Clover and Violet :: Our Blissful Lives

It's Been a While

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:45:00 +0000

A lot has happened since my last blogging efforts. We took a long vacation to Washington to visit family and friends. We packed up our house and left New York for the last time {at least for a while} and drove down to Virginia. We signed the lease for our new house today. And most importantly, we're now neighbors with my parents! So, as soon as the dust has settled, the sewing will commence. I will be back next week with photos from our trip, and hopefully soon after with new projects.

Stash Project: July

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:50:00 +0000

I hate to be a one-note quilter, but it is summer and I've got a lot going on {including friends having babies!}. So, once again, I have a peek at a baby quilt for one special little girl. Not only is this the baby of a close friend from college, she is the very friend who introduced me to Josiah {in spite of much protest}. I am really happy with how it turned out. Also, even though the pattern is identical to last month's project, the different fabric and quilting make it so distinct. I kind of want one of these for myself!

This fabric is Eden by Lila Tuller for Moda and I quilted it with a meander. Can't get much more girlie than this!

So Good: Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:09:00 +0000

This dish is a regular on our dinner table. It is fresh and light, we usually have the ingredients on hand. It would also make a great side dish, hot or cold. And if you're looking for something easy on a hot summer night, this is an excellent choice. Enjoy!

16 oz Farfalle (Bow Tie) Pasta

2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Yellow Onion (optional)

4 Garlic Cloves

2 TBS Dried Basil

Salt & Pepper to taste

5-6 Roma Tomatoes

16 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Bring water to a boil and add pasta. While water boils and pasta cooks, mince garlic and chop onion. Heat oil in a large non-stick pan, add onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, add basil, salt and pepper. Add chopped roma tomatoes, cook for 3-5 minutes, so tomatoes are soft but still retain their shape. Pour pasta and tomato mixture into a large bowl and stir gently. Add cubed fresh mozzarella cheese. Serves 6-8.

Stash Project: June

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:52:00 +0000

Things have been a bit busy, but I did get a project finished this month. I'm only giving this small peak because it is a baby gift for a dear friend whose little boy is just a few days younger than my little guy. I love how a single charm pack and a little yardage can make such a beautiful little quilt. Hopefully soon I'll have time to do a bit more than just sew the squares together, but, for minimal effort, I love the result!

The fabric is Authentic by Sweetwater for Moda. I love that it is a suitable boy fabric, because those are so difficult to find!

Photoshoot!

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Now that we have a little C&V model, I thought I'd start adding some photos of him showing off some shop items. You would not believe {well, maybe you would!} how difficult it was to get him to model one of our Cozy Flannel Blankets. So, I decided just to use the photo of him in his blanket for all the listings, to keep the rest brand new, besides, he's not a willing model. Now I've been working on updating the listings. He's a cutie all cozy like that, too bad he doesn't nap often.

Beyond Your Stash

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:27:00 +0000

Why do you really need accessories to cloth diaper? I get the great opportunity to be a blog contributor, so head over to the Knickernappies Blog to read my take on what I use and why.

Covers & Prefolds

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:28:00 +0000

In my cloth diaper research, I've read that some people love prefolds and covers...I've also learned that I'm not one of them. I use a few, to stretch my stash and keep my diapers from being washed quite as frequently, but it's more for the sake of the other diapers and because I already own them. I was really optimistic because I thought they'd be a great way to save a little {pocket diapers, while still more economical than 'sposies, can get pricy!}.

I initially bought some newborn sized prefolds and didn't really mind using them. But now, my biggest issue with them is that Silas is a wiggle worm when I'm changing his diaper. He just cannot seem to hold still, and trying to adjust the prefold and a cover is too much. So far I've been folding the prefold in thirds and laying it in the cover, I am now thinking that maybe I need some Snappis. Here's my opinion of the products I've purchased:

Swaddlebee's Newborn Prefolds - I actually really liked them until they became too small!
Bummis Organic Cotton Toddler Prefolds - These are supposed to fit 15-30lbs, but they are rather large. I think that if I was using fasteners, the generous size might be nice, but for just laying in the cover, they take up a lot of space and required that I extend the covers. They also make it difficult for baby to sit comfortably while wearing them because they're so bulky in the front.
Flip Cover - This cover was great initially and fit well while the one size diapers were big and bulky. However, we've got it all the way extended now, so there isn't much growing room left.
Happy Heiny's Cover - At the time I was purchasing a second cover, I chose the Happy Heiny's because they were Josiah's favorite diaper of the few I owned. He prefers velcro closures and I knew that Silas was growing so fast a Thirsties Duo cover in size one wouldn't last. I was initially very unhappy because the soft white band pilled terribly. But I just cut the loose pills off and now I am very happy with it. It also still has one snap row to extend.

