Monday, May 31, 2010

Music Monday - Eva Cassidy - Somewhere over the Rainbow



When E was born, we used to play Eva Cassidy's cd all the time to him. I absolutely love all the songs she sings. I think it is a great way to start a Monday.

Enjoy your Monday (holiday or not).

L xo

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Snow on Saturday



This is what we woke up to this morning. And it isn't like we didn't see snow earlier in the week. I love global warming - sure seems to be working.

Friday, May 28, 2010

From Where I Sit



So, I couldn't come up with anything good for For You Friday but I am on it.  Maybe tomorrow (insert quirky Saturday title here - can't come up with anything good for that either).

Anyhow.

This is me.  Right now-ish.  I am in the planning stages of my Pillow Swap 3 pillow.  And I am making lists about all the Bee blocks I need to do this weekend.  I am kind of glad for the not-so-nice weather (read SNOW) because then I don't feel bad about staying indoors.

So, want to know what is in the picture?


  1. Jewel tone fabric for the pillow.  And a mix of textures.  Please tell me you think these are jewel tones.  Jewel tones are not my forte.  Also for said pillow,  Denyse Schmidt's Quilt book.  That's all you get on that though.  Don't want to give too much away.  
  2. On the right, my sketchbook that I got from art class today.  Pen sketching today.  Didn't not like it at first (so hard).  Am liking it more.  And found some inspiration on flickr and am going to do pursue it and see if I can combine the pen drawing with fabric - might be a way to like it more.
  3. Coffee cup - have I told you how many blocks I need to finish this weekend?  Enough said.
  4. Clutch from Emerson Made and bracelet from Hermes.  Obviously I have a little tidying to do as these should not be on the dining room table.
  5. Sketch done by one of my classmates.  She did it in about 3 seconds.  I stole it.  It is gorgeous and I am going to frame it - crease in the middle and all.
I know all my American friends have a nice long weekend ahead.  Hope it is enjoyed by one and all.

L xo

PS - Do you like how I didn't add any links to this post.  I am that lazy today.  Forgive me.



Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Charmed, I'm Sure ...



So my friend Greta talked me into doing hexagons.  I just learned to sew with a sewing machine last June and have never done any hand sewing so the thought of hexagons is a little daunting.  But, never one to say "no", here I am starting hexagons and attempting this little hexagon along with Texas Freckles (except there has been no alonging yet - this may be something that gets done to and from the drive to the cabin).

In order to have enough fabric to make all these little hexagons (I am doing the 1.5" ones), I have cut up a 4 charm packs and am going to do some swapping with Greta, Greta's mom, and my friend Ruth.  I have cut up a Flutterby pack, a Hushabye pack, a Nicey Jane pack and a Summer in the City pack.  Pretty good, I think.  I know the other girls are cutting up some beautiful fabric too so I am really looking forward to it.

I am also doing a little Porkchop Swap (I have no idea what that means) with some girls over that the ORBQ.  Haven't done anything with this group before so not sure what I'll be getting (we are cutting up 25 5x5 squares and sending them on to 7 other people).  Once I get my fabrics, if there are some that aren't my thing, I plan on putting a package of them all up for grabs.  I am sure that someone will want them. 

All in all, lots of fabric coming my way soon.  Got to love that, right?

L xo

PS - I sent out my May block fabric, my June block fabric and I know EXACTLY what I am doing for my July blocks.  Just need to finish everyone else's blocks.  If it is one of yours, sorry.  I promise it will be done shortly.

PPS - To my darling children - I realize the end of school is right around the corner and that you are oh so very tired of EVERYTHING but, guess what?  So are Dad and I.  So let's cut each other a lot of slack.  Before I send you to school with a for sale sign around your neck.  Love you always, Mom. xo

PPPS - You should see the blocks people are making for my Beatnik Bee month.  OHMYGOSH. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

How Does Tunes for Tuesday Sound?



