Monthly Archive for October, 2007

Fancy Pirate

Published on October 31, 2007 in Halloween, costume, fall and family. 4 Comments

Happy Halloween!

Eye Patch – gift
Pink Striped Turtleneck from The Gap – thrifted
Black and white plaid skirt – Hand-me-down
Fancy Pirate Girl Apron – made by me
Hanna Anderson Striped Tights – Gift
Motorcycle Boots – Hand-me-down
Treasure Bag – made by me

Right before we started in the parade. I love this green coat. Perfect for an outfit like this.

Word Girl and Super Girl.

The police gave each child a glow-in-the-dark necklace.

Her very, very first candy bar, a Nestlé Crunch. She ate it , liked it, and didn’t ask for another!

Magical Bags…

Published on October 30, 2007 in Creating, Doll Quilt, LuckyStitches, WIP, cape, classes, costume, fabric, projects, quilts, sewing, sewing for Iz, totes and bags and workshops. 1 Comment

Yes, these are magical. These LuckyStitchers made these really amazing and wonderful and so-well-made messenger bags for Sewing Machine 101 Class. I had so much fun, I think they really had fun too. The bags are each so special and spectacular. Great fabrics, fun appliqués and pockets, one even with a zipper! I really enjoy teaching people to sew. For me, it’s like a sew along, but I get to share what I’ve learned, and it’s even more wonderful to see the amazement on faces when they turn something right side out and realized that they made a bag! MAGIC! (not really, just patience, practice and direction…). There were some other photos, but this is my favorite. These three kindly humored me as I asked them to give me a “LuckyStitches” pose. The bags look better this way – don’t you think?

I made this little cape today for Marie’s oldest, she’s going to be Word Girl for Halloween. How cool is that?

The doll quilts started this past weekend at LuckyStitches, here’s one getting “stripped” up! Jen has an amazing amount of fat quarters. I think this one might make it to crib size…stay tuned.

Here’s mine, all pieced together. I used scraps from my first quilt.

Chair … Love

Published on October 29, 2007 in Decorating, LuckyStitches, about me, creative spaces, inspiration and my house. 0 Comments

The new Brocade Home catalog was in my mailbox yesterday. I like a lot of their items, but never would any of the rooms in my house look like the rooms in their catalogs.

I love this chair. I’ve been thinking a lot about chairs lately. I love my pink chairs at LuckyStitches, and I’m noticing chairs more and more. Maybe when the lounge takes off, and it’s time for new chairs, I’ll get a few of these. Although this would be quite perfect at my desk, the one I daydream about having…

A few other things I like in their catalog:

Wallpaper- not a lot of it, but a smidge, on one wall, would be lovely.

Ornaments, oh ornaments. I am so looking forward to Christmas.

Observation Day

Published on October 27, 2007 in Ballet, Iz and movies. 0 Comments

Today was our first Observation Day at ballet class. Ballet started over a month ago, and I almost died when I learned that we couldn’t watch. It’s a good thing though, super great for her, learning some independence. Doing something on her own without mom and dad. It’s pretty cool. She’s not even 3 yet. Here’s just one video. There are many more minutes worth… enjoy!

Patterns

Published on October 24, 2007 in Creating, Download Patterns, Open Source Sewing, cool ideas, design, etsy love, fashion design, inspiration, projects, sewing, sewing patterns and tutorials. 1 Comment

I love it when creative people publish their own patterns. I think before you shop at Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, etc – look for something cool from an independent creative.

I am thrilled about Yvestown’s pattern for the Ikea Skruvsta Chair that she recovered. Makes me want to run to IKEA, again, and buy the chair, just so I can try out the pattern and make my own cover.

I’ve been making a few of Betsy Ross‘ One-For-All Bags. I love this pattern. Super versatile.

I’m thinking I’m going to make the Charmed Dress, in (plum?) velvet, for the holidays. Love the shape.

This Hustle Bustle Skirt is cute. The pattern is available on Etsy, as well as finished garments all by Miss Twiss.

And who needs a skirt pattern when you have a pillowcase and this tutorial?

I love this Apron Halter Dress pattern from Melimade.

I think I might just have to make one of these Pockets Full of Cash Aprons from LuluKnits.

Muse has some cute patterns. I like this reversible apron, it’s such a pretty shape.

I’m always on the lookout for patterns like these – have you found any? I’d love to add them to my list.

