Not Quite Vintage

warm bread for a cold and busy weekend

What is a girl to do on a cold Saturday morning when she has extra ripe banana's sitting on the counter and there is a waffle shortage going on? Make banana bread of course. I pulled out Momma's old fashioned recipe - it isn't at all healthy, but extra yummy. It is one of those tastes you always remember and other renditions just don't hit quite the spot even though they are just as good and surely more healthy.

I had enough ingredients for three batches and it made eight nice sized mini loaves. Enough for Pops and I to enjoy and even have a few loaves to share and a couple to freeze. Mmmm.

After the banana bread making I spent a few hours at work. Yes, I just said I spent time at work on Saturday. Crazy. I am not used to being this busy (a big implementation happening over the next two months), but I am and on top of it all I have jury duty this coming week. Not perfect timing for work, but I am actually looking forward to the change of pace and a little time to read my book. Is that wrong? Saturday also included some shopping and a few hours spent with my Pop's. He even grilled for me in the below freezing chill. 

Today I have been crafting up a Christmas gift storm. By the time I shut off the sewing machine for the evening, it was too dark to take pics. None are finished yet, but I am making progress - yay! I will share pictures as I complete them.

I also started crocheting together my stars. I thought ten would be enough for my mantel, but I guess I attached them too close together and need to make four more. If I succeed at completing a couple tonight, maybe I will have garland to decorate my mantel with by Wednesday.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Have you been Christmas crafting too?

colorful inspiration

I am working on a design project for a close friend of mine. It has been a long while since I worked on a purely design project. My professional life has moved from graphic design into project and production management that is closely tied to technology and online systems. While I am in a 'creative' atmosphere everyday, I don't get to actively design pretty things anymore (at least at work, crafting and blogging helps fill the void a little). I miss it.

And to be even more honest, while I miss it and deep down I know the skill set still exists, this new design project has me nervous. And scared. It has been so long since I had an opportunity like this and the non-confident side of me wonders if I can still do it. In these situations I sometime get paralyzed by the white paper in front of me. You know, the blank paper of possibilities just waiting for ideas to be sketched on it?

Well that paper has been blank for a while now. Long enough that my sweet friend gave me a needed nudge yesterday. The nudge came at the perfect time. On Tuesday while driving home I had a brainstorm. I tend to get the best ideas when I back burner something for a bit and this one light-bulbed in the car while music was blaring out of the radio. Even though I remember the excitement I felt when I got the idea, the fear put it on the back burner once again. If it hadn't been for the nudge, it may have taken me a while to take the next step. Yesterday I did a bit of online research and the brainstorm evolved into an idea I am really excited about. An idea I so hope I can get out of my head and onto paper in a way that meets (exceeds would be even better) my expectations.

Last night I got out the sketchbook of pretty blank white pages and dug the colored pencils out of my old ArtBin caddy and started working. Goodness I forgot how much I loved colored pencils. Their smell and the noise they make clicking together brings me back in the day. Now if I just had a set of
http://www.dickblick.com/products/prismacolor-premier-double-ended-art-markers/ Prismacolor markers like back in college. That would be a shade of heaven.

I am inspired and thinking positively about this project. And after it's complete I may just have to take a drawing class. And you know what that means? New supplies of course!

time for crochet again

Last night while driving home, the sun was shining, New Order was on the radio (Alt Nation on Sirius is like my college soundtrack relived) and even though the temp was in the low-eighties I could feel Fall approaching. Then my mind flicked to crochet. Something about Fall and Winter make me think of yarn crafts again. Not sure why, maybe it is the cozy factor. So when I got home and checked the mail I was quite happy to find the September/October issue of Crochet Today. I know it is really a big advertisement for Red Heart, but sometimes there are some good patterns. The cute alarm clock on the cover drew me in.

As I kept turning pages I kept saying to myself "that is so cute," "I should make that" and "I need to save that pattern for later." So what did I find?

An upcycled tee with a very cute crochet neckline. On my crafty to do list for sure.

I could really use some new cotton dish clothes to replenish my stock.

An earth-friendly grocery tote. This could make a great holiday gift.

For the person who has everything - a lacy river rock. I have seen some amazing crocheted rocks on Flickr here. This pattern is by Resurrection Fern.

A cute beret... not sure I would make it in raspberry : )

There are a few more patterns I have bookmarked, but I will end with this one for Halloween crafty disguises. I like the superhero mask.

So, does the coming of Fall change your crafty to do list? What are you working on?

quilt block sketches and a coaster

Last night I got a little antsy waiting to go to crochet class, so I pulled out my notebook to do a little brainstorming for the Pieced Together Quilting Bee. February is Katie's month and she sent us some pretty fun fabrics... but the colors are a little out of the box for me, so I am a bit nervous. Other participants are already posting their amazing block in our Flickr group - wow, they are really quick. Luckily, seeing their blocks totally got things clicking in my brain and I really think I can do this now!

