Payge Lyra Handmade

quarter inch mark= {1/4" mark}

2011-11-15T19:17:00.001-06:00

Dear all-

Payge Lyra Handmade has move to Quarter inch Mark with a new look and new attitude!

Hello! Introduce to you " quarter inch mark" and in short would be {1/4" mark}. It took a very long time for me to decided the name. We had a longs list of names that we like, but I wanted something simple and easy for readers to remember. I bet you'll have no clue why I called my first blog Payge Lyra Handmade. It was hard to explain why I did that. Some people referred me either Payge or Lyra sometimes. Sorry for the confusion. Payge Lyra Handmade is very hard to stands out its name and personality.
Last night, before I headed to bed the name 1/4" mark just popped into my head and I think it is just clear and simple and today I kept repeat the name in my brain and just really like it!
Now on I will be blogging at quarter inch mark
If you like my blog and would like to follow up, please change your blog feed setting for me. It is
http://www.quarterinchmark.blogspot.com

Hope you like this new change around here! Shortly I will be back with some projects that I have been working and bits of this and that to share with.

XXC

simple and fun

2011-11-12T18:55:00.001-06:00

I found these inexpensive 2012 calendars in Michale's for a dollar ( You probably would need look around in the store and the area that's most unorganized). I have been looking one for awhile and the planners are overly charged, I mean more than I would like to pay for. Quickly I grab two of them. During one of October late and old night I had to do something after my school work. A makeover was what I was thinking. I used some of left over quilt blocks and practice my free motion quilting. No bad! I know I needed to get my hand faster, so the quilt length would be better! I am making the other one for my sister for Christmas. I think I will use some left over quilt blocks for hers as well. I might go back get a few more for some of my friends' Christmas gifts and plan on going a simple and fun theme for this year's Christmas gifts.

Denyse Schmidt's newest line for Joann's- Daisy Mae is a fun and the colors are just pretty. I love it as much as her other lines. I have some charm packs available via my etsy shop. I can't wait to make a mini quilt from it. It will be so pretty for this cool fall season~

update: I am still working on the new names, but got my headband finished, just need the name to put on. It is a bit challenge as I came cross 10 names each day and cross out 10 names each day.

One more day to sleep in and bake?

return. for. a. good. reason.

2011-11-09T20:41:00.001-06:00

{return.for.a.good. reason.} I hope it's a good one! The month of October came and gone. I had no time to look around. I celebrated my another birthday and felt much cool about getting another year older. Discovered more gray hair the other day, unlike the first time I saw them and threw a big fit about it. Pull out my Christmas/holiday related decorations because we need to fill our space with some colors and joys. Survived most of my teaching days and boy I won't start the whole teaching stress here. I am cool!

S and I did a library project together and she won ( maybe we won instead?) the best of the show! My school colleagues were wondering what in the world that I was making with watercolor and slashes?! and I won't start the whole Jackson Pollock painting style here, but it was fun be part of the family activity .

I am doing a private swap with my long dear blogging friend. Here are the fabrics that I selected for her mini quilt and it is done. Since she hasn't seen it. I will revile the piece when she receives her package. I am hoping to get the rest finish since I am Free till next week!

These are my mini hexes 3/4". They are my graduate study pieces. They have been mainly my focus since school started. I would like to launch a professional art website. I hope to show some of the fine art side of me, but I LOVE crafting as well.

Learning a better knowledge of my camera. I can take some close up now! Thanks to my friends here who is willing to share the information. I love the close up of my thread.

We adopted some plants and welcome the little guy- Cooper to our family. Isn't he cute? He is a good gardener since he has been watching the plants for us. We love his cozy scarf! do you?

The quilt blocks were made 2 years ago. I never know what to do after made them. I tend to have the habit of making things up, but trouble of finishing them. do you have the same problem as I do? Finally, last weekend I took sometimes to finish this baby quilt. My friend is having a baby next month and I hope she'll like it. I have another 3 baby quilts to make yet!

{ a good reason} none of above I could share with people in real here since they aren't as crafty as you guys are and since they don't know much about fabric, but think that I am fabric addictive gal. They don't like all that much fabric talk, but I know you all do! So this is a good reason to come back! Slowly, not in a rush! This blog will have a redo soon! name of the blog and the headband as well. It will take a few more days to make the change, since the new name is not in final! until then welcome back!

See you soon!?

2011-11-06T19:43:00.001-06:00

I will be back!

See you soon!

Ciao

2011-09-30T18:49:00.003-05:00

Dear all,

It's time for me to say good-bye to you here in Paygelyra Handmade blog. This blog started in 2009 and made 313 posts about my crafting and sewing life in United States. It has been a long Journey, but fun! I have met many friends via blogger and inspired by many of you! Thank you for all your supports! There are many reasons that I decided to close the blog. Mainly is I feel my blog is a little boring and sometimes I am not sure if I deliver my thoughts well. I start thinking I might have embarrassed myself post some stupid stuff. I gave thoughts about this blog a lot and finally I cam cross some comments awhile ago. I love sharing, but feel not able to commit myself in a better writing and blogging. It has been a struggling decision lately. I think it is time to take a long break from the writing and posting. I believed in the near future I will start a new blog again and hope I will be better and have more fun ideas to share with you all. I plan on keeping my etsy shop running and post my sewing projects on flickr.

Until then so long~

Chase

Time for Giveaway

2011-09-29T22:21:00.001-05:00

Hello! Have you week been crazy and also long days? This week is kinda the week that I like to skip through then go on. My body has been a little tired and mind isn't gather well this week as well. Also, I haven't been an awesome mom of the week, but a WORK mom instead which made me deeply guilty! I remember that I WANTED to throw a giveaway long time ago, but I haven't have the time to look through that. Well! Here we go! 10 prints of Denyse Schmidt's newest line-Sugar creek for Joann's. They are as lovely as they can be. Soft and lovely colors! I am starting a little collection at my home with all DS fabric. I think you guys might also like to have them in your little collection as well. Again, I will put up a nice giveaway package for you~

So how to play? Tell us a little bit about you, if you have a blog link your blog in the comment. I'd love to read your blog as well. I'd love know where you are from as well; love to meet people from world wide and yes! International friends are welcome to play! The giveaway closed on October 8.

Just leave a comment in the comment area and let me know you like to put your name in the basket to get draw.

Have fun playing~

xxc

wool

2011-09-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

Fall has arrived the north and it seems earlier than last year. Our winter coats are ready for the bitter cold weather and I have washed most of the winter clothes. The stash of the wool were purchased from Heaven to Betsy wool they are the 100% mill wool. I love the texture and it's cozy, unlike the itchy wool. I plan on making a quilt from the stash. I have test it last week and found the wool is actually stretchy. I was wondering if anyone have work with wool quilt in the past and any tips could share?

xxc

present to you

2011-09-25T18:59:00.003-05:00

Before had my breakfast, I started the dough. Followed the recipe and waited! It turned out really good! I shared some with my friend and still have plenty. Oh! I am so happy! No sewing activity at all! My baking mode is growing, but I know I need to take a break before all the sweets are gone.

xxc

failed

2011-09-24T22:08:00.002-05:00

Two posts in a day!? I was so excited to jump in the cinnamon rolls recipe I post early today. I waited the butter became in the room temperature then "though" I had 1/4 oz. yeast, but I think I had 1tsp since I don't have packet yeast at home. Guessing how much is 1/4 oz. yeast on top of my head is hard! I followed the recipe again! The dough didn't fully raise in the first raise then I though it might be just the temperature at our home. Rolled out the dough with some help from S. Again half of nuts and half without! Perfect 1/2 deals here today. Cut the roll.. waited another 45 minutes. It didn't raise again then I though maybe when they are in the oven.. something will happen??? 30 minutes pass.. Our home smells incredible this afternoon with cinnamon and sugar around and the early chocolate cookies. No kidding! When I took the pan out.. tasted it.. It's great, but HARD! Just like cookies! I second guess the hardness of the roll, so I waited the rolls to cool down. Over all, the smell, the taste, the look are all right, but the texture is hard just like cookies, but not bad. However, I am not giving up for this challenge! Tomorrow I plan on making it again. Hope something will change tomorrow! I am sure I am in the baking mode this weekend.

Backing mode

2011-09-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

Saturday has been a none work day for me. I take this day off from school work and pick up the house chores and be a fun mom. It has been most 6 months since my last baking post. Often time, when we bake we have more cookies or sweets than we needed. When we were in Iowa, sharing to friends and neighbors were easy. On the other hand, it is a little bit challenge to find ourselves fit in the new community we are in right now. There are times that we depressed about it, but when we found out one of my colleague grads also bake. We started swap cookies time to time. This week is our turn and we made some yummy cookies. One recipe and two happy faces..and two happy families.

S' job is cracked the eggs. She doesn't really like it. But, she knows if she tried it now when she grows up she can make some yummy cookies of her own. She is happy that she can help as always.

She wanted all M&M in the cookie dough, but I preferred some nuts and just simple cookies.

Our cookies are lovely! I love the bitter chocolate and she loves the sweet milk chocolate. It is great that we can be happy at the same time. Half of each cookies will be send over to our friends house today. I hope they like them!

Picture each cookie is about the size of your hand. Big oops! I intended to have bit bite size instead. I think we are set for our next week's treat, but wait I am going to make this recipe today. I am hungry for sweets this weekend. Have you been baking other than fabric lately? Any recipe that is good for the Fall? mind to share?

xxc

Fabric Love

2011-09-22T19:26:00.001-05:00

I have some Japanese fabrics listed in the shop. They are soft and fun to play with. I love the chocolate bar theme ones the most because I love sweets as many of you have noticed. I am working on more listing for the shop. It is a preparation for our move. No farmer's wife QAL this week for me. I have printed out a few sheets of foundation method paper and playing with it. It does go fast, but my paper piecing skill still needs more practice. I am planning host a giveaway soon it is an overdue activity that I have in mind. Stay turn.

xxc

Handmade

2011-09-19T09:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday~ It feels great on Mondays. It is always the fresh new start for the week! A few years ago, I purchased some mittens from an etsy shop. They were super cozy and super soft. For some reason, that I have accidentally added the shop owner as my FB friend. We have been FB friends since. I contact her a few weeks ago with a link of the mitten pattern and wondered if she can make a pair for me then I could pay her. The package arrived and they are so super pretty for me to wear and it is a gift from her to me. I didn't expect that and I knew I wanted to make her something in return.

This weekend, I made two Jane market bag for her. The one top one that I used canvas and linen & canvas mixed fabric. The antique voyage fabric is great! It is great to work with, unlike some of the canvas fabric the seam thread ripped of easy. Love the outcome of this bag.

This one is mainly used quilting weight cotton. It is very soft and light weight. I love working with cotton. I also think that with two different style she would be able to use them in different season? I hope she likes both of them.

This is another busy week ahead of us. More doctor appointments to go. I am glad after this week everything will slow down a little more. I have also added few more Japanese fabric in the shop and also a fat quarter bundle of Denyse Schmidt picnic and Fairground, etc. Enjoy~

xxc

Farmer's Wife QAL #5

2011-09-18T19:36:00.000-05:00

#17 Cats & Mice

#18 Century of Progress

#19 Checkerboard

#20 Churn Dash

#21 Contrary Wife

I have finished another 5 Farmer's Wife QAL blocks. After the bad cold I am doing much better and less tired. I treated myself a starbucks coffee last Friday actually. It was really good! I love sweets! I finished these blocks on Friday night and wished that I have cut more templates out, but I knew I will just sit and work on these. The most challenge for this project is choose fabric. I don't really have a vision for the quilt. I would like it to be lighter, so I tried to use bright colors. I love some of blocks on flickr. Have you join?

xxc

DESTASH

2011-09-16T21:36:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I picked out fabric for another 5 Farmer's market blocks. It was fun to play again and yes, I am feeling so much better! Now I need to drink lots water to clear myself a little bit. I am also playing with my camera. One of my MFA is a photographer she taught me to use some functions in the camera. I need to get a tripod in order to have stable pictures.

As you can see, here are 8 prints of Heather Ross' Far Far Away I. They have been put away for last two years, but I haven't have any ideas for them. I used some prints, but most of them are in FQ. I have decided to destash from my collection. I love this collection, but they are just too pretty for me to cut up. S asked me to frame them indeed.

Another destash pack is the Mendocino. I made a quilt from this line. I LOVE the soft texture from this line. I am actually currently using this lovely quilt. I also decided to destash it from my collection

This is a 1 1/2 yard kelp forest brown. I just found that it is sold. I love the brown on this print! Such a nice brown and cold orange. I am hoping slowly destash some of the prints that I have keep, but haven't have an idea for any projects. If you come come from this blog to the shop, please send me a note I will add some extra fabric to you.

