tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254952792024-03-13T02:18:48.200-04:00juliereejuliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-39612933630292679812013-03-21T13:22:00.003-04:002013-03-21T17:02:46.644-04:00ellie's nursery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While I was pregnant, most of my nesting instincts went straight into putting together a nursery for Ellie. I may have gone overboard, as I generally do, but it was such a fun way to keep busy during the final months of my pregnancy and collaborate with Matt. And even though in the first weeks of her life, we barely used this room and the daily concerns of caring for a newborn eclipsed all thoughts of cute decor, now that she's almost three months old I think she's actually beginning to notice and appreciate her surroundings. I so hope it will be a happy and cozy place for her to spend the first few years of her life.<br />
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The starting point for this nursery was the vintage curtains that Matt found at a consignment shop. They're actually identical to a set my grandmother had and I can remember sleeping on those sheets as a child. I couldn't resist them and they set the palette for the whole room--bright pops of coral, aqua, yellow, and spring green. This is actually the largest bedroom in our house, perhaps a little large for a nursery, but it adjoins our bedroom so it gives us easy access at night. It was already painted a lovely gray color, so at least we didn't have to repaint! The previous owners also used this room as a nursery and had painted the boarded-up fireplace with chalkboard paint for an improvised drawing space. <br />
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We tried to re-use and re-purpose as many things as we could, and the only new furniture we bought for the room was the crib, which we got at IKEA. The window seat (also from IKEA) was stolen from our sunroom. The <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/2010/09/crafty-wedding-projects.html">pennant garland</a> was from our wedding.<br />
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We re-purposed an old dresser from our guest room to use as a changing table and painted it a bright cheerful yellow. The turquoise ceramic knobs on the dresser came from Anthropologie.<br />
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We got the glider from the same consignment shop where we got the curtains. I recovered it in a nubby gray fabric with yellow piping. The tall dresser was inherited from my grandmother, and is the perfect size for tiny onesies and other pint-sized clothes. The wall art is a hodge podge of items, most notably the beautiful embroidered "E" made by Twin using the pattern in Alicia Paulson's <a href="http://posie-rosy-little-things.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/embroidery-companion">Embroidery Companion</a> and the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/decoylab">fawn wall clock</a> by DecoyLab (I saved up my pennies for that clock!). On top of the dresser, you can also see the beautiful keepsake box our friend Sara made for us to store all the little mementos of Ellie's childhood.<br />
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The beautiful gray wool blankie was made by my mother. It's the Brooklyn Tweed <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=24">Shale Baby Blanket</a>. I spent so many nights nursing and rocking Ellie with that warm blanket like a shawl over my shoulders. It really was like having a warm and reassuring snuggle from my own mama. Mom also made the blanket hanging from the Moses basket. It's inspired by the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/hudson-bay-crib-blank/">Hudson Bay blanket</a> on the Purl Bee but done in our nursery colors. She used such a lovely soft wool that's been great for keeping Ellie warm this winter.<br />
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Ellie will have no shortage of little chairs when she starts toddling around.The rattan one and the straight wooden one are from my childhood, and the awesome yellow rocker is from Matt's. One of Matt's uncles got us the giraffe, who stands guard over the room very handsomely. Abby was terrified of the giraffe at first, but has now established a wary truce with it. <br />
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The cushion on the window seat has five dresden plates that I put together with fabrics from my stash. I'd never made dresden plates before--they are a lot of fun! I just appliqued them on with my sewing machine and did very minimal quilting. Not sure how practical the white fabric will be, but the cover does come off for washing (if I can pry it off--I always make my pillow covers too tight!). <br />
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Twin and I made the mobile using stuffed farm animals and veggies from IKEA. We just carefully hung each from embroidery thread and arranged them around two embroidery hoops. Ellie has just now (at about 10 weeks) begun noticing her mobile and she really does love looking up at it as she falls asleep. The crib is also guarded over by Shanna Murray's <a href="http://shannamurray.bigcartel.com/product/lamb-family-decal">Lamb Family</a> wall decal. And a peace sign, because our little girl is sure to have some hippie in her. <br />
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I got this little green lamp a couple years ago at an antiques store and rewired it myself (I had no idea rewiring a lamp was so easy!). I covered the shade with a scrap of Heather Ross's bicycle print. I don't know if that fabric is still in print, but I probably bought it about 7 years ago and have been hoarding it just in case I ever had a little girl. And now I do! I still have some in my stash, hopefully enough to make a little dress for her soon. The teddy bear I made a couple years ago from <a href="http://www.weewonderfuls.com/">Hillary's book</a>, more about it <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/2011/03/three-wees.html">here</a>. You may have also spied <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/2007/10/you-can-call-me-space-boy.html">Space Boy</a> and <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/2006/09/making-along.html">Olive</a>, who now have a home in the nursery. <br />
