a little bunny

Fair

2011-09-29T08:58:00.002-04:00

As the last of our garden winds down we have been traveling to the fairs. The Common Ground Fair was last weekend and ended up being one of the best times I have had there. The drive wasn't bad and the exhibits and learning booths were perfect for Eliot. He tried his hand at playing the spoons, making fire from a bow and how to make felt balls. I talked to a bunch of rabbit folks to try and decide if I want to make the plunge and get a couple of Angoras.

Jess the Model

2011-09-26T13:05:00.004-04:00

So - I decided to model my Alabama Chanin shirts that I finished. This sort of picture feels a little goofy when I see them of myself but I wanted to do an experiment with my lights to see if I could overpower bright sunlight in the way I wanted to. I tend to use strait on flash to fill in scenes vs light on one side like this. So - kill two birds! So, forgive the gazing into the middle distance 'look' and check out the clothes.

This one was made using the tank top pattern and three thrifted and free tshirts. The orange lining shows through with the reverse applique. I used her stencil, too. With the lining it's a tad small. I'm glad I did this with the lining as a precursor to the dress I am going to start. I plan to size up with the dress.

This is the tunic length top and is unlined. This has applique with lots of beading. I forgot to take a detail shot but trust me it is sparkly. If you click on the picture you can see it a little better. The hand beading took a long time but in the end it was worth it. I get a lot of complements on it when I wear it out.

Mushroom Hunting

2011-09-21T08:58:00.004-04:00

A sure sign of fall around here are the plethora of mushrooms appearing. I visited the woods yesterday for a few minutes alone and wound up taking more than 50 pictures. Every where I turned a new color or type would appear. There were several I had never seen before. Truly amazing colors and saturation. My knees were certainly dirty and a lot of twigs in my hair after this trip!

This is the woods I was walking around in. I was planing to take a long walk but I didn't get more than 100 yards before finding all of these. I was crunching around so loudly I'm sure I scarred off any wildlife that might have been watching.

I have a huge backlog of pictures that I need to post. I have been photographing a lot lately and editing has taken up most of my free time. I'm working on a photography website that I will link to when I am done - probably a while!

A belated update:

2011-09-07T08:50:00.004-04:00

The crazy garden at the peak of its wildness. Lots of herbs, beans and a tomato jungle. I got hit with powdery mildew and lost all of my pumpkins and squash but I still have one that is hanging in there. We have plans to build two more boxes and I want to move the perennial herbs into the yard if our soil tests come back OK. Not to mention the 'great honeysuckle removal project' in preparation for a spring tree planting. Just typing that out makes me hot and tired!

The carrots were really good. They were a tad short and I didn't thin them enough but they tasted, and looked, great.

Eliot likes to pretend he is a bunny and eats the veggies out of the garden. Fine with me!

The calendula I planted is still going strong. I plan to make some soap and bath sachets this winter. I had a mad rush before Irene to pick, dry and otherwise store herbs. The garden is pretty flat right now but at least the tomatoes all survived.

Here is a little craft update while I'm at it. This is the 2nd of the Alabama Chanin shirts I've made. This one is almost done now. I will post some finished products soon. This is two thrifted t-shirts sandwiched with some reverse applique. Next up will be a dress with stencils and some quilting...

Mothering Part 2

2011-09-02T13:31:00.001-04:00

Eliot and I had a chance to make another image together for the 'Mothering' series we started. He was a little bummed he didn't get to jump off the couch again. Let me know what you think!

Off to a long weekend...

Harpswell Vacation

2011-08-25T13:27:00.005-04:00

We had our annual vacation up in Harpswell, ME again this year. We had mostly lovely weather and lots of fun with the kids. It is so nice to get them all together again to spend some unplugged time as a family. Summer light is just the best. We nicknamed this beach 'Sea Glass Beach' while we were there and the other cove as 'Hermit Crab Cove'.

Got to do some family pictures, too! My brother and Eliot (such a ham):

Silly family photo:

Lobster yoga:

Now we are gearing up for the possible hurricane. I am more worried about my tomatoes than anything else!

Cape Cod Vacation

2011-08-18T13:49:00.006-04:00

We went to Cape Cod for our first vacation. We stayed in the house of Kurt Vonnegut in the town of Barnstable, MA. It was a huge, charming old house with fantastic sunsets and nooks and crannies galore. There were books everywhere and a little kids room under the eaves with teeny chairs and games and a teenager attic room with a ping pong table!

We stayed with Kevin's family with lots of people in and out throughout the week. I was only able to stay for a few days but I certainly enjoyed it.

There were even bunnies! I didn't see the fox that a couple of people saw.

Eliot went fishing with his 'Sandwich Grandpa' off the little dock that was at the end of the field. The pond was perfect for kids and fish alike. He caught a fish every time his hook went into the water! What a way to get 'hooked' on fishing.
There was lots of interesting art and various eclectic things around. We read The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. It was a really funny story.

The pond was home to this very brave swan, too. It swam over to the dock every time we were near it. It was fascinating to watch such a huge bird so close.

The sunsets were amazing. They made such beautiful photographs.

Even the little nick nacks around their garden were whimsical.

With summer closing it's doors for this year we will hold this trip close during those cold winter months until we can get together again next year.

First

2011-08-17T11:00:00.007-04:00

I have some serious catching up to do! We are going way back in time for this first post. Back to the Yarmouth Clam Festival. I love this fair. It has a decent craft contingent, good music and rides galore. I dread the day when Eliot wants to go on the big rides but for now I can handle the kiddie rides. Mom's usually get to ride for free if you get a nice carnie. Eliot wasn't too keen on me tagging along this year though.

I get my yearly binge on fried dough. My Mothers birthday usually falls during fair week so that is our treat together.

He rode on this dragon ride alone and was so brave! He has grown a lot more independent in one year.
We watched the parade with some friends we happened to see along the way.

Eliot and one of his best little buddies watched together. She has so much unbridled enthusiasm she gets Eliot really excited - so sweet for my usually somewhat reserved kid.

On the walk back to my Mother's house we were standing by this field watching the clouds of fire flies. The picture doesn't show much for fire flies but I liked the light and openness of it.

I have been doing tons of crafting lately, too. I am onto my 2nd Alabama Chanin project and I just got a Joann's coupon that I think I will use for fabric to make one of the dresses.

My garden is doing amazing things namely by producing gigantic tomatoes. My squash are just about done and my first round of beans did OK. My Hubbard and gourds seem to have some kind of bug so I hope they survive. Not enough to save but lots of plans to relocate and move around and add for next year. I am getting my soil tested this week to find out if we can plant in our soil directly without worry of contamination.

So - more updates ahead! Anything you want to know about that I have forgotten to mention let me know!

More off camera lighting

2011-07-12T10:54:00.003-04:00

More experiments with lighting:

What to do when it's 90 degrees out? Jump on the couch and take lot's of pictures! Some geeky photo notes for those of you who are interested. I was light on the photoshop with these. The results are so great right out of camera with the lights. I've got to get my portable power up and running so I can bring them to the beach!

Shoot through umbrella/ab600

shoot through umbrella/ab600

Oh how he does love his picture taken. He is very easy to direct.

Canon speedlight w/ Gary Fong diffuser.

I figured I could whip out a shot of him with the moon and sky with fill flash in no time. This took me longer than all of the others! I am not as intuitive with my Speedlight as I would like...yet.

ab600/30 degree gridspot

This is direct, hard lighting. Not really a great mode for kid shots but the experiments continue.

lights, camera

2011-07-08T11:31:00.005-04:00

I have been experimenting with my strobes - trying to become proficient at using them. I want to be able to come up with lighting scenarios and execute them without having to noodle through and think too much! It is getting easier every time I use them. I have a very willing participant, too.

Below photo by Kevin with natural lighting.

Updates

2011-06-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

A lot of garden progress this week! It is shooting up like crazy. I had to trim off the top of one of the cages to allow more room for the peas to grow. They need taller stakes, too. In the foreground are my the 3 different types of pole beans, herbs, cucumbers and tomato's. We planted a ton of tomato's this weekend. Hopefully they will recover from being a little leggy.

Tonight I have a meal planned around the broccoli raab that is more than ready to be picked.

Some boat progress was made this weekend, too. We primed her with a white wash and Eliot is working on some water color. I was annoyed at myself for feeling so territorial about this project. I was really worried about him painting it and messing up my vision of the final project. I had to take a deep breath and let it go....

