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This week I'm working on finishing something that should have been done at the beginning of the month. Ah, well, it'll be ready for the new year.
I'm also making a bunch of over stuffed pincushions to restock the shop with.
Linking up with Kathy's Quilts and her Slow Sunday Stitching.
We need some more light in the house for sewing and projects. I like the one above, but I've lost the link... I also like this and this.
These National Parks look gorgeous, but I wish more of them were closer to me, or at least on the east coast.
These simple and lovely, natural ornaments are great. We don't have a real tree this year (but we do have a real tree....), but I might decorate our makeshift one with these. Erin has lots of great holiday ideas, so check out all the links in her post.
Loving this trailer. Better than the actual one... Maybe. But I wish they had dubbed in Jean's old voice and gotten rid of the new one.
We're all fighting winter sickness here, but Tom is starting to feel better:
Photo by @anlight.
Recently Researching: We've been making Borax crystals! This is a super fun and easy science project with some really lovely results. I plan on doing a how-to post soon. I want to try some other home grown crystals soon!
Now you: Have you ever made any crystals at home?
Mad Cat Quilts and Library Card are having a give away over at the Mad Cat Quilts Instagram.
The giveaway ends tonight, 12/13/14 at 10pm EST.
To enter all one needs to do is follow @madcat1 on Instagram, look for the image above, tag a friend and tell me which wallet you would like, and which you'd give to a friend.
Simple, right? The winner will receive the wallet they choose and the other will go to a friend.
These wallets are made with love by Library Card, and are once of a kind. They are seconds carrying small imperfections but we want to see them put to good use!
Please join us for our first giveaway!
Back in September, we headed out to Alabama for my brother-in-law's wedding. We also took a few days to go to New Orleans, LA.
I'd been to NOLA once before and stayed in the Frenchman Hotel. I enjoyed it so much, we stayed there again. It's centrally located on Frenchman Street and it's got a lot of New Orleans charm (including wonky doors, buggy bathrooms, music in the air, and the sweetest little court yard pool!).
We mostly walked and took trolleys around the city and visited as many areas as we could in the short time we had. We went to Bourbon Street, of course, walked around the Merigny, the French Quarter, and East Carrolltown (where we had an amazing meal at Ba Chi Canteen). NOLA is a pretty great walking city, as long as you're accustomed to walking. The trolleys are easy to get the hang of. But remember, you buy your ticket on the trolley, there are no outside ticket machines. Being from NYC, this confused us at first.
We spent a large portion of one day at City Park. The museum was closed that day, but we were able to explore the NOMA Sculpture Garden. More on that in this post.
The Park is a little far out from our hotel for walking, but the bumpy trolley ride is perfect for seeing the city. The locals also take the trolleys so you'll see kids and commuters, as well as tourists.
The park is vast and we only scratched the surface. But we had a great time following ducks and taking in a bit of Southern nature.
I've never seen such a variety of moss!
We found a great spot in City Park for a snack. Morning Call had great beignets, a staple of any New Orleans visit.
Of course we also made a few stops at Cafe Du Monde!! Three trips for beignets in two days seem totally normal to me.
Finding vegetarian options in popular/traditional restaurants was a bit of a challenge at times. But there are so many great food options in NOLA, all sorts of varieties and ethnicities. There's something for everyone, you just need to search it out.
My first visit to the city was completely magical, and I wondered how this trip would compare. Walking around NOLA was a lot like I remembered. So bright and colorful, quiet and still in the hazy heat, but vibrant and living. I could easily just walk around for hours.
There seemed to be more people around this time, but that might be time of year. I have to say that I was surprised to see quite a few more people who seemed to be living on the streets, or in need. I think NOLA has a reputation as a hedonistic paradise, full of debauchery, but that the influx of down and out types might be a dark consequence.
Even we visited a casino, but just for a walk though. We went to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Look for a post all about that soon.
On our drive from Alabama, we drove over the Lake Pontchartain Causeway. We were excited to see it since it's the longest bridge over water in the world!! Unfortunately it was pitch black. Only one of the reasons we will definitely be going back to visit New Orleans again.
Not being one for a debaucherous lifestyle, I do absolutely believe one should indulge in life. For me, New Orleans has so much possibility for wonderful indulging, without the need to go totally crazy. Its strangely satisfying to drink on the street, but I rarely do it. I love to eat the town's powdered sugar staple, but find a great healthy option for dinner or lunch. For me, the eerie calmness that prevails in the residential areas is more enticing than the party town atmosphere on Bourbon St. New Orleans holds a mysterious balance for me, and I'm always eager to return.
One of my goals for 2015 is to read more. Check out the other books I've read this year here, here, here, & here.
The fifth book I've read so far is Woman in the Dark by Dashielll Hammett. I borrowed this one from the BPL, one more for the road, as they say!
