Find me on Instagram

Did you know I am on Instagram. I enjoy taking shots with my iphone and can quickly post them. I have to spend quite a bit time more creating a blog post and usually have to be at home to get it done.
I think this is just a change in the way we share and communicate. The blog is a great journal for me to share my process. The images for Instagram don't have much explanation or planning but can get the image to many more friends.
I love both, but find myself using Instagram to share my daily ComfortCircle due to its ease.
I hope my viewers will follow me on both as I try to keep up with the ever evolving life.

Works in Progress

Kaffe Log Cabin

I have started a quilt. I have many unfinished quilts. I feel conflicted about starting a new one. I was totally inspired by the new Kaffe fabric I purchase and how it fit into my current stash of Kaffe. The colors are so consistent. I have been purchasing 1/2 yards for going on 5 years now. I have a nice collection. I really wanted to use up some of the scraps left over from the Kaffe Quilt and Scrappy Embroidered pouches.

I started with the mulberry shot cotton scrap. I cut 24 random smaller squares in varying sizes anywhere from 2''-4 inches.

Then I spent the majority of my time organizing my scraps. I wanted 4 color sets, so I could create a stair step pattern. I ended up with orange/burgandy, blue/green , then lights and darks.

Kaffes colors makes this process easy. After sorting my scraps into colors, I then sorted them into sizes: tiny, medium and large. I was looking for strips over 1 inch wide. I knew I could always cut the bigger pieces down as needed. I ended up surveying my scrap selection and then cutting strips off my 1/2 yard stash to fill up my piles. I have a nice selection of patterns; large florals, stripes, small organic patterns and other geometrics. I didn't get too caught up in cutting certain sizes since I really wanted a scrappy look. Setting up the scraps made the piecing part rather mindless. I just tried not to put the same fabrics next together.

I set up the stacks of scraps by size to work through to build the block. This quilt is a scrap buster and I wanted to have all the small pieces available to use when starting the block so. I didn't want to cut off the big long scraps to start off.

I also wanted to make this quilt to come together quickly. I utilized my chain piecing skills, I lined up my blocks to sew at one sitting. 

Everytime I chained pieced I would cut them off the sewing line and keep them sorted by color. Since, of course I wasn't using a pattern per usual, I had to keep myself organized in someway.

The orange/burgandy and green/blues got paired in blocks and then the darks and lights. I don't use pins when sewing much. I just paid a lot of attention to the colors, and laid all my blocks the same direction to make sure I was sewing the correct sides together.

Here's a nice stack of 10" squares. I am trying to decide if I want them bigger than this.

Stay tuned to find out.

Ahhh Oregon...so beautiful...

A little camping never hurt anyone...

 or a morning sunrise....

Canvas iPad Case

Today was an amazing beautiful summer Saturday, despite my hubby's attempts I wasn't feeling like leaving the house. I decided to get some sewing projects going. I spent some time on Pintrest looking a baby clothing ideas. One of my best friends is having her first baby!!!! I am so excited, I want to make one of everything for her and the baby!
When I sat down with my iPad next to the stack of fabric and a million ideas floating in my head. I settled for finally making a iPad case for myself and a tutorial for you instead. Oh, how my brain works...

I got started by getting out the computer case I made awhile back for my hubby. I wanted to make similar style cases so they could be used together. I refreshed my memory of things I wished I had done and recalled order that worked well when putting it together. 

First, I measured the iPad, which was 8x10, and I was able to figure the size of the pieces to cut:

- 2- 9"x11"-Sturdy fabric- I used Red canvas for outer fabric, later Side A and Side B.

- 2- 8"x10"- Peltex- Stiff flexible material that works for creating items that need to maintain their shape- I found this on a rack at Joann's -It is expensive compared to fabric but, makes this project seem store bought and create lots of padding for the iPad.

- 4- 8"x10"- Batting- I used scraps of cheaper thinner batting I had.

- 2 9"x11"- Flannel- I used Tan baby flannel I had for a lining fabric.

- 2- 5 1/2"x 7 1/2"- Sturdy Canvas- I used Black canvas scraps for a tab closure.

- 1- Polygon 5" x 11" x 7" x 9"- Sturdy Canvas- I used a Black canvas triangle scrap I had that was already very close to this size and simply trimmed the thinnest point off to make it a four sided polygon pocket.

