Crafting lately

I hadn't sewn anything in a very long while, so a recent request from my sister was great motivation to dust off the sewing machine again. She wanted a pillow case for her eye pillow, and without a pattern to follow, I had to create my own. It was challenging and fun and I'm pretty happy with the results! I couldn't decide between two different designs, so went ahead and made both pillow cases--one with a button closing the top and one with an envelope flap...

With the machine out and ready to be used again, I plunged into my basket full of untouched fabrics to see what I could sew for my next project. I had totally forgotten about this fun camping-themed fabric I bought a while back! It was perfect for a project that had been at the back of my mind for a while--a bag to hang on the side of my camping chair. I always have books, magazines, and other miscellaneous things that I want within reaching distance while sitting in my chair and wanted to make a vessel to hold it all. This was another good project to flex my pattern-making and sewing skills, and below is the result of my creation. The straps button onto the arm of my chair and there's even a pocket inside for my phone, which you can't see in this picture. I'm pretty happy with how this turned out too!

Well, with two projects under my belt, I was getting on a roll and plunged into a few more. Made a hat for my nephew, which has become an annual tradition--he has gotten a new hat every year for three years now. Here's the beginnings of it...fun fabrics!

Tried making mary janes for a friend who was pregnant with a little baby girl. I downloaded a free pattern from the internet and didn't quite love the results. The sizing was a bit off (which may have been my fault, I forgot to check the printing settings) and there were exposed seams. At least they still look pretty cute in this picture...

And lastly, I made another sunhat, for a friend's little boy. I think the quality of my work and my skills have been improving with every project I've made. Now, what shall I make next?!...

Photos-o-the-Day

A few critters from the sea...

Gratitude

Time

Book Club

I came across this card years ago and it gave me a little chuckle because it described our book club perfectly. Many of us didn't read the books but still showed up to meetings to hang out (and eat snacks, of course!) And others read the books but then didn't show up to meetings (to their credit, they sometimes wrote up book reports to make up for not being there in person.)

I started the little book club back in 2005. Even with busy schedules, and folks not reading or not attending meetings, we still had a solid group that continued to read (or at least attempt to) 3-6 books per year. We managed to keep this club going for 9 years and I loved it. Being part of the group encouraged me to pick up books that I would not have initially been interested in or even known about. It was also gratifying to be surrounded with friends that enjoyed reading as much as I did. And most importantly, it was just so much fun getting together to socialize, nerd out on books, and eat yummy snacks several times a year. After I moved, we attempted to continue the group for a short while with two reads, Gulp and The Cuckoo's Calling. I attended meetings via video chat, but it just wasn't the same anymore. Sadly, the book club has fizzled since then, and I am so bummed about it.

Nine years was a good run, and I am proud that I kept a club going for that long. I will always cherish the wonderful times I had with my own little "Bad Girls Book Club."

First Hike of the Year

I've been itching to go on a hike lately, so we finally got out and explored a new area today--a 6.5 mile trail in Toro County Park. Since I'm very out of hiking shape, the uphill climb was quite a challenge. It reminded me that I need to go hiking more often and get back into shape! It was a sunny day and we were surrounded by lush green hills and an expansive blue sky. We continued the trek at a slow and manageable pace and finally made it to the top of Eagle Peak, which rewarded us with a wonderful view. Sitting at 1600', Eagle Peak overlooks Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley. It was a bit hazy over the bay so we couldn't see clear across to Santa Cruz, but I was excited about being able to spot Pt. Pinos and Moss Landing. What a lovely way to spend a Saturday!

Morning Stroll

Grateful for another magically beautiful day in the neighborhood…

Morning Stroll

This morning was cool and foggy. It's the type of weather that this area is known for, although we have seen little of it since moving here. The sunny blue-skyed days have far outnumbered the foggy ones, so it was a nice change to have a blanket of gray-white enveloping of for a little while. There's a special kind of calm that settles over the landscape, and it was perfect for taking a stroll through the neighborhood park with a friend. Fresh air, surrounded by majestic trees and shades of green, hearing birds chirping and fluttering and woodpeckers drumming away. I was once again filled with gratitude to be living in such a wonderful place, one that reveals its beauty in so many different ways. I hope to always continue to discover and appreciate this magic.

We chatted, strolled, and collected pine cones for a project at work. A lovely way to spend a Sunday morning!

Abundance

Quote-o-the-day