I'm a fan of mysteries and noir stories, and Hammett is one of the greatest of the genres.
Luise Fischer is on the run in the cold dark night. When she stumbles in to the home of a taciturn and handsome stranger, her luck might be changing.
This is a quick and to the point, classic feeling, noir novella. Perfect in its sparsity. This is a great introduction to this genre if you've never read it. Woman in the Dark is also a perfect read for current fans or fans of short books.
Do any readers enjoy noir novels? Do you prefer short quick paced books, or long involved stories?
Welcome to Mad Cat Quilts First Annual Holiday Sale! Many Mad Cat Quilts and Library Card items will be on sale over at the Shop; Check it out! This sale Starts at 2pm Sunday December 6th and will last until December 13th or supples run out.
Items will be shipped as soon as orders are filled, and should arrive in time for xmas. If you need expedited shipping or want to guarantee pre xmas delivery, please contact me via this website or over at the shop.
Please contact me with any and all questions.
Below are some examples of items for sale:
LIBRARY CARD 2 OR 3 POCKET WALLETS
Library Card Wallets use thoughtfully curated vintage, reclaimed, and new fabric, mostly cottons. These soft and versatile wallets are stitched one at a time by machine. Library Card wallets are perfect for day to day use, fit neatly in your back or front pants pockets, purses, bags, etc... and are designed to hold a variety of cash and cards. Library Card Wallets feature 2 or 3 pockets.
QUILTS
Mad Cat Quilts are completely hand pieced, basted, quilted and bound using new, vintage and reclaimed fabrics. Many of the items on sale today were lovingly made in Brooklyn NY and are suitable for baby and adult alike. All have been pre washed to be soft and cuddly.
OTHER ITEMS:
Happy Shopping!
I'm looking for just the right decorative L bracket to secure a shelf in the bathroom. I like this, this and this!
This was a man after my own heart.
And if we are talking cool retro photos of NYC, these are pretty good also.
I love this instagram. I think I need a personal practice in my life.
This is the vintage French wallpaper (pictured below) I found to put up in our hallway. Now, I just have to learn how to hang it!
Recently Researching: See above!
This is a pretty comprehensive seeming tutorial for wallpaper hanging.
This site is a little more annoying bc of layout and ads but has a really step by step process.
Good old Martha Stewart.
Now I'm asking you: Have you ever wallpapered a room or wall? Any tips or tricks?
I know I say this every month, but can you believe it's December????
November was amazing. There's no other way to put it. There were ups and downs, sure, challenges, of course. But mostly the month zoomed by in a whir of excited contentment (if there is such a thing).
The main thing was getting settled in the new house...
1) Collecting collections. 2) Storage solutions. 3) Old routines in new places. 4) My idea of decorating.
...and getting the cats settled.
1) Bippi. 2) Tom. 3) Pit. 4) Flounder.
There was plenty of exploring, seeing family, hanging out with friends. There was also some hospital visits and holiday festivities mixed in the month.
1) Cape May, New Jersey. 2) Good bye 15th Street, Brooklyn. 3) Hello 3rd Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Sunset Beach Days.
Even familiar places can seem new.
1) Fall takes over Greenwood Cemetery. 2), 3), & 4) So many new sunsets.
A lot of quilting got done, and I'm feeling good about about my goals. I've been working on new things, but moving has helped me unearth all my old UFOs and get some work on those done, too!
1) Lines. 2) Paws of the helper. 3) Pins. 4) And more pins.
November was a time of work, but it also felt like a suspension of activity. Sort of like a glorious working holiday. Although I hope December will stay as calm and quiet and productive, I get the feeling things might amp up before the year ends!
I'm working furiously to get this WIP done...
...but life keeps getting in the way. Life has a way of doing that; keeping me from sewing, blogging, or getting my holiday sale up and going.
The holiday sale has been postponed until next weekend.
Still plenty of time to get orders out. Please keep your eyes peeled here and over at instagram!
I'm linking this post up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.
I'm a little late posting this one, but am linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching anyway!
While unpacking, I've uncovered a lot of WIPs & UFOs. I made this mini quilt ages ago, so long now I can't remember. I do remember it was my first attempt at flying geese with not the best results. All my geese were cropped!! I've never quite gotten over it and haven't made flying geese since.
I still liked aspects of this mini, though, so when I found it I decided to back it and quilt it. But now, what to quilt it with? I picked out a few thread choices, but none seem quite right... Any suggestions?
I have a lot on my plate at the moment, so I'm not in a great rush to make a decision.
Now for the news! Mad Cat Quilts will be having a sale starting next weekend! Just in time for xmas gifts, of course! Look for updates and the start of the sale in the blog and instagram. There will be many small items, as well as sale prices on quilts! Keep your eyes peeled!