Have a wonderful weekend

xxc

Fall

2011-09-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

Hello there! I have been under the weather for the past two weeks. It started a sore throat then running four days high fever then stuffy nose. I barely touch sewing machine and school work for nearly two weeks. I am recovering from the fever, but still have stuffy nose and caught. I haven't been so sick since I was in college. I blamed on the seasonal weather change. It was 40 below this morning and will be 30 below tomorrow. I slowly pick up some sewing this morning and hope to get more project going. I clean up my fabric stashes and plan to destash more and relist some Japanese fabric in the shop this weekend. . I am making room for some solid fabric that will work towards to my school works.
This Monday was the moon festival. I wondered if you have look out for the full moon, it was windy here, but the moon was so clear in the next morning when I woke up. In our tradition, we eat moon cakes, BBQ, and worship to gods on the day.

xxc

Farmer's wife QAL#4

2011-09-04T11:28:00.008-05:00

#16 Calico Puzzle

#15 Buzzard's Roost

#14 Butterfly at the Crossroads

#13 Buckwheat

#12 Broken Sugar Bowl
(s helped me picked out fabric for this block. I though her colors are very clever!)

#Broken Dishes

Finally I caught up some Farmer's wife QAL blocks. It is week 13, but I am still beyond! I have total of 16 blocks and 10 blocks short. I need to find more time to catch up. It is a fun project and relax! I trace my template on Friday morning before my 10a.m. class. Put them in my paper folders and assumable them after my school works. I am glad I haven't given up! 85 blocks remain!

xxc

the keeper

2011-09-03T23:10:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago, I read this post and linked to another blog post. I knew that I have to order one for S. During the month of August they were giving away $40 dollars for each order and all I paid was the shipping. The memory keeper arrived yesterday and it is well made and lovely. I ordered it from Paper Coterie and this month they are giving 40% off and you can check it out here and it is free shipping.

There are many things that I kept for S. Her first flight ticket, first letter to me, first drawing, etc. When I saw this memory keeper I know it would a great box for her. I think it is very special that with her full name on it.

The back of box image that I used from S' 7th birthday pictures that I took at home. The background is the quilt that I made for her. She also just started the violin lesson. I deleted all the template images and enlarge the photo that I insert.

Here are the airline tickets that we used this summer. She is excited to have a box of her own. I thought I'd share with you, so you don't miss out this great memory keeper.

xxc

double wedding ring #2

2011-08-31T22:02:00.011-05:00

When I first started the double wedding ring quilt I didn't think that I would make another one. While I was hand-quilting the first piece I asked myself, what am I thinking?? When my fingers were having so many holes and was bleeding I told myself. No way, I am quite hand-quilting. However, it is an addictive process. I really like sewing curves and the narrow corners, somehow. I finished this quilt while I was in Taiwan. I brought all my tools and finished pieces with and borrow the sewing machine from my aunt. It took about a month to finish due to the weather condition and the limited space in my parents house. My brother was the one help me to held the quilt and it is actually from the third floor to the second floor. It is a queen size.

When I first got DS quilt collection I know that I want to make a quilt from the blue colorways. It is an instinct feeling about the fabric and the idea. After looking through my books and surfing on blogs and I though I have an idea which start another double wedding ring quilt. ( was I crazy?)

And I was thinking a BIG quilt for S. YUP! for S. She is 7 now and I think I might have another 20 years to finish this quilt by hand. There's nothing that I favor of hand-quilting,but I always think that hand-quilting is always nicer. I love the the touch that's by hand rather by the machine. I like spend time with needle and thread a lot that allows me calm down and relax!

I wish that someday that when I am gone with the wind that I can leave something that's labor of love to S. I have had wished that my mom could sew and quilt, so I can have a quilt in my bed that's made by my mom. I would be able to share with S about the quilt, but she doesn't. I think part of me is trying to make up that missing place for myself and hope to pass to S more and hope she'll always remember her mom quilts when she was a little girl and this is what she made me to her kids and grand kids and wish the quilt will pass on in generations.

The process of the second double wedding ring quilt went faster than I expected. It was a systematical pattern and I went with the traditional pattern way rather than scraps fabric. There's something about traditional quilts that modern quilts can't replace. I think the colors have always been big part of the traditional quilting and the patterns, too. I always love to look up the history of each blocks. Have you look them up ever? It is so fun to read through some of them and also understand the history of quilting.

I finished all the melons and arches a week before our trip to Japan. S was in school, so I work from home. That gave me a good 6 hours sewing time along at home. Just me and the sewing machine. I did watch about 10 movies tho. My favorite is Chocolate factory.

After dropped S off school I came home have my breakfast and coffee and I found this note on top of my computer. I love her notes and I have been collecting them. Her notes are always cheerful and thankful! I think I will always remember our days together.

This is a quilt that will be continually add on with some handwriting and hand embroidery. I plan on writing moments of us on this quilt and trips we took and mark the dates and places on this quilt for her. I would call it rather a document quilt than a newly wed quilt. My thoughts on this quilt for S is that she'll be able to bring her growing stories and adventures into her grow up life someday and share with someone who will join her in the new adventures.

I plan on starting the writing once I have all the current projects complete. I will be starting the moment stories soon~ I though I'd share with you folks. I think quilting is something that truly labor of love gifts to ourselves or love ones. This is nothing can be replace!

Have a great week~

xxc

I made something new today!

2011-08-28T14:33:00.010-05:00

two new place mats!

As you can see, a new tea pot and new rice bowls were made by one of our ceramicist in residency. What I did? I cooked for him and he promised to make me some rice bowls and a tea pot. YUP! We have been eating rice from plates instead from the rice bowls. If you ask me what's the differences? I would have to say, the chopsticks aren't working the same way it should be and it is hard to pick up rice from the plate.

I used up rest of the HOOT charm pack this morning. We needed some new place-mats, since the last two were made two years ago. I was able to get up early again and started the project. S wanted to have one that has lots pink in it, so I picked out the pink and red ones and used the other color ways for myself.

I am making some improvement of my stippling. Now, I have more control of my machine and knowing the speed better. It always takes time and testing for the first couple pieces. I think they have turn out nice!

Also, this was the first time that I tried the machine binding. It is tricky! I missed a few on the back and went back to sew up the gaps. I always have fears for sewing bindings by machine. I was surprised how quick the machine binding went. I used DS collection for the binding. I thought it might look unify for both mats. I am happy the outcomes.

We are drinking out tea of the rice bowls. It is different and it is fun! S enjoys her new experience and I love how the new bowls and mats match together.

Last but not least.. We have new rice bowls for friends and we have 5 of them now! We could have friends over and they don't need to struggle with rice in the plates! I also brought different type of chopsticks from home and they are much better than the one I have had. Time for more sewing and tea.

happy sunday~

xxc

a random Saturday

2011-08-27T18:17:00.007-05:00

The first week of school is always a little bit off! Excited, antsy, and of course RUNNING around! It has been a week that just flown by itself and we felt a little bit quicker than some other days. Finally, I am able to clean out some "stuff" that has been accumulated last 5 years and able to clean up our spaces. Yes! the hardest part is packing S' clothes away. Some of them she out grew on them and there's no way to put back on her. She is very happy that she's a few inches taller and few pounds heavier.

Finally I took this machine in and got it fixed up! The bobbin case and head cover were both needed to get renew. They cost more than I would like, but I know S has wanted to finish her quilt that she started 2 years ago. She was able to jump in today and got few more sewn. She asked if she can sew the whole pieces together today. I assured her that it would probably be a good weekends project to work on. She agreed!

When both machines are on the table we both felt like we are the best friend forever!! I really love spending time with her.. The older she gets the fun is just getting merrier. I know grandma didn't like she uses sewing machine and cutting paper with a pair of scissors. But, that's how she has been doing and learning to be an independent young lady. On the other hand, she has a heavier boundary regarding study and behavior here with me. I hope that I balance that for her!

It's a Saturday that we loved! Miss my UPS last night which mad me a little bit sad and my second package didn't arrive today which made me sadder. Well, I do like packages for sure!

Are you having a random Saturday over there?

xxc

completed!

2011-08-24T15:53:00.006-05:00

Last night I decided to finish this baby quilt 40"x40". The quilt top was finished awhile ago and was sitting in the pile of quilt tops. I used up most of the scraps fabric for this quilt. The quilting went really fast since I have the machine clean and ready for more sewing.

Finding backing has always been a problem in my quilting. I have always like a fun look in the backing, but sometimes, I am not a very patience person for finding the right backing and that's why the quilts never get finish and always stays WIP. I always feel backing is such a big deal in the piece of quilt. Then later on I realized that I have a problem for letting go with some lovely fabric that I collected. I always though "what if" they are out of print? "what if" they are so rare to find? However, I continually buying new fabric lines that appear in the market and I still have whole other stash that I can't let go. Ok, I think most of us do this! Hope I am not the only one!

The backing that I used was Japanese fabric that I purchased about 3 years ago. I just love the fine little girl in the garden prints and also got it in yellow colorway. I wasn't sure what I was doing to do with the prints and most let go. Over the weekend I notice the print again and though it would match well with the simple baby quilt top and it did!!! It does feel good to have one more WIP off the list. I plan on purchase some backing for another quilt top that finish during last Christmas break. Wish I find the backing soon and get it finishes before the winter hits us again. I do have a few project that I'd like to start other than Farmer's Market quilt along. Mom's quilt needs to get start and I found the right pattern for it.

Have you completed much WIP work lately?

happy sewing as always

xxc

Farmer's wife QAL#3

2011-08-22T16:34:00.007-05:00

Things are looking good here! I made another two Farmer's wife QAL blocks. I have been reading other people's blocks sizes. My blocks are 6"x6" and a little off from the sides, so I trimmed them off. According to the book, the finished size is 6"x6". I think I will be 1/2" short. Hope that won't matter the look.

Today, finally I took the sewing machine to the shop. The lady cleaned it up for me right away and she looked at me and said, "holy bucket, what have you done to your sewing machine?" I was super embarrassed. I told her I tried to clean it up as much as I can, but it seemed that I didn't done a good job on the cleaning. The machine is cleaned and is running like a new penny again.

#9 Box

#10 Bowtie

Happy Monday, all

xxc

Farmer's wife QAL#2

2011-08-21T10:12:00.007-05:00

#5 Bat Wing

#6 Big Dipper

#7 Birds in the Air

# 8 Bouquet

Here are my four other Farmer's Wife QAL blocks. Have you look over the flickr group? There are a lot of creative and lovely colors were putting together. As for as my blocks go, I felt that I am really taking my time to work on this project. Two blocks a week wasn't really that not bad at all. I have been loving this project. It gives me time to look through my stashes and allows me to think my color chose. I have discovered, I do have many greens, blues, and yellows! Not enough of warm colors in my stash. I also tried to avoid used novelty prints on this project. I don't have a vision of how this project will be, but I know I want the color to be about me. Today, is my last Sunday before school starts. The plan is to catch up the QAL blocks and also a quick errands to stores. Our target doesn't open till 12p.m. here on Sunday.

Good news, I will be teaching my first college course this coming Tuesday. Oh boy, I have been feeling butterflying allover my stomach. I have been working late on writing the syllabi and preparing my courses. I even had dreams about how I should speak in the classroom, what should I wear, how professional look I should be in the dream. I am VERY excited about the new opportunity and hope I can handle it well!

Have a lovely Sunday~

xxc

comfy

2011-08-20T10:22:00.006-05:00

What do you see? Yes! we've got some new furniture for the FIRST time! I have been looking around for most of our furniture in thrift stores, but the price here is very high. I wondered what is that? Last year, moved away from Iowa. I have decided to reduce as much furniture as possible and returned the couches to our friends. We rarely spend our time in the living room because it is not that comfortable. Awhile ago, I heard one of my grad friend told me. She got some decent and inexpensive furniture out in the furniture warehouse. We went, but didn't think that we would get anything. But here we are a new comfy couch and a coffee table where we have been spending our Friday Pizza nights.

As you can see, the living room is very tiny. The whole apartment is measured around 633 square feet. Very small!! As a grad student, I have a limited budget for all the expenses and living in University housing is so much affordable than living off campus. Nothing fancy, but cozy and comfy for us. Somehow, we have been talking about a farm house after I graduate, but it will all depends on many outcomes.

I am so happy I have two of my quilts on each side of the couch. We have been using them at nights. They aren't just stored away anymore. The two pillows came with the couch are comfortable, but it needs a redo! I would like to make two covers for them and make table runner for the table. I know it will be awhile since school starts next week. I did finished another 4 Farmer's wife QAL blocks. They are much fun to play!

Have a great weekend

Green

2011-08-18T08:15:00.007-05:00

Let's talk about Green KitKat today! One of our connection flights was in Japan's Narita Airport and it was a 5 hours layover. When I was in college I used to nap since I was up at 2a.m. After having a child travel with it is totally a different story. We walked a lot within duty free shops and we ate a lot! Kids get hungry easy. While we were window shopping and I found KitKat in Green colors and read the box and found out this is a washbi flavor Kitkat. I asked the seller if it is spicy? He told me, YES! Can you picture KitKat in other than chocolate flavor and spicy at the same time? I had to have it and give it a try!!!

Check out the green coating wasabi flavor chocolate! It doesn't really smell like wasabi when I first open the package and I was prepared for the spicy texture in my mouth.