He was so excited about it. Of course, when I first mentioned working on 'our boat' he was a little miffed when I explained we weren't making a real boat with hammers and nails.

I did let him use a hammer (mallet) on this project. We gathered wild flowers from around the yard and hammered them like crazy to make some interesting paper designs on some watercolor paper. That made up for the lack of hardware on the boat.

To Do

2011-06-16T09:15:00.002-04:00

In no particular order I have made a craft project to do list inspired by Leslie at OneGirl's blog . Maybe I'll stick it on the side bar to remind me to get to work instead of playing on the computer!

gravestone rubbings art project

finish baby quilt #3

leaf prints

try out gocco

finish alabama top

make a dress (maybe finish up some I started ages ago??)

finish ann wood boat

make leather purse

make bird bath out of cement

reconstructed t-shirt from a thrifted shirt

finish standing wool rug

finish e-book

*geeky footnote - I have been having some major issues with blogger and IE9. I just switched to Google Chrome and I'm sold. It's fast and no editing issues or comment issues on my blog or others.

Sewing and Baking

2011-06-14T11:23:00.004-04:00

The Alabama Chanin top is going nicely. It took me forever to cut out the stencil but that is done and I have finished tracing it onto the tunic top. It was a little scary to use permanent marker but I took a deep breath and went for it. I'm glad I did because it will be easy to sew over it and not loose my spot looking for disappearing pen marks.
We are in rhubarb season now! Definitely my favorite spring food. I have already made a batch of lemonade and I think today I will have a pie making afternoon with Eliot. These rhubarb are huge! I could use the leaves as an umbrella. I couldn't toss them out after I cut them so they are sitting in the fridge until I think of a project. I want to try some leaf printing but I couldn't find any paper big enough! Might be a little ambitious.

Eliot, Kevin and I went down to the Old Port Festival this weekend. A cold rainy day. I got to wear my new leather hipster jacket that I got at the thrift store. I was worried I wouldn't be able to pull it off but I don't think it looks too conspicuous.

Garden Green

2011-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

The garden is really coming along now. Lot's of veggies sprouting and some are already ready to eat! I will post my garden map when I put it into a more permanent form (not markers and crayons scribbled on construction paper).

I have had 2 salads from this bucket of greens so far. They keep coming! I planted a few squares in the boxes about a week ago to keep it up.

My peas, lettuce, spinach and raab are flourishing. The basil is starting to look like basil and I just saw the little true leaves from the carrots popping up this morning.

There are a lot of blackberry flowers strewn across the honeysuckle. I'm hoping for a bounty in a month or so.

A few more tomatoes and cucumbers and we will be nearly done the planting!

Alabama Chanin

2011-06-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

I have found a new craft/style book that I have been carrying around with me from room to room for the past week. Alabama Studio Style by Natalie Chanin. It is all about hand sewing clothing made from cotton jersey. It is right up my alley. It is slow and has lots of needle work.

I've started making a tunic length camisole top. I was a little nervous about sewing with stretchy fabric but it has been really nice. I couldn't find affordable cotton jersey so I went with 95% cotton 5% spandex interlock. So far so good. I have the front and back finished so the flower details come next! I am anticipating some beading, relief applique and embroidery. It is one of those projects that I can carry around with me and work on from time to time. It goes quite fast for a hand work project.

Mama Flowers

2011-06-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

I love all of the little flowers I am given throughout the day. It does make my day.

Sunny

2011-06-02T15:00:00.001-04:00

The weather has finally turned to summer in our parts. It was a perfect day to sit in the shade of the lilac tree and do some crafting. I am determined to finish this rug soonish! Reading flower books for good measure, too.
The red birds keep coming to the feeder. They are really shy so we all freeze when they arrive. They have taken to feeding each other - very sweet. Hopefully we will see babies.

Some new fabric for a new project. I just can't help myself.

Frog Catching

2011-05-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

We spent our Memorial day at the nearby cemetery/park. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and perfect for frog catching. We did some turtle watching too as the impressive snappers were floating around.
Hoping for a princess perhaps?

The old gravestones are amazing. I couldn't get Eliot into leaf rubbing but maybe I can convince him to do some stone rubbings. I think it could be an impressive art project.

Our makeshift net served us well. All you need is: 1 coat hanger, 1 old laundry bag, one length of embroidery floss (pink), 1 old chair leg, and duck tape as applicable.

A close up garden tour

2011-05-20T12:26:00.006-04:00

Today I will take you on a close up tour of my garden. I will try to get more in a broad lens once it comes together a little bit better. I have been doing a lot of digging between bouts of rain and more rain.

Here are the seedlings that are taking over my sewing table. I am going to try to get the little guys hardened off this weekend and in the ground ASAP. They are getting a little leggy.

The lilac in the backyard is just about to explode into bloom. A few little purple blossoms are peeking out here and there. I can't wait to have cuttings around the house.

We have a LOT of iris growing around the yard. There are several varieties and I hope I can successfully transplant them around as they are taking over most of the perennial border.

These guys are outside - a bin of mescalin greens. They are starting to show their true leaves now.

The rather unsightly cages over our gardening boxes are doing their duty. I think the biggest issue we have had has been neighborhood cats. This weekend we should have the rest covered up and probably 80% planted with more greens. I am trying to decide what to do about pumpkins...I think I am going to dig up an area towards the back of the yard and just let them spread out. I suppose anything to minimize mowing is good!

A break in the gardening has meant finishing up the paper mache on the the boat project. It now has holes for the wheels and mast. It is awaiting its coat of white wash. (header picture) I have been ironing and sorting out scraps from the massive amount of quilt squares I was giving. I haven't figured out what to do with them yet.

This picture goes especially to my friend Heather L. The blackberries are certainly rambling around our yard!

Lastly our tree in the front yard is now fully blooming. After trying to figure out what it is it is most certainly some kind of crab apple. Not terribly exciting but the blooms are beautiful and smell terrific.

So I am off to dig some more and hopefully remember to take some pictures along the way.

Spring Beach

2011-05-12T08:25:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we took care of our niece and got to visit the awesome beach near their home. It was a fun little trip, albeit windy and cool. Can't beat the view from the swing set. I am looking forward to more beach trips soon!

Buttons and Crocus

2011-05-11T07:46:00.002-04:00

The crocus were beautiful this year. I love the purple, green and bright yellow centers together. I now have some purple iris coming up in my garden in full force. Eliot has been harvesting mint about every day. He loves the stuff. I figure a little more green food in his diet can't hurt. We hunted down more tea berry, too. I was hopeful that the new shoots would be better flavored but I didn't find them to be much better. Maybe when the berries appear we can use them for something.

Eliot wanted to sew with me recently so we dug out the trusty buttons, embroidery floss and hoop. He spent a lot of time working on stringing and sewing buttons. He then neatly cuts them all off (the best part) and puts it all away. He doesn't need the sense of a final product the same way I do. I should learn from him and be OK with impermanence.

(My favorite needle case - made by the lovely Jenna.)

Belt and Mouse

2011-05-09T09:45:00.003-04:00

The Easter Bunny showed up at our house with this little guy. She came out a lot more grandmotherly and classy than the country mouse I had envisioned. I guess you never know where things will take you. She was a late night (for me anything past 8:30 is late) sew that came together remarkably well - granted it's a cone with ears ;).

I don't generally post post up pictures of myself but one of my other projects over the winter was weight loss. After 4.5 years I am finally back to my pre-pre-baby weight. Lost 20lbs and 3 pant sizes. Time for another hole in the belt. Our yard is sunny and green now - I am due for a new family portrait at the new house.

Bangor

2011-05-05T13:05:00.002-04:00

We took a trip up to Bangor to visit some of Kevin's family. Kevin's cousin is a fire fighter! Eliot was so excited to have the whole fire house to himself. He even got to climb in a police car and push buttons. What a memory.

First Harvest

2011-05-04T09:22:00.003-04:00

There certainly is a backlog of posting to be done around here. A little spring blog writing along with the flurry of garden and craft activity in our parts. I can't decide if I should start now and work backward so it may be a mixed up catch up week.
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The weather seems like it has turned to spring and we have been spending as much time outside as possible. The light has definitely changed to a warmer hue, especially in the mornings.