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Just a few weeks before Ellie was born, we found the little scooter at an antiques shop downtown and we couldn't resist bringing it home. This teddy bear is from my own childhood, ready for a new generation of love.<br />
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I took all these pictures just before Ellie was born, and this one makes me laugh. It could be captioned "Ready and Waiting." We were all so ready to welcome that baby. The dogs didn't know exactly what they were in for, but they definitely knew something was up.<br />
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And we need a picture of the star of all this cute decor. Here's Ellie at 10 weeks!<br />
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juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-54019538709001341022013-02-26T08:29:00.000-05:002013-02-26T08:29:24.428-05:00without a doubt the most amazing thing I have ever made<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We welcomed Eleanor Marie on January 7, 2013. Motherhood is amazing!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-53596886546627541392012-05-13T09:21:00.001-04:002012-05-13T09:21:50.685-04:00baby trousers and man trousers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few months ago, I sewed up these baby pants as a gift for my cousin's new little baby girl. They're the Quick Change Trousers from Anna Maria Horner's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Beginnings-Sewing-Projects-Welcome/dp/0470497815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336328168&sr=8-1">Handmade Beginnings</a>. They're reversible, so I put a soft flannel on one side and some cheerful cotton prints on the other. Matt was quite taken with them and asked if I could make a pair for him. Yes. I married the most delightful man in the entire world. <br />
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So Matt got his very own Quick Change Trousers. I used the pattern pieces from <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5537-childs-teens-adults-pants.aspx">Simplicity 2290</a>, but followed Anna Maria's instructions so they'd be reversible. <br />
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I originally cut out a size too big, so at first they were swimming on him. The phrase "clown pants" might have been used. But Matt never lost faith in the pants, and after I adjusted the side seams and tightened the elastic waist, they fit him perfectly. <br />
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Handstand-approved.<br />
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And here's the reverse side. Yes, this man will wear polka dots on his butt. And if you needed further proof that I married the most delightful man in the world: when asked what he wants for our upcoming second anniversary, his answers have included "rent a bouncy house" and "unicycle."Juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01160896947716678394noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-78631822842273544062012-05-06T18:14:00.001-04:002012-05-06T18:14:54.343-04:00early summer colors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is about the best time of year. The pups agree.Juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01160896947716678394noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-54995448107077305872012-05-01T22:22:00.000-04:002012-05-01T22:22:27.832-04:00the veil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Early in the wedding planning, Jennie was undecided on whether or not she wanted to wear a veil. On the one hand, it seemed really formal and traditional but on the other, it's romantic and so very <i>bridal</i>. And, it's like a poofy dress--when else are you going to get the chance to wear one? <br />
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I may or may not have made some unseemly comments in the bridal salon about the price of veils. This may be the greatest scam in the bridal industry. It's just tulle!! On a comb! Tulle on a comb! Sheesh. So I told Jennie I wanted to make her a most beautiful veil with lace trim and it would be exactly as she wanted.<br />
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Mom ordered the illusion netting from her favorite fabric store and got the beautiful maline lace edging online. Jennie and I experimented with the shape of the tulle until we liked the way it hung on her head. (We settled on a bullet shape, with the arc wider in the front than the back. I still don't understand exactly why this worked. But it did.) I was prepared to hand-sew the lace onto the tulle, but ended up being able to machine-sew it because we didn't mind the line of stitching at the border of the lace. And then I sewed it on a comb. Done!<br />
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It was pretty. She was gorgeous. Stunning, in fact.Juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01160896947716678394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-79358863524339708892012-04-28T10:56:00.000-04:002012-04-29T13:42:21.539-04:00for her trousseau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over a year ago, Jennie and I saw a nightie in Anthropologie that she loved--it was soft coral pink with antique-y looking lace insertion. So when Jennie got engaged, I decided to try to make a similar nightgown for her. I used the Colette pattern <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/cinnamon">Cinnamon</a>, which I really enjoyed sewing. It's not a hard pattern to put together, and the shape of the gown is really attractive. It's cut on the bias and almost all of the seams are zig-zagged, so even though it hugs the body pretty closely, it's still comfortably stretchy.<br />