Well, all my great plans for sewing were put aside for 3 days of gardening.  I am so behind on so many things that it isn't even remotely funny anymore.  And as much as I would hate to do it, I think I have to drop out of a bee or two.  With everything that is going on, I am not getting to my Bee blocks, let alone the things I really want to sew.  And this is suppose to be fun for me, right?  And it isn't fair to others to continually have to wait while I get my act together. 

Time management, which used to be pretty easy for me, is no longer a strong suit.  It is pretty much non-existent right now, actually.  Which isn't a bad thing, per se.  Just a little rushing here and there.  And an inability to complete any given task.  (Okay, it sounds worse than it is).  But at least time is spent having fun outside with happy boys (and their million friends in our backyard), happy husband, and happy puppy.  And some new friends that we love, love, love (campfires with friends are the best thing ever - marshmallows and Bulmer's Cider go quite well together, just so you know).

Anyhow, yesterday was a holiday here in Canada so I didn't get around to posting (see above re: garden) for Music Monday. 

Hopefully this song is worth the wait.  I love this song.  Hope you do too.

L xo

PS - I have quilt posts coming.  Stay tuned.

Friday, May 21, 2010

For You Friday

Well, the posting hasn't been all that this week, has it? What with a new dog, a garden that needs some sprucing up, a job, and two children pretty much done with school even though we have 18 school days left, there hasn't been much sewing happening. But, there has been a little reading about sewing and knitting - right before bed with a 3 pound ball of loveliness beside me (that's Chester, in case you didn't know).  Pretty good way to end these busy days, I think.

So this Friday, thanks to my late night reading, I am sharing some crafty book goodness.  NOW, before you think I broke with the book plan, let me tell you that these were pre-orders (thank goodness for pre-orders or else my withdrawal would be even worse).  No new books, fiction or non-fiction were purchase by me for me this week.

Anyhow, here are my new favourite crafty books (in no particular order)  ...

Oh my gosh, it does not get cuter than this book.  The little birds are beyond sweet. There are patterns for mini quilts and embroidery and a whole bunch of other birdy goodness too!  Love it.

 
I bought this book on a whim and I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised.  And unlike most craft books I buy, I think I could make practically everything in this book (I am an overachiever, in case that hasn't been made clear yet).  There are 35 projects, just so you know.  This book is full of great ways to use up all those fabric scraps.


I am back at loving knitting right now.  It is easier to watch tv with my husband when we are both in the same room and I am not in front of a sewing machine.  (TV season is almost over though ... more sewing, perhaps? Probably not as the weather is too good to be inside).  This book is full of lovely "take with you" projects.  Since it is very difficult to take a sewing machine wherever I go, taking knitting fulfills my incessant need to always have something crafty in my hands.

So there you go.  Some crafty goodness for your Friday.

L xo

PS - Little Birds book is published by Stash Publishing.

PPS - Sewing Bits and Pieces  is published by Wiley

PPPS - Kntting 24/7 is published by Melanie Falick Books.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Lily Allen - Womanizer



Even though we have been busy with Chester all weekend, I couldn't miss out on a Music Monday. I love Lily Allen - she is just so cheeky. I could skip the Womanizer song when sung by Britney Spears but I do like this version. I wonder what would happen if we slowed down all those ridiculous pop songs on the radio - probably we would be mortified about what is actually sung (or at least I would).

Have an amazing week. I think I will.

Talk soon,

L xo

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Hello, My Name Is ...


CHESTER

Meet the newest addition to our family.  Chester is the sweetest little puppy ever.  We are all hopelessly in love with this little dog.

I am sure I'll have lots of posts about our new "baby".

L xo

Friday, May 14, 2010

For You Friday




This week's For You Friday actually has something to do with fabric.  This is the Elk Landscape fabric from Saffron Craig's new fabric line - Forest Elementals

Purple isn't usually my thing but I am liking it more and more.  Especially in this fabric.  And from what I have been reading, purple is HUGE for Fall.  (Aren't I just on top of it or what?).

