Sunday, October 16, 2011

We've Moved!

Please join me at our new blog home, In Stitches.



After much thought and consideration, it's time to retire the Stash Resolution blog and move on to an updated look and name more in keeping with my goals working in this wonderful industry.

I hope you will take the time to change your feeds and continue to follow my sewing, quilting, knitting, and life adventures.

See you there!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Multi Tasking

How do I do it all? Well, right now, I'm making breakfast while writing this blog post. Sausage is sizzling on the stove, and I'm intermittently writing a word or two in between putting Isabelle's pacie back in her mouth, getting apple juice for Olivia, and flipping the patties. Ah, domestic bliss. :-)

This week, I was excited to have not one but TWO knitting finishes - and a great start to another project. Yeah!

First up was a neck warmer for a friend. I've watched this friend blossom as a knitter of the last few years going from basic stockinette scarfs to now hats and blankets, both of which she knit for Isabelle. I wanted to make her a little something in return.



She is super fashionable, so this floral pattern - called Flora (a free Knitty download) seemed to fit her well. The pattern has clear instructions and an interesting construction, including a new twisted stitch/technique that I had never done before. I used Malabrigo - yummy! - worsted in a bright pink colorway, which worked out perfectly for the project.



Next up is a finished sweater for baby Isabelle. The pattern is a Knit Picks download called the Offset Baby Cardigan. I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in a plum colorway. Just can't beat the price of yarn at Knit Picks for kids wear that they grow out of so quickly!



I love the offset cable. Such a quirky, unexpected construction. I purchased flower buttons from this Etsy shop and highly recommend it - great customer service and lightning-fast shipping.



Finally, I have the long-awaited Cha Cha scarf back on the needles. The scarf will get to its rightful owner by the end of October. I promise! :-)



Now, off to negotiate with Olivia on why she needs to eat her peaches with breakfast. :-)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Flying Geese

I found a little time yesterday to start my flying geese mini quilt project. Love making organized stacks of fabric. Something about it is so satisfying.


There are a million other projects I should finish before starting this new one. Sometimes one needs a new project to get inspired, right?


I'm using the Quilt in a Day Flying Geese ruler and this mini quilt tutorial from Purl Bee for inspriation.

What are you making this week?

Monday, September 26, 2011

Harvest

If I don't do a quick post today, there's no telling when it will happen. In the battle between parents and children, the children are winning today. Hands down. Olivia is presently screaming in her room because I told her she needed to have quiet time. Key word - QUIET!

Anyway, we did have a nice weekend and managed to finish a couple harvest-y of projects.

First up, a pumpkin made from this tutorial.


I think it looks okay in our family room - nice and festive. (Thanks to my mom for helping get the pieces cut and leaves embroidered!)


Olivia and I had a sewing date with my friend, Patty, and her daughter. We made ghost decorations out of muslin and batting.


The girls drew faces on them, and they were strung with floral wire to a piece of fabric. Great project for the under 10 crowd if you're looking for a fun Halloween activity - with parental supervision of course!


Finally, we made Halloween bunting using Alexander Henry's The Ghastlies fabric. Such a fun line in a spooky-silly way.


Hope you're getting this week off to a great start and are doing something fun to mark the beginning of autumn!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Flurry

It's been a flurry of activity around here. I feel like I never stop moving. There's the laundry to keep up with, children who need fed, bathed, changed, mail to sort, coupons to clip, carpet to vaccuum. Yesterday, when both girls were having breakdowns simultaneously, my husband and I looked at each other and I said, "They're trying to kill us!" :-) True, this is a happy time, though exhausting.

Isabelle turned one month this weekend. She has gained three pounds in four weeks, which is pretty amazing for a nursed baby. I bought monthly stickers to take her photo from this lovely shop. She has definitely filled out in her cheeks and legs (and wasn't feeling a photo shoot yesterday!).




Anyway, I finished another Simple Little Runner for a wedding gift, this time out of Kate Spain's Flurry. It was washed and wrapped within hours of the event! But a win is a win, right?


I just love this collection with the pop of bright blue. 


I did simple meandering quilting and used solid fabric for the backing and binding. Hope the happy couple will enjoy bringing this holiday decoration out for years to come.

If the stars align, I am going to record a podcast this morning. Stay tuned for a jam-packed episode! There is so much to share. :-)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Misc.

I have a hodge podge of information to share with you this morning.

First, lost in baby land, I completely missed the sign ups for the sixth round of the Pillow Talk {Swap} on Flickr. Did you get in? If not, join me on the side lines cheering on the amazing work we're about to see. The talent in this group is unbelievable!

Next up, my Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild friend, Heather, had a fantastic link to a Wall Street Journal article on Denyse Schmidt on her blog Olive & Ollie. A wonderful read!

Do you ever have design freeze? This is the situation with my master bedroom. It's basically a very ugly blank canvass right now. Nothing about it says "sanctuary." Instead it says "depression." So, I happened upon West Elm's room concept ideas when searching for new bedding (yes, I know I could make a quilt, but it will take too stinkin' long!). The site even tells you what paint color to use - Amen! Can't decide which I like better -

 

Which do you like?

Finally, I love it when my customers send me photos of the projects they complete with fabric from the shop. Makes my day! Tina was sweet enough to share photos of an adorable bag she completed using Strawberry Fields fabric.






She used Lila Tueller's Cambridge Cargo Bag pattern - under the Pink Fig Design label. Isn't it beautiful? The finishing touches like the buckle and pocket flaps make it look like it was bought in high-end a store. Thank you, Tina, for sharing your work with us! (BTW, love the music on Lila's blog! Click the link, turn up your speakers, and get ready to groove!)


Wishing you a great weekend!