I look forward to early weekend mornings getting my hands in the dirt. I will make this 1/4 acre productive! So far we have some perennials coming up from the previous owners including the chives below. Lots of mint is also sprouting up as expected. I planted a largish pot of mescalin greens and tons of seeds have been started. I am anxious to get trees and grape arbors, berries, hazelnuts...

The future garden will be neatly in three 4'x8' boxes. We have most of the gear (chicken wire to keep out pests) etc ready to go. I am ordering compost this week and we will be ready to plant! Most of my energy has been going towards this lately but I have managed to keep a few craft projects at the ready for a moment with clean hands and worn out feet.

Early morning tea outside watching the birds is about the most relaxing thing I can think of to do.

Work, work, work

2011-03-17T09:50:00.000-04:00

This is pretty much what I have been doing with my spare time when I am not in my sewing room. Lot's of books about marketing, video production, SEO optimization, social media for my 'day job'...I find it endlessly fascinating and interesting, thank goodness.

I feel like I walk a fine line between wanting to give up all technology, grow my own food and the like to getting immersed in screen time. It pulls me sometimes in ways that are unsettling or uncomfortable. I am trying to make my peace with it all and find ways to use it for constructive purposes rather than manipulation.

I took this photo while in the car waiting for Kevin to get his coffee. I like how all of the buildings intersect - kind of quiltlike don't you think?

And an exhale with a beach photo.

Walking

2011-03-15T19:13:00.003-04:00

Kevin and I were lucky enough to attend the New England Craft Trade show this past weekend. It was really interesting to see how differently people display and market their goods to larger scale buyers than the usual craft fair folk.

There were a few new items and people I had never seen before, which was nice. It was pretty overwhelming and very hard to compare to what I am doing at home. I came home with a lot of thoughts about the craft industry.

More beach inspiration.

Into the Blue

2011-03-15T11:31:00.004-04:00

I am on the home stretch with the Rock Rug. I have moved into the blue. My mind has been wondering through some possible finishing ideas as far as binding or backing goes. It will be nice to wind this one up and get started on the next one! I have so many ideas, my journal is busting at the seams.

We took a family trip to the blue ocean on Sunday, too. It was so nice to hear the waves. I am itching for spring, like everyone. All along our walk I kept seeing little bits of string and cloth. I am always amazed at what I can find when I am paying attention.

A Little Sewing

2011-03-05T07:14:00.002-05:00

I did a little sewing last week. I hadn't unearthed my sewing machine in a while so when Eliot decided he needed a bag for his rock collecting on the town I was glad to oblige. He picked out the colors, I managed design. I knew I wanted it to go over the shoulder, like a courier bag, and he knew he wanted a zipper. Unfortunately, I put on a zipper and it broke within 30 seconds of use. I ended up adding a flap with a button closure. He seems happy with it so far.

We had a brief reprieve with warmish weather, enough to make some beloved mud. It has since gone back to ice, although I think today may turn it back.

On a side note - I am working on a new website/blog specifically for my rug work. I have talked about the ebook a bit in the past and I would like to start teaching some classes. I didn't really want to use this blog as a place to send people because of the personal nature. So - I am trying to come up with a name. I have a couple that ring pretty well for me so I am putting a little poll on the side bar to get some feedback. Or, comments are always welcome. Thank you!

Snowing and Windfalls

2011-02-25T18:53:00.003-05:00

It is snowing like crazy and the wind is whipping around outside. I am happily and cozily inside thinking about making things.

I have had two windfalls this week. My friend is helping his parents clean out their old farm house and I gave him a few requests if he happened to come across them. And he did. The first is below. It is a perfectly serviceable typewriter. I have been looking for one for years. Eliot thinks it is fantastic.

The other request I had was for any fabric or craft supplies (obviously). He came up with this right off the bat. It is a box full of cut up quilt squares. I think some must have come from old shirts but there is a huge variety. I will probably sort through them and have a give away if anyone is interested.

Inside play has been peaking lately with the cold weather. Trains have come back to the forefront of creativity. The repetition gets to me sometimes but I am getting better at judging my train saturation point and his willingness to accept my sometimes hasty retreat.

Little bits of rug progress is happening here and there. I have lots of strips cut out to finish the blue ocean part of it. I am not sure if I am crazy about the dark blue. I think I will live with it for a little while and see if it grows on me.

I have been playing around with smaller bits of wool scraps trying to work out some new project ideas. Lot's of ideas kicking around right now.

Goodbye Grammie

2011-02-24T08:35:00.003-05:00

My Grandmother passed away last night. A sad day. She lived to a feisty old 91. We were lucky to have her staying close by with my Mother for the last few months and the end was swift if not entirely expected. I am happy that she and Eliot had a chance to spend a lot of quality time together recently.

I made her some Christmas mittens this year. This picture has been sitting in my 'to post' cue for a while. She used to tell me stories about making all of her clothes and she helped me quite a bit whenever I would dig out my sewing machine and schlep it over to my mothers house. She and my Grandfather were quite a dynamic duo - I am glad they are back together.

Getting Inspired

2011-02-14T17:17:00.003-05:00

I am fighting cabin fever by trying to get outside here and there. I didn't take back much of the garden this fall in the flurry of moving in (which according to some gardening books I have been reading is actually a good thing) so I have been admiring the leftover skeletons. I think this could make an interesting quilt design, or wood cut. This is my current basket of strips for the rug. I found two more blue sweaters this past weekend which are disassembled and ready to be cut up too. I have a nice sharp blade ready and waiting.

I put up some of my bits of ephemera that have been cluttering up my desk onto a cork board in my sewing room. I want to make a rug that is a large compass rose. I think they have some great design possibilities.

This is Eliot's basket, which looks a lot like mine. This is a small bit of my scraps that he cuts into small squares and strings for his rug project. It is nice to give him something to work on while I am working. I hope that this looks well enough to make a fairly large rug. I have TON's of scraps!

Bird watching is our usual pastime. It's like yard TV.

2011-02-12T17:18:00.003-05:00

Despite the cold we have been trying to get outside as much as possible. Kevin's broken foot is on the mend. The snow is so dry and hardened on top Eliot can run around on top without sinking. Here he is with the snow shoes he got for Christmas.

I am trying out some new rug warp. It is a heavier linen that I have been using. I will report once I start using.

And, as I have been updating the sidebar with birds visiting our feeder, I am not sure if you noticed a more unusual visitor. A Red Tailed Hawk has been hanging out in the tall trees around our house. I was adding birdseed about two weeks ago when I noticed red spots on the snow. I though maybe a squirrel had injured itself on the wire that we have the bird feeder hanging from. I didn't think much about it until I was up in my sewing room that overlooks the backyard when all of a sudden the hawk comes diving out of the sky and nearly catches a squirrel dashing for the bushes. We have noticed a major decline in our squirrel population.

Today we saw it in the giant pine in our neighbors yard and I managed to get a few shots as it flew off and was chased by a crow.

Ease In

2011-02-02T13:11:00.004-05:00

I am trying to ease back into my blogging habit. I have been easing back into my crafting habit. I picked back up where I left off on the rock rug (I think it will be the Crescent Beach Rug once it is done). I have my big table facing towards the back yard so I can watch the snow and birds. I am motivated to get this one done. I'm aiming for the end of February to have it completed.
I went to a fabric sale at a church a few days ago. I picked up some fantastic fabric for a steal. I think they will be used in the next quilt I have in mind.

Another project in the works. I love the boats of Ann Wood so I thought I would make one for Eliot with my own creative touches. Here is the start. I have a feeling this project will keep being pushed to the side but it is fun to think about none the less.

So - I will try not to disappear for so long again. I have lots of pictures of the past few months to catch up on.

Little Stitches and Little Surprises

2010-11-08T13:55:00.006-05:00

Here is an updated progress on the little gift I am working on. Lot's of little stitches I have done. Lot's of little stitches to go. Along the way with this one I have another idea that should be in the works soon for another little one. So many little ones right now. I have more than one past due present that I haven't started yet!

A newish member to the tank. Actually there are two but this one is the feisty one. Two Gold Gouramis. They beg like dogs for food whenever you walk by. Kind of charming for a fish.

The last of the flowers are gone from the garden. Especially after the wild wind we had last night! I was so happy to see these blooming in our garden this fall. It was a nice little surprise, and they make such long lasting cut flowers! Having flowers in the house has been wonderful. I hadn't really thought about having a cut flower bed but I have been rehashing garden plans to include one.

