Quilt is done!

A week or so ago, Paul came up to visit and we spent some time laying out the quilt. This week I sewed all of the pieces together. 168 squares into 84 pairs, into 42 large squares, into seven strips, then the final quilt. It is by no means perfect as I am not a professional, but it is something I am so very proud of. 

Then, my mom and I figured out which colours would be best for the border and finished it off today. We are planning on leaving it as is so it's easier to sign for our guests. But the craftaholic in me wants to complete it while I have so much time!

I love the idea of a 'guest book' option that Paul and I will use rather than store away in a bookshelf. 

Wedding Guest Quilt... and other musings

Well, wedding prep is officially underway. Now that I've finally shaken my cold, I'm ready to jump into action. My week goes like this: Monday and Tuesday I'm working at the print shop and when I get home I spend some time working for my Etsy shop, rdprints. Wednesday to Friday I sleep in a little bit, then I help my mom inputting into the databases for Squigly's Playhouse. After that, I brainstorm and work on wedding things.

The first and most pressing thing on our list is making a quilt. I saw online somewhere an image of a wedding where they had their guests sign a quilt instead of a book, and right away I knew I wanted the same for my wedding. First, Paul and I looked for a pattern we both really liked, and my dad helped us figure out how much fabric of each colour we would need. Then, my mom and I booked time back in September 2013 to go to a local fabric sale. There we were able to find all the fabric we needed (and more) in the perfect colours and patterns.

The past few days for me have been primarily working on the quilt. Ironing, cutting, placing, pinning, sewing, cutting, ironing. All of our squares for the face of the quilt are finally done!

We already used one of our fabrics to make 90-100 small favour bags. Thanks to my mom's sewing expertise, we finished them in no time. We now even have left over fabric which we can use to make small table runners for the reception!

Paul and I already have our favours. Since they are consumable and tightly air-sealed at the moment, we can't assemble them until right before the wedding. I've been getting everything else ready to make that process much easier, because I have no doubt in my mind that mid-June is going to be a very busy time.

Not only that, but my schedule has also been filling up with wedding related appointments. Meetings with our venue, food tastings, wedding dress fittings are some. Wow. This is actually happening!

Paul and I also made the decision to add four of our friends to the wedding party. We wanted them there from the start, but decided to keep numbers down and made cuts. The other day, after reading an article titled "What I would re-do about my wedding," it dawned on me that I would re-pick my bridal party to include those two friends. I talked to Paul and he agreed, and invited two of his friends into his side of the party. This means we need to get my two new bridesmaids fitted and ordering their dresses as soon as possible. Luckily, they can both go this weekend. I'm so happy they can be a part of our big day.

Here on out, my mom and I are brainstorming creative decor ideas for the ceremony and reception. This whole process has been so exciting and I know it is going to be so worthwhile.

Until next time,
Rebecca

New Year, New Things

So much has happened in the past year and it is definitely time for an update. Now that 2014 is here, I've decided it's time to start blogging again.

2013 was so good to me. I learned so much, made some mistakes, experienced some major milestones and had a lot of fun! In 2013, I stood beside my friend on her wedding day, got my best mark on a university-level paper, saw my favourite band in concert twice, saw the ballet, graduated from university, started a Facebook page for my business, rented my first car, got engaged to the love of my life, celebrated my Opa's 80th birthday, shot two engagement sessions, showed my art in two galleries, bought a couch, and had the busiest season on my Etsy shop to date with 18 orders in three months. Of course, none of these would have been possible with out some hiccups and sacrifices along the way.

Now it's 2014 and there are so many things to look forward to. On June 27th, Paul and I get married, and then we will live together in Barrie. Paul is currently living in Barrie and working across Simcoe County as a Paramedic. I will search for a new job, and continue with my Etsy and Photography businesses. Paul and I have been through a lot over the past 6 and a half years, and I know that we can make it through anything we set our minds to.

In the meantime, there is a lot to do in terms of the wedding. Wedding planning is definitely overwhelming at first. I've never been one to have huge birthday parties and get togethers, and I never like being in the centre of attention. This makes planning a wedding — which is essentially a huge celebration of the love Paul and I share — very difficult. However, it is a milestone I've been looking forward to for a very long time, and I'm eager to make it happen. I know I won't regret one minute of it once the day comes. I have so many personalized and DIY details that will keep me busy. My boss at the print shop is away for all of January and my hours are reduced, which will give me lots of time to make some headway on those plans. I'm planning on posting updates in the upcoming months for anyone who is interested.

This blog post is getting long, so I'll leave it at that for now.

Until next time,
Rebecca