Um... The first bite was funny! Then the chocolate started to melt in my mouth! Ok, this tasted sweet, but wasabi flavor is there! It's a funny flavor. It is between sweet and knowing something other than sweet is in it! I gave S the other half! She loved it! She said to me, " mommy, why Kitkat is green". I answered her, " give it a try and see you if like it". Her responds from her face was, " it is delicious". um....

Here is the other flavor I found. It is moccha (抹茶) Japanese Green tea flavor! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! It is a very settled flavor. I love it so much!! I love moccha too much! I can't pass any tea when I see a tea stand in Taiwan or while I was visiting Japan. I had to get some tea! It is fun to find something off traditional flavor. I wonder if KitKat ever made flavor in strawberry? I would probably have it all day long.

I have always like try new food and like the off traditional flavor. Next time, I hope to find something new and fun to share with you. So, don't forget to try some of these if you have any chances to visit Japan. It is quite fun!!

xxc

Farmer's wife QAL

2011-08-17T07:11:00.010-05:00

How many of you have join this quilt- a-long? I got my book with coupon at our local Joann's. When I saw this quilt along. I had a second though about rather I should play along with. Seeing many fun blocks from flickr . I know I can't pass this fun quilt- a-long.

I am using my stash fabric for this quilt. It would be a pick and go process. I did miss understood the first block as there was a mirror image cut. I found drawing the seam allowance is helping to keep the block in 6". It's a good way to keep this project a slow pressure to myself. I am trying to catching up the blocks, but I am a little slow. I decided to follow the book block orders, so I can remember where I am at in the process.

block #1 attic windows

block #2 autumn tints

block # 3 basket

block # 4 basket weave

so far, my four blocks

xxc

settled in

2011-08-16T07:35:00.006-05:00

We are slowly settled in the weather and our regular lifestyle again. Although getting up early is still challenge to myself and S. I am a bit worry that we might slept through classes or something. which we have done a few times last year. The fall seems slowly approach N.D. It's cool in the mornings and late evenings. It is raining at the moment and I just hand-washed the car yesterday late afternoon. Maybe the car is getting a second clean up.

In the spring, I finished this traditional nine- patch mini quilt. It was hand-quilted. I LOVE the combination of red and white. Many of my traditional quilts are just solid red and Kona white. It was another study I did for my program. I was trying to compared the modern and traditional blocks and colors.

I used my tread spool for the curve pattern. It was a perfect size for this mini quilt. Many of my kitchen bowls aren't fit even the measuring cups were too big for it. The curves are not really equally space drawn. I did purposely make it off the straight line.

I have always dream to have a Ghana basket. I found this basket last Saturday in our local farmer's market. I am in love with it. I picked the solid color! I think it will fit any room and any place we move to. I wish to have more, but I can't be that greedy, right?

Today I start working as a GTA. I am looking forward my busy day at the department and wish you all have a wonderful day on your side!

xxc

nearly finishing line

2011-08-15T07:39:00.006-05:00

Today I am posting the double wedding ring quilt I finished hand-quilting before our summer trip. I am pleased with the result and happy it is nearly finish. I am looking for bias binding method. With curves around the quilt the bias binding would be great for it. A while ago, I have seen some blog have blogged about, but I forget to bookmark it on my computer.

The backing! I love my backing! It was tricky when I first started it. I debated what do I want then did a couple sketches on my book. The single cycle is perfect for the backing, simple and focus. It also allow myself to see the back hand-quilted stitches and I just think it is simple nice!

When I first started this quilt. It was challenging and fearful! Lots curves and questions that I have in my mind. I was glad a friend of mind helped me out via phone and mail. Thanks!

My little signature. I took a photo of myself then print it out in black and white. I traced the outline. I though it was a fun signature instead of signing my name. I was inspired by Kara Walker's work . I will be glad if I bind off this quilt and wash it.

Have a lovely day~

xxc

Sunday

2011-08-14T11:33:00.006-05:00

Last night, I started the patchwork and finished this morning. The fabric I used is from MoMo's Hoot charm pack. This is another bottle carrier. This is for my aunt who brings two water bottles with her whenever she goes out. When we were home, she took care of us. We went to hot spring in the mountain near my hometown and we had much fun. We also got together a lot this summer. I want to thank her for taken care of us, so I though a bottle carrier would be a fun gift. Hope she will like it.

Today I found that my sewing machine needs a major maintains. Tomorrow I will make a quick trip to Bernina's shop and get it fix up. Hopefully they'll have it done within a week. I have been having fun with little projects that I started. I feel more accomplished and able to use up some of my fabric.

We are having a relax Sunday here. Our friend came and have lunch with us and brought us some her fresh garden herbs and flowers. We were talking to have a community garden together next summer. I have many ideas for what to plan already. I would love to have lots veggies from my own garden.

Enjoy your Sunday~

xxc

new

2011-08-13T14:59:00.011-05:00

After the long and relax summer. Last night I dust off the sewing machine and started this little project. It is a bottle carrier for my sister. My sister and I weren't close when we were kids. I always felt that she was the best kid in the family. We gotten closer when I had S. The sisterhood changed in the very GOOD way! She is the spoiled aunt to S and a spoiled sister to ME! yes!

In Taiwan, many people bring their water bottle with them when they go out. I was very surprised to notice that on my trip. It is totally off the old images that I had last time. A few years ago, I made a bottle carrier for my sister, but it is getting wear out! I promised her that I would make a new one for her when I get home. Last night, I was itchy with starting some simple sewing projects. I hope she'll like it! I used linen and cotton together. I am still not a big fan of using linen, but it always added organic look to the project.

Today we have gone to the local farmer's market. It has been the most fun Saturday activity for us. Fresh local veggies and testy homemade break. I must admitted that I don't like to bake in the summer time. Our home doesn't have an AC, so it gets very hot while I am in the kitchen.

Today I have added the Japanese fabric in my shop. If you could let me know you come from this blog I'd add a little surprise for you.

Have a lovely weekend and happy sewing

xxc

Shopping fabric in Japan :I've gone crazy!

2011-08-11T16:56:00.025-05:00

Please be prepared for today's long post. We arrived in Japan around 1p.m. and I probably forgot to tell you that I missed one number on the place we stayed. Yes! What an emergency happened right after we arrived! But a great news is that in Narita airport they have a couple place have WiFi , so quickly I went on my email and got the right number. Our trip was really an adventure for us for sure. We got many helps from strangers off the street. Many Obasan ( older ladies) and Ojisan ( older men) were very willing to help out.

The place we stayed was right by the Nippori Station where the textile town located. We rent a very small room from a woman who married and lived in Japan for 20 years. She is from Taiwan. The rent was very inexpensive. It was a very safe and nice neighborhood. The textile town in Japan was very clean and safe to walk around. They don't open until 10a.m. and close at 6p.m. Guess what time we were up for the first three days? We were up 1a.m. and waited the sky lighted up and went to 7-11 and got some food.

I went to three major fabric stores in Tokyo area with help from my Japanese friends. I highly recommend all of them, but be prepared because I've gone crazy on each store. SO, there are tomato, Okadaya, and Yuzawaya. Most of the cuts I made was one meter, but I also made a few 1/2 meter cuts, but ask before you purchase. All the stores accept cash only. I haven't find a store that accept credit cards.

There are lots YUWA fabric in Japan. I love YUWA fabric a lot. They have fun stories and themes on each collection. Do you like this french macaroon theme?

How about some chocolate bars?

more chocolate bars

lables

antique labels

text in fabric

red riding hood

more text in fabric

German garment pattern

plants & seeds

more labels

double side: linen & cotton mixed

I love love love this piece! It is so Autumn look and so fun to play with. I am going to use this fabric for a purse that my mom acquire while I was home. I wasn't able to make her anything while I was home, but she'd love something made by me for sure.

This is also a fun piece. Lots antique images on this piece and it is linen & cotton mixed. I think it would be a great fabric for a Fall bag. It would be so cool! Maybe a book bag or something? What do you think?

Got this strawberry piece because I know someone really love this print, so I got it for the special person.
I plan to make some small purses with this fabric. It would be great for little girls' birthday. That would help us to save some extra expense for birthdays since I am able to make things at home.

We got some washi tape in a department store. I love Japanese stationary! We spend nearly 2 hours in the same section can you believe it? It is addictive!

Are you getting tired of this long post? I have few more to add in next a couple of days. We are still trying to get back our regular schedule. I haven't been cooking for the summer long. It's hard for me get back to my duties. I just learned that a family relative is getting marry next month. Do you have any great ideas for bridal shower gifts? They are only register in the courthouse. They haven't bought a house or anything, so it is kind of hard for me to think of anything right now. But I really like to put together a nice package for her.

Hope the images are looking better on your side of computer! It is cloudy and cold here! Not much sun when I took the pictures. Enjoy now~

xxc

back!!

2011-08-10T15:14:00.009-05:00

Hello hello!! Are you still stick around? I hope you do! We are back in the country and doing well. Our summer sure was busy and lots fun! Trip to Japan, Taiwan, Iowa, then back to ND.. now we have a family member visiting us. We aren't so ready to quiet down our busy summer, but will be soon. I didn't think that I would be away from blog for such long period of time, but I intended to spend as much time as possible with my families while I was home. Lots dine out with my sister and my families. My aunt and uncle cooked for us almost every Saturdays and Sundays.

It was very difficult for S to say good-bye to Lucky! We woke up at 4:00a.m. to get ready to go to the airport. I was getting my bags ready and she talked to Lucky and telling him that she is going home and will bring him with once mama finishes school. It will be a long and hard two years for S. Lucky is currently living in the bathroom that in our room in my parents house. My sister is taking care of him while we are away. As a puppy, he has more energy than anyone ( seriously).

My fabric shopping is Japan was amazing. I wish I can bring more. I ended up bought a new travel bag in Japan to bring the additional shoppings to Taiwan then bring them back to U.S. I know it was much to bring and travel baggage around, but I've got some nice and fun fabric. The best part of my trip to Japan was meeting my Japanese friends and hang out with them. I can't believe we've gone 9 weeks and back two weeks now. We went back to Iowa for a week before came back to our home. We've been about 10 weeks. We need to get ready for our schools and more.

The most crazy part about our trip was getting back to the States. Our flight from Japan to Chicago was crazy! When we landed in Chicago O'Hare international airport I told S that we needed to run since we only had 90 minutes to go through immigration and custom and pick up our bags and recheck again. When we got to the immigration the police officers told us there were 10 international flights arrived at the same time, so I did my math.. each flight has 350 people that means 3500 are going through the immigration at the same time. We were push down to the very ended of lane. It took us 40 minutes for immigration. That left us 50 minutes. We ran and got on the train to our next connection flight. The first I asked was did we missed the flight to Omaha? The agent told me, " Oh, the flight is 30 minutes delay", so it will be awhile. Anyway, my friends were at the airport picking us up and we had our American food on the first night we arrived! I miss the big salad, yes I do!

Tomorrow I shall return with a full post of fabric that I got. Lots of fun fabric and I've enjoy some new colors in my fabric collection. So, make sure come back tomorrow. I am still in the process of getting my studio ready and much laundry to do.

xxc

Japan: Food

2011-07-02T21:25:00.035-05:00

Food in Japan is great! We tried many food and enjoyed them all! Our trips have always been food and fun! Enjoy the pictures, since I am in a run today~

xxc

Japan

2011-06-30T01:18:00.016-05:00

Today blogger is finally working, so here are some pictures of Japan. We actually drove 8 hours back to Iowa then stay at a friend's for 2 days. We flew out from Omaha, another 2 hours and one night stay. Our flight was 6a.m. Our trip back to Taiwan has always been long and tired! This time we were able to stand by Japan for a few days. It actually helped out the long flight and we were able to enjoy our vacation a little more.

We took the express train into Tokyo from Narita Airprot. To be very honest this was the first time I travel into Tokyo without any help. I have been to Japan several times, but I always had friends or went with tour groups. I used my very poor Japanese and a little English. An " ogishan" ( old man) was very helpful! The place we stayed was near by the Nippori Textile town. I wish I could have spend more time there, but S wanted to go somewhere other than fabric. I did score some fabric and can't wait to show you when I get back to states. I have them packed in my luggage since my room at my parents' house has becoming a study/storage/ guess room.

I found many people ride bikes on the street. I should say many moms. They have seats in the back and front for their babies/children. I kept telling my Japanese friend, I want a bike from Japan. It's awesome!

This was 5a.m. in Tokyo. S and I got up very early for the first 3 days due to the time change. We went explored the area in the bright morning. It was so quiet and the streets were so clean. I like clean cities! I appreciate people recycling bottles and paper. Eventually it will help our Earth and we'll have healthier environment!

We didn't eat at M. We had all the great Japanese food you can imaging. It was fun to see McDonald in Japan. I felt close and comfortable!

We met up with a friend of mine and went to a park. Sorry that I don't remember the name of the park, but we did the swan paddling. It was so fun!!

S was the captain of the day. She had great time! The weather was perfect and the ride was great! I wished that we made "bento" ( lunch box) then we can picnic at the park.

Look at these crazy fish! They are huge. We didn't have food with us, but when they saw our shadows they came by and wanted FOOD!

