Cicada Daydream

Happy {Busy} New Year!

2012-01-16T11:00:00.004-05:00

Tea towel calendars are ~~priced to move at 45% off~~. SOLD OUT! Quantities limited!

So much happening these days can't get my head above it all. The Cloud9 Fabrics headquarters is officially underway and we are in the decorating phase. See that glowing room? That's my office! Yay! I'll try to do a more thorough post on the plans in future. It's been very exciting to see it go from big empty cinderblock box to this.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

The time grows near! It is a special time of year when my son, who is 4, can miraculously do subtraction as we count down the number of sleeps until Santa comes! I leave you with this calming image. We won't likely see snow, but it is a quiet sentiment.

Georgia O'Keeffe - Black Door with Snow, 1955

May you have a special holiday season with the joys of the season!

xo Michelle

Giveaway Day | 2012 Tea Towel Calendar

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

My winner has been chosen- Congratulations to Mary Beth!

I'm happy to be participating in Sew Mama Sew's annual Giveaway Day! Today I'm giving away one of my popular tea towel calendars.

Product description: After 3 years of great success, I am happy to introduce my 4th annual tea towel calendar!

Hang it on your wall and enjoy its pristine state for the year. Made of 55% linen/45% cotton, this towel will serve you years of purpose past 2012. With each washing, it gets more supple and soft and makes an excellent drying towel, though you should expect fading and shrinkage.

Dimensions are 16x20 inches. Comes with wooden hanging rod and strung with baker's twine. Each is rolled carefully in tissue and brown paper to ensure minimal wrinkling, is sealed with a logo sticker and is mailed in a sturdy cardboard tube, nice enough for gift giving.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

To enter, please leave a comment with your favorite New Years tradition.

Regrettably, this contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.
Comments close on December 16, 5pm PST.
Winner will be chosen from random number generator.
I will email winner- please respond within 2 days or I will pick another winner.
PLEASE LEAVE CONTACT INFO

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

If you're hopping to the next giveaway, head on over to Cloud9's site where we are giving away 3yds of Maman and Nursery Basics fabrics.

Comments are now closed.

Giveaway Day | December 12

2011-12-10T09:26:00.001-05:00

Check in next week to see what I'll be giving away as part of Sew Mama Sew's annual Giveaway Day!

I. Am. A. QUILTER!

2011-12-08T17:14:00.001-05:00

When I started this gig- the one where I entered the quilt market as a surface designer 3 years ago- I felt I had to apologize for not being a quilter. It was sort of embarrassing, because I really didn't know much about this world. I felt it best to be up front about these things rather than to be called out on it, right?

I often was told, sure, you're a quilter! And I wouldn't buy it. I just didn't feel comfortable with that title.

As the years progressed and I became more familiar with what other people do and through sheer experience on my part, I feel like now, at the end of this lovely 2011, I can voice with assurance that I am no longer a wannabe, but an actual Quilter.

Today I posted this tutorial for this rad Monsterz-Sized Hexagon Quilt. So happy with the way it turned out... and the fact that I could make it in entirety just adds to my pride.

Knitting | Hat & Mittens

2011-12-07T16:19:00.001-05:00

After the fingerless gloves I felt {nearly} invincible, so I went right to it on these cute Paint Pail Mittens and this Watch Cap. Judging from this face, I'd say my work was much appreciated!

Next up: Jacques Cousteau Hat for my honey.

Done! My First Knitting Pattern

2011-11-27T09:21:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Churchmouse Classics- Welted Fingerless Gloves. Yarn: Manos Silk Blend in Olivewood.

Last weekend I took my first knitting class- one to learn how to do a project from a pattern. Up until now I've only done scarves and blankets- basically rectangles. I have been nervous about tackling an actual pattern without some support and the idea of socializing with new faces appealed to me on many levels.

What the class mainly entailed for me though was learning to work two items on two sets of circular needles- the theory being that you can complete the two gloves at the same time. This seemed very smart because I could easily see me finishing one glove and then have it sit there and mock me because I was not motivated to complete the second.

Details on Ravelry

Well it took the entire class for me to cast on the yarn properly. Something that frustrated me but interestingly got my fire up enough to make me want to tackle it. My determination paid off and I was happy to say by the time I left I actually had a few rows completed and I was well on my way. Despite a few errors here and there, I managed to read the pattern all by myself, along with some subliminal instructions by our teacher that I must've heard. Very happy with the results and I will definitely make another pair.