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I searched high and low for a coral pink voile that I liked, but never found the right color. My mom had been making table runners for the wedding from voile that she bought from Dharma Trading and dyed gray, so she suggested we buy some of that voile and dye it the color we wanted. Bingo! I bought the <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/4521523-AA.shtml?lnav=fabric_cotton.html">52" Silky Cotton Voile</a> and a little pot of their <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3796-AA.shtml?lnav=dyes.html">coral pink dye</a>, which ended up being so much less expensive than the fabrics I'd been looking at.<br />
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I got some <a href="http://www.oldfashionedbaby.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=444">maline lace insertion</a> to go along the neckline. I'd never inserted lace before but it's surprisingly easy. I was very happy that my lace lined up in the center!<br />
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Along the bottom hem, I attached lace that was leftover from her veil (more on that next post), which is the same "tulip" pattern of maline lace.<br />
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One note about the Cinnamon pattern: Sarai recommends that small-busted people make an adjustment to the bust and I will second that! I made a muslin straight from the pattern and it was quite baggy on me. So if you're A or B cup, a small-bust adjustment is definitely necessary. For the final nightgown, I followed <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/adjusting-parfait-for-a-small-bust-a-tutorial-from-gertie">Gertie's tutorial</a>. I pinched a good third of the fullness out of the bust pattern pieces, and I probably could have taken out a bit more. So fair warning to ye of wee busts!<br />
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Here's the nightie all packaged up for the bride-to-be. The rose is one of my Morning Magic roses, which we planted to grow up our new arbor two years ago. They are growing and blooming like crazy and I think I've only fertilized them twice since planting them. Three cheers for hardy roses!Juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01160896947716678394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-57143312086229477852012-04-24T21:16:00.001-04:002012-04-24T21:16:36.131-04:00my first foray into maternity sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is one of our dearest and oldest friends who is expecting a little boy in two weeks! Doesn't she look beautiful?! This is because: a) she's just an absolutely beautiful person inside and out, b) she's glowing with happiness, and c) she's totally rocking this bridesmaid dress I made for her!<br />
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Suzanne was nervous about finding a maternity dress for the wedding that would fit her 8-month baby bump and be both comfortable and pretty. My mom and I boldly offered to make her a dress, which I ended up making because Mom took on so many other projects (you think I try to DIY a lot of stuff, I can't hold a candle to my mom!) I was a wee bit nervous as I've never sewn anything maternity and am still learning my way around my serger. Overall it went well, though, and the only mini-crisis was about a week before the wedding when my serger cut a giant hole in the bodice. ACK. Luckily, it all worked out in the end and she really looked amazing.<br />
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We used <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=26708">Burda 7630</a> which was a fairly simple pattern to work with and Mom and Suzanne picked out a lovely gray jersey from Joann's. It draped beautifully and we knew it would be a comfortable choice. And although the pattern called for both a zipper and a skirt lining, I was able to leave both out thanks to the stretchy fabric.<br />
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I made a practice dress which Suzanne tried on a few weeks before the wedding. We made some adjustments to the bodice at that point (the lining of the bodice was strangely small and made the entire bust fit much too tightly, so in the final version I just cut two of the regular bodice pieces to use for both outside and lining). We also decided to make the dress floor-length to hide ankles and feet which are now, toward the end of her pregnancy, swelling uncomfortably by the end of the day. I think the longer length made it look so elegant!<br />
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Jennie let each of us bridesmaids pick any gray dress we liked, so we got to show a bit of our own style. The gray made us all look like bridesmaids and it all looked coherent, but we didn't look like crazy bridesmaid clones all in the same dress. I don't know why they do that to bridesmaids! No one likes to be a crazy bridesmaid clone!Juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01160896947716678394noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-21310276224389125202012-04-22T11:46:00.000-04:002012-04-24T21:24:23.143-04:00Jennie's Wedding Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMv3Ij_YCa52TgrR_qG2DHtI6p-lQgzvXL6hCAIPBeBP-ukPcmO8D7JLwxIpmbMVmII0ubRY65Rwhb-479dEK_QdWcO0RRa6AOkIeOOELg6VLShbXAesH8IpEJEHcm8sqCPsP/s1600/DSC_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMv3Ij_YCa52TgrR_qG2DHtI6p-lQgzvXL6hCAIPBeBP-ukPcmO8D7JLwxIpmbMVmII0ubRY65Rwhb-479dEK_QdWcO0RRa6AOkIeOOELg6VLShbXAesH8IpEJEHcm8sqCPsP/s640/DSC_0792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made Jennie a <a href="http://dsquilts.com/fabric_and_patterns.asp?PageID=83">Single Girl quilt</a> to celebrate her marriage. That sounds a little odd (and Matt kept calling it a jinx!) but I just love the way it's a modern take on the traditional wedding ring pattern. A modern wedding quilt! Just what I wanted. This is by far the biggest quilt I've ever made--it's queen-sized at 85" x 92". <br />
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Almost a year ago, I started stashing away red fabrics for this quilt--the pattern calls for 36 different accent fabrics! Jennie's favorite color is red so I focused on red but ended up incorporating some red-oranges and yellows. It was surprisingly hard to find enough red fabrics I liked that were the right tone. I wanted to avoid purpley, dark reds so that it would stay on the very warm side of the red spectrum. I also wanted to keep away from too many pinks so that it wouldn't be girly--it is a wedding quilt so I wanted it to please the groom too!<br />