This new tower is called Star Tree ( correct me if I am wrong). It will be the newest and tallest tower in Tokyo. I was told it will be completed in Spring 2012. I can't wait! Next time, I'd love to visit the tower.

This is a famous temple in Tokyo. My friend and us took the bus over. There were many high schools and middle schools field trip that day.

S and I both looked forward some fortune telling. They were both good ones! It was fun for us to do so. It is a different kind of cultural experiences. Try it next time if you ever visit temple in Japan.

In front of the temple there are many shops for selling "sanbei" (rice crackers) and Japanese toys, etc. I was able to get some rice crackers for my friend and shipped them via Japanese post office back to states.

Tomorrow I shall back here and share other pictures

Have a great day~

xxc

Problem with blogger upload photos!

2011-06-29T06:36:00.003-05:00

Today I am posting without any photos. For some reason blogger has an internal error for posting photos. I am wondering if you have the same problem or just me being in Taiwan? If any of you have the same problem please share with me!

Thanks!
xxc

drawstring bags

2011-06-27T21:19:00.006-05:00

It is raining so hard since last night. We need the rain! It has been hot and humid since we got back! We aren't so used to the weather. S had hard time for the first few weeks, then she is doing better now! Well, I thought I'd show you some of sewing I did before I left for our trip.

Do you like drawstring bags? I love love drawstring bags. It helps me to organize packing. This time I made some extra bags. I took them home for mom and sister. They love them! I used to use Ziploc for everything then toss them when the trip is done. It was a waste now I think of it!

Most of drawstring bags that I made were from my scraps. They don't need much fabric to make one. I think it is great that I could use up my scraps and make something useful. I wish I have my sewing machine with me, so I can spend some time to sew at home. I am borrowing my aunt's sewing machine, but it isn't the same. I try my best to make few things each week.

Tomorrow I will return for some fun pictures! Meanwhile you'll have great night! We are in the mid-day here which makes me feel sleepy! oops!

xxc

look

2011-06-27T09:51:00.003-05:00

I though I would return shortly, but I decided sent my laptop to fix last week! It gets warm and shuts off about a year ago. I though the fan system is not working, but after check up. The technician told me it was the laptop's problem! I am thinking I need a new computer soon! Anyway, not much going on here expect I have been seeing foot doctor ever since I return. I fell on the ice about 2 years ago. I wasn't able to walk the time when I fell, but eventually the pain went away. I didn't pay any attention regardless. The first night when I flew in Taiwan my feet were both so hurting. I went to the foot doctor right away the next day. I am feeling much better and taking a day break from the foot doctor. Tomorrow I shall return and will be painful!

Since the computer has been reset I have lose all my blog bookmarks! I am feeling more painful! I need to track these blogs back and shall return soon!

xxc

Lucky boy!

2011-06-22T10:03:00.006-05:00

Dear all, tonight finally I got my computer out and asked my brother the internet user and password for the first time since we are back in Taiwan! Yes! We've been back almost a month now! WOW.. time flies! We are having great time here with friends and family! Of course lots great food and fun actives!

So.. Come meet S' first real pet-Lucky! He is so cute! We have been busy training him and accompany him as our new family member! S' the owner! She runs Lucky's food, walk, play, and talk to him! She is doing a fantastic job! I am surprised how much love she has for Lucky!

This is Lucky! The first day we took him home! His ears were down, but after a week's love care, his ears are both up and looking so healthy and cute! Lucky has been keep us so busy! The potty training has been the hardest! We are learning his body as we always late for getting him out! oops!

I though I should pop up here and let you all know we are doing more than well! Hope I will get time back this week to post some pictures!

Have a great week~

xxc

vacation mode

2011-05-27T02:53:00.003-05:00

It has been awhile since my last post. I didn't have the chance to post. I was in last minute packing, shopping, cleaning, visiting friends in Iowa and traveling. NOW! I am in the largest city Tokyo! GREAT food, weather, people, and of course fabric shopping. I couldn't ask for more. This is a real treat and vacation! Although the jet-leg is hitting really hard for us. I did lots shopping! Tokyo is great place to shop I almost would like to say it is much better than N.Y.C. I love all the Zakka stores and of course I was able to find cute stationary and more. We had too much fun and great food! I met all my Japanese college friends whom I haven't seen in 10 years. Everyone is changed a little, but our good memories are there!S has great time as well! man.. I would love to live here, but tomorrow we will be traveling again. We are heading home! home sweet home! We will be seeing my family after 1000 days.. yes.. it has been that long! S and I are taking break today and hope an early sleep tonight~

xxc

Happy mom's day

2011-05-08T16:47:00.008-05:00

Dear all, today I got two posts for you! Hope you have a great mom's day~ S went out and picked up those dandelions for me yesterday. I love them! It was nothing, but sweet my heart!

Finally I have completed the last project of the semester! I did nothing for school work, but enjoy the sunny day and sewing day and the pretty flowers!

They didn't live! But the pictures captured the sweet colors and her action.

My dearest sister sent some cash to S and asked S to take me out! We went to the bakery this morning! We both were so stuffed and enjoy the day out~

With the changes, S insisted to get me some real flowers from the store!

The best mom's day I have~ Forgot to photo the cards she wrote to me~

But here is what she wrote:

Dear Mom-
I love you more strawberry pie everyday. I think of you everyday because I smell love m-o-m-m-y.

update: Thanks for the concerns and I have made an appointment to meet with school principal on Monday morning. I will update you later on! I am a little nervous, but I know it is important to her and myself!

xxc

A winner

2011-05-08T16:40:00.003-05:00

We have a winner! A bag full of supplies and others! I made the drawstring bag to hold all the supplies! I really like how the linen and DS quilt collection work together~

The winner is Katherine who said: "Happy Blogiversary, Chase! I'm so glad you had second thoughts about quitting your blog. I love coming here to see what you're making and hear what's happening with you and I always leave inspired.Fingers crossed that you will be able to share your trip with us. I can imagine you must be excited to be seeing your family after so long. Best wishes for a wonderful trip!"

Katherine, I will be contacting you shortly~ Thanks for playing everyone. I am sure I will stock up lots fabric when I am in Japan and Taiwan. Maybe another giveaway at that time~

xxc

What's the matter?

2011-05-06T21:39:00.003-05:00

It has been a long and frustrated week for me, last week of school and dealing bully issue at S' school. It has been a hard week for me as a mom to listen what she has to say about not wanting to go to school because school isn't fun anymore. School isn't best place to be. I knew something is up, but I just not sure about what's going on. First, the beginning of the week, S forgot finish her school work. She came home with negative attitude about things, anything. She was so negative about she will stay in the "target zone" forever. At the moment , I did feel like to shake her head and hope she can wake up and just try! But, she is only 7, what can she do? Tonight, we spent a good 2 hours talk about feelings, attitudes, and how can she stands up for herself!

"It's hard, babe! But if you do it now it will only be easier and you'll be stronger!". We are trying to learn speak firmly, "no", "don't do that", "stop", " you are hurting me". I think it is hard for her to do that since we don't talk that way at home! But I think it is time that she needs to learn to protect herself.

In the reality, we all faced different life situation. Some are better at it some are not! I think bully has becoming a major issue since we moved to ND (Sorry ND friends). It is a place that we do feel lock of the community access. People would stare at us in the restaurants or shops! We don't mind that much, but somehow I do hope that the universal view could open up a little more. Tonight, I feel so hurt because my little girl is hurting by other people. Hope soon my little girl will be strong and firm about her feeling and self!

I shall return on Mother's day to announce the winner of the giveaway

Happy Mother's day to you all

xxc

weekend

2011-05-02T18:00:00.013-05:00

Avoiding the due project and pick up something that is important in my mind for awhile. I am glad I finished S' piano recital dress this weekend! I used Denyse Schmidt's new line from Jo-Ann, Picnic and Fairground. The pattern is Oliver+s' ice cream dress . It is a fun pattern to play, but I had trouble on the last panel. For me the hemming was not easy to line up. I ripped the seam off about 4 times. I am happy the turn out! The wooden button was purchased from Taiwan from the last visit. It is perfect for this dress! I will get many wooden buttons when I go this time! They are my favorite buttons for anything.

This should be two posts instead of one. I am slowing finishing this hand-quilting double wedding ring. It will be another 50+ hours before I call it done! I took a big break from it this weekend. My fingers are sore and bleed. I knew it might be a good time to take a long break! Besides finishing up the dress I was also doodling around the blogging land and read some posts. That got me to think a little, maybe more than little.

When I come up here to make posts. I don't really expect any of you leave me comments. I know people don't like do that and so do I. Then why should I make you do so? But a little set of mind whispered to my ears.. wish there are some sweet comments, but then I moved on that little set of mind for a while. I don't think I am too much different from who I am as a real life person. Like many people mentioned not many of my real life friends know that I have a blog and I can actually write and try to write tutorials up for what I know about.

I am not professionally trained seamstress, so I can't be so firm to tell you how to do, but I can share about how I did. I work mess and very mess! There are many pins on the carpet and anytime I could accidentally got one or two in my foot/ feet!

I wish I have big budget to buy all the fabric that caught my eyes, but it is impossible! The new fabric come out every month! I try to limited myself for what I can get. Not to brag about what I have because in reality minimal of people understand fabric around me. Here is my outlet to share and I think you'll know what I am talking about, right?

It was fun to read through what other people have to say about themselves and don't talk about it in their blog. I do have my opinions, but I will not be mean. I think craft blogging community is a group of people who loves sharing what they know in their area and making friends with each other. That's why I like doodling around when I am taking a break from due projects. My professors will not be happy, but I am a happy soul! You can read the post here, here, here, here, and here. ( Don't click any of them unless you have some extra time to read through which I did).

Happy Monday and I am sure you'll be busy!

xxc

fabric storage

2011-04-28T21:13:00.009-05:00

Dear all, thank you for your kind words in last post. The giveaway is still up running, so make sure leave your comments if you can! Well, what have I up to? not much, really! I keep working on the same project and met with professors for the reviews. A while ago, I saw some really nice photos about fabric storage system. I was amazed how some of you take your time to organize your fabric and taking good care of them! I had though about rearrange my fabric stash, but the space is really limited.

So, this is what I did today when I got home. I cut of some mat boards and any fabric that's over 1 yard I put them in bolts. The original size for the board is 7"x17", but it didn't fit the shelving space, so I cut it down to 7"x12". I really like the bolt system.

Many times that I found with long yardage fabric it is hard to fold and don't fit well with other small cut fabric. I also struggled with storage them in the space. They never able to fit into the shelve. With the new bolt system, it allows me to stack them up at the same length and will be easy to assess as needed.

After trim the extra board off the fabric look much clean and neat! I also like store fabric in photo boxes. Have you seen those around? You could find them in Jo-ann or craft store. Th last time I found them was priced in 1.99. Normally I store the FQs. One container could store up to 30 FQs. or more. It depends on how you fold your fabric, etc.

It is a very short week for me, but I have much to do ahead of me. I plan to return soon, but will be in a few days. Meanwhile check out the giveaway post. I'd LOVE to hear from all of you and wish you all good luck!

xxc

A blog anniervasery and ds quilt collection giveaway, too?

2011-04-26T17:13:00.012-05:00

Dear all, how was your Easter weekend? I ended up have 5 days off and tomorrow is my studio day, so no work! Am I lucky? Yes and No! I am burning out my energy and much more! I worked all break long and got LOTS done. So, it is time to celebrate! This is the 2nd blog anniversary that I am celebrating with you all. Has it been two years already? Well, I am actually a few weeks earlier since I will be gone by then, but it is important to celebrate with you.

When I first started this blog the intention was to promote my handmade goods at etsy. However, I slowly turned my intention away. I think it is more important to document partial of my life experiences in U.S. and what I have accomplished! I looked back the last year's posts. I found some of very fun photos and things I wrote! At once, I did thought about dropping blogging, but I knew how much I have improved on my writing. I have realized the more I do it the better I get!

I have made so friends within blogging land and found that the world is so big,but small at the same time! The visitors are everywhere and even some places that I probably will never be able to visit. I think it is amazing how you found me and found this blog! There is a great appreciation within me to you.

Within last year, we moved from one state to other and fortunately I was able to take this blog with me and still be able to post and share. Thank you for following along and drop in to check out what's going on here. I am hoping I will be able to celebrate the 3rd year with you and able to create more works, but it will be challenging since school work will only get heavier and harder! I will be optimistic and take one step a day!

As our trip is coming closer that I have getting anxious about everything. I am ready to see my family since last we were there. It has been 2.5 years! We don't even skype or doing phone calls. It is just how my family functions! They will be super surprise to see how much S has been grown up and how much older I got .. well, maybe mature.. let's put it this way! I would hope to blog while I am there, so I'd be able to show you Taiwan and Japan.

Needless to say! Thanks you all much and dearly!

I'd like to giveaway a charm pack of Denyse Schmidt's new line, Picnic and Fairgounds! . While I was cutting the fabric, I knew this is what I need to giveaway for the anniversary and I am sure will put up a nice package to send over to you So, this is how to play...