Next on my needles using my newfound skills will be these delightful Paint Pail Mittens for my little one. And if I can accomplish them quickly, I'll make a matching pair for older one, too.

Day of Thanks

2011-11-23T13:19:00.001-05:00

About a week ago I received a note from my son's teacher. To be clear, the note was dated Nov 1st but he did not dig it out of his backpack and give it to me until last week. It says that the students are asked to write poems about someone they are thankful for and in return, that person is asked to write a poem about them. And then invites us all to read them. Out loud. In the class room. With all the other kids and parents watching. *gulp*

I like to write, but I have to be self motivated. I'm definitely no poet. I don't even understand poetry most of the time. Plus, I'm not fond of speaking in front of a large crowd. So, give me an assignment like this and I'm likely to choke. When the teacher asked the poems be returned on the 15th, that just wasn't going to happen. Nor the day after or the day after that. My son was being hounded by his teacher to get my poem in... which honestly just brought back all sorts of school-anxieties and I finally had to write a note that I would bring it with me on Monday. The other little caveat: we were not to show each other what we wrote. So, all the while, Karl was apprehensive about what I might write. "What are you going to write? Don't embarrass me. What are you going to write?" This was getting to be a lot of pressure for a simple nice gesture of gratitude!

My son, meanwhile, whips up his little Ode to Mom in bed, the night before his is due. It took him 3 minutes and he was completely satisfied. Was no surprise when teacher asked him to write another stanza (which he didn't).

I finally got to my end of the deal on Sunday night. Yep, pretty much the equivalent to what my son did... obviously I've trained him in the art of procrastination very well. Next morning, the day of the reading, both he and I sweated it out, but for different reasons: me because of my stage fright and insecurities in poetry writing and he because he thought I wrote something that would leave him writhing in embarrassment publicly. He tried with all his might to entice me to show him... as if that would gain him WHAT exactly... but I didn't. And when I came into the classroom (the first parent present, at that!) All the kids looked happy to see me except for my son who was channelling the aloofness of Jordan Catalano.

Eventually the room filled with parents and the anticipation grew. Some kids looked pale with nervousness, others were beaming with excitement, others completely silly (as 5th graders tend to be). Parents and children started to present their poems. Tears ensued. Lots of tissues were passed. Some boys were even more weepy than the girls, which just made everyone cry even more.

And then we went. And my son clamored over the girls to get our poems from the teacher exhibiting all the nervousness I was feeling inside. And then he read- bless him, he hasn't an ounce of stage fright. And I listened. And it was sweet. Just what Karl would write. And then I read. And he smiled. And looked very relieved. And we paused looking at each other before we hugged - a moment of communication that said "we did it and it was OK" .

We took our seats and he went back into Jordan Catalano mode while I took the first deep breath of my day. It was fine. Everything turned out OK. Better than OK really, because now that I was rational, I could appreciate the poems we wrote to each other. Then I had a pang of regret that I could not handle this better. That I let "me" get in my way of enjoying the simple pleasure of doing something nice. By making a bigger deal about something in my head, I was filled with all the emotions that were quite inappropriate to the assignment itself. That in many ways the spontaneous nature of the children at our feet were more in tune with the spirit of the project and I envied them.

The day ended with snacks and chatting among the parents- to find that similar situations as ours were happening on many home fronts. And that now it was behind us we could see the beauty in the moment. I think we all felt a little like we were taught something important that day.

Mom

Loving and kind

Happy and helpful

What would I

do without her

The greatest mom ever

caring for me

I love you Mom.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

When you were born

it was quite eventful.

My world made sunny.

Happiness plentiful.

Your smile warming.

Your nature calming.

Your personality charming.

Always caring.

Always sharing.

A perfect pairing.

How fortunate

that you are my son.

Life is rich with you

my First Little One.

I'm actually thankful to Mrs. H for the project.
I am thankful for the experience to break out of my comfort zone.
I'm thankful for the education to not let trepidation hamper my ability to enjoy the moments leading up to the experience itself and to live more in the moment itself.
I'm thankful for the reminder that I need to instill this in my children as well.
I'm thankful for all the other parents who were there and supportive and enthusiastic and for being good role models.
Thankful for the children who love their parents dearly and could so easily put it into words.
And thankful for my son who is just so much like me at times it reminds me what an amazing thing it is to be a parent. Especially to a good kid like Karl.

