Progress and Kites

The other day we decided to go kite flying. Ellie saw "Miffy" flying a kite, and she really wanted to do it. So, I went out to find us some kites. I ended up getting two inexpensive, resusable kites at Walgreen's. They both worked really well.





I remember trying to make my own kite as a kid--from dowels and Wonder Bread bags. The kite was pretty, but wouldn't fly. I recall dragging it down our street in Northvale trying to get it up in the air. I'm sure there was no wind at all that day!




We went down to Seaside Park and there was a wonderful, strong breeze blowing off the water. Sorry my pics are so bad--I was simultaneously flying a kite, keeping an eye on Robin, and taking pictures.

It was just such a sweet, simple activity and so much fun. We want to do it again soon. We also want to try to make our own kites.

And, I made a little progress on my cloth napkins. I have five done now. I'm actually going to try to make another one tonight...

Our Tree and Cloth Napkins

First, some photos of the lovely tree in front of our apartment...

Next, a work in progress...

Our family has been using cloth napkins for nearly five years now. We recently got all of these beautiful dinner napkins from my mom's, but they are enormous. So, with inspiration from Chez Beeper Bebe http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2009/06/cloth-napkin-project.html and Quince and Quire http://quinceandquire.typepad.com/quince_and_quire/2009/10/a-little-more-cheer-for-monday.html, I decided to cut them down and make them into cuter and less unwieldy napkins. I've only completed one so far, and I imagine it will take me quite a while to make as many as I'd like. Sewing rickrack was another new adventure, but as they say, practice makes perfect.

Yes, progress is slow for me. I usually only have a few precious minutes each evening to do some sewing or blogging. Sometimes, I can do a little sewing while Robin naps and Ellie does her own art alongside me.

Most nights after I put the girls to bed, I'm ready to collapse. I'm amazed at the moms who keep up with their projects and their blogs!

Easter Flowers and Fondue

My lovely mother-in-law was kind enough to send us her vintage fondue pot. I absolutely love it. The forks are cool, too--each with a different color on the bottom. What a great treat it was to get this package from Oz. Now, I have to seek out some fondue recipes.

This teapot is another favorite thrift shop find. The lid was missing, but I thought it was so beautiful and would make a great vase or decoration. I put my Easter flowers in it. It was our centerpiece for a brief moment, until Robin started climbing up the chairs within reach of it! It was swiftly moved out of reach.

Not sure of my next sewing/craft project...tossing around several ideas. Will keep you posted.

Artsy Clutch

Here's my latest completed sewing project. I made the Artsy Clutch from Amy Karol's "Bend the Rules Sewing" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307347214/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1V8T5RRQ4TEDRM0SE5YA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846. I used Alexander Henry's Luca Sage for the outside panels and Kaffe Fassett's Shot Cotton in Sprout for the lining. Amy's book is fantastic--lots of great, easy projects with character. And, I've learned that using quality fabric makes all the difference in the world.

All Kinds of Stuff

First, one little thrift shop goodie...

Yesterday, I was bound and determined to conquer the Granny Square. I found a tutorial on the Purl Bee here. I kept running into problems when it was time to bump up to the next round, but I finally figured out what I was doing wrong. I had to slip stich, or ease, until I got to the corner, then chain, then do 2 dc. Phew! Not sure what I'm going to make yet, but I love the Granny Square.

Lately, Ellie and I have been doing some coloring together. Nothing fancy, just plain old simple coloring. I printed out some cool coloring pages from Made by Joel and some Maisy pages here. Ellie's just gotten to the point where she can color inside the lines and choose a variety of colors. She's really proud of her work and loves to put it up on the fridge. She likes to draw, too. Our coloring sessions have just been so nice and quiet. I put on some classical guitar music or some George Winston, and it's just a nice break and time to talk together. Today and yesterday we used colored pencils, and they are so lovely to work with.

And, I got my package from Purl today. I'm going to make something from "Bend the Rules Sewing" by Amy Karol aka Angry Chicken. More to come...

This and That

Just a few odds and ends for you tonight...starting with a peek at my newly reorganized art/craft/sewing supplies.


And some more thrift shop scores...

Two vintage Winnie the Pooh pillowcases for $1 each.

My girl, labeled "made in Czechoslavakia."

Ivy in a teapot.

Lastly, my fabulous new jar of buttons.

More sewing projects in progress--just waiting for my order from Purl!

Mini-Collages

These are some mini-collages that I have been working on. They are only 4x6"--I decided to work small because I only have small chunks of time.

I'm hoping to make some bigger ones. I also want to experiment with Golden Medium when I have time.

I just used paper scraps and beautiful Origami paper that my cousin Patricia gave to me.