1. Leave a comment
2. Please share where you are from.. I always curious about it!
3. Just say something
4. Make sure I have an accurate email address to contact
5. Have fun play
6. The comment close on Mother's day that leave you time to decide if you'd like to play or not
7. The international friends are welcome to play, as long as the USPS reaches your address..

Happy day~

xxc

Friday fun

2011-04-23T09:01:00.006-05:00

Hello all~ I am back with few "to do" list crossed off. The paper is done! Thanks to wonderful friend who helped me proof read and I got my artwork framed by a professional artwork care specialist and my laundry is in the last load. I could smell the spring air although we have so much rain and our basement smells stink! I will not complain now! S and I drove 75 miles away yesterday and I found the other 11 prints of Denyse Schmidt's new fabric line! I know it's a bit of craziness going on here in my head, but I got them here in my lovely studio space! The lady in Jo-ann's where so helpful! Even though I didn't have many coupon this time, but I got them home with me anyway.. I think they were my early Mother's day gift to myself. It is nice to look at this way sometimes..

I have already cut them down and the fabric quality is very nice! I would say it is not the same Jo-ann's fabric. I like the picnic line a lot! The colors are well matched. Lots excitement in the fabric.

I am saving these for something... not sure what that would be, but I will play with them this time!

I've cut the charm pack and listed in my esty shop! I know the oversea friends who can't access to this wonderful fabric line might like to purchase, but without an outlet. In this charm pack, it comes total of 21 prints and 42 pieces. The charm pack contains two 5"x5" for each fabric. I don't have enough fabric to offer FQ or yardage, but I know you search on etsy. I have seen people listed.

Have a wonderful day~

xxc

as sweet as it can be

2011-04-20T20:22:00.010-05:00

Hello everyone~ It seems like I was just here to writing about avoiding writing my final paper a few days back. Well, to be more than honest to myself, the paper isn't going so well. I had to added so much more and take off so much more. I am in page 10 now and one more page need to be added by tonight. I need a little break from it (breath)! When we got home today, a little love package was in our mail box.

Guess who arrived? Easter bunnies arrived our mail box today! S was so thrilled to open the package and saw her favorite chocolate from Kristy's Kandy. I must tell you they carries the nice chocolate in town and maybe the best! They also make great truffles.

Thanks to my dear dear friend Ellen's package. S' loves getting package, cards, and letters. I think she feels special when she gets the packages and feel loved by many of our friends and families. Speaking of families, I am counting down my departure day. However, a paper needs to be polished. A quilt needs to be done. Some letter press prints need to be printed and more fabric need to be purchased before we can really wrapped up our suitcase and take off. I am feeling burning the end of semester, but glad I have a blog where I can just come up and "write".

I am destashing more fabric from my fabric collection. It seems like I have many prints that I haven't been use or haven't find a perfect project for it. I am making some space for my school work instead. I will list the new destash fabric in my etsy shop later tonight. Please let me know if you snatch the fabric from me on the buyer to seller box. I'd love add a little something for you as my appreciation.

I'll sure let you know my giveaway soon.. I am working on it as soon as my paper is done and get organize. I am sure it will be a fun one..

xxc

almost done

2011-04-17T08:46:00.007-05:00

Hello all~ The snow didn't stop late on Friday night and was falling a bit more yesterday. Most of them melted right away once the sun is out, but the ground is covered with snow. We have a new snowbank by our apartment and took out snow boots again and rolled up my jeans yesterday. The snow melted by noon and wasn't fun to walk around. I had to get more DS quilt collection yesterday. I really love the color ways and the fabric. I must admit that I used four 50% off coupon for all of them! I do have a lot of coupon, don't I?

I got these new girl pattern from the stores. S is having two music recitals. Each time, I try to make some clothes for the event. Last year, I had to skip it because we were about to move. There's not excuse for not making some spring dresses for her this year. We were in the store for hours and she agreed for these two dresses that she would wear and like! I think being a 7-year-old is difficult. She can't really made up her mind. She had to give it a though, which was fun to see that.

I am up here working on my blog because I am avoiding my last task for the weekend- my 10 pages long final paper. I am not a big fan of writing paper and I haven't done that in ages. I am a little be hesitated and wish it would just like blog writing. I have to give up my "paygelyra handmade" flickr. I do not remember the username and password. However, I have a back up account. I have deleted the old photos and upload the new photos. It would help me to organize my photos better now.

Have a great weekend,

xxc

the white... has returned

2011-04-15T19:47:00.006-05:00

Yes! The snow has returned! We woke up about 6 this morning. The snow has been falling since. We have about 6 inches snow by now and it is still coming. I just remembered that we had some nice days in the beginning of the week then it turned into windy days. This is what we get afterward.

It seems like the snow will be stop till later tonight. I am curious how much snow we would get over night. I saw the life-webcam on the red river between Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. It is up high and the bridge is under the water now. We just walked over the bridge last Saturday. Well, I am not sure when the bridge will open again, but surely not very soon. It is also flooded on I-29, so we probably will not be able to visit Fargo on Easter break. I would love try to drive between water though, I think that might be COOL!

I finished basting the double wedding ring quilt yesterday. I have all the hand-quilting pattern on and have been working on this piece today. I had to use many masking tape for this quilt. I was trying to match the backing and the quilt top together. I would be so happy to have it done then I am challenging myself for a queen size, anyone interest to make a double wedding ring with me? If you do, let me know~

It has been a wet and cold day when we got home our shoes were soaking wet. We both were in a hurry to take the shoes off and got some hot coco and rice crackers. I think the weekend would be a catch up weekend.

Have a great weekend

xxc

sewing curves tutorial

2011-04-14T20:54:00.010-05:00

I though I'd post a quick and simple tutorial as promised for the double wedding ring curves sewing. I found the way I do it was much easier than trying to make it difficult. Here we go.. As you see the top picture on the left is called arch in the double wedding ring and the left is called melon.

Take your melon and fold in half. Use your finger tips to make a line mark by pressing the fabric.

This is what I was talking about the "mark". This would be the center of the melon.

Find your center of arch and line up with the "mark" you just made on the melon. I am not sure the double wedding rings that have been written or you use, but mine have 6 pieces that pieced for one arch.

I pin down the center and the top and the bottom of my melon and arch. I only have 3 quilting pins. I found it gives me lots rooms and flexibility of the curves. I think the less pin that has been use the better curves have turn out for me at least.

As you can see here that my melon and arch sandwich is curved. You would need to work with your curves on the sewing machine, but don't pull. If you try to pull so much that would only stretch the fabric.

The curve would look like this when you have it done. It should be clean and nice sewing seam all around.

This your sewn melon and arch look like after you have them sewn together. I pressed my seam towards to the arch side instead of melon because later on you'll need to sew the other side of the arch to the piece. Hope this quick tutorial makes sense to you.

What are you planning on doing this weekend? My weekend is going to be..

1. laundry
2. house cleaning
3. building frames for my artwork
4. grocery shopping
5. writing my final paper
6. start double wedding ring hand-quilting
7. start a new quilt top project.

Does it seem a lot? I bet if I wake up at 6a.m. again I can have them all done on this weekend~ Check with you all later~

Payge Lyra Handmade has moved to www.quarterinchmark.blogspot.com

xxc

Out and about

2011-04-13T16:13:00.006-05:00

Last night, I was up late again and trying to finish my double wedding ring backing. It has been a sort of overdue project even it seems I have just finished it! I would like to have it bast by this weekend and start hand-quilting. I am looking for some fun hand-quilting patterns. Anyone have ideas for me? So, what do you do when you are late at night? Since I was late. I like catch up blog readings and catch up some fabric news. After I read this post from true up. I was over excited about it! I had a doubt last night and thinking woul our local store carry them now?

Denyse Schmidt's new collection via Jo-ann's is pretty! I must say they aren't any Jo-Ann fabric quality. They are made from Korea and 100% quilting weight. It charges $9.99 per a yard in the Jo-Ann's within the United States. How cool is that?? So, I was out and about ( purposely). I went to our local Jo-Ann's and they were just in! Our Jo-Ann is very small, but they have them in and I bet your Jo-Ann's would have them already, GO check them out! I didn't get all of them, since I have a small budget, but I will sure return to get the rest when I have a bigger budget for them.

I must say, I love them all! I have been waiting to buy some new fabric to reward myself and I chose them over some others. I know I will get more when I travel to Japan and Taiwan, but this is first treat till the end of semester.

Well, this is my out and about day~

p.s. If any of you would like to get some. Please feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to pick some up for you with no additional cost, but you'll need to pay the shipping. I think I can only ask them to cut 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1yard etc. Let me know, anyway~

xxc

weekend

2011-04-10T16:08:00.006-05:00

Happy weekend everyone~ First I'd love to thank you for all the sweet comments on my double wedding ring. I will respond your questions shortly. It is gloomy and raining outside! The temperature is dropping again. Yesterday, we went to by the red river (The river that is between ND and MN) . It is going to reach 51" on its highest peak by the midweek. The water is so high and part of the park is under the water now. We had a friend from Iowa this weekend. It feels so good when we have our old friends here with us! We were out and about yesterday and did some shopping. I found something nice and would like to share soon.

This weekend is a none sewing weekend for myself. however,I might have to pick up some work later tonight. I feel like laying on my floor and just do nothing. I remember when I was a child on the weekend raining day. My mother would allowed me watch TV all day long, I haven't done that since I became a mom. I was up 6 a.m. this morning and was in hurry to do my laundry. I had all the housework done by 7:30 this morning. I feel good about myself! At least I have done the keeper job for the weekend.

I went through my fabric collection and have decided it is time to destash some of my fabric. I have added them to my etsy shop this weekend. S and I are going to travel back to Taiwan visit my family in summer. The last time when we were there was 2 and half years ago. It has been a long time since last we were there. We both are excited about the trip and will stop by Tokyo for a week. If you wonder why I pick this time to go to Japan. Actually I purchased my tickets 2 days prior the earthquake. I didn't want to bother change the tickets since I have all my room and tickets booked. I will also meet my college friends in Tokyo. One of the girl is getting marry in the summer. Last time we saw each other was 10 years ago. Doesn't time fly? I believe it does!

If you let me know you come from this blog in the buyer's to seller message box. I will added a little something for you as my depreciation.

xxc

double wedding ring

2011-04-06T18:04:00.008-05:00

Hi and am back! After hours of sitting and sewing. I wasn't sure if I can really make the double wedding ring quilt. However, I have done it! It's a lot of curves and not so many ripping actually. Last night, I was up "late" and completed the top!

I randomly picked from my scraps and it is a testing piece I would say. The most I have learned from sewing a double wedding ring quilt is the accuracy from the cutting and piecing. I don't think I have the perfect cuts or piecing, but I think there's a point that I had to just work around with the matching curves together, but not pulling. Pulling is not so good for this pattern. It would not allow the melons, arches, and center piece match well. I have a few of that didn't match well, but I was glad I learned and will be able to fix up for the next double wedding ring quilt, I think it will be a queen or king.

I have a bad feeling about myself when I am into a challenge project. I forget things that are important around me. A couple of times, I forgot to fix dinner on the weekends. S was snacking in the kitchen and I didn't notice that. There were a couple of weekend nights I forgot to put her in bed early. She was up till mid-night. With the daylight saving it is not easy to tell if it is 7 pm or 8pm. My friend suggested me to set up alarm in my studio, so I can remind myself the time! That sounds ridiculously for me, but I think that might not be a bad idea.

I am really happy how the quilt turn out! It's bright and it's fun! I am sure it will be a fun piece to do the hand-quilting. I would like to thank my very special friend who helped me with the questions and sent the simple sewn arch and melon in the mail for me and workbook help a ton! Thanks! ( You know who you are!)

I'd like to share one little story when I was measuring the size. Originally I wanted to make a simple piece only 9 rings together, so I though 4 sections for each ring. So, when I had them layout on the design wall.. My rings kept going! Ooops.. it turns out 3 rings in cross and 5 rings down, so I have 15 rings instead. I didn't think about there's a arch/melon section shared between.

That's me! Holding the quilt! I didn't have any thing on my face and normally I don't wear any colors on my face, but I looked very exhausted. S did a good job on taking pictures for me even though I know it's blur ..

I plan on hosting a second blogversiary giveaway very soon and all the readers are invited. Doesn't matter where you live as long as USPS can reach your address.

Have a great day~

xxc

weekend

2011-04-04T09:10:00.007-05:00

It was raining so hard on Sunday. The rain didn't stop! I think I heard the thunderstorm as well, but the furnace was on, so I couldn't really tell. A gloomy Sunday, what did I do? I was busy sewing. Here are 9 rings arches and melons. I need to iron the other side today in order to piece them together. It was fun. I love double wedding ring patten!! The curves are not that hard once I really gets on them. I did the chain sewing, so I didn't have to stop for each seam. I was able to use more scraps from the basket and cut a few from large scarps.

S and I made a loaf of bread last night! My egg wash didn't turn out nice as I hope! The bread tasted great! We had some for the morning. We love homemade bread! Our next challenge would be cinnamon rolls. It might be our incoming weekend project.

