1.25.2017

{ Glitter Quilt, pattern from Quilty Love by Jen Kingwell)

It rained four days here! Yesterday was a harder day to think about motivations?! I watched the rain kept coming down and the wind was blowing strong. The apartment was cold and felt all gloomy and dark at the same time! I turned on the floor lamp in the studio and started tidy up the workroom a little; lots embroidery floss, wind them back to the little cards.

So, I redid the scarf after the last post. I was just not satisfied how it turned out! After another attempt, there are still some missing stitches, likely I caught that after knitted a few more rows.  I've been thinking redid it again and use number 6 or number 7 needles. The finished  length is not quite long enough for making two wraps around the neck, so it really needs another skein of yarn. It will be nice that if I can find a match colored yarn.  I don't mind redid the scarf after so many attempts, I actually can see myself making more even stitches and have speed up a little. I also played around the knitting pattern in a reverse way to see how it looks like!

This morning the sun is out and the sky is clear! I love how everything being washed and looked clean after days of rain! I opened a few windows to let the fresh air in and that felt so so so good! I love the cold air and a warm  hot cup of coffee in hand. While the washer is running, I started pulling flour, sugar, butter out to  make a sweet treat. This morning seemed perfect time for the cinnamon rolls. I've always added a teaspoon of Almond Extra into the fillings. It tastes a little bit more fresh and perfect with dark coffee!

Then a small spring cleaning for me to welcome the Lunar New Year ( it would be this coming Saturday). I tried to dust the growing library of ours and changed quilts around the rooms. Before I sat down for a small break, it was almost noon! Gosh, I had to have a smallest cinnamon roll from the fresh bake! delicious! 

The week has been quite slow around here! Was it because of January? It rained quite a bit in the coast area. This is not very familiar to me as I used to get icy storms and snow storms. The air often feels damp and not as dry as Midwest air. When I leave the apartment, I turn on the dehumidifier and it has been helping out around the apartment.

This coming Saturday is the Lunar New Year and this Friday morning, I will hop on the bus to get some grocery as we plan on having a small celebration at home like we do every year! When I get home, it would be passing noon hours and trying to put every away before I can sit down! I'll be sore with two full hands of grocery and tired from the crowded bus ride! But I know that I'll be sitting down having a small festive meal with my family! Calling ma and pa oversea is a must and wishing them a happy new year! I'll probably still sore from all the cooking and washing dishes, but I like to sew something over the weekend and maybe finish a project!

Until then I wish you a ...

Happy Lunar New Year

xxc

p.s. This is would be a Rooster Year!

Slow Patch

{Ocean Wave Quilt}

{12th birthday quilt}

{another Travel Outbound Bag, made for workroom. stored with all the sewing tools}

{knit row 1, purl row 2; repeat till finish}

{Ocean Wave Quilt}

It has been a few months since I work on the Ocean Wave quilt. It is so satisfied seeing this quilt blocks finally coming together.  Actually I almost give up forwarding the process as it has quite a bit of trimming and seam allowance pressing. I leave it alone and bring it out when I have a day, like snowy day or rainy day. So, it has been an in-between project for me. 

Last two Saturdays were snowing around the here. The first Saturday had a good 5 inches snow fall on the ground.  It started to snow around 7 in the morning and didn't stop till late at night. That morning, I walked six blocks away to get a cup of medium size coffee as my coffee beans have been out for weeks. I though I'd be the only one out there getting the coffee, but it is not! The cafe is full with no empty seating. I saw more people were out and about and it was a new experience for me holding a cup of hot coffee and walking in a snowy day home.  

I was able to finished eight more large patchwork blocks for the quilt top and that completed 18 large patchwork blocks. There will be another 12 large blocks to finish before I can assemble the whole quilt top together! 

For a little fun math factor, I math out the HSTs I have made into blocks so far and though you love to know.  Each large patchwork block takes 56 HSTs (half square triangles) and I have completed 18 blocks that would be 1008 HSTs finished ( in the photo) then when I finish all that would be 1680 HSTs. I have started thinking quilting, backing and binding fabric. It might look fun with scrappy binding and maybe some nice simple print for the backing! The quilt really is slowly coming nice together. It will be closed to a queen size measurement! 

{Birthday Quilt}

I have finally basted an overdue birthday quilt for my S, who will be turning into a teen in a few weeks. I have had all the intention to finish this quilt last Fall after I return from my trip, but it got push down the calendar again, again and again! 

I am ready to start quilting anytime these days! I always though pick up backing fabric comes easy and quick, but the reality is not! I have been trying to use what I have in the stash and the prints will go well with the quilt. Then getting the message embroidered on the backing for the date and birthday wishes... 

For the next birthday quilt,  I though I'd try a reverse apporach which is finding the backing fabric and getting message embroidery on before I start the quilt top. There are colors have been mentioned and ideas have been share about the it. I have started thinking about the quilt design and will try to use fabrics I have before need to purchase additional material for the quilt.  

{The knitting}

Ok, it is terrible look from the bottom five inches knitted section, as I mistakenly putting the yarn on wrong side needle when I knitting purls. I though about restart again, but it was the 4th attempts, so I decided to let go and started thinking it is not going to be perfect, but a good start!! I though I'd make a knit bag for myself, so I can take it with me when I travel in the city. The linen is a light weight  {purchased in Grayline Linen} and has a nice soft texture to it! I like to make knit bag in 12"x12" size. It is nice roomy bag for two skeins of yarn and a pair of knitting needles. I have also look up the next project which is a {Madelinetosh Honey Cowl} . Last night,  I watched tutorials on some of the knitting stitches on youtube and though I'd give it a try. My goal to knit a pair of socks might really come true this year! {fingers crossed}

{Thank YOU, Thank You} 

{Thank You So Much} for your enthusiasm and support of {Travel Outbound Bag Sewing Pattern} and the sewing kits are sold out! I am incredibly thrilled to see some Travel Outbound Bags show up in the Instagram last few days. Every one of them has its personality and really unique in many ways! The colors and trims that being used and I love see all different binding fabric that wrap up this Outbound Bag.  All the positive and encourage feedback of this pattern really are appreciate it!  

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! 

My hope for next few days is getting the birthday quilt quilted then have it ready before the birthday arrives. Then getting all the mini birthday notes made, this year I'll make thirteen of them and have. It has bee a nice birthday traditional that we started 7 years ago.  

until then.. 

Happy Day 

xxc 

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Travel Outbound Bag Sewing Pattern + Sewing Kits

Are you ready to TRAVEL OUTBOUND?  I am excited to have my newest PDF sewing Pattern {Travel Outbound Bag} publish for the beginning of the new year. Travel Outbound Bag is a bag that you'd want to make more than one and make for gifts to families and friends.  It not only Travel Outbound, but also a great bag for all your needs that you take with you for traveling from living room to sewing room or from your kitchen table to your workroom table. Add one in your large tote with all your pens, notebooks, planners, great books to read, and digital devises as you travel your way outbound.   

Do you remember first time you travel? For me, first time I travelled alone was when I turned 18. I flew across Pacific Ocean and landed to a new country for my study. At the time, I carried a backpack and a 32" luggage.  Within my backpack there were so many important documents; passport, I-20 ( for international student forms), boarding passes, travel check, and books to read (over 25 hours transit and three flights). no digital devices at the time!    I can't tell you how nervous I was as an 18 year old. My hands always reach out to my backpack and making sure everything is there!  

When I became a mom, the first few years, I travelled not just a backpack and a luggage.  I also held a stroller and a little toddler by me and few carry on bags. It was more nervous than ever for the first time we flew together. The carry on bags had more than we needed, but all necessaries to make sure the little toddler made her way through the first big flight.  In my backpack, I carried two passports, two sets of boarding pass, books for the toddler to read, toys to passing by the waiting time, food for during transits.  I can't tell you how extra nervous I was. One of my hand is always reach out to the backpack and making sure everything is there and one of my hand is holding tie with the toddler who trying to see what's going on.

Last Fall, I travelled alone for the first time after 12 years being a mom. Without my soon to be a teen girl, it is strange.  You think that I should have became a better traveler after 20 years of traveling and I was! However, my hands still reach out to my backpack and making sure everything is there! It seems like an unconscious self is doing so! I laughed as I was waiting for boarding announcement.

As I was waiting for boarding the flight oversea, I started to think of why not design a bag that will fit all and I know all the belongs and documents are there. I started draft this pattern on a long 15 hours flight!  Gosh, I am loving this {Travel Outbound Bag}!

I would love to share a little more...
about Travel Outbound Bag- 

For traveling:
Travel Outbound Bag comes with four front compartments where can insert phone, passport, boarding pass, a few pens, even small cash/ coins.  In the middle large open section is a perfect place to hold planners, books, and iPad! Two of the zipper compartments allow to set more personal important belongs, such as travel cash, few actual cash, and documents if there are any.

I have been using it daily, since the first sample travel outbound bag created. I placed my new year's planner, journal, iPad and pens are all in the Travel Outbound bag as I finished for the day.  When I travel to the city, I set the Travel Outbound bag inside of large tote bag and slip Metro card in one of the front compartment as I go .  Everything is there! I really haven't been trying to reach out my hands in the large tote or backpack since then.

For Sewing: 
The Travel Outbound Bag is perfect for anything purpose. It is perfect for sewing table. The front pockets hold well with rotary cutters, pens, markers, small scissors, needle-book, and clips. The large open section fits more than 20 fat quarters and large sewing scissors. The zippered compartment is great for sewing patterns and different needle packs and more!


For everyday purpose: 
It doesn't just travel outdoor. It also travels within home and room-to-room that you go. I work on my daily planner on the kitchen table as I wait for the washer to be done; often time waiting and watching the baking goodies to be ready. I take the Travel Outbound Bag from workroom to the kitchen table, so I have everything that I need! It really is a nice little organizer bag at the same time!

I made a couple and set on the fabric shelves and have placed a few unfinished projects within them and each pattern set in the zippered compartment, small paper pieces in small paper bags. I take the travel outbound bag out for the specific project.

Travel Outbound Bag PDF pattern-
within {Travel Outbound Bag PDF pattern}

- This is a digital downloadable PDF file. It comes with 25 pages PDF file (included sewing pattern, cutting instructions, and measurements), Step-by Step colored photo instructions to guild you through making one Travel Outbound Bag. It also comes with detailed illustrate diagrams to aid for sewing steps.

- Travel Outbound Bag is an intermediate sewing pattern. Sewers have experiences in cutting fabrics, knowing operation sewing machine, have previous bag making experience will be helpful for making and experiences in bias tape sewing.

- Travel Outbound Bag measured at 10.5"x6"x3" in finished size.

- The pattern purchaser can sell finished Travel Outbound Bag made using this pattern (on a home based scale).

- You can find this pattern through my {Etsy} and {Craftsy} pattern shops now.

- You'll need Adobe Reader to open the PDF file and free download at adobereader.com

Sewing Kits:

There are limited Travel Outbound Sewing Bag Kits are available. It comes with high quality linens that I have been using for majority of my recent projects.  It will not restock after the kits sold out.  These colors are inspired by the cities that I have been surrounding since my recent move.

Let me share the linen you'll receive in the sewing kit. This is a medium weight of 100% linen is versatile with smooth look. It has a tighter weave, so it is perfect for any purpose sewing. It doesn't stretch as you sew. My little tip to you is enlarge your sewing machine stitch slightly longer and don't pull the linen as it will feed itself as the sewing feed dog will take on its own. The linen gives so elegant and classic finishes on any projects.  The solid colors give a bold and modern version of the style within. I hope you will enjoy it as well!

Brooklyn, it is my favorite dream place to be and stay. It has is great love of art culture and space for many artists to grow and meet each other. I used Oasis green and paired with Ginger Brown for the energy classic outlook and contrast with almost Evergreen for the bias tape as a highlight of the bag.

Kits available here (click)    Sold Out

New York, New York,  it gets so classic in every way! I love how This Autumn Gold matches with the Evergreen in this bag. The smooth and softened turquoise is a nice combine two colors together. It gives the elegant and classical outlook. The Autumn Gold is a rich yellow and gives such nice finish outlook.