Thankful for my everything.

I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, friends and readers. May your day be warm and fulfilling. xo

Rumpus Room - 1 Year Later

2011-11-20T12:52:00.001-05:00

Has it really been nearly a year? I realized I never posted the "after" pics of my boys' playroom makeover. In all honesty, it's rarely photo-worthy. But this weekend I found myself with an empty house for a time and I went to town discarding anything and everything that was broken, unused and unloved. Many things I donated (as I held a little Buzz Lightyear in my hands I thought about Toy Story - wonder how many other parents paused similarly before either tossing him in trash or the donate pile). But I was ruthless! RUTHLESS I tell you.

And now I have some pictures to share. Here are the befores (click to view larger)

Here was my story board (which we adhered to pretty well)

And voila! After.

Still needs curtains- the fabric I wanted sold out in record time!

And after 5 minutes when my little one returned home. *sigh*

New Bedding for Bruno

2011-11-14T09:44:00.001-05:00

I have been promising myself to tackle bedding for Bruno's toddler bed since I started Cloud9 Fabrics. It took nearly 3years and my grandmother's beautiful fabric range, Maman, to make it happen. Also, we completely tore up and cleaned every. single. square. inch. of the bedrooms yesterday, so I was even more motivated to start fresh. Battle worn yet energized, I took to the sewing room and cranked these out (however, I finished the fitted sheet today).

This set took almost no time at all. I followed the tute for the sheet and pillowcase on Sew4Home. I don't know why, but toddler bed sheets are a rarity. Kids this age can handle blankets, why not top sheets? So I made one myself. It was a piece of cake. I cut fabric 2yds*, used the full width with selvedges trimmed off (~41"w), finished the top edge like the pillowcase directions and then sewed a neat hem all the way around the other 3 edges.

Bruno not only loves his new sheets, but he's enjoying his "new bed" as well. It's really not new, but we changed the layout a little and he's actually giddy about it. I like this about him (both boys really).

LIke I said, this project was really so simple I spent more time changing bobbins and threading elastic through the casing than sewing! Now I did one set, I've set my eyes on another in the blues. However, I won't beat myself up if it doesn't happen right away. Trying to let go of some of that "someday" mentality.... something that was brought up again today in this blog post.

What I've Been Doing for the Last Few Months

2011-11-09T16:27:00.002-05:00

Our booth at the International Quilt Market in Houston.

Seems like it took an eternity to prepare for the International Quilt Market. For those who don't follow our Cloud9 Fabrics blog, I still want to share how it all turned out.

Two terrific turtles in Across the Pond

Read more here for in depth details.

Also, I put together a flickr set of many of the gorgeous samples we had made.

Critique Day

2011-11-06T17:59:00.000-05:00

Chris Spaterella, me and my sweetie, Andrew

My husband, Andrew, teaches Graphic Art at the High School of Art & Design in NYC. And 'cause he's married to me, he was heavily influenced to teach his last three senior classes a bit of textile design. He bases the project on a theme: year 1- inspired by Serizawa (from an exhibit), year 2- neighborhoods of NY/art nouveau and this year is notable NYC architecture/art deco. In the past, he'd bring the student's work home and I hang out over his shoulder and critique them and he'd pass on as much info as he could remember. This year he asked if I would come in and do the critique directly with the students because not only would be a good opportunity to hear a different "professional" opinion but it would cut right to the chase for so many of the students- giving them each a moment of true focus. It would also get me out of the house!

This year, there is also another teacher in the mix, Chris Spaterella, and almost double the students. Both my husband and Chris not being fluent in textile and repeat design, were happy for my perspective as well. Here's some snaps of me working with the kids (and OMG, do I look intense - almost mad- when I work on the computer! I've edited some of the more severe of those images out. Sheesh!). They've only been working on patterns for about 2 weeks, starting first by going to a landmark building somewhere in the city and finding architectural or thematic elements that could be translated into motifs and then a print that signified that building. From there, they'd scan the images in, retrace in Illustrator and then begin to make patterns. They are given a limited color palette from which to work. They have to do two prints each - one for the interior, one for the exterior. Most kids were already onto the pattern development so it was a perfect time for me to get in there to give them tips and suggestions on how to possibly improve the overall look of their repeated patterns- in particular, for fabric.