Now that the cats are in the house, it doesn't look nearly so new.
A oMMoFM update:
-I bought these yoga pants to satisfy my sweatpants craving... I've worn them only once, and discovered there was a hole in the seam!
-I made pickled radishes using my own recipe (2 part vinegar to 1 parts sugar + peppercorns in the pickling jar, pour to cover in jar, leave in fridge for 2 day to marinate) and they turned out awesome!! I haven't gotten to eat many of them yet, but they would be great in salads and as a pickley side. I just them a little think for sandwiches, but they would be good for that, too.
-As you can see from above, we decided on a couch!
Another month where I don't get the Month In Review up in a timely fashion. Well, I have a good excuse.
To say October was busy would be pitching it lightly, indeed. The month was entirely taken up with preparing to move to a different state. Getting the transition ready at work, at our apartment, at our new home, and with the family was intense and exhausting. In the end, all went well, and the movers came at the end of October.
1) My morning view. 2) Sand toys. 3) Brooklyn says goodbye. 4) New growth.
We were able to squeeze in visits with friends for dinners and drinks. We tried to eat and drink at as many of our favorite places as we could. We only traveled to our new home, but that was plenty of travel this month. And the weather was beautiful and warm throughout October, so we enjoyed the beach as well as both our new town and our old one.
So much work was achieved this month!! Quilting was rejuvenated, despite life being so hectic. Watchercats were out in force. But we also had some sad news on the #watchercat front. One of several signs it's time to move on, I suppose.
1) Not even trying to use that cat tree on 11th Street, South Slope. 2) Being sneaky on 10th Street in South Slope. 3) Notably absent on 6th Ave in South Slope. 4) Still in bloom on 8th Street in Park Slope.
1 + 4) Out with the Old... 2 + 3) ... in with the New.
During the end, and most stressful point, of the month, we got a rare treat! We were able to go to the World Series! It was elating but heart breaking at the same time!
The majority of our family felt so-so about the move and didn't arrive at the new house until November.
1) Bippi enjoys the vantage of stacked boxes. 2) Tom tries to act normal. 4) Pit can't see what all the fuss is about. (PS where's the food?). 4) Flounder helps me pack.
The anticipation for how busy October would be was totally eclipsed by the excitement (and stress). There's been a lot of work already done this November... let's see what else we can do.
So, while I've technically missed the cut-off to join the 4th quarter of the Finish Along a long time ago, I still plan to follow through until the end. First the Q3 recap!
Q3 was less productive than Q2. Here's the list:
1. Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.
2. Finish quilting and making, stuff and use, PIllow #1 for a New Secret Project.
3. Piece, baste, quilt, bind, and label Beach Blanket Quilt.
4. Finish piecing, baste, quilt, and bind and gift Tattoo Trade Quilt.
5. Piece, baste, bind, and label Bright Triangles Quilt.
6. Start, piece, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt.
Not a single one of these projects got finished and many were not even touched. Some new projects were started, so the list for Q4 will look quite different!
Not much time for doodling, with everything going on at home...
1) Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.
I won't get this one done in time for her Bday on Nov 6 (89!!) but I might be able to get it done for xmas.
2) Finish quilting and making, stuff and use, PIllow #1 for a New Secret Project.
I'd love to have this secret project moving along by Jan/feb. Finishing this is the first step!
3) Start, piece, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt.
Needs to be done by Feb. No Spoilers.
4) Piece back, baste, quilt, bind, label Baby quilt commission #1.
This one HAS to be a Dec finish. So, really, this should be in the number 1 slot.
5) Finish piecing front and back, baste, quilt, bind, label, baby quilt commission #2.
This one isn't needed until April. Phew. But I do want to get a jump on it.
6) Finish piecing front, piece back, baste, quilt, bind Xmas Madallion Quilt.
This is the last hopeful quilt on the list. Doubt I'll even get it out....
Linking this post up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching .
Alright, time to get to work!
Packing, unpacking, and quilt tops are taking up every weekend.
I'm gathering all my thread ends for a friend's project... it's slow going.
Now that the weather is colder, I'm dreaming about being bundled up at home. I can just picture quilting and feeling snug in these, these, or these.
I've been drinking a lot of Dona Chai with almond milk and house-made vanilla syrup.
In other food news, I got a ton of radishes and beets in my CSA this week and was thinking about pickling them... Anyone have any good recipes?
My new lamp!:
Recently I'm researching: Porcelain Berries.
I discovered these crazy colored berries in our back yard the other day. Bright teal, purple, pink, green! So weird and cool. Apperatently they are an invasive species, tho, so that's kinda sad.
Right now I'm asking you:
Have you discovered anything cool in your yard recently?
Another month closer to the end of the year, can you believe it?
September was a great month! Maybe not the wild ride I was expecting, but it was certainly a wild ride!
