MCQBOM² / 3

For my new 2017 BOM, I'm using all blocks with squares in them. Simple squares are an essential building block of quilting! 

I'm not sure how I found the block I'm using for my 3rd block, but it came from Quilt Fabrication. She had a bunch of different variations, but I went with one that had a interlocked feel. 

This could be a super fun block to repeat in a quilt!

I couldn't fine my other blocks when I took the photos, but I can't wait to see what all the blocks look like together!

Linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday, Slow Sunday Stitching, BOMS Away, and more!

October in Review

My goodness, the year is almost at a close! After October's quick turn to true fall, Winter is right on it's heels. October was a lovely month, a true switch from the bustling nature of Summer into the settling in of Autumn calm. 

1) Sulfer. 2) Cacti. 3) Supermarket Tree. 4) Quartz.

We were able to take a few trips, see old familiar places, and new locales. Some we will return to, some perhaps not. 

Cats were a priority, both our own and the watchers that were out in droves!

1) Tom contemplating. 2) Flounder flat out. 3) A night time visitor. 4) Tom out like a light. 

1) Car watcher, 2) Playful kittens, 3) On the fence, 3) Out to sea.

It was a busy work month, but very little quilting got done.

I was able to see some new spots in the neighborhood. 

1) Asbury Park Distillery. 2) Bright yellow in Keyport. 3) A perfect building in Far Hills. 4) Holidays at work. 

These past few months have been really hard. Adjusting to a new schedule, working towards zero waste, trying, as always to be better for my family and friends, has been very difficult. Sometimes I worry that the end results will never arrive, or will not be worth it. But I try to keep my way on the path and remember that I have end goals that I am moving towards that I truly believe in. 

So, October was one step close to the end of the year, and November will be another, moving ever forwards towards in life.

Goodbye Hall Of Gems

Last week The American Museum of Natural History in NYC closed the doors of the Hall of Gems for several years while they refurbish and redecorate it. We decided we needed to see this magical place one more time. 

One of the greatest things about this space is that it is dark, cramped, and narrow. It always seemed a bizarre choice and something they will change in the new hall. But it was part of what made the experience so otherworldly. 

One of the reasons they are renovating the hall is to accommodate this massive amethyst! 

We were totally happy to get to see all these beauties one more time, to touch meteorites and huge quartz. Before we went, I thought there was no way I would like the new design and would be unhappy. But after our trip, I can't wait to see what the new hall will look like!

Four Years Later (400+ Blog Posts) and the Internet is Still Hard...

I started this blog in October of 2013. 

I would like to say that over four years and four hunderd plus posts, I have got hang of blogging and the internet. But I don't. The internet is hard. 

I feel I've come a long way with my blog, and I'm pretty proud of that. Especially bc it's something I do only for my own enjoyment. It's a lovely way for me to note things that I like doing, progress I've made, ideas I have, etc... I like the process of blogging, even if sometimes the standards I place on myself are tough to uphold. This blog is also a great way to remember events, times of life or techniques that I have had or tried. I don't often look back thru the blog, maybe once or twice a year, but it's a time like this when it's nice to comb through 4 years of writing and see what has happened in my life.  

Here are some of my favorite posts of the years:
I still this first ever post is a good example of my life. 
This is the first art post I made and it set a great standard for always wanting art on the blog. 
While Mad Cat Quilts has evolved a lot over time, I still think of it as a quilting blog. Finishes are fewer and further between, but here is the first one that got posted. I also really like these finish posts; Stars for NFG, First Friendship, Mat Finish, All Gingham All The Time (funny to look back and see how disappointed I was with this quilts... It's one of my favorites now and lives in the guest room!), Baby Blue,  Orange cat/Grey Cat, Ohio Stars, Pillow for Pit, Gypsy Moon Mini, 
Writing my goals on the blog has always been a really important part of this experience. 
I love that MCQ will always remind me of the places I have lived, and the places I have visited!
And the new things I've tried, both in the quilting world and beyond!
This blog is a record of my activity in the quilting community, too!
Going thru all my past posts I was moved to tears to see all of my babies again. 