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I used Kona Coal for the background and I really like the way it sets off the circles. I chose it primarily because Jennie and Collin have two dark-haired cats but it also echoes their wedding colors. The bridesmaids all wore gray dresses and the flowers were bright red, pink, orange, and yellow. So it's very reminiscent of their wedding day.<br />
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Just the idea of wrestling this thing through my featherweight had me sweating so I sought professional help on the quilting and I am so glad I did! Suzan DeSerres of <a href="http://www.singingstitches.com/">Singing Stitches</a> in Chapel Hill did the quilting on a long-arm machine. She did an absolutely beautiful job and was such a pleasure to work with. We decided on a simple looping design that goes back and forth across the quilt. I LOVE it.<br />
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I found some cute <a href="http://www.thecompanystore.com/Classic-Pinwheel-Floral-Percale/E4S7-ps,default,pd.html?start=126&q=percale">percale sheets</a> online to use for the back. I had read that quilting with high-thread count sheets can be a major headache, but these were 200-thread count which seemed to work just fine. It was nice to only have one seam to sew for the back!<br />
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The binding is made from two of the yellow fabrics I had leftover from piecing the front. <br />
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Suzan used an 80/20 cotton/poly blend batting which makes it a versatile weight--light enough for use during the warmer months but still plenty hefty. <br />
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We actually ended up using the quilt as the backdrop of our ye olde photo booth at the wedding! Here are our friends Carl, Suzanne, and Kelli being all colonial at the reception. (The wedding was in Williamsburg, VA. It was AMAZING and everything turned out so beautifully!)<br />
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Jennie and Collin are just back from the honeymoon yesterday. I think this quilt will be part of a very happy home for many many years. XOjuliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-34272433864126342432012-03-16T22:54:00.000-04:002012-04-24T21:24:44.441-04:00jennie's invitations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Twin's wedding is now just four weeks away, so the wedding-related crafting is in high gear. Jennie is so organized and prepared that I think we could have the wedding tomorrow. Except that it would just be me and her with a whole carload of handmade decorations and paraphernalia, but no groom and no guests. So we'll wait for April 14 I guess. Probably for the best. <br />
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Jennie asked me to design the invitations, an honor and a responsibility
I took most seriously. Luckily she gave me good direction and liked
what I came up with. She wanted: COLOR! Lots of RED! and FLOWERS! Those
were her directions. She had seen <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/106819822381196464/">some invitations</a> by Anna Bond of <a href="http://riflepaperco.com/index.php">Rifle Paper Co</a> which served as our inspiration. Anna Bond's designs are absolutely
gorgeous and I could only hope that I could come up with something that
would at least approximate their stunning fabulousness.<br />
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I pulled out my case of acrylics which hadn't seen the light of day in
about 4 years and happily discovered that most of the tubes hadn't dried
up. I really had a ton of fun painting these little flowers. The color
scheme that Jennie has chosen is so full of life and joy, just like her
personality.<br />
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Weekend before last we had a printing, cutting, and assembling party. Then the invitations were on their way. Here we go!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-46954697138349455602012-02-21T23:31:00.000-05:002012-02-21T23:34:29.193-05:00sewing goals 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the beginning of the year, Sarai of Colette Patterns posted her <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/creative-spaces-studios/any-sewing-goals-for-2012">sewing goals</a> for the year. I really love how she writes about sewing and style (for instance, most recently about <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/style/simplicity-and-style">simplicity</a> and <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/style/what-are-your-style-signatures">style signatures</a>) and it's had me thinking a lot about my own personal style. I've always been a jeans, tshirt and pony tail kind of girl, without a lot of patience for fashion. But as I learn to sew more, the prospect of making clothes that really reflect my own personality is exciting.<br />
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So I've been thinking about the beloved staples of my wardrobe: the pants I wore so long that the corduroy rubbed off, the pleated skirt that makes me feel voluptuous (an adjective that rarely applies to my straight figure), the button-down shirt that fits perfectly and is somehow, miraculously, never wrinkly. As I plan my sewing projects, I want to think carefully and realistically about the kinds of clothes that make me feel good. Because that's what it's all about. I'm also going to be more purposeful in gathering clothing inspiration on a <a href="http://pinterest.com/julieree/clothes/">pinterest board</a>. So far I'm seeing a lot of mustard, navy, and simple lines. So predictable! But that's what I love. <br />
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So here are some of my clothes-sewing goals for the year:<br />
<ol>
<li>Experiment with fabric. No more quilting cottons! I think I have enough stacked up to make a lifetime of quilts. It's time to tackle lightweight fabrics, silks, knits, wool, twill, etc. I also tend to buy small quantities of fabric, often less than a yard. I need to be more purposeful in finding garment-worthy fabrics that I love and then buying enough for a specific project. </li>
