Thursday, March 31, 2011

March Meadowflower Tote



Introducing the March Meadowflower Tote!  The cross stitch was so fun and relaxing to do.  The tote itself came together in just a hour or two.  As you can see it's actually not quite a tote yet as it's missing some handles.  I'm on the hunt for the elusive 1/4" leather lacing.  Next to try is Michael's then a leather store downtown.  If both those fail to produce the leather lacing I have another trick up my sleeve.

I was out taking Daisy for a walk this afternoon, grumbling to myself that I had made this beautiful tote and couldn't carry anywhere.  Suddenly inspiration struck the leather leash in my hand seemed close to 1/4" wide!


Once at home I pulled out my trusty ruler and checked.  Sure enough a smidge over a 1/4 inch.  Don't worry Daisy I won't cut into your leather leash.  I'll go buy a duplicate to chop up but hopefully it won't resort to that as those leashes are expensive.    


Looking forward to checking into the flickr group to see your waste canvas cross stitch projects!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tuesdays Treasures: Weaving


Do you remember my great grandmother's work basket?  This is one of the many treasures found within, a little sampler of Swedish Huck Weaving.

What treasures to you have hidden away?


Monday, March 28, 2011

Curtain Call

April's project for the Embroidery Companion Sew Along is....

drum roll please...
....

CURTAINS!!!

In case you couldn't tell from the title of the post!  The curtains won the poll by a nose although only three voted but the curtains have it either way.

Here are some options for you this month.  One is cross stitch and one is decorative embroidery for which ever mood you're feeling.

Option One: Karin Curtains



A lovely cross stitch pattern done as a ode to Karin Larsson wife of Carl Larsson.  This is the set that I'll be making for sure.  They're to be hung in our studio once completed.  I thinking I'll try and work on the two panels at once instead of finishing one entirely before starting the other.  This way hopefully both panels will be completed instead of one sad little panel without a companion.  Over on the flickr group I'll try and post in progress photos and give people rough weekly goals to help get them completed.

Option Two: Dot and Daisy Curtains


A quick, simple lazy daisy stitch done over dot pattern fabric.  I tempted to make these just because it has Daisy's name in the title but I fear I'll have my hands full with the Karin Curtains.  They'd hang either downstairs in the laundry room or maybe in the kitchen so more could see and enjoy them.

Not to worry we will come back and do the pillows here real soon.

Happy Stitching!!!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Seven

Taken at my Uncle's house early in our courtship.

Seven years ago today I met my husband on a blind date.  Yes, we were one of those lucky few who actually connected on a blind date.  Here's our little story...

On a whim I asked a friend of mine, we were in the same dance ensemble, if she knew any "nice guys" she could set me up with on a date.  I'm not sure what even possessed me to ask that day.  Really, I didn't want to be dating anyone.  I had just gotten used to the idea of being happy just as little, solo me but I did.  My friend was gracious and said she'd think about it and let me know if she thought of someone. 

The next week at our dance rehearsal she came bounding up to me saying she had found the "perfect guy" for me.  He was someone for her office.  She was the receptionist and he was a computer software engineer.  She began to describe him a super nice, kind of quiet, bald but very cute.  Apparently according to my friend, he had asked her to set him up as well.  Patrick actually claims it was another guy in the office who asked to be set up but he went along anyway. 

We tried for a few weeks to set a double date with her and her husband.  It became too difficult to arrange a time for all of us to meet up that Patrick and I decided to go it on our own.  He suggested we go swing dancing at the Mercury Cafe and offered to pick me up.  I was a little nervous about this as I was living at my parents house at the time and wasn't sure how I felt about introducing him to my parents on the first date.  More on that in a minute.

Once the date was set many, many outfits were scouted.  I think I tried on ten or so outfits at the mall narrowing it down to two different ones.  I mean what do you where swing dancing with a guy you've never even met?  The trick for me was to be comfortable, alluring, but not too sexy.  A black boat neck tank top with white piping around the shoulders, a lacy black shawl, and a dark pair of jeans won the outfit contest.  I still have the shirt and shawl.  The jeans were confiscated by my sister at some point.  You know how sisters operate.

The night of the date I was looking in on the neighbor's dog while they were out of town.  My mom had walked over with me and I was getting nervous that Patrick could be arriving at any moment.  I remember rushing back across the street as a blue Subaru WRX was coming down the road.  My heart skipped a beat worrying it could be him.  It turned out it was him but I was able to sneak in the house before he parked and made it to the front door.  Now my parents did try to meet him when he came to the door. I was quick to grab my purse and shut the door behind me before they could make any kind of exchange. 

He wore a crisp blue button down shirt that made his blue eyes shine and a pair of black slacks.  Definitely a nicer dresser than any of those I'd dated before.  I remember thinking, "he's a man, not a boy, but a man.  Wow, am I old enough to be going on a date with a man?"   

We hit it off immediately chatting much of the car ride to the Mercury Cafe.  I felt instantly at ease with him, like I could really be myself and it wouldn't matter.  At first I thought it was because it was a blind date and so it didn't matter too much if he didn't like me or something I said because I wouldn't have to see him again.  But now I wonder if it wasn't also because of Patrick that I felt calm, content, myself.