Mostly for my own records, a little numbers break down:
- 12 posts in 2013.
- 33 posts in 2014.
- 75 posts in 2015.
- 130 posts in 2016.
- 149 posts in 2017 so far.
- 24 posts in On My Mind On Friday Morning. 
- 12 posts in Plant Update.
- 15 posts in Something New and 45 in New Block. 
- 23 Book Reviews. 
- 6 Bullet Journal posts and 4 Zero Waste posts. 
- 6 Mad Cat Capsule posts. 
- 21 Finished Quilts. 

Overall, I'm so happy to still be at it four years later! Here's to another 4 years and even more personal strides!

Who else is having some milestones in their blogging adventure this year?

On My Mind On Friday Morning

Time for another edition of one line movie reviews:
Blade Runner 2049 - A really good sequel, made years later, but in the same universe.
John Wick 2 - Never saw the first one. I think I'd like that better. 
LoudQUIETLoud - The Pixies were even weirder than you thought. 
Who else is ready to build a house in the woods with this??
Speaking of people's houses, I've noticed a lot of articles about celebs from NJ. I liked this one. 
Maybe we should all just move in with Ed Begley Jr.  
Starting this post with fire and ending with rainbows! Here are some rainbows thrown from the prism I moved this week. I'm in need of more rainbows now that the weather is getting colder. 

October Plant Update

It's been a warm and wonderful October, only towards the end turning chilly. There has been a lot of plants to observe outside, and to tend to inside. Getting near the first frost means we are adding dirt, and sprucing up our plants in doors, and moving them around to make room for our inside plants that have been hanging out outside all Summer.  I also got to visit Deep Cut Gardens for the first time in many years and ogle their succulents. Then rushed out to pick up a few new ones for our home!

Repotting, and maintaining out indoor plants for Winter. 

So mant succulents!

So many cacti!

Infinity

We were a little late for the rose garden in it's prime. Next year! 

Fishermen at The Manasquan Reservoir. 

Winter is definitely on it's way Down The Shore. What are the plants doing where you live?

Something New: Home Made Oat Milk

I've been allergic to cow's milk for as long as I can remember. So although, I prefer skim milk in my coffee, I rarely drink it and I never buy. My preferred non dairy milk, especially in my coffee, is rice milk. Non sweetened rice milk is the closest to skim milk, in my opinion. But rice milk comes in tetra packs and often has a lot of gross ingredients (canola oil, why?), when bought commercially. So recently I went on the hunt for a rice milk alternative. I have found a few that I enjoy, but when my husband brought home extra oats the other day, and it coincided with running out of milk, I decided to try making my own Oat Milk. 

I had been researching making my own non dairy milks for a while, but buying as many nuts as one needs can get expensive! Oat milk, as well as cashew, hemp and macadamia, was one of the milks I tried and liked when store bought. Oats are super cheap, and can be bought in bulk, so it was a no brainer to try making the milk. I read a bunch of recipes but in the end decided to wing it and make it as simply as possible. 

Ingredients:
1 cup oats
3 cups cool or cold water

Equipment:
Blender
Fine mesh strainer (or cheese cloth or nut milk bag)
Jar

All the recipes suggest using rolled oat or stone ground oats, but all I had on hand were quick oats so I used those. Some say to soak the oats, some not. I soaked mine for about 10 minutes, maybe less. I added the oats and the water to the blender and let sit as I puttered about the kitchen. Next, blend on high, as high as you can, for 5 -7 minutes. You don't want to blend too long. Once blended, use a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth, etc... and pour into a jar. All I had for straining was a rather large stainer, but that worked fine. I just had a few oatmeal pieces in the jar afterwards. Refrigerate your milk. Makes about 1.5 pints. Use it in coffee, baking, etc... but shake before use! 