We spent a lot of time Down the Shore at the new house, friends came to visit for the beginning of the month, we visited new places, participated in happy events, and had some quality time with old friends.
1) Nola #watchercat! 2) An old friend on 8th St. 3) Sneaky, teeny, watcher in Prospect Heights. 4) Keeping an eye on things on 10th Street.
This is the second year in about the last 20 that I've been in Brooklyn for September and it's always a little strange to me. The weather is amazing; one minute Summer, than the next Snap! Fall. The watcher cats were not as prevolant as I would have thought, though.
1) Neighbor goose. 2) Alabama style mushrooms. 3) Orange cats are almost everywhere in Park Slope. 4) An impressive Post Office.
1) Porcelain berries in the backyard. 2) Hilltops in Red Level, AL. 3) Yellow beasts in Asbury Park. Cuties wrapped in Pink.
We got a lot done in September, but we got to relax a little, too. Some quilting got done, but not as much as would feel healthy. We went on some dinners with friends and it was nice to hear what they've been up to and forget our own adventures for a spell.
In the middle of the month, we traveled down to Alabama for a family wedding. It was lovely to see family and see a new state. We even spent a few days in NOLA after.
1) The cutest chapel. 2) Staten Island looking majectic. 3) The brightest jelly. 4) Nola looking magical.
1) Jersey bee. 2) After the storm. 3) Bird on a wire. 4) Brooklyn bee.
The end of the month it was back to the grind.
September went fast and although it had it's relaxing moments, it was all about work and it was all about anticipation. There's a lot to get done in October, so let's get started.
I read yesterday that a creature I would consider a friend passed away. It hit me pretty hard.
Tiger was a constant on 6th Avenue, where I passed walking to work every day. I had seen him for many years, even before I moved to the neighborhood. It did not go unnoticed that we would move so close to him. We were pretty excited about it.
He was almost always around, guarding his turf, or snoozing in the sun, sometimes chasing down baby birds fallen from the nest, or eyeing down a terrier. He had a regal apartment, decked out with beds, hammocks, toys, and food. He had an "upstairs neighbor who sometimes hung out in the window above him. He didn't seem to mind the occasional pigeon sharing his meal. Tiger had his own bench. When he wasn't in front of his opulent abode, he was winding his way to greet you or any passerby (he really liked kids), surveying local construction, or hiding out at one of his other stomping grounds near by.
I would often look for him, and be delighted to turn the corner and see him, perched at eye level, on a trash can cover near some potted flowers. Sometimes I would spy him further up the block in yard with a red Japanese maple, red stones, and a red fence. It was always just like greeting a neighbor you've seen for years. You are happy and surprised at their presence, cheerful to say hello! Tiger, you could tell, felt the same. He'd come out to get a scratch, perhaps trailing behind you for a few houses.
I didn't know Tiger well. I did, in fact, think he was a she for our entire acquaintance. (I also always pictures her name being spelled "Tyger" in a sort of grrrl power way). But he was a staple of my day, my week. He had a distinctively handsome face and a particular white triangle on his nose that you couldn't mistake. He was a fixture in the neighborhood and I am not the only one who will dearly miss him.
In a way, it feels like the universe telling me it's ok to go now. The things I love in Brooklyn are dying and I'm ready to move and move on.
While we were in New Orleans we went to the New Orleans Museum of Art Sculpture Garden. The museum itself was closed as it was a Monday. But the Garden is open 7 days a week.
There were quite a few nice pieces, including a Magritte right was we walked in!
There were several other notable sculptures, as well, all nestled among winding pathways. Water features prominently in the sculpture garden, along with the large Spanish moss covered trees, this makes the garden cool and breezy to walk thru.
We encountered many lizards darting on the paths but try as we might, we couldn't catch any.
We also crossed paths with a surprisingly aggressive duck. We had a puzzle of trying to get him to let us get around him as we wound our way through the garden. We soon realized that his aggressive nature was merely a food seeking ploy and we followed him on his begging route until he landed us at a perfect spot for a cool break.
Gantt Lake satisfied my Summer lake craving. Somewhat.
Right now I'm learning about:
The Autumnal Equinox was on Wednesday 9/23. Meaning "equal night", the equinox is when the day and night time are the same length (pretty much) which happens twice a year. It's opposite is the solstice, which is either the longest or shortest day of the year (the Winter solstice is December 22nd, 2015). The Autumnal Equinox is often associated with harvest celebrations, and a connection with the underworld and dead (Persephone was said to return to Hades on the equinox). This year, it comes about 5 days before a rare celestial event, a Super Moon Eclipse.
Right Now I'm Asking YOU:
Will you be watching the Super Moon Eclipse? Do you follow the celestial days through out the year? If so, how do you observe or celebrate them?