- 1- Large Button- I used I big vintage black one I had in my stash.

When it was all cut out then I got to sewing:

a.To create Side A: lay out one outer canvas rectangle, center one sheet of batting, then add one Peltex and then another sheet of batting. pinning it in the middle with a one inch spacing from edge to hold while "quilting" it together. (see image below) Canvas side down I stich a few lines that serve two purposes in creating Side A. One, to hold the Peltex and batting in place. Two, when using contrasting thread to create some decoration on the showing side.

b. Quilt your lines in a pattern you like on to Side A, I didn't use any guide line. but it would help if you care about straight line, which I obviously dont. (see image above)

c. Take two small tab pieces and sew together on three sides, using a 1/4'' seam allowance and leaving one 5 1/2'' side open. Turn right side out and press.
d. Using a 1/2'' seam allowance top stich around the three sewn sides of the tab (slightly visible in image above).
e. Place and mark where button should go using pins on either side and use machine's setting to create a large button hole, cut open hole and remove canvas excess. (see image above)
f. Take canvas pocket piece. fold and iron over long top edge 1/4'' sew. Fold again and sew to create finished edge.
g. In order to create Side B, attach pocket by lining it up with other outer rectangle, with folded pocket edge facing outer side. Pin and top stich using a 1/4" seam allowance on three sides of pocket. I reverse a few times at tops of pocket attachment to outer canvas.
h. With Side B, pocket side down layer on: one batting, one Peltex, one batting centering with inch border and Pin.
g. "Quilt" a few lines that will serve three purposes; First, to "Quilt" batting and Peltex in place, Second in order to create a decoration cohesive to the other side. this may create a need for marking or pinning if you want items lined up. I of course just eyeballed it (Gasp!) and Third, to create pockets, yes pockets. One giant pocket with no closure just allows things to fall out , but when divided it gets tighter and better job of keeping items in and not sliding around. Plan out pocket "quilting" based on what you would like to carry in your case. I thought a pen and charger.
f. Attach tab to Side B, by centering it and pining open/raw edge of tab to the middle of 9" of Side B opposite pocket. Using 1/4" making a few passes.
g. Along same side as newly attached tab of Side B pocket facing up and tab folded in, line up and pin flannel lining rectangle. Sew along tab egde (9"side) using a 1/2"seam allowance, so our 1/4" tab seam allowance is covered.
h. Fold out (see image below) and fold back you can press flannel  that is rolled under edge of canvas and tab is sticking up, then top stich this seam only, using a 1/2" seam allowance.

i. Fold Side B lining back over to sew bottom pocket edge. This will later ensure that lining will close up at bottom of case, a mistake I learned from creating the computer case. Flip right side out and press bottom edge.
j. Take Side A and line up other lining piece to outer side. Sew both 9"sides and then flip lining around (see image below). Press so lining dosen't show over canvas edge.
k. Top stich one 9'' side you deem as the top, using a 1/2" seam allowance.

l. Line up top stitched edges of Side A and Side B with canvas sides up flannel down and line up tab of Side B onto Side A for placement of Button. Pin where button holes should be.

m. Hand sew button onto canvas side of Side A and test button hole. This will be easier to fix now rather than later once sewn together, lesson learned.

n. Line up canvas sides together Side A and Side B and stitch using a 1/2" seam allowance along 2- 11" sides and bottom 9" side, you should be close to Peltex edge when joining the two sides and creating a large pocket with tab at top. I sew this seam twice and reverse at pocket top edge.

o. Trim two bottom corners and loose threads (see image below).

p. Flip case and poke out corners with pencil eraser end.

Tada! iPad case completed in 2 hours. So happy I got around to making this awesome case and tutorial. I know my directions aren't super precise and neither is my sewing. I am a learner and creator, which isn't always perfect. I hope you will add your own style and make it your own instead of making one just like mine.

Finished Side A, with flipped over Side B tab closure.

Finished Side B

Now back to deciding which project to work on for the new Baby!

The River

This is the Williamette Rive that runs through Eugene, Oregon.

