So my work load has been a little bit heavier than normal lately. It's all good, and I'm so lucky to have been given some of the opportunities that have come my way! It is stressful though and I've had this ray of light in the distance to pull me through the heavy work load. Breaking Dawn, the final installment of Bella and Edward's vampire love story comes out tomorrow. And I made a deal with myself that I would finish up certain projects by the time it came out so I could fully enjoy the book. I'm not done with said projects. Close, but no shiny star for me yet. And I have been fighting inner turmoil over what to do. Stick to my rules (they are very important when you are self employed!) and be responsible and work through the weekend to finish up? Or give myself a break (I have soooo earned it) and indulge in some book time this weekend? I have been tossing and turning over the options, all the while working away like a crazy person at said secret projects. (I know secret projects are the pits for everyone but the secret keeper-sorry) I have finally conceded to myself that even if I did get my projects done Saturday, I wouldn't get to send them until Monday. And I could totally finish the book by mid Saturday, leaving me a good chunk of Saturday and Monday until 4 pm to finish things up. And I could listen to it on Itunes for a second time while I work. (In case you're wondering-that's not an option for the first experience with a book. The first time absolutely must be with your nose IN the book.) And if I didn't take a break to read the book-I would just be thinking about the rest of the world who IS reading it and I wouldn't get a thing done! Right? Anyhow, what's the worst that could happen? My boss will fire me? This whole self employment thing gets better all the time. And Dustin has offered to go stand in line for me so I can just work right up until he places the book in my hands. I will squeal, he will pat my head and smile.
If you aren't one of those who will be devouring Breaking Dawn this weekend, then here is another tutorial for you from my patterns. Enjoy. I have been biasing and piping everything lately - so much fun!
And here is the low resolution pic that you can download if the large file of the PDF is more than your computer can handle. :) I've been there-you have my sympathies.
I'd read the book. I don't follow that series, but other times if I wasn't reading that book at that instant, I really couldn't do anything else, anyway. So ENJOY!
Posted by: Kim | July 31, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I have not done this in awhile so thanks for the tutorial!! Today I had my 100th post!! So its a giveaway day!!
http://ellencrimitrent.typepad.com
Posted by: ellen Crimi-Trent | July 31, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Oh My Goodness! I hear what you are saying about sticking to your inner rules and agreements, but... READ THE BOOK!!!!
I am getting it at midnight at Barnes and Noble and I am going to try to not stay up all night reading it.
You work hard, you deserve it!
Ashley (former blog lurker and no-where-near-teen reader of teenage vampire fiction)
Posted by: Ashley Clayton | July 31, 2008 at 05:18 PM
READ THE BOOK!!!! That is what I will be doing! I just can't wait! You deserve it - take a break! It will be worth it in the end. I've told my husband to not even bother trying to talk to me on Saturday and that he is in charge of the kids!
Posted by: Jenny | July 31, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Uhmmm I have so many projects to finish tooo. I am super excited to get my projects done and I love seeing my finished product. But who am I kidding I have pre-ordered Breaking Dawn as well @ Borders for a whopping 13.79 and it will be ready to be picked up tomorrow @ midnight. I can't wait. Ps it is good to know I am not the only one who is not a teen lovin' these books :)
Posted by: cyndi | July 31, 2008 at 06:23 PM
We give you permission to take time out to read the book. It looks very good, so enjoy! And thank you for another great tutorial.
Posted by: Terri | July 31, 2008 at 07:20 PM
I vote read the book.
I'm late to the Twilight mania that's been going on. I've already read Twilight and New Moon this week. And I'm about 3/4s of the way through Eclipse. I should be finished sometime tomorrow. So I hope I can talk my husband into stopping by the bookstore on his way home from work. Lucky for me, he works 2nd and gets off around 11:30.
This isn't my favorite series, but I still want to know what's going to happen.
Posted by: ConnieC | July 31, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Oh Sandi I am right there with you girl. I have the exact same dilema. I am moving a week from today. Now, this summer has been a very big one for me. On Monday I finished up the rest of my classes and I have now finished my Associates degree which might not sound like much. But for me it is HUGE!!!!! I am go staying up and getting the book at Midnight. But now here is the thing...do I act like an adult and realize that I really need to be focusing on paking am moving my family from San Francisco to Birmingham, AL or, do I just indulge and read the book and not care that it will put me behind on packing???? That is my big dilema. So, if you have any advice for me please share.
I hope that you enjoy the book...you deserve it.
