fernfiddlehead

How to Sew a Button Hole

2008-03-12T18:01:00.001-04:00

Here's my latest

My YouTube Channel

2008-03-07T17:25:00.004-05:00

It has been way too long since I last blogged. I am not at all sure what that's about. But I'm back and I have something to share with you: My own YouTube channel.

I officially have ONE video which I uploaded last night. It's very crude but it works. Enjoy:

12 Days Later

2007-11-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

My big news is that I'm teaching a virtual class at etsy on November 28th! I will show the etsy world how to make those little stockings you saw in my last post and that I have here below in this post. I'm a bit terrified as I'm not good in front of the camera but as I told Mary at etsy, I'll get over it in about a minute, I think (I hope).

So right now I'm busy making plans for the workshop. We're doing it in a cooking show fashion so I have to have the same stocking finished at different stages. It's a whole lot of fun, actually. Tune in and make a stocking with me!

I Found Something to Blog About

2007-11-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

I am making Christmas stockings!! OK, I have only made two. But they are so much fun. I drew the pattern on stapled-together pieces of paper (just to make them uniform in size -- you don't really need a pattern) and started cutting and sewing and am having a blast. See what you think.

No zipping required

2007-10-30T08:11:00.000-04:00

A local sewing store closed recently. My daughter and I snatched up all the shorter-length zippers we could find. I'm planning to use them some how but haven't figured out in what way. Last night I crocheted while watching TV and am thinking of making some granny-square sachets. No zippers involved in that project though.

Olive, the Kitty Kitty Cat

2007-10-25T19:47:00.000-04:00

I've plastered the forums (I call in plastering, for others it's an occasional post) with photos of our new kitty, Olive. And I have even posted once about her here on my blog. But you'll have to suffer through another Olive post. She's the cutest cat I'VE ever had. And I've had a lot of cats (sorry to Timmy, Furry Mittens, Tiger Lily, Snowball, Mel, Larry, Purr, et al). Now before you all freak out that I'm some bad cat owner, first of all, I'm old-ish (46) and second of all, I grew up on a farm where lots of cats is the norm. Now, back to Olive: she was born in the backyard of a "Cat Woman" who lives next door to a friend of my daughter's. As soon as I saw the litter, I said "I want one of those kittens." I've never been one to actually "buy" a cat or dog. There are so many that need to be taken in from the harsh conditions in which they are living. Olive was incredibly frightened, infested with worms and had conjunctivitis when we brought her home (we got her on a Sunday and I took her to the vet on Monday) in late-September. She and Ginger, our 7 year old "Brooklyn Brown Dog" (a new "mutt breed" which we made up), are sort of figuring each other out. Ginger is actually very eager to be Olive's friend. As is typical of my experience with cats and dogs, the cat will decide when she's good and ready whether or not Ginger is an acceptable pal for her.

An Ordinary Ride

2007-10-25T09:43:00.000-04:00

I often take the Q train into Manhattan. I love the Q train. It's fast, makes few stops and it goes over the Manhattan Bridge. I can make quick phone calls if need be. I can be above ground for a few minutes instead of in the tunnels of the NYC subway system. But what I love most about the Q train is the view I get while going over the Manhattan Bridge -- see it there -- lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, and although you can't see it in the photo, the Statue of Liberty is also visible. Of course, what's missing from the view are the twin towers. It's a gaping hole in the skyline still.

Take it outside

2007-10-24T09:13:00.001-04:00

I have slowly been "fixing" my etsy shop. I read all the stuff about taking good pictures. In lieu of going completely outside which requires going down two flights of stairs, I was taking my photos near a window. They seemed to be OK. Yesterday, late in the day, after the kids were home from school, I decided to try taking some photos outside -- the way everyone says you should.

You be the judge:

Inside-the-house photo

Outside-the-house photo

It's pretty obvious that they're better outside. Now I just have to do all of the other items in my shop and we're good to go.

New Project

2007-10-19T09:27:00.001-04:00

As the weather turns to summer once again here in Brooklyn, I'm starting to crochet more. Normally, at this time of year, the air is nippy and I long for the feel of wool yarn against my fingers.