Another Catch Up

2010-11-04T11:04:00.003-04:00

It has been a while! We are still settling and enjoying our new space. I have been working on some projects again as I get my studio in order. I plan on taking a few snaps this weekend to show you what I have been up to. There are a lot of garden plans and chicken research that has been rattling around in my head for spring. For now a few catch up pictures:

Under the bridge at Cousins Island.
My Halloween lion and Kevin's fabulous pumpkin carving.

A little fall foraging. Eliot and I found some tea berry in the woods and made some tea. It doesn't taste like much, even after steeping for 10 minutes. It has a very mild minty flavor. I will try to find some this spring now that I know where to look to see if new shoots taste any better.

The birthday boy at 4 years old!

He was so excited about his balloons. He has a big fixation with them right now. He won't let me get rid of the deflated ones even after a month. This is a peek into his new room, too. I plan to take down the wall paper and spruce it up a bit at some point. He likes it right now so I figure it gives me time to plan.

October Update

2010-10-19T13:10:00.002-04:00

It has been one BUSY month around here. We are still settling in with lots of visitors and Eliot's 4th birthday done and mine coming up. My father was in town for two weeks so we did a lot of site seeing and enjoying the countryside.

We took a lovely drive through the White Mountains.

Saw the geese flying south for the winter.

And have been celebrating the fall by tossing leaves into the sky. I am not sure when I will be updating again but I hope to get Internet at home in the next few weeks. I am nearly done with the feather quilt

Take Two

2010-09-27T11:51:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we took a trip up to Boothbay to visit the Maine State Aquarium for the 2nd time. We made sure it was actually open this time! Eliot loved it. He was enamored with the shark touch tank. There was a Cat Shark and Spiny Dogfish. He touched and pet the sharks then took a spin around, then came back on and off for 2 hours. He wanted to jump in and swim with the sharks. He was certainly more brave than most of the adults there.

They have a very active volunteer program that involves kids starting at about 5-6 along with a parent. If Eliot keeps interested in under sea creatures I think it would be a place to learn.

Getting Settled

2010-09-23T12:11:00.005-04:00

We are slowly settling into the new house. Day by day we are unpacking more boxes and finding spots for all of our things. I am sure it will be rearranged 100 times but that is fine by me. We aren't going anywhere for a while!

I feel lucky we were able to find a balance between my need for outdoor space and Kevin's need to be on a bus line or bikable route (he doesn't drive). We have about a quarter of an acre of South facing yard with access to tons of trails and yet only a few miles from downtown Portland.

It is an old house that was clearly loved and taken care of. The former owner was a cabinet maker so it has lots of tasteful updates and creative uses of space. We are quickly filling it up. Thankfully, we don't have much work to do to it either. I am looking forward to turning the yard into a productive little urban homestead. I am sure this blog will end up being a diary of the transformation.

Weekend

2010-08-29T11:55:00.005-04:00

Here's to bread baking in the oven and fresh veggies in the belly. It has been a week of weeks around here. The weather has been amazing as the summer is winding down. Eliot and Kevin start back to school this week and we are closing on a new house on Tuesday if all goes as planned! I can't wait to share pictures and get settled.

In the mean time we are packing up and closing down shop here in our apartment. I suspect blogging will be slow over the next week and until we get Internet hooked up at our new residence. Wish us luck!

The quality of light is changing rapidly around here. The leaves have begun to change over, too.
We have had such perfect summer weather this year I can't feel too badly about fall approaching. Feels like our lives are changing along with the season.

Slow Cloth

2010-08-17T09:48:00.004-04:00

I have been slowly working on the rock rug this week. It is coming together smoothly but slowly, piece by piece. I usually carry it around in a basket to bring here and there to work on it but it is finally outgrown it. I am happy with how the blanket has turned into 'sand' - there are some minor color variations that have given the white sections more depth. As we feel fall slowly approaching around here (some trees have already turned!) I will keep slowly working on this.

The feather project is coming along too - I worked on it a lot last weekend. I will take some pictures soon to share.

And of course - Happy Birthday to my crazy Husband.

A Brief Catch-Up

2010-08-13T09:30:00.004-04:00

A quick catch up from our week. We visited Grey Animal Farm and were surprised to find that a Pow Wow was happening. There were lots of talented singers, drummers and dancers.

Eliot is a budding gardener. Or at least he doesn't mind getting dirty.

My niece's baptism was in a beautiful church in MA.

And turtles from the animal farm, all lined up on a log.

I am having some issues with my pictures uploading very grainy to blogger the past month or so. These pictures are really very crisp and nice - very annoying. I haven't figured out how to solve the problem yet but if anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear it.

*ahh much better...you have to tweak the html a bit to remove the resizing done by Picassa Web. If any wants more details or how to let me know.

Sumac Lemonade

2010-08-06T08:42:00.001-04:00

Eliot and I collected a bunch of Sumac and made Sumac Lemonade out of it. It was really good!
It would make great Popsicles, too.

Basic recipe:

10-12 heads of Sumac berries, either Staghorn (we used) or Smooth variety with RED berries. The white are poisonous.
2-3 quarts of water.
Let soak for 20 minutes in cool water. Do not rinse first or you will loose all of the flavor. I had read somewhere of people soaking them for a lot longer, I might try that next time to taste the difference.
Strain through cheese cloth to remove any fibers or bugs.
Sweeten to taste.
Enjoy over ice.

Vacation II

2010-08-03T08:47:00.003-04:00

More vacation pictures....

The sunsets were so beautiful they lit up even the simplest things and turned them into photographic subjects.

Crafting with the kids. It was so rewarding to pass on the rug making techniques I have been working on to an enthusiastic listener. I am putting together a little kit for her and her mom to work on.

Can't beat this location for making things.

The kids did so well over the week. This sums up the energy and excitement of it all.

Wrapping up the week with a fire on the beach and as many s'mores as you could eat.

Vacation

2010-08-01T15:50:00.004-04:00

We are back from our vacation. It was a wonderful, relaxing electronic free week. I will be posting some pictures over the next few days.

We were in Harpswell, Maine on the tip of a point with a sandy beach on one side and working docks on the other. There were hermit crabs galore and it was dripping with sea glass.
We had a belated birthday celebration for my mother after our big lobster feast.

Everyone 'helping' the kids open (and eat) their lobsters.

Eliot has his first trip in a kayak. We had an old dog named Lacey who tagged along with us all week. She was very sweet and loved the kids. She ended up being a great babysitter.

Summer

2010-07-22T08:16:00.003-04:00

It sounds like everyone around the country is hot and we are no exception up here in the northern Atlantic. The heat doesn't bother Eliot one bit. He drinks water like a trooper and flies around on his bike. We were given the bike and found the training wheels and helmet for under 5$ together! Can't beat that.

My Mother's lily's are out and beautiful this year. I hope they last in the hot weather.

I am going on vacation next week up to a cottage on the ocean. I think I will take a computer/technology break that week. I am aiming to make some major headway on my feather quilt and the wool rug and lots of headway on doing nothing. Enjoy your week!

Rocks

2010-07-21T08:24:00.002-04:00

The only evidence we have of our trip to the beach last weekend. Another circle rock and a very sandy floor.

I have been putting the rocks for the rug out on the floor to try and find an arrangement I like. The wool blanket has been cut up and I am trying to decide how I want to piece the sand together. I certainly need a bigger craft table - I am aiming for the final size of about 4X5 feet.

Necessity Crafting

2010-07-20T09:21:00.001-04:00

Some very quick, makeshift curtains were made this week. The sun coming into the apartment has been pretty intense and I have been pretty lazy about curtains. But, as luck would have it, Kevin and I had a date night and checked out the new Mardens. Mardens is a salvage shop that we frequent for great deals. They just took over an old WalMart store and it was amazingly overwhelming. I was giddy over their fabric department. Everything including organic cotton, Joel Dewbury fabrics and other tons of good stuff for 3$ a yard. I am never going to Jo Ann's again!

The fruit of that trip was some new curtains. I really didn't intentionally want the fabric for that purpose but they will do for now and I can always take them down later and make something else with it. Plus it is nice to have fabric I like on display.

That new/old lamp I found recently in the basement of my work place.

Progress

2010-07-18T15:50:00.006-04:00

This was a good day for rug progress. I found this wool blanket at the thrift store in the perfect off white color for the sand in between the beach rocks for the rug. I washed it and am going to start cutting out strips.

