November Catch-up

November was a whirlwind - 2 countries & 4 states in 4 weeks. We spent about 3 weeks on the West Coast, starting with a work meeting in Vancouver, B.C. (Caden's first time in Canada). This was the view from our hotel room - we could also see the water - and it was such a trip, especially on weekday evenings when you could look across into people's offices. Talk about a fishbowl - it made me feel like I'd entered a sci-fi movie!



The month ending with a work trip to California and (supposedly) the last of ~20 years of our traditional Thanksgiving in a lodge at a Methodist summer camp on the Oregon Coast.


Caden and I stayed out west for the ~10 days between our scheduled activities to save ourselves 1 cross-country trek and enjoyed spending time in the town I grew up in - Corvallis, Oregon. My sewing projects were fairly limited, but I did finish up Tanja's quilt (see previous post) and make a custom applique onesie for my cousin (who was thinking his boss might like something more than the 'baby carrots' and 'baby back ribs' he gave him at the baby shower!). I also found a few cross-stitch patterns that have got me planning Caden's Christmas stocking, which is likely to not get made until next year (since we're at Xmas - 12 days right now). And I finished a draft of a manuscript/second thesis chapter, which is exciting!


I couldn't help thinking about another 'future project' when I saw this beautiful view

out of this window...


Yes, one of the best views in the house is in our tiny 1/2-bath off of the kitchen. Someday, we hope to (hire someone to) renovate the kitchen and add a breakfast nook. Aah, dreaming!

October catch-up

I'm playing catch up in all aspects of life right now - sewing projects, work, home. I haven't even unpacked my bag from our month on the west coast yet, and we've been back over a week! Here's a start at catching up with reporting on my projects!

In October, for the first time, I made Caden's costume completely from scratch (since I couldn't find an all-white 2T footsie!). He was Max from Where the Wild Things Are. Here he is at his school Halloween party, carrying a pasta server as his mischief-making tool...





Project #2 was a baby quilt for my friends Tanja and Dan. They live in Burkina Faso, Africa, hence the safari animal theme. I was really happy with the pattern and how adjacent blocks made kite-like blocks on the bias. With the exception of the yellow fabric, I had most of the materials on hand.

Tanja came back to the states to have her baby, so I got to see her and give her the quilt in person. Little Leah was born the day after Thanksgiving. Here's a darling picture Tans just sent of her on the quilt. It's so gratifying to see something you've made keep a baby cozy!