The Mercury Cafe was full of people dancing.  Patrick showed me the basics of swing dancing.  Back in college I had taken a social dance class as a PE credit but my mind was foggy of the steps and it was fun to have him show me.  It came back quick and soon we were giggling and dancing the night away.  Patrick bumped into an old friend while we were there and we traded partners for a song.  I heard later that I got the thumbs up from him. 

Between songs we caught our breath, had a drink or two at the tables skirting the dance floor.  He noticed that my pinkie on my right hand is shorter then my left, that my thumbs are shaped more like toes than thumbs.  This made my heart go pitter, patter, no guy had ever noticed that before.  We talked and talked and talked.  Now if you know me and Patrick you would be flabbergasted that the two of us managed to keep a conversation going all night.  We're both pretty shy at meeting new people. 

After dancing we were both starved but it was pretty late and most places were closed.  All except a Village Inn back by my parents house.  I ordered a veggie omelet and probably scarfed it down, forgetting my manners.  My mouth was probably full of eggie goodness while we chatted some more.

Afterword he drove me home, walked me to my door, and then......
......

say thanks for a nice night and walked back to his car.  No kiss, no hugs, no handshake, no promise to call.  Nothing.  I went in the house, to my waiting parents, kind of stumped.  Did he have a good time?  I had a good time.  Will he call me? Should I call him? 

Patrick claims later it was all part of the game.  Leave the girl wondering and wanting more.  It worked I guess!  He has told me since that he fell in love with me that first date.  It took me a bit longer to realize it but I'm so glad I did.

In case you're wondering he only waited two days before he called me. The next date was playing pool, both of us were comically terrible at it.  And he did make a move for a kiss then. ;) 

-------------------

Addendum:
Patrick would like me to say that in fact he did give me a hug at the end of the date.  He remembers it vividly!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

I wish this was a peek into my kitchen!

Photo care of: Yvonne Eijkenduijn

With spring in the air and a few lovely decor books like this one, this one, and this one.  I'm dreaming of fresh, clutter free, beautiful spaces.  Then anytime I visit a blog like Yvonne's I'm amazed how she pulls it all together!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

My Creative Space and a Question


Sitting on the couch, working on my cross stitchDaisy's not the one cross stitching mind you, she doesn't have aposable thumbs!  But she snuck into my spot when I went to grab my camera. 

I am really loving doing some cross stitch again.  The colors of the embroidery floss for the flower sections have lifted my spirits and made me think of spring.  I actually think the act of me stitching those colors brought the sunshine out for a beautiful day today.  It's gorgeous.  I would be cross stitching on a blanket out in the back yard but we haven't put up a fence yet and I don't have the heart to tether Daisy up.  I mean how could you?  Look at that sweet face!


Okay so originally I was thinking that next month we'd do the Dahila Field Pillow for our monthly Embroidery Companion Sew Along project. (The Berry Border Pillow being an alternate choice. I wasn't interested in doing this one as much but that doesn't mean you wouldn't want to do it!)

But now after getting back into the cross stitch again I aching to start the Karin Curtains.  (The Dot and Daisy Curtains being the alternate choice here.)  

Either way we'll get to both projects at some point.  But what are you ichin' to do right now?  


I'll let you know on Monday March 28th what the concensus is.

More creative spaces here.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Tuesday Treasures: Spring Walks


On the Powerline Trail with my two hearts!

What's your treasure this week?


Monday, March 14, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Getting Arty!

My sister is THE party planner.  Every year see throws four fabulous birthday parties, one for each of her four kids.  There is always some theme that fits exactly to that particular child.  Everything from the invitations, to the cake, to the games played at the party, to the party favors fit into this theme.  It's incredible!

This year for my nephew Tanner's sixth birthday it was an art themed party complete with an art auction.  I decided very last minute to sew him this from Sew Liberated.

Art Party

Of course being last minute I didn't get it finished in time so it will be on it's way to you soon Tanner.  Just as soon as I finish up another little something for your older brother.  Save on shipping, you understand.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Petal Pillowcases

"P"

Do you remember how much I was stressing over these padded satin stitches
"A"

Well many, many, MANY padded satin stitches later, they're not all that scary anymore.  And rather fun really!
His and Her Petal Pillowcases

I'm really pleased with how these pillowcases turned out.  How I wish I would have stopped stressing and gotten a start on them sooner so I could have finished the Storybook Pillowcases also.  Will you hold my feet to the fire and make sure I make a set of those pillowcases too?  I just LOVE the Storybook Pillowcases and I've have all the thread to make them so really there are no excuses.  Check in with me at the end of March, will ya? 

If you played along, and trust me I know February was a short month,  please put a link to your beautifully finished pillowcases in the original announcement post and you could win a copy of The Embroiderer's Handbook.  And hey if you embroidered any design onto a pillowcase this month you are eligible to enter.  It's the inspiration that counts.  The giveaway has been extended to Monday March 7th.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Tuesday's Treasures: Great Expecations


On Sunday I had the honor of seeing these great actors put on Great Expectations.  Really, truely it was an honor to watch this play.  AMAZING, BREATHTAKING!  If you are anywhere close to the Seattle area run to see this play.  The Chinook Coupon Book has a two for one admission coupon.

Pip (Lee Osorio) & Estella (Sylvie Davidson). Photo by Alan Alabastro
Include your link below if you're playing this week!