Natalie
Posted by: Natalie Edwards | July 31, 2008 at 08:10 PM
It is too bad you are not in Utah because my quilt shop owner friend is having a Twilight party Friday night. It has a cover charge, but you get your book at midnight when the party ends, not to mention every one gets a prize. I just quilted three "Twilight" quilts for prizes, and I know there are aprons, purses, bracelets, etc....Did I mention that I live two hours away from the party, and I don't get to go? :(
Posted by: Molly | July 31, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Are you kidding??? Read the book! My daughter and I are crazy about this series! Whaoo! Oh, and thanks for another great tutorial.
Posted by: Dawn Dee | July 31, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I love your tutorial, but wish that you'd consider the following regarding your piping: if you stitch as close to the cord as you can when you're making the piping, then it is difficult to hide the stitches when you stitch it into the project. Better to set the needle a little bit away when making the piping, and then snug up to the cord when you're inserting it into the garment or project!
Posted by: Jan | July 31, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Read, girl! You'll be more focused to complete your secret-agent woman projects if you give yourself time to stretch, relax and engross yourself in something entirely different. Enjoy! As for myself, daughter #2 has requested a flouncy skirt (2 ruffles please!) made from none other than the Farmer's Market line by one of my favorite designers (wink!) And I hope to squeeze in just one more showing of Mama Mia! Love it! Go get your book!
Posted by: Dorrie | July 31, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Sandi you are so great! I admire your discipline in even considering not reading the book. Kick your feet up and read that book! And thanks for the great new tutorials, you are so generous even amid all your busy-ness. Thank you for keeping the inspiration flowing!
Posted by: Lisa | July 31, 2008 at 11:26 PM
I just found your blog and LOVE your style. Beautiful. Gorgeous colors and patterns all blended beautifully :)
Posted by: sara's art house | August 01, 2008 at 04:55 AM
When faced with options, I myself say, "Hey, I'm the boss of me!!!" It doesn't help me make a better choice, I just like saying it.
It takes me months to read a book, so I'm still imagining how you could read one that quickly. xoxo
Posted by: Paula | August 01, 2008 at 05:24 AM
OH Sandi! I will be devouring the book this weekend as well! I can't imagine waiting knowing the entire rest of the world is reading it and I am not! ;)
hugs sweets!
Posted by: Megan | August 01, 2008 at 06:34 AM
ok seriously....we are self employed for a reason, right? you totally deserve the little break. take it and enjoy the fact that you didn't have to get permission from anyone but you!
Posted by: marci | August 01, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Good for you - read the book! I'm getting my copy at midnight, promptly reading it, and then road-tripping to Chicago with a friend on Tuesday for the Stephanie Meyer book signing/concert.
Posted by: Brandy | August 01, 2008 at 08:36 AM
AK! so torn....
but i would have to say, ENDULGE! and read to your hearts content!!! Sounds like you will have PLENTY of time to finish up said projects durring the rest of the weekend! How could you NoT pick up Breaking Dawn, just knowing that the rest of the world will have it in their hot lil' hands(if your a Jacob fan)Ü with nose insterted!... HAHA! *squeeeel*!! Ü
Posted by: Jodi Allen | August 01, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I would read it if I had it *sobs* I just finished the last one, I'm a bit slow on the uptake as I don't buy hardcovers so I have to fight the masses at the library.
Posted by: Hanna | August 01, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Read it! You SO deserve it. Plus- we all know you'll do what it takes to get the secret project out Monday. Enjoy your weekend!!!
Posted by: Missy | August 01, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Heres and idea of meeting in the middle.
Read only a chapter and then tell yourself you have to meet a certain goal before you can read the next. I bet you will get your work done in no time. :)
I could kick myself for not pre-ordering the book.
Happy Reading!
Posted by: Gina | August 01, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Rules, schmools, Sandi. I could be the little devil that sits on your shoulder and tells you that you need the book. Good thing Dustin is such an awesome guy!
Posted by: Jessica | August 01, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Sandi, it's such a bummer that you have a ton of stuff to do...I will be all alone waiting like an idiot for an hour for my copy of Breaking Dawn!!! You have such terriffic husband! I know Ryan would do the same but I can't miss an opportunity to get away from the house all by myself and wait in line to get a book and stay up reading all night!!! Speaking of Ryan he sent me a text and said that they were recalling the book because of a chapter missing in a couple thousand copies...I totally believed it....then he called just a few minutes ago and told me he made it up...So NOT funny! He likes to make fun of me because he finally gets to see me be as big of a geek with these books as he is with Harry Potter!!
Posted by: jacqui | August 01, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Read the book. You are a hard worker and deserve some time to melt into the book. You know you will. ;)
Thanks again for the awesome tutorial. My grandmother had this sketched out on paper for me but your drawings and pics are easier to follow. Thank you for your hard work!
Posted by: lnsokol | August 01, 2008 at 02:43 PM