Crochet class was a bit crazy. Everyone had questions for our teacher and one of the knitters in class kept monopolizing her time with "mistakes" she wouldn't catch for rows and rows. Our teacher was quite funny with her so it was entertaining, but it was also distracting. I was able to get her attention for long enough to get some pointers for crocheting in a circle. I had a pattern for coasters from the Cozy Crochet Kit that I really wanted to try, but I couldn't quite figure out how 11 double crochets could actually fit in one chain. Crazy, but they do! I was able to finish one coaster even with all the distractions around me - I find it really hard to count when people are talking around me, I can handle tv, but not real live people :) I see more of these coasters in my future.

crafting identity crisis

For a while now, well pretty much the entire past year, I feel like I have been having a crafting identity crisis. There are so many things I want to do (you can tell from my ever growing Crafty To Do List), feel like I can do, start to do, but totally lack the motivation for.

Here is an example: For weeks I have been turning the pages of Seams To Me and looking at the pin cushion project. And yesterday, when I finally got myself into the basement sewing, it was just a total mess. I did fine picking fabrics and cutting them out. I really liked the mixture of green and blue scraps I chose and was actually excited to get sewing. The sewing, it was icky. I think it was a combination of my rushing/excitement/anxiousness and some issues with the pattern (after sewing the 8 pieces together and making the tube, the outside was an entire piece too wide and I watched my seam allowances, something just wasn't right) that made this project destined to be part of the trash pile.

My Sunday afternoon sewing left me wondering if I have been kidding myself about this sewing stuff. Maybe I am not as capable as I thought. Maybe my lack of motivation just has me feeling blah. Maybe I was forcing myself to create something because I feel it has been weeks since I had something good to share with all of you.

So I turned out the basement lights, went upstairs and planted myself on the sofa with a soda and a lifetime movie on the tv. I know, pretty sad. After a while I decided a little pampering was in order and painted my nails bright Little Red Wagon red (actually, it was needed, the pinning and stuffing I did while sewing totally tore up my nails). I guess that was as creative as I was meant to be yesterday because the only other fulfillment I got was seeing a piled high basket of nicely folded laundry ready to be put away. I am not sure what that says about me right now.

I promise that I am not giving up! But, I am going to honor this struggle and give myslef the freedom to not feel like I have to force myself to create. I have to remember that create doesn't have to be defined as sewing - last week I did create a logo, knit 3/4 of a fuzzy red scarf, cook a big pot of soup and loads of twice-baked potatoes (I was trying to recreate 2 of Mom’s signature dishes that there isn’t a recipe for), and motivated my Pops to start exercising again. That has to count for  something, right?

no class and new fabric

Darn, my knitting and crochet class was canceled last night. Not sure why, maybe because of the really cold weather we are having (I know it is much colder in other places, so I promise I am not complaining). I was disappointed until I found this in my mail box:

New fabric can surely change my mood. I have to admit, I really only needed to order the Recess Navy Tick Tack Toe by American Jane for a secret craft project, but I couldn’t just order that, I had to add in the Hello Betty by Chloe’s Closet charm pack. I love 30s inspired fabrics and I can always find something to do with a charm pack!

Fabric from Fat Quarter Shop. If you haven’t checked them out, they have a huge selection, great customer service and ship orders really quickly!

Note to self: Either get better lighting or fix/replace digital camera so you don't have to rely on your iPhone to take pictures. It just isn't working out.

immediate progress

So, in my post yesterday I mentioned that taking a class is on my Crafty To Do List for 2009. Well, very unlike my typical procrastinating self, I signed up for a class. Last night I filled out my registration form, wrote my check and mailed it off!

Starting next week I will be taking a beginning knitting and crochet class at a local high school. It is part of an adult community education program that is a total bargain at $34 for 8 weeks. You can choose to either knit or crochet and I am going to use this opportunity to try to crochet. I haven't caught on yet, but I hope this class will be magic and I will be able to crochet away very soon. I already have a few projects in mind.

And best part is, I don't need to buy any supplies. I already have crochet hooks... and enough yarn in my stash to last me a very long time. And although I know it is a little early, but I already have them packed and ready.

one little word and crafty to do list for 2009

Goodness, I can't believe I have been away from the computer for a week! It has been a really nice break... although I have to admit I did check my email and Reader through my phone a few times. I needed a little bit of time to recharge for the new year, reflect on 2008 and really think about my hopes and dreams for 2009. It was quite therapeutic, especially when mixed with a great visit from my niece Nicole who was in town before starting her last semester at VCU.

I decided a new year needs a new notebook, so I sprung for a nice graph paper moleskin to write my "resolutions" in. I also plan to carry the notebook with me so I can jot down ideas and inspiration along the way.

The first entry was a page devoted to my one little word for 2009: Grace. I came across this word when working through the book Style Statement last fall and fell in love with the books definition (more on my style statement soon - I promise). When I read about the one little word project, I knew Grace would be my word for the year. I think it really embodies much of what I am looking for, striving for and much of who I am at my best. So as my reminder to be true to it, it grabbed the first page in my new notebook.

The books definition of Grace is:

Greek mythology tells of sister Goddesses Joy, Charm and Beauty called the three graces. Graceful is poised and dignified and, at her best, is a giving, generous spirit who seeks to impart kindness and dignity. Love is her fuel; goodwill is her motivation and guide. Graceful prefers meaning and substance but will practice courtesy and compassion rather than forcing her views about a situation. Graceful has a sense of fit and propriety, a craving for balance and good form and proportion. She adores harmony and material and immaterial luxury—from finery to leisure. Rooted in feminine power, Graceful has a quiet and steady confidence. She endeavors to make everything special in the most considerate and ultimately charming ways, and she tends to make it all look effortless.

The second page of my new notebook holds my crafty to do list for 2009. I simplified my list to help me focus and not be overwhelmed by the sheer number of things I want to make.

My 2009 list includes:

• sew more clothes, specifically a jacket
• expand my machine embroidery knowledge
  
• refresh my photography skills and set up a mini at home studio with good lighting
• explore paper crafts
• learn to free motion quilt
• take a class
• use my moleskin to track ideas, inspiration, write to do lists etc.

My notebook also holds some brainstorming on how to bring my Frugal Yet Fabulous Everyday! mission to life, but it is still a work in progress. I am happy to have so much support on this journey - thanks to everyone for the comments, they really help keep me motivated.

my current crafty OCD obsessions

Those of you who have been visiting for a while probably know this, but for you newer folks, I have to admit that I suffer from a bit of Crafty OCD. See any time I am introduced to a new craft or have a new project idea I go into overdrive. I research, shop and organize as much as I can, as quick as I can. Problem is, I don't always get to the crafting part. And when I do, I often start, but don't finish. I know, sad but true. Lots of unfinished craft projects around my house.

So, I have had Crafty OCD for two things this past week: fleece and stamp/scrapbook supplies. Lets start with the fleece. For some reason, the day after Christmas when looking at my Hancock's ad, I decided what next years presents are going to be and the main ingredient is fleece. And guess what, Hancock's was having a huge fleece sale! So, I went on my lunch hour last Friday. It was a long lunch and I ended up with tons of soft and pretty fleece (the pictures don't do the colors justice) for not much cash at all. And best part, pretty much every single family gift will be made out of this fleece. So for a little investment right now, I will be about to produce some seriously Frugal Yet Fabulous Holiday gifts for next year... and I WILL NOT wait till next December to make them!!!

My second obsession is stamps and scrap booking. I haven't been much into these crafts and only have a  few supplies. Many of my Frugal Yet Fabulous Holidays craft projects involved paper this year, which I think helped me catch the bug. Then, I received a wonderful wooden box correspondence kit from a friend for Christmas that was filled with cards, paper and some clear block stamps. This gift helped the bug take over. I have had to keep myself from buying more supplies. It has been really hard. I did however buy some containers to organize the small set of supplies I already have. Yeah for Christmas clearance. The containers snap together. It is actually two sets that I attached to each other (storing the extra lid with handle for later). This set up allows me to store my supplies and transport them easily too.

Better believe I am going to be watching the sales ads for stamps and paper sales over the coming months... I just can't help it, but at least I wont be buying full price and I'll have more crafts to share with you :)

hi... and some links

Wow, I have been quiet lately – sorry for the unintentional break! Honestly, things have been crazy busy at work and by the time I get home I am just plain worn out. Hey, I guess I should be thankful for being busy... Maybe being busy means I am useful and therefore needed. Since our layoffs I haven’t been able to squelch the fear, the insecure feeling in my stomach. So, at work I am trying to give 200% and at home I am trying to recover.

Crafting hasn’t completely gone by the wayside, I have been working on a couple secret crafty projects/proposals. I wish I could share them right now, but can’t... I’ll know if I can in a couple weeks. But, honestly I want the answer to be “nope, can’t share them” because that means the book people liked them. If they didn’t, look forward to some tutorials.

 
A few other themes running through my life these days are budgeting, reading and cooking – I’ll be working on some posts on these soon. To hold you over till then, here are a few interesting links:

The authors of the book I just finished have an amazing site: Carrie and Danielle

I made these yummy oatmeal breakfast squares last week. Way yummy, but when I added up the calories, I went in search of some ways to cut them. Pretty successful switching out the brown sugar for Splenda brown sugar blend and the butter for light butter... but not perfect.

Went in search of some other oatmeal options (without the not so natural Splenda and light butter) and found Kath Eats Real Food. If Kath can eat right, exercise, work and go back to school, I should be able to reach my health and fitness goals too. Maybe the key is setting such a pretty place setting at every meal?

I found two great, quick and easy bag tutorials while searching for Christmas present ideas for my sisters: Sew Bunny Bum’s Market Tote and Label-Free’s My Tote Bag. Both these bloggers were very creative in how they presented their tutorials.

This lunch bag tutorial by Katie is great too. l

And because everyone needs a little nice in their life: Operation Nice 

I'll be back soon with more, promise!