Book Club Delinquent

2007-10-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight I am hosting my book club. That means I am cooking dinner and feeding approximately 7 people. We meet once a month or so, as do most book clubs. Have I finished reading the book? No. We're reading "Away" by Amy Bloom. I am about 50 pages into it. It's not a long book. For some reason, however, I have been UNABLE to pour myself into it. I have exactly 11 hours left. But in that 11 hours I have -- dare I admit it? -- other things to do. While I'm on the topic, I also belong to another book club with my 15 year old daughter. We read a book a month for that one too. This month we are reading "Towelhead" by somebody whose name escapes me at the moment. According to another mom, it's "sexy wexy." Now that I will probably be able to finish.

Etsy Front Page

2007-10-12T08:11:00.000-04:00

It was a crystal clear night. The stars were out. Or at least I think they were. It's hard to tell in the City sometimes. My evening consisted of social activities to remain private (i.e., I can't remember what I was doing.). I came home, went to bed, woke up early on Saturday and logged on to etsy. There I saw a congratulatory forum post to me, fernfiddlehead. Yes, it's true. My collection of etsy pieces for a boss or co-worker had been on the front page Friday night.

For my lover, for my lover

2007-10-11T08:12:00.000-04:00

I've been having fun on the etsy forums entering these "contests" that the EtsyLabs people put on. The latest challenge was to come up with a collection of items for the object of your affection. Here's mine:I actually "won" one and had my collection on the front page of etsy. It was the one for your boss or co-worker. I believe it was last Friday night at 11:00 so I missed it. Fun anyway.

Sock-o-licious

2007-10-09T19:18:00.000-04:00

I have started to make something new. I do crochet although you might not realize it because up until today there was nothing crocheted in my shop. I noticed these iPod socks flying around and thought to myself, "I could make those." I started one today on the subway. It was so cute that I immediately made another. I hope someone buys one so I can keep making them. Actually, I'm going to keep making them even if no one buys them. It's a great way to use up old yarn. I have so much yarn.

What's With this Weather??

2007-10-07T07:58:00.000-04:00

OK, so I do like warm weather. I even like hot weather. But in October? Indian Summers (that's what we politically-incorrectly used to call them in Upstate New York) are usually fun and surprise you by only lasting a day or so. We have had 80+ temps for days now in Brooklyn. Just a bit weird, that's all.

On another note, our kitten (whose name is now Olive) is doing very well.

And lastly, I sold my 10th item in my etsy shop which is very exciting to me. Double-digit sales. I love it.

Kitties & Kiddies

2007-10-01T18:06:00.000-04:00

We have a new kitten in our house. We picked her up yesterday morning. She is a kitten from a litter born to a cat that lives behind a daugther's friend's neighbor's house (follow that?). Her very unique and creative name is Cally. Ok, well not so unique and creative but we like it. She is extremely afraid of our dog, Ginger, at the moment. We are slowly introducing them. I took her to the vet today and she has conjunctivitis and worms. Not really that surprising given where she came from. She was living totally outside and roaming from backyard to backyard here in Brooklyn. I feel like I have a newborn. I was up and down with her all night trying to calm her down when she went into a crying phase. Unlike newborn babies, however, she will quickly (within a week, the vet said) grow more comfortable. I have had many cats in my life but I haven't had a cat in about 12 years. It's fun.

FUSION

2007-09-28T08:46:00.000-04:00

So after I went to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) where my favorite exhibit was the JoAnn Verburg photographs, I came home and tried something new: PLASTIC FUSION. It is quite fun, I must say. I learned about it from an etsylabs post one day. And then another day I found this video which really helps.

plastic newspaper bags found on my stoop

ironing them together betweem sheets of paper

sewing pieces together to make a pouch

my new pouch

my new pouch

Museum Madness

2007-09-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

So I live in Brooklyn. I think you know that by now. I live here. I am not a visitor. I look at people with their tour books in hand (they are everywhere!) and want to help them figure out where they're going because I pretty much know how to get anywhere in this town. If I don't know I will figure it out. I remember not knowing how to get anywhere and I was always thankful to the person who reached out to me way back when. I have worked in every corner of the City and taken the subway to and from that corner. I will help confused-looking people on subway platforms before they ask me for help. It's my country up-bringing. Sometimes it gets me in trouble. Most of the time, people are thankful.

