My dad got a sleeping bag as a kid. He camped and fished and adventured with it. Then my siblings and I camped and fished and adventured with it. Then it sat in my parents’ basement for years. This summer during a clean out, I saved it from the donation pile, figuring I’d just keep it in my trunk as a sentimental emergency blanket.
Then I had the idea of sewing it into a quilted jacket. I was nervous, never working on a project this complex, and knowing I’d have just one shot once I started cutting this piece of fabric that was over 50 years old and filled with memories. Many hours, tangled threads, one broken needle, a few mini breakdowns, and a late-night sewing sprint on Christmas Eve, I finished it in time to show the fam on Christmas Day.
The jacket is not perfect by any means, but I’m proud of it. And I’m glad I could give a piece back to my family with ornaments made from the extra fabric. My favorite feature is probably the original sleeping bag zipper, so it still has its classic zzzzip sound. I can’t wait to take it on more adventures.
This May, my mom and I explored Olympic National Park. It was her first time ever being up close to a mountain. We hiked (in our matching hiking boots), kayaked, birdwatched, met Jacob and Edward, met some slugs and marmots, met the world’s largest Spruce tree, saw a sea star, ate clam chowder, hot-tubbed, and watched some top-tier sunsets.
Two years ago I spent my Saturday mornings hungover wrapped around a McDonald’s bag.
While I still LOVE hungover nuggies, I spend most of my Saturdays now running with the incredible folks of @citylimits.rc . I was honored to represent the crew ahead of the @milwaukeelakefrontmarathon this weekend.
Thank you to the incredibly talented @austynmeyer , @madelinewalczak , @_paulerik , and @scratchdisclab for making me look good!
Come cheer us on this Sunday, and join the club 🤠