I've also used my covers with disposable inserts while traveling...but that is for another post! If you've had a great experience with prefolds, I'd love to hear your insights, maybe I'm just missing something!

Sew Little Time

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:45:00 +0000

Top: Abundance, On Pins and Needles, Picnic Rollup

Middle: Vanilla & Blooms, Salt Water Taffy, Madeline

Bottom: Madeline, Hat Trick

I've been dreaming of sewing lately...but since my adorable baby is a little on the demanding side {okay...he almost never sleeps, and the nap he does take every fourth or fifth day is usually filled with laundry, dishes, and all the other stuff that piles up...}, I don't get much done. So, in the meantime, I've been dreaming up projects, and collecting a little stash of patterns too! Now, I just have to sneak away and make a couple of these...

Cloth Update

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:15:00 +0000

We're a few months into cloth diapering now, and I'm a total convert. Once again, I don't ever want to give anyone the impression that cloth is the right way to go, but it is for us so far! One of the biggest things I've discovered personally, is that there isn't a perfect diaper, at least not for us. I've got a variety of diapers in my stash, and I like them all for different reasons. Now, maybe if all the best features could be combined into one hybrid of them all, there would be a perfect diaper. I do have a couple that aren't my favorite, and a few that stand above the rest, but for the most part, they're all about pretty equal.

In addition, I've also learned by experience that all diapers leak! I have read a lot of reviews and one thing people constantly complain about are diaper leaks. However, as long as I keep the diapers changed regularly, I don't have any leaks with any of them. I'm not sure if some people expect these diapers to stay on for long periods of time, or if their babies just need to be changed more frequently, but as long as the diapers are on snugly and changed after a few hours, we don't have a problem.

If you're reading this and don't cloth diaper, but are interested, it's never too late to start. I'd be happy to point you in the direction of some great info! {Even Josiah has been telling the guys he works with how great cloth diapers are...check them out!}

Shpoaholic: Lilacs & Lollipops

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:54:00 +0000

{Feeling Groovy Nursing Cover}

Contrary to my belief before having a baby, nursing in public is unavoidable. Add my big eater to the mix, and I find I can hardly go anywhere without nursing at some point or another. I tried a few different ones, and have to say that the apron style is my favorite. I like the way it is easy to get the little guy in and out, the length is also a plus, especially since he kicks all the time now. The ribbon closure in the photo is a must for the diaper bag {I added it myself}:

Although there are lots of these available online, in my humble opinion, Lilacs & Lollipops has the best variety of ready to ship covers, in not all girly patterns either {and they have some great sales too!}. I've used it for a lot more than just a nursing cover, I've draped it over Peep's car seat to shade him, and used it as a lightweight blanket too! These are a must for new mom's {and would make a great gift too}.

Wordless Wednesday

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:25:00 +0000

Relaxing the Weekend Away

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:52:00 +0000

Hanging out at Starbucks
Studying for the GRE
Shrimp Boil and S'Mores with friends
Catching up on blogs
Watching Toy Story 2
Cuddling on the couch
A little catch up sewing
Planning a baby quilt
Enjoying our time together
Eating ice cream sandwiches

The week is in full swing already though, a trip to the doctor {baby's fine, he just has a little irritation and needs some bacitracin...and he weighs 17lbs 8oz!}, some summer clothes shopping, groceries, and now making some dinner...sewing will have to wait for tomorrow...have a nice night!

Coffee Mugs

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:28:00 +0000

I have a love for coffee, you may know this about me. It turns out that I love coffee mugs too. A lot. And it seems that Starbucks seems to have the best ones. But the best thing about these facts...my mom knows them too! Yep, and when we met them in Rhode Island she had the one pictured above for me, as my mother's day gift. How sweet. Then, later, when we got home, I noticed this in the bottom of the bag too:

Maybe you've figured out that I love violets too?

Mama's Helper

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:23:00 +0000

I was stuffing diapers and little Peep was fussing, so I put him in the diaper basket. He loved it and I got the diapers finished. Happy baby and happy mama.

Hello Atlantic!

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:42:00 +0000

Not that I put much thought into it, but after growing up in Washington state, I never thought my baby's first trip to the ocean would be the Atlantic. But since my dad's job brought him and my mom out to Rhode Island for a week, the three of us drove over and met them {it still amazes me that the New England states are so close!}.