Throughout the process of this rug I have been going back to my first drawings of the idea. I always refer to my journals to remind me where I am going. Ideas always change during the process but I like keeping a record while I move along. The journal helps me keep my ideas all in one place. I have never been particularly good at drawing but I can always recall the image in my mind when I look at my rudimentary sketches.

Old to New

2010-07-11T17:57:00.003-04:00

I pulled out my trusty wool sweater bag for my newest project. I probably look a little crazy considering it has been in the 80's everyday for the last week but I can't help myself. It holds everything in a nice neat package for an on the go project.

I am working on a little something for someone - a little vague but I don't want the secret out yet. I am working with my pile of vintage fabrics and linen that has come from clothes that I have worn out. Everything has been washed so many times it has a great soft feel to it.

The overall motif is feathers. Along with rocks, feathers are another object I tend to pick up and philosophise about. Changing gears from sewing wool to embroidering linen, has been a nice way to rest my wrists. Plus, embroidery lends it self to fine details in a different way than rolling up wool.

My inspiration for the feathers has come from here. Her talent is amazing.

Camping at the River

2010-07-02T08:11:00.001-04:00

We had our first camping trip with Eliot last weekend. It was a lot of fun - if not a little more crowded than we would have liked. I think we are going to try for a more rural state park next time. The river view and beach here was amazing with slow running water and rainbow trout swiming all over the place. We all had a great time exploring and wading around.

Marshmallows of course!

There was a really retro slide there too. I haven't seen a metal slide since I was in grade school. There were all kinds of old giant metal playground items. I can't believe more of us didn't come away with head traumas from these things.

I couldn't resist bringing the ttv camera.

Beach Rug

2010-06-29T18:36:00.002-04:00

I am working on a new rug. I have given the other beaded wool rug a rest until I decide how I want to put it together. This new rug idea came from my attraction to rocks with rings around them. Living by the ocean, I have amassed a collection. I like how rocks become arranged at the beach between the tide and the soft sand and then slope up to the dunes. Kevin has also painted several scenes of river stones that are around our house and, no doubt, were an influence as well.

This technique is called standing wool. It allows for more free shapes and pictoral patterns. I am really enjoying the process of putting this one together.

I have also started working on an ebook about this and the beaded wool rug techniques. It will be full of pictures and detailed instructions. If anyone is interested in trading editing for a copy let me know!

Beach Baby

2010-06-25T11:07:00.002-04:00

Our little nude dude. It was such a nice golden late afternoon the last time we went to the beach Eliot had to go for a swim. My friend and I went hunting for Elder Flowers but I wasn't quite right in my identification. I still haven't figured out what they are.

TTV

2010-06-23T10:04:00.000-04:00

Experimenting with the Duaflex:

Solo Day

2010-06-22T07:53:00.002-04:00

I had a welcome Solo day to myself. Eliot was with Grandma and Kevin was helping his brother move. I realized I hadn't been spending ANY time alone. I really needed it. A lot. I am going to have to work some more solo time into my schedule on a more regular basis. I had a lot of time just to sit and think and work through some projects.

I did a lot of dehydrating of flat 'breads' for this week for lunch. I also made an awesome rhubarb lemonade suggested in my comments last week. Thank you so much - it came out great. I think I would sub all the sugar with honey next time.

I also started sewing a new summery dress.

Yumm...I think I was influenced to pick out the above fabric by the lemonade color.

Yard Sale Gold

2010-06-20T15:51:00.006-04:00

I went yardsaleing this weekend and found a couple of fun things. More vintage buttons to add to the collection. All I could think about was how I need to learn to knit so I can use these in greater numbers.

I also found a Kodak Duaflex camera. I was pretty excited about this one. I have been occasionally scanning ebay and crag's list for one then it appeared at a yard sale. I had a great conversation with the man selling it about what I was going to do with it. I hope he keeps the other one.

Basically, these cameras have glass at the top for previewing the image. You can photograph the top glass with your digital camera and get an interesting image. I had to make a contraption out of cardboard to keep the reflections to a minimum - so if I go outside with it I will probably get some looks. It reminds me of the Holga's and other toy cameras I used to use but this time no film! People on flicker an the web are calling this 'Through the Viewfinder".

week(s) in review

2010-06-17T16:04:00.007-04:00

A catch-up post. In no particular order - you will notice he got his hair cut somewhere in the middle of these...

Because we haven't had a picture together in a while.

Putting our toes in at the beach.

Helping with baby Sasha.

Eating rhubarb pie...still some rhubarb left but I am not sure what to do with it. I made a crisp that came out well but I am trying to think of something a little more unusual. Any suggestions?

Misty water at Crescent beach.

Trying to find Northern Fly Honeysuckle with no luck. It is supposed to be a good blueberry substitute.

With Grandpa G in MA.

First time fishing! He was so excited and serious about it. I can't wait to go again.

New toy.
New dance.

And a tired out beach kid.

Enjoying Spring

2010-06-09T18:43:00.002-04:00

We have been enjoying the nice spring weather around here. The flowers are really going and everything is so nice and green. Eliot is learning how to ride a bike with training wheels and I am trying to figure out how to make good looking leaf prints. I tried using gauche but clearly that is not going to be the medium of choice.

I found a stash of balloons that I wanted to get rid of. So, instead of having them hanging around the house for days upon days filled with air, why not have a water balloon extravaganza?
They lasted just long enough and were thoroughly popped and tossed and out of my junk drawer in under an hour.

So Long Dear Friend

2010-05-30T20:33:00.002-04:00

My old bunny Dexter passed away last week. I haven't really felt like posting much since then. The start of my blog (the original and then leading to this) started at just about the same time I found him - hence the name. So many of my posts have been written with him running around my feet. We are all very sad.

He has seen me through a lot of life changes over the last 8 years. I found him at a scrappy yard sale when he was about a year old and I was planning on giving him to a shelter when I fell in love and he fell in love with my roommates cat. He used to have free reign of my room in every apartment I had while he was with me.

Eliot learned how to stand using his cage for leverage. Eliot's first word was "Dexter".

He spent a lot of time running around under the tables and tickling feet. We had regular bunny hunts and bunny round ups. It would get pretty comical at times. Even in his last days he could out run us.

This was a pre-Eliot picture I found where he had just figured out he could climb into the box spring of my bed. That lead to all kinds of reconfiguring of my room. He was a determined little fellow.

Eliot was the the only other person Dexter would let put a hand in his cage to feed him. They have always been good buddies. Eliot has been asking for him quite a lot. Explaining death and dying has been a hard thing to do.

We will miss you old friend.

The Bottom of the Basket

2010-05-20T08:29:00.001-04:00

I can see the bottom of the basket! This means my 2nd rug is almost done. The rounds are nearly completed and next will be the assembly. I was hoping to get it done last weekend but I am aiming for the end of the week. This one took a little longer but it is also a bit bigger. The prospect of finishing a project is uplifting.

I found a few more sweaters at the thrift store last week including this lovely cashmere sweater for 2$. They usually mark them up pretty significantly but I got lucky this time. Now I have to decide what to do with it...it is too soft and pretty for a rug.

Sewing a Blouse

2010-05-19T08:29:00.001-04:00

This is the blouse I am working on. It is coming together pretty easily but I need some advice about the front placket. I am going to take it over to my Mothers house for some advice. The fabric is a tad light but I think with a camisole underneath it will be fine.

I like the gathers at the seams and the box pleats. It makes it so easy not to make any mistakes! It is nice to get back into a sewing groove again.

A Trip to the Sea

2010-05-18T07:52:00.000-04:00

We are starting to take advantage of our state parks pass already. With our failed trip to the aquarium under our belt we took a trip to Two Lights state park to see some tide pools. We didn't find much this trip except tourists getting insanely close to the water (think extremely rocky and big waves) with flip flops, toddler and dog in tow. We were taking bets as to who was going to have to rescue them. Eliot got an earful about water safety.

On a more relaxing note it is beautiful to sit and watch the waves go in and out into the tide pools with the rhythm of the tide.

Ice cream is always the best way to end an afternoon exploring the seaside.