A new mail box for S. S gets mail all the time. Some letters were written in Chinese, but she can't really read them. Sadly, I don't really spend the time to teach her read or write in Chinese. She can write her Chinese name and recognize some words, like 火- fire, 水-water，金- gold，木- wood，口-mouth, etc. Her communication in Chinese is good, but not perfect! Anyway, She had an idea attaching beans on her mailbox when we went out shopping. She told me a little more design for the cover. I love when she decided what she wants to do and really doing it!

Our weekend fleet by too quick. The weather wasn't so great! Maybe a little more sunshine would make April a faster month! I got many errands done this morning, I think this is the benefit of being an early bird? I got my second MMR shoot this morning and my arm is sore as my first one. Keeping a good medical record is important! I probably had more than 6 MMR shoots by today. School is almost done, in 4 weeks. My summer is coming so soon! I have a big plan ahead of us!

I shall return sometimes this week and hope to show you all my rings sewn together. Another busy week for us and sure for you, too.

Have a great week~

xxc

sew = cook

2011-04-02T19:36:00.011-05:00

Yes! I have more than 3 pairs of scissors. Please ignore the fact that I have 6 pairs. They all have different purpose! I also have 7 rulers, small, big, skinny, and the metal one. Another fact is I have two rotary cutters, but I love my Fiskars; light and easy move. I love to use Pyrex bowls to store the fabric. They don't take lots room and easy to move on the table and they are pretty! Don't you think sewing is like cooking? I bet you probably have certain bowls for certain food and lots pans and pots for your cooking and perhaps lots utensils. I laugh today when I was taking pictures today because I do have lots of what I just mentioned. Maybe I should be more honest; I have more than I need indeed!

Last night the power went out. It didn't come back till 4a.m. today. Yes! It was cold last night without heating system running. We went to bed at 8. Anyway, I finished my first ring this morning. I was proud of myself sewing curves with lots courage!

After finishing my ring I was continue reading the workbook for the following steps and I found a BIG mistake I made on the arches and melons. I supposed to have my seams toward to the arches instead of melon. All my 4 sections were wrong.

I ripped the sections off and fixed the seams. It wasn't fun, but I am glad I found my mistake on the first ring. I though double wedding ring is a very scary patten, but I must share with you. It is very simple. I think all the trick is the curves and the right direction on the seam.

My basket full of scraps are cut into 2"x2". I decided to use them for my first Double Wedding Ring. The basket is down to a flat surface now. I have some tiny scrapes in the bowl, but I think S will treasure them for her little projects.

I used to use plastic food container for sewing threads and cut off fabric, but every since I found my little Pyrex bowl. It is perfect for food and fabric . I need more Pyrex!!!

We were so busy today! S is still busy with her little project as I am writing the post and we hangout today! As she complained her shoes gotten smaller because her feet grew over this winter. We went out to the shoes store and got her a new pair of shoes. The weather is perfect for the spring days. We all need more good spring days, aren't we? I saw some green grass when we were out and smell the mud. I wish the trees could be green by tomorrow, but it will come slowly I think.

xxc

new play

2011-04-01T08:40:00.005-05:00

Lately, I have been productive! Trying new things, explore the new ideas and possibilities. One of the to do list was learning to sew curves and learning to be an adventurist. Yesterday I got home and started to cut up my little scraps into size of 2"x2". I had 6 pieces sewn together and was sitting on my chair to figure out the second step on the workbook- lining the 3/16" adjustment seam. It was not hard, but lots confusion. I had ripped the seams a couple of times, then here I have the seam line lineup.

My arches aren't perfect yet! My goal for this weekend is to find out an easy way and solution for that. I randomly picked the fabric as I go. It is an experiment sewing project. I am happy that I am not scare of trying the new things. Oh, I think I forgot to mention I am making double wedding ring. I have some ideas about the traditional double wedding ring, but I have to modify it a little as I go. Lots planning, fabric choose, color choose, size choose, quilting pattern choose. Prior any of that my current study is feeling comfortable on my curve sewing.

I found use less pin is better for the curves. Do you agree? I like the follow through sewing rather than lots pin on my melon and arches. I only use three pins for each arches, center, top and bottom. A little pull and adjustment were made during the sewing process. I can't wait to see you all my first ring! I have three pieces sewn last night. One more piece would make my ring and I would have new challenge of sewing the center piece.

Today is April 1st and we had more snow yesterday I think the weather played the fool on us a day ahead. Did anyone play April Fool joke around yet? We are praying for spring to arrive! S is anxious to get on her bike for the greenway ride and I am anxious for the lightly coat. Our weekend will full of lots, paper, glue, fabric, movie, candies, type, and of course some baking. I have promise S I'll be a FUN mom this weekend.

have a great weekend now~

xxc

new stash

2011-03-31T20:02:00.004-05:00

Hello there... Do you think I am crazy? I got some amazing wool last week and they arrived in my school mail box this week. I am pleased! More than pleased! More.. They are soft, amazing colors and amazing texture. I have to share with you where I got them. They are from Heaven to Basty. Prior the order, I emailed Erica a few times regarding how to take care of wool and how to wash them, etc. Erica was more than just short paragraph in her email. She shared how they process their fabric and how to take care of wools.

I washed my wools in warm water and dry them in delicate setting dryer. Each of piece shrink about 2 inches. During the wash process which we called felting process. It did make the wool actually a little thicker, but not much different prior the wash. The wool fabric comes in 54" wide which gives me lots fabric to play with.

A little sample piece they included in my package. That's always sweet to find the little sweet fabric the seller includes. Just to let you know, I am not promoting their store, but I just please and really want to share with you all where to find good and fair price wool fabric. I am ready to order more. They are going to be nice garment fabric for the cold winter. For sure I'd love to make some pants for S and a little girl dress for S as well.

I shall return tomorrow~ I have been sleeping in better and take easy during these days. I try very hard to be kind to my body and be generous to my fingers.

xxc

no kidding process

2011-03-28T23:12:00.005-05:00

It is closed mid-night here in Midwest. I am still up! I have been living like a night owl for last week and a weekend. None stop marathon hand-quilting and none stop working in the studio room. I forgot to cook our Saturday night meal and put S to put around mid-night on Saturday night. I though it was 10p.m. I blamed on the summer hour for the long day light look!

My finger tips are wearing out! My neck and back both are tied! S has been "walking" on my back every night to get my back "crack" and she feels so proud of what she "could" help her mommy feels better! KID! I was hoping to get the quilt all quilted tonight, but I think I might need another night or day to complete the look! I am not sure if I am please the look, but it is sure a fun process that I am taking! Lots hours and few drops of "blood" and missing "between needles". Oh, did I forget to mention S got poked by the needles twice in two days. Once the needles dropped on the rug, I can't see them! My eyes are really bad. I mean really BAD!

For last few days I have been researching a hand-quilting frame. I have been looking, but I asked myself if I really need one. On the other hand, I spend about 3-4 hours on hand-basting and sometimes longer. It would be helpful if I can find a quilt frame that's without basting I think that would speed up and save some time for sleep. Suggestions if you have!

Do you recall my vintage sheets and kona soild? They have been process and becoming a quilt and will be put in good use. I have enjoy so much while I am working on this quilt. I am sure I have learn a lot from this quilt. Lots play and lots stop and think and of course questions about how and what.

Now! I am going to sleep! The daylight saving hasn't been friendly to us at all! We haven't get used to the new hour and scary part is that we have been getting up late/ almost pass school bell.

Lesson to learn

2011-03-24T11:10:00.005-05:00

Hello there! Yesterday I was basting my new quilt together. I had all the piece sandwich and ready to go. I used the very traditional basting way when I hand-quilt. It is hard for my fingers, but I love the texture when the quilt is complete.

This is what I learn during the process. Often time, I used my fingers to take the needle up, but I get poked a lot. A couple of my fingers were poked and bleed during the basting time. I when to the kitchen and go a spoon. So, this is what did. When my needle came up I used the spoon to catch the tip then pick it out with my fingers. The process went faster and my fingers were less hurt. I got the new quilt all basted and ready to quilt. I think it will take me a week or so to complete the hand-quilting part~

Have great day~

xxc

new found

2011-03-22T09:16:00.003-05:00

Hello there~ I went home after my work yesterday. I was able to finish the quilt top before went pick up S. I think I am in serious trouble! I kept going to the thrift stores and looking for the Pyrex! About two years ago, I found two pieces of Pyrex casserole dishes in Iowa and felt in love with the dish!

I enjoy looking for these treasures. Some how they speak loudly to me when they are on the shelves. They tell me, "Bring me home!!!" I am sure many of you out there love the vintage dishes. I also found some nice blogs about Pyrex and how to take care of them.

These little ones are great for morning cereals. I would love to find a blue one someday. It would be nice! I would like to find storage shelve for my Pyrex! They are currently sitting in my kitchen counter~ Have you find anything lately?

xxc

tasty treat

2011-03-21T10:46:00.003-05:00

happy spring~ i have been fighting the cold since last Thursday. it gotten worse than i would like. my throat is very dry and caught during my sleep. i am feeling better today, but i think i am heading home for a rest after my work today. we've received a little package from friend in iowa. she sent us some tasty treat for the spring. the mini gummy bears just warm up our hearts.

thanks, ellen~

happy spring to you all~

xxc

相信希望Fight & Smile

2011-03-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

我們的心都近了
愛聚在一起
互助互愛
我們都是地球人。。

日本頑強﹗

friday

2011-03-18T22:05:00.002-05:00

hello! finally i decided to make a quilt from the vintage fabric i got. i picked out the solid colors a few weeks back and set the project aside. i wasn't sure what i want to make, but i am having fun!
lots cutting and playing here. s and i had great time yesterday. she got a new drawing pad and i got myself a cup of coffee. what a nice treat!

today i work slowly at home and a short stop in school studio and finished some post card drawing. i hope my professor would agree with my change next week when we meet up for the mid-term. i keep telling myself...one more week of spring break would be great!

xxc

wednesday

2011-03-16T19:27:00.009-05:00

last night i finished the note pad organizers. the inside pockets are the same design. i like to keep them simple. i think it is easy to take the pads in and out. i like to leave bigger space for pens. i know many teachers like to carry more than one pen. i do and glad that these are done and i can cross them out from my "to do" list.

i would like to make a couple extra organizers this week, but i am not sure if i can pull them out this week, fingers are crossed!!! today the temperature was in the mid-40's again. i was able to turn the heat down and open windows. the fresh air did make a lot different. has spring arrived in your place?

tomorrow i will not be around as s and i are taking a trip to the city near by us. it will be a fun day; shops and a treat in a nice restaurant.

xxc

spring

2011-03-15T20:48:00.007-05:00

spring break is great! i have the time to clean our home and rearranged spaces. i am looking for a new sitting for our living room tomorrow. i probably will not be able to purchase one, but it great that i can go window shopping. remember my antique sewing drawers that i collected? they were used to be empty and for the look, but i decided to put my bigger scrapes fabric in them. i really like it! i get to access the fabric more and they bright up the space a lot!

i have been sewing all day today. i went to school and had lunch with s ( my monthly schedule). it was a lot of fun eating with the 1st graders and listen to their stories and they call me s' mom! i love it! i got my linen from joann's. linen is quiet stretchy. i used the fusible interfacing in the back, but it still stretch a little. anyone has good tips working with linen?

i started making s' teachers appreciation gifts this week. i know i won't get free time after spring break. the new school's teachers are great! each teacher takes their time to work with the kids in their need and challenge their brain! they have helped me to situated s in the new school. i feel thankful for what they have done!

today was a nice day! we had in the mid-40's. i can't ask for more, but warmer weather is always appreciated! s and i can't wait to ride our bikes around the blocks and possible a ride to the bakery for breakfast! it will be a treat to both of us.

have you done your spring cleaning? i got a box full of clothes and shoes to donate and some fabric as well. i would like to go through our clothes again before i made my trip to the donation center.

happy sewing~

xxc

i did it!

