Archive for the 'friends' Category

Happy Birthday Iz!

Published on February 4, 2008 in Iz, birthdays, cupcakes, family and friends. 5 Comments

Friday was Iz’s Birthday. Her 3rd Birthday. It goes so fast!

She woke early – and I was so excited to give her the present. I started making it over a year ago, and decided I would finish for this birthday.

I think she loves her!

I’m 3!

Later that day we made a cake. We went to the store the day before and picked it out. Is picked out a white cake with white frosting. I suggested chocolate, but she said no, the picture was ALL WHITE! AND MAMA – WHERE ARE THE SPRINKLES???

We finished icing the cake…

and out came the SPRINKLES!!!

For dinner we made California Rolls. We all participated – and made them together. It was SO MUCH FUN! We all loved them.

Saturday – We went to the library. We go every weekend after ballet. Iz usually plays, but this time, she sat down and read through every book on that bottom shelf! Whew! We were there for a long time. She loves books, we read all the time. But at the library, there’s just too much to do and usually friends are there too, but this time we spent time with the books.

Sunday – we made cupcakes for a little party. More SPRINKLES!

Fun with friends and some presents.

And singing and candle blowing! We had a lot fun. Great friends helping us celebrate.

Then, today, I found this. Makes me a little nauseous…who’s hair is this? Iz says it’s Summer’s. I called, Summer still has her hair. Last year, it was cupcakes in her bed. This year – they played Salon. What’s going to happen next year?

I am astonished that it’s been 3 years since Iz was born. As I was thinking about her birthday this year, her actual birth came back to me more vividly than ever before. Wow – 3 years of being a mom. A parent. Every day is pretty amazing. I cherish every moment. I wonder what this year will bring. Every day, Iz surprizes me wih something else. Her stories, her words, her reasoning. I love this being a mom thing.

Family Nights

Published on November 25, 2007 in Creating, Iz, about me, art, cool ideas, craft, design, family, friends, green, holidays, inspiration, kindness, projects and stars. 0 Comments

Years ago, I started making my own Christmas cards (I can’t believe I don’t have any pictures!!! argh). It started out of necessity really, I was a college student, completely broke, but wanting all my family and friends to know that I have been thinking of them throughout the year. Being in art school, I had tons of supplies, and my beau at the time (now my husband) was handy with the paint and paper, and he helped me make the cards. I think we made 30 that year. So every year since (barring the year I was pregnant, and the past 2 years), we’ve made our cards.

We’ve always used things from our stash, but sometimes complemented them with tin and velvet and beads and cellophane. I would start thinking about cards after every new year, try to get started during the summer, but never really start until mid-December. For the few years while this has been on hiatus (due in large part to becoming a mom and figuring life out again), I so wanted to make cards. I think about family and friends all the time, but I’m not as fabulous at keeping in touch, and I always feel like these cards are my way of saying, “I’ve been thinking about you all year long…”

It’s been on my little wish list to start again this year. So, now that it is after Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good time to start. It’s a family affair. We’re making cards, working on them after dinner. The list has grown to well over 100. Tonight we started prepping, cutting and painting cardboard stars. Everything is from around the house. The only thing we’re buying this year are the stamps.

It was a lot of fun. I think Iz is about the age where memories stick around. I love that we can do things like this as a family. Family traditions are so important and can be loads of fun. I get pretty giddy thinking about the memories we are making as a family and wonder what Iz will remember and cherish. I love the holiday season. I love taking the time to make things that will let our family and friends know that we are thinking of them. I can’t wait to do more tomorrow night.

Grateful

Published on November 25, 2007 in Creating, Iz, about me, fall, family, food, friends and photos. 1 Comment

For Diners open Thanksgiving morning so we can have breakfast on our long trip. And for whipped cream on a mug of hot chocolate.

For chewing gum.

For the timer on cameras – so I could make it into the picture (after a few tries…)

For cousins that love music and ballet.

For large family gatherings.

For sleepers at every family gathering.

For lunch with Pop Pop.

For cookie dough and good friends.

Sew-A-Bration!

Published on November 21, 2007 in LuckyStitches, The Bag Sew, bag sew, food, friends, inspiration and sewing. 0 Comments

Monday night a bunch of bag (and lucky) stitchers got together at LuckyStitches for a little Sew-A-Bration. It was the launch day in Florence for The Bag Share. Florence Hardware, Leather & Lace and Cooper’s Corners all now participate in The Bag Share. So there was much to celebrate. With pizza, yummy soup and a bunch of other goodies all to sustain sewers, we stitched up more bags to contribute to the cause. Fabric had been donated, a bunch of machines were on hand, people were busy and the machines were humming. Oh, how I love the sound of sewing machines. The next Bag Sew at LuckyStitches is Dec 5, 6pm-9pm. Hope you can make it. We have so many bags to make!

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.