A few notes:
-Save the strained oat pieces, use as oatmeal for breakfast, in baking, etc...
-The recipes all say this volume lasts about a week but I'm almost done with mine 3 days in just from drinking in my daily coffees. 
-Don't heat this milk. Pouring it in coffee, or using in baking, is ok, but heating it on the stove will create a goopy mess. Think oatmeal without the meal. 
-Add sweetener and/or a pinch of salt if desired. I like my coffee unsweetened and even sweetened milk is too much for me.  
-Bring a spoon. This milk is a little gummy and heavier than most milk I'm used to in my coffee, so it tends to settle. I now have a spoon on hand to stir my coffee as needed. I also end up using more of this milk than I would another milk, so something to think about. 
-Make this milk zero waste and plastic free by getting your oats in bulk, recycling a jar for storage, and using the leftover blended oat parts.  

Over all, I really liked making my own oat milk. When I make my next batch, I will use more water to oats, to see if I like the consistency better. When I run out of our excess minute oats, I will try using stone ground to see if it ends up being less gloopy. I may make some sweetened to try it with cookies or for drinking. 

Next up, I plan to try rice milk! Who else out there makes their own non dairy milk? Tips, tricks?

Bullet Journal Check In: Future Log

Back in January, when I been using my Bullet Journal for about 10 months, I stated that my Future Log was a mess. I think now, 9 months and 2 journals after that, I like the way my Future Log is set up. Since I'm starting a new notebook, I thought now would be a good time to share. 

My Future Log is entered on the pages directly following my Index and are the first pages that are numbered. I add a small calendar for each month, title the month, and then list any and all events and their dates that fall under that month. I start by reviewing my on line calendar for national/international holidays or important dates.

When I first started out, I might've added silly dates like international cat day, or other made up "holidays" or days of recognition. But I found this cluttered my space and really did not help me in any way. 

Next, I add things from the wonderful calendar that my Mother in Law sent us that has family birthdays, anniversaries, events, etc... I also add my side of the family's notable dates from memory. I add dates from my or my husbands work, such as when they are closed for holidays or when we have off, and from my mother's school calendar. I went to that school and still have close ties, so try to know when they have events or days off. 

I only go 6 months into the future with my Future Log (3 pages). I do this even if I think the notebook will not last that long. If I do get a new notebook before my current Future Log, I use the previous one to transfer over dates. If there are dates that I want to remember far in advance, past the 6 months, I write them under the last month as notes. 

I refer to my Future Log often, and love to check off the dates as they occur. I use it when setting up each Monthly Spread, and throughout the year to add things that pop up like concerts, festivals and events that aren't in that month.    

How do you use your Future Log? Do you prefer to have a whole year written down?

Zero Waste: My Favorite Jars

In 2017 I started my zero waste journey. Zero Waste is the goal, mindful practice is the action. When I use the term Zero Waste, that is my ultimate goal, but Less Waste would be a more  accurate description of my evolving lifestyle. 

I think one thing that all all people trying to go zero waste, or plastic free, can agree on is that recycled jars are a great thing to have! They can be used for food storage instead of a plastic tupperware, as dry goods storage, as freezer storage, as drinking vessels, to hold cleaners, snacks, hair clips, home remedies, flowers, nuts, bolts, screws, and just about anything else you can think of.  

Since most of us, when buying packaged items, try to buy glass, we end up having quite a few jars laying around. Sure they can be recycled, and sometimes are, but I prefer to reuse at least a few time before that step, or indefinitely. I started this practice long before I knew what zero waste was and I was happy to discover I was already doing something towards this life style!

Another thing I think people who do the same and feel the same as I do about glass jars, is that we all have our favorite jars! Erin from Reading My Tea Leaves talks about her favorite jar in her blog. Personally, I have two favorite style of jars, that come from specific items. 

I'm a big fan of natural crunchy peanut butter. I don't much mind what brand, as long as it has less than 4 ingredients, is organic, and comes in a glass jar! These Jars are great, bc they are a manageable size, usually about 16oz, have a wide mouth, and a metal top! Great for drinking out of, bringing your drink along, storing food items and beach finds! When I need a larger vessel, I greatly enjoy a Mt Olive pickle jar! Firstly, yum, pickles! But this jar is twice as big as the peanut butter jar, and shares the same great properties!

I love these jars bc I find that the caps don't rust easily or quickly, and the jars themselves are sturdy and strong. These two are my go to jars and I use them in some capacity everyday. 