<li>Focus on wardrobe staples. And that includes pants. Pants! I will make pants this year! I also want to make a dirndl-style dress and a pencil skirt. </li>
<li>Use the patterns I already own. Sometimes I feel like my hobby is not sewing, it's buying sewing supplies--including patterns. I've accumulated quite a library of vintage and new patterns, most of which I've never opened. </li>
<li>Think about fit. Every time. I'm usually in such a rush to finish a project that I don't bother making a muslin and I don't think through the simple adjustments that would make the pattern fit my figure better. </li>
<li>Refashion existing garments. My closet is overflowing with clothes I don't wear. Some of it needs to go to Goodwill, but a lot of it could be reborn with a few adjustments.</li>
</ol>
I feel like I've made these goals before. But they are good goals. Looking forward to a great year of sewing!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-57419209798247187542012-02-11T12:27:00.000-05:002012-04-24T21:24:59.342-04:00green stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I may have jinxed our mild winter because it's gotten quite chilly and gray the past few days. I'm paranoid about "jinxes" because Matt says I don't understand them. Not having grown up in a family where sports were paid much attention, I never learned that saying things like "Oh they're playing well!" or "They can't lose at this point, right?" is bad form. So now I am refining my jinxing abilities just to get his goat each time we watch a sporting event together.<br />
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Even if it's gotten a bit gray lately, though, we've still had a pretty sweet winter. And I've already started getting excited for spring, bringing bits inside to set on windows and planning what we'll do this year. (Must order veg seeds pronto.) <br />
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Matt brought in some of the hellebore that's blooming outside. I love this plant. They're also called "Lenten Rose" because they bloom so early. They're the first thing to wake up every year and we've got quite a patch of them in the yard. Someone must have planted white and purple ones years ago, and they've spread quite a bit, so that now we have plants across the spectrum from purple to white. Their hardy evergreen leaves are also a staple in the garden through our hot humid summers and mild winters.<br />
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I've never considered myself very lucky with houseplants, but now I'm finding that, as with most things, it just takes a bit of effort and patience. And trying a lot of different plants. I planted these common succulents in tin cans on the kitchen window ledge and they're so easy to take care of. I just set them in the kitchen sink in a couple inches of warm water about once a month. That's all they seem to need.<br />
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A sunroom with wide windows and lots of natural light also helps. I honestly think just about anything would grow in our sunroom. I have been babying this maidenhair fern, spritzing it daily and keeping it nice and moist, and he seems really happy.<br />
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Matt bought me this foxtail fern last year. It sat on the front porch all summer, and has thrived in the sunroom this winter. It had gotten really potbound so I moved him to this large bamboo pot last week. He looks a little bottom-heavy but I think he'll fill it out quickly.<br />
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Happy weekend! We are going to see Todd Snider tonight, which I am really excited about. I hope he tells the tale of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2FEc37uMhU">KK Rider</a>. I can laugh until tears stream down my face.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-11803786129312838032012-02-05T20:18:00.000-05:002012-04-24T21:25:11.360-04:00Matt's Gnome Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Compared to <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/search?q=handmade+gift+roundup">last year</a>, I definitely slacked on homemade Christmas gifts this year. This quilt is the only gift I made, and I didn't even finish it until a few days after Christmas. Considering this quilt has been in the works for at least a year, Matt has been very patient. <br />
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I had about a fat quarter of Heather Ross gnome fabric hoarded in the stash, so I fussy-cut each little gnome to live in the center of my log cabin squares. The other fabrics are a random assortment of prints. I was going for whimsical masculine, which kind of also describes Matt. <br />
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Twelve gnomes inside twelve squares. It's sized to be a lap quilt, about 50" x 60".<br />
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The back reminds me of the racing stripe on a sports car.<br />
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Around the time I was ready to quilt it, Alicia posted about her <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/12/quiet-moments.html">latest quilt</a>. She used poofy wool batting and ties instead of quilting. Since the quilting step is my least favorite part anyway, I decided to follow her lead. I used green yarn to tie the quilt on each square and around the border. I also put one running line of hand-quilting along the ditch where the border meets the sashing (it's blue, look closely above). <br />
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I think the hand-quilting is a nice touch, and I do enjoy doing that kind of quilting. I mostly just don't like wrestling quilts through the sewing machine. Maybe I should add a long-arm quilting machine to my wishlist. You know, for when I win the lottery and have a sewing studio that is four times the size of my current one...<br />
