Thursday, May 28, 2009

She had me at 'letting go'

I can't share what I'm working on this week because both items are presents for friends. I not sure if either person reads my blog so I can't spoil it until the gifts are delivered.

On an unrelated crafting note I found this sweet blog, in hopes of collecting information for an event I'm planning at work, and stumbled upon this post about the author's daughter and letting go.

This blog is not to be out done by my all time favorite food blog - 101 cookbooks.

If you haven't made the cookies below - what are you waiting for?


Andy before you complement me on the photo I can't take credit. It's not mine.

Friday, May 22, 2009

New fabric...



I made reference to the mother load of fabric I acquired while cross border shopping with my parents. Here are some pictures. I washed and ironed each piece. You would think the task would be daunting but it's actually pretty fun to sit and think about all the stuff I plan to make. I have a bit more but I can't post it at this point. Mike's birthday is coming up and I bought him a little something I want to whip up. I'll post the finished product soon though.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Yummmmm - finally!

I finally made this delicious nut and seed biscotti recipe from 101 cookbooks. They are the perfect combination of salty and sweet. When I was little my Dad would put money in my shoe every morning so I could supply my chip habit at school. Obviously those days are O.V.E.R. Now I 'borrow' change from Mike's change cup now and again. But, speaking of my Dad he's diabetic and I always try to find healthy snacks for him. This one scores pretty high on the list. The recipe doesn't look like much but it makes a ton of crackers. I enjoyed some with feta smeared over them with green grapes. Tomorrow


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Hump Day + Week Long Holidays = boooo

I'm visiting my parents in another province at the moment and Wednesday ALWAYS marks the last leg of my vacay. This time around I came to help my Dad in his garden, visit friends and family and attend a friends wedding. The wedding was an hour away so I stole my parents car for the evening and hung out with some of my University girlfriends, Ange and Mar, the following day.

Meet Ellie. Ange's daughter. Her words not mine. Ellie is short for Eleanor Roosevelt.


While visiting another friend I had the distinct pleasure of visiting her big beautiful almost bloomed tree. This is Mar proudly posing for me.


The following day brought rain and a quick trip over the border with my parents. Ok, it was far from quick I hit the fabric mother load. My poor parents were forced to rove around the department store, visit other stores in the area while I filled a massive cart with beautiful fabric. I promised myself before leaving that I would only spend the $30 I had left-over from my Costa Rica trip. My parents abandoned me so I coulden't even hit them up to pay for me. I didn't bring my wallet and have no shame when this much fabric is involved. Now I'm kicking myself. I'm coming back in July and plan to make up for the mistake. I'll post pictures of my fabric winnings once I iron them.

When I'm not following my Dad around the garden, visiting friends or eating something delicious my Mom has made I've curled up on the couch and hand quilted this blanket. I think it's destined to be a quillow. A quillow is a quilt which folds into a built in pocket. I still have a long way to go but here it is thus far.


The lighting stinks in this picture because I keep forgetting to take it during the day. I'll add more photos and information tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Sneak Peak


Last weekend I, and 10 other gals, took our friend Katie to a cottage in celebration of her wedding. I took a little jaunt with my camera and took the picture above. I love the color combination and knew instantly I would use it to create something for Katie's upcoming shower. I'm going on holiday tomorrow and have been busy collecting my materials. I don't have my sewing machine so most will be done by hand. But, the thought of un-interrupted crafting time while visiting my parents is a bit to much for me to handle.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Just working away



Last night I finally tweaked my pajama bottoms and ticked them off of my crafty list of things to do. These were my first attempt at clothing on my own and I love the result. Someone's husband might think the legs are quite balloony BUT I really like them.


Remember my first double wedding ring quilt? I think I mentioned the labour intensive task of hand stitching it. I visited the workroom (I know, I know I go there all the time but it has gorgeous fabric, friendly staff, is beautifully lit and has cookies - why aren't you going?) and asked for the supplies necessary to undertake my task. In a nut shell I unravel some of my hand-dyed thread, run it through the blue box of wax, stick my leather thimble on and....




...try my hardest to make each stitch 1/4 inch long and perfectly straight. I'll keep you updated on my progress but remember how hot it is under this thing?

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Wanna know what I'm excited about?

This dress AND this fabric. Oooh, I can hardly stand it - seriously.


I'm mad that I can't flip this picture around.

Mike and I went to the AGO this weekend and then I bee lined it over to the Workroom. Remember, the Workroom, my favorite place in Toronto. I bought this fabric and I love, love, love it. I'm scared to cut it but I also feel compelled to wrap it around my body with a pair of kitchen twine. With this fabric you could pull off toga style in the light of day. No?

Speaking of cutting and Mike - last week I whistling away while cutting pajama fabric when Mike helpfully pointed out to measure twice and cut once. The whistling was promptly replaced by obscene swearing. I forgot to add a seam allowance to one leg but not the other -grr. So, tonight my goal is to focus hard. Besides swearing at a work craft night is tickie tackey. I'll post a progress picture tomorrow along with the pajamas, blanket, other pajamas and top I've been working away on.