Beautiful Rugs

2010-05-16T20:43:00.003-04:00

Eliot, my mother and I all went for a trip up to Boothbay Harbor this weekend that didn't exactly pan out as planned. We were headed for the Maine State Aquarium which turned out to be closed. It was a lengthy trip of about an hour and I felt so bad about it! I misread the website, but we made the best of it. Thankfully Eliot didn't really know what he was missing. Although, he is still talking about the shark touch tank even though he hasn't seen it yet.

We drove back through Wiscasset and found this interesting rug shop. The owner is extremely knowledgeable about antique rugs and had no problem with Eliot exploring the place and driving his cars along all of the 'roads'.

Exploring

2010-05-11T17:33:00.002-04:00

It is a good night. Chicken on the grill, artichokes steaming and an occupied child. We have been exploring new out door spots and came across a large group of lady slippers. I haven't seen one in a long time. I also found a large group of wild blueberries that we can hopefully find again later this summer.

When I go out foraging I usually have two books in tow. I take the Audubon guide to do my initial look up and then try to find it using the flower name in the Peterson's Guide to Edible Wild Plants. So far that has been the best book for the job. It is very thorough and has many categories for looking up plants like habitat and season.

Catching Up

2010-05-07T18:23:00.002-04:00

Well...so much for keeping up with my posts! Here are some catch up pictures.

A few new(ish) tank citizens.

Eliot looking out at the ocean, checking out the Lobstermen.

Eliot's new little cousin Sasha. He is enamored! He talks about her everyday and tells us about all of the things he is going to teach her like how to lift heavy things and how to talk. He is now daily asking me for a little sister.

Standing up for our friends.

Blogging Bus

2010-04-28T20:27:00.004-04:00

We have been keeping busy being outdoors this past week. The weather has been cooperating pretty well. Eliot is almost done with preschool for the summer - I am curious to see if he will miss it or not. We have been getting creative around here, too. Kevin has started carving again and I have a new rug idea I am working out.

Here is a start of that. This is about the width of my hand. I am thinking about doing something a little more free form once I finish the other beaded wool rug.

I picked out my top 5 favorite patterns from my haul and decided on this shirt as my first attempt. The instructions are clear and it was already cut out. I'm winging it as far as size goes and just following the pattern exactly. I've cut out the fabric in a lightweight, dark blue gingham. I've never made a shirt before so we will see what happens...

Eliot, Kevin and I took a drive down to Camp Ellis last weekend and had a nice time roaming around on the beach and 'fishing' off of a small dock.

I took lots of blurry seagull pictures. They were following Eliot around because he was eating an apple - he thought it was about the greatest show ever.

I am trying to get a little more proactive about my postings again. Back on the blogging bus.

Our Week

2010-04-18T15:49:00.002-04:00

Some rain some shine. Enjoying the water drops on all of the new green things coming up.

Enjoying the pink trees that make it look like it is snowing.

Drawing when it rains and emptying out all of the colors to choose just the right one.

Looking for wildlife. We heard a beaver slapping it's tail while this busy chickadee was carving out a home in a log. I had my camera at 640th of a second and it was still a little blurred! They fly fast.
Blue steel.

301!

2010-04-06T18:45:00.005-04:00

I just noticed that the last post I did was my 300th - pretty cool. I didn't realize I had that much to say! Our weekend was really beautiful. Spring is really upon us with grass turning green and leaves unfurling. I try to be in tune with the seasons and appreciate them all but I am glad to see winter gone. Granted, we could still get a snow storm so I shouldn't speak too loudly.

We all spent the weekend outside as much as possible, the weather was perfect, and the black flies aren't out yet. Eliot had a fun Easter with an insect identification guide in his basket that we have been putting to good use. Namely, to the huge spider that fell out of my hair while doing dishes. I was much calmer than I expected myself to be.

Watching the river grass grow - I have another foraging book on the way that I can't wait to get my hands on. Time to find some good wild goodies!

Easter and Organizing

2010-04-04T09:32:00.002-04:00

This is my modest little craft space. I will post a bigger view so that I can use it as a 'before' picture. I am trying to reorganize and make it a little more useful. My bins of fabric are stored under an alcove beneath the stairs and the remainder in Eliot's closet. I have big plans...

Rug two in the works. The next one I have in mind is quite different but using the same techniques. I can't wait to finish this one get started!

This is a little better image of the craft spot. It is tucked into the corner of the living room/playroom/everything room and I use the side of what used to be a fireplace mantel for my sharp things. Eliot is always eager when I turn on the sewing machine.

Rug Part 2 and the View

2010-03-29T16:14:00.002-04:00

It was so clear this weekend that we could see all the way to Mt. Washington (I'm pretty sure anyway). This is the first time I have ever seen it from here. It was pretty amazing.

Here is my 2nd attempt at rug photos. Much better I think. I have about 15 or so rounds done on rug 2 now, too!

New Projects

2010-03-24T16:28:00.002-04:00

I tried to get a few pictures of the new fish in the tank but the are really speedy. They are albino Corey Cats.

I have been busy cutting fabric strips for the new rug I am working on. I am doing it a little more methodically this time to get a better sense of time and method. This one is going to be more subdued in color. Tan, white and brown with a deep wine red - I have a feeling it will be a little bigger, too.

I have this fun pom pom trim to do something fun for me for spring and some linen for another project using up rug scraps. I'm feeling motivated by spring and light!

Scrap Buster

2010-03-22T17:29:00.002-04:00

Now that we have more light at the end of the day I have been peering into my doll house with a photographer's eye again. Eliot has been playing with it more, too. I had to take and put away most of the delicate furniture but he is enjoying putting his figurines and cars in there.

I found this treasure way back when I found that haul of vintage patterns. The Weave-It was in one of the smaller notions boxes. I wasn't sure what I would do with it but I have been interested in weaving in general for a long time. I liked making those pot holders when I was a kid so I figured I would think up a way to use it at some point.

I decided to warp it (didn't follow any directions) to see what would happen if I wove some of the wool scraps from my rug projects. It was a little tricky with this device but I think there is potential for an offshoot project with my little scraps. The wool wove in nice and tight and I think with a proper tool to push the pieces down it could be another interesting rug.

I have a fairly large frame that used to have canvas on it back from my art school days that I think I am going to turn into a simple loom. Isn't it amazing how new ideas come so rapidly when you start working on a new project?

Curtain

2010-03-19T21:00:00.002-04:00

I made a new half curtain for the window in our hallway. It is a long, narrow hallway that is an L shape from Eliot's bedroom to ours. We have two buildings directly to the back so it has been lacking in privacy for a while. The light shining through the yellow makes a pleasant little corner.

Our week

2010-03-18T20:18:00.003-04:00

The reveal.

I have been trying to get a better picture of the finished rug for days. Either it is being used as a lily pad for the little frog in my house or the lighting is bad. I really like it. It is soft and squishy under foot and brightens up any corner I put it in. I can't wait to make more!

This is basically what we have been up to for a week and a half. Eliot and Kevin have been really sick and I'm trying my best to fend it off - a loosing battle I have a feeling. Between sleepless nights with everyone up coughing and sleeping all around the house, to Eliot's first course of antibiotics our house is in shambles and we are all tired.

But, on a very nice note, the weather is awesome. It was about 60 today and sunny - I went out with Eliot in the yard and did a half hazard raking up of the leaves and he put as many bugs as he could find into his bug box. I also got a few more fish for the tank. I edited several more pictures so I should have more posts up in the few days, too.

Springing

2010-03-07T18:28:00.002-05:00

Spring is rearing it's head a little early around here. It was t-shirt weather today! Awesome. Eliot was geared up so he wouldn't 'bump his head' while he was playing.

Little buds are popping. And...I finished the rug! I will post pictures soon.

Updates and outdoors

2010-03-03T16:16:00.003-05:00

The fish tank is moving along. It has the driftwood in it and the fish seem to love it. I had to fashion some weights with gravel stuffed inside some old paisley tights to hold them down. I am building up a hill on the right side but I didn't have enough of the good gravel to cover it. So, back to the fish store I go.

