One of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list was to sew myself an apron, and I'm proud to say that I can cross this goal off the list (as of February, actually). Not only was this my first "big" sewing project—big compared to the few simple pillows or curtains I've made over the years—but as far as I can remember this is my very first apron. I used a thicker home decor fabric because I didn't want the apron to be thin and frumpy, but I'm not sure that was the best idea. I think the apron turned out a little too stiff, so I just need to wash it a dozen times or wear it in somehow. I love the cheerful fabrics, though, and I'm amazed that I made all of those ruffles.
After the apron, I decided to make a yoga bag to hold my mat, which turned out super cute, and then I took a big leap... I decided to make a purse. I got through 3/4 of the directions, to the point where I had to put the inside and the outside of the purse together, and I failed miserably. Again, I used a home decor fabric for a sturdier purse, and the purse became too thick to work with toward the end. A different style of purse may have worked better with the thicker fabric, and after I stuck a finger with a pin for the 100th time I threw in the towel. Sadly, I haven't touched my sewing machine since then, but I have been spending my time on other creative things. There are still more sewing projects I want to do for the house, so hopefully I'll get back to my machine soon.
What projects have you done recently? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.
Growing up, my parents (generally) indulged me in whatever I set my mind to. Painting is one of those things that began early and never faded. My mom would take me to the local ceramics shop, and I would eagerly scan the aisles for my next painting project. One time it was a jewelry box for grandma, another time it was a Jesus statue for grandpa, then it was a musical snowman for mom, and there were many others. I dabbled in different kinds of arts and crafts through the years, but one thing I never tried was painting a canvas—until now. I was so inspired yet so intimidated. I just wanted to go at it and see what would result. I didn't want to "decide what to paint" or try to make any decisions that would slow down (or halt) the process of JUST CREATING. If it turned out decent enough, I could hang it and paint some more!
So, I'm posting my results for the world to see. I liked the way it started out with the brown, beige and yellow, but I don't like the way it ended. I think I used too many colors—for my house anyway, because only the beige and teal match—and tried too hard to fill the space. But I'm calling my first attempt super successful. I painted my first canvas, and I've already moved onto a much larger canvas project. I can't wait to post pictures when it's finished.
Since I won't be hanging this one, I'm considering selling it. It's 11x14" and about .25" deep, so it could be framed. If you're interested, shoot me an email at vicki@ryedesigns.com or fill out the contact page. It's a V.Rye original, and if I'm ever a famous artist it might be worth money as my first canvas ever—kidding, kidding. If no one is interested, I'm just going to paint over it.
By Vicki | Posted on 06/13/11 | Posted in Personal, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment
Registering Rye Designs as an LLC is something Dan and I have wanted to do for a while. Our business was originally setup as a sole proprietorship, which has worked well for us so far, but we wanted the legal protection that comes with a limited liability status. When we met with our accountant earlier in the year, we asked him about the details of filing because it seemed like an involved process. Once we learned the requirements for registering in our state, the process was so easy a caveman could do it I wondered why we didn't file sooner.
I'll admit, this goal was actually accomplished a few days before my 101 in 1001 started. I completed the final step on October 27th, but we didn't get a copy of the filed document until last Wednesday. Next, I get to incorporate it into our branding, accounts, and other fun stuff. It feels good to cross this goal off the list, especially since it's the first one down (only 100 more to go).
By Vicki | Posted on 11/15/10 | Posted in Business, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment
Maybe it's my obsession with lists. Maybe it's the gratification from crossing items off my lists. Maybe it's the fact that I get an idea one minute and forget it the next, so I have to write down everything. Regardless, a few years ago I got the idea to do a 101 in 1001 list for myself and I couldn't say no. I remember reading several different ones around the Internet, but I'm pretty sure I got the original idea from the lovely Melissa Jill. If you've never heard of a 101 in 1001, it's simply a list of 101 goals that you compile and (hopefully) complete within a total of 1001 days.
I only completed about 35 goals on the list I created back then, which ended on May 28, 2010, but it was such a great way to account for the things I wanted to accomplish. Having a relatively short time frame also kept me thinking about my goals. I learned a lot the first time around, though. With my first list, some goals spanned the entire 1001 days and I got bored, got too busy, or forgot they were in progress--they weren't easy to measure. Like most people, I also included goals that didn't interest me later or couldn't be completed for some reason.
This time around, I want to make sure all my goals are measurable and/or within a reasonable time frame so I'm motivated to complete them. For some goals, I chose to complete them in one or two months with the hope that I'll create habits and continue them on my own. Also, some goals overlap so I can try to build habits into a weekly routine, like using our elliptical three times a week and practicing yoga twice a week. You'll notice I haven't completed my list... on purpose. I've left room for my life and goals to evolve and change, and I will revisit this list and revise as needed.
If you're inspired to create your own 101 in 1001 list, send me a link so I can read it. Use this cool tool to calculate your time frame.
Maybe you can help with some of my goals, and I can help with yours!
Start: November 1, 2010
End: July 29, 2013
By Vicki | Posted on 11/03/10 | Posted in Personal, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment
By Vicki | Posted on 07/17/11 | Posted in Personal, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment