The Fox and the Owl

All of the fabrics that I used for these pillows are from FIDM and from scraps I've saved over the years. And yes, I"ll shut up about FIDM soon, I promise. It's just that I'm in a sewing phase right now and I am so grateful and amazed I can find quality material that is sooooo unique and affordable. Did I mention it's all $1.00 a yard? Now, back to the pillows. They each measure 14" X 26". The orange base is an Italian woven fabric, the imagery is made of wool felt, upolstry fabric and embroidery floss. They were made as gifts for someone who loves strawberries and peaches, and they were lovingly recieved.

My Little Runaway

Ever since he got his hair cut, Jasper has gotten out of our yard/house at least four times! It's been nerve wracking, embarrassing and expensive. The first time he was picked up by the Humane Society of Alameda and it cost close to $100 to spring him from his overnight lockup. Since then it's been repeated calls from a neighbor, and unknown citizens walking him home. What is up? A once balanced guy, he now seems anxious and eager to roam. An identity crisis? Loss-of-coat sense of self?

In an attempt to balance him out again, we've taken to excersizing him in his favorite wooded area, made him a new, cozy green dog bed with a bone on it (we found the foam for free in Berkeley and the green fabric was from LaLa), and Annie has made numerous play dough desserts which are inedible, but the pictures she shot are sure cute!

This is before the traumatic cut.

Now I just hope we can make it through the 4th of July holiday without him galloping away from us due to fireworks. Wish us luck.

LOVE IT

I copied an old nighty that I've enjoyed for a few years, and it came out fantastic. The original gown was from April Cornell. Remember that place? I really like how the colors, pleats, and piping worked out. Again, the fabric is from FIDM. So the whole thing cost under $5, that's including the piping. I wish I had bought enough fabric to make Annie one. As you can see, she likes it too.

Mommy & Me & Astro

I got this fabric earlier this year at FIDM. $1.00 a yard. It's loud and fun and it was super easy to sew on. Annie looks like a million dollars in hers, as does Astro (Annie's first child, a boy, and my first Grandson. He calls me Gramma.) I look festive too.
I'm feeling the excitement of summer and some upcoming activities. I'm busy sewing for Annie and myself, getting ready for a much needed swimming, sun, and art getaway.

Celebrating Needleworkers Everywhere

I've really been enjoying embroidering these days. It is something I've done since I was about eleven years old. I go long periods of time without picking up my needle, then I jump back into a project like no time has passed at all. I do it while sitting in the park, while watching The Wrestler with Billy, or catching the last light of day sitting in the front window. This needle book (approx. 3.4"x 6") is on light gray wool felt, with the interior fabric a slight mystery. Maybe silk? Maybe a blend.

Are you somone who mends, sews or does needlework? Are you looking for a needle book to house your most favorite needles? If so, I'd love to send you this as a gift. Please leave a comment and I will do a random selection next week and send it off to you once Annie and I get home from our trip.

We're now on the last leg of our roadtrip and we've had a wonderful time! Annie and I (mostly Annie and her cousin's) are now swimming, basking in the heat and relaxing at Grandma's house. We left Alameda in the rainy, cold springtime last Tuesday. At some juncture we took a turn and stepped into summertime.

Sewing Needle Book

I've had Tiny Happy bookmarked for a few years now and I love her work. She made some needle cases a while back and it's been on my mind to make some of my own. This is my first one. I've made it as a gift for a friend of mine, Cameron. She's turning eleven. She has sewn since I've known her, which is going on four years. I hope she enjoys it.

That's Billy Murray singing Sister Suzie Sewing Shirts for Soldiers

Gifts for Baby William

I love sewing for babies and children. It's so easy and fast, so tiny and sweet. The quilt above is made from a wonderful Japanese fabric with a charmings rabbit and flower motif on it that has been sitting on my shelf for a long time. I was going to make a little vest for Annie, but it is so perfect as a park blanket, or something to lay on the floor for baby. The bear piece is a large cotton flour sack "burp" cloth and the rest you can see. Now I have to find a box and ship them off.

Peep Peep

I took the time and finished the girls nighties, and then I couldn't figure out how to fashion something for Hollis with the same fabric and design. Everything I tried looked really feminine. So my solution was to make him a pillowcase with the same stripes and chick image. I hope he feels included and cared about.
Now onto menu planning and some housekeeping before our guest arrive!

Happy and Energetic

I been totally happy and energetic towards projects around the house and studio the last few weeks. Yeah! I've had so many plans and ideas for sewing, gardening, blogging, kitchen, etc. all Winter long and it seems that Spring has brought me the focus and energy I've been waiting for! I've finished the Easter dresses for Annie and Lucy (above), and now I'm cutting into some Kelly green and white striped knit to make some simple jammies that I want to make for dear Hollis and for Annie and Lucy. We'll see. I'm not going to push it if I don't have time.

We've been active in the garden, adding new soil, re-seeding, plus we added three new terrariums to our growing collection of indoor "gardens" which add a wonderful aliveness to my desk and studio. (See the second photo down below.)

Annie has been toying around with the idea of starting her own blog for a bit now. She had made a banner (bottom) and chose a title, and last night I helped her launch it. She's so excited about it. It's called Goofing Off! And be prepared, it is uncensored goofiness!

The great song is Sugar and Spice by Zach Aston

What's on My Lap Wednesday or Pink - Colors of the Rainbow

I'm enjoying each step of making these sweet little Easter dresses. I'm especially enjoying sitting in my studio rocker and doing the hand work. (And watching a BBC broadcast of Lord Byron.)

It was during a short break after my second term at Art Center that I learned to sew. I went to visit a friend in S.F and we went to see Out of Africa, and that was it. I HAD to learn to sew so I could make beautiful clothes like the character Karen Blixen wore. I bought everything I needed, plus a Simplicity pattern and I read and reread the pattern, studied the diagrams and the simple glossary terms that are stamped on every pattern, sewed and ripped until I finished a passable white nightgown with lace trim. With each subsequent project I attempted, I learned. Every project, even the items I never wore, I enjoyed making.

Now, I hardly sew with a pattern. I mostly copy items or I use an old patterns for size, etc. I guess my style is a bit commando. Clearly I am not a traditionalist nor a tailor. I just love to sew, especially stuff to wear at home, and I really love to sew for Annie! I had a little stash of pink gingham and some wonderful voile that went well so together that I copied this Boden dress, times two. One for Annie and one for Lucy, our dear little Easter visitor. I'll post them when they are complete.

Oh and the bottom photo...he's not on my lap, but he keeps trying to be!

The soundtrack - Theme from Out of Africa by John Barry

More Green

Annie and I spent the day sewing. I finished a set of cloth napkins and some darling baby items for baby William, Annie's upcoming nephew. I also made her this new nightie. Annie worked by my side and made some wonderful clothes for a doll.

The music - The Bay of Donnegal by Matthew Mascolo

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

Pose #1- No Hood!

With this new, stylish rain-slicker there's no excuse not to take Jasper out for his daily walk. I bought him a XL rain slicker recently and it was way too small, so I copied the pattern (then brought it back to the store, tags intact) and proceeded to make him this custom one. It sports a hood, a velcro belt, and a large buttonhole at the neck so that I can hook his leash to his collar. He loves it! I have about 2 or 3 more yards of the fabric. If you are attracted to the fabric, let me know by emailing me or leaving a comment. I'd love to pass it on.

Pose #2- With Hood!

Pose #3- No More Photos, Let's Walk!

Jasper the Wonderdog is a 2 1/2 year old Aussie Doodle. He weighs 111 lbs. and is a big sweetheart.

Holiday WIP

Thank you so much for the warm and encouraging comments you've been leaving lately about the things I've been making and sharing here! I love to hand-make things for people in my life, and I feel energized and enthusiastic knowing you enjoy seeing them! All my life, especially growing up, LaLa Pat, my Aunt, has made beautiful clothes, toys, jewelry and functional art for me, showing me that anything can be made if you just set your mind to it. My Mom and Dad also made me gifts and those are the ones I remember and cherish the most. I in turn, have made gifts most of my life, and really, buying a gift almost always pales in comparesant to making one.

I believe I have already stated my 2008 holiday mantra here, but for those who missed it, it is officially my Use-What-You-Have-Christmas. My plan, and I've stuck to it so far, is to use only what I already have to make holiday gifts with this year. I'm doing this for two reasons; One, I really could create for an entire year with what I already have in my studio closet, in the sewing room and treasured materials I've tucked away here and there. And two, we just bought a this house and we're flat broke. And I guess there's a third. I hate plastic and junk and I don't think kids or grown-up's need it. And O.K., four. Billys folks love to buy Annie a ton of stuff for her at Christmas and it leaves me off the hook. O.K. I'll stop now, I promise.

So far I've made Annie a few things, with a a set of 18"x18" pillow shams still in the works. Pictured here you will see 10 Owl Ornaments, 8 Fox Ornaments, 8 Teacup Ornaments (with hot chocolate and whipped cream inspired by Posy Gets Cozy), 10 Watercolor Bookmarks, 6 Neck "Cozies" and two sets of Cloth Napkins featuring embroidered leaves, berries and acorns. Not pictured is the huge tureen of home distilled Vanilla Extract that we won't harvest until mid-December.

Thimble Recommendation

I've always had a thimble (or two or three) in my sewing box. I've just never used one. They never feel right to me and seemed more work than they were worth. Maybe it's that I usually have longish nails, or that I'm just not used to it. Well, LaLa recently sent me a thimble and it is fantastic! I can wear it for long periods and it seems much more ergonomic than the thimble of yesterday. Now I get the whole thimble "thing!" It really does help if you are going through heavy fabrics, multiple layers, or repetitive stitches.
I believe this one was by the Clover company.

Thanks LaLa!

One Hour Dress

Annie loved my Two-Hour Dress and made a request for one just like it. So I made this for her. The fabric is the same as mine, but the style is a little different. I copied a unique (and twirly) dress of Annie's for the pattern. It included an asymetrical skirt and a few additional details, like a drop waist, and a gusseted section on the skirt with an exposed seam. I added the roses...one at the shoulder and one at the waist. We both wore the dresses yesterday to walk the span of the Golden Gate Bridge along with Grandma and Grandpa who were visiting. And who could guess with the extreme heat that we've been suffering with, that the bridge it would be totally blanketed in fog and extremely high winds? We couldn't see a thing, froze our fannies off, and I got a hot pink wind burn on my face and chest.
So today I've babied myself with a nap, a bath and home-improvement TV.

Heat Wave

Ugh! It's really really hot here in Alameda. Really really hot. It's 98* at this moment. And this old house has no screens or ceiling fans. So, we are baking! I tried opening windows and doors yesterday, but the house was filled with hot stagnant air, plus there were a ton of flies on top of it all. So today we are closed up and the drapes are drawn. Annie and I have taken a cold, green tea bath already, and we didn't drain it so we can jump in and have another one. Soon. Very soon. It's Bill's birthday today, (although we're not celebrating until tomorrow) so I'm decorating, and baking. (Ak!) Bill requested Chocolate Bread Pudding. I'm also cleaning, changing sheets and and getting ready for Bill's folks who get here tomorrow afternoon for the birthday celebration.

Enough about my workload, the photo above is a little singing mermaid I made for Lily around the corner. It was her 5th birthday recently and she had a mermaid party. It was a really great party and she loved the mermaid. Or at least her folks did! Makes me want to jump and swim in a cool body of water just looking at her. Ahhhh, that tea bath is calling my name. I'm sure I'll get much more crossed off my list if my temperature is more manageable.

Kitchen Curtain Kimono Coat

I got two curtain panels a while ago at the good ol' Goodwill and I finally made them into something. I saw a shirt/coat thing over at Lilys House and I used it as inspiration for mine. I kept the hem of the curtains as the hem of my coat, and I made my own bias tape to finish off the openings and the kimono-style underarm vents, whatever they are called. I did this all as I watched the special on Ansel Adams last night on PBS, which was very inspiring. Ansel Adams was a driven and interesting child growing up in San Francisco, whose father allowed him to not attend school, and follow his own path of education. He had a ton of energy, even as a child, and throughout his life, created with such focus and drive, until he couldn't work anymore. Then he championed passionately and successfully for environment until he died. Wow! It made me want to do something big! Oh well, my little coat project will have to do for now. I wore it today over my overalls, to the East Bay Vivarium where we are doing research on corn snake breeding with a fellow homeschooler. Annie wore her new mola shirt that I made her from a San Blas Island Mola that LaLa passed down to us after many years of love and wear. Looks like Jasper is interested in the kitty motif too!

Two Hour Dress

I cut and sewed this versatile and comfortable dress today. I copied the pattern from a dress I got last summer that I've worn to threads. Start to finish -hems and all- in two hours. To top it all off, the fabric, which is a light weight version of cotton thermal, was $1 a yard. I bought 5 or 6 yards which is good, because Annie wants one just like it. The only thing I don't enjoy is how it reminds me a bit of leopard print.

Matching

Annie loves clothes that match for us. I love it too!
(I feel a little embarrassed to admit that...)
I can't imagine how long that will last, so while it does I'm happy to oblige. I've been holding on to this thin rayon knit for a while now with the idea of making some nighties for myself. HBO has been running Marie Antoinette and there is a scene in it where the Dauphine is being dressed in a wonderful nightie, and although this one is different, it did inspire me! So, I finally made one. I added a series of gathers over the front and back to obscure the outline of my body, and rayon ribbon to hide the outline of my breasts. It is very soft and silky. When I was finished Annie said "Oh it's so soft and beautiful! I want one just the same!" So I made a smaller version, without the gathers, and tried to match the ribbon pattern exactly. When she saw it the first thing she said was "You didn't make the gathers!" I actually didn't think she'd notice!

Even though it is really hard to wait, we are just holding out for warmer weather to start wearing our new nighties. I'm still choosing flannel and heavy cotton knits against the cold mornings and evenings here in Alameda.

Sew Cold!

I've been hankerin' to get out in my studio and do some sewing, but it's been so cold! I was able to cut out and sew a new nightie for Annie, but I ran the heater for at least two hours before going out there. It's not only the temperature that is not conducive to work, but the aesthetics of the space. My studio needs help! I see all of these great work spaces on other blogs and I want to redo my space so that when I am in the process of working I can snap photos and enjoy how the space looks. I was fairly OK with everything until last summer when one whole wall was replaced, as well as the roof. Since then, the sheet rock hasn't been painted and the floors got so thrashed that they need a fresh coat of paint too. To accomplish these tasks, the whole space must be emptied (which would force me to evaluate what I have in there, which is good) re-paint, maybe install some shelves, then put it back together. Ugh! I just want to sew. And paint. And build. Anyway, I can't do anything until Spring. So for now, I'm just dreaming.