Favorite Things This Week

How is it already September?  School has been in session for over a month, the weather is cooling down, and football is on.

Chicago

We snuck off to Chicago for Labor Day weekend.  The weather was gorgeous and we explored the city.  P did a wonderful job walking around for two days.  We ate, drank, and caught up with friends.

We are in trouble with that face

In our adventures, we visited the Lincoln Park Zoo for a bit.  The Lion House has stunning architecture.  Look at this ceiling.  Quilty inspiration.

Sewing and Quilting

It always amazes when quilters pull together for a cause.  #bluerkblocks was organized to help support families of fallen officers.  Here is one quilter’s finished quilt and experience.  They received enough blocks to make 50 quilts.  That is awesome.

In an effort to declutter and fund some household projects, I’m going to be offering a destash in the next couple of weeks.  I will have some bundles and yardage that use new homes.  Also, my Etsy shop will be filled with items I used to sell.  Did you know I used to make 100’s of potholders to help fund my fabric and quilting?  There are lots leftover and I’m going to be working on making those up.  Check social media for updates and go live times.

Speaking of declutterring…

Apartment Therapy is talking about tackling one area at a time.  I have some spots in mind in my house.  Specifically, our bathroom closet.  While packing for Chicago I realized this has become a hodge podge of bathroom items just randomly placed on shelves.  Below is closet inspiration! Rather than go buy baskets I plan to whip up some One Hour Baskets and start organizing.  You can find the tutorial here.  I should probably ask my friend for her label maker too or use her Silhouette printer for labels.  What would you do?

20 Beautifully Organized Linen Closets

Amy Garro of 13 Spools discusses using non quilting cottons in her projects.  She picked up a fun shower curtain that I happen to have just bought for my bathroom.  Can’t wait to read her feedback on using it as backing.

Stashing: Non-Quilting Cotton Fabrics

Health and Fitness

The change to more fall like temperatures has made my afternoon runs more enjoyable.  It’s cooler, crisper, and my speed is coming down.  After some reflection my Sub 2 Half goal is getting pushed to the spring.  I can do the mileage right now, but don’t feel like my speed is anywhere close to where I want it.  This fall and winter will be about speed improvement and avoiding shin splints.  If you’ve ever had shin splints, you may enjoy this article.