2011-03-14T19:08:00.008-05:00

i did it! i don't remember how did i get the chairs. i think someone gave them to me when i moved in to my second apartment in iowa. i have been using the same chair for last 5 years and finally i wore the cover out! ( big butt?) one of my goal during the spring break is trying to recover the chairs. i went to school studio and borrow the staple gun and came home unscrewed the sit.

i am not sure how old are the chairs. i saw one of the label for the chair is made out from the oak. i would like to finish the wood frame part when i have the time and the right tools. it would be a fun summer project, wouldn't it?

s picked the pink for hers. she wanted denyse schmidt's county fair for her chair. i thought it is cute for her to sit on. the whole process was quick and easy. the challenge part was the corners. i wished that i can fold the corners tied and neat look.

for mine. i pick the blue. i though the match print might be fun to go together in our studio room. i wish i could tone the chair color down then it might be a better look?? i feel so good to have the chairs cross off my list and move on to next project.

new chairs for s and myself! love them! this afternoon i rearranged our living room. it looks bigger, clean, and tidy now! since we don't have many storage space and furniture we leave our school bags, books, toys in the living as we come home from school. since my friend gave us two large pieces of storage for our clothes, i was able to move the wire storage to the kitchen, so the kitchen boxes are finally out and in the clean place. hopefully by next fall i will be able to find us a place to sit in the living room. until then we'll be sitting on the floor.

my first day of spring break is busy! i have ordered a couple sewing patterns and hope they arrived my door step this week, then i can start the new project and get busy again. tonight will be another busy sewing night.

xxc

the weekend

2011-03-14T00:50:00.005-05:00

dear friends, how was your weekend? did you switch your clocks? it is always hard for me during the daylight saving time. my body seems not able to match the update time. our weekend is very productive. i have been followed the news about Japan's disaster. all my Japanese friends have return my email, but one friend that I am still waiting to hear from. i send my prayer to Japan~

s picked out fabric for her violin bag. she wanted something spring and fun. she also requested a stripe bag. she made the arrangement herself yesterday. it is fun to see her going through my stashes and kept telling me, can i have this piece? i think this one would be better. mommy, i think you have more than you need ( yes, baby!).

for the bag, i used the fusible batting, machine quilting vertically. s asked if i can add the sewing tape on the side for her and she pick up the little poodle sewing tape. i thought that was a good pick!

the bag was a lot of fun to make. i love the spring colors blended together. i am glad that i have this bag completed and s' book has a place to go now! today we got some new furniture from a friend. i was able to rearrange our kitchen, bedroom and studio room. i went through lots old fabric stashes and decided to donated the fabric that i don't use. hope someone will be able to make something from them.

this week is my spring break. i have a long list that i WANT to finish. i have put lots work behind and ignore them for ages. it is time to pick and finish!

have a great day~

xxc

in her eyes

2011-03-10T21:38:00.011-06:00

yesterday s was home early. i was working on one of my newest piece. she looked at me while i was working on my piece. s told me, " mommy come look at you in my picture." here i came and saw myself with a BIG needle on my hand. s told me, mommy, i must made the needle bigger because you can't find them when you drop them on the floor. well, it is very true. my eyes are really bad. it doesn't matter if i have my glasses on or off. i don't seem seeing little things well. i clearly remember when s was 3. she would pick up needles from the floor and gave them to me and said, " oops mommy".

this is the picture of me working with my newest doll quilt. i though kids are just amazing. they see things in a different perspective. they pay attention on little detail part which adults might not acknowledge about. it is amazing seeing her little detail and me in her pictures.

in case you are curious about the doll quilt that i made. it is a hand-quilted piece again. i've been in love with hand-quilting lately. it's a lot of fun! i would say i enjoy the process work more than anything~

this is the backside of it. this is the 4th piece that's completed with hand-quilting. however, with this piece i used polyester instead of 100% warm and natural batting. it is less pressure with the needle, but i am still thinking how do i like the polyester. But it does gives a fluffy look with the hand quilting. i do like the effect of it.

the major reason that i like and love the hand-quilting is that it adds the human kind of the nature touch to the piece. i do like machine quilting, but sometimes i asked myself do i just "make" quilts or do i "process" a quilt and give it a real look. what about you? have you though about it yourself? i'd love to know what's your thoughts~

s took this picture while i was working with the piece. she wanted to tell you guys that her mommy is crazy about fabric and quilts. i am sure you are not surprise about this at all~ it has been fun to work on the smaller piece and move on to something different each time.

this week has gone by fast! s was sick home on tuesday, so i missed out a day of work and she missed out the school. we both felt tired from the winter weather and wish that we can take walks or bike soon. tomorrow will be last day of work and school before spring break arrives. so very look forward the long break and new quilt tops to create~

hope your day has been well and have a great weekend. we will be visiting a friend and she is kindly giving us some of her furniture for our apartment. it would be nice to have extra storage space for us.

xxc

spring ?

2011-03-09T20:15:00.006-06:00

hello~ i am back! we had about 4 inches snow from last night, but all melted away by later this afternoon. i am not sure if spring is here, but i can smell the early spring ( grass and dirt) and the birds are singing. the day light is getting longer and the mornings are so much easier for me to get up and get ready! i must admit spring is the time i've been waiting since the bitterly cold winter has been here for long.

i made this little pouch last friday before we headed out for dinner. it is a early birthday gift to a friend who s and i are very caring about. i added some fun sewing tapes i got from nyc. i wondered if she got it? and feeling spring has arrived on her side?

i love japanese fabric! i can't tell you how many of them i collected; especially the linen and cotton blended. i wish i can make everything out it! i love this strawberries fabric. it is such nice and sweet fabric. i wished i have bought a yard instead 1/2 yard.

i have two more school meetings this week. they all landed on friday. i am sure when i come home on friday i will not want to talk or cook. next week is our spring break!! woohoo for that! i have much school work and sewing to catch up. i can't wait! i might take s on a road trip if the weather is nice. it's hard to tell the weather in march.

hope spring has arrived on your side and i am sure it will arrive on my side soon~

xxc

i was ..

2011-03-06T18:15:00.007-06:00

it was snowing hard up till 3p.m. the snow has covered the ground again. it's upsetting, but i truly believe spring is on its way. i was up early this morning and today my assignment to myself was learning paper piecing. i have seen many people used paper piecing also called foundation piecing. it is a lot of fun, but i noticed that the fabric gets waste a bit more.

i was making a flying geese for the piece. i think my geese are too small, so it was challenge for the first try out. have you done paper piecing before? i actually went to youtube and look through a couple of the video clips before i start it.

i used the regular print paper for my drawing. the paper itself is great for printing, but next time i might find other material instead. v at bumble beans has a great tutorial for making curve geese. you might want to check it out.

my first attempt of paper piecing was a success i would say! what do you think?

today s and i baked these bread sticks ( they are all gone now!) i though we would/ could have some for our chicken noodle soup tonight ( yes! homemade chicken noodle soup!). i had a productive day. i also piece up a nine-patch doll quilt for the work to show. my goal is to show some traditional quilt pattern work and modern quilt ideas. wish me good luck for the incoming week. it will be busy, very busy! thursday i shall return~

have a great week ~

xxc

a day off

2011-03-05T20:08:00.005-06:00

hello all, thanks for the suggestion and the love on the vintage sheets. i haven't decided what to make, but i think maybe some little doll quilt to start with. i might give them another wash before i actually cut through. normally i don't pre-wash my fabric, but i think they need a bit cleaning before i process them. so, i had a busy friday. i had a long drive within the town on friday. i ran all the errands and got most of them done! by the time when i looked at my gas tank meter it was 1/4 tank gone. i got some lamb and bacon from a local meat store. got all my artwork wrapped for next week's scholarly forum presentation. cleaned the apartment and much more. i didn't find that new fabric store which was disappointed. somehow the 13th street disappeared after 14th st. i was driving on the same location for 20 minutes before i gave up.

this embroidery dish towel is a super post delay christmas gift. i supposed to have it done 3 months ago, but it was never completed until yesterday. i am embarrassed, but i will send it over to my friend karen and with lots treat that i got in my day off day. i hope it will be a surprise for her ( she doesn't read my blog).

i love the day off! i can't tell you why! i hope you like day off, too. it is the kind of the day that i am all by myself without hassle s in and out especially in the winter season; getting winter gears on and off. i love the day off, i went to the excerice room and workout my body. i was able to be quiet and not need to respond to questions. i would be the one who ask questions. i love the day off, i was able to have a peace of mind just by myself. i love s, but i do need a day off sometimes. i love the day off, i got all the post works done and ready to start fresh!

do you get day off? how do you spend your day off? i must admit that we all need a day off! it reboots our energy level and ready for the new challenge.

have a great sunday! i plan on making two new quilt tops for my work! it will be exciting!

xxc

making

2011-03-03T20:40:00.005-06:00

hello~ how's your week so far? it has been the busiest week during the spring semester! i had to work extra hours and also was needed to finish a couple new work to show my professor. tomorrow i will have a day off from my work and will be able to run all the errands by myself. i will be able to take many picture with natural light setting around the changes and things that i am in progress. i am very looking forward tomorrow and best of all tomorrow is a friday! woho for that! i think i will visit a couple stores that i have been wanted to go for a long time. i just found there's a new quilt store in town. a visit is must!

i ordered some vintage sheets and not sure what to do with them now! i think they will becoming part of my new piece. i am a little bit surprise about how thin they are and i am afraid they will wear out faster! have you ever work with vintage sheets before? what's your experience? i love their colors and how soft they are!

i have completed the first piece ( the brown piece in the back) and was all hand-quilted! i can't tell you how sore my fingers are. i used 100% cotton batting. it is really hard on my fingers. my second piece ( the diamond look) also have completed by hand-quilting, but a binding is need over the weekend. i am in the process of hand-quilting on my third piece. these pieces are my sample pieces that will help me to develop some of the skills and would allow me to think outside of the boxes. i would like to build a hand- quilting frame over the spring break. has anyone seen one around? i am also looking for a traditional double wedding ring. does anyone have good recommendation on that? please speak if you do..

in a week, will be spring break! oh! we need a good break from school. i bet lots students plan to go down to the south, but i think we'll stay up in the north, but a short trip to the city is a must! did i mention ikea? it will be so much fun! i plan take s to mall of america's snoopy camp. i heard it not call snoopy camp anymore, but i bet she will have lots fun and enjoy the rides. oh.. i can't wait! my fingers are fly typing~

have a great weekend ahead of you~
i plan to work and be productive!
100% energy level

xxc

wip

2011-02-27T22:10:00.007-06:00

another week fleet by. i have been busy making new pieces and thinking how to change my working habit. as you all know when i sew i also turn on my movie, but i have found myself watching the movie half way through before i have done any. it is not an ideal working habit as far as i noticed and needing a change. the change that i must to be determine and must follow. this would be my new task for the new week. i'll let you know once i have it!

today i was working on some new pieces. i though i'd used up some of the tiny scraps from the basket. the pieces are 1"x1" in the finished size. my goal is use up as many scarps as possible. i went with warm and cold mixed colors and play a little contract on the top. i though it is pretty cool that you can see the back quilt. i have been thinking another simple nine patch quilt. i would like to make one for just red and white again, but probably in a smaller block. the ideal size would be 3"x3" finish size.

this is s' new art piece, a bag of cloth pin was her new toy. she was playing them with other toys today while i was working on my work. sometime, i do feel bad that she is always by herself in terms of playing. especially when mom is busy with school work and others. she did feel left out from my attention when i am so focus on my work. i wish spring can come sooner, so i can take her out for walks or biking. are you all ready for the spring? no matter how much i love wear heavy and cozy sweaters, but i think we all love the fresh air and good walks!

xxc

still here

2011-02-23T20:57:00.006-06:00

hello there, i am still here! i just haven't get the time and chance to update and i might need to take some of your time today. i think it will be a semi- long post. i just finished the above piece this afternoon. it is all hand-quilted and it really turned out nice! my fingers are hurting, but the quilt piece worth all the pain and of course the time.

i have been revising my program thesis and creating new pieces for it. it has been a really long process and also with lots sleepless nights and coffee and tea. my new thesis would allow me to create many quilts, but each quilt will have it's story! oh.. it would not be the narrative story and figures, but it is more process and the history. my professor is very cool about the change and the new change would allow me just sew, cut, piece, quilt, and more quilts to make. how awesome is that?

i have been saving the batting scraps. as quilter we all know that batting is a big part of quilting expense. when i started quilting, i didn't think scraps were any good, but as the time went by. i knew they come in handy. i patched two pieces together for my top piece. i went a bit fancy than i should! it was monday when i was home by myself and s was in school. i really had to find something to do other than waiting to get her back from school.

well, the biggest change for me this semester is that i have decided to focus on the textile for the major of my study. i have come to a long way and find that i need to be true to what i am about and what's important to myself at this moment. i am glad i made the change and it is going so fine so far. my next step would be learning different dye and silk screen printing on fabric. hopefully the weather will be nice, so i can start order supplies.

other than school works and struggling the new thesis outcome. i did treat myself some fun fabric. i found these 2d fabric of Alexander henry's from joanns. they were 30% off and i had an additional 10% coupon. nothing better than finding good quality and fair price fabric. i also got lots new sewing notion on monday. yes! i was all by myself and i was able to shop all the time i need and not need to rush out. i love having the holidays all by myself to be very honest.

another amazing found is heaven to betsy . they sale 100% wool fabric. erica sent me the swatch sheet in the mail yesterday. i have to tell you, they are so soft and really fine! You won't feel the itchy. they are great for handmade items and i am intend to make a quilt from the wool fabric. it seems that most of the quilts that we've seen here are made out cotton. it would be a change once i have it made and ready to show. i am excited to give myself a new task. it is much to learn and much to accomplish. question to you, have you ever made a quilt form wool fabric? in case i miss seeing any here. please let me know what's your experiences of the material. i love to hear and learn about.

february seems is going pretty quick. we still have much snow outside and not melt away. i think the spring won't come to north dakota very soon. i am getting anxious about the spring break which is coming in 2 weeks and am ready to get ready for some spring clothes.

hope you are still here with me...