I definitely opened their eyes to notions that they may not have considered. Often times, the suggestions revolved around deleting stroke lines around shapes (or making them thicker), other times it was about filling negative space, or maybe to rotate motifs in different ways than they had them (or to undo rotations) or to add additional color positions as well as suggesting to play more with color and try various light/dark backgrounds and see how that affects the overall look of the print, and pulling back from the repeat to see if any unwanted patterns arise- like stripe-ing or odd imbalances. My style of explaining myself is better suited to "showing" than "telling" so I brought my trusty Wacom tablet in and actually got busy on their patterns (not creating perfection as it's important they do it themselves). I loved the way so many "got it" once they saw it in just a slightly different light. I know many of them would be tinkering away with new ideas fresh in their minds. I can't wait to see the finished pieces.

Me, using the brilliant new release "A Field Guide to Fabric Design" by Kim Kight
as a reference tool. TOTALLY INVALUABLE.

The experience just served to remind me how much I miss the studio atmosphere where sharing one's work is done almost daily. How other people's perspectives can really enlighten me - and I them - to a bright new idea... (or contrarily, solidify one's own). It's not always necessary, per se, but I do enjoy a good bouncing off of others at times and I hope that in the future of Cloud9 I will see these days again.

2012 Tea Towel Calendar | Update

2011-10-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

Just found out that my corrected panels won't be shipped until November 1st and I fear I'm pushing the date out further than I'm comfortable with as it is. So, in order to expedite things and get an idea of the amount I'll need to make, I'm posting the image here for you to see. However, please note the colors will match those in my previous post.

Confused? Yes, I know it's a bit muddled this year, but I'm confident things will work out once I return from Quilt Market at the end of the month to hopefully return home to a nice fresh roll of calendar panels just waiting to be cut, sewn and shipped. If you get your orders in now, you're sure to be on the first wave. You can place your order here.

So sorry for the inconvenience! I hope to be more streamlined by mid-November. Thanks to all who have put yourselves on the pre-pre-order list- made me feel extra good about this design.

2012 Tea Towel Calendar {prototype}

2011-10-15T13:48:00.000-04:00

2012 Tea Towel Calendar {prototype}

It's here! It's here! I received my strike-off and it's nearly perfect, so I whipped up a prototype for you to see. The calendars will be available for pre-order soon and will start shipping November 7th. If you'd like to reserve a spot up front for the first wave of deliveries, please email me - you can find the addy in my profile over the right. I'll let you know when the listing goes live and you can place your actual order then.

Half Tote Project - Narrow/Fat Quarter Friendly

2011-10-14T14:41:00.000-04:00

My cousin Sara blogged a wonderful little bag she made the other day (below) and not only was I impressed with her fabric selection and sewing prowess, I was captivated by the absolutely perfect size of it.

Basically, it's half a tote bag. Nothing can get so deep in the bag that it gets lost. It holds just enough: wallet, phone, glasses, pen, cosmetic bag, etc. I immediately went to my sewing room and got busy on my own version. My mom was here and marveled at how quickly it went together. I was pretty fortunate to have all supplies - cotton webbing, interfacing, button), so that helped make it a super-quick project.

The handles are a bit shorter than a typical tote and there is a nice gusset at the bottom which makes this "tote" a little more refined. When she told me what the dimensions were, I was again thrilled to see it would only require a quarter yard (narrow) each of an outer fabric and a lining. No one seems to make too many patterns for narrow quarter cuts, so this might delight some of you as it did me. *I do include a post note at bottom of page about how you can do this with fat quarter (18"h x 22"w) goods below.

This can be done in almost any fabric really. If you're using something very flimsy, I recommend interfacing. I used traditional quilter's cotton (from Cloud9 Fabrics, of course!) and liked the way Heat N Bond Non-Woven Extra Firm worked. Easy to attach and gives the tote a "fabric bucket" effect.

Click on each of the directions below to view more clearly.

Some copyright considerations on the use of this tutorial.

Please feel free to use this pattern for personal use.
Please feel free to post a link to this page.
Please DON'T use this for commercial use.
Please DON'T copy these pages and post them as your own. Give credit where credit is due. Thanks!

Materials and sizes

Preparing the outer

Preparing the lining pt 1

Preparing the lining pt 2

Finishing the tote.