What jars are your favorite? Are there other surprising reused items you can't live with out?

Wrinkly Old WIPs

In September I got out almost all my WIPs, these are the some that are basted and waiting for quilting. 

This is my largest unfinished quilt and perhaps my largest quilt to date. I have to figure out how to  smooth it and how to quilt it. 

This "heart quilt has been around for a long time. It's a great lap quilt size and I'm sure someone would love it! I haven't thought about the quilting on this one yet, either. 

I'd be happy to finish either of these quilts this year, but with all the other less finished projects I have to do, I doubt it will happen. 

What are your closest to done WIPs?

Sunny's Nights

One of my goals in 2017 is to read more. See other books I've read or listened to here.

I picked up Sunny's Nights: Lost and Found at a Bar on the Edge of the World by Tim Sultan new, which is rare for me. But when I heard about it, so close to bar savant Sunny's death, I had to read it!

Sunny's is a special place, and Sunny was a special man. More than a drinking establishment, Sunny's bar was a gathering place, a creative vortex, and for Tim Sultan, a life changing event. 

Put together as a series of vignettes, stories and small chapters, Sultan starts at his unexpectedly finding Sunny's and ends with time's slow, inevitable, move forward. It's clear that he loves this place, and the man behind it, as more than just a bar and bar owner, but it's also clear that Sultan thinks highly of himself and sees himself as an intragal part of Sunny's (which perhaps he was). This, along with the common held belief (by Brooklynites) that Brooklynites are a superior variety of people, makes this book a little overblown and pompous. Now, perhaps, having been a Brooklynite, I have a biased take on this. Although I found Sultan himself to be a bit bloated, I still really enjoyed this book. Again, having been to Sunny's many times, and having my own arsenal of stories, moments, and memories about the bar, I may be biased. The lyrical way in which Sultan describes his time and memories does well to transport the ready to a time and place. Overall, I liked the atmosphere created by the stories of an otherworldly bar at the edge of the world. I enjoyed the feeling of being cocooned in a strange place and time that this book evokes. I would recommend this book to those who read books about Brooklyn, NYC history, bars, or old souls. 

Have you read any books about places you've visited? Were they written about in the way you experienced that place?

Vintage Quilt Parts

Last weekend, while rummaging thru the Far Hill sale, I came across a bundle marked as quilt parts, unfinished. I had no idea what to expect, but I had to find out! By the time I had gotten home, I had pretty much forgotten about this mystery. When I started un binding the fabric to wash, I unwound it and to my delight found the following:

Someone put so much care into piecing together each square! What a treasure! 

I'm not sure how I'll put this little quilt top together, but I'm over the moon to be able to continue the careful work another quilter started! 

Have readers found any quilting treasures lately?

MCQBOM²

Even before 2017 started, I began thinking of what this year's MadCatQuiltsBOM would be. I had had so much fun working on MCQBOM2016! I chose a theme, had lists and references, but alas, by March I had already given up on the new BOM. It just wan't the right fit. I thought, well, there's always 2018... but I missed making monthly blocks. 

But then I realized that it was MY BOM, and I could start one any time I liked!!

And so I started again, inspired by the last HoneyPotBee block I completed. I found a bunch of blocks that I wanted to make and they all seemed to have squares. MCQBOM² was born. 

I'm calling that Honey Pot Bee block the first block. This second block, I have no idea where I found it! It came together quickly and I added borders, to make the blog bigger but also to make it match with the first block. 

As always, I don't follow a pattern, just improve each block. Nothing is measured, everything is cut with scissors, everything is hand sewn. Although I have several blocks on deck, I have no plan for the finished product yet. But if you like either of these blocks, or the direction this BOM is going, feel free to follow along!

Linking up with Making Monday, Move It Forward Monday, BOMs Away, and Needle and Thread Thursday. 

Recipe | Zero Waste Hummus

In 2017 I started my zero waste journey. Zero Waste is the goal, mindful practice is the action. When I use the term Zero Waste, that is my ultimate goal, but Less Waste would be a more  accurate description of my evolving lifestyle. 

