Sunday Stash #4 Fabrics Temporarily Forgotten

I've purchased fabric a handful of times over the last month but forgotten to share them and use them. Ha!
I have them in little stacks around the studio for inspiration (aka I still haven't put them away!).
All fabrics are from Joann's simply because they opened a store less than 2 miles away!

Fabric purchased with mass coupons for clothing construction

More Fat Quarters!

Linking up with Molli Sparkles!

Happy Fathers Day!

-M

Sunday Stash #2 Sharing the Love

It's already mid-way through February and I feel like I have been running in circles! I've got so much to do and catch up with! Whenever I have a lot on my to-do list, I have issues of where to start.
(insert feeling overwhelmed )
But it's easier when you have deadlines, like one of your best friends is about to give birth in the next two weeks. Thankfully I have a good idea of what I need to get done before her baby arrives. I can't go too much into detail yet, since I don't want the gift surprises to be seen too early. I've even got a secret Pinterest board going for ideas.
However, this last week I bit the bullet and ordered from Southern Fabric, (super cute shop! tons of awesome!) because I found a some Salt Air/Fish Tales in Mist by Cosmo Cricket that was screaming to be included in my super secret baby gifts. And since I couldn't get just one thing, I picked up a sweet Freshcut/Dotted Paisely in Peach by Heather Bailey print as well.

And now that I've purchased fabric online (I hadn't yet because I usually like to touch the fabric before I buy it, weird huh?), it's like the virus has finally hit me, I don't have to go anywhere to buy fabric. Oooo this could get ugly. I've got multiple carts going at multiple online fabric shops I like. Which is a blog post in and of itself (for another day) because I can already see myself doing much more online fabric shopping.

(Ahhhh! I just bought more fabric online before I could even finish this post!)

Seeing as how I have a crap ton to do, I am outta here!


Linking up with that fab sewist, Molli Sparkles Sunday Stash!

Getting Excited Again & OFFU Project Launched

It's obvious this blog once was a fine attempt at a bigger idea. I've neglected it when I know it's a tool that I can excel with. I turned to Pinterest (another growing obsession), specifically the 'blog tip' boards of other quilters on the internet that I admire and follow. One little pin caught me, entitled "16 Ways to Get Super Excited About Your Blog (again)", an excellent article by Janine Jacob. Serendipitous? I think so! (Click on the title to read it for yourself!!)

All of the suggestions really hit home. #2 on her list asks us to reevaluate why we started blogging in the first place. I needed desperately to realign myself with my personal and professional goals, which #'s 4,5, & 6 pointed me in the obvious direction. "#4 Narrow down your niche". Honestly, I never paid much attention to this, I knew I wanted to attract the quilting world via the internet, but the more I ponder this, the more I realize that the quilting world is vast and saturated with tons of techniques and styles.

Am I trying to appeal to modern quilters, art quilters, traditional quilters? Am I doing something new? Or just reinventing a previous style? There's a lot I have yet to work out in regards to my 'niche', but I am starting to become more aware of what that means in itself. When I finish brainstorming and pondering my 'niche' then I'll move onto #5, "write a new mission statement for your blog". (Very helpful when defining your niche!)

The list encompasses everything I had wanted to do for my blog and yes, for some reason just reading the same advice from someone else got me really excited to blog again!
This weekend I'll be tackling some more of #6 "Brainstorming on Paper", #7 "Plan out your editorial calendar and stick to it" (which is what you have to thank for another on time blog post!) and getting ready for the new year with #8 "Give your blog a make-over".
Please read her article, I know it'll inspire even the most avid blogger!

#12 on her list, "Try a new post series", is another of the tips I've taken to heart. I want more interaction through this blog. I feel the need for connection. It's one thing to sit and share all you do. But getting feedback and compliments/criticisms from your audience is some seriously needed fuel for the creators.
So with that said, I have been planning content worthy of comments and questions and interaction!

Without further blabbing, I present the O.F.F.U. Project. (Official Fancy Fabric Usage Project).

Back Story: While I was unpacking my fabric stash, I decided to weed out any fabrics that were not cotton, which is what I primarily use. Three bags later, sheer amazement at my once overly stuffed shelves, now much neater and with room to breath (sorta). Now I had three bags full of non-cottons that I've collected from everywhere (flea markets, yard sales,  thrift stores etc.) and what to do with them?? Of course I'll use bits and pieces for doll making but the quantity hit me, there's just too much!

 As you can see, I've neatly filled a long under-bed storage tub. And since I don't have a bed under which to store this, it must be used! I added the three bags of non-cottons (insert name here "Fancy Fabrics") to my goal lists and started manically brainstorming projects for these Fancies.

Not to lose sight of the goal, I dove in with a simple yet charming addition of decor, curtains for the new fabric alcove (Fancy, through & through!).

This print I have actual yardage in because I originally intended to make a skirt (how long ago, I have no idea). Since I know my desire to make clothes is still low (momentarily) I cut the yardage in half length wise (still usable for garments!) and folded the top edge to make a simple rod pocket. Nothing fancy, I'm hanging it on an unfinished dowel!

But what is fancy, the finished result!! I absolutely love these curtains and the jazzed up entry to my new fabric alcove! And yes, I am aware that I have a crap ton of fabrics (you can only see the cotton portion). Oddly enough, I made only one major fabric purchase this year, during my birthday trip. I've been good!

I'm linking up to one of my favorite blogs, Freshly Pieced by Lee and her WIP Wednesdays!
-Manda

Summer Again

I'm here. Hiding. Fighting with procrastination and dramatic change. Thinking. Creating. Trying my hardest to go forward.