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I did get a serger for Christmas, which is extremely exciting. Every time I sew a seam, I have to serge the raw edges. Even when it's not really necessary. Just because I can and it looks so dang cool. I have already made one very wonky t-shirt. Knits really are a whole different world.<br />
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Hoping to be back in this space more this spring. We have daffodils and quince and forsythia already. This has been the strangest winter. I'm totally cool with that. Let's move straight into spring!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-31724502929098573372011-09-21T18:12:00.000-04:002012-04-24T21:25:20.932-04:00hawaiian quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our dearest and oldest friends got married this summer in Hawaii. I wish that I could have made the trip, but I think Hawaii might be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, and I used up my once in a lifetime a few years ago when my parents cashed in all their frequent-flier miles and toted the whole family to Maui for a week. I remember thinking on the dreadfully long flight over there that it couldn't possibly be worth it. And then I stepped out of the airport and said, "oooooh. ahhhhh. yeah, this is totally worth it." It was an amazing trip.<br />
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So we didn't get to see Suzanne tie the knot in person, but we certainly wanted to celebrate her big day. And what better way to celebrate than with a bright, cheerful, hawaiian-inspired quilt. Jennie and I collaborated on this project and two twin heads is better than one. I love how it turned out. <br />
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We used Denyse Schmidt's <a href="http://dsquilts.com/fabric_and_patterns.asp?PageID=185">Proverbial Quilt</a> pattern for the letters. Jennie and I each did two rows of words and I sneakily gave her the "HAWAII" row because the W involved about 10 pattern pieces and looked mighty tricky. She nailed it, of course. <br />
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We picked out the brightly-colored print fabric used in the border first and took all our color inspiration from that, ending up with a rainbow of jewel tones. After we'd pieced the letters, I remembered that I had started appliqueing a Hawaiian quilt motif years ago when we made our trip to Hawaii. I'd always intended it to be a pillow but I had never finished it. The green color worked perfectly with our quilt so we put it in the center. It was meant to be. I obviously started that applique project 4 years ago because Suzanne was destined to get married in Hawaii. Like tea leaves, the unfinished projects that litter my craft room predict the future.<br />
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Jennie did all of the quilting. I think I should have her do all of my quilting from now on. It's awesome. She did a large chevron pattern with machine-quilting around the outside, then hand-quilted the traditional Hawaiian pattern on the motif. I just had to look it up in my little book I bought in Hawaii--it is a breadfruit pattern. I love the mixture of the organic lines of the breadfruit with the geometric lines of the chevron. Killer.<br />
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I take full responsibility for the piecing of the back, which, frankly, just looks like a big old mess. I used leftover bits of the fabrics we used for the letters on the front, but just kind of sewed it all together willy-nilly. It definitely could have used a bit more planning, but it is bright and cheerful. And after all, it's just the back. <br />
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Suzanne's parents hosted a lovely reception at their house in VA a few weeks after the wedding, so we did get to party with the happy couple. On the car ride to VA, Jennie and I sat in the back seat and sewed the binding on the quilt while her fiance chauffeured us. Oh, haven't I mentioned here yet that Jennie is engaged? YUP. April 2012. We have a bajillion craft projects planned and our Mom is planning to make the cake. We talked her down from trying to cater the whole shindig one-handed. This should be fun.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-89952979820681027422011-08-30T22:15:00.002-04:002011-08-31T21:27:32.401-04:00mini-bathroom renovation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrouZ-6_M5M-Ta_lTCtsmhZamAvecDtFni0jAvqXUgxf94h_JJQAxZLxRmXYRlWhwHVvJlU8-HdDaGQrYMvxPnaH0X8qwaleQpJT5ykvxwsIn1Ow39_S1S0qrQdljJ2R4-GU29/s1600/DSC_0918.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647060022390204338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrouZ-6_M5M-Ta_lTCtsmhZamAvecDtFni0jAvqXUgxf94h_JJQAxZLxRmXYRlWhwHVvJlU8-HdDaGQrYMvxPnaH0X8qwaleQpJT5ykvxwsIn1Ow39_S1S0qrQdljJ2R4-GU29/s400/DSC_0918.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 265px;" /></a>Sorry for my long absence! We've been enjoying the end-y bit of summer, which has been dry as a bone and hot as hades here. (I'm not complaining, though. Weeeeell, maybe I am just a bit. Looking forward to lovely crisp autumn and all that comes with it.) We had a two-week "staycation" at the end of July, followed by a week with my family in the mountains. Now, fully rested and totally depleted of vacation hours, it's back to work we go.
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Our staycation was lovely though, full of great food and summer movies and relaxing together. Around the beginning of the second week, I started thinking "my, wouldn't this be a great time to try to renovate the bathroom a bit?" I mentioned this to Matt, at which point he sighed heavily, then gamely agreed to help me. Because he's such a good hubby.