One additional fun fact- you can use these sewing details to make yourself a proper-sized lined tote by starting with a 1/2" yd fabric (18"h) of each outer and lining. In this way, you can use the excess on the side (which is probably around 4-5"w x 18"h) to make handles, too!

Cutting suggestion for a fat quarter (18"h x 22"w)

Please note, I am a pretty lazy sewist and I'm simple in needs as well. I did not include any interior pockets, but I can see how some would like that. Easy enough... when preparing the lining, simply add some pockets before attaching the handles (after the interfacing is attached). Cut rectangle to desired size, finish the top and press under 1/4" on the sides and bottom. Topstitch 1/16" onto the lining (right side). You could also add a large panel the same way, then make divisions of pockets for various sizes by topstitching in various spots.

Interior pocket options

Textile Turn-Ons | Dena Designs London

2011-10-14T13:45:00.001-04:00

This collection, London from Dena Designs, totally brings out the girly in me. I love Dena's soft painterly hand and all the lovely flowers. I even love that it's called "London". The colors are wonderful. What can I say. I'm a fan! The blue/browns are equally pretty, but these pinks are really those which are calling me.

I'm hoping to buy a little stash of each shown for a ____________ (fill in the blank). All I know is I have to have them.

Mini Area Gets Some Mini Moderns

2011-09-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

I blogged about this fab wallpaper from UK based design company Mini Moderns a long while back. I had actually purchased the paper and have been sitting on it for most of the year. Finally, FINALLY! I got off my duff and did the job this weekend. And it looks pretty cool. This small back door area didn't have much going for it, but now it seems deeper and definitely more eye-catching. I absolutely adore the Green Apple on Black Plate painting by Georgia O'Keefe and am sad to see it go, but I was craving a change. My son expressed interest in it, so I'll probably move it to their Rumpus Room.

I am still considering papering the basic door that leads to the basement (on left)- however, filling the cat door hole was a little outside my powers yesterday. It was a miracle that I got the paper on the wall! My husband had to work yesterday and by the time he came home, it was done. Felt good. Felt like the old days when I had boundless energy for home improvement projects. I even managed to do it with my 4yo around - he was happily occupied with Hot Wheels cars.

The Ugly Truth

2011-09-08T09:16:00.001-04:00

Last night, someone on Twitter brought up the subject of what programs one uses and how they function on the computer to design. Since I'm feeling chatty, now I have the place to myself and all the boys are back in school, I thought I'd share tidbits about my gear. Full disclosure: I am completely outdated and underperforming on most fronts. It needs to be said, it's not because of costs, but these hard and fast tendencies:

1. When something works, I use it.

2. When I'm busy, I don't want to interrupt the flow.

3. When new stuff comes out, I get apprehensive.

Hardware:

Computer: I have an iMac 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo w/ 2G memory. It runs on V 10.6.8 . It's a few years old... maybe even 3 at this point. It works, but it . is. sloooooow. Like, agonizingly sometimes. I tried all the "tricks" to make it perform faster, but none worked. After a while, I just stopped trying and I muddle through. (insert pt 2) Know what I'm thinking? It's time for a new iMac! (see point 3 above) In reality, I should probably just back up my computer, purge it and reset it to factory settings then reinstall. But you know what? See point 2 again. I hear there's a new OS out now? *shiver* (pt 3) Although I have never had anything but positive results when upgrading software and OS's, I am always filled with trepidation and will postpone these things until I find it's no longer postponeable- that's when all points go flying out the window and I'm faced with a situation similar to this.

Peripherals:

Tablet: (above) Check out my stylin' Wacom 4x5 Graphire tablet in Pearl circa 2002*. I should mention that the stylus pen is missing parts, but IT STILL WORKS (pt 1)

Printer: Canon i9900 Baby! WOO! They haven't made this model for years and I'm damn proud to still be sporting it on my desk. All 8 harder-to-find cartridges are still priced right and it works like a charm. Last year I had a scare when a bit of plastic snapped off. I thought I'd have to get a new one and reconnect and fuss with the set up and learn all its quirks and annoying little fixes. But $80 at the old-fashioned electronics repair shop and my old faithful was like moderately-new. (pt 2 & 3)

I also have a Xerox Phaser 6120 which is proportionately enormous to my small office and it's been shut off for about 4 months now because the cyan toner didn't seem to be working any longer. I'm not in love with it- it's noisy, it prints poorly and it's expensive. So no, I'll not be bringing it to the repair guy... someday I'll get off my duff and get rid of it.