Yeah, I'm with you.

This is my mothers day. A swapmeet trip. Good stuff. New Marushka, wool, burlap, wooden bag handles, vintage Pinocchio cloth dolls, new wig, and sweet dice earrings. Lovely weekend. And a new bed. Wonderful start to the week.

New Year, Better Blogger.....

The start of this new year has not been as productive as I'd hoped for. I let my brain have a vacation and spent endless days dreaming of the projects I should have been working on.

Weaving Practice. "What Are You Making?" "I have no idea. Really."

It's been over a month now since I last posted here...and to think I was trying to be a better blogger three months ago. Clearly, that didn't happen. So I will try try again. Fall off horse, run after horse, jump back on horse and hold. Something like that.
It's pretty sad that I've been falling off a proverbial horse that hasn't even been in motion.

I have been working on things, new and old. It's been a good mix of chaos. I've noticed that trend in blog-landia among other quilt artists, too many starts, not enough finishes. And I came to the conclusion the other evening, that in admitting to myself that I have a problem with finishing, I could tackle it easily, better yet I wanted to tackle it. For some reason calling it out make it less scary. I love the process and am afraid that when I finish, it's over and gone. Silly, I know.

I have been compiling my usual "New Year Goal List" which I'll share here as a reminder and a source of inspiration.

• Regular & Frequent Blogging// I need to record my progress accurately as well as make better connections in the art/quilt world.
• Revamp of Process// I clearly need to work differently, like from start to finish and not have multiple projects going at once until I master this.
• Finishing of the Unfinished// My first goal of the year is to get all 14(ish) quilt projects that have been started, finished. finally.
• Better Use of Time// The more time i have, the more i slack off. That needs to change.
• Online Store Fronts// I need to treat my online shop like a brick&mortar store. My dedication to it has slacked again. Embarrassing.
• More Book Work// Though I made quite a few mini books this last year, I'd like to flesh out some of my bigger ideas (children's book), as well as a sewing/quilting book and get it pitched to the right peeps.
• First Solo Show// I've done everything but had a real Solo show of my textile art. It's about time.
• Natural Energy Development// Better eating and more exercise. I need to take care of myself better and keep the bad mood mind away. I'm afraid this includes a running routine.
• Connection// Better my connections to the things I am inspired by and love. People, places, information.
• Self Love// I need to give more of myself to myself than to others.
• Travel & Adventure// I need to see new things. Freshen up my perspectives. 
• Inspire// Nothing motivates me more than to be able to see my creativity inspire others to follow their passions.

Okay, really, this list could go on and on. But this morning, these are the points in my mind. Things I meant to share and never got around to it.

I acquired tons of new fabrics over the winter vacation, going on a chance trip to my nearest fabric mecca M & L Fabrics in Anaheim. Plus I received a Joann's gift card for Xmas from Mum and was able to score cotton batting at 50% off.

While out doing last minute Xmas shopping at a local thrift store, I came across this most awesome "Battle Star Galactica" vintage bed sheet. As soon as I saw it wadded up in a bin under a table, I knew I wanted to turn it into my first whole cloth quilt. To make it even better, when I pulled it out, it was saturated with a stomach turning stale urine aroma that took seven washes (4 being vinegar) to remove. Quite the adventure. Leave it to me to have to buy something covered in urine. But totally worth it.

I've also been slacking on my submission to The 2012 Sketchbook Project. Which must be mailed before the end of this month! Eek!

Making good progress on it though and happy to be using it as an experimental zone.

Spent a moment working on this piece as well. "Dangerous Things in Pastels" Thinking about making a series of them, snakes and guns. It warms my heart.

And I leave you today with this next image, what I wake up to, glorious sun rays highlighting the work table in the studio. And yes,  the "Worldly" quilt that I pieced about seven years ago is finally being quilted and will probably be my first 2012 finish. Fingers crossed.

Cheers to a beautiful day!
-M.

Reconnections

I was sick for a bit last week, but really it helped me spend some much needed time on thinking, planning and goal setting. Yes, I said 'goal' setting. I realize it is much harder to go about accomplishing your goals if you forget you have them. If you forget what you want all together, it takes a little while to put the train cars back on track.
Since I only get sick a few times a year, i know to pay attention when i do, i'm going to be spending a lot of quiet time with "me" and that's not always so comfortable. We are our own worst critics.
This time around, it happens to have just lurched into a seasonal change, and i feel most like molting at this time. Like shedding in preparation for a winter of work. I get more done when the outside is not inviting me to lounge around and read.
It might have just been time or i might have finally realized the things i do to avoid my own plans. Habits can be broken. Habits can be reformed. That's what i'm working on. Across all aspects.So i share with you some pictures of past "Unfinished Projects" being worked on:

Butterfly borders and background quilting detail

"Sun" Owl Fabrics/Commissioned Project

"Moon" Owl Fabrics/ Commissioned Project

"Dangerous Things in Pastel" pre-quilting

"Dangerous Things" quilting detail

At the same time, i was dealing with my goals being not in proportion to what i have. I was taught somewhere along my life to "work with what you have". That should be tattoo'd on someone out there. I woke up this morning thinking about how i needed almost eleven employees to help me successfully run my business. Then repeated "Work with what you have" until i got it. I discovered the path through my personal chaos of working.
This master plan involves twelve distinct roles i must encompass in order to make a smooth operation of my success. Twelve characters i've created, each having a specific duties in the "Mammal Chupie" studio. This is going to get interesting. Needless to say, i've discovered a way to entertain myself into accomplishing all the tasks i could imagine.
More on this later.
Ciao.