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This is the master bathroom, which is remarkably large for our modest, 1920s-vintage house (we think it was added on at some point). The fixtures are all fine, if a little generic. Since moving in, we've talked about doing a gut renovation "some day," and I started a wish list: free-standing tub, vintage-style lighting, hexagon tile flooring. But the reality is that we probably won't have the moola for a total renovation for many years. So we set out to see what we could do with as little investment as possible. The total renovation is still on the wish list, but we wanted to make it a more enjoyable space right now.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlHUpXVL4L77pCUggL63wKiBOjYacQQvCops28OCwYfmfw3ZrNrGFc0P-zbfSutlISr_eV4Br419yDhzPRlnzwRaI2RaLPTvp5b-JTc8qegUcrMZP_9scNpnvLnAuvYncvOzl/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059912423304994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlHUpXVL4L77pCUggL63wKiBOjYacQQvCops28OCwYfmfw3ZrNrGFc0P-zbfSutlISr_eV4Br419yDhzPRlnzwRaI2RaLPTvp5b-JTc8qegUcrMZP_9scNpnvLnAuvYncvOzl/s400/DSC_0666.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I forgot to take a "before" shot, but here's an in-progress picture to show you what we were working with. The floor was a hunter green vinyl sticky tile and the walls were the color of a band-aid. Somebody at some point must have liked this color combo. I'm not a big fan. I knew just changing those two elements would make a huge difference.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqobPS6pbgNHLcvfnZWAkLm9vXRgorbAwPwAwI-PdNUl6z73V2zebyxRwEwn1RYDwBlGY1sVzQwXNN95FWZP-z-KrmOkYzgS05U91m3s3orHyQ7Jyu7MUQk4wDzS7UClA3e_Z/s1600/DSC_0936.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059907483328050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqobPS6pbgNHLcvfnZWAkLm9vXRgorbAwPwAwI-PdNUl6z73V2zebyxRwEwn1RYDwBlGY1sVzQwXNN95FWZP-z-KrmOkYzgS05U91m3s3orHyQ7Jyu7MUQk4wDzS7UClA3e_Z/s400/DSC_0936.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>We stuck with sticky tile (hee) but chose a light, faux-marble one from Lowes. The colors in the tiles are quite lovely--mostly white and cream but with enough gray and brown smudgy bits that it has a lot of depth. And it hides dirt like a dream. I actually really enjoyed laying the floor, believe it or not. It was like one giant jigsaw puzzle. I LOVE jigsaw puzzles. Matt does not. We realized this after an hour or so, so he took over the painting from that point. <br />
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The walls are a very pale blue-gray and we repainted all the trim white. We also painted the base of the vanity a medium gray. I had originally chosen a minty green color that ended up looking dreadful. Just awful. Matt gave me an "I told you so look" and helped me pick out the gray color. Much better. We also replaced the giant frame-less mirror above the vanity with a smaller, framed one that we already owned.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboGR42jfb_YP-zmsI_9IXTzzGEVOH_S9KXKiBv4M_ZzAiR1RnBPWUsFCZZqpza10HxyREb914hII2ZAYU57fZNXWvuy30FO4ZE1N3aZEHWAGa18qVXYt7gLgjz29Pbrx9tNC_/s1600/DSC_0928.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059910517984322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboGR42jfb_YP-zmsI_9IXTzzGEVOH_S9KXKiBv4M_ZzAiR1RnBPWUsFCZZqpza10HxyREb914hII2ZAYU57fZNXWvuy30FO4ZE1N3aZEHWAGa18qVXYt7gLgjz29Pbrx9tNC_/s400/DSC_0928.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 276px;" /></a>We replaced some of the hardware with shiny new ones. The rusty black floor vent was replaced with a bright white one. We finally mounted a toilet-paper holder on the wall (we used to just keep the roll sitting on the back of the commode...it took me three weeks after installing it to stop twisting around behind me to reach for the tp).
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxc6cUHuuqj2CmaitZVbBCAIdNDhhmPprbBvCAWSjbm81cNBDkrccMlBH_WmElhYMteleSmZdGzN-NoBlUqtEQjkOZtV9UdlNK_Obn1KADU2sOUM1GI5aBJ3pX2dcvTMKkbVH/s1600/DSC_0926.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059615664891042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxc6cUHuuqj2CmaitZVbBCAIdNDhhmPprbBvCAWSjbm81cNBDkrccMlBH_WmElhYMteleSmZdGzN-NoBlUqtEQjkOZtV9UdlNK_Obn1KADU2sOUM1GI5aBJ3pX2dcvTMKkbVH/s400/DSC_0926.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 265px;" /></a>This odd corner beside the shower is where we store our linens. There used to be two large, deep shelves here where we piled all our linens. It was impossible to keep it organized and neat, so we took down the shelves and put in an inexpensive storage cabinet. Now I don't have to stare at a jumble of towels and sheets.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIs-x6uZ8YF3paePMs3MDicpcMK-1DbuSnhBJr7wLH7rX1BYmPU2-sMoZObtYAYEcO8NtDUUVNnR4s_hPV3PgXflHdu71isa8eVr7w_WxRN0Y_TkPSBi-doKryOM8HLt6mFf0/s1600/DSC_0932.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059617866790434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIs-x6uZ8YF3paePMs3MDicpcMK-1DbuSnhBJr7wLH7rX1BYmPU2-sMoZObtYAYEcO8NtDUUVNnR4s_hPV3PgXflHdu71isa8eVr7w_WxRN0Y_TkPSBi-doKryOM8HLt6mFf0/s400/DSC_0932.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I was going to sew a new shower curtain but then found this awesome one at Target. We also picked up the wooden floor mat and the cheerful yellow trash can there. I like the yellow accents and warm wood tones against the cool gray background.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAsaod0oW4g4Acd7HPGv_5nlw7aykifSkLbX7ZEIdDwtWrbfKgLTldReDGmcqtQkbtYaY_A_D5Q78euIH6IosPz-Y8igjzox5xabQNK47I1I3whgbty5QBTu7On1mcHqLr6PG/s1600/DSC_0943.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059606939368530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAsaod0oW4g4Acd7HPGv_5nlw7aykifSkLbX7ZEIdDwtWrbfKgLTldReDGmcqtQkbtYaY_A_D5Q78euIH6IosPz-Y8igjzox5xabQNK47I1I3whgbty5QBTu7On1mcHqLr6PG/s400/DSC_0943.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I don't normally keep fresh flowers in my bathroom but maybe I should. I also hid all my ugly toiletries and only left out the pretty ones for these photos. I maybe watch too much HGTV. Speaking of which, there is an episode of Design Inc (<a href="http://www.designinc.ca/tr/tr.php?id=35&season=02">here are some pics</a>) that really inspired this bathroom. I love me some Sarah Richardson. I don't know that I am posh enough to live in any of her houses, but I do love watching her shows. Especially <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/sarahs-summer-house/show/index.html">Sarah's Summer House</a>. It is a modern day Blue Castle. (And if you haven't read <span style="font-style: italic;">The Blue Castle</span> by L.M. Montgomery and have no idea what I am talking about, you need to read it. It is one of my favorite books of all time.)