Scanner: Scanner? Oh yeah, my husband's Canon MX310 printer is my scanner. It was the freebie printer we got when I bought my iMac. It works. Generally. I often wish it was better, but then I realize, my work doesn't require anything more... so I guess I'm OK. I have to get up, go to his computer, connect to mine and do this whole ridiculous dance around the piles in our office getting from desk A to B, but hey... (see pts 1& 2)

Camera: It's not new, but it's well respected and I love our Canon Rebel XT. It takes FOREVER to download the images, but when they come, they look nice... and I am happy.

I also use a Canon Power Shot S95. It's all new and stuff because it's really my husband's. My 2002* model went missing when we let the toddler play with it.

While it doesn't directly relate to graphics work, I'll toss in my Salter kitchen scale which has been my trusty mail scale for years now. Not too long ago I made bread from a British recipe and had to actually weigh my ingredients. Man, that was surreal! But the old scale did her job well. She's definitely a keeper!

Software:

I'm strictly an Adobe gal. Is there any other software? I don't even know. I don't even care. I use Adobe Illustrator CS2 primarily. I'll use Photoshop CS2 in a pinch- some stuff just doesn't work in AI. When things are REALLY Photoshop intensive, I'll ask my mom to do it, because she's an absolute pro at making light work of heavy tasks in that program. Me? Not so much. (read: lazy).

I will begrudgingly use InDesign when I absolutely must... which generally entails my husband's scolding of my bad habits because I'd much rather do everything in Illustrator.

I build my website in Dreamweaver CS4. Oh, did I mention that I have a sweet, fairly new, 13" Mac Book? Yeah, it's great. It's super fast, it's up to date-ish software and it is portable- I even have a pretty new Wacom Bamboo tablet (also the smallest size). Do I use it to work on? Not really. Only when I have web stuff or if my mom comes to work we can both sit at the kitchen table. So, you can imagine how much fun I have transferring information from my old dog to my new trick.

So what do I learn from all this? I am definitely my own worst enemy.

And that's it! The glamorous tech life of the textile designer/business owner. I'm sure there are plenty of people who feel I'm living the good life and am all posh and everything. But, really I think many artists/designers - and lots of people in general - are like me. Honestly, if points 1,2 and 3 weren't my way, - and yeah, if price weren't an issue - I'd really like to be all up to date and modernized and not get sneered at by ad people who are running CS3. *how embarrassing*

*I'm making this year up, but it just might be accurate... or worse, older!

Summer's End

2011-09-05T09:08:00.002-04:00

First off, in looking at the calendar, I see it's my dad's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

All in all, a very relaxing summer. It ended rather abruptly when we were rudely awakened last Wednesday when I read my son's pre-K teacher's letter for the first time saying "see you on September 1st" (the next day- Thursday). The rest of Wednesday was spent cutting hair, picking out clothes, finding his new Star Wars backpack, labeling clothing, gathering naptime items and prepping the little guy for all the excitement of heading back to friends and new faces. And thus ended our summer, even though Andrew and Karl don't start this week, I had to consider that if I had to shower and dress and socialize before 9am, the fun was officially over.

It took Bruno all of .5 seconds to acclimate to his new class. I had to steal a kiss while he played with fake plastic food at the kitchen center.

Remember this? Yeah, well, at least Karl and Andrew managed to accomplish a few things but I have yet to finish Emma (only a few riveting chapters left) and I did not actually HANG the wallpaper I hoped, but let me congratulate myself for actually buying the supplies for doing so. I also managed a few things not on the "list"... but still, I am feeling a little let down on my momentum. However, it was a nice time to have my guys around constantly. Work, as such, was put on the back burner and was brought to a boil only when I had those moments completely to myself which was rare. Now school's started, I must get back into my productive mode. Quilt Market is fast approaching and despite trying to organize things so they are done with plenty of time, it's just the nature of this beast that everything gets done last second... which is extremely stressful.

November is the time we hope to move into our new office digs and thus ends another chapter of my life: working from home. I have lots of high hopes of simply being able to "enjoy home" and not look at it like an office... but I wonder if 5hrs a day (all I can afford to spend there due to school schedules), even 5 days a week will be enough to keep me free from work at home. We shall see. One thing for sure, the basement and my home office will be purged of some pretty hefty "stuff" and I have high hopes for a grand lightening of the atmosphere around here.