Ode to Buttercream and a Happy Bag Sew

Published on October 12, 2007 in LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Sew-cial, The Bag Sew, bag sew, craft, creative spaces, fabric, friends, photos, sewing and totes and bags. 2 Comments

Oh Buttercream, I love you so. Not too sweet, but oh so rich and fluffy, creamy, smooth, buttery, creamy, heavenly, LOVELY! Ok, more about the buttercream in a minute.

11 fantastic fabric bags made from scraps of fabric, curtains, stashes, a throw and a nightie. That’s what we made Wednesday night. These little loverlies will get donated to the Bag Share, a Hilltown Sustainability Initiative. A local shop will get a basket of reusable bags, mostly made from fabric like what you see above, that will sit next to the cash register. Customers can borrow the bags, instead of using paper or plastic, then return them to the store (or another in active in the Bag Share program), for the next person. Extra special thanks to Tracy, Marie, Jen and Julie who stitched it up!

This one is made from a throw. It’s groovy bag – check out that fringe!

This is made from really cool old green curtains. (This is Marie. Hi Marie! She and I are sharing the space, she’s holding art workshops – ArtStar)

Labels get sewn onto the bags as they are finished.

It was a really fun Sew-cail. We’ll be doing it again, more regularly after the holiday season. While we were able to finish 11 bags, we still got in a few good stories (note the arms in the air) We had coffee, tea and lovely, lovey cake, baked by Marie and partially donated by Bread Euphoria (Thanks – it was awesome!)

LuckyStitches!! xxoo

A Bag and A Summer Weekend in the Fall

Published on October 7, 2007 in Flickr, LuckyStitches, aqua and red, birthdays, fall, family, friends, nature, photos, projects, renovation, roof, sewing, thrift and totes and bags. 1 Comment

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.

Back from VACA

Published on September 1, 2007 in Flickr, family, friends, my house, photos, projects, renovation, roof and travel. 2 Comments

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.

Lots of Fun

Published on August 16, 2007 in Twirly Skirt, about me, birthdays, family, friends, sewing and skirt. 1 Comment

Can’t you just tell by the look on her face as she inhales a chocolate kiss, that these are the good times? Pure joy. I forget sometimes to stop and enjoy good things like chocolate kisses (while I’m throwing them into my mouth while doing laundry, picking up toys, dishes…). Oh, to sit outside on an antique quilt (that our friend’s friend had to part with because her jewish mother had decided that the traditional windmill pattern looked like swastikas), in the dreamy shade of a gigantic and ancient pine tree, surrounded by a few close friends, and enjoy a chocolate kiss. Its the way summer should be. This is the stuff memories are made of.

It all happened at a very, very fun birthday party. Just a few of her closest friends (4 of them, but one was sick, so it was just 4 kids total and their families – how fun! How nice to have conversation with other parents while the kids are off playing with each other and not melting because there is too much going on. IT WAS A DREAM! People should have parties like this more often.) I was very excited. I made the birthday girl a crown, and I made her Baby Summer a crown too. I think I was more excited than she was, and I could tell, because she said, “Zanne, this is very nice, but it is too tight for me and won’t fit my head.” Ok, but at least I got a picture of it on her lap.

I did make her this twirly skirt. A few weeks earlier I had asked her about her favorite colors and without thinking she’d replied, “Orange and Red”. Done. Cute little skirt that she wore a few days later, when she said to me, “Zanne (don’t you love how she always addresses me by my name, and the ennunciation is WILD!), thank you for my skirt. Your gifts are wonderful.” Thank you Birthday Girl. You, too, rock.

Doesn’t Baby Summer look fabulous in her birthday crown?

The activities were fun, and safe with just 4 kids, smashing ice chunks with real hammers to get the goodies out. No one was hurt during this smashing fest.

The egg hunt lasted just a few minutes, but opening each egg could last a lifetime. One can never have enough chocolate kisses or sparkly barettes.

Pop Pop was here for the weekend too. Everyday we wish our family lived close by. Iz loves all of her grandparents, talks about them all the time, talks to them on the phone, if only we could visit more often. Oh, I’ve posted enough about living closer to family, but I think about it all the time. We are fortunate to have close friends that live near by that act as our extended family. Because of them, Iz has “siblings” she can see frequently and aunts, uncles and even grandparents. We celebrate birthdays, have fun “family” dinners, drop in to play. It reminds me of growing up with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Dear family, please come visit us!

LuckyStitches in the News!

Published on August 13, 2007 in LuckyStitches, about me, friends and news. 1 Comment

I can’t believe I forgot to post about this back in MAY! But I was photographed (along with my dear sweet friend Geri – to the right), for my little business! YAY! The article was actually an insert for the local paper highlighting the past 25 years of the Hilltown CDC. The CDC has been an excellent resource for me, I take classes, get tons of information and guidance. It was exciting for me, and I am thankful for the photo and mention!

Archive for the 'friends' Category

Happy Birthday Iz!

Family Nights

Grateful

Sew-A-Bration!

Learning to Use Your Sewing Machine and Domestic Inspiration

Ode to Buttercream and a Happy Bag Sew

A Bag and A Summer Weekend in the Fall

Back from VACA

Lots of Fun

LuckyStitches in the News!

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