So you'd think since I live here that I'm very cultured. You'd think I frequent the museums the City has to offer. You'd think I was a contributing member and on the boards of these institutions. What do you think I am -- made of money?

Occasionally I will venture out to an art opening or an exhibit that I want to see. But not enough. I am going out today. Somewhere. I haven't decided yet. I will let you know. And when I get back I will be thankful that I live here and that I can easily access these inspiring places. And I will wonder, "why don't I go more oftten?"

I am a Sensitive Artist

2007-09-26T10:04:00.000-04:00

Way back (can't remember when exactly) my brother in law was studying to be a concert musician at a very prestigious music school. He came to visit and brought a tape by a group called King Missile. Their song I am a Sensitive Artist just cracked me up. Living in NYC, you come across a lot of these types. I could only find a made-up video to it. King Missile's I am a Sensitive Artist.

Whateryewdoin'?

2007-09-24T16:11:00.000-04:00

This is a phrase used by members of my household. The translation is What Are You Doing? Here is a Whateryewdoin photo essay.

Etsy gifts

2007-09-21T08:27:00.000-04:00

My friend gave me a belated birthday gift yesterday. It contained things from etsy. This is the friend who actually told me last winter that I should sell my stuff on etsy. Anyway -- she gave me these lovely earrings and the bracelet. The thing is, I don't know who made them.

Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly

2007-09-20T09:36:00.001-04:00

A fruit of my labors. I made this bag yesterday. It's quite flashy, if I do say so myself.

Name Game

2007-09-18T19:01:00.000-04:00

Stolen from Stilettoheights who stole it from banana head pancake. I am playing this game which I now think is all over the etsy forum. But who cares?

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)

Princess Pathfinder (ooo -- that's a good one, isn't it?)

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)

Chubby Hubby Chocolate Chip

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)

Green Cat

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)

Marie Lyons

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)

MooCa (excellent!)

6. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)

The Blue Sancerre

7. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)

Albert Percy

8. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)

Calypso Marine Baby Ruth

9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )

Virginia George

10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)

Kellogg Kent

11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)

Christmas Lilac

12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)

Peach Tee-shirt

13. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)

Raisin Bran Birch (love it!)

14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),

The Sewing Snow Tour

_________

A lot of fun

Shake Your Groove Thing

2007-09-18T08:58:00.000-04:00

So this is a bit of a lazy man's post. But seriously, people, my latest treasury is being neglected. It's lonely back there on page 14 (or wherever it is)......

Thanks in advance for your interest....

Hair Style History

2007-09-17T09:06:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine here in Brooklyn has been working on a documentary about women and their relationship to their hair. I sort of think of myself as someone who doesn't really have a relationship with her hair. But then I looked at a photo album last night that my daughter had pulled out. It was full of baby pictures of her. Kids like to look at themselves as babies (at least mine do). In just the one album, I noticed that I had about 4 different hair styles. I am a person who likes to shake things up. I'm not afraid to go from a long look to a short sassy look. Hair stylists love me for that reason. I never have sympathy for those sobbing models on America's Next Top Model (my kids "make" me watch it, I swear) who have to say good-bye to their long locks.

I must add a disclaimer: THESE PHOTOS ARE 12-14 YEARS OLD. I know I look like a little boy in some of them. I always did look young for my age. I was between the ages of 31 and 34 in these photos. Thanks to heartsdesirebeads for showing me how to do a slideshow...

"Not it!!"

2007-09-12T14:36:00.001-04:00

Familiar words I used to yell when playing Tag with my brothers. But today I am it. I was tagged by JenVecc. I need to tell you six unusual things about myself and then tag six more people. I'm not sure how unusual these things are but here are six things about me that you may not know:
1. I am a very good skiier. I grew up skiing in Upstate New York. I started when I was 5 years old. I was on a ski team in high school. I hardly ever ski any more but I still love it. We just don't have the money.
2. I was a lifeguard for most of my pre-college-graduate jobs. I love to swim.
3. I hate cockroaches. I am afraid of them in a phobic kind of way.
4. I grew up on a farm but now live in Brooklyn.
5. I lost my mother to a tragic death when I was a senior in college. Growing older without her has shaped my whole life. I wouldn't wish that type of experience on anyone but I am thankful for the depth it has brought to my own life.
6. I have been married for 21 years, have two daughters.
Here are my blog tags. Please check them out:

Bonghi Vestiti
SweetSpice
Robin Thompson
Art by Joyce and Others
BeckyKayDesigns
Knot by Gran'ma
WallCandy

oops I did 7. oh well.