xxc

pink and red

2011-02-14T08:45:00.002-06:00

to you and yours

happy valentine's day

xxc

very true

2011-02-13T15:10:00.006-06:00

there is a very true part of my life that i can't hide, "messy-ness". i consider myself a semi-organized person. before i became a mom, i was super organized and super neat, but my days aren't always open for house cleaning and putting stuff away now. some of the days, i have to leave what it is and fix it on the weekends or when there's a chance for me to pick up the stuff around the house. there are always projects going in our home. as you can see the artworks are attached on the wall/ everywhere actually and the fabric are everywhere. oh my! some of the days, i wish i have a room just for myself, it is true!

it is also very true that i like the messy work room in our apartment. i feel being productive once i enter the room. everything is ready for me and all i need to do is sit down, turn my machine on and open my computer and put on a movie. lately, i have been working on the school project. i have about 7 different white fabric to play with. oh, i forgot to mention i failed a few of them. after pieced over 2000 pieces of 1"x1" squares i changed my mind on my theses. boo.. no fun! it took me a good week nights to pieced them together! then it took me another week to restart the new concept.

another very true is that s took a nap today. she wasn't feeling so well. she insisted to stay in the work room with me. i made a little nest for her and she was out as soon as she cuddled in with her blanky. it has been 2 years since last she took a nap. she was tired and her eyes were in pink color. kids can never pretended when they are not feeling so well.

it's very true that s has been learning some big words from school. every friday she has spelling test. each night, i help her for the spelling and also we play games while study. s has becoming a book worm. it might not sound right, but i have discover that she enjoy reading more than making arts now. how funny! it's very true that she is growing up and finding her little self.

i think the word, "true" is the word for me in 2011. i have always been the kind of person trying to please people in many ways, but sometimes it is hard to show the true me and the true feeling i have. i wish myself to be true to people around me, to be true about myself, to be true about my artwork.

it's very true that today is a good weather day~

happy true day~

xxc

sweet

2011-02-08T08:48:00.002-06:00

nothing better than a sweet cupcake and a cup of bitter coffee.

In this moment

2011-02-07T09:53:00.005-06:00

{taken 7:45a.m. below 20}

not sure if it is because we live in the northern part of the country, so the sky tends to be lighter during the night. it hasn't gotten very dark for the whole winter time. the moon seems lower and the sun seems brighter. it was a bitterly cold morning when this photo was taken. clear sky with the clear moon.

have a great week~

and

thanks for the birthday wishes..
s had a wonderful b-day

xxc

7

2011-02-04T09:01:00.005-06:00

s turns 7 today! as you can see here a new music for her. she has been waiting to play violin since she was 4. at that time, i wasn't sure if she just want to play or really want to play. the end of the last year, she asked me if it is time for her to learn violin. i was very lucky found an excellent teacher in our music department and s started her first lesson the end of the last month. she loves it! i am quite proud of her.. the determination she has! if you ask, what's the first song she is playing. it is twinkle twinkle little star. i play on the piano and she plays on the violin. she called it " concert". s inspired me on many ways. i told my sister, i am learning to be a child again. so, this year i'll be learning to be a 7.

(taken in 27 below temp.)

i start s' 7th birthday quilt back in august. it took me a good 4 months to completed the quilt. i finished putting the quilt together during the christmas break. i really love how it turns out! it is just simple and lovely! i used up most of my pink stashes for this quilt.

hope soon s will be able to put this quilt on her own bed! i know she will be happy to have her own room. i am planing to make a pillow case as well, but it won't happen very soon.

much love and much cares for my not too little girl

happy birthday

xxc

had to

2011-02-02T17:48:00.004-06:00

had to get these basic fabric
had to show you what's new
had to tell you groundhog didn't see his shadow this morning.
had to tell you, spring is coming
had to share with you
today is a good day~

xxc

small project

2011-01-30T09:06:00.007-06:00

remember this post? i am sure you all are out there and quietly supporting my little blog. i have been wanting to use up my scarps for little projects. it is scary to see the baskets are building up quick! the other scary part would be i keep purchase fabric when they catch my eyes or when they are having great deals.

i have to admit that this semester i feel much lay back about schooling and everything. i allowed myself to make something fun on the weekends. on the week days i put most of my attention and energy on my school work. it has been a better solution and yet i got both fun and work done!

i have a love for nine-patch block. the first quilt that i received was a nine-patch quilt. it seems deeply root in my mind whenever i think of simple quilts. for this baby quilt, i used most of my scarps and added kona snow. it's very bright and playful~ do you have a love for a simple quilt design?

i must laugh myself ! i had to pin the quilt on my living room quilt in order to take photos. we don't have any nice wall space that i can hang my quilt up for photographing and the living room gets better light then our studio room at home. so far it's working for small projects.

January is most gone and we'll be welcome February soon~

have a cozy sunday

xxc

simple

2011-01-29T19:01:00.005-06:00

hello all, how's going? can you believe that we've had one day that was up in the 30's. it was feeling like spring is here, but two days later was snowing and "cool" again. let's hope no more below 0 temperature. i used up 5 fat quarters for this baby quilt. this is a gift to a friend who is going to have a baby girl soon. it was a quick project for me to put it together. of course a good movie as well!

for the backing i used up the cut off fat quarters and also some kona snow white. this is the first baby quilt i made. hope it will cozy up the baby once she arrives. lately i feel that i need to start create more smaller quilts and give them away. i love when my friends' got the quilt i made and tell me how much they love and enjoy the quilt.

i also got two baby clothes and sewed up some wash cloth from my knit fabric stash. i hope it is going to be a surprise gift to her. i am not sure what to get her now, since s has out grown much baby age. any suggestions? i do hope the quilt would be in a good use and hope once the baby gets here she can cover her with it.

have you doing much lately? this blog might have to turn in a week-end blog instead. i enjoy my saturday- i called it house keeping day. i love do nothing homework related and nothing job related work. it is just me and s hanging around.

do you have any good and simple receipt for dinner that you can share with me? not to scare you. this week, we had spaghetti 3 days in the roll. on the 4th night, s refused to eat anymore, so i fixed some rice and veggies for her. i wish i know how to make casseroles or use crock pot for some stew. any simple way to make??

stay cozy indoor~

xxc

wonder

2011-01-23T20:58:00.004-06:00

hello..HEllO..heLLo..HeLLo... there.. I wondered if any of my readers are still with me! I am still here! It has been really busy over here with school and new schedules between s and me. I have finally put down my work hours at school and hopefully it will be a better schedule for me and s. The most challenge part is the weather. It has been below 0 for many days ( a week?) now! It makes everything twice harder: school, grocery shopping, running errands, and mostly getting us out there and do all the work. We have bundled up like giants from BFG ( big and heavy). you won't believe! Layers of layers clothes and winter gears we put on each day! Last week, I went googled and found out that we are living in the 2nd coldest state in the US. Some friend asked me which state is the number 1, it is Alaska! Any Alaska reader friends here? KEEP yourself warm!!

Yesterday we spent few hours in the studio. I was glad I got some work done at school and got us some food to eat as well. It has been a while since we went shopping. Today the weather advisory suggested that we stay indoor since the wind chill was -30. I pulled out my scraps and putting a quilt together. I used the simple nine patch for my quilt! At this moment, I have the quilt top put together, since it is a pretty small quilt I might as well put the whole quilt together tonight, since I am not sleepy at all!!! Do you think that the excitement does affect your body energy level? That's how I am! Tomorrow I will be experiment the tea dye at school and I am excited about it! I have heard how easy it is, but I never tried it before.

While I was busy in the studio. s made herself a tail. She strong believes that she needs a tail. I have always enjoy her piano time. Check on her when she was sing and playing at the same time. I though she was cute put on her tail and had a great posture for the piano practice. Have you notice the color or the tail? I wonder if you know what she was?

stay cozy my dear friends... It has been a very cold and rough winter..

xxc

organizing

2011-01-16T20:58:00.005-06:00

my embroidery thread collection is growing! last week, i got another new box for the new flosses. my goal is having all the dmc colors. it might be challenge because they aren't actually in number order. i have seen some pearl cotton in a ball lately and really like to try some, but the price is 7 times more than the regular floss. embroidery is one of my favorite hands on work! one of my grad school project currently is working with embroidery on the hand drawing. i really enjoy the process!

today again is a bitterly bitterly cold here in north america. the wind is blowing and snowing as well. we have had cold temperture for a few days now. i managed the time and back to school studio. i have put on the alpaca on the loom for a new weaving project. unfortunately, i have my alpaca too short again! the studio was burning hot! i bet the facility custodian didn't turn the heat down! s and i were both burning hot! we had to get some pop from the vending machine. it was so good! feels like summer: cool pop and heat!!!

the january is half way gone! i am counting on the bitterly cold to be gone! i knew february will be another challenge month, but once march is here.. spring is not too far away~

have a great day~

xxc

a package...

2011-01-15T22:40:00.002-06:00

today we received a package from thousand miles away. it is a love package from my family back in taiwan. each year, my family sends us a big package! in the package, there are lots of hometown treats, new clothes for s and me and of course cards and letters. s' birthday is so close to the chinese new year, so she gets " lucky money" from uncle, aunt, grandpa, and grandma.

we love love love the wait for the package to arrive and the opening package time. it is always a surprise to see what's inside and of course my sister always sends me the Vietnam instant coffee packages. i am sure the bitter cold janurary will go fast. the coffee will warm me up in the early morning. now, i need some homemade bread to go with that speacial coffee.

when i was in college back in iowa. i remember mom and brother always sent me packages with lots hometown treats. it is very hard to live in the diffenernt country because sometimes i do crave for certain treats and food. of course mostly is mom's home cooking. today, we had so many yummy food from the package and we are fulfilled with loves! we are thankful to have a family that is always thinking about us even though we are thousand miles apart!

sister always told me. even though it takes 3 flights and hours to get home; however, taiwan and u.s. can be measure within a ruler. i love the way how she looks at it!

xxc

tasty treat

2011-01-13T07:17:00.003-06:00

for some reason, we love berries! particular blueberry. when i saw the berries were on sale in the store the other day, i had to grab two pines of blueberry. they are sweet and big! s loves eat blueberry for snack time and i love use blueberry for baking. the natural sweetness of the berry always brings good flavor.

xxc

just having fun

2011-01-11T20:35:00.005-06:00

{for me}

over the break, i decided to cut down the pieced scrape into two placemats. it has been hanging in the workroom over a year and i wanted to do something with it. it was narrow and long. i had a lot of long scraps that pieced in. originally, i though i would make the piece bigger and make it into a quilt, but that didn't happen. it is strange how things always change around us.

{for s}

i had an amazing break! this week, it is pretty light in school, but i haven't been sewing much. just want to get my study mode back and ready for school, classes, and my gra job. however, i'd like to start a project myself here. i want to allow myself sew something a day then that would give me a fun thing to do other than work and study. i have been thinking about couple of little projects. as soon as i get my table clean and schedule ready.

{ for the cups and muffins}

i have been happy about some of the turn outs! finishing many WIP projects and got a couple designs for new quilts. i have been surfing the fabric for the new quilt. i'll be making the new quilt for my friend who graduated from college a week ago. soon, i will have to start the quilt for my mom. anyone has good suggestions for that?

wish you happy and a great day~

xxc

part 2: use up

2011-01-10T19:08:00.003-06:00

it is funny that whenever we visit the grocery store we have to get some bananas. due to the indoor heating our banana always gets old faster than we could eat up. yesterday, i decided not to throw them away this time, but make a loaf of the banana bread. um...i forgot how good the banana bread taste like. it is just simple and easy.

here is how i make mine..

1 cup of sugar
2 cups of flour
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup of mashed banana
1 cup of chopped walnuts
(since s doesn't like nuts, so i have no nuts in the loaf)

we had it for breakfast and i chopped a big piece for my lunch at school today..
yum..

are you have a tasty day?
oh my!
i had some biscuit today other than the bread

xxc

use up

2011-01-09T17:36:00.006-06:00

what do you do when you have basket full of scrapes? today i clean up the baskets full of scraps and organized them by sizes and colors. i hate to waste any fabric, so i tried to save them all if i can.

i save my binding triangles in this tin. i plan to make more mini quilts from them. they really add up quickly! when i just started quilting. i used to toss them away, but when i found some of fun projects actually only need small piece of fabric then i learn to save them all!

today i used up all the tiny 1.5" squares and uneven sizes. now the basket looks nice and i could start something new! i think it would be fun to make a quilt that only from the scrape baskets. it would be fun to see what type of fabric that i have used.

today i used the 1.5" squares and uneven sizes for a mini doll quilt. the seams aren't match, but it was a fun project for me. the mini quilt is for kiki. oh, i probably never introduce kiki here.. she is an amazing hippo that s loves to take care of. kiki has been kindly share her blanky to ther animal, i though i'd make her new one.

have you tried the new tutorial? please do let me know how it work for you. i'd love to see yours as well. school starts tomorrow and i will be returning school full time! fun!! the days are getting a little bit longer have you noticed? the sun is down about 5:10p.m. we love coming home in light not dark!

xxc