It is very wide, clean and super blue. It is such a lovely surprise to have in town. It weaves and turns a bit, but basically runs through the middle of town. Autzen Stadium is very close by the river which seems to be a lot of fun on game days. We have actually avoided this part of town and campus on the last few Saturdays because of the games. The weather has been beautiful. Its kind of a shame that I haven't felt like exploring more. I have been crafty and I will up date soon.

Kaffe Cloth Napkins

This might just be my favorite project i've worked on in awhile. 

I have been unemployed since leaving NC two months ago and moving to Eugene, OR. I have moments of thinking that my husbands  income will barely sustain us, then in tears that I left my seeming perfect job in NC, and finally excepting of the time off as a vacation. Recently, I seem to lean more to the fact that this is a much needed vacation. The lack of employment will end and I will be mad that I didn't use my time better.

There have been a few things to hinder my wise use of time. First, I have been sick, my stomach is just not happy at all. Second, within two days of moving into our apartment we decided we wanted to move  into the more accessible part of Eugene. So, when it came to unpacking boxes some boxes were never opened and shoved into the garage. I finally found the desirable Kaffe fabric that always inspires me. How could you not be inspired by all those colors.

And Third, I've spent more time on Pinterest than any person should admit to. Today, I decided to finally make a few things on my "Make this NOW!" board. These napkins were perfect for the Kaffe scraps. So, between bouts in the bed, on the computer sending resumes and Pinterest rabbit trails, I churned out these six lovelies.

 The Kaffe Scraps came from the quilt I made my Mom last year. I had tiny pieces of some and yards of others that I purposely bought too much of. It is hard for me to cut down the bold Kaffe flowers. I enjoyed using the chevron ikat and organic prints to balance the bold flowers. Kaffe's prints all work so well together sometimes there were too many choices. I tried to use the scraps first that could be joined with out cutting or trimming. I also hesitated on cutting any yardage piece, therefore this project probably too me longer than it should have.
 I adore the eggplant shot cotton from Kaffe's line. I am unsure of the precise color name but it is a dark purple warp and orange weft. Which looks different in lighting and perfect solid to compliment all that color from the print side. The current kitchen is rather boring but at least their is a lot of natural light.

I think cotton napkins give a nice pop on the light wood table and they are not so formal that they wouldn't be unpractical for everyday use. Stay tuned for coasters and seat covers from the smaller scraps that I can't let go to waist.

We Made It!

Well after a month to take our time getting across the country, WE MADE IT!
It will take me a bit of time to get set back up to enjoy my crafting and sewing. We just got internet today which is very very exciting! Hubby has been to his new lab a few times and we are feeling like we made a great choice to move to Eugene, It is truly beautiful here and the "folks" are just as nice as southerners!

Here are a few more lovely iphone photos of our cross country trip

Palo Duro Canyon, TX

Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

Huntsville, UT

Idaho City, ID

Blue Lake, OR

Floating

Ive been craving water and to float. We got out on the lake in the boat last weekend. It was bittersweet, i was in heaven in the water, but sad to be leave my home and family here. I've been going to the lake with my dad since I was little. We never do much more than float.

Iam a water/ air sign and feel very connected to water. I always crave it this time if year. The ocean is a great fix. A lake is awesome when it is calm and few folks were out because the water is cold still. This is Lake Tillery, NC.

Set of Three

Check out the set of three canvas bags and plastic travel bags I made for myself! I love them I am making more soon.

Well if your going for it, Go Big!!

Life's been nuts. We decided to move to Oregon for my husband to obtain a Doctorate in Linguistics. It is paid stipend and grants for four years it also includes health insurance we are very excited. We have been busy since the decision seeing family and friends. We will be moving across the country in two months. I have a lot of stuff and this will be interesting trip. I am nervous about the cost of it all, but once we get there, it is a beautiful spot. This is one of the few pictures on the blog I didnt take myself of crater lake, but soon i will see this for myself.

Obsessed

I am sorry, I have abandoned the blog since the holidays. Honestly, I am not that busy. We have been home for a week,  took down the decorations and I am working (hard), but I have time.  The time I usually spend writing on the blog has been pinning on Pinterest. I am officially obsessed. I have spent hours pinning and scrolling. I love the concept. I am not one to want to steal others ideas and act like they are my own. That is why every picture on this blog I or my sister took. Or, I asked if I could use it. I like Pinterest because it is a great way of keeping track of all the super ideas and inspiration that I see out there, Now I can hold on it with out claiming it as my own. I LOVE it! Check me out!
Hope you are having a more productive 2012 than I am. Use with caution.