Aprons & Hats

2007-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

With little time to post, I am posting photos of my two latest creations. I bought the card fabric on ebay years ago. Couldn't figure out what to do with it. a 4-year old boy told me to make little boy pajamas (not a bad idea) but I never did. I love the apron. My parents were big Bridge players and often had Bridge parties for which I would scatter around the house mini ashtrays (everyone smoked in the 60s and 70s -- except my parents??) and peanuts.

The hat is something I've been repeating all summer in different sizes and colors. I've had a few custom orders.

Happy September 12th. It's a beautiful day here in NYC.

Remembering September 11, 2001 - One New Yorker's Perspective

2007-09-10T17:08:00.000-04:00

It was a gorgeous day. Crystal clear, warm, not hot. The kids were in school by 8:30. I met a friend after dropping the kids at school. My cell phone was out of juice. I left it on the counter at home charging. My friend and I sat at a coffee shop on Fifth Avenue here in Brooklyn discussing life, discussing things that seemed so trivial later that day. At one point while we were having coffee, I saw a crying woman pass. This didn't strike me as odd. You see a lot of emotions here on the streets of New York. We also noticed a stream of police cars racing past. Another thing that didn't seem unusual. As I left the coffee shop to walk the three short blocks home, I noticed a bad smell in the air. Again, not something that unusual (not until later did it become so bad we had to stay inside and close the windows).

I arrived back home before 10:00. I was surprised to see Tom (my husband) home. He had just started a new job that week in downtown Manhattan (Broadway and Wall Street). He was on the phone and the television was on. "What are you doing here?" I asked him. He was at work when the first plane hit. When the second plane hit he rushed to a window and could see the South Tower burning. Fortunately, he felt uneasy and felt that he should leave Manhattan. So few people had that instinct. No one thought the towers would actually fall. He left his office, went downstairs and hopped on a train and returned to Brooklyn. The subways hadn't stopped running yet.

I stared at the TV in shock along with the rest of the world. But then I thought, "We're being attacked. I have to get the kids home." I ran out the door, two blocks to their school. A school administrator was standing outside speaking to a couple of parents saying that we should leave the kids in school and that they have no idea what's going on, etc., etc. I let her finish. I didn't say a word to her. I turned to another mother and said, "I'm getting my kids," and did just that. They were each the first ones pulled from their classes that day. As I was leaving with them, I ran into a friend who was a teacher at the school. She looked upset, as we all did. She looked more upset. "Jerry works in the South Tower," she said about her husband. I immediately teared up. I told her that her kids could come stay with me. She agreed to bring them by later. I walked home with my two daughters. Their little hands were safely in my hands. Their father was safely home. We were so lucky.

Again, no one thought the towers would collapse. Soon after they fell , the sky turned very dark -- even in Brooklyn. The only way I can describe how the air looked is what I imagine an eclipse might look. There was light, but it was filtered. The air smelled toxic. We closed all the windows and doors. We didn't go outside. We saw people walking in front of our building holding whatever they had over their mouths and noses. And this was in Brooklyn.

The day dragged on. My friend's two children did spend the afternoon with us which was a real blessing. Their father ended up in New Jersey. He was late to work and never made it into the building. The only way he could get away from Manhattan was by taking a water taxi. He didn't make it home until late that night but he made it home. Remember the friend with whom I was having coffee in the morning? Her sister's husband was killed that day. We contacted friends and family as best we could. The bond created amongst all New Yorkers and the rest of the world that day was incredible. But the bond created from New Yorker to New Yorker was the most powerful. As a nurse, I contacted the local hospitals and volunteered to work if needed. I was never called. So many lives were lost. Very few people were only injured.

The next morning, I took Ginger, our dog, up to the park to run off-leash. It was very quiet. The air still smelled terrible. On my way home from the park I passed Squad One -- the fire hall a half block from my house. The fire house I passed probably more than five times a day. In front of the garage door where the trucks drive out stood one vase with a rose in it. It wasn't until that moment that I realized that our local fire men had been victims of the crashing towers. Squad One lost 13 firemen that day -- among the City's highest death tolls for fire companies.

What is blogging anyway?

2007-09-10T08:12:00.001-04:00

This may be a blogging don't, but I'm reposting. I wrote the below post back in August when I don't think very many people were reading my blog. I made a couple of changes, but it's basically the same post. It's all still current and I thought I'd share it again with you all.

I think I'm understanding that a "good" blog is one that expresses itself. It's not just about advertising your or someone else's work, is it? It's an online journal, right? OK, so I'm a bit slow on the uptake. I come from a different era, I suppose. I know there are a lot of people my age who blog but I find it sort of hard to express myself publicly. I used to hide my journal from my brothers so that they couldn't read my inner thoughts. And now I'm supposed to put them on the internet so everyone can read about them? Well it's not junior high anymore and I don't have a lot to hide anymore. My life is actually quite boring. But I will try to express some more of what's going on inside. I have a tendency to go way too deep in the real world, so I guess I could try that here. See if anyone is interested. I am currently living through the decade my mother was when she died. Without going through the details, let me just say it was a tragic death. It has been an interesting ride. Anyone I know who lost a parent early (I guess I mean before the usual time, but I know it's always hard and leaves you with strong emotions) understands how weird it is to be yourself around the age the parent was when she/he died. I am looking forward to 50.

Etsy Gift Pack

2007-09-08T09:50:00.001-04:00

In a friend's 49th birthday gift, I included some etsy goodies: magnets from mLee, gift tags from PicturesofLily, and a knit pouch by evagodeva.

Summer Summary

2007-09-06T09:24:00.000-04:00

As the kids go back to school, it's time to reflect on our summer. They are getting older and I relish spending these vacations together. It won't be long before they're on their own.

China (6/15-6/30)
My sister-in-law and her husband and their two children (my kids' ages) live in China and we went to visit them. Had a great time. Saw lots of sights. Got lots of good deals on things.Here we are at the Great Wall. It was steamy hot and we hiked a long portion of it (spent 5 hours on it). I'm the one in the lavender tank top (yes, my kids are taller than I am -- it happens).

Upstate New York (7/1-7/8)
Husband's family reunion in Upstate New York (See previous posts). Celebrated one daughter's 15th birthday. The kids love seeing their cousins. Each year Grandma makes them pose for a "cousin line up." They pull the board off from the see-saw and stand on it in descending height order. My kids are the two second from the left.

Brooklyn (7/8-8/17)
Spent a month back home enjoying the fact that everyone else in NYC decides to summer some where else. My older daughter attended FIT's Summer Live Program here in NYC. This was her fourth year. We also had some house guests, one of whom was a summer intern for Annie Leibowitz. No, I never got to meet her. In fact, he barely got to meet her as her mother passed away this summer so she was away a lot. Nevertheless, it was fun to have some house guests and give young people a little help on their way out to their lives.

Upstate New York (8/17-8/26)
As an annual event, we camp in Old Forge with my brothers and my father. It has become quite a tradition and we all look forward to it.Here's my younger daughter atop a water tower at the peak of a small mountain in the Adirondacks.

After camping over a weekend, we went back to my husband's family's summer cottage. We spent a rainy week there without the rest of his family. My father lives in the area as well as two of my brothers and lots of cousins. We were able to celebrate his 80th birthday (see previous posts). One of my husband's roles while we're up there is to help maintain the cottage. It belongs to his widowed mother. An area in which he has developed expertise over the years is the septic system. This year it had to be dug up. Guess who got that job?

We celebrated our 21st anniversary on August 2nd. When I'm not mad at him, I still think he's the cutest, nicest, funniest man. I mean look at him standing there at the septic tank. What more could you ask for in a man?

Colors

2007-09-04T21:10:00.001-04:00

A thought for today: Life is a series of colors. Sometimes they're distinct and sometimes they're blended.

