This summer marks some big changes for J and I– as I’ve mentioned here earlier in the summer, I finished my dissertation and earned my Ph.D., I turned 30, and now we’re gearing up for a big move! We spent the first bit of July traveling, and a big part of our trip was spent in Boston, which we will be calling home in a few short weeks!
We took a long road trip out east to visit family and to find a place to live.
At the same time, we were helping my mom get settled into her new home, also in Massachusetts! By some crazy coincidence, my parents (who have lived in Ohio for my whole life!) are ALSO moving to MA, and will be about 45 minutes away from us!
My mom had to start work in early July, and my dad will be joining her this fall. While this change is so exciting, there has been much work to be done! For my parents, preparing to move out of my childhood home is a big undertaking. And at the same time, J and I can somewhat commiserate– we’ve been living in Ann Arbor for 6 years, and we will be sad to go. However, we know that amazing opportunities lie ahead. I’m very excited to begin my work in a health psychology lab at a University just outside of Boston, and we can’t wait to explore New England!
While we were there earlier this month we took an evening and drove down to Rhode Island, and it was so refreshing and gorgeous. Plus, after living in the midwest, it’s kind of amazing that you can drive for an hour or two and be in so many different states!
Of course, I can’t leave out the sewing (or the Simon), so I took along with me on the trip the quilt I’ve been working on– I shared the quilt top here, and I decided to hand quilt it.
Somewhat surprisingly, I am loving the hand quilting! It helps a lot that I am using batting designed to work well for this purpose (quilters dream in the request loft, 100% cotton). Thanks so much to my Ann Arbor modern quilt guild members who gave me the advice!
They also suggested using the clover water soluble marking pencils, which I love! I don’t think it will be too much longer until I’m done with this one, which is good– I have big plans for my next hand quilting project which I’ll share soon!
Congrats on your big move to come! And how exciting that your parents are going to be close by…that is such a nice coincidence!
Oh and that quilt top looks gorgeous already…I can’t wait to see it when it’s hand quilted!
All your changes sound like great ones! I’ve lived in Boston and it’s a fantastic city. Simon will be very pleased to find it’s extremely dog friendly too. We used to take our dog on the T and there are lots of dog parks with friendly people. You’ll all thrive there!
Good luck Natalie! It will be so fun exploring another part of the country. I look forward to seeing how that inspires you creativity!
How pretty is that!!! I’ve never tried a special batting. Would love to hear more about how it feels different. I do use those pencils for EVERYTHING! Congrats on all your new changes. Lots of good stuff!
yay!! That sounds awesome, Natalie! I’m so excited for you guys. Boston is such an incredible city. And it will be wonderful to live closer to your parents, too. I hope the move goes smoothly! The hand quilting looks great so far, and I can see that Simon approves!
Congratulations on your move and new job! I’m so excited for you! Boston and really, all of New England, seem like they are full of interesting experiences. And how cool that your parents are moving up there, too! Sounds like an adventure! And let’s not forget that beautiful quilt. So pretty, and the hand quilting looks great. I never thought I would be one to get into hand quilting, either, but I’ve been thinking it may be the way to go with one I’m working on now, too. Thanks for the tip on the batting!
Congratulations on your new job and the move! I live in MA also, about 40 minutes outside of Boston. Welcome 🙂 You will probably want to check out Quilters Way (currently in Concord, moving to Acton soon) – they have a lot of great fabric! I mostly buy online but for a local shop that is one of the best around. I am sure finding fabric shops is your top priority right now of course…
I hadn’t heard the part about your parents moving too! What fun. We’re sure going to miss you around here 🙂
Good luck with your move! I grew up in NH. New England is a lovely place and Boston is one of my favorite cities!
Big congratulations to you on your move – good luck with it all!
so big changes aren’t easy. Hope you make the best of it.
I’m curious what you quilt will look like. I loved the quilt top so I think the quilt will be wonderful.
Love how the hand quilting is looking! And its so fun seeing all of your new england photos 🙂 Hope you guys found a great place to live and that the preparations are going well!
Congratulations Dr. Greenleaf Goods@!! Way to go!
DH is a prof… so I have an idea of the journey. I hope you love Boston and being close to your parents again. Hope you’ll keep inspiring us on your blog!