a starry mix of sassy thoughts
I have a little fashion illustration love. It’s something I’ve been doing most of my life, for me, doodles on napkins, in my sketchbooks, on notes during meetings (shhh, don’t tell).
Remember this post where I mentioned Lottie Frank? Lottie Frank is the beautiful work of illustrator/designer Lucy Claydon. Well, I don’t know if you’ve been watching, but there’s new work in her Etsy shop.
There’s more treasure to explore in her Flickr too.
Iz has started walking around with the camera. Snapping here and there, smiling and giggling. Here’s a bit of what she’s seeing.
Sort of sounds like a horror movie (and perhaps it is for some) but it’s a new Flickr group – and I’m already addicted! Started by Christina and Jessica – clearly moms to extraordinary dressers…, it showcases our wee one’s ability to put outfits together.
And what an ability it is. Even though Iz has just turned 3, she’s played the biggest role in what she wears for the last year. I love it. (ok, sometimes I have an idea for a cute oufit and she flat out says no. Isn’t it too soon for that? Doesn’t that happen when she’s like 12? Am I out of the picture already?)
I have so been looking for this group! I love wardrobe_remix….but totally wanted something for the wee one set.
Remember this photo of my Inspiration Wall in my Studio?
This is a photo on Flickr that’s been added to the Inspiration Boards Pool, and I’ve been following the pool ever since. I’m always looking for and collecting things that inspire me. They got on my mantle, board or in a notebook (one of MANY!). But I love looking at other’s inspiration boards. I love the Flickr group and love even more that there’s a blog now about the creators of these inspiration boards.
Lately – I’ve been inspired by raw edges.
I love this piece on the cover of the latest Selvedge. I love this magazine. I could tear the whole thing apart and hang it all on the wall. I love the garments in the feature article. If you have a chance to pick it up, it’s worth it. Lovely.
We’ve been busy making things over here.
Iz has been working on some of her Christmas presents. Here’s a sneak peek:
I’ve been busy with my AWESOME HomeSchool Sewing Series Class. It started on Wednesday. We spent a good half of the class learning about the sewing machines, how to wind a bobbin, how to thread the machine and what all the lines and numbers mean and what happens when you move them all around. Then we made soft trees. We made our own patterns (because you know I like to do that…), but it was all inspired by Stephanie Congdon Barnes’ pattern on little birds handmade. Check out what these creative and super talented kids made and their wonderful personal touches of beads, stitches and embroidery:
Check out the Flickr group for more soft trees.
Later that night there was another Bag Sew :: Sew-cial at LuckyStitches:
Bag Sews will be happening at least once a month at LuckyStitches, and they happen at other times too, at other places around the Valley and Hilltowns. Sew-cials happen almost every other Wednesday at LuckyStitches.
And then, I just have to share the most wonderful note I received just a few hours after a class:
Original art card:
and inside:
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.
We had a birthday to attend to this weekend, for a 4 year old. I’ve quietly promised to use things I have on hand. I found a aqua with yellow dot coverlet while thrifting and a scrap of this red dot and thought they’d work well together (and you know about my aqua and red thing of late…) and I had the All For One Bag pattern from Besty Ross Patterns, just waiting to be stitched up…
I initially thought I’d line it, but instead did a little French Seam Action on the inside, and I am super pleased. I’ve got a few more presents to make and I’m going to stick with this pattern. I think I’ll make the handles 2 inches longer, it was a little tight going over my shoulder (but not a 4 year olds…and she LOVED it!). And in case your were wondering the pattern was fantastic, the directions were a breeze and it was a really fast sew. It’s a great shape that’s super versatile. I’m making a wool one next. (stay tuned for pictures)
The party was fun. It’s the first time we actually got in the car and Iz said, “Mom! I had a lot of fun!”. She pretty much always has fun, but it’s the first time she’s said it without me prompting.
Lui led the drumming. Iz was pretty pleased to see her. (she always is)
We spent time jumping off the bench, sliding tummy side down, head first down the slide. Oh the outdoors.
The day before, it was sweltering. It was so hot, none of us could get comfortable. We spent the morning in Northampton picking up the last of the LuckyStitches furniture at the kung fu studio, then dropping it off at the new location. It was hot. We left Haydenville, on our way to Ashfield for the Fall Festival. The drive on 112 is pretty breathtaking. I think the drive anywhere in New England is pretty amazing. The leaves are changing colors, looks like the trees are catching on fire, but not fully inflamed.
This year was different, Iz is more independent, wants to do so many things on her own. There is no casual strolling, but more following, running and insisting on hand holding when the crowds get to thick or the walk gets too close to the road.
Our little kitty had fun, she got to ring the bell, act like a kitty and see tons of her friends (that’s a funny thing about living where we do, we get to see our friends every where we go, not like the subway, where you barely recognize people from day to day).
We had to leave, it was too hot and too close to nap time. After a bowl of mac & cheese, we headed for the car. But it never goes as smooth as that. The power of distraction is key to happiness sometimes, and Iz was thrown into the air with every step, Rob got a great upper body workout, and she happily got into the car, where after we got going, she fell asleep.
It was a really great and productive weekend. The roof is almost finished. I made a lovely bag, and Iz got to spend both days outside playing and playing. And she got to hold Annabelle.
I’ve been trying to find out more about the bed linens in Nanny McPhee. (I think the overall art direction of the movie is quite spectacular…candy for the eyes in my book.) So every once in a while I google, lots of good articles to read but don’t really come up with anything telling me about those beds!
I did get my most recent issue of Selvedge, and noticed the amazing crocheted scarves and necklaces by Sophie Digard. Beautiful little gems of scarves, crocheted with really amazing color combinations, and they really remind me of those precious blankets on the kids’ beds in Nanny Mcphee.
Below scarves available at Ped Shoes
Her necklaces are really, really precious. I love these little star flowers.
Twirly Skirt!!! I made this is about 30 mins right before leaving for a birthday party. I used the bias tape from my first quilt, I have a few yards left over, and I’m trying to work through my stash and clean it out. I wanted a pic before the party, and was a little nervous about having Iz model for me, knowing she would be watching her friend open it in just an hour. But she played along beautifully!
The recipient of our little gift was quite pleased:
You can see more pics of our little fashion shoot here.
As I go through my stash there will be more of these. I think I am addicted.
On the Plane, originally uploaded by zannestar.
We had a great time. The flight was good (but rather long, I suggest direct flights…), the family and friends were great, and as usual we enjoyed Seattle.
There was bonding over breakfast:
Bathtime:
and jumping on the bed:
We visited with cousins:
and more cousins:
Packed Boxes:
Drove the Moving Truck:
Rode the Ferry:
With Tourists 
Visited School:
This was a GIANT slip’n’slide. Tons of fun on the last day of school. Even I needed a nap after this day.
Jammed with friends:
Dabbled in Tide Pools and experienced water life at the Seattle Aquarium:
The Jellies were amazing.
My Lil’ Octo:
Hung out at the Playground:
Visited the animals at the Woodland Park Zoo:
It was fun visiting all our friends. We wish we could have stayed longer and spent more time! Our visits were short. The best part I think was being able to pick up with friends where we left off. You wouldn’t know that we haven’t seen each other in years, it was as if a few days had passed, nothing more. Can’t wait to see you all again! xxoo!
After an ultra-long flight, we came home to a house under contruction. It’s quite overwhelming, the changes, the dirt, the piles. It’s quite exciting too. Lots of decisions to make and TONS of work to do. Pictures here.
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