Welcome to the World

2007-09-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

I am posting rather quickly here upon returning home after being away over Labor Day Weekend. I saw in the etsy forums that mLee had her baby. Thrillling. I wish the new family all the best. Parenting is exhilirating and exhausting all at the same time.

And because someone having a baby makes all mothers think of their own babies, I have to share a photo with you which I just grabbed from my daughter's dresser and scanned (albeit crookedly). This is my baby. She's now 12 years old. But in this picture I'm guessing she was probably 3 months old. Wasn't she cute? Of course, I'm not biased or anything; I'm just her mother. She was my second and last. My first baby was an excellent sleeper. This child here in the photo was not. Most nights she spent laying right on top of me. We both slept better that way.

This is all just to say congratulations to mLee on producing a gorgeous child!!!

2007-08-31T08:21:00.000-04:00

I am TIRED today. Not feeling well -- sore throat, stuffy nose. Nothing I hate more than a summer cold. Luckily I can rest today.

Driving in Brooklyn

2007-08-30T15:03:00.000-04:00

Summer is almost over here. By that I mean that the kids are almost back in school. I thought I'd take them to see Grandma (my husband's mother) prior to going back to school. While leaving Brooklyn, I drove down Third Avenue towards the Verrazano Bridge which leads to Staten Island. Third Avenue runs beneath the BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway) -- a major highway. I saw the view shown in the picture above and had to grab my camera. After the bridge collapsing out in Minnesota, aren't we all a bit more afraid of things falling apart while we're driving? I could just see the entire highway falling on us as we headed towards Staten Island. Anyway -- it didn't fall and now I'm back in Brooklyn. One of these days I'm actually going to sit down and make something, but it's just been too busy.

A Room of One's Own

2007-08-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

My kid share a bedroom. It seems that among the people we know this is becoming (or "has" become) an unususal thing. I personally think it's good for my daughters. It teaches them a sense of sharing and tolerance. They are 12 & 15 and in some ways it would be great for them to have their own space. But we just don't have it. I grew up sharing a room with one of my three brothers until I was probably 10 or 11 and a lot of my best memories are of him and me goofing off after we went to bed. We would listen to my mother playing piano and pretend the headboard was a piano keyboard and play along with her. One night he got stung by a wasp which was inside his pajamas and it was all so sad and traumatic for both of us. My parents (who for some strange reason didn't smoke) would have smoke-filled parties (this was the 60s) and the smoke would waft up to our room through the register in the floor which was the only source of heat. We would peak down through the register to observe the adults. They would be silly and giddy and so would we. Then one of my other brothers wanted his own room downstairs (no one slept downstairs) which freed up a space in another room which gave me my own room. From then on, I had a big room with two beds all to myself.

Celebrating 80 Years

2007-08-27T18:15:00.000-04:00

This is my Dad. He turned 80 on August 23rd. I turned 46 on August 24th but that's besides the point. I know I know. He doesn't look 80. He doesn't act 80 either. He's very fit and very active.

We had a party for him last Friday. I put the whole thing together. I have three brothers who really don't help out much in this regard. One did show up 20 minutes early and hung some streamers. Another shopped for the recliner that we gave to my Dad as a family. So I guess that's something. Do I sound bitter? I hope not. I actually really appreciated anything that they did. I wasn't expecting it. My mom passed away years ago (1983) and as the sole remaining woman in the family, my adult life has been filled with these sorts of occasions. Women are the planners and schedulers and organizers. I used to be angry about it but now I see that that is just the way it is. I know there ARE men out there who do those things too, but I'd say, in general, that women are better at this stuff. Anyway, the party went very well. It was a casual affair: barbecue/picnic at my husband's family's summer cottage (see previous posts).

The highlight of the party for me was when my husband, two brothers and a nephew sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" to my Dad as a barber shop quartet. If I can ever figure out how to YouTube it I will share it with you. Part of the reason it means so much to me is it was totally my husband's idea. He scanned and sent the music to everyone and rehearsed it. It was a very sweet gesture.

Last Days of Summer

2007-08-27T07:59:00.001-04:00

Summer is on it's way out here. I know other parts of the world are getting ready for summer. I just got back from a visit to Upstate New York. My Dad's 80th birthday party went well. Laundry is piled up.