Andrew and I are reading a book called "Lighten Up: Free Yourself from Clutter" in attempts to streamline our lives without the burden of stuff and the constant angst in tidying and cleaning. It's near impossible to instill this in the boys at this time because toys and papers and flotsam from outdoors keep coming into the home even if we object. However, self help starts with self and if we can get a grasp on our own perspectives and make some real changes in our lifestyle, hopefully the lessons will trickle down to the young'uns. Here's hoping anyway.

Photos are of our 10 days spent in Seaside Park at the home of Andrew's cousins, aptly named Seaside Serenity. It was generously lent to us and we had a lovely time - even me! - who does not gravitate to sand, sun and surf. It was dIrectly across from the beach and we enjoyed shore life and the best of leisure: boys beached and frolicked, I knitted, we all read, we ate (old fashioned donuts!), and ate some more, we did some boardwalking and shell collecting and we had lots of family visit us.

You're 4!

2011-08-22T08:06:00.004-04:00

photo by Nana

Happy Birthday to our little Big Guy. 4 suits you so well!

Yesterday we celebrated with family and it was a day filled with family, Star Wars loot and cake. After the party, he went to the rumpus room and we didn't see him for the rest of the night. I'll say this about this kid... he REALLY plays with toys.

In my recipe box, this is entitled Best Cake Ever. I'm serious.

Summer Knitting

2011-08-20T06:51:00.005-04:00

This is one of those projects where I just started knitting and whatever came of it would be good enough for me. Sure, I had lots of unfinished projects to work on, but when you're on vacation, you sort of want to do something new. I just wanted to knit without the pressure of "making something". So, I grabbed some Lion Cotton balls from my stash, arbitrarily chose some knitting needles, tossed them in the bag and left thinking, well, at least the colors are right.

This is what I made. And Bruno couldn't be happier. I loved how, as I was knitting, he'd come up, flop onto my lap and work, smile at me only the way he can and say "this blanket is for ME?". That right there, made me want to finish it quickly and happily it wasn't very complicated and grew larger at an easy clip.

Now he snuggles with it. The cotton yarn is weighty but that I used a larger needle makes it airy and drapey. I probably could've made it another 12" long. Because of the open knit, it stretches horizontally to a point where it's wider than it is long. But it's OK I just put it on the bed sideways and it's a happy accident because I like that the stripes are going lengthwise with the mattress.

What Goes Around Comes Around

2011-08-08T12:19:00.005-04:00

Gina and I were having a little business meeting at our local Barnes & Nobel not too long ago and we got to talking about the future, as usual. Maybe it was that we were so near the children's section, but I'm not exactly sure what made me mention that I'd love to do a fabric range with one of my childhood favorites, Ed Emberley. Gina - who is inclined to be enthusiastic, bless her - quickly picked up that ball and wrote the EMBR Group a letter. In what seems like no time at all, we had ironed out a deal. Today we're excited to formally announce that we are, in fact, working with Ed and his daughter Rebecca, and our first collection will be released in spring 2012! We're so excited to be bringing the delightful imagery of such a well known and respected author and illustrator who, indeed, helped shape my own imagination and creativity.

It's also a little surreal. So strange how connections are made throughout life. I imagine this is akin to being an actor and working with their dream director or being a singer and doing a duet with their long time influence. I can't think of too many people with whom this sort of experience would come my way, but I'm sure enthralled that it has become part of my life's journey.

Moral of the story: Sometimes you just gotta put it out there.

Put. It. Out. There!

I have vivid memories of flipping through pages for Drawing Book of Animals, doodling away per Ed's instruction and being so proud of the outcome. Though his pages, he gave me a confidence in my abilities and a personal sense of accomplishment. I remember making thumbprint characters at the kitchen table. Perhaps I was channeling a little Leo Lionni as well, because I remember mice being my favorite to draw.

It's really nice to have memories of being creative as a child. I have a lot of them, and certainly, these moments stand out and are really among the best I have: playing with Erector sets or other building toys, carefully cutting out paper dolls and making new clothes, drawing from books, making god's eyes and potholders, Spirographs, building sculptures of wire framed figures with masking tape and plaster, gluing straws or sticks together to form abstract masses, origami, sewing, the thrill and smell of new art supplies, and the list goes on.