Saffron has done up a gorgeous quilt in her new fabrics.  And it is available as a kit.  (I am an enabler, I know).



And Kate Conklin did up an amazing one too!


So there we go.  A For You Friday that is actually tied into the blog.  Now go get some fabric!

L xo

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Could You Do It?




So this is a non-fiction book written by Susan Hill about the year she decided not to buy any new books but rather read the ones that she already had in her house.  And in the end, she compiles a list of the 40 books she can't live without.

FOR A WHOLE YEAR, PEOPLE!  Now, that would be hard.  I buy books even more than I buy fabric.  I love reading (I know you already know that).  Not buying books?  Hard to imagine.  But I have a lot of books.  Like a lot, a lot.  So it wouldn't be as if I couldn't find something to read.

Could you go an entire year without buying that "thing" you like so much - books, fabric, shoes ...

I am going to give it a try.  I am going to set myself the goal of no books until the end of the year.  That doesn't include books I may need for educational purposes.  And I can swap or borrow books from kind souls who take pity on me because I haven't read the latest and greatest.  And it doesn't include books for the boys (although they are armed with plenty o' gift cards for the local bookshop, so they will be fine).  It can't include books as presents either (hint, hint).

Kinda crazy, don't you think?  But I think it will be good.  And after I read a book, if it isn't a "you have to read this" kind of book, it is going to the local Sally Anne.  It is a de-cluttering project of sorts.

L xo

PS - You know what else I am going to do?  No fabric until the Fall (September-ish).  I have a ton of projects I want to do and have everything I need to do them, so I should be fine.  Again, no fabric doesn't include swaps or gifts. 

PPS - I may need help.  Professsional help.  I'll let you know.

EDITED TO ADD - PPS - My fabric diet does NOT include my preorders of Tufted Tweets, Bliss, Castle Peeps or Far Far Away II .  I am sure you can understand why.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Overheard on the Way to School



Let me set the stage for you ... the boys are watching Little Einsteins in the car on the way to school.  They are a little old for the show but S is digging it so I let them take my computer to watch in the car.  D and I are in the front, listening to CBC Radio 2 (oh, how I love you CBC Radio 2) ...

The following is a snippet of the conversation between E and S that occured while they were watching ...

E - We are smarter than the Little Einsteins.  Why are they called "Einsteins'?  They aren't Einsteins, we are.

They both go back to watching ....

E - We know all this stuff.  Turns to S and says ...  And this is the proof of a good education, my young friend.


ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Does it get better than that last comment? 

I know I didn't write anything on Mother's Day.  I chose, instead, to spend the day away from the computer (for the most part) and with my family.  But I couldn't have summed up my day better than that little conversation.  Because as much as I love my beautiful children, I really like them too. And that is above and beyond what I expected when I became a mother. Really liking your kids as much as you love them.  I look at my children and, if they were my age (and not my children), I would want them as friends.  They are bright, funny, charming, ridiculous, messy, loving, generous, taxing, sweet, and so much more. 

There are no words that could ever accurately convey what they mean to me. 

While my mushy heart swells at the sweet handmade gifts and the heartfelt words and kisses on Mother's Day, it isn't just one day of the year for me.  It is my blessed, sweet life every day.  Not that it isn't hard some days.  Not that some days I don't want to throw in the towel or put them on the curb for give away.  But I every day I am made a better person for knowing those two children.  And being their mother is an honour. 

L xo

PS - All I learned about being a mother, I learned from mine.  It is a gift to be able to say that I am my mother's daughter.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Music Mondays




I love Sarah Harmer's music. She is from Kingston, Ontario, where I did my Law degree (it was the best of times, it was the worst of times - stories for another day). I could listen to Sarah all day. And sometimes, I do. There are so many albums to choose from. So go choose one. You won't be disappointed. And don't forget to dance a little. Whether someone is watching or not. It's good for you.