On Holiday

2007-08-23T15:46:00.001-04:00

I am away from Brooklyn in Upstate New York. It's raining. My kids and husband are playing Monopoly. I went belly up early in the game. I am celebrating my father's 80th birthday tomorrow (actually it's his birthday TODAY and MY birthday tomorrow but tomorrow is the day that worked best for everyone to celebrate his 80th). I'm hosting the family (including cousins, etc.) here at my husband's family's summer cottage. Wish me luck. I'm looking forward to it and also looking forward to it being over. I'm sure you'll understand.

Threads

2007-08-16T14:27:00.000-04:00

Don't you love old thread? And the spools? I do. I inherited a bunch of sewing stuff from my grandmother when she passed away in the early 90s. The threads are one of the favorite things from her sewing boxes. But my favoritest thing is the collection of buttons I have from her. I will share those with you another time.

I'm leaving tonight for my trip to Upstate New York (see yesterday's post). Cleaned out my (and my two daughters!!) workspace yesterday so when I come back it will be more inviting. The leaves are starting to fall here in NYC even though it's still very hot and muggy. Being an Upstate girl (lots of cold and snow), I actually like winter or at least I know how to deal with winter. So I love the change of seasons and look forward to some crisp air.

a still life

2007-08-16T10:06:00.001-04:00

This dress form was given to my 12-year old daughter. It's from a friend of mine. I guess she didn't want it. My daughter dresses it up in clothes and has a great time with it. I plan on "borrowing" it for pictures for etsy items.

I will be away starting tomorrow and will not be updating my blog. I am going Upstate to visit my family and to stay at the summer cottage of my husband's family. It's how we met, actually. His grandparents had a summer cottage where his mom used to take him and his 5 brothers and sisters each summer. They'd arrive in June and leave at the end of August. Years later, when I (a local girl) was 22 and lifeguarding in between "real" jobs one summer at the State Park near the cottage, I ran into Tom's sister whom I knew from previous summers. Tom was standing with her. After several chance meetings, we began dating. The rest is history. We've been married 21 years, have two beautiful daughters.

So off I go to "home" where my Dad still lives all by himself in the big farmhouse where I grew up. You may be wondering why we don't stay here when we visit. Let's just say that he's gotten used to being alone and it works better for us to stay at the cottage. We're all happier that way. Here are some pictures of the house I grew up in:

What is blogging anyway?

2007-08-15T12:32:00.000-04:00

I think I'm understanding that a "good" blog is one that expresses itself. It's not just about advertising your or someone else's work, is it? It's an online journal, right? OK, so I'm a bit slow on the uptake. I come from a different era, I suppose. I know there are a lot of people my age who blog but I find it sort of hard to express myself publicly. I used to hide my journal from my brothers so that they couldn't read my inner thoughts. And now I'm supposed to put them on the internet so everyone can read about them? Well it's not junior high anymore and I don't have a lot to hide anymore. My life is actually quite boring. But I will try to express some more of what's going on inside. I have a tendency to go way too deep in the real world, so I guess I could try that here. See if anyone is interested. I am currently living through the decade my mother was when she died. It has been an interesting ride. Especially since I have two daughters now. The whole mother/daughter bond is quite tight. Anyone I know who lost a parent early (I guess I mean before the usual time, but I know it's always hard and leaves you with strong emotions) understands how weird it is to be yourself around the age the parent was when she/he died. I am looking forward to 50.

By the way, that's me in the photo.

A Little Something New

2007-08-13T19:06:00.000-04:00

I am moving into a new design of bags. Don't have time for too much writing here so I will bore you with pictures. I am planning on making them in other fabrics and in bigger sizes too. What do you think?

This Bag is Not Sold on Etsy

2007-08-09T17:06:00.000-04:00

My 46th birthday is in late August. As an early birthday present, I received this cool bag from a friend. It is from Brooklyn Industries. When you first look at it, it's hard to see that the designs on the bag are actually sewing pattern lines. I will use it when I go to teach sewing classes or when I need to carry supplies somewhere. My photos are not very good, but the actual color of the bag is black with silver lines, and an orange zipper. Very cool. I love it.