We wandered around Providence for a while {my parents are collecting photos of the state capitol buildings}, and then ventured to Jamestown and Newport. However, as you can tell from the photos, the grandparents were more interested in the baby than the sights!

I don't think Silas complained about being held so much either, he just took in the surroundings and was along for the ride.

He even got to nap while being held, it was pretty much his ideal life {as he's made perfectly clear since returning home...he's napping in my arms as I type this!}

Mostly, it was just great to get away from the day to day and enjoy some family time.

What happy lives we live. I hope your weekend was as blissful as mine.

Stash Project: April

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:53:00 +0000

I've been keeping a Hello Betty Honey Bun on my shelf for quite a while. I love the reproduction fabrics and the 1930s colors too, but just wasn't sure what to make with it. I eventually decided to make a few little bags out of part of it, and had hoped to share with you my finished projects. However, my sweet baby had a different idea, so I settled for one in progress shot and one finished bag. They are so much fun!

Three of them have homes already, and I haven't decided what to do with the fourth {maybe I'll keep it?}, but I just love the way they're turning out. Maybe I can utilize Josiah being home this afternoon and actually finish all of them before May runs out {we'll see about that}.

In the meantime, I think I'll go enjoy the rest of the sunshine with these two sweet guys {and edit some of my photos from the weekend, we had a blast!}

Beating the Heat

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:30:00 +0000

I'm not exactly used to the heat {I currently live in northern New York, this time last year we still had the heat on...and it snowed on Mother's Day...two weeks ago}, so this weather in the 80s it a bit of a stretch. The little guy and I have been staying inside with the windows closed, the ceiling fans on, and the little window AC unit running like crazy {and I ate almost that whole pint of sorbet, yum!}.

We also ventured out this afternoon to help a good friend purchase a sewing machine...I'm starting to rub off on people! But really, I've been telling her for months that anyone can learn to sew, and she finally took me up on the offer, now her first quilt top is almost finished and her second quilt top is already cut out. Well, my Beach Buddy {yep, that's what his shirt says} is napping, so I'm off to try to get something done {until I get too warm and end up on the couch again finishing off that sorbet...}

Embroidery Mini Quilt

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:15:00 +0000

My mom embroiders, and I've been wanting to try for quite a while. But it seems that I need some motivation...and I got some from the Embroidery Mini Quilt Swap! Since I had so much fun with my previous swaps, I wanted to do another {and Michele over at The Quilting Gallery hosts fabulous swaps!}. This swap had specific guidelines, which made it easy {no trying to figure something out myself}.

I used some Hello Betty from my stash because I had it out for a different project and I thought the flowers would look cute. I also embroidered my label {I realize now that my handwriting looks like kid writing when embroidered...I used it anyway} for the back. And the best part is, I misread the due date so mine is going out tomorrow, almost a week early. I hope my partner enjoys it {especially since I want to keep it myself!}.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:23:00 +0000

Amy from Amy's Creative Side is hosting the Blogger's Quilt Festival this week during the Spring Quilt Market. It is an opportunity for bloggers to share a quilt that is special to them, and for readers to enjoy some quilt stories too. I saw the quilt festival last fall during the Fall Quilt Market, but didn't participate {I wish I had}, but I've decided to this time. First let me share a little bit about the quilt I chose. The fabric is from a little stack of Floragraphics III fat quarters I picked up at Quilter's Heaven in Leavenworth, Washington the last time we were there, visiting Josiah's family. Interestingly, I didn't pick these fabrics out, Josiah did. He liked the colors and patterns. We were just starting to think about having children at that time, so I decided I couldn't pass up some "boy" fabrics.

This quilt was also my first free motion quilting attempt. I never used my old machine to fee motion quilt, so I was hesitant to try it on my new one, but this quilt seemed like it just needed it, so I gave it a try. I've learned since then that a larger pattern is much easier than the small one I did on this quilt, but even so, I am very happy with the result. My only regret, I backed it with a white-on-white print...I was too anxious to wait for more fabric to come in!

I do love how the quilting turned out on the back though, I just worry it might get dirty easily. But for now, it hangs on my wall, and hopefully it may hang {or be used} in my baby boy's room in the future. I had thought about giving it away a few times, but have concluded that I just can't part with it. I hope you've enjoyed my quilt, and that you'll take some time to check out the some more of the amazing quilts that are part of the Blogger's Quilt Festival. Okay, now I'm off to work on a little more quilting!

Picnics!