Enjoy this little song, my friends.  Have a great Monday.

L xo

PS - I am good little clock. That is soon to change. More on that some day soon.

Friday, May 7, 2010

For Your Friday

This is for you. Because it is For You Friday. This is the best idea for people who want to write down their lives but have no time to do so. Or maybe they have the time but they don't want to spend it all writing stuff down. Or maybe they don't have something to write every single day. I am an "all of the above" girl. So this is the best journal, in the history of all my sorry attempts to journal, for me. So I thought I'd share it with you.

Go take a look at the Simple Diary website. It is pretty awesome (that's a tie in from last week - wink wink). Order one up. You won't regret it.

L xo

PS - I got mine while I was at Anthropology in New York. I also got a few other things while I was there. Let's not talk about it. I am sure the bills are in the mail already.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Two On Tuesday



As you know, I have nothing but time on my hands.  Loads and loads of time.  So I decided to take on two new things.  The Hexagon Charm Quilt along (as you can see above) and the Pillow Talk Swap #3 (no button as of yet).

Given all the other things I have planned ... a follow me from pattern to quilt with Sometimes Crafter's Patchwork Memories pattern, a small along with a few friends doing up our version of Film in the Fridge's Postcards From the Park quilt, bee blocks (and my ongoing love/hate relationship with them) ... I won't be sleeping any time soon.

But who needs sleep anyhow?  And busy is good.  Keeps my mind from the million "what ifs" I have going right now.

L xo

PS - I have lots of Bee blocks to show you but I don't have photos. Because the weather isn't cooperating at all.  We are in the midst of our second snow storm this month.  Hopefully we'll get some sunshine soon because I need to put these in the mail right away.  And if I don't put up pictures, who is going to believe I sew? 

PPS - I don't like the new Blogger setup (except the test the links button).  Just sayin.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Music Mondays


In our second instalment of Music Mondays, we have Laura Viers and her song Summer is the Champion. We hear this song a lot on our way to school on CBC Radio 2 (it is the only radio station I will let my children listen to after my 6 year old asked me what "dancing on your disco stick" meant. I mean, really).

And it is almost Summer. That is a good thing. We love sunshine in this family. Hopefully this song will add some sunshine to your day.

Have a great Monday.

L xo

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Yesterday I went to Kindergarten

Adult art kindergarten, that is. And it was amazing. My children have been taking art classes from the most wonderful Miss Catherine at Art in the Box, for years now. It is really, really hard to get into Miss Catherine's classes because she is so amazing and the classes are so amazing and once you go into her studio you pretty much fall in love right then and there. There is no breaking up with Miss Catherine's art classes. It is a forever sort of thing.

So, I lucked out. And got into one of her adult classes. I missed the first one because I was in NYC (good excuse, I think). Yesterday was my first class and we did circles. Kandinsky-like circles. And worked on mixing colours - just the primary ones, to see what we could come up with. I loved making colours. Even the colours that wouldn't be my favourite anywhere else, were pretty amazing ... because I made them. It was wonderful.

I am not done with my painting though but I'll show you when I am done.

L xo

PS - This art class is pretty intimidating for me. I can sew and I can knit but you can learn those things. Making art is different, in my mind. It can't be "learned" per se. What an amazing challenge I have set for my type A personality. I am looking forward to seeing what comes of it.

PPS - Miss Catherine also teaches art at my children's school. They did Kandinsky circles last year and E has a collection of them that we have hung on a wall at the cabin. E's collection comes from his birthday party last year - all his friends made him one. I love them all and having them on the wall at our cabin is a gift. They infuse the room with a joy that only children's art can. We are all better for it.

PPPS - My children make the best cheerleaders. They had their art class after mine and saw my painting. They were so genuinely encouraging and so full of praise. It was heart melting. And made me feel so good as a mama - that I am hearing them use the same words we so purposely say to them. They hear us and they know. Amazing!


 
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