Making a Wardrobe

Published on October 22, 2007 in Flickr, about me, color, cool ideas, couture, fashion design, favorites, inspiration, note to self, photos and wardrobe. 2 Comments

It’s been a strange switch going from the 10-12 hour days at the office to staying home and raising our Iz. I remember when Iz was just 8 weeks old, and I had to go back to work. Ugh. I remember crying as I would leave the house, and once I got to the subway, I felt this unbelievable relief. This crazy lightness. I’d get to work and was so sad about missing Iz, I’d throw myself into the day (stopping to pump in the closet twice a day, and crying again, in the closet, while the rest of the office was outside joking about the pump…sigh..). I remember thinking what’s wrong with me, this going to work thing is SO EASY compared to the 24/7 momhood, why would I want to give that up?

But I did. It was important to me to be with Iz. To spend our days together. I planned on doing freelance or something, but it had to be from home, so I had the flexibility I need for playgroups and adventures. It sure isn’t easy, and some days, it’s just not fun, but all the good times make up for it. We have tons of fun together.

But other things have changed too. My wardrobe. I know, trivial in comparison to everything else, but important none the less. My changed body would certainly benefit from regular visits to the gym, less carbs (hell, eliminate them all together…) and a much better bra (maybe 10 of them…at once). I wear jeans all the time (I’m grateful I don’t have sweats, while they would be perfect for bending down and running around, and oh so comfy, I just can’t bring myself to do it, I would surely then be the girl in the don’t picture with the black tape across my eyes), I have a handful of knit shirts (v-neck is so much more flattering on me), some lovely sweaters. You know…all the basics. But I’m really ready to expand my wardrobe.

I regulary check wardrobe_remix for inspiration. The outfits are spectacular. The colors are really amazing. As I sit looking this morning, I find myself wanting more color in my closet. I have a lot of black. A lot of black. And I love it, but I’d love to throw together some blue and orange, or aqua and red, or pink and green. Red and Purple.

Click on the photo to learn more about each photo.
Click here to visit the wardrobe_remix
Click here to read more about wardrobe_remix.

My Weekend in Pictures

Published on October 21, 2007 in about me, fall, family, garden, photos and portraits. 1 Comment

Iz, after getting a Barbie sticker from the bank teller (after asking for a Scooby sticker),”Mom, is this a Scooby Snack?” Sorry babe – it’s Barbie. Same thing?

We went to the pumpkin patch last weekend, click here for pictures.

Our house is covered in Ladybugs…again.

Ashfield, MA

The trees in our backyard.

The last eggplants and peppers from our garden

Leaf pile jumping.

Playing in the grass on Summery Fall day.

Family Portrait

Ridin’

Some windows are in. I wish Tyvek came in “designer”. Dots, Geometrics, cool huge photos of grass or trees, flowers, Stripes. Anything but this.

These two found this little pig wandering around tonight. It’s a feral pig. It looks like it has been wandering around for it’s little life. Scared little thing. They finally caught it. We don’t know what happens next. What happens when you find a feral pig?

Getting ready for Halloween

Published on October 19, 2007 in Creating, Decorating, Halloween, LuckyStitches, cool ideas and craft. 1 Comment

I’m a big holiday fan. It’s not that I go all out, but rather I really, really enjoy the Holidays. I love the thought put into everything, from the food, the the clothing, to the decorations and so much more. It’s a fun time to be creative and expressive. Imaginations run wild with the possibilities.

Now, as a mom to a 2 year old, it’s kind of giggly fun. Everything is new through her eyes. I find myself wanting to try things I haven’t done for years, just because Iz will get to experience it.

Here’s a sneak peak into our decorating for Halloween this year (more as we get closer):

I wish I had found *cuter* skulls. These are kind of gross in their mean-ness. She still loved them. Has anyone found *cute* skulls? Oh do tell!

This is part of Iz’s costume. We are all going to be pirates. I’m making a little apron-ish thing for her to wear as part of her costume. One of the rules this year is to use only what we have (it’s a great rule, might just as well be a standing one forever, makes it more fun!)

These are all the pieces. All rectangles. I had envisioned something a little different than what I sketched below, but as I’m working on it, I’m in love with it.

This is what most of my flat sketches look like. Actually, they have a lot more writing on them with different colors and numbers crossed out and re-written over and over again. (I keep all of them, in little books and folders – great for referring to later.)