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:01:00 +0000

I talk with my mom on the phone every morning {and repeatedly throughout the day!}, and the other day we were talking about making picnic quilts because we love to spend time outside. Then we each saw this on the Fresh Figs Blog {one of our daily reads} and individually decided it was perfect! So, this morning while we were chatting, I asked her if she'd seen it, and sure enough she had. We both were online oohing and ahhing, when we realized the pattern was available in the BHG Quilts and More magazine! Now we are both the proud owners of the magazine and these adorable quilts are added to our "to do" lists {now we just have to finish a few projects, but these are soon to follow}. And yes, I drove all the way to town just to pick up the magazine, even though I won't get to start the quilt right away, at least now I have it available to drool over in the meantime, besides, baby was napping so nicely in his car seat, I couldn't resist...

Shopaholic: Cinnamon Sticks

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:11:00 +0000

I really love stamped jewelry. I've seen so many cute pieces on Etsy and elsewhere, I knew I just had to have one after my baby was born! So, when Josiah asked me what I wanted for Mother's day, I knew immediately what it would be. So, I contacted the sweet Canela of Cinnamon Sticks {who was highly recommended to me by a friend who has the Rustic Mom Necklace} and requested a special order. This is the necklace we worked out:

{thanks Canela for letting me use your photo!}

It turned out perfect and I wear it almost every day. I decided to ask for different charms so I can add to it if we have any more kids. The backs are stamped with our anniversary and baby's birthday. Now this is the kind of keepsake that makes a memorable first Mother's Day.

{love it!}

Happy Mama

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:34:00 +0000

I will never be an impulsive person. I think about things, a lot, maybe even too much... I'm afraid to make hasty decisions. I didn't want to do anything I would regret. But, what I eventually have come to realize is that regrets can come from not doing things too. So, last year I put my fears aside and decided I was ready to try to have a baby.

Fortunately, Josiah was in agreement {we'd taken turns a few times, one being okay with it and the other not}. Once our sweet little boy was born, I knew we made the right decision. And while I don't regret waiting, I do regret letting fear be my deciding factor for so long. Now I know that one of the things that makes me the happiest is just being a mom.

I meant to post this on mother's day, but instead I spent the day cuddling a sick baby {and being taken care of by a sweet husband}. It was a great mother's day, I only wish I could have spent it with my mom too {I love you!!}, an, of course, not been sick! But we're on the mend {Josiah's got it now!} and have a few new things coming up this week.

The Greats

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:11:00 +0000

The purpose for our trip to Virginia {besides visiting my parents, of course} was to introduce the little guy to my mom's parents, his great-grandparents, also known as Nana and Tata! It was a special experience to have them get to hold their great-grandson, and the smiles were abundant.

Now, these may not be the best quality photographs {I even had to use the dreaded flash!}, but the moments they captured are unforgettable. Although it may not be too uncommon, I think it is a special opportunity for a four-generation reunion. Growing up I was very close to my grandparents, and I'm so thankful my baby gets to meet them.

Just look at that smile, I think everyone was enjoying themselves. I also got a chance to do some sewing, cooking, and visiting without having to worry that the little one needed to be held or was unhappy for any reason. In fact, I was constantly getting offers to hold him for me, even if I didn't need to do anything.

One thing my grandpa was excited to have was a photo of himself with both grandson's, mine and my sister's little boys. And we couldn't resist dressing them in these adorable matching short overalls either...! How cute are they?

I have to say that I consider myself very blessed to have such a wonderful family, and I'm so thankful to have my sweet little guy know and love all his grandparents and some great-grandparents too {and we're making a trip to Washington later this year to spend time with more grandparents and great-grandparents!}. What a wonderful, blissful life we live.

I'm Back {& Winners!}

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:22:00 +0000

I meant to post a picture of the finished bag at the beginning of this post, but I the little one had other ideas, then, throw in a trip to Virginia and I'm officially very behind {but loved every minute!}. My grandparents were visiting from Washington, so I took the baby to meet them. A few days later my sister, her husband, and baby drove up from Florida. We had a wonderful time, and here are a few pictures to prove it!

Now, the info you've been waiting for, the winners of our giveaway. They are:

Desi - send me an e-mail with which pattern from our shop you'd like, and Malerie - send me your mailing address! Congrats!

Extension

jennie@cloverandviolet.com (Jennie) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:13:00 +0000

Hello! We've been really busy with a few exciting things, so as a result, we're extending our Etsyversary Giveaway for one week. So check out the post and enter if you're interested, and check back this time next week for the winners and some fun stuff! Have a great week!