you have been so incredibly busy with your daughter's wedding and packing up to move. I truly appreciate all your time and effort to make my apron and the tuckin's so special.