I showed it to Iz this morning in progress, explaining that it was for her pirate costume, and she said, ” No, it’s too bling”. I kid you not. I’ve never said the word bling to her, except for when she was just a few months old and in love with the bling someone was wearing in the office I was working in.

There’s lots of great costume inspiration out there:

Sew, Mama, Sew! Halloween Pool

Intructables Costumes

Makezine Halloween Archives

And if you are nearby – don’t forget out getting some help with your costume at LuckyStitches this weekend:

Costume Night (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)

Skill Level – ALL WELCOME!
$35 plus the cost of any supplies

Session A – Wednesday, Oct 17 6pm-9pm
Session B – Wednesday, Oct 24 6pm-9pm

Are you putting together your costume and need a little help? Starting from a commercial pattern? Making it up as you go along? Come stitch, sew, paint, glue, you name it, get help and advice.

Supplies Needed: It will vary. Are you planning on sewing? Then bring your machine and kit and all needed materials. Are you planning on using glue and paint? Then bring your base costume and the items needed for embellishing and we’ll warm up the glue guns!

Costume Emergency (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)

Skill Level – ALL WELCOME
Suggested donations starting at $10

Session A – Saturday Oct 20 9AM-12PM
Session B – Saturday, Oct 27 9am-12pm

Come for 10 minutes or come for 3 hours. Spread out and work in the space, get advice, a helping hand, use the glue guns or a sewing machine.

Supplies Needed: Bring whatever you are working on, including embellishments

Sew, Mama, Sew!

Published on October 19, 2007 in Blog, Creating, LuckyStitches, about me, fabric, fabric shopping, news and sewing. 0 Comments

In case you haven’t seen it the lovely Beth and Kristin from Sew, Mama, Sew! have featured little old me and my LuckyStitches on the Sew, Mama, Sew! blog. It’s a wonderful article. Thank you!

Learning to Use Your Sewing Machine and Domestic Inspiration

Published on October 17, 2007 in Creating, LuckyStitches, about me, book review, classes, craft, family, friends, inspiration, kindness, my house, projects, sewing and totes and bags. 2 Comments

Last night was part 2 of the 4 part Sewing Machine 101 class where we are stitching up our own messenger bags. The fabric choices are creative, the applique designs/concepts sparkle and I can’t wait to show you more after next Tuesday. Here’s a sneak peak:

I’m sure by now, you’re up to date on the whole brouhaha about Jane Brocket’s book The Gentle Art of Domesticity. You can hear the interview that sparked it on BBC Women’s Hour.

I don’t really need to add my 2¢ (but…). I think you know, after all, I’ve sewn all my life making my own clothes and many, many gifts, been the breadwinner for many years, taught myself to knit, CHOSE to leave my office job to raise my daughter, and most recently launched a business, yes, a sewing business.

Through blogs, circles, groups all of these have social aspect too. For me it’s all about inspiration. I hope to inspire others and be inspired. How boring if I sat in my chair in front of the television by myself and did nothing but veg? I don’t want a mush brain. I choose to sew and knit and bake and craft it up. Keep my brain thinking about patterns and colors and textures, all of which include color theory, math and vocabulary and pattern making. I want to learn new things. I rarely do the same project twice, I’d rather pick something I haven’t done before, something challenging, change the pattern, scale, use an unexpected color or medium. It’s even better if I can experience it with like minded individuals who are just as passionate (or more) about it as I am. And all this while I raise my daughter and make a home for my family (I didn’t say it would pass the white glove test).

It’s disappointing to me to hear people complain about what other people do with the choices they make about the creative outlets they choose. While I wouldn’t want to run a marathon, 26 miles isn’t for me, I’ll be their cheerleader on Lafayette Ave (NYC Marathon route). I don’t want to write a book, but hey if that’s what you want to do, go for it, I can’t wait to read it.

Maybe those complainers need to be more critical with their own creative outlet choices than with others, and should be thrilled that they are able to choose what’s best for them.

Monthly Archive for October, 2007

Fancy Pirate

Magical Bags…

Chair … Love

Observation Day

Patterns

Making a Wardrobe

My Weekend in Pictures

Getting ready for Halloween

Sew, Mama, Sew!

Learning to Use Your Sewing Machine and Domestic Inspiration

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