A new generation

2007-08-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

Earlier this summer we had a stoop sale (that's what they call them here in Brooklyn). We sold a bunch of our old LPs. Who knew they would go so fast? But my 15 year old wanted pictures of the album covers before they sold. She's much smarter than we are. So here's a sampling of some of the albums we sold for $2 each (are we crazy?)

Laura Nyro

Simon & Garfunkel

Elton John

Crosy Stills & Nash

While you're here, check out the young Elton John. He was great.

Elton John - Tiny Dancer (live 1971)

[via FoxyTunes / Elton John]

My 12 year old daughter made this...

2007-08-08T09:31:00.000-04:00

And I am a proud mommy. She has a big sister (15) who also likes to sew. It's fun to pass on the craft.

And anyone who checked my blog yesterday, look again, please. I just figured out how to link to the actual beginning of the 6 Million Dollar Man. So hilarious!

"We have the technology..."

2007-08-07T08:24:00.000-04:00

OK, so I'm dating myself with that quote. Growing up with three brothers (no sisters) and one black and white TV, I watched a lot of Batman (me: Can we watch "The Brady Bunch?" brothers: "No, it's Batman night."), Star Trek and of course, the 6 Million Dollar Man. Who remembers the beginning of THAT show? Well probably not very many of you. But the guy ends up mangled in a plane crash and they say "We can rebuild him, we have the technology."

I am using that as my inspiration today. I have the technology (pictures are proof) and can build it.

And let's not forget that from the 6 Million Dollar Man the Bionic Woman originated. Now SHE was something special....

six million dollar man intro

[via FoxyTunes / Six Million Dollar Man]

I Dreamed I Saw

2007-08-06T10:19:00.000-04:00

A friend has a "shopping portal" website (click on "I Dreamed I Saw" title above for link) It's in its early stage of development but quite classy. Please check it out.

It's a rainy Monday here in Brooklyn. I'm hoping the rain will take away some of the humidity.

Applique Hat Project

2007-08-02T13:57:00.000-04:00

Starting making this hat today and took photos for the step-by-step process.

First I embroidered the felt flower to the front of the hat

This is what it looked like when I was finished. My stitches are not exactly the same all the way around the flower. I guess that makes it look more handmade which is both a good thing and a bad thing, depending on your perspective. At least the gods won't be angry with me.

Next I finished making the top of the hat and then attached the lining to the inside.

Then I made the rim (don't have a good picture of this) and attached it to the hat.

Sewed grosgrain ribbon to the rim on the inside for a clean, finished look.

Had my younger daughter try it on so that I could photograph it for etsy.

New Photos

2007-08-02T10:50:00.001-04:00

Inspired by mLee's blog update on the etsy forums, I am UPDATING my blog. First time since May. I redid a lot of my photos. I decided to go with the "what is that?" approach to listing photos. See what you think.

Spring Fever

2007-05-01T15:34:00.000-04:00

(from phoot.etsy.com)

It is feeling like spring. I sprained my ankle last week and have had to stay off it more and it's killing me. I'd love to be outside running around. I created a fern treasury on etsy.

Beach Bag

2007-04-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

I just made this bag and am loving it. What do you think? It's on sale at my etsy shop.

Update: This bag is long gone. Thanks to a buyer back in May, I believe it was.

2007-04-20T21:50:00.000-04:00

Spent most of the day re-taking pictures for my etsy shop. I also re-wrote many of the descriptions.

2007-03-09T17:50:00.000-05:00

This is my new blog. I have never done this before and am learning as I go. I just switched templates and now I really love the look of this blog. I will soon be adding some pictures and will try to continue blogging daily or often (who am I kidding?).

I am frustrated in general with myself as an artist. I have neglected this side of myself for too long and it is difficult to lure it out. When I first graduated from college in 1983 I moved to NYC to become an artist. Then life got in the way and 24 years later I am still thinking of becoming an artist. I have started with just crafty things which I've always enjoyed making. But I hope to expand and nurture other creative urges. I recently went to two exhibits here in NYC which I found inspiring. I also hope to find time to attend some New York Textiles Study Group meetings. I have been a member, but have not been able to go to meetings due to other commitments in the evenings.

So keep watching me and see where I end up.