We took another trip over to the Audubon this weekend. Eliot had a blast climbing over the huge logs that had fallen down with all of the wind we have had. I had fun taking pictures without mittens on for a change. We have had some warm weather. I am happy with it! I'm planning on a rug session later tonight if I can get Eliot to bed and curl up in front of Hulu - so much for not having a TV.

kitchen haiku

2010-02-26T18:23:00.002-05:00

I started another project that I called Kitchen Haiku. I was trying to think up and idea to keep myself interested in doing the dishes. I really don't like doing the dishes. I was writing down haiku's to go with some photographs- I figured if i could make a photo project out of it maybe I would enjoy it a little bit more. Not much success yet but I do like how the pictures have come out. Working in black and white is a good change. I will probably start posting the pictures here every once in a while.

rug wip and a fleet

2010-02-24T15:43:00.003-05:00

Ahh it's nice to be here again. We all have been busy doing our normal life things, like junk mail fleets. Eliot and I came home today and got right into our pj's and are having a good lounge. He even helped me with my slippers - what a guy.

I am just about done with the rug. I decided to leave it a little smaller than my original plan of 4'X5' but it will be about 3' across when it is totally assembled. This is about 40 rounds. I am going to start tying off the loose ends tonight and maybe even start sewing the rounds together!

It will be a little less wonky shaped when it is done. It will be more hexagonal with some little filled in spots. I already have a lot of ideas for my next one!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T10:22:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy week! Sorry for the lack of posting. When work gets busy it pretty much drains my evening energy. February always is a tired month for me too. But, hopefully, we have passed the apex of winter and will be slowly working our way towards spring. We have had no snow for several weeks while the rest of the country is getting slammed. It's cold but sunny.

Eliot and I went to the beach yesterday and wandered around on mudflats. we actually found a live clam and nearly froze my fingers trying to get it out of the mud to show him. An unexpected bonus of the trip was finding some great driftwood for the fish tank. I only wish I had a saw with me! And we have some fish now! Granted, they are cycling fish, so I hope they make it through these next few weeks - but it is nice to see them swimming around.

I'll try to post more this week...I am working on a tutorial for the rug, too.

memorable quotes

2010-01-30T10:38:00.003-05:00

Before I forget to write them down:

In waking up this morning.. "Mom, what is thunder? I mean, what does thunder actually do?".

"You are the best Mom I ever made." Melt my heart!

"I'm not eating it! I'm just licking it!" In reference to play dough.

a boy and his bunny

2010-01-26T18:36:00.002-05:00

Who said a boy needs a dog? They are good buds. Eliot loves to sneak him out of his cage and run to tell me Dexter got out. When Dexter goes down the back hall way we have exciting bunny hunts and try to sneak up on him. Those big ears give us away every time.

Eliot picks out stories and we read to the bunny when he is running around. He always comes over and listens. Eliot tells him all about his days and adventures. Dexter is a good listener.

weekending

2010-01-24T14:37:00.002-05:00

It has been a mellow weekend so far. I have been gung-ho about finishing projects and I was able to scratch a couple off the list. I matted, framed and hung this print that I have had for many months. I found the wooden frame (about 5' X 4') at a yard sale last summer and I was planning to use it as a magnet board for Eliot. That didn't happen so it has been relocating around the house in various forms since. But, no longer! It is now hanging in the dining room where I think it is going to stay.

I received my piece of wood I ordered for the fish tank. It seems a little odd to order wood but it is extremely heavy and will look really cool once I get it in there. It needs to soak for about 2 weeks to leach out all of the tannins. I am so close to getting the plants in it!

And, of course, I have been busily working on my rug. I have 20 rounds made so far. I think I am going to need about ~60 more to make a rug the size I want...about 4 or 5 feet across. I would say about 5 more and I would have enough for a circular mat. I am thinking about selling these in my very empty Etsy shop. I am trying to work out pricing. That is always the tricky part.

Wintery Beach

2010-01-20T19:55:00.002-05:00

Before we got all of the snow we have now, it has been snowing for 4 days, we had one really warm day. It was in the 40's with no wind and lots of snow. And, what do you do in Maine when it hits 40? Go to the beach! Eliot has been talking about the beach a lot lately and I have been missing the waves, so we took a family trip to Willard Beach. We ran and dug and played for a good long time. It felt good to be outside after so many frigid days stuck indoors.

Even found some interesting 'art' under the playground.

For the Grandparents

2010-01-18T20:00:00.002-05:00

We had a surprise snowstorm today. I heard word of 3-5 inches and we woke up with about 10" that turned into a solid foot throughout the day. We managed to convince Eliot, who keeps looking out the window and saying "I miss spring.", to go outside and play. He ended up enjoying himself quite a bit. He tromped through the snow for a good hour while Kevin and I dug out my car - snow up to my windows from the plows - and re-parked for the snow ban.

Whenever someone would walk by he would fall over into the snowbank and make a big deal about pretending to be stuck. It's a great way to meet your neighbors.

Beaded Wool Rug

2010-01-13T18:25:00.002-05:00

The beaded wool rug is starting to slowly come to life. I have been busily cutting up scraps and sweaters that I have had hanging around. It was exciting to have these little rounds come together exactly how I imagined. I love when an idea becomes reality - and then actually works.

I have been learning a lot as I go along, such as, using sweater wool is a lot easier than densely felted fabric. It is a little scary wielding a 6 inch needle so I filed it down. It was a challenge to actually find a 6 inch needle. If you are interested, they have them in the drapery section of craft stores. I am really disappointed in the book I mentioned as far as instructions and clarity go. There is a wide open market for a new one! It was a good starting point but the images are so blurry it is hard to tell what is going on.

So far I have 7 rounds completed with many more to go to make the full rug I envision. I'll keep you posted.

Happy New Year

2010-01-10T07:14:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! We are all getting back to our daily routines now that the holidays are over. We had a nice Christmas at my mother's house with Great Grandma and 'regular' Grandma. We were lucky to see Kevin's family several times through the holidays as well. Eliot is enjoying his new toys and I am still trying to figure out how to rearrange things.

This was the tree at our house Christmas morning. Eliot did his stocking here and then we packed everything up and brought it to Gram's. Unfortunately, he was really sick that day but managed to pull through. Christmas eve, when I was putting him to bed, he kept telling me he didn't want Santa to come, and to make sure the doors and windows were locked. I think the reality that Santa was actually going to come to his house really freaked him out. He was really into the Polar Express this year, too. Now he vacillates between being upset that he is going to miss it and worried that it is actually going to show up.

We have been drinking a lot of hot chocolate lately, too. With the highs in the teens this weekend we will probably drink several more rounds. Time to make some more marshmallows!

Eliot loves reading his new Dahlov Ipcar book, Hardscrabble Harvest. She is an awesome children's writer/illustrator local to Maine. She is in her 90's now and still writing and painting. Check her out if you haven't seen her work. They are so well done and pleasant to read aloud.

The fish tank is up off the ground and clean. It took me a while to get the stand painted, but it's in the house and ready. I just ordered the hardware and substrate. I am looking for some interesting bog wood and stones for it, too. Then the fun part - plants and fish!

I made a new year's resolution/goals list this week, too. It was made in a free form spirit but I thought I should put it here for reference as I ease into 2010:

Be in a craft fair.
Have a photography show.
Make a rug.
Work on a photography website.
Make cheese.
Make wine.
Send Christmas letters.
Work on Christmas all year.
Balsam Pillows.
Keep working on species identification/nature journaling.
Keep working on home school ideas.
Leaf printing on fabric.
Wooden blocks from natural (bark on) wood.
Leaf printing in general, ferns, etc.
Sew from the vintage patterns.
Make coasters.
Fabric mural on Eliot's wall.
Develop fish tank.
Finish Alphabet quilt.

recap

2009-12-22T19:00:00.002-05:00

A brief catch up of our last week or so...

Marshmallows...

The weird ornaments I promised...

Fabric wreath finished...
I have been working on a gag calendar for my boss at work. I took head shots of everyone and have been turning them into classic paintings. Luckily, I work with my mother, so I made her into the Girl with the Pearl Earring. She will kill me if she knows I posted this (Pam!).

And me as Frida. I re-did mine as Nefretiti because no one knew this painting. I'll share the other one soon. Kevin didn't know who I was in this one! He said "who is that guy?". Hum...

sequins and stockings

2009-12-14T20:48:00.003-05:00

This is our Maine themed advent calendar. Eliot has been getting different rubber stamps each day so far with a few marshmallows mixed in. We made our own marshmallows this weekend flavored with vanilla beans..yum! Next will be peppermint. I am experimenting with some flavored sugars.

Eliot's Christmas stocking is now hanging up on our mantle where there used to be a fireplace and now is a radiator- close enough, ay? We got our tree up this weekend and it smells so good. We decorated it with the cast offs and childhood ornaments of my youth. Some are pretty funny, ie Santa in a track suit. I will have to share some photos.