Kits available here (click)  Sold Out 

Queens, the borough on Long Island across the East River from Manhattan. I can't tell you how pretty it is during the Fall around here as well as summer! The drive across East River is nerve racking, but the view is just gorgeous as you ever seen from the photos. I used chocolate brown and Asphalt gray as two main colors and used the rich autumn gold to give high contrast of this bag.

Kits available here (click)  Sold Out

Within the sewing kit:

You'll receive all the materials for making one Travel Outbound Bag.

-main panels
-main panel linings
-front pocket panels
-front pocket linings
-two mental teeth zippers
-fusible interfacing
-two set of rivet
-bias tape
-cotton trim
-a list of material sheet and interfacing cutting instruction
-downloadable PDF sewing pattern


Thank you again for all of your enthusiasm coming here to read about the creations I share with you. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate it! I truly have the pleasure developing this newest pattern and wish you'll love it as well!

Enjoy

xxc









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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

I hope this post found you happy and filled with new goals to accomplish for the new year! On the New Year day, I edited the blog header and wanted to bring some colors into this blog (when you arrive here with some good smiles). 


Before rung the 2017 bell, I took a trip into the city. I explored a few new garment stores to me with a friend. It is going to be the day that I will always cherish and remember! My friend took me to explore a new fabric store to me, Grayline linen, such a beautiful store! The most impressive about the store is that it only has linens! I had wished to get some linen that reminded me so much of countryside of France, red strips, blue strips and simple design.  Maybe next trip when I am there!

As the new year approach I have been thinking what would be a new goal for me. Every year, I try to eat healthier, drink less coffee, eat less sugar products and maybe try to walk a block or two to get  some exercise.  That was all the good goals to achieve and I was able to accomplish most, but not all.

This year...

I would like to take a depth of learn about myself! Last few years have been quite a challenging in ways that have pushed and allowed me grew into a better person. But yet, still finding challenging because I seem haven't find that true self to be more promising, more aware, and looking into depth of appreciation in life and be a better listener and better mom.

It seems not as hard as it is, but it is!  Life is often far from perfect and beautiful and I often feel sentimental thinking about how the next step would be. I try keep moving forward to a better and positive direction as I face new challenges and take a new step forward. Setting up new goals; small and big. There still some of the days that little things affect me and let down a little, but I like to keep my chin up as possible these days.

It might be funny and someday that I'd laugh at myself that how it has taken me so long to see and realize that learning about myself is such a silly goal, but this year is a bigger goal for me and I like to stay on it.

Look back the year, I am humbled by the support of friends and family. I would like to find one small things and gratitude in the day to be thankful.  I also like to make more compliments to one and other. I don't think I have made my effort enough and I truely believe paying a sincere compliment feels even better than receiving one.  I am trying.


For this new year...

I sincerely hope you find your new goals to achieve, even taking time off to stitch or read! I found it is so important that I have moments or time to myself.  It helps to stretch out the day and perhaps relax some!

I  would like to knit one scarf or even learn to crochet. I've done both in the past, but didn't seem find myself into it. I have some nice yarns that purchased and given to me when still lived in ND (nearly 4 years ago) then still untouched and one missing needle during moves.  I though crochet seems simple, but it is not, I believed it is more counting, but they would be good skills to learn and review.  I dream of someday I'll be posting a pair of knitted wooly socks to you! wish me best luck! 

This year,  I plan to experiment more linens in sewing and designs. I was humbled by the messages and feedbacks from the knit bags' receivers how much they have loved the soft and elegant of the bags. It would be a new journey for me. I have started experiment it and really enjoy and felt in love with the outcome! 


Big news:
In a week, I'll be reveling a newest sewing pattern. It has been a wonderful time developing and putting the pattern together since last late Fall and there's a story behind this new sewing pattern.  I am sure you are not surprised that I used linen for the sewing and it turns out elegant and classic! I will be finalizing the blog writing next few days and following up the news!

I wish you a Happy New Year! You've enjoyed your time during this holiday season with family and friends. I would love to finish S' 12th birthday quilt  (quilt top and quilt back all ready to go) and start the 13th birthday quilt! It is a little crazy to think that... soon, I'll have a teen in the house...

xxc










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