Cottage Quilting Bee

I had a great time making the blocks for the first month of Cottage Quilting Bee. I made two log cabin blocks: one traditional block and one "wonky" block. This was my first time trying the log cabin style and I found the tutorial Darci posted here and here very helpful.



This is the traditional square that I made. I made this one first and had a lot of fun with it. I was trying to see what it would look like to have two sides of the square the same fabric... think it looks good. After that I just pieced randomly.

And now the wonky block...



This was my first time using the "wonky" uneven edges and it turned out ok. I wasn't thrilled with the final product initially, but it grew on me the more I looked at it. Part of what caused the problem was that I cut two sides on the same go-round and for some reason that made it harder for me to figure out. I was able able to finish it though and plan to keep trying these types of blocks. Comparing my blocks to the others, it seems I ended up with more pink and less green than others. I can't wait to see how they all come together!

Back again

I disappeared in January. After getting back from a vacation over Christmas, my attention turned to the upcoming social work license exam. After several years of logging work and supervision hours, I was finally able to apply and test for my clinical license. So, January was spent studying. Now that I've passed, I feel like I can be a normal person again with interests and hobbies and actually have time to do them again. I've been staring longingly at the fabric I received from Darci for the Cottage Quilting Bee. Now I can actually start playing with them. I've never made log cabin blocks before, but am excited to try. Also on my list to complete are some napkins and coasters I started months ago- they actually were my sewing project! We are hosting a Polish Dinner later on in February and I would love to use some snazzy napkins to dress up the table. It's amazing all the project possibilities...

Midweek check-in

I got myself into the pool on Monday! After taking a look and seeing that three lanes were wide open, there were not excuses left to skip it. It went well although I could definitely feel the time off. Just focused on doing three-hundreds with thirty second breaks. As much as I dread the water beforehand, I do enjoy it and love the tired feeling in my shoulders when I'm done. Tonight I worked out work stress in spin class.

I'm super excited about two opportunities this coming year: my first virtual quilting bee! There are a whopping 17 people in the project so there will be some months where two people will send out fabric. The other is an improvisational quilting project.

What's up for the week...

Tentative plan for the week...
Monday: Yoga class, then 1 hour swim or run
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: Spin Class, then either Pilates or Bodyflow
Thursday: Pilates on a roll, then 6 mile run
Friday: Short run and then swim 30 minutes
Saturday: Pilates or Bodyflow and then Cycling
Sunday: 7 mile run

I am going to start swimming again this week... Even though it's scheduled twice, I'll be happy to get it in once. I do not heart swimming but I know I need to get back into it. As a group fitness junky, I am excited about the new classes on the winter schedule this week. Thursday a class called "pilates on a roll" which will somehow incorporate a foam roller.

In other news, I'm expanding the blog to include the sewing and crafting I've been up to. I'm hesitant to do so because of all the beautiful crafting blogs I have been watching for the past several months. At the same time, I'm looking forward to joining everyone.

Back in the Saddle

I'm back! After both enjoying my first triathlons and the frustration of lingering shin problems in 2008, I'm back for another year of training. After enjoying a few months of running, yoga, and pilates, it is time to get the 2009 training plan going. I picked out my first target race of 2009: the Stillwater Half Marathon and picked out a training plan on the runners world website to use. I will have to do some thinking about how to incorporate swimming and cycling training for the triathlons I still have to pick out for 2009. More to come...

4/9

Yesterday was a rest day.

I had an AWESOME workout this morning. I got up early and went to spin class for a 50 minute work out. Then I went and swam for 45 minutes and it went really well! I noticed I did much better sharing a lane and swimming straight. I also noticed that I was able to breath regularly without gasping for air and I think I was keeping my head down rather than pulling it all the way out of the water. Each good swim makes me feel more confident about going back to swim again and I am starting to want to do it more often. I think I have two more lessons and I am looking forward to seeing what my teacher has to say.

4/6 and 4/7

4/6: 20 minute run followed by 30 minutes on elliptical.

4/7: 30 minute run followed by 25 minutes on the stair master.