I don't eat a lot of hummus. But one day last month I got a hankering for it. I hate that it comes in plastic containers at the store, so I decided to make my own. It's very simple and easy and probably only takes about 30 minutes. It's a great beginner zero waste project!

Ingredients:
Garlic - 1 clove
Juice of 1 lemon
Tahini - 1 spoonful
Chickpeas - 1 can drained and rinsed
Salt and Pepper to taste

Equipment:
Blender
Knife
Cutting Board
Can Opener

Open, drain and rinse chickpeas. Add peeled garlic clove, lemon juice, and blend until garlic is chopped. Add chickpeas, and tahini and blend until smooth. Add water or lemon juice to thin mixture if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Eat with crackers, bread, pita, etc...! I like mine with bread or pita and lots of veggies including red onions, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, and or sprouts and extra good salt. 

A few notes:
-Keep the chickpea juice to use in other recipes. 
-Add more garlic if desired. I love more, but my husband does not. 
-You can make this recipe with a food processor, or by hand mashing. I just happen to have a blender. 

What makes this recipe near to zero waste? I use the lemon peels for cleaning solution and compost any other food waste. I recycle the chickpea can. The tahini came in a metal can with a plastic lid and it's contents will last a long time. When it's done, I plan on reusing the container for other food storage. To make it even more zero waste: Next time I buy tahini I'll get it in a glass jar, or make it myself. I could get the chickpeas in bulk to skip the can. 

What are your favorite low or zero waste snack recipes?

YOTS2017 / Rummage Sale Finds

I wasn't thinking about fabric when we set out to a huge rummage sale in Far Hills NJ that we heard about earlier this week. I was actually in the market for a second hand water pitcher. And maybe some records...

So, I was happily surprised when my husband pointed out the linen tent which had a whole section devoted to fabric! There was a ton a apolsetry fabrics as well as weird synthetics for clothing or costume, but mixed in there was some quilty goodness!! And I was even more pleased to see that there was vintage fabric, not just newer items.  

Part of my Year of the Stash Manifesto always includes not buying too much new fabric each year. We're trying to use our stash, not increase it! But I do always allow for some shopping, especially when it's from finding vintage fabric! I try to incorporate some vintage fabric in all my work, so coming across a small jackpot like the Far Hills Rummage Sale is always exciting! I also love to get most of my fabric second hand even if it is newer. It feels good to use up what someone couldn't and it fits right in with my zero waste philosophies! 

Finding this fabric was bittersweet as it nearly doubled my intake for the year! But think of all the wonderful things I will sew!! And I got all 19.5 yards for only $27! That's approximately $1.38/yard! I can't wait to unroll all the bundles and take a closer look as I start putting this fabric to good use!

Here's what my YOTS stash report looks like this month:
Fabric Added Since Last Update: Approximately 19.5yd
Fabric Added Year to Date: Approximately 42.75yd
Fabric Used Since Last Update: Approximately 0 yd
Fabric Used Year to Date: Approximately 13.5 yd

Sadly, there isn't a YOTS link up this year, but I am linking up with Molli Sparkles Sunday Stash. Who else out there is still working on Year of The Stash? How's it going?

PS, I never did find a water pitcher. Too distracted, I guess!

On My Mind On Friday Morning

I've been wanting to cook and make things that I no longer want to buy in the store bc of plastic or wasteful packaging. One thing that I still buy even though it's quite bad in both packaging and added ingredients is blue cheese dressing (but I love it!!). I've been collecting recipes to make my own (1, 2, 3)
I would consider this job if I spoke more (any) French!
If you are thinking of applying to the job above, you might want to think about personal space.  
Here is an article about homesteading closer to home. 
We bought these blueberry bushes in June, and now there are almost planted!

Anyone have any good tricks for keeping the birds and squirrels from eating your berries? We have until next summer to figure it out!

Something Nice

A few weeks ago, we arrived home to not one, but two(!) fun letters in the mail box. These were a semi expected letter from my BFF about how his continued adventures on the left coast are going, and a totally unexpected small gift from BK!

2017 FAL Q3 Wrap Up + Q4 List

My Q3 list was a short one and yet.... Nothing got done! 

1. Do everything for the mystery Gift Quilt.
2. Finish quilting, bind and Label Tom Mat
3. Baste, tie, bind and label Little Baby Quilt. 

Zero finishes in the third quarter, but a little bit of progress on each item listed. On to Q4!

1. Finish top, finish back, baste, quilt, bind, label and gift Mystery Quilt.

Sooooo, this quilt completely changed from when I first started it, but I am happier with it's progress now!

2. Finish top, make back, baste, quilt, bind, label and gift Stripy Baby Quilt. 

The start of this little quilt was quick. It has to be done before the new year. 

3. Add borders, make back, baste, quilt, bind, label and gift Quilt for Isaac.

My BFF asked for a quilt and this top was done. I need to add more volume to make this a usable quilt for him. 

Bonus: Maybe Lyz Quilt.

This one has been on the lists forever. I'm not fully committing to finishing it, but if I do it's a bonus!

Linking up with Q4 and the global hosts. 

Mad Cat Capsule: Autumn (October - December)

At the start of my summer capsule, I had a hard time picking what it would be. This time around, I couldn't wait! Autumn is my third capsule and it was surprisingly easy to put together.  

This is the third capsule I've created since starting this project. When I was putting together Summer, I put several things aside for Fall, but when it came down to it, I only used a few of those. For Summer, I had one piece that inspired the whole collection, but for fall everything came together more organically. 

I happened to be going through all my clothes for a clothing swap with co workers, and I started by pulling everything I might like to wear and used that as a guide. I already had a basic idea of what I wanted to roll over from my Summer capsule.
The weather will be warm and cold and all other the place for this capsule so I have a wide range of clothing from tank tops to sweaters. 
For Fall, I kept my signature colors of grey and blue and I saved some coral pieces from Summer which worked well with some new items I'm adding.
Here is what is included in this capsule:

6 Tee Shirts - Most of these are rolled over from all of my previous capsules; A local brewery tee, a work tee from our 2016 picnic, a local radio stations tee, my grey v neck, a blue v neck, a cranberry crew neck. 

4 Tank Tops - These are all relatively old and well worn, and I'll mostly use them mostly for layering. These are all solids, some spaghetti straps, some wider strapped. 

7 Button Downs/Over Shirts/Long Sleeved/Fancy Shirts- I found that I wore a ton of button downs and over shirts for layering or just as is in Summer, so I'm keeping a few and adding a bunch. I'm also adding some long sleeve tees and shirts. I'm keeping both my denim button downs, and my white button down top. I'm adding a "fancy" button down. This goes with the blue silk tee that I've had for the last few capsules. I also have a waffle tee and a cowl neck 3/4 sleeve. 

7 Sweaters - I plan on getting a lot of use from sweaters and layers in this capsule. I have included some over sweaters and some that I can just wear as is. Two of these have been in my previous capsules. 

3 Skirts - I'm keeping the long flowing black skirt from Summer and adding a midi cordoroy, and a shorter wool skirt, all with pockets!

2 Dresses - I don't wear a lot of dresses, but it's good to have some! One with pockets, one with out. 

5 Pants - All my currant jeans are thrifted.  I'm toying with adding some other pants but I can't decide. 

I'm glad that my Autumn capsule falls right at Slow Fashion October. Part of the idea of my using a capsule wardrobe initially was to pare down the hundreds of clothes I own, but it was also to be more mindful of what I wear and where it comes from. I'm happy that 18 out of 34 of this capsule falls under slow fashion criteria. These pieces are either over 10 years old or second hand. Many of the new items were bought in small local shops.

How is everyone else's current capsule going? 

OMG October

I think only the most simple goals are achievable in my quilting life this year. And even those have been tough! For Oct, I would love to get the mystery quilt basted. I feel like this is the most simple goal I can come up with. 

I should have had this quilt finished months ago, but I'm really hoping to get it done this month. This OMG is the first step. 

Linking up with Elm Street Quilts and One Monthly Goal!