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0WkGRLuw90VPF6XWyvVHjFvLcDS32PLztTwthFOPSiaIAl7lhW0_j5lCr_LlVpD2NH8VtmFJr-Lw_dKBDt6TDdELWfA6u-Cw2Gg8_KzMzt0P3cqQenVb5-OzdE8Zvw-WHx6N/s1600/DSC_0920.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647059604042846322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0WkGRLuw90VPF6XWyvVHjFvLcDS32PLztTwthFOPSiaIAl7lhW0_j5lCr_LlVpD2NH8VtmFJr-Lw_dKBDt6TDdELWfA6u-Cw2Gg8_KzMzt0P3cqQenVb5-OzdE8Zvw-WHx6N/s400/DSC_0920.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I had to include this picture because Abby looks like a ghost. A sweet, friendly puppy ghost.
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The whole "mini-reno" probably set us back about $200 and a few days of labor. One day we will get our claw-foot tub and ceramic tile, but in the meantime I know we will really enjoy this space. juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-33538621012835747102011-07-13T17:56:00.003-04:002011-07-13T18:24:36.793-04:00seersucker shirtdress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF3utWVG0o7dJSxSy3JKyJQ5WX6Ayz30TtPPN7Mv5yr9kWJl1LVSrNn-Ai8znuo_ztqVNqcIu-Zbxsd6uFMJqBBPhyphenhyphenB4s70wlmyMn4O85tN_4kDln52XDzyKlCTk0F5_KTY45/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF3utWVG0o7dJSxSy3JKyJQ5WX6Ayz30TtPPN7Mv5yr9kWJl1LVSrNn-Ai8znuo_ztqVNqcIu-Zbxsd6uFMJqBBPhyphenhyphenB4s70wlmyMn4O85tN_4kDln52XDzyKlCTk0F5_KTY45/s400/DSC_0596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628959976619873314" border="0" /></a>I finally made a Lisette pattern! This is the <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=3aec444f55d0420ae80fafd6b057973b&Store_Code=SL&Screen=PROD&Category_Code=AP&Product_Code=OLV-U02246">Traveler dress</a>, view A. I didn't alter a single thing, cut it out and made it exactly as the pattern instructed. And it's PERFECT. This is probably the best homemade garment I've made so far. It fits me perfectly, is super comfortable, and is very flattering. It's even cute without the belt because the shape of the dress is so nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGA_wAbN_HwvmQ4189uBYAZVpk-uVCQqvH5xKMgnVIDu2GDyvDMqeCLVh5o3cjI51UIRbiuPXsbGSvfyoqkXsOFKBTQIgjExqksntvkrA7RtMzAUl6QjWip9Bnl7WwGncFn5F/s1600/DSC_0607.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGA_wAbN_HwvmQ4189uBYAZVpk-uVCQqvH5xKMgnVIDu2GDyvDMqeCLVh5o3cjI51UIRbiuPXsbGSvfyoqkXsOFKBTQIgjExqksntvkrA7RtMzAUl6QjWip9Bnl7WwGncFn5F/s400/DSC_0607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628959978895296482" border="0" /></a>I used an inexpensive gray stripe seersucker that I got at Joann's. I can remember my grandma had a shirtdress exactly like this. Except hers had shoulder pads because it was the 80s.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZECob2e4TOZrdNia4mpz3vY8e3K1dvjguvlzqPQpmdv4cNz6QRQmWYs9YVWOb3vbSh_iKncB28tsBrcfvRgcLNtTqjdJhL4rxgykBLaAvL6wn2YGxxjwJdOgG8jG6y4dH7UK/s1600/DSC_0616.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZECob2e4TOZrdNia4mpz3vY8e3K1dvjguvlzqPQpmdv4cNz6QRQmWYs9YVWOb3vbSh_iKncB28tsBrcfvRgcLNtTqjdJhL4rxgykBLaAvL6wn2YGxxjwJdOgG8jG6y4dH7UK/s400/DSC_0616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628959971794687090" border="0" /></a>The pattern is lovely and straightforward, and includes some really helpful tips along the way. I learned some new things, such as the clever way of finishing the top of the patch pockets with a pintuck. It's also interesting that this collar is all one piece, so you don't have to bother with a collar band. Genius.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yj7mgaZmAsfzn34r1b1RJHJ_gCi8wq1lcJXESUOvz0D5MXiGk9ZEgz_uXS0SJBo2IfWb0bSmnTOAW-j6XPS0RUSje1fD4h6Mn3zYKENDdZo7MZoyu0z0AgZFRQR2B6iu48Fb/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yj7mgaZmAsfzn34r1b1RJHJ_gCi8wq1lcJXESUOvz0D5MXiