tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60017838663108710382024-03-21T09:57:37.563-05:00viola & pearlRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-86303636347899203782011-08-06T06:52:00.002-05:002011-08-06T06:53:27.322-05:00she wanted an american indian costume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X85mtvrTpcUYKp8FmdPmkhQLKceLkJf0xzTvT5UP2tJbaqKjv3j5M7tNZ8cxM2J9p_2uEl20j-_YQ9X5Q6dFh7n0eQtQzAUt8S0GZgtRlgai3B_tcp6ODKjZrukKA64-K_sOaR8Ga1Vr/s1600/aud-indian-costume-head2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X85mtvrTpcUYKp8FmdPmkhQLKceLkJf0xzTvT5UP2tJbaqKjv3j5M7tNZ8cxM2J9p_2uEl20j-_YQ9X5Q6dFh7n0eQtQzAUt8S0GZgtRlgai3B_tcp6ODKjZrukKA64-K_sOaR8Ga1Vr/s400/aud-indian-costume-head2.gif" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuwPK23HCjesEwZba1JZvcIaGZeE-3ufmclethOpA1jebaIzg6VKZD-DCqM6sqZrZXz91kgHy-BgaL5AzXFdgElRq48VhiTTlQYrP0TKVObzZWvaIXIvPbaTVpJ6Qe3FcYAXoKsT8gjlN/s1600/aud-indian-costume-necklace.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuwPK23HCjesEwZba1JZvcIaGZeE-3ufmclethOpA1jebaIzg6VKZD-DCqM6sqZrZXz91kgHy-BgaL5AzXFdgElRq48VhiTTlQYrP0TKVObzZWvaIXIvPbaTVpJ6Qe3FcYAXoKsT8gjlN/s400/aud-indian-costume-necklace.gif" width="231" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3iOZTnCCG7ybOPNnzfptvVFeSSw5RqeeeF3JBvm1GuAt0Iy8d5PDDO6hqn06bAUyjKu-Ln0Yr9Lc108s-SCppz6iSQdfe0CwY_jazxPeKVYnR7TmtWMyq0k-J2AHDTD61QLBocWfAFO2/s1600/aud-indian-costume-shoes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3iOZTnCCG7ybOPNnzfptvVFeSSw5RqeeeF3JBvm1GuAt0Iy8d5PDDO6hqn06bAUyjKu-Ln0Yr9Lc108s-SCppz6iSQdfe0CwY_jazxPeKVYnR7TmtWMyq0k-J2AHDTD61QLBocWfAFO2/s400/aud-indian-costume-shoes.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWHFTEALxiW3GddzW0MvIGWO2ofTAqM7iOIF_P3lIRC_1q9FNt5SnYvS0x_Owv6pIxa7Ktrei8ZR1gPF9AAS1OXcJkwVtXZ9zHL_ziAdkZZDu8QYTqQZwmjJzJxBjDcURVUvSNtJygRmi/s1600/aud-indian-costume-headpiec.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWHFTEALxiW3GddzW0MvIGWO2ofTAqM7iOIF_P3lIRC_1q9FNt5SnYvS0x_Owv6pIxa7Ktrei8ZR1gPF9AAS1OXcJkwVtXZ9zHL_ziAdkZZDu8QYTqQZwmjJzJxBjDcURVUvSNtJygRmi/s400/aud-indian-costume-headpiec.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUqJtkWHEO5JmH0YBPaPkPIq2YLdreIBi2svF4W29_VEdkWCI8CppE5DtyDB4HEf-iHSblba7m2CKnJrqjb_ncPzTcMU-KBX4Lwj8cI1mPmsG8QdF7qLP_geiQzG9n-gjcR6bAiOGJ5CX/s1600/aud-indian-costume2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUqJtkWHEO5JmH0YBPaPkPIq2YLdreIBi2svF4W29_VEdkWCI8CppE5DtyDB4HEf-iHSblba7m2CKnJrqjb_ncPzTcMU-KBX4Lwj8cI1mPmsG8QdF7qLP_geiQzG9n-gjcR6bAiOGJ5CX/s640/aud-indian-costume2.gif" width="384" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aud's microsuede poncho is based on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmlvQt-qsfI">this simple tutorial</a>, the skirt a basic, elasticized waist style with an uneven fringe. I made the headpiece by braiding and tying long fabric strips embellished with feathers and a few spare beads I had around, with bits and pieces of the same for the necklace pendant. The moccasins are by <a href="http://minnetonkamoccasin.com/">Minnetonka</a>. Birthday <i>and</i> Halloween knocked out in one 2 hour punch? Check.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-85140284204969014282011-07-12T07:38:00.001-05:002011-07-12T14:00:09.550-05:00handmade birthday for the two year old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Koiuvwe3o60FNMdj1KPHKKyvkXr4Bt13Yp4xYGMRGTFr3ymYi6E3-y6Jx2bzeNYCMPLodXmXr-xgCXbS7iWCO9PNXssIgE2GIm2P1ax1ZluCvPFSNZuxgNtRzZfVTk-2YjjgYlQnrVbp/s1600/ash-2nd-bday-lizard.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Koiuvwe3o60FNMdj1KPHKKyvkXr4Bt13Yp4xYGMRGTFr3ymYi6E3-y6Jx2bzeNYCMPLodXmXr-xgCXbS7iWCO9PNXssIgE2GIm2P1ax1ZluCvPFSNZuxgNtRzZfVTk-2YjjgYlQnrVbp/s400/ash-2nd-bday-lizard.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Painted wooden lizard by Aud...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kMqFwAz8wTTznjHqFPvnW8yOV6H667Xbie4fVzCXsTKTsI2BAymMZe0PGeEnmY-Dc-C-T7XdJgLTZlagZsKNs5NPsnUk5weluzz5-fN-HTxCnE5r1MFPT51OggZljRbkby272w5SsaqQ/s1600/ash-2nd-bday-robot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kMqFwAz8wTTznjHqFPvnW8yOV6H667Xbie4fVzCXsTKTsI2BAymMZe0PGeEnmY-Dc-C-T7XdJgLTZlagZsKNs5NPsnUk5weluzz5-fN-HTxCnE5r1MFPT51OggZljRbkby272w5SsaqQ/s400/ash-2nd-bday-robot.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Painted ceramic bobble-head robot by Gage...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWam2npStAoj4lcJIxpTQhM8wlCGInL5ePI4QMvTLqWL_VA6k6Yen54hUDl55GjBjurmertC6fOKvbxF8fMzjCWCKrdG7_zr2azsqR8T7zSqNhwQpiI-S8czIRLpbZ7BKhNTGqoZ5DTZx8/s1600/ash-2nd-bday-monster.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWam2npStAoj4lcJIxpTQhM8wlCGInL5ePI4QMvTLqWL_VA6k6Yen54hUDl55GjBjurmertC6fOKvbxF8fMzjCWCKrdG7_zr2azsqR8T7zSqNhwQpiI-S8czIRLpbZ7BKhNTGqoZ5DTZx8/s400/ash-2nd-bday-monster.gif" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and a squeezable, wool felt and fleece monster friend by me.</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-85789713690680421462011-05-16T06:00:00.003-05:002011-05-16T06:00:04.511-05:00simple yoke dress and blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI13DIlk7yhu886cyKF1hL8MjxvshbDif58PjVBTE3dAKK4X26zt1fIH7OsdwIO-WYLFcj8GKUBvCHxrIDCDM3J2MchlTR0pivWkqe0jTA6HaZi47NLyJLlQaqum_KZVgSP9eyv5uz9Ns/s1600/corduroy-dress-Jan-2011.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI13DIlk7yhu886cyKF1hL8MjxvshbDif58PjVBTE3dAKK4X26zt1fIH7OsdwIO-WYLFcj8GKUBvCHxrIDCDM3J2MchlTR0pivWkqe0jTA6HaZi47NLyJLlQaqum_KZVgSP9eyv5uz9Ns/s400/corduroy-dress-Jan-2011.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My search for a simple, adaptable, yoke dress pattern for Aud eventually found its answer in a nightgown pattern, <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=1496">Simplicity 8488</a>. (This sleeve, btw, is not the one in the pattern.) The fabric is a lightweight corduroy I found at JoAnn's. In the winter, we layered it with a brown, long sleeved tee, tights and boots. For spring, this dress and shiny, fuschia <a href="http://mysaltwatersandals.com/?gclid=CNfmj-Dpy6gCFcxL2godKzp0ow">Saltwaters</a> make for a easy, cool outfit for church or play. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKtmwLjKxpJ-Q_AvFd9Zu3ZUWGBO9Rm3-ZaNyqwjsX_Qy_5PgQYLgY0S0apvg1SA7Y4Zuv9rMbHbax4Q8AE3NZg2OsyDP1Zzyilo7Tv4Dw_pqdEVVXMtpgjvccOHip_J3biUh_ogxkw73/s1600/simplicity-8488-blouse-ablo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKtmwLjKxpJ-Q_AvFd9Zu3ZUWGBO9Rm3-ZaNyqwjsX_Qy_5PgQYLgY0S0apvg1SA7Y4Zuv9rMbHbax4Q8AE3NZg2OsyDP1Zzyilo7Tv4Dw_pqdEVVXMtpgjvccOHip_J3biUh_ogxkw73/s400/simplicity-8488-blouse-ablo.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50w5lVOmAWWW4RQqCXphxYWyB1tw67UjYv_fZ45STgdD-C-7cEO94u1313Rp9mJw6Gg1G9cYyQu6-tayByeLUHwtJfPO-xY8o8GPDpn_1EZk0ijB1Z4qZMCP-xQV42BKkPylw5_Zaggqo/s1600/county-fair-blue-dot-skirt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50w5lVOmAWWW4RQqCXphxYWyB1tw67UjYv_fZ45STgdD-C-7cEO94u1313Rp9mJw6Gg1G9cYyQu6-tayByeLUHwtJfPO-xY8o8GPDpn_1EZk0ijB1Z4qZMCP-xQV42BKkPylw5_Zaggqo/s400/county-fair-blue-dot-skirt.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this version last fall from an Amy Butler Lotus fabric and the skirt from a Denyse Schmidt County Fair dot, which, serendipitously, matched perfectly, and were both in my stash. <i>Love</i> when that happens. </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-58493457512508071392011-05-02T06:00:00.022-05:002011-05-02T06:00:15.613-05:00easter sewing for the boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcDy34TKgtTn6od_k38ZpHjP7zOYFJ93i2ezMMDCMjwvufEwTQu3j7JUGhQU0SdDJcRFo4z9e7burpPkAU5RXPVTldn3_Io4mr15uEr_HgV4pOZLBmcgIjP-RtigvL7Zco7qsuAOqRe2m/s1600/g%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcDy34TKgtTn6od_k38ZpHjP7zOYFJ93i2ezMMDCMjwvufEwTQu3j7JUGhQU0SdDJcRFo4z9e7burpPkAU5RXPVTldn3_Io4mr15uEr_HgV4pOZLBmcgIjP-RtigvL7Zco7qsuAOqRe2m/s400/g%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/search?q=liberty&updated-max=2009-04-03T06%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=20">Long overdue</a> Liberty tie for the big boy using <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/little-boys-tie/">this tutorial</a>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcDy34TKgtTn6od_k38ZpHjP7zOYFJ93i2ezMMDCMjwvufEwTQu3j7JUGhQU0SdDJcRFo4z9e7burpPkAU5RXPVTldn3_Io4mr15uEr_HgV4pOZLBmcgIjP-RtigvL7Zco7qsuAOqRe2m/s1600/g%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42vs3wr-qSSvZCJ40GGGnrFbuJTusXtOMEJ3S15FJ5sMmZ1l-u38UDqsKs6XVnGIpkGORsRgrioBuC15Wwe_UHlZoQAqcgHgkrioRZrJ7eRf8I3FtRy27BlckvHmuM-c90mutXHFn_DcV/s1600/a%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42vs3wr-qSSvZCJ40GGGnrFbuJTusXtOMEJ3S15FJ5sMmZ1l-u38UDqsKs6XVnGIpkGORsRgrioBuC15Wwe_UHlZoQAqcgHgkrioRZrJ7eRf8I3FtRy27BlckvHmuM-c90mutXHFn_DcV/s400/a%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42vs3wr-qSSvZCJ40GGGnrFbuJTusXtOMEJ3S15FJ5sMmZ1l-u38UDqsKs6XVnGIpkGORsRgrioBuC15Wwe_UHlZoQAqcgHgkrioRZrJ7eRf8I3FtRy27BlckvHmuM-c90mutXHFn_DcV/s1600/a%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>A matching tie-appliquéd tee shirt for the little boy using my favorite appliqué technique from<i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Minute-Patchwork-Quilted-Joelle-Hoverson/dp/1584796340">Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts</a></i>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42vs3wr-qSSvZCJ40GGGnrFbuJTusXtOMEJ3S15FJ5sMmZ1l-u38UDqsKs6XVnGIpkGORsRgrioBuC15Wwe_UHlZoQAqcgHgkrioRZrJ7eRf8I3FtRy27BlckvHmuM-c90mutXHFn_DcV/s1600/a%2527s-liberty-tie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxK2CpU24hcebVW4WYQJCkysZQq8g404RurwV-fls6nJ70lCfROyLxJDqKIHD9hQga6FD26k64_O69sb4U8dxckJd8yGtnWnNli8UTxEFOXs2kyAFiw4wdgHtHuDgv04gdScZqukDd8jq/s1600/ash-yellow-pinstripe-pants.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxK2CpU24hcebVW4WYQJCkysZQq8g404RurwV-fls6nJ70lCfROyLxJDqKIHD9hQga6FD26k64_O69sb4U8dxckJd8yGtnWnNli8UTxEFOXs2kyAFiw4wdgHtHuDgv04gdScZqukDd8jq/s320/ash-yellow-pinstripe-pants.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And a simple pair of pants made from yellowish tan pinstripe denim. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Not the best color description. It's actually a nice color.) </div><div style="text-align: center;">I made these from my trusty, cloth diaper ready pants pattern, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but cloth and I are on a break, hence the rolled waist. </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-76100472516150104812011-04-25T11:25:00.001-05:002011-04-25T11:26:52.848-05:00Austin, Round One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkcSRy2P4WLswB9F86OWA6rdSE1D-cVElHjGu9S0FVttjH0q6gr-NMm2IJbdOLbqaes9GhBXCY29p_mOWY1Stj2v7nFyDExlPcgT0swTrju7CQgpQjop2oyV266IydE1fO9a9t7hwa4op/s1600/austin---motel.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkcSRy2P4WLswB9F86OWA6rdSE1D-cVElHjGu9S0FVttjH0q6gr-NMm2IJbdOLbqaes9GhBXCY29p_mOWY1Stj2v7nFyDExlPcgT0swTrju7CQgpQjop2oyV266IydE1fO9a9t7hwa4op/s400/austin---motel.gif" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAwol6qh6GlPpTBZ3hv4V4k3upsasETzlA1J9ROSWw3prlm8gpzihaIIxcYy54tEtMjivMuoIOyTQ-Fzikg_h_hWKyhj3-x_-C5Z8QoUybq5pV3Tl-FEcwpGyMJ9FHsfzCY8nbhDnNu9z/s1600/austin---uncommon-objects-s.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAwol6qh6GlPpTBZ3hv4V4k3upsasETzlA1J9ROSWw3prlm8gpzihaIIxcYy54tEtMjivMuoIOyTQ-Fzikg_h_hWKyhj3-x_-C5Z8QoUybq5pV3Tl-FEcwpGyMJ9FHsfzCY8nbhDnNu9z/s400/austin---uncommon-objects-s.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIXdo0crujUjuT7PzPblWW40G8-ml265_xe2lj1yTlS96kGyLck-sW7f2b7an16cn6fXQ39s5zSBiKelRNaukA8Ge821Whx7NITkaKtYeUOVTFU2lQBz_8rw9dzO3MzJUIAoD1mBv9Aw/s1600/austin---yard-dog.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlNRJ_1Oj0q-5k5JBKQ3Vi3P7l_BJD9tACc8cCOEVvqMu2Hr4JRHAuLV60dVvQTfKw3KCur-lsJFJOEP7Pk2ZjpHSOtnxCtNzeFDrd-TAr_QBzQv-6sneypfz7gsXufTyHh8wYpWqGySe/s1600/austin---uncommon-objects.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlNRJ_1Oj0q-5k5JBKQ3Vi3P7l_BJD9tACc8cCOEVvqMu2Hr4JRHAuLV60dVvQTfKw3KCur-lsJFJOEP7Pk2ZjpHSOtnxCtNzeFDrd-TAr_QBzQv-6sneypfz7gsXufTyHh8wYpWqGySe/s400/austin---uncommon-objects.gif" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIXdo0crujUjuT7PzPblWW40G8-ml265_xe2lj1yTlS96kGyLck-sW7f2b7an16cn6fXQ39s5zSBiKelRNaukA8Ge821Whx7NITkaKtYeUOVTFU2lQBz_8rw9dzO3MzJUIAoD1mBv9Aw/s1600/austin---yard-dog.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIXdo0crujUjuT7PzPblWW40G8-ml265_xe2lj1yTlS96kGyLck-sW7f2b7an16cn6fXQ39s5zSBiKelRNaukA8Ge821Whx7NITkaKtYeUOVTFU2lQBz_8rw9dzO3MzJUIAoD1mBv9Aw/s400/austin---yard-dog.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e0JYXL5frsKT09fZ0kNEO4E348ZhpasWMyjyKF46K9MFORW6uAtbYaK3JAD2fxaSa7yuJIoGSXzeqCKBxJxci3NVCPfhRkwg1FZHTAuuFbWeuE9ZlhtUJscWSGyRCRtQDqsrOlTbAYHU/s1600/austin---thrift.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e0JYXL5frsKT09fZ0kNEO4E348ZhpasWMyjyKF46K9MFORW6uAtbYaK3JAD2fxaSa7yuJIoGSXzeqCKBxJxci3NVCPfhRkwg1FZHTAuuFbWeuE9ZlhtUJscWSGyRCRtQDqsrOlTbAYHU/s400/austin---thrift.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo7wQ4-Ho6r5DLtjOYATzBKfzDPEVY9gZoO_6Y3jfvVcM8-UH5F50qA6N15rU8XGRQFbNhUS7BzyZKnk3Dn1qCz3PASGnYPjd1HJPh0ut8gAOD9IbvWo38ExBsgLllRQPg49asW0mnVDm/s1600/austin---amys-icecreams.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo7wQ4-Ho6r5DLtjOYATzBKfzDPEVY9gZoO_6Y3jfvVcM8-UH5F50qA6N15rU8XGRQFbNhUS7BzyZKnk3Dn1qCz3PASGnYPjd1HJPh0ut8gAOD9IbvWo38ExBsgLllRQPg49asW0mnVDm/s400/austin---amys-icecreams.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHdLUrdQsjiCFaXhrNkk8l50j6ZrfrKeyPG9z7T9zl7EyrmQcmt0SWlwEJ08cbFFrmiuyosGamK9nw2Ei9mpeuQt4vye4UaodI2AekyWXVXM3lTCg0dOuUqvfaHuqbvRFux7kjuaxzOn/s1600/austin---capitol.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHdLUrdQsjiCFaXhrNkk8l50j6ZrfrKeyPG9z7T9zl7EyrmQcmt0SWlwEJ08cbFFrmiuyosGamK9nw2Ei9mpeuQt4vye4UaodI2AekyWXVXM3lTCg0dOuUqvfaHuqbvRFux7kjuaxzOn/s400/austin---capitol.gif" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rich and I went to Austin last 4th of July weekend. He dragged me around to various cycling shops (which I secretly enjoyed) and the capital (many, many steps) and I dragged him through quirky antique stores, handmade boutiques and fabric stores (at which point he decided to nap in the car). If you ever get a chance to visit Austin, I highly recommend it! Only an hour or so into our visit, we began reworking our 10-year plan to somehow accommodate an extended stint in this super cool city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgu-yjDq5_K-IlDwiFkUGYBXX1YFJlwD2th8IEZQm2d7yOPpS8h8nN4l1cUO3YGqupkDhiNQnEvZnmjlQqwl5RHhluf66969mDQT93tgFlloikg6Imn-VynsmkxE26HDuCi8X8hoi2u1H/s1600/austin-cards.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgu-yjDq5_K-IlDwiFkUGYBXX1YFJlwD2th8IEZQm2d7yOPpS8h8nN4l1cUO3YGqupkDhiNQnEvZnmjlQqwl5RHhluf66969mDQT93tgFlloikg6Imn-VynsmkxE26HDuCi8X8hoi2u1H/s400/austin-cards.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Some of the highlights of our weekend:<br />
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<a href="http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Mellow Johnny's</a>, the bike shop/training center/cafe owned by Lance Armstrong, the kind of shop that makes a non-cyclist (like me) seriously consider making the change. Good coffee, too, always scores big in my book.<br />
<br />
<b><i>South Congress Street</i></b>, also known as <a href="http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Guides/SoCo">SoCo</a>, home to iconic <a href="http://www.allensboots.com/">Allens Boots</a>, curious goods and kitschy antiques at <a href="http://www.uncommonobjects.com/">Uncommon Objects</a>, St. Vincent de Paul, a vintage thrift store that my high school friends and I haunted back in the day (still going strong), locally handmade goods at <a href="http://partsandlabour.blogspot.com/">Parts and Labour</a> (basically felt like walking into Etsy embodied), and <a href="http://www.amysicecreams.com/2.0/">Amy's Ice Cream</a> (mmm...Coffee Toffee...). Just to name a few.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsun88lrY1G4eEm5I4ffdf2kkRo-XT3ReWFOt9daXEkdGj4qY0aaSs7NL5oxXb3WiTg6q27eNjwSml5uL9-z5R7XQ-oWwEEeQqgrW2ETlC4GZ3ZyR_r8umboIEcVwFOwUG7PBcvZn6bIce/s1600/austin---stitch-lab.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsun88lrY1G4eEm5I4ffdf2kkRo-XT3ReWFOt9daXEkdGj4qY0aaSs7NL5oxXb3WiTg6q27eNjwSml5uL9-z5R7XQ-oWwEEeQqgrW2ETlC4GZ3ZyR_r8umboIEcVwFOwUG7PBcvZn6bIce/s400/austin---stitch-lab.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And then there was <a href="http://www.stitchlab.biz/"><b><i>Stitch Lab</i></b></a>. Okay, so we're driving down some random street in Austin, just taking in the sights, when we pass a cute, little blue bungalow with a sign out front that says Stitch Lab. What?! Totally forgot that this shop, which I'd heard about for years, was in Austin. Our lucky day! (Right, honey?) Upon entering the store, I walk smack into the middle of a sewing class being taught by none other than <a href="http://www.stitchlab.biz/">Tina Sparkles</a>, whom I used to watch on <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/stylelicious/show/index.html">Stylelicious</a> along with her other <a href="http://www.austincraftmafia.com/">Austin Craft Mafia</a> buds. An hour and a half later, I blissfully emerged with several cuts of lovely fabrics, <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/">Sublime Stitching</a> <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/patterns/all">patterns</a> (love!), a stack of wool felt and a recommendation for what turned out to be an <i>amazing </i>local Indian restaurant. I have to tell you, I totally geeked out in there (as evidenced by the fact that I took a picture of the girl cutting my <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">AMH</a> voile; note the graciously tolerant smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes). This is what becomes of a person who lives in a city with no decent -<i> modern </i>- fabric shops and sewing classes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpNzSWfWOx_AwocESHHGRZJOf9Bq9GiX5yf2z-STJ5R3QZkBfFIkoVd0lquyFQOeEzNiG87-CuYz6IAG3h-0E_E4gxljdU2ULInmkzSLD-vpIai4eXI6UgkcgIO6upSGt_PFJwtr8uX3k/s1600/austin---stitch-niku.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpNzSWfWOx_AwocESHHGRZJOf9Bq9GiX5yf2z-STJ5R3QZkBfFIkoVd0lquyFQOeEzNiG87-CuYz6IAG3h-0E_E4gxljdU2ULInmkzSLD-vpIai4eXI6UgkcgIO6upSGt_PFJwtr8uX3k/s400/austin---stitch-niku.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvLM5BOHUco0AfM6TfYzownsywmd7tU3u7YLfAmiUzAiZvZIqyixZVc1Iky8-O7fXvSqguQrw014do9H4SFMbtEv-mBcQkUw0Ja_ZKzgYabSMI-H3O25hehILaUdbXZSS4aM7hmNkVSSn/s1600/austin---stitch-wall.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvLM5BOHUco0AfM6TfYzownsywmd7tU3u7YLfAmiUzAiZvZIqyixZVc1Iky8-O7fXvSqguQrw014do9H4SFMbtEv-mBcQkUw0Ja_ZKzgYabSMI-H3O25hehILaUdbXZSS4aM7hmNkVSSn/s400/austin---stitch-wall.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Couldn't get a decent shot, but I had to share this great collection of vintage embroidery...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>The haul:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRJjgoigLu-x6gmGh0Zjg5scMrPfE2t1yvl8DwDVfvVpnrI_bgoiTF63rp6idkBgSnlnVs5J5tKEdmVH4IYm9PyQh784rDra1PwNggOIOdY_v3gWMJtDiJlatNF8scwDzAVxxW81s08XC/s1600/austin-score-2010.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRJjgoigLu-x6gmGh0Zjg5scMrPfE2t1yvl8DwDVfvVpnrI_bgoiTF63rp6idkBgSnlnVs5J5tKEdmVH4IYm9PyQh784rDra1PwNggOIOdY_v3gWMJtDiJlatNF8scwDzAVxxW81s08XC/s400/austin-score-2010.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the perfect finish: sharing Indian takeout on the grounds of the <a href="http://www.thelongcenter.org/">Long Center</a>, unparalleled people watching (picture an old hippie/cowboy in skintight jeans dancing the two step <i>alone</i> with his eyes closed in the street for a good hour or so, just by way of example), listening to the Austin symphony bang out Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with real cannons, and watching fireworks light up the Texas sky. So good.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGK75p7EmaA5gM0YnbeD7GxEeTnMX2u2_02HkRcsIemrF_m7nvHTWrNTE5IdMlGvZpKKT-35uXHNAJSrr65XarIhFvxndMVgZiPjJx4_8Od1gX0xv1T0sgx3a2wUXt6dD3R-M4HOu_g5/s1600/austin---indian-takeout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGK75p7EmaA5gM0YnbeD7GxEeTnMX2u2_02HkRcsIemrF_m7nvHTWrNTE5IdMlGvZpKKT-35uXHNAJSrr65XarIhFvxndMVgZiPjJx4_8Od1gX0xv1T0sgx3a2wUXt6dD3R-M4HOu_g5/s400/austin---indian-takeout.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rav2hgGZy_Q_IX8QVkPoAQ8HTLO_qF1bP4kmGLDJaZGODIiTQVFtLBi0MqRhwgmRWafgOj3g5TJ51d1ldheZ0zyxvFobxzKJJhpBcbmV2lhYdCiAQhoKY2HUtmgQPTHMsgyb9mc5xirM/s1600/austin---symphony.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rav2hgGZy_Q_IX8QVkPoAQ8HTLO_qF1bP4kmGLDJaZGODIiTQVFtLBi0MqRhwgmRWafgOj3g5TJ51d1ldheZ0zyxvFobxzKJJhpBcbmV2lhYdCiAQhoKY2HUtmgQPTHMsgyb9mc5xirM/s400/austin---symphony.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>hanging with the other freeloaders outside the fence...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGK75p7EmaA5gM0YnbeD7GxEeTnMX2u2_02HkRcsIemrF_m7nvHTWrNTE5IdMlGvZpKKT-35uXHNAJSrr65XarIhFvxndMVgZiPjJx4_8Od1gX0xv1T0sgx3a2wUXt6dD3R-M4HOu_g5/s1600/austin---indian-takeout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoKclX1NrXLiifgy3OCLz6-bJOW7VOQ7WdrDneQ7dHz6g5H7bnfU-ET-_hQi3A1x4UVYtizUr61dziDml4bUwO0E1uhkhMZY-shx9vta_PhF-8yyklqqlPJycTzjO3s8lJ3QzhzCFThLR/s1600/austin---fireworks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoKclX1NrXLiifgy3OCLz6-bJOW7VOQ7WdrDneQ7dHz6g5H7bnfU-ET-_hQi3A1x4UVYtizUr61dziDml4bUwO0E1uhkhMZY-shx9vta_PhF-8yyklqqlPJycTzjO3s8lJ3QzhzCFThLR/s400/austin---fireworks.gif" width="286" /></a></div><br />
On the off chance you<i> haven't</i> wandered over here from <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/">mmmcrafts</a>, the reason I dug these old pictures out from last July is that my bff Larissa and I have a <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/04/thats-right-im-not-from-texas.html">trip planned</a> to Austin in May! I have been trying to get Larissa to Austin for a crafty girl weekend for, like, <i>ever</i>. This is her teaser. And, as if Austin didn't have enough to offer already, it just so happens that this year's <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/austin">Renegade Craft Fair</a> coincides with the trip I'd already planned to visit my folks who live down the road, so I talked (pleaded, cajoled, demanded) Larissa into flying over to meet me. Yay! I feel a serious geek attack coming on.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-44449326560117028132011-04-18T06:00:00.000-05:002011-04-18T06:00:06.651-05:00hankies for dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCSLPkVteD3FVJtFhMrMUhockEbDeAagO1qb6cuCryrsqjEV-tfQmyzL_qEohJZPtFDcN3FeejYBIlLDVQq9zzGAYFlwejZ97FmY1QwBi_mbzq9FqOwCZ51zhLwKNCABYeI3_GUPUHMDw/s1600/dad%2527s-handkerchiefs-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCSLPkVteD3FVJtFhMrMUhockEbDeAagO1qb6cuCryrsqjEV-tfQmyzL_qEohJZPtFDcN3FeejYBIlLDVQq9zzGAYFlwejZ97FmY1QwBi_mbzq9FqOwCZ51zhLwKNCABYeI3_GUPUHMDw/s400/dad%2527s-handkerchiefs-2.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVDSYrn95UZ8tfb2WdlfXfd17JTrPz3VjQda9izVEv-iOxX5N6RvoNVRo-uBC2PJpS9Dv3_sftc2EUGdpslLHp7ABPz7XTB83o6bTlMvcgl9tQ1Jq7awst4jpRuLspQwU3vjEqUBCnj7J/s1600/dad%2527s-handkerchiefs-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVDSYrn95UZ8tfb2WdlfXfd17JTrPz3VjQda9izVEv-iOxX5N6RvoNVRo-uBC2PJpS9Dv3_sftc2EUGdpslLHp7ABPz7XTB83o6bTlMvcgl9tQ1Jq7awst4jpRuLspQwU3vjEqUBCnj7J/s400/dad%2527s-handkerchiefs-3.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made these simple handkerchiefs recently for my hankie-toting dad. Best I can recall, they're the first handmade gift I've given him since painting a rock in his image complete with sunshine yellow hair and a black-red slash mouth back in my kinder years. (Dad's hair was black at the time, but the black and red had run together, so obviously yellow was the next logical choice.) That rock was an overwhelming success. I know that because it still resides on his office desk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi4jC-SEQsnu84Z4qUwMpkBNR7l0n2Hi6Dro00hmMomdfJFoB-2YutcOPPxmnGHY4frwaLfb9CMNJV7DiymbgrZn6iI5PWAsahltcg3XHgkQ11CVsH-N-MZNCuplkJnvPdlcF9dv-PxBt/s1600/dad%2527s-handkerchiefs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi4jC-SEQsnu84Z4qUwMpkBNR7l0n2Hi6Dro00hmMomdfJFoB-2YutcOPPxmnGHY4frwaLfb9CMNJV7DiymbgrZn6iI5PWAsahltcg3XHgkQ11CVsH-N-MZNCuplkJnvPdlcF9dv-PxBt/s400/dad%2527s-handkerchiefs.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These handkerchiefs are simple 16x16-inch squares with a 1/4 inch hem. One new technique I tried out was to sew along the raw edges half an inch in using my machine's seam guide (making what would become the new finished edge) before turning the hem. Doing so made my pressed edge much crisper and saved me from all of the precise measuring and marking that typically go along with hemming. </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-8805266396540702322011-04-04T17:09:00.001-05:002011-04-05T09:09:47.145-05:00patchwork shower curtain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hW9sxPFh-3ednZoL4Xx3BHU-jR3j_FK2Rq6tuB8KZIAjieNc6j6pRsujQGn71Qy8QkxCRbxQWD1coQqwnwN-Ebt_D7_7SMDqkStj-6i_bM_pkbvwLlOZ_AnGQwUCchLnCqTjAl8BZhTk/s1600/amh-shower-curtain.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hW9sxPFh-3ednZoL4Xx3BHU-jR3j_FK2Rq6tuB8KZIAjieNc6j6pRsujQGn71Qy8QkxCRbxQWD1coQqwnwN-Ebt_D7_7SMDqkStj-6i_bM_pkbvwLlOZ_AnGQwUCchLnCqTjAl8BZhTk/s400/amh-shower-curtain.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My kids were enchanted by their cousins' bathroom last time we visited their house. My sister-in-law has transformed the small utilitarian space into an underwater paradise complete with a swirly, turquoise faux finish on the walls, ceramic tropical fish hanging from the ceiling and every fish-themed bathroom accessory known to retaildom. Very nice and very kid-centric. And while I greatly admire her generosity, both with her time and an entire room of her house, I'm not quite there. This was our compromise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA63oVhVLvoAmxnVj_o04SEN-8ZB42LO5-OkcFTSY2ux4TlqpzjVc2lUS0X8jUVDZpgvPad0_BC2bL90o3ONu6VB4GNrQYMYsJygm2Gd4Qbky_JROf_86FOhRKaKdW_8ciSfEzNJEWLK4/s1600/amh-patchwork-shower-curtai.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA63oVhVLvoAmxnVj_o04SEN-8ZB42LO5-OkcFTSY2ux4TlqpzjVc2lUS0X8jUVDZpgvPad0_BC2bL90o3ONu6VB4GNrQYMYsJygm2Gd4Qbky_JROf_86FOhRKaKdW_8ciSfEzNJEWLK4/s400/amh-patchwork-shower-curtai.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Excuse the poor photo quality. This bathroom is dark with a capital D. I did my best for ya.)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Funny thing - I actually found a shower curtain that I LOVED from Target after I'd already raided my stash for the fabrics for this one (inspired by <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">AMH</a>'s <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Seams to Me</a> curtain). The Target curtain was right there, so affordable, so cute, the perfect colors (more on that later) and (drum roll, please) <b>ready to hang</b>. I snapped a shot and sent it to <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/">Larry</a> then and there to share my good fortune, snatched the thing up and bought it lickety split. It was only after I left the store that I got her response which basically ran along these lines: "Love it. So much I bought it myself a few weeks back." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now you know at least 40% of the story of our friendship. Is every BFF relationship so simpatico? It's a good thing we lives several states apart and have to do most of our communication via email or we'd basically be the same person. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the end, because I am the Queen of Indecisiveness, I went back to my original plan, which was to make my own customized, patchwork shower curtain. I've been drawn to this color combo for some reason lately - pumpkin, turquoise, and spring green with bits of brown. Since I have one girl and 2 boys, I tried to give a nod to all three in my fabric selection, since it is, after all, their bathroom. Theoretically speaking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bits of floral Liberty print for Aud, fun little cars and vans for Ash, and simple plaids for Gage, my big kid, plus a few more of my favorites. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TGRXpQKNOZwoNMfo4eddQRq4nqwCgnIdKbbtR1-SXc1K4NedSqzjvVSJFKR1yCuI58QzCGir05aHqiGqIFvXmflawrwWWE5keRGY-cP3dl7-hHBJY8LZL9kiOAkZCAWtbG0-_ium5qIg/s1600/amh-shower-curtain2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TGRXpQKNOZwoNMfo4eddQRq4nqwCgnIdKbbtR1-SXc1K4NedSqzjvVSJFKR1yCuI58QzCGir05aHqiGqIFvXmflawrwWWE5keRGY-cP3dl7-hHBJY8LZL9kiOAkZCAWtbG0-_ium5qIg/s400/amh-shower-curtain2.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Construction details: The strips are ripped and top stitched down. So simple. I made the entire project even simpler by purchasing a super soft, creamy twin sheet from Target to use as the background fabric. (It was one of <a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/best-products/best-product-targets-organic-cotton-sheets-042540">these</a>, but my flat sheet was packaged separately, so I didn't have to buy an entire set. Cha-ching!) I didn't want to piece lengths of fabric together for the wide curtain and I really didn't want to buy major yardage, so a sheet was the perfect solution at about $10. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I flipped the sheet upside down so that I could use the nice wide top hem as the bottom of the curtain, cut off the narrow hem (formerly the foot of the sheet), adjusted the length and added a simple rod pocket. I wanted it longer than a traditional shower curtain, so I hung an extra pressure-mounted rod and raised it up about ten inches over my existing rod and liner. The width of the sheet was perfect - when it's completely closed, it's very slightly gathered. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb_eBwQIcsv8LIQCPjnY2eQXLPYxVQQ99w_a1ulerV1cbhC5tvmpfaGo1ucHZD61YLlhpNGHkc7QKXFFN7vDyChNeU4cUjOB_t8y6eaCeEePjW6XoiWzgsdCKnwvePmewMKSf_6whi6pW/s1600/bathroom-john-golden.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb_eBwQIcsv8LIQCPjnY2eQXLPYxVQQ99w_a1ulerV1cbhC5tvmpfaGo1ucHZD61YLlhpNGHkc7QKXFFN7vDyChNeU4cUjOB_t8y6eaCeEePjW6XoiWzgsdCKnwvePmewMKSf_6whi6pW/s400/bathroom-john-golden.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm in love with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/johnwgolden">John Golden</a>. His<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/johnwgolden?section_id=5021091"> "By Order of the Management"</a> prints suit my benevolent dictatorship style of parenting perfectly. It was so hard to decide. They're genius, I tell you. Brush Your Teeth, Wash Your Hands, Mind Your Manners and Go Ask Your Father went across from the sinks.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75elCimTlI_ttpx0Dxq9-I-zI_TA95gESKydzViEyqXfsS2mXFd8Ei-zg_CeReRTFDR0BVj_F7iuDZJY2tvfPSV5LvNX0RGZBGh7_eNC-JY4ma9nir_bocv7qbCMh8likmFeojyXrxFoU/s1600/bathroom-update-john-golden.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75elCimTlI_ttpx0Dxq9-I-zI_TA95gESKydzViEyqXfsS2mXFd8Ei-zg_CeReRTFDR0BVj_F7iuDZJY2tvfPSV5LvNX0RGZBGh7_eNC-JY4ma9nir_bocv7qbCMh8likmFeojyXrxFoU/s400/bathroom-update-john-golden.gif" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wash Behind Your Ears and Wipe the Seat went beside the shower and over the toilet. (Two boys, remember? John, how about a <i>Lift</i> the Seat sign next?) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, if you like these prints, I just saw that JG has a store wide 25% off sale going on over at his <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/johnwgolden?ref=pr_shop">Etsy shop</a>. I think that started the week after I ordered my prints. Nice, huh? Still love him though. </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-73944142669214725562011-02-21T20:57:00.001-06:002011-02-21T21:00:16.278-06:00Simplicity 2876<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjhEebGEsEkptk39BPjJguFrhGJAek9Z-HhKqEff-Bdzq1vB780cTtGWiFVJi7gnYnp5CpbycUlR_4BlkP_qVE-briLp6oFjePgpcypCPQVOHYDsR8hWZETBt60_MCBp97DtIkKVpkYEM/s1600/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjhEebGEsEkptk39BPjJguFrhGJAek9Z-HhKqEff-Bdzq1vB780cTtGWiFVJi7gnYnp5CpbycUlR_4BlkP_qVE-briLp6oFjePgpcypCPQVOHYDsR8hWZETBt60_MCBp97DtIkKVpkYEM/s320/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-4.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This winter I took on my toughest apparel project yet - a lined, winter coat for Audrey. I was inspired <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/2009/04/ive-got-nothing-okay-well-maybe-little.html">yet again</a> by the classic lines and beautiful textiles of <a href="http://www.bonpoint-boutique-us.com/en/">Bonpoint</a>'s winter line for girls this past season. Alas, I was reticent to spend $300 for a girl's coat, no matter how beautiful. Enter <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1789-childgirl-jackets-and-coats.aspx">Simplicity 2876</a>. I tweaked a bit here and there, shortening the longer coat while keeping the pockets (which weren't on the shorter version) and simplifying some of the construction details that I found overly tedious and fussy. The tweed was a chance I took on an online purchase (my first from <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/">Mood</a>) that totally paid off. Working with quality fabric is so worth the extra cost.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBQK1WjEE8QEvVmjIDbPY50FU9Riu1lsEuTD5quZY20VI-IWzg9U9ISWKToKCk0k0Ek2a2OVi8Wz_rOk7cJhiDUlK7zNF1slJU1us_usW1xggxA_DZOWTnhhTTFdOzt-MgLdGzig0wqhp/s1600/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBQK1WjEE8QEvVmjIDbPY50FU9Riu1lsEuTD5quZY20VI-IWzg9U9ISWKToKCk0k0Ek2a2OVi8Wz_rOk7cJhiDUlK7zNF1slJU1us_usW1xggxA_DZOWTnhhTTFdOzt-MgLdGzig0wqhp/s320/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-2.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFKR-XcCD4CpXQ51wtFGwnwlVMnIC_PQN2dKXGpfZ9Q2e5DvBXQOb29VNmzO1xVEMzJ8Fkd3WTSaBkWh9barGLmJBpUbKoBP2Jv246ywgpj1LGWSFgqRmD3ngSuvEwheAh4Be3GjLCtYo/s1600/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFKR-XcCD4CpXQ51wtFGwnwlVMnIC_PQN2dKXGpfZ9Q2e5DvBXQOb29VNmzO1xVEMzJ8Fkd3WTSaBkWh9barGLmJBpUbKoBP2Jv246ywgpj1LGWSFgqRmD3ngSuvEwheAh4Be3GjLCtYo/s320/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-6.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was reminded of that fact while fighting with my chosen lining, which was out of my stash and ended up being somewhat of a nightmare. That's what I get for buying a cheap-y nylon blend. A fraying, snagging nightmare. Lesson learned for next time.<br />
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In the end, though, Aud's happy with its purple-y shine and I'm happy with the slightly stuffy tweed, so we're all good. I'm willing to make <i>some</i> small compromises as I force my own understated aesthetic on my effervescent daughter, who once informed me that "pink and sparkly go with everything".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QQafPtSIl0eBqfz-OfUTHWacT21oBiBWIgycDVG4X0CvM13qerxIQkJ4xVQHtakif8GguMHOu66DdwigHbQ6KReOHTw49x3a89sDwYIAPBGP3BDe1FZgNxEqxgN9XKSBHyc6eP6s2gT-/s1600/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QQafPtSIl0eBqfz-OfUTHWacT21oBiBWIgycDVG4X0CvM13qerxIQkJ4xVQHtakif8GguMHOu66DdwigHbQ6KReOHTw49x3a89sDwYIAPBGP3BDe1FZgNxEqxgN9XKSBHyc6eP6s2gT-/s320/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-3.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I get so happy when I see little details like these sleeve bands. Can you see the little bits of brown in the tweed? It's hard to see clearly in these photos, but I love how these chunky brown buttons bring that out. I browsed handmade, wooden buttons on Etsy forever, then came across these at Hobby Lobby. Which I (humbly) think are perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignB3DYMX89R4-GhAqvk53tHk0a7ziLUHovi6kpZuSBlwPdsvdAcDvchPercIgKELsEKYQJCgmXuNQ2PJOJ4aKf1O_NbUSTU1PNoVFqA-UWXuNF6vBBpLqtsryfu0Z7MEC6eKaC2NRdTts/s1600/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignB3DYMX89R4-GhAqvk53tHk0a7ziLUHovi6kpZuSBlwPdsvdAcDvchPercIgKELsEKYQJCgmXuNQ2PJOJ4aKf1O_NbUSTU1PNoVFqA-UWXuNF6vBBpLqtsryfu0Z7MEC6eKaC2NRdTts/s320/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010-5.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Izxp9BhfV4bMfgQFDNr0OffojE4VF1dJS7CdCD2JZh0YcgJBrktBpWAhRCAyqW2wnM9EOyoiCZ4_hEEs1Aqtiy8M4Y6GE-mGwQ0Y9oCsbcH5bu11GURxKUb25_bMZCJpShQMmYt1iv0n/s1600/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Izxp9BhfV4bMfgQFDNr0OffojE4VF1dJS7CdCD2JZh0YcgJBrktBpWAhRCAyqW2wnM9EOyoiCZ4_hEEs1Aqtiy8M4Y6GE-mGwQ0Y9oCsbcH5bu11GURxKUb25_bMZCJpShQMmYt1iv0n/s320/aud%2527s-winter-coat-2010.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Okay, for the more observant of you, I admit, I have yet to tackle the buttonholes. My trusty workhorse of a sewing machine just couldn't handle the thick tweed. Still figuring Plan B. It's a good thing we live in the Deep South, so buttoning up the coat hasn't been a necessity.)</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-7805051534614894662010-12-29T15:52:00.000-06:002010-12-29T15:52:36.806-06:00Nest Tree Topper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWhZq8lKmUFLs9TX2sHigFSOl0CsfqsumNfslWlocg8YCJAR_jUjD1o4EQ4V8JSCFOLBNIvYaJ3hrvDyQ5F2hFgtkytmrrehyphenhyphenI5xKQCBKRDRrA8NZocqueGALoAQGb_fX_Uu-rwq3-5lf/s1600/nest-tree-topper.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWhZq8lKmUFLs9TX2sHigFSOl0CsfqsumNfslWlocg8YCJAR_jUjD1o4EQ4V8JSCFOLBNIvYaJ3hrvDyQ5F2hFgtkytmrrehyphenhyphenI5xKQCBKRDRrA8NZocqueGALoAQGb_fX_Uu-rwq3-5lf/s400/nest-tree-topper.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Erm...hi. It's been a while. I won't bore you with stories of dead computers and overbooked schedules. Suffice to say, I've missed this space and sharing my projects here. I have been sewing and crafting a bit this fall, which I'll try to share when I can. Thanks, Larissa, for the <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/handmade-gifts-2010-turtle-dove.html">kick in the pants</a> I needed to post this little project.<br />
<br />
Okay, so I've needed a tree topper for a few years now. I've made do with a bow of one sort or another, but that is so not my style, really. Last year I hemmed and hawed over a lovely glass and iron piece just long enough to miss it entirely when other more decisive people bought them all up. I have been intrigued by <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">Anthropologie</a>'s nest <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=083179&navAction=jump&navCount=">tree</a> <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=083180&catId=SHOPSALE-TRIM&pushId=SHOPSALE-TRIM&popId=SHOPSALE&sortProperties=&navCount=385&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=020&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=E">toppers</a> for a couple of years now, but completely flabbergasted by the insane price tag (what are they thinking???).<br />
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So, on a whim this year, unwilling to compromise and stick yet another bow on my topperless tree, I headed down to my local craft shop, picked up a few supplies and knocked out my own woodsy, nesty tree topper. I kept it pretty simple, with future plans to add more bits and bobs later.<br />
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I started off with a plain, straw, floral wreath, which I spray painted silver, then dusted lightly with ivory spray paint to soften it up a bit. Bits of straw fell off as I worked, leaving some of the natural straw color showing through. I liked that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BlMO7I-Jb1ZQSsghN9tt8wMgh3LNxdmIfiCDH6w4Bnaj1EgjujtUmHD21B955Wxy1aLRrBPxKduqOaCSr553NXfvBjgAMlNW2cRgMkNM_khViIn_oMVO5zj0OwXmA97TmtnoqTNIz3YH/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BlMO7I-Jb1ZQSsghN9tt8wMgh3LNxdmIfiCDH6w4Bnaj1EgjujtUmHD21B955Wxy1aLRrBPxKduqOaCSr553NXfvBjgAMlNW2cRgMkNM_khViIn_oMVO5zj0OwXmA97TmtnoqTNIz3YH/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-1.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then there was this lovely, dark gold, glass garland...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwtZU5mAnH8VtlM5S37n3eEXlP_8n_GFiIdsM_vK8UFq1z1ct4IrdJ0HgSwaud94sAH2acwO7bbcRRMSo7GyVKPEDf_CoM9IKNe9OBA12BKgeqBwojfeTXhzwFl6q9AFEm3u9svis82qu/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwtZU5mAnH8VtlM5S37n3eEXlP_8n_GFiIdsM_vK8UFq1z1ct4IrdJ0HgSwaud94sAH2acwO7bbcRRMSo7GyVKPEDf_CoM9IKNe9OBA12BKgeqBwojfeTXhzwFl6q9AFEm3u9svis82qu/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-2.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...which I wrapped loosely and evenly around the wreath, securing the ends on the inside with hot glue, like so: </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7esO0c8aYuCulY4z983xA98s1by3vIyi_uQRak7N_yHrTD-_eUwNyCgP1hLgtbqX1_SKojHARrCUMzRwWjiK2ev9cr-_YdSB5tAbOQRAFJm_5suhh46OABeIhurAkRyCwC_Ajck1ehXbf/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7esO0c8aYuCulY4z983xA98s1by3vIyi_uQRak7N_yHrTD-_eUwNyCgP1hLgtbqX1_SKojHARrCUMzRwWjiK2ev9cr-_YdSB5tAbOQRAFJm_5suhh46OABeIhurAkRyCwC_Ajck1ehXbf/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-3.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next came bunches of lovely, green moss, around the top of the wreath, again, hot glued down. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdFIFeaTW1vscnDOpRDOVVFn_6lCTbHXYc7VbtQWaasdzQUdBJn-MkfGV0bceXP9pcnYvtKwNzdfTVktFAgUY07BpiuUsMX7JmLn_lEKJ-40MrCBtZOxxJCqQOfENVubZpEm4gowiUwL7/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdFIFeaTW1vscnDOpRDOVVFn_6lCTbHXYc7VbtQWaasdzQUdBJn-MkfGV0bceXP9pcnYvtKwNzdfTVktFAgUY07BpiuUsMX7JmLn_lEKJ-40MrCBtZOxxJCqQOfENVubZpEm4gowiUwL7/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-4.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My "woods" consisted of a bunch of sparkly, silver-gold, floral picks (similar to eucalyptus branches) that I pulled apart. With a metal skewer, I poked holes into the wreath in random spots, filled the holes with hot glue, then stuck the shiny, little branchlets in securely. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuHtkDnz-6gv41fvRG6Fllp_nCi0KVzte78MwJXRgE3tc8u2ILk0bd6-yUpfY8JTB-s3pBPf3Y54J1x9QHZ8TBIS5vPc5joJIVWy31Gf-kDI-PDpL3byuGuxKyEyaGro2movicfVSqlya/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuHtkDnz-6gv41fvRG6Fllp_nCi0KVzte78MwJXRgE3tc8u2ILk0bd6-yUpfY8JTB-s3pBPf3Y54J1x9QHZ8TBIS5vPc5joJIVWy31Gf-kDI-PDpL3byuGuxKyEyaGro2movicfVSqlya/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-5.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmse2MtmgqvSnfCii_KV5ZyOGfApAgf7fOwsEaSy7v_PV-LnqMfrjc201giqEK2KYrAH1Z0wk74F9AVWZXqSIWJdQGPPy6sUk5Qi_I9myA4YvVsK5iyVoIW-E02u_Qwm9dZ4Q8KqfR1sK/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmse2MtmgqvSnfCii_KV5ZyOGfApAgf7fOwsEaSy7v_PV-LnqMfrjc201giqEK2KYrAH1Z0wk74F9AVWZXqSIWJdQGPPy6sUk5Qi_I9myA4YvVsK5iyVoIW-E02u_Qwm9dZ4Q8KqfR1sK/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-6.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, with the addition of a few pieces of real lichen and a small nest (dusted with silver paint and occupied by some of the leftover moss and a sweet little bird), my nest tree topper was done. For this year, anyway. Next year's goal: find the perfect paper mache, wooden, or ceramic mushrooms to add to my little woodland scene. And maybe a few more birdies. Or maybe I'll just leave it as is...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiAo9KScaj2cYDSqpAPqHImOSQxfw8GdoEaHiZu0m2DzxqN4YkVU_Fz1qXLzTvIG0GqZTS07zONAewEkDIZGjp-VoJZq3e0PGc9PiUnW2ONn-OzOfjhuCU2KMltWm3gJwRO1FHcK7QK-V/s1600/nest-tree-topper-step-7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiAo9KScaj2cYDSqpAPqHImOSQxfw8GdoEaHiZu0m2DzxqN4YkVU_Fz1qXLzTvIG0GqZTS07zONAewEkDIZGjp-VoJZq3e0PGc9PiUnW2ONn-OzOfjhuCU2KMltWm3gJwRO1FHcK7QK-V/s400/nest-tree-topper-step-7.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-37046860602755033482010-08-11T18:12:00.001-05:002010-08-11T21:23:42.013-05:00put together a beginner embroidery kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa-dzixQ9cmvki2j4pg7RXGX2t4F_8PBCO2sSXcuOTUQ46uplZ-ED3HW0X-NBjSduDsTHnXdwc5emjXdhOWEAABM1A_Y_lJFXd8eCitkP3McJWmLPC0I0s-mahd-xacMxHZ5uMjDSgmrF/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa-dzixQ9cmvki2j4pg7RXGX2t4F_8PBCO2sSXcuOTUQ46uplZ-ED3HW0X-NBjSduDsTHnXdwc5emjXdhOWEAABM1A_Y_lJFXd8eCitkP3McJWmLPC0I0s-mahd-xacMxHZ5uMjDSgmrF/s400/embroidery-kit-for-AGH.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have had so much fun over the past week putting together this beginner embroidery kit for a very <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Little-Miss-Crafty-embellish/dp/1600585981">special little girl celebrating her 8th birthday</a>. It was a bit of a risk - what if she's not interested? - but I decided to take the chance. I mean, she's in the direct line of craft greatness, so she's got to be interested, right? If not now, then someday. And when she feels that pull, she'll be prepared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQtp2fo63QS11IcqQNdeyCBOOa5lB-jZsv2u-Fh6fWKHo8Nnox9QNtENHhD785kidOS1KgwmKdG9Bw4tY_fgp3mDKCU5nqTQMPtvUWTsDuF4bj8A73BBCGHLb0AxSxgYweehO0EYqUF-J/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-book.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQtp2fo63QS11IcqQNdeyCBOOa5lB-jZsv2u-Fh6fWKHo8Nnox9QNtENHhD785kidOS1KgwmKdG9Bw4tY_fgp3mDKCU5nqTQMPtvUWTsDuF4bj8A73BBCGHLb0AxSxgYweehO0EYqUF-J/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-book.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It all started with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Little-Miss-Crafty-embellish/dp/1600585981">this book</a> by artist Helen Dardik, which was the first I came across when looking for a simple, easy and engaging instructional book for the beginner embroiderer. Quite serendipitous, I thought, considering this little girl's mother is already a <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/04/amazing-helen-dardik.html">big</a> Dardik fan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>[I now interrupt this post to slap myself in the forehead really hard. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>I just headed on over to <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/">mmmcrafts</a> for a link to where I know I've seen her mention Helen Dardik more than once, when I find <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/03/dardikism.html">this</a>. That's right. She has the book. ARRGGG. I guess now you don't have to share your copy with the girls, Larissa. And in case you've already created and posted about an embroidery kit for them and I've just forgotten that as well, please don't remind me. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>grumble grumble grumble...]</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so, the first step in creating a beginner embroidery kit is to find a good book with clear instructions, detailed pictures, and inspiring projects. Preferable one that the giftee does not currently own or have ready access to by walking down the hall. This Dardik book is a good one. (<a href="http://www.jennyhart.net/">Jenny Hart</a> can also be relied upon for modern embroidery <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/patterns/all">patterns</a> that range from sweet to subversive. Her book <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/sublimestitch_book">Sublime Stitching</a> is great, too.) Check out a couple of these cute projects from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Little-Miss-Crafty-embellish/dp/1600585981">Embroidery for Little Miss Crafty</a>: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsXE1HVs0JpuYWWrK_BCRQh-gS_Mo4HFKFLZ_4nkTIAMbCohqDp2_X90qJMtAWCIgknOYkXS21HRMxc_tqv8UZT5UcSbLw_najqsMFKsPrTiTTLItYNa_C5X8ODQ0dPMRsjtaM9rJGoPw/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-bk1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsXE1HVs0JpuYWWrK_BCRQh-gS_Mo4HFKFLZ_4nkTIAMbCohqDp2_X90qJMtAWCIgknOYkXS21HRMxc_tqv8UZT5UcSbLw_najqsMFKsPrTiTTLItYNa_C5X8ODQ0dPMRsjtaM9rJGoPw/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-bk1.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij72Rg7JCOF6EDNO3PsZdfPnmmegq5k25l2oRJqzB02z0njSOiOopi8zaeGM4OWHJ-RWBF3fYclGmmjluWeyYjFQasUZfSFNBRm0R7kjITHv27voQnS8_F9cpdB4sMzLVFQrPFm1LsU-_4/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-bk2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij72Rg7JCOF6EDNO3PsZdfPnmmegq5k25l2oRJqzB02z0njSOiOopi8zaeGM4OWHJ-RWBF3fYclGmmjluWeyYjFQasUZfSFNBRm0R7kjITHv27voQnS8_F9cpdB4sMzLVFQrPFm1LsU-_4/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-bk2.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I included the basics: a 4" embroidery hoop, embroidery scissors, a few fat quarters (a couple of fun prints and a basic white) and a selection of embroidery thread in bright, girly colors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZflI7LAv-YEC4EwK_GVQxwdpGs94yAmeN3pR5ynKiJs8ZKfQ9QZZ5tKDG3SL80DYP7dWOiAdDOgOyymZTZA3nf15GLhfdjAp0bQxKqqPBAlrhO6pIFxaQjCX56yjEMu8kN3P_jkXq3nk4/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-thre.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZflI7LAv-YEC4EwK_GVQxwdpGs94yAmeN3pR5ynKiJs8ZKfQ9QZZ5tKDG3SL80DYP7dWOiAdDOgOyymZTZA3nf15GLhfdjAp0bQxKqqPBAlrhO6pIFxaQjCX56yjEMu8kN3P_jkXq3nk4/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-thre.gif" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now for the fun part. A simple sheath for her scissors (made from fabric purchased <a href="http://www.stitchlab.biz/">here </a>during a recent trip to Austin that I hope to post about soon.): </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-ZswHfl_1cmoKjbRpSV_GhyVW9I3r3m4-jkdVBUBCTA_egtQXoayUSJPx5gzvyN37F541qXjnBsKWw6s4xZFc7hpLESCmS9t-VbY142ZIO5rUnYsKB-6IKI1bhWZkJNPG_bJ3VEDy448/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-shea.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-ZswHfl_1cmoKjbRpSV_GhyVW9I3r3m4-jkdVBUBCTA_egtQXoayUSJPx5gzvyN37F541qXjnBsKWw6s4xZFc7hpLESCmS9t-VbY142ZIO5rUnYsKB-6IKI1bhWZkJNPG_bJ3VEDy448/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-shea.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A needle case stocked with nice, new sharps and a few of my favorite vintage buttons: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QyeSlqTfZli8iQUi_B9CjvhGK1gmtB5P8uXTVd2NLxxDP4bcIWvNV0hxEh9QZrDMq-cB9S1BTqQ_Kl5TRtBKSTegPIUBmZ-HTl6y1OQPwP-RvlqCFhb0kvf3rMy5uQn9OiAMtEq0RADP/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-need.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QyeSlqTfZli8iQUi_B9CjvhGK1gmtB5P8uXTVd2NLxxDP4bcIWvNV0hxEh9QZrDMq-cB9S1BTqQ_Kl5TRtBKSTegPIUBmZ-HTl6y1OQPwP-RvlqCFhb0kvf3rMy5uQn9OiAMtEq0RADP/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-need.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtuRX6pKGUhPqZ0z43T0Yc9x8ugDfP7S3E_Ls9hdux8AKU9j5pTfrLmGt6nUYclGbpTkuySHJoM_6kaRIfbRTJZSri8oMTyqMu6pgcNhh2HtdsFa6fZMABq2Yn1aCxTf3EPw1xdZSw8um/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-nc1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtuRX6pKGUhPqZ0z43T0Yc9x8ugDfP7S3E_Ls9hdux8AKU9j5pTfrLmGt6nUYclGbpTkuySHJoM_6kaRIfbRTJZSri8oMTyqMu6pgcNhh2HtdsFa6fZMABq2Yn1aCxTf3EPw1xdZSw8um/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-nc1.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGK1Dec3ZA6r3tIcjTkrCq3UoqbcL2LzminFmPuxTgXV50vEIrLavFoYVcaMCRM248Fynk03YUZPyLkqn_Zd6G7QScDX8vTYGAN_Tfqkm_ZfsAOi14ukhLBAq2ISwnznNXweHwFKnsTSh/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-nc2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGK1Dec3ZA6r3tIcjTkrCq3UoqbcL2LzminFmPuxTgXV50vEIrLavFoYVcaMCRM248Fynk03YUZPyLkqn_Zd6G7QScDX8vTYGAN_Tfqkm_ZfsAOi14ukhLBAq2ISwnznNXweHwFKnsTSh/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-nc2.gif" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a pin cushion: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh0jwgYuhOyMXtGEtH_DAScv7lQEdwmKfn_XEWlwMkfw69dx7yTgyIBVCXfOI0DXpNvE5tzrThENJ-YHWBkmuC70X7Bvp9RWdliVrmrT-jVaCYp9pXL4T0tHAkmSZFucp4uIzxpxjlcZe/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-owl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh0jwgYuhOyMXtGEtH_DAScv7lQEdwmKfn_XEWlwMkfw69dx7yTgyIBVCXfOI0DXpNvE5tzrThENJ-YHWBkmuC70X7Bvp9RWdliVrmrT-jVaCYp9pXL4T0tHAkmSZFucp4uIzxpxjlcZe/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-owl.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew I wanted to include a felt pin cushion, and that it should be something youthful and whimsical. I was inspired by the owl fabric and remembered <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">AMH</a>'s <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2006/12/its-hoot.html">owl ornament</a>, so I started there with her pattern, but ended up resizing the body, then scrapping her wings and eyes and redesigning my own, and adding the breast piece. If you want to recreate this pincushion, I'd direct you to her pattern, then suggest that you tweak to your tastes like I did and stuff it a good bit fuller than you would for an ornament. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNuJCxbMqyeDaFi9EQqk7VAau1wx4szmAziVT7zf7lixeoFNlnFMfKwGIKVWpBE96E9_t5G_Wp1iRlAMuWQG_F-kWj5El0t52PE2EH7YTh5uLZc4PACsVPba4ntDjB_skYqW_DVdPCDW5/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-box.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNuJCxbMqyeDaFi9EQqk7VAau1wx4szmAziVT7zf7lixeoFNlnFMfKwGIKVWpBE96E9_t5G_Wp1iRlAMuWQG_F-kWj5El0t52PE2EH7YTh5uLZc4PACsVPba4ntDjB_skYqW_DVdPCDW5/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-box.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I placed all of these goodies in a perfectly sized, apple green suitcase (<a href="http://www.katespaperie.com/store/category/giftwrap__ribbons/gift_boxes/item/E0001609/mini_suitcase_small_red/">similar to these</a>) from <a href="http://www.katespaperie.com/">Kate's Paperie</a> in NYC. I had tucked it away since <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/search?q=new+york+city&updated-max=2009-04-01T06:00:00-05:00&max-results=20">my trip</a> there last year, knowing that it would find its ideal purpose eventually. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, finally, Gage wanted in on the sewing and gifting action, so he sat down and knocked this out for his little friend: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTKNPIpFh5hivTQBa3_rXfDuiydJpxPdjX-NTS9Kw40FglC84KZjq10ZrJJi_pv8XY1lctQb0BjF1w1Z7HhJSqN_HBFNaeJyeSOBYEHBaPGAqnMMQEqNvpOekE83Q3Rwjc9so353j63hp/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-g.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTKNPIpFh5hivTQBa3_rXfDuiydJpxPdjX-NTS9Kw40FglC84KZjq10ZrJJi_pv8XY1lctQb0BjF1w1Z7HhJSqN_HBFNaeJyeSOBYEHBaPGAqnMMQEqNvpOekE83Q3Rwjc9so353j63hp/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-g.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE4xyhMaxRxN0FRuxZsKziyy-djKcVF-BS0A_Npuo77ePIwu_12llqvGObu3baguiEl0KSiYJ0ycfTO_ZOlNzLb6y1fjpf9NBysRDesnM6hOMwyXWdxZE3IEh17I_wn3sUjmMjIzJ6Yyt/s1600/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-g2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE4xyhMaxRxN0FRuxZsKziyy-djKcVF-BS0A_Npuo77ePIwu_12llqvGObu3baguiEl0KSiYJ0ycfTO_ZOlNzLb6y1fjpf9NBysRDesnM6hOMwyXWdxZE3IEh17I_wn3sUjmMjIzJ6Yyt/s320/embroidery-kit-for-AGH-g2.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tried to convince him to stitch "Hereto I plight thee my troth" but that was a no-go. In the end, he went with a simple monogram. Probably the better choice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-38277593298517362762010-08-02T06:00:00.001-05:002010-08-02T06:00:01.486-05:00simple summer stone fruit cobbler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYBfKRGlJpDYZtZCA5ZS5r0-jag42hFiRcpKZS1DTYLBn00xekHkBbuba50vDqBsCi3qUVER8wA5EUmEBX1NKYBnlwuEJUE_g5H4u4-EvyBj1ipEfXOLGoSI_qIhYagp8rhwvYBJTaia-/s1600/cherries.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYBfKRGlJpDYZtZCA5ZS5r0-jag42hFiRcpKZS1DTYLBn00xekHkBbuba50vDqBsCi3qUVER8wA5EUmEBX1NKYBnlwuEJUE_g5H4u4-EvyBj1ipEfXOLGoSI_qIhYagp8rhwvYBJTaia-/s320/cherries.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">I love cherry season. As a family, we generally consume about 25 pounds in a span of two or three months. (I'm not telling how much of that I'm personally responsible for. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Ahem.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">) This simple cobbler is one of my favorite ways to eat cherries. It's also a great way to use all of those other yummy summer stone fruits, like peaches, nectarines and plums. This recipe is kind of a cheater cobbler: still from scratch, just without all that dough making, rolling and cutting. Perfect for surprise guests or afternoon cravings. </span></i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmRV_SA4gSHi9KSxAEarpYlCzPGFctQhIzDaCgw_li0bKmn4bE9MaQPQkq-SyGieJ8ie7AXKNLaSw1T07eqKP40uzEzng_IoTyDMutq1fZA_BURZ4WiVz1kdnhKm6MdMA2pNj4vZndng/s1600/cherry-cobbler.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmRV_SA4gSHi9KSxAEarpYlCzPGFctQhIzDaCgw_li0bKmn4bE9MaQPQkq-SyGieJ8ie7AXKNLaSw1T07eqKP40uzEzng_IoTyDMutq1fZA_BURZ4WiVz1kdnhKm6MdMA2pNj4vZndng/s320/cherry-cobbler.gif" /></a></div><br />
<b><i>Summer Stone Fruit Cobbler</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>Batter: </i><br />
<i>1/4 cup butter </i>(That's right. Real butter. I said it was simple, not healthy)<br />
<i>1 cup flour</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup sugar</i><br />
<i>2 teaspoon baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste</i><br />
<i>1 cup milk</i><br />
<i>1/4 teaspoon vanilla</i><br />
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<i>Fruit: </i><br />
<i>~ 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of the stone fruit of your choice </i><br />
<i>1 tablespoon cinnamon</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup brown sugar</i><br />
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<i>Prep your fruit, first, by washing it really well. If you're using peaches, nectarines or plums, remove the stone and slice your fruit. (</i><i>I don't peel my fruit for this recipe because I like it to be a bit more rustic. Plus it's prettier. Suit yourself on this.) </i><i>If you're using cherries, spend the next hour laboriously cutting and pitting the little wretches OR you could do like I did and buy yourself one of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oxo-1071499-Grips-Cherry-Pitter/dp/B000NQ925K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1280240009&sr=8-1">these</a> handy little kitchen wonders and be done with pitting in mere minutes: </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y5wcPziVAn2o4HNxQ1JufGrtwy5JVHDzdUFLye3DD6XocWNJhn347nL6zk9wQOVWdmm6MCpsnlAzrv7iP2uiG_aQbgVbGwCC3L15W26pFw0gZbsV181AR3Wd426wLKIQjZ0S3n5WAKDx/s1600/cherry-pitter.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y5wcPziVAn2o4HNxQ1JufGrtwy5JVHDzdUFLye3DD6XocWNJhn347nL6zk9wQOVWdmm6MCpsnlAzrv7iP2uiG_aQbgVbGwCC3L15W26pFw0gZbsV181AR3Wd426wLKIQjZ0S3n5WAKDx/s320/cherry-pitter.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">( I did the Snoopy Happy Dance when I first used this)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><i>Okay, fruit cleaned, pitted and sliced (except for the cherries, which I leave whole), toss it into a bowl with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Use your hands to mix well, coating each piece of fruit with the sugar mixture. (If I don't have time to let my fruit sit for a while, I massage it a bit, especially the cherries [really, I come pretty close to crushing these], to get the juices flowing really well. If you can let the peaches, nectarines and plums sit in the fridge for a couple of hours, they'll get juicy on their own.)</i><br />
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<i>Preheat your oven to 375. I really like to use a well seasoned, cast iron skillet for this cobbler. </i><i>The advantage is that it will give your cobbler a beautiful, crunchy,</i> <span class="Apple-style-span">delicious</span> <i>crust. Totally worth the extra effort. </i><br />
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<i></i><i>Melt your butter on the stove top in the cast iron skillet while you mix the batter. You want the skillet hot and the butter melted and swirled around the edges of the pan to coat the bottom and prevent the batter from sticking. Be careful not to burn the butter - if you're nervous about the multitasking, just wait until your batter is mixed to heat your skillet and melt the butter. You could also let your skillet heat up in the oven as it preheats, then take it out to melt the butter once your batter is mixed. </i><br />
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<i>Now for the rest of the batter. This couldn't be easier. Blend the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk and vanilla well with a whisk and pour over the melted butter in the skillet or baking dish. Very important: do not stir. Distribute the prepared fruit gently over the batter, again without stirring. </i><br />
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<i>Bake for 40 minutes, until the batter is starting to turn golden brown and crisping around the edges. Serve your cobbler hot out of the oven with ice cream or freshly whipped cream, if you like. Or, just as good, straight out of the fridge the next morning for breakfast. </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmRV_SA4gSHi9KSxAEarpYlCzPGFctQhIzDaCgw_li0bKmn4bE9MaQPQkq-SyGieJ8ie7AXKNLaSw1T07eqKP40uzEzng_IoTyDMutq1fZA_BURZ4WiVz1kdnhKm6MdMA2pNj4vZndng/s1600/cherry-cobbler.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmRV_SA4gSHi9KSxAEarpYlCzPGFctQhIzDaCgw_li0bKmn4bE9MaQPQkq-SyGieJ8ie7AXKNLaSw1T07eqKP40uzEzng_IoTyDMutq1fZA_BURZ4WiVz1kdnhKm6MdMA2pNj4vZndng/s320/cherry-cobbler.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-76707011087262025252010-07-30T09:01:00.001-05:002010-07-30T09:01:53.024-05:00learn a new art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/tie-dye-shibori-vessel/tie-dye-shibori-vessel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tie-Dye Shibori Vessel" border="0" src="http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/tie-dye-shibori-vessel/tie-dye-shibori-vessel.jpg" /></a></div>Did you know that, in addition to a staggering array of quality art supplies, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/">Dick Blick</a> also offers free <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/grade-level/">art lessons</a>? Geared toward school agers, these lessons turn otherwise intimidating processes, like <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/lazertran-silk-scarf/">silk screening</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/pastel-fresco-secco/">Secco</a> or <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/tie-dye-shibori-vessel/">Shibori</a>, into something a little less daunting - something even your kids could do - with the aid of printable pdf's and video tutorials. Plus, I know that when I browse through Blick's products, there are so many that intrigue, but I wouldn't know how to start using them. Each project links to the supplies needed where - imagine this - they can easily be purchased from Dick Blick! (This is not a paid endorsement.)<br />
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Try it. Who knows - your inner fresco-ist may have been waiting for an opportunity just such as this. Oh, and I guess you could also share these ideas with your children. If you're so inclined.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/canvas-loom-weaving/canvas-loom-weaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/canvas-loom-weaving/canvas-loom-weaving.jpg" /></a><a href="http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/graphite-embossing/graphite-embossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/graphite-embossing/graphite-embossing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-17849537673777040562010-07-21T07:53:00.001-05:002010-07-27T09:18:54.164-05:0090 minute shirt trial run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6alaoGGCBMypNkbVFLrfOkAMukXz5eevykZyUWOEeJWLEH_cymHdD9e6j04h3c1qFHhgvqHazhaGEo4M3pDWj_nxUBgDOcANGuAo5zjVHHXTtJAopkptF2kbfWbh1vrm1994G433s-Scg/s1600/90-minute-muscle-tee.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6alaoGGCBMypNkbVFLrfOkAMukXz5eevykZyUWOEeJWLEH_cymHdD9e6j04h3c1qFHhgvqHazhaGEo4M3pDWj_nxUBgDOcANGuAo5zjVHHXTtJAopkptF2kbfWbh1vrm1994G433s-Scg/s320/90-minute-muscle-tee.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here is my first attempt at making <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">made</a>'s <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-90-minute-shirt.html">90 minute shirt</a>. I used a super soft, butter yellow shirt of mine for the main body and a faded chambray tee for the trim and pants (which I just serged at the cuff but will definitely be going back to hem - it will just look better, plus they're a bit long, too). Since I used a ladies' medium tee, I didn't have enough fabric for sleeves. Hence the muscle tee. I bound the arm holes using a method similar to <a href="http://omi-creates.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-boy-onesie-with-binding-tutorial.html">this one from another tute</a>. This first run turned out a little big, so I'll scale it down a bit next time. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44y2HbFBKQ00reKDpr7R68hS_PSReZTixF5ss9oAL17OFa-mhxUJKcYY_AkY5nsPclwsfzeK736_WIYJRikg0lgsTs8QD1w8XGydrQ6gGkY06kyGA7xN8HUt4MbZ3Vs-XbO2tDbEOKlva/s1600/90-min-muscle-shirt---Ash2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44y2HbFBKQ00reKDpr7R68hS_PSReZTixF5ss9oAL17OFa-mhxUJKcYY_AkY5nsPclwsfzeK736_WIYJRikg0lgsTs8QD1w8XGydrQ6gGkY06kyGA7xN8HUt4MbZ3Vs-XbO2tDbEOKlva/s400/90-min-muscle-shirt---Ash2.gif" width="286" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">This set was created as a wearable muslin, but after all that work I decided to embellish the shirt a bit anyway with a patch of my precious <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-i-picked-up-in-nycpart-2.html">Kokka</a> that I've been hoarding to use in a quilt for Ash one of these days. I made the patch by fusing some sewable <a href="http://www.createforless.com/Pellon+Fusible+Stabilizer+Wonder-Under+17/pid25510.aspx">Wonder-Under</a> to the back of the fabric, cutting the patch shape out, then serging the edges. (I could have skipped the last step. I was feeling experimental.) Patch made, I removed the paper backing, eyeballed the placement, ironed it on and top stitched it down. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Drafting my own tee shirt pattern was confidence building and really pretty easy. Plus I have a HUGE stack of discarded tees to work with, so this is perfect. Thanks, Dana! </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-42767806465386664162010-07-08T10:30:00.001-05:002010-07-09T22:21:42.799-05:00jam and bread<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhQLYU3mqdz51gjoE2FVvuf0wDDmbxfvr5Iy122n5TjeyDJ1I3h7UeQBt5KrI4LJhVsFRK3Z1kIzHFVBdYz5lsxtKCjpTIXzJjZ-9BVyDgM8Q1OMyymHCvU8g-s9d670laL_u65GRg3WF/s1600/jam-and-bread.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhQLYU3mqdz51gjoE2FVvuf0wDDmbxfvr5Iy122n5TjeyDJ1I3h7UeQBt5KrI4LJhVsFRK3Z1kIzHFVBdYz5lsxtKCjpTIXzJjZ-9BVyDgM8Q1OMyymHCvU8g-s9d670laL_u65GRg3WF/s400/jam-and-bread.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">My kids eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch almost every day. I had a pediatrician tell me several years back that daily PB&Js are just fine. At the time, I wasn't necessarily looking for affirmation, and I'm usually one to question any outside guidance regarding my kids, but considering how much easier this particular indulgence makes my life, I accepted the advice blindly and haven't looked back. So, that's how we've rolled for a while now but I <i>have</i> tried to keep our PB&Js a bit more on the healthy side, even more so lately with homemade bread and jam.</div><br />
Enter <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Bread-Five-Minutes-Day/dp/0312545525">Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day</a>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> If you have any interest whatsoever in trying bread making, but are intimidated by the process, I <i>highly</i> suggest that you check it out. The basic idea is that you mix up the bread (no kneading!), let it rise, then stick it in the fridge until baking day. When it's time to bake, take a hunk off the dough, shape it into a loaf, let it rest, bake it. Hands on time is literally about 5 minutes for the mixing and 5 more on baking day. Depending on the recipe you choose, you'll get 2 to 4 loaves out of every batch. The recipe I use for sandwiches is the Soft Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread, but I also like the whole wheat bread made with olive oil, both for loaves and for pizza dough. Seriously, folks, this is bread making at its simplest. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Then there's the jam. I have planned for years to learn canning so that I can line my pantry shelves with jars of homemade soup, homegrown (or at least locally grown) veggies and my own jams and jellies that actually taste like the fruit for which they are named. (The <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/p/who-are-viola-pearl.html">grandmothers</a> were pro canners and food preservers.) This will be the summer. I am committing. </span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAscKFjFHEVuAwM-BDQApj9X8Fpw9Hr77LcamWKRcDGkoYEl3PHo_hXEFyh0gYoO9yTmGa3T0mGIFkQm-feN0t_jhdpDcZfsGMNf42rmFL9oNAwLWBNVFZeMD0oOvQy13Qruxl57ypb2K9/s1600/strawberry-bucket.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAscKFjFHEVuAwM-BDQApj9X8Fpw9Hr77LcamWKRcDGkoYEl3PHo_hXEFyh0gYoO9yTmGa3T0mGIFkQm-feN0t_jhdpDcZfsGMNf42rmFL9oNAwLWBNVFZeMD0oOvQy13Qruxl57ypb2K9/s320/strawberry-bucket.gif" /></a></div><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">My first attempt: Ponchatoula Strawberry freezer jam made from berries that we picked at a local organic farm. Freezer jam is the gateway to true canning and preserving. So easy, so delicious, so </span>addictive.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> And so fun when you can pick the berries yourself! </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
Here's the basic recipe, adapted from the one on the back of the <a href="http://www.canningpantry.com/ball-freezer-jam-pectin.html">Ball Freezer Jam Pectin</a> box:<br />
<br />
<i>1 packet freezer jam pectin</i><br />
<i>1 1/2 cups sugar</i><br />
<i>4 cups crushed strawberries (I skipped the crushing and used my food processor)</i><br />
<i>1 tablespoon lemon juice</i><br />
<i>clean jars & lids</i><br />
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<i>Mix the sugar and pectin thoroughly in a large bowl. Add your crushed or otherwise processed strawberries and lemon juice to the pectin mixture and stir for about 3 minutes. Pour the strawberry mixture into clean jars, leaving about 1/2 inch head space, and close the lids. Let the jars stand for 30 minutes or so until the jam thickens, then stick one in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. </i></span></i><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I love that this recipe only calls for 1 1/2 cups sugar. Most jam recipes that I found called for 3 cups per pint of strawberries!Yikes. And this stuff tastes so fresh and summery. You must try it. My favorite way to indulge: a slice of homemade bread spread with cream cheese and topped with strawberry jam. Like cheesecake for breakfast. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As far as the peanut butter goes, I just buy a ready made organic variety. I guess I should look into making my own...maybe next summer. So there you go - healthy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Really pretty easy and soooo good. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>On a separate note, I have been crafting some over the past few months, little bits here and there. Getting around to blogging about my projects hasn't happened though, obviously. Living before blogging, right? I'll try to get a few things posted soon. <br />
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For now, I'll leave you with a gratuitous baby picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pCcqZwF_cZrEANeES_Ecv9hurM-MTp6lspCu3Y_iCh1ZkPlcRDTKEuK-il1omCnmK6wuj_mzRWXjd3JwvQGCpOuL4nWysAV47TAqTmWCLfsVdbS2T8ln1E-Sb5p8F6-lAuhHbSu8JOX7/s1600/ash-strawberry.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pCcqZwF_cZrEANeES_Ecv9hurM-MTp6lspCu3Y_iCh1ZkPlcRDTKEuK-il1omCnmK6wuj_mzRWXjd3JwvQGCpOuL4nWysAV47TAqTmWCLfsVdbS2T8ln1E-Sb5p8F6-lAuhHbSu8JOX7/s400/ash-strawberry.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-29425939894773112022010-05-31T21:42:00.002-05:002010-08-11T21:26:14.822-05:00birthday love from Atlanta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGgs6TROUy__LZCQ8vQrs5tyT0LYau709GVZHnmGgaTY-GI_EcAI7jtjcfMXqOqcHTS_ogds35u1pt-4x8iulDB089o0ImocUFENE__8U4-feftaJhyphenhyphenAW4vlXsy2g2DmYYbSeI2Ix-6rS/s1600/thehouseinthenight.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGgs6TROUy__LZCQ8vQrs5tyT0LYau709GVZHnmGgaTY-GI_EcAI7jtjcfMXqOqcHTS_ogds35u1pt-4x8iulDB089o0ImocUFENE__8U4-feftaJhyphenhyphenAW4vlXsy2g2DmYYbSeI2Ix-6rS/s1600/thehouseinthenight.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGgs6TROUy__LZCQ8vQrs5tyT0LYau709GVZHnmGgaTY-GI_EcAI7jtjcfMXqOqcHTS_ogds35u1pt-4x8iulDB089o0ImocUFENE__8U4-feftaJhyphenhyphenAW4vlXsy2g2DmYYbSeI2Ix-6rS/s320/thehouseinthenight.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: auto;"></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Just right 1st birthday gifts for Asher...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7u1HaElGsNGYlZHuNAPToe6usnwFyRoxAyfkPUJCFxPrkyV9jHKwgHKHa_XpqMp6QJ95pnBhKJb5EUbdUXESt2A5N_ycuVY0CdqOOWsjXJtKdJ-muZavlWg49LjRNy2stcHD_9TekRYD/s1600/pippi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7u1HaElGsNGYlZHuNAPToe6usnwFyRoxAyfkPUJCFxPrkyV9jHKwgHKHa_XpqMp6QJ95pnBhKJb5EUbdUXESt2A5N_ycuVY0CdqOOWsjXJtKdJ-muZavlWg49LjRNy2stcHD_9TekRYD/s320/pippi.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKIhzGMo49-z4mdIDN5V88Ph_CyITY3yfO-k82wPmXLaVgdTmCmtqVlQ-ID4_Y2f7m1J4PyLAAfR2BjoC9Qsokwt8LD6-t0Y-N8ZlvCCJJCI1Uxf6-tPj4LQ1S2XAu4jQxfuyXgoBMhr_/s1600/pippibook.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKIhzGMo49-z4mdIDN5V88Ph_CyITY3yfO-k82wPmXLaVgdTmCmtqVlQ-ID4_Y2f7m1J4PyLAAfR2BjoC9Qsokwt8LD6-t0Y-N8ZlvCCJJCI1Uxf6-tPj4LQ1S2XAu4jQxfuyXgoBMhr_/s320/pippibook.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/05/pippi-by-mail.html"><i>amazing</i> 5th birthday gifts</a> for Audrey.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The reaction: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIA8lBuU31wTyvEb6jSjjTlMndtyN902aoEdOVZKnFbhqOdmx-WXjVtixSGgndYCiZ1whx2sQERIVRxGz7IfNzBzylT2o7DgppJ3N_yRGUCFFKgPTRJ2Rt_K65al91BPmLs-HUqJMyOOp/s1600/audpippi1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIA8lBuU31wTyvEb6jSjjTlMndtyN902aoEdOVZKnFbhqOdmx-WXjVtixSGgndYCiZ1whx2sQERIVRxGz7IfNzBzylT2o7DgppJ3N_yRGUCFFKgPTRJ2Rt_K65al91BPmLs-HUqJMyOOp/s320/audpippi1.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu57sf6zwWQ7nXyM8hpQQaQ1ZNBQSjpchVNWg0cnHRPN3fFJKiiV0oWBhis54Hlr28JsiZKzIl-o5NrFC_P4qPlcEKPTQaIRM9AXyin1Ju7IDJJ4rrN4OhCtsWsdMmsdXC6nJutUBpYDyx/s1600/audpippi2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu57sf6zwWQ7nXyM8hpQQaQ1ZNBQSjpchVNWg0cnHRPN3fFJKiiV0oWBhis54Hlr28JsiZKzIl-o5NrFC_P4qPlcEKPTQaIRM9AXyin1Ju7IDJJ4rrN4OhCtsWsdMmsdXC6nJutUBpYDyx/s320/audpippi2.gif" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSPdk6XZWFbS0pHK9qX5EQWGkY6u3ySrDhdcwe-Pj19S7vr1pGWe6zvKacgeIaS3whxBtMLV2QzxYpGr5mF36gF2NCUfdwogXQ6lQKhVj3Pj6ycrATBGFyW1VPqMZOYBD7-JtAM_43QlV/s1600/audpippi3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSPdk6XZWFbS0pHK9qX5EQWGkY6u3ySrDhdcwe-Pj19S7vr1pGWe6zvKacgeIaS3whxBtMLV2QzxYpGr5mF36gF2NCUfdwogXQ6lQKhVj3Pj6ycrATBGFyW1VPqMZOYBD7-JtAM_43QlV/s320/audpippi3.gif" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Lucky, lucky us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and by the way, Larissa, I just added the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pippi-Longstocking-Inger-Nilsson/dp/B000A0GYB4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1275360027&sr=1-3">movie</a> to my queue, so we'll see if it still holds the same allure now as it did when I was a kid. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Popeye-Robin-Williams/dp/B000094J63/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1275360110&sr=1-1">Popeye</a> didn't fail me, so I have high hopes. </div></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-84285228891647717242010-05-26T17:20:00.001-05:002010-08-11T21:25:40.440-05:00simple top for girls of all ages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUb-RaaWRJRTeqfooxUR1GYwLW_OMY4QYGDnZ_V4WLEaRQ8DNBQzqfV3RxNoi2qDcnpMNQcJN_45XNfA6azYxQC0S3uZWTREpZlUXbQFfyB3DzuS79eicefiodDEED7Ex0q3mOrv014Hn/s1600/habitual-sundress.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUb-RaaWRJRTeqfooxUR1GYwLW_OMY4QYGDnZ_V4WLEaRQ8DNBQzqfV3RxNoi2qDcnpMNQcJN_45XNfA6azYxQC0S3uZWTREpZlUXbQFfyB3DzuS79eicefiodDEED7Ex0q3mOrv014Hn/s400/habitual-sundress.gif" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Here's an easy top I made for Aud last summer, but never got around to posting. I used <a href="http://habitual.wordpress.com/sundress-pattern/">this</a> tutorial, which was super simple and straightforward, for the basic construction, adding a band of contrasting fabric along the bottom. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/746/746116/alternate/br746116-01av2v01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/746/746116/alternate/br746116-01av2v01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Image courtesy of </span></i><i><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/home.do?ssiteID=BR"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Banana Republic</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was reminded of it recently when I saw <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5022&pid=746116">this</a> lovely, grown up version. Who'd have thought? Doesn't it look like a variation on the simple pillowcase dress that so many folks have made, including <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/2008/08/easiest-dress-ever.html">myself</a>? Never really thought of making an adult version, though. I may have to go find myself some printed silk...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </i></span></div></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-56134129141598801142010-05-07T23:24:00.004-05:002010-08-11T21:26:36.441-05:00whether you're a mother or a child or ever were a child with a mother...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsgXIpfzfQmxd5czwnNpI0Of71i7lJJSyEtCrl38NZFSPVmo_7SdSA-7Z0LDWnY2PgucOuSQ9gNtAXmVJ7_b4IFUJIBpt-X5AMQkjaQ3_HEZ8zQium_UcvqrRfTaIVuEUKHpQVhyphenhyphenXmtoQ/s1600/Scan-10044+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsgXIpfzfQmxd5czwnNpI0Of71i7lJJSyEtCrl38NZFSPVmo_7SdSA-7Z0LDWnY2PgucOuSQ9gNtAXmVJ7_b4IFUJIBpt-X5AMQkjaQ3_HEZ8zQium_UcvqrRfTaIVuEUKHpQVhyphenhyphenXmtoQ/s320/Scan-10044+copy.jpg" /></span></a></div><h3 class="entry-header" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></h3><h3 class="entry-header" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Here's a poem for you...</span></h3><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><h3 class="entry-header" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Lanyard </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">by Billy Collins</span></span></span></h3><div class="entry-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; position: static;"><div class="entry-body" style="clear: both;"><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The other day I was ricocheting slowly</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">off the blue walls of this room,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">when I found myself in the L section of the dictionary</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No cookie nibbled by a French novelist</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">could send one into the past more suddenly—</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">by a deep Adirondack lake</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">learning how to braid long thin plastic strips</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I had never seen anyone use a lanyard</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">or wear one, if that’s what you did with them,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but that did not keep me from crossing</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">strand over strand again and again</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">until I had made a boxy</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">red and white lanyard for my mother.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She gave me life and milk from her breasts,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and I gave her a lanyard.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She nursed me in many a sick room,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">lifted spoons of medicine to my lips,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">laid cold face-cloths on my forehead,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and then led me out into the airy light</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and taught me to walk and swim,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here are thousands of meals, she said,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and here is clothing and a good education.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And here is your lanyard, I replied,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">which I made with a little help from a counselor.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">strong legs, bones and teeth,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And here, I wish to say to her now,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is a smaller gift—not the worn truth</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">that you can never repay your mother,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">but the rueful admission that when she took</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">the two-tone lanyard from my hand,</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was as sure as a boy could be</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">that this useless, worthless thing I wove</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">out of boredom would be enough to make us even.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(You should really listen to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Collins">Billy Collins</a> read this poem himself <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/poetryeverywhere/collins.html">here</a>.) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="entry-header" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Happy Mother's Day to you all, and especially to you, Mom. Can't wait for you to get here so I can tell you in person. </span></span></h3><div><br />
</div></div></div></div></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-4391004673166361372010-04-27T09:32:00.001-05:002010-08-11T21:26:56.803-05:00hello mummysam, i love youI was just browsing Flickr for some wall art <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=embroidery+wall+art&z=e">inspiration </a>for Audrey's room when I came across these:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="new wall art by mummysam." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3509260430_c1b43d701e.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="new wall art by mummysam." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3508449921_3ec91b4108.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="new wall art by mummysam." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3509261242_2276538c9f.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">photos via </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://sammisofties.blogspot.com/">mummysam</a>'s flickr</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>What?! <i>Love them. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">An</span></i>d, apparently just about everything else this inspired crafter does. Maybe you've heard of <a href="http://sammisofties.blogspot.com/">mummysam</a>, but I had not. I foresee many hours of poring through her archive... (yay for nursing breaks)<br />
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<i>And</i> we're all in luck - looks like she's got a book coming out this fall that's available for pre-order <a href="http://www.amazon.com/fanciful-felties-mummysam-People-Places/dp/1607050064/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272376406&sr=8-1">here</a>. Can't wait to get my greedy little craft-book-obsessed hands on it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="the front cover of my upcoming book! by mummysam." src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4505132859_c9db32327e.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">photo via </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://sammisofties.blogspot.com/">mummysam</a>'s flickr</span></i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Ha - just found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44359319/custom-day-in-the-life-drawings-let-me">this</a>. So true. </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-14914923520252804762010-04-14T07:12:00.000-05:002010-04-14T07:12:07.192-05:00aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV6xzadgIBRXt4oteG3tjxBN34km7NAsz3t_pV2yVbtu6EMNVIqL9cVjPBvexhKC0kXR7sI9iTIeFm5q_-BCEzElZrKTJOinK7FYZDUDaqCugNEFsQ-LlxGVG-tHH0s7y5o01-MhVuU5c/s1600/l's-quilt2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV6xzadgIBRXt4oteG3tjxBN34km7NAsz3t_pV2yVbtu6EMNVIqL9cVjPBvexhKC0kXR7sI9iTIeFm5q_-BCEzElZrKTJOinK7FYZDUDaqCugNEFsQ-LlxGVG-tHH0s7y5o01-MhVuU5c/s400/l's-quilt2.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm breathing a HUGE sigh of relief over here. What you may not have noticed is that my entire crafting life (aside from <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/2010/02/love-birds.html">these</a> little guys) has been put on hold since, oh, around October, when I started making this quilt for my bff, <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/">Larissa</a>. For her birthday. Her <i>December</i> birthday. Right.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuspFV_nOXCx3As0vtXo7J01hUquW6beDvY1OQtYer4-BHPsblaT2ODyqX5ClvUOAiwtAz1SyYnhRservSz6zLE8r6d3TkStDzOfE0pLfAnBw0LYMnu0U6hBxtzbQG5KgroWkt1Kd3DTc/s1600/l's-quilt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuspFV_nOXCx3As0vtXo7J01hUquW6beDvY1OQtYer4-BHPsblaT2ODyqX5ClvUOAiwtAz1SyYnhRservSz6zLE8r6d3TkStDzOfE0pLfAnBw0LYMnu0U6hBxtzbQG5KgroWkt1Kd3DTc/s400/l's-quilt.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">The front is made up of completely improvised, scrappy, log-cabin-ish squares. The back is pieced with leftovers, with a nod to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2009coinquiltpiecealong/pool/">stacked coin quilt</a>, which I'd originally planned to make for Larissa, until she wrote <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-im-up-to.html">this</a> post back in July. (A sane person might have taken that post as practically divine confirmation that that was the way to go. I, on the other hand, freaked out thinking that she, being the crafting whirlwind that she is, would make one herself that would far outshine my own in about a tenth of the time, and so changed my plans immediately. Then proceeded to hem and haw over design, fabric, etc. for the next 3 months, thereby killing any head start I might have had on actually finishing the dad burn thing in time.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKcWbhLTLQtdupEbb81AeF31ru2PwhFYY53HfveNsDQXUPzHkLZxH4Vlm5-TxX59kTqG6UDXA07k7fJuSK2C2cSVawnHEkTgYG-BJ59XexyWgedEstAZG8Jyd5UPe82yr30AltIIIgdOC/s1600/l's-quilt-back.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKcWbhLTLQtdupEbb81AeF31ru2PwhFYY53HfveNsDQXUPzHkLZxH4Vlm5-TxX59kTqG6UDXA07k7fJuSK2C2cSVawnHEkTgYG-BJ59XexyWgedEstAZG8Jyd5UPe82yr30AltIIIgdOC/s400/l's-quilt-back.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, other details. Basted using <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EjBGz5vGQ&feature=related">this</a> pinless technique, which I loved. Quick and tidy. Quilted in the ditch on the log cabins then in large, irregular, concentric squares around those. Made my bias tape using <a href="http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting/CBT/#directions">this</a> tute, which, <i>good grief</i>, makes a lot of tape, then bound the quilt by hand using a similar method to the one described in <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/658720.Last_Minute_Patchwork_Quilted_Gifts">this</a> book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, anyhoo, it's done. Not my craft opus, which might justify its almost 4 month overdue arrival, but made with love all the same. Hope you like it, Larry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHq5X81yubvEGbzFfWXLSM9xarukvMmBsuodnty45qNJW1CptS-S1MKWzFljBK53B61H2o1X-L1tA1Bh99_JC3mambKdtDhtrXxoRh1zTfnVlz47WBq8ANoZ2sBSMbJaoJLQ99vd2ScJS/s1600/l's-quilt-signed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHq5X81yubvEGbzFfWXLSM9xarukvMmBsuodnty45qNJW1CptS-S1MKWzFljBK53B61H2o1X-L1tA1Bh99_JC3mambKdtDhtrXxoRh1zTfnVlz47WBq8ANoZ2sBSMbJaoJLQ99vd2ScJS/s400/l's-quilt-signed.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-83382768647676146182010-03-17T15:41:00.001-05:002010-03-17T15:42:58.293-05:00you wear it well<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://pratsfamily.smugmug.com/Other/Blog-Pictures/AH-Image-One/802661798_hRWgh-M.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Asher, 9 months</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qkdWdpSeqcQ/SwwG-vitFuI/AAAAAAAAAYs/DFxB0Af2mto/s320/rod+stewar+image+3.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>See any resemblance? </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My good friend Amy of <a href="http://www.amypratsphotography.com/">Amy Prats Photography</a> came over last week to document The Hair. You can see a few more shots of our boy <a href="http://www.amypratsphotography.com/2010/03/05/pure-perfection-mandeville-la-photographer/">here</a> and, while you're visiting, find some great tips on getting better results with your own photography. Bonus! </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-91411962968992433942010-03-11T21:44:00.007-06:002010-03-12T12:26:13.231-06:00eyvind earle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSAh-5bNHd-LcZZIcGt2srLIBmn7c8Cd78g5Eor0JCIn5L-v0VXKIdA6T2WA4vriADbyRcbw_VykRXq6DrCEpBlDHzbzwr5BCwwBvoMWfpvdUvhsGNIawUXjO6PMDw5a4f3XQM-zZRfJ0/s1600-h/earle_prelude+to+slumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSAh-5bNHd-LcZZIcGt2srLIBmn7c8Cd78g5Eor0JCIn5L-v0VXKIdA6T2WA4vriADbyRcbw_VykRXq6DrCEpBlDHzbzwr5BCwwBvoMWfpvdUvhsGNIawUXjO6PMDw5a4f3XQM-zZRfJ0/s400/earle_prelude+to+slumber.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I don't really consider myself a huge Disney fan, not like some people (I know one 30-something man who hits the Magic Kingdom 3 or 4 times yearly - <i>without</i> the wife and kids), so when <a href="http://www.noma.org/dreams.html">this exhibit</a> came to town, Rich and I thought we'd take the kids for their sake, not so much for our own. I guess we've become jaded by the commercialism and general gagginess of our princess-saturated market, to the point that we forgot just how much genius went into making the classic Disney films so, well, <i>classic</i>.<br />
<br />
Okay, so we were wrong and you should totally go check it out if you're anywhere near New Orleans while this exhibit lasts and you have an interest in the creative process. It was great.<br />
<br />
I was already a fan of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=mary+blair&m=text">fabulous</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Blair">Mary Blair</a>, so seeing her original sketches and paintings up close and in person was a treat. (By the way, Disney has recently released Blair's iconic concept art in the form of storybooks retold by current authors - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walt-Disneys-Cinderella-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/1423104218">Cinderella</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walt-Disneys-Peter-Dave-Barry/dp/1423113233/ref=pd_sim_b_2">Peter Pan</a> <i>(those mermaids!)</i> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walt-Disneys-Alice-Wonderland-Scieszka/dp/1423107284/ref=pd_sim_b_1">Alice in Wonderland</a>.)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE54AKsGj1gEVOcTCvouGP0zHiT41ReyR5VbTqcCUWDbLx7qfToyObealmvoDQSR4Tmh1XBkvEfFw4idPrOvGVaIuEpW_5mbxUYw6k25ROIABEvbM6Da-C5qhMpc93FdpGwZJth2HjTjsK/s400/511+E5hDzzL__SS500_.jpg" width="400" /></div>Even better, though, was discovering Eyvind Earle, background artist and creative director for <i>Sleeping Beauty</i>. Okay, so I've seen <i>Sleeping Beauty</i> at least half a dozen times and never really noticed the scenery all that much. But, again, seeing those hand drawn cels in person! Dreamy. I especially love the botanical details (me = former plant geek). Earle had a modern sensibility that made his art really striking for its day. (From what I gather, that didn't win him the affection of some of his more traditional fellow illustrators. Boo.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCZxqBYl_XP7qnFsO5rNQ_1T86nZRpYDz0A_njC_QInRPk8xfPGoOHtbiqfHkjbDA2NS6Z7K74kO0Rl9LDb9mR2rgKVSv4MFSIQN6deeOKlzppBLzzhNWRuG2phFzB7pFDGmSKU1_t5y0/s1600-h/earle_sb_countryside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCZxqBYl_XP7qnFsO5rNQ_1T86nZRpYDz0A_njC_QInRPk8xfPGoOHtbiqfHkjbDA2NS6Z7K74kO0Rl9LDb9mR2rgKVSv4MFSIQN6deeOKlzppBLzzhNWRuG2phFzB7pFDGmSKU1_t5y0/s400/earle_sb_countryside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Sigh... </i></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-6283313717148002082010-03-01T06:00:00.012-06:002010-03-01T07:36:53.666-06:00refashioned men's shirt<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb5bpF_O0DPpH0vclB58uv50nDfcsc8DKNpyVWslYmR3WiIfa6xxw6JKeqWdBZOINoMWkOaSLTEG-lHjTse0XwoVdm5wEcSMYyuhj6SK0G4ZDubh3a-5oj9wfeZ4C3PT77SHGJaToGDd-/s1600-h/upcycled+ruffle+blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb5bpF_O0DPpH0vclB58uv50nDfcsc8DKNpyVWslYmR3WiIfa6xxw6JKeqWdBZOINoMWkOaSLTEG-lHjTse0XwoVdm5wEcSMYyuhj6SK0G4ZDubh3a-5oj9wfeZ4C3PT77SHGJaToGDd-/s400/upcycled+ruffle+blouse.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is something I've had on my mind for a while now since I've got a growing collection of cast off, button-up shirts crowding my craft closet. This project totally appeals to my craft pack rat sensibilities. ("I could do something with this" is a phrase often heard in our household.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Before I tell you how I did it, I have to give props to <a href="http://www.madebylex.com/">My Mama Made It</a> for all of her cute <a href="http://www.madebylex.com/2009/06/blouse-refashion-tutorial.html">shirt reconstructions</a> and <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2009/08/liberty-blouse.html">this blouse</a> by <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/">Angry Chicken</a>. Both served as the kick in the pants I needed to finally take on this little project. So, here's goes. Forgive the lack of technical terms.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The starting point, one of Rich's dress shirts (thanks, hon!):</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TGZ3H-d7nbD5pcTgdHwRF67FNjBpQhk30_dbmHfi981pIBGp-bW3WtA8Ryn7e8TzPmlxT9KtG399HnPiU4E8S0JaQ6Zwzc204Myggn5n3-d-bmUao48bOfiE0pMlBZl2D39f-roMviCR/s1600/men's+shirt+reconstruction+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TGZ3H-d7nbD5pcTgdHwRF67FNjBpQhk30_dbmHfi981pIBGp-bW3WtA8Ryn7e8TzPmlxT9KtG399HnPiU4E8S0JaQ6Zwzc204Myggn5n3-d-bmUao48bOfiE0pMlBZl2D39f-roMviCR/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I flipped it over, back facing up, and cut off the sleeves and collar.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwhrlWRDyX2XLSOWm-UohqjWc37XrYYy0sqVwBAsnXmdBqkCP7aUWk521gGC_tWfDinhdKhYgfeDyGJ9ba0Lhn2-8ivk89LGrT6QyKIsxYsCYJKIR8nM9k1QLm4SPMVi96cj6141d9X-y/s1600-h/men's+shirt+reconstruction+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwhrlWRDyX2XLSOWm-UohqjWc37XrYYy0sqVwBAsnXmdBqkCP7aUWk521gGC_tWfDinhdKhYgfeDyGJ9ba0Lhn2-8ivk89LGrT6QyKIsxYsCYJKIR8nM9k1QLm4SPMVi96cj6141d9X-y/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I tried the shirt on and decided where best it would fit across the chest and under my arms. On me, that required raising it up about 3 inches. I had to cut new shoulders and neck openings, fortunately under the back yoke, which I removed completely. I made the neckline lower in the front than the back by about 2 inches. (For the back neck line, I ended up cutting about 1.5 inches above a button. I'll show you in a sec how I finished that off.) I also drafted new side seams to fit my form a little better (but not too much - it's still a fairly loose fit). Here it is, right sides facing and basted:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR94WsAdOYRtBoY6OwEHEX73jl4xQHd80f0n9fqesgDLd-zy0E1aXaYgQAYbMG0XrzokRDD1a51JzTlEX_JhAFXQVLo-PREnq-tO9kqG2YxpA2RUvg1DqaIy5r8QXEnTtFIddfbRNkUlMg/s1600-h/men's+shirt+reconstruction+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR94WsAdOYRtBoY6OwEHEX73jl4xQHd80f0n9fqesgDLd-zy0E1aXaYgQAYbMG0XrzokRDD1a51JzTlEX_JhAFXQVLo-PREnq-tO9kqG2YxpA2RUvg1DqaIy5r8QXEnTtFIddfbRNkUlMg/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I tried it on again to check the fit before sewing the seams. To finish the arm and neck holes, I applied a <a href="http://www.createforless.com/Collins+Tape+Collins+Wash-Away+Wonder+Tape/pid7520.aspx?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse">water soluble hem tape</a> to the wrong side edges and turned them under twice, topstitching 1/4 inch from the edge.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the back I added a new button hole and a covered button in one of my favorite fabrics. I don't love how this part turned out, but it's rarely seen, so I'm not stressing. Ignore the sloppy stitching.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmYqcvW4X-fMujvXF_ZRA35i4zgMOWSvuRNyn-3w0WaN29nl8oarVsMFKFaya17sVax_sqCIu9ntoWd_lsiQFyq8LmDl_exyXuh_VUoCFdnVqHmGrmw0FY3LtpTGH-9N784Z3jTAA8i37/s1600-h/men's+shirt+reconstruction+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmYqcvW4X-fMujvXF_ZRA35i4zgMOWSvuRNyn-3w0WaN29nl8oarVsMFKFaya17sVax_sqCIu9ntoWd_lsiQFyq8LmDl_exyXuh_VUoCFdnVqHmGrmw0FY3LtpTGH-9N784Z3jTAA8i37/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On to the embellishment! From the leftover sleeve material, I cut three strips, approximately 3 inches deep by 20, 18, and 16 inches wide, respectively, then serged the edges...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjzB4lopEuY3JC4KBuRvUtBKzDsFBPBNFeKV7rP01fAfYCM6pKB0iAbkwElRO6uJO1MqBTOaPr0pUC6FsYmruUT22mcQ2x8bvv-8Gumyl2D-j8ikebig0O5d8OheWylwU6Xg8ExKyK2wt/s1600-h/men's+shirt+reconstruction+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjzB4lopEuY3JC4KBuRvUtBKzDsFBPBNFeKV7rP01fAfYCM6pKB0iAbkwElRO6uJO1MqBTOaPr0pUC6FsYmruUT22mcQ2x8bvv-8Gumyl2D-j8ikebig0O5d8OheWylwU6Xg8ExKyK2wt/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+4.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
and used my ruffler to pleat the pieces.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TS0UlgoUejDNhlBVym8JxmN5xlm0FKJaHEJVjmMObMtI9HMAhIl5HWz9pd_uJ-ynQxN1Z1x-FMZuwKROZb_vkzftB39ys0jk8audWZIbs837k-MhEC2mbi-uO-p69xLrNDfjqen4T4nJ/s1600-h/men's+shirt+reconstruction+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TS0UlgoUejDNhlBVym8JxmN5xlm0FKJaHEJVjmMObMtI9HMAhIl5HWz9pd_uJ-ynQxN1Z1x-FMZuwKROZb_vkzftB39ys0jk8audWZIbs837k-MhEC2mbi-uO-p69xLrNDfjqen4T4nJ/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I eyeballed their placement on the front of the blouse (formerly the back of the shirt), pinned and stitched them down along the ruffle seam line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ta DA!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dtw0RIOMzOluB-D922H9PliTN2yasQEeWlcRhzNUGptULpG1YLoObDV29H3HrGI5sHGGsD7Yj7SOsZLGuJkVUtEq-41eWkiMAOQH_vcFBwqOYIUEFslPAQd676JBKJo1GN4weW5tlCsh/s1600-h/men's+shirt+reconstruction+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dtw0RIOMzOluB-D922H9PliTN2yasQEeWlcRhzNUGptULpG1YLoObDV29H3HrGI5sHGGsD7Yj7SOsZLGuJkVUtEq-41eWkiMAOQH_vcFBwqOYIUEFslPAQd676JBKJo1GN4weW5tlCsh/s320/men's+shirt+reconstruction+7.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>So when I mentioned to my friend Neva that I'd made this blouse out of one of Rich's old shirts, she immediately responded, "<i>Rich had a </i><i><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2005/11/08/inside-dvd-seinfeld.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-11-07-seinfeld-dvds_x.htm&usg=__OsHVRHcS5lIYH-zThd2RaGl1x38=&h=180&w=180&sz=10&hl=en&start=7&sig2=gIZeYRrervWj5i-9o8S7Zw&um=1&tbnid=t1Y61-8rHwh8oM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dseinfeld%2Bpuffy%2Bshirt%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1CHNG_enUS330US330%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1&ei=uBVbS6XNEI6Vtgfise2bAg">Puffy Shirt</a>?</i><i>!</i>" Um. No. I was both flattered<i> and</i> chagrined. It's nice that she just couldn't imagine a pretty, feminine blouse having once been a regular, old men's dress shirt. On the other hand, she apparently thought that my husband might have, at one time, worn something like <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2005/11/08/inside-dvd-seinfeld.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-11-07-seinfeld-dvds_x.htm&usg=__OsHVRHcS5lIYH-zThd2RaGl1x38=&h=180&w=180&sz=10&hl=en&start=7&sig2=i7O83rJ0La8lZwNhbZPxvg&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=t1Y61-8rHwh8oM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dseinfeld%2Bpuffy%2Bshirt%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rlz%3D1C1CHNG_enUS330US330%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=C6yGS-CEH9CX8AbX8aCoDw">this</a>.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-35142348038906343732010-02-23T21:32:00.001-06:002010-02-28T14:59:35.973-06:00love birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh301EdrIkMc09OqriTT5hR8QGdiHhllxZVD5XvyzCRmgu08vTz9iwbiX3wL1VqJ9l-buk8x1AfglRXlIILzZD-TIYYYR2kWXm0Dps-jloKOvJYkD77qAuD-W1LSfgMsF0ReDNhVlw-Q1fp/s1600-h/love+bird+g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh301EdrIkMc09OqriTT5hR8QGdiHhllxZVD5XvyzCRmgu08vTz9iwbiX3wL1VqJ9l-buk8x1AfglRXlIILzZD-TIYYYR2kWXm0Dps-jloKOvJYkD77qAuD-W1LSfgMsF0ReDNhVlw-Q1fp/s320/love+bird+g.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZkVa0bKy-77ZKQiAbE4msr2yM3i5m4nrPH1XkjmYmZz9JTqQE8FUzlx1Ehwb-basVPNtkg2Etbx1T8FPTsB1_6fVXPxrKPKQe4DC3Vvbj-GrI0X93-aG3xA82u7bAywQotuNxTH2qNVs/s1600-h/love+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZkVa0bKy-77ZKQiAbE4msr2yM3i5m4nrPH1XkjmYmZz9JTqQE8FUzlx1Ehwb-basVPNtkg2Etbx1T8FPTsB1_6fVXPxrKPKQe4DC3Vvbj-GrI0X93-aG3xA82u7bAywQotuNxTH2qNVs/s320/love+birds.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I whipped some sweet little birds up for the kids from <a href="http://mollychicken.blogs.com/my_weblog/2009/02/4th-attempt.html">this simple tutorial</a> the night before Valentine's. Of course, I didn't get around to taking pictures until much later, after they'd been loved up a little. (Can you guess which one is <a href="http://violapearl.blogspot.com/2009/06/and-now-fun-really-begins.html">Asher</a>'s? I'm now rethinking the wisdom of small felt parts on baby toys...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Aside:</i> I would really like to explain where I've been these last months, why I haven't posted, why all holiday crafts are posted weeks after the actual, relevant holiday... Can I just skip all that and say I hope to have a few things to show you in the coming weeks? No promises, just letting you know I am still here. </div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-47760841395304409382010-01-12T06:00:00.007-06:002010-02-28T15:00:21.893-06:00Christmas package for the mmmcrafts family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl87bOQW-xMDbX_fYLsX7URH6dZz3SvYNSmwhFPte8v3J9Pa4rkAShAFO3YAnODe4WaP1NXg2fWdxBhv3be3qS63tgYaCEer0euh5dDEMMWWjQrXqSjCsneL6in_MVla2iYl-jHaBWeWN3/s1600-h/pinecone+elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl87bOQW-xMDbX_fYLsX7URH6dZz3SvYNSmwhFPte8v3J9Pa4rkAShAFO3YAnODe4WaP1NXg2fWdxBhv3be3qS63tgYaCEer0euh5dDEMMWWjQrXqSjCsneL6in_MVla2iYl-jHaBWeWN3/s320/pinecone+elf.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT7mQ2g4Wy26zmOsBGKrCv-HJne_iS-N0fcqKGaomeleFE9sMwwwYrKAxC8MkslL8C6CrPInXKFhykVcchZfbZHgQGqvrT-p-cIBU9Zc81Jlu3D_I5txOabaHosg0y8AL120AFK_hxgE3/s1600-h/snowglobes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT7mQ2g4Wy26zmOsBGKrCv-HJne_iS-N0fcqKGaomeleFE9sMwwwYrKAxC8MkslL8C6CrPInXKFhykVcchZfbZHgQGqvrT-p-cIBU9Zc81Jlu3D_I5txOabaHosg0y8AL120AFK_hxgE3/s320/snowglobes.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some fun <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/pinecone-elves">Christmas</a> <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/snow-globes">crafties</a> made with the kids, thank you, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/crafts">Martha</a>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSYduFPY_ZvwJE9LvdzZRMI66uLtEqGPzj0qVUo6PVBcrxOFDtNHw_bQU7bMEx5TQ8xkaGkRWBcL_OOLK8PsLLu1c55WxKnZCRZOEklyFwcnEmdUHY3W4bM6aGQ-d3i-0l9RdzK33Xenm/s1600-h/anthro+s%26p+shaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSYduFPY_ZvwJE9LvdzZRMI66uLtEqGPzj0qVUo6PVBcrxOFDtNHw_bQU7bMEx5TQ8xkaGkRWBcL_OOLK8PsLLu1c55WxKnZCRZOEklyFwcnEmdUHY3W4bM6aGQ-d3i-0l9RdzK33Xenm/s320/anthro+s%26p+shaker.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little retail love from one of our <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">favorite</a> places...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of <a href="http://www.brucefoods.com/mystOre/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=271">local</a> <a href="http://www.southerncandymakers.com/pralines">edibles</a>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Where-Sidewalk-Ends-30th-Anniversary/dp/0060572345/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263291269&sr=8-1">book</a> for the girls...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWkYnGrRtYPH4Eu4djGcs1FuTmknZr4Rj_NFXY8UAK17JX_9ydHKZX4AKYXpDpW8x0QkCoqsC3eP8GInXzk3ikoBabDfVu5-MfdeuxUyM6WoVzzLa_btPk5_-5u_M3uPFI7kBfHHOThiG/s1600-h/nose+warmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWkYnGrRtYPH4Eu4djGcs1FuTmknZr4Rj_NFXY8UAK17JX_9ydHKZX4AKYXpDpW8x0QkCoqsC3eP8GInXzk3ikoBabDfVu5-MfdeuxUyM6WoVzzLa_btPk5_-5u_M3uPFI7kBfHHOThiG/s320/nose+warmer.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a nose warmer (by request) and old license plate (he collects them) for Mr. <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/">mmmcrafts</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>And I got <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/01/partridge-and-pear.html">these</a>! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001783866310871038.post-33175402243394080302009-12-17T15:03:00.001-06:002010-08-11T21:27:33.649-05:00happy birthday dear larryWell, I figure the birthday of my <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/">bestest friend</a> in the whole world is worth dragging myself out of blogger hibernation to send out some well wishes in her honor. So, to the most creative, industrious person I know, not to mention, funny, loving, generous and beautiful, happy birthday, my dear.<br />
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Oh, and since I couldn't pull off getting your gift to you in time for your actual birthday, I'll just share a teensy sneak peak...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLa24pzuu5P5sVLSuZfCV5IndF8cp2SJ0HT2l_mqvYpep0toQ-ztW-wWHBbNbQgDADHPky1I2I5xZvjfOzOyaYdAmEfJT43Oaf3FJtcfw979LbIN-DwiVwNnmBwtQMP327H-GzSbQ4nvT/s1600-h/teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLa24pzuu5P5sVLSuZfCV5IndF8cp2SJ0HT2l_mqvYpep0toQ-ztW-wWHBbNbQgDADHPky1I2I5xZvjfOzOyaYdAmEfJT43Oaf3FJtcfw979LbIN-DwiVwNnmBwtQMP327H-GzSbQ4nvT/s200/teaser.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As is becoming tradition, you'll be seeing the real deal some time during your birthday <i>season. </i>Just trying to make the party last, you know?</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954919072956349087noreply@blogger.com2