I have been productive, if you can define that as getting well deserved rest and relaxation and feeding my heart and soul so I can start the year off filled with awesome ideas.
I am also obsessed with the Camellias from my back yard.

Christmas & New Years Wishes

We have big plans for the holidays. The next two weeks including driving two trips and seeing my entire side of family,  a seeing a huge concert with lots of friends, quite a few parties and work between! I am honestly rather excited to get on the road. I am not really tired or overwhelmed. I have been very excited to start 2012. I have many things that I would like to accomplish. One of those things being selling a few of my creative items. I am not really a promoter and hope to work on this. Before I get to far ahead of myself, I thought I would reflect on this year.
2011 has been amazing for my little family. I got two job promotions and love my job. My hubby got his Masters Degree and became a Professor of Linguistics.  We were able to travel and see lots of N. Carolina this past year.

The wonderful trip to OBX in May was a great time for our family and two graduates! We had a great time visiting my aunts home in the summer on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This fall we went to the N. Carolina mountains for my mom and hubby's birthdays.  We just got back from visiting my in-laws in Texas and had a great time.

Kuma is in heaven in the back yard this winter, after the hot summer we had. She is still all smiles and make us laugh everyday.

I created two quilts and quite a few other items, I still love creating and cant wait to get started on some other projects. Hubby has started on his applications for doctorate programs and continues his research and works hard on his beard.

We feel very fortunate for all that we have and we are so excited to see what the future has to hold for us.
We have big hopes and dreams for this up and coming year.
Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with Love, Laughter, Friends and Family!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Molly

NC State Fair

I have mentioned that I love October and Fall many times. Since moving to Raleigh, October is even more exciting because its the NC State Fair. We only live 15 min from this temptation. I truly enjoy going to the state fair. My favorite thing about the state fair is the Yesteryear's building (of course, Chocolate Dipped Frozen Nanners too).  I love the rag rugs and sweet grass baskets, so much inspiration in a tiny building.

 

The report was there was 150,000 people were at the fair on Saturday! Dang it felt like it, I haven't seen that many people together in a long time. Honestly, it makes me a bit nervous to be in huge crowds like that. It was hard to get around. I enjoyed working that evening and talking to people and let it all pass around me.

                                          McBride's Turkey Legs are totally worth the wait!

                                                               Giant Sweet Taters!

                                I love the hair on the top of the calf's head. He looks like a old man!

I can hear the fireworks at my house miles away. It is an impressive end to a whirlwind of a day.

I Love to Travel

I had an awesome summer. We have much better jobs that have given us the opportunity to travel with our families this summer. My sister graduated with her undergrad  in May and a week later my hubby finished his master's degree. That weekend we took a trip to the Outer Banks of NC with my mom, sister and hubby's parents and some of our good friends too. We had a great week.

A month later we took a trip to Indian Beach and Beauford, NC for  a friends wedding. The reception took place on the wharf in Beauford. It was wonderful weather and allowed Jason and I celebrate our 4th anniversary.

In July, we took a trip to visit a close friend who had relocated to Asheville, NC we had a great time drinking, telling stories and hanging out in the mountains.
Last month we were able to visit my dad in  Charlotte, NC and cruise the lake and swim in the coves. My mom also arranged for us to go to the coast of VA to visit our Great-aunt at her home. I loved that trip and still look back on that trip with much fondness.

Over Labor day weekend, we went back to the mountains to celebrate two awesome birthdays and found ourselves floating on the river, eating great food and relaxing.

I am heading to Charlottesville, VA this weekend for work. I have a lot to do at the store while I am there, but it is always nice to get back to the cool mountains. I wont have an opportunity to really enjoy the area. At least I get paid to travel to somewhere rather awesome.
I can only hope that this fall and winter will afford us the opportunities to travel more.
We already know we are traveling to Dallas, TX for Thanksgiving. We are trying to make plans to get to New Hampshire for the birth of our friends' 1st child and Eugene, OR to check out the doctorate program for my Hubby.
I also accomplished a lot of craftiness!! That's for next post!