I am trying to find ways to incorporate sequins into everything. I may have to make myself a sequin winter hat.

shes got legs

2009-12-10T20:18:00.002-05:00

If I have to live through a Maine winter I might as well do it in style. Really, it's because it feels like I am wearing pj's all day. Heavy leggings with full leg length wool legwarmers are my new uniform under a cute skirt and boots. It is warm and comfy, highly recommended. This is the best sock site I have found.

This Christmas craft I haven't quite decided if I like or not. I made this from a Martha Stewart recipe and templates. I like the shape of the birds but not the texture of the dough. I am going to try lightly sanding them and then adding glitter. I think they may stay on our tree instead of being given as gifts. I may try this again with salt dough and see if it comes out any better. Or, maybe with a mod-podged mixed media look? It has potential.

Rainbow

2009-12-09T14:37:00.002-05:00

We took a walk through the Audubon last weekend and I noticed a rainbow in my pictures. I guess in winter we still have color I just need to look a little harder.

Snowing and Making

2009-12-07T17:24:00.003-05:00

Here are the pine cones I mentioned previously. They are opening up nicely and will soon be glittered.

This is another Christmas project Eliot and I are working on together. I hate to only give you half the story but I don't want to post finished products just yet...

Watching the first 'real' snow fall. Nice and snug between couch cushions.

We went and visited Santa. Eliot was so excited. He lit the Christmas tree via the bucket of a fire engine, ladder truck. That cemented Santa as the coolest guy ever. Santa asked what he wanted - a car. What kind of car? - a convertible that goes fast. That's my boy. Make it baby blue with white wall tires and I'll drive him to preschool in style.

a lit up walk

2009-12-03T20:15:00.002-05:00

The moon has been amazing here the past few nights. It is huge and surrounded by wispy clouds. It almost out shines the Christmas lights around town.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving down on the Cape with Kevin's folks. Good food and family and very few pictures. The past week has been spent digesting and getting reved up for the rest of the holiday season. Eliot is into the advent calendar this year, so that has been fun, and a little challenging for me. He has had marsh mellows twice so far as I scramble to find things for the rest of the doors. So much for preparation.

I bought a wreath form to make a fabric wreath and I found a ton of awesome and easy ornament ideas on Martha Stewart's site. No matter what the blog world is up to I swear she manages to be a step ahead, or maybe I am a step behind? I also took some great pictures today in the woods hunting for pine cones and treasures, the river etc until I realized I forgot the CF card again! I need to hide backups everywhere.

Enjoy the lights around Portland:

Hello Ears

2009-11-22T16:32:00.002-05:00

Goodbye curls, hello ears! Another haircut for the babe from 'Ben the Barber'. Eliot loves the guy. He is young and hip and has lolly pops at the ready.

We had fun this weekend playing in a drainage ditch. We had planned on walking down to the park and then on to the big playground but this little stop ended up being more than enough to keep him entertained. I love how my big plans get sidetracked by little diversions. It reminds me to slow down and just enjoy the moment. This rope was the source of a lot of imaginary play including several hundred rescues out of the ditch.

Our newest addition to our living room. A fish tank! 50 gallons of dusty dirty glass. I have been browsing Craig's list for one of these for a while and it turned out my friend had one in his basement that he traded me for some family pictures. I have big plans for this. It has a nice metal stand that needs to be repainted, too.

Another project I am working on is called "Adventures in Home Cheese Making". If you hadn't noticed, I have reserved another blog with that title. I plan on using it as a place to chronicle my fermented endeavors. Below is a hearth bread I made today. It came out really nicely. I haven't finished the construction of the new blog yet but I'll keep you posted. It will be mostly bread, cheese and maybe wine and beer if I get really motivated this winter.

our week

2009-11-19T06:04:00.002-05:00

I had planned on spreading pictures out over the week but you know how that goes. So the following is a photo dialog about our week past.

Watching the last remaining glimpses of summer pass.

I found some linen twine at the weaving shop so that when I have built up enough of a wool stash I can begin the rug I have in mind. The hooked rug is coming along bit by bit, row by row.
Surprised by the waves when we took a family outing to the seaside. The fog horn was blowing and the waves were amazing.
The fog was settling in between the crags in the rocks so beautifully. This picture is only really done justice by enlarging.

Enjoying the last of my inside flowers, too.

Eliot shaking the leaves off the trees at the river.

Leaf piles.

And dragonfly visitors.

curtains and more leaves

2009-11-11T17:31:00.003-05:00

I finished some curtains for Eliot's room this past weekend. They have a red panel at the top and very narrow orange bias tape at the bottom. I wasn't jazzed about the fabric after I bought it but now that it is up it works. I am trying to get more of his toys in his room instead of littered around the house. It is challenging and I definitely need to build or find another form of shelf/storage.

Here are more leaf pictures from the Royal River. I think a yearly series may arise. I missed the brightly colored leaves this year but the brown looks nice in a different way I think. My Mother said they looked like little sails.

thank yous

2009-11-10T20:07:00.002-05:00

Eliot and I have been working on thank you notes for our birthdays. Eliot painted and stamped the pages and I have constructed them into cards. It has been a fun project to work on together. He likes having his hands traced and using the letter stamps.

Dexter had some running around time while we were working on this day. He loves to snuggle up and run madly around our feet.

As the weather turns, I have been taking lots of fall related pictures. This blog will be full of them in the coming posts. This is the last peach on the tree.

Hat Link

2009-11-05T13:59:00.002-05:00

I found the hat link:

Here it is

You may also type in Sew News - Warm and Woolly Hat Pattern into Google and you will find it. The mitten pattern is there too. I highly recommend it, very easy to make and easy to modify.

Halloween

2009-11-03T06:40:00.002-05:00

The looks on the two boys faces crack me up in this picture. This was before we went to the parade, Eliot had not taken a nap and was a little edgy and I think they were both questioning the sanity of the adults.

The Lion and the Princess Kitty.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T20:29:00.003-04:00

We have had an eventful Halloween today. We started off with an impromptu brunch with some friends and their children who were dressed and ready for trick-or-treating by 9am. They came over and played with the train table for a few hours. They got along SO well! The recent jump in Eliot's ability to create imaginary games and go with it for a fairly lengthy period of time has really improved his ability to interact with other children. I also think the verbal skills and reasoning abilities help too. He and the little girl, who is almost four, played quietly, alone for nearly an hour! It was awesome.

We then went to the West End parade, which is always very cool. The puppets and stilt walkers really make it magical with the bass drums beating the whole time. Eliot was enamored and kept saying how he loved the parade and asking are we really in it mama? We managed to bypass all actual trick or treating, he got one treat and was pleased as punch. I'll post more pictures of the costumes etc. Monday or Tuesday.

I finished up a couple of projects today, too. These green pants have been a challenge since cutting them out. For some reason they fought me. The first pair went so much smoother. I blame it on operator error and poor choice of materials. I'm pretty sure they are backwards, but I am not telling Eliot that.

I also finished Eliot and Kevin's winter hats. Here is Eliot's with the snowman applique. Kevin's is design-less at this point. Until I feel inspired, I am calling it done. I am going to scan the pattern for the hat and the mittens (adult size) at work next week and try to figure out if I can post pdf's from blogger. I just size it down for Eliot, or in this case, I cut off half of one of the curved sections. It makes it a little pointier but with any sewing knowledge at all that could be avoided.

Goings on

2009-10-29T12:25:00.003-04:00

I have been journaling again a bit. I received a fabulous book about nature journaling from my in laws for my birthday, so inspiring. I find journals an easy way to keep track of my ideas for craft projects. My newest idea has to do with leaf printing on fabric and turning it into a quilt. I need to find a fabric paint/ink that doesn't have too much texture.

I am also working on a hat for Eliot. This will be a snowman soon. Would anyone be interested in a pattern for hat's and mittens from felted wool to download? I know Heather L. mentioned it in a past comment. I don't like to look of the traced mittens, these are much less homemade looking.

And I finished the G with grapes.

Just to clarify

2009-10-23T23:15:00.002-04:00

I wanted to let the public know that I did not forget the writer's birthday, rather her co-workers remembered it sooner than I did. She did get flowers and a lovely rendition of happy birthday from the staff at my work. After all, who wouldn't trust a face like this.

Sincerely Kevin the Innocent