Thursday, May 21, 2009

a pretty life


So, I have been reading Soule Mama's
book, "The Creative Family", and it has sparked much discussion among my friends. After beginning the book, I have come to realize how much thought and effort she puts into the work she does with her family. But, is it for real or just a couple of pretty pictures and nice captions? For example, look at the photo on the right. Esmé is wearing a dress that I made for her and holding a beautiful flower, right? Actually, she was very sick that day and was unable to attend school. Her face is not in the photo because it was plastered with snot. And, I told her very specifically not to pick that flower, but she did regardless. However, none of these details appear in the photo. 

In fact, I could have described it by using whimsical language such as: Here is Esmé strolling through the garden in Amy Butler's Easy Empire dress. The sun was just begging us to pick flowers that afternoon. Instead, I choose not to do that. My point is, my life's not that pretty, but with the right lighting and a good camera it can look that way for one/120 of a second.

So, what do you think? About Soule Mama,  pretty pictures, mother guilt and blogs? I would like to expand this discussion further in another post as well  once I get some feedback.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Mama's Got (or will soon get) a Brand New Bag

My sister, Nannie, is expecting her first child this September. So, I wanted to make something special. A boutique-y diaper bag, perhaps? And, of course, she wanted some say in the design and colors. We finally agreed on this Amy Butler number from her book, "Little Stitches"

I got the fabric and facing the other day, and am going start the project today (provided that I can). I will post my progress.

I have but one concern after buying all the materials prior to reading the instructions. How does the bag close? If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. 

Monday, May 11, 2009

Almost All Better


This is the café curtain I made for Esmé's room.

Here is a close up of the delicious fabric.

Well-worn and well-loved living room pillows.

The back of my dining room curtains.

The full view of the dining room curtains.

Fabric boxes for the living room. Inside is Esmé's stuff, but looks more sophisticated with adult fabric, no? Maybe tomorrow I will find a copy of The Stranger and a pack of Benson and Hedges in the red flower one. It's her favorite.

So, I have not not been up to much except being ill. Fortunately, I have many photos of past projects to share. This one has a theme: Around the House. Enjoy! And, leave with the knowledge that I will be posting photos of the MATCHING dresses that I made for me and Esmé. The original plan was to post them on Mother's Day and entitle the post 
"Mother's Gay?" 


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

A Long Time Ago

Just so no one is confused, this is a current picture of Esmé. I wanted to clarify prior to showing baby pictures of her. Also, this blog is not about her, but the things that I make (for her).


Here is a close up o the sweater. I am not crazy of the flash in the photo, but I like the detail and stitch definition. The nice thing about making items for babies is that they are small, so it's not a big headache to use US size 2 needles for a sweater. Intarsia looks so much better with small needles.
A little girl wore a sweater made by her mom. I couldn't wait to put Esmé in this outfit. I even planned the socks. I didn't make the socks.



Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Where The Magic Happens

This is where I keep my stash o' fabrics, patterns, threads and the like. I am trying to become more organized as I produce more projects and obtain more supplies. I made the fabric (letterbox) box from fabric given to me from my friend Kelly and a pattern from my friend Joey. I would like to make more for my organizational needs.

This here is my sewing area. A desk, a defunct (maybe sometime to be fixed computer), and my machine.

Getting Started!



OK, so I have been saying for years now that I have to start a knitting blog or whatever craft that I happen to be consumed with at the time (currently, it's sewing). Here it is, kids. The two projects here are old. I mean old old. Pre-Esmé. In fact, the sweater was for Esmé. Like I said, I have lost time to make up for. Unfortunately, I stopped taking pictures of my work. But not to fret, pets! I began again. I would like to give a shout out to my girl, Val for kicking my ass and helping me get started. YEA!