So, to be able to work directly with imagery that directly helped shape my childhood memories and to have a whole new approach and focus is a fascinating experience. I'm looking forward to the memories to come.

Anyone have any stories about Ed Emberley's works and how they may have influenced you or your children? Do you recall happy, creative moments in your childhood? How do you feel like they've led you to where you are today? I'd love for you to share them.

Recipe | Tarte a l'oignon

2011-07-23T15:35:00.004-04:00

I've made this in the past, but I never write down the recipe... and I wind up making it up as I go along. Today, I was smart and took some notes. And it came out perfect, so I want to share! This recipe will make 2 tarts. You can make one for you and your friend for lunch, then another to eat all by yourself for dinner. :) Me? I'm bringing them to my mom's Bastille Day celebration later today.

This is not a quiche- there is no added egg. What you get is basically a gorgeous savory onion jam spread on a thin crust.

Ingredients:

4 large yellow onions (or 6-8 medium), halved and sliced thin

3 tbsp butter

2 tbsp light olive oil

1 tsp dried thyme *I don't recommend fresh thyme- I find it's a little too "green" tasting. The dried thyme seems earthier to me.

1/4 c dry sherry

2 store-bought pie crust sheets (thawed, if frozen), or make your own pâte brisée if you dare!

flour for dusting

Good tools to have:

Metal claw tongs for tossing the cooking onions

Large, heavy, high sided frying pan

2- 9 1/2" round tart pans with removable bottoms. These are the pans I have

rolling pin

After slicing the onions, heat butter and oil over medium heat (not hotter). Your mound of fresh cut onions is not likely to fit into the pan all at once. Begin by adding a good, slightly heaping amount, sweat them a bit before adding the rest and keep tossing with the tongs to keep things cooking evenly. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper.

*Do not be tempted to turn up the heat. Slow and easy is the way for cooking these onions down. I know, it pains me too. But is the only way.

After 15 minutes, add the dried thyme.

After another 15 minutes, you should see much of the liquid beginning to dissipate. Add the dry sherry.

Cook for another 15 minutes and it should begin to get golden. I don't like when it gets overly caramelized for these tartes, so at this point, I stir almost constantly so as to not let it burn. After another 5 minutes, it begins to take on an amber color and I remove from heat. Check for salt and pepper and add to taste.

Preheat the oven to 450˙

I find that the store bought pie dough are too thick for this tarte so I roll it out a bit to make it thinner. To do this, on a pastry board, sprinkle some flour and unroll one of your pie doughs. Take the tarte pan and use it as a big cookie cutter in order to create sheet the exact size of the pan. Roll out the dough until it's about 12" in diameter.

Pick up the dough and place in the pan and work it into the corners with your fingers careful not to poke holes and snug it along the walls of the pan. I prefer a thin wall of crust. To do this, with a sharp pointed knife, cut 1/2" from the bottom of the pan along the wall. If you prefer to have a thick wall of crust, you can fold over the dough so that it is only about 1/2" high and pinch it into the pan.

Fill the tarte pan with half the onion mixture and spread evenly with a fork, ensuring the entire crust is covered. Tamp down gently to remove air bubbles.

Repeat with the other tarte pan.

Put both pans in oven and bake for 20 minutes - rotate the pans if your oven bakes unevenly (you may need to bake a little longer if you open the oven at any time).

Remove from oven, let cool. The pans make it easy to remove the tartes. Serve at room temperature. Ideally served with salad and a light shallot vinaigrette.

Bon appetit!

Cin Cin! | Sloe Gin Fizz

2011-07-19T18:39:00.005-04:00

Ah, Summer. The heat index is climbing this week and summer is full on now. What better time to break out the Sloe Gin!

Here's my little recipe. I think it typically calls for lemon juice, but I like the lime better- and it tastes a little more summery to me.

2oz Sloe Gin
1oz fresh squeezed lime juice
1 tsp confectioners (or superfine) sugar
club soda

Pour first 3 ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well and strain into a tall Collins glass*, then top with club soda (slowly!).

*My picture shows an Old-Fashioned glass and a very weak "fizz" and that's because I don't have collins glasses and could not fit it all into my first glass. Delicious just the same.

Cheers!

Tutorial | Ruffled Fan Pillow

2011-07-13T10:40:00.003-04:00

Another great project over on Cloud9 blog~ A lovely ruffled fan pillow. Très chic!