checking in on 12 projects for 2014

finished bean bags for a cat sized corn hole game.

also finished curtains for bedroom

two ways: closed for privacy and open for the view

also finished, one blouse

also in progress, quilt

These are certainly some of the simpler projects on my list, but it does feel good to make progress early in the year! How about you? Are you excited about progress you've made this month? Or are you feeling disappointed or discouraged? We can cheer you on. Just let us know if you need a boost.

Check back tomorrow for a very cool February challenge. I'm guessing many of you will want to jump on board (Mumsie and Gretta especially).

clementines in an aqua bowl

the slant of winter sunshine.

the sound of the tibetan singing bowl that marks the end of meditation.

the satisfying crunch of home sprouted seeds.

the gentle nudge of henry's forehead while i'm still snug in the darkness of the dawn.

the surge of satisfaction of knocking some of the things off my to-do list.

our days are filled with moments. 

tiny specks in a lifetime.

(and i miss pete seeger already.)

for us

yesterday:

washed, dried and ironed.

today:

cutting and cutting and cutting.

playing off of this:

here

later this afternoon...

playing around with half square triangles.

1-18-2014 at 4:03 PM

i think, sometimes, that it's o.k. to say "life is perfect".

patience and seeds and hope and such

crepuscular rays

snow capped, valley misted

frosted

Back in Vermont for the long weekend. 

Not enough snow for our annual snowshoeing extravaganza.

Our houseful of guests has not materialized (missing you, friends).

But last night...

Oh...my.

Went up to Green Mt Girls Farm to hear Ben Falk speak again (heard him at NOFA-VT last winter).

Became re-inspired as to what we might accomplish here at our "bit of earth".

If you have a farm or homestead, or dream of having one someday, find his book, brew some tea and settle in for a little dose of hope and a big sense of possibility.

This is how he dedicates his book...

For my parents, with gratitude.

And for the generations after me, I hope this helps.

We just placed our order with High Mowing Seeds. 

Pacifying ourselves a little bit longer.

Waiting patiently for the future to unfold.

Hoping...

...while appreciating what is here in the present moment,

as the sun sets and turns our little living room a gorgeous orange on this winter's afternoon.

a perfect storm of inspiration

First I saw it made with fabric from Lotta Helleberg.

Then I saw it made with fabric from Bookhou.

Then I found a pattern for it in my brand new issue of Taproot magazine.

Then I went to her website and read this.

Then I remembered one of my plans for 2014.

Do you think that perhaps I was supposed to make this?

I did.

This morning.

I made a large, and it is large.

I went off script and played with the bias tape at the neckline a bit.

Next time I will make it l-o-n-g-e-r. 

Because I am t-a-l-l.

And I will change the neckline.

(I have made notes on the pattern).

What a wonderful way to spend a chilly day in my sewing studio.

Oh, I do thank Sonya Philip and her 100 Acts of Sewing.

She has spoken truth to me and it resonates so beautifully with my 2014 word...integrity.

meyer

tropical windowsill

on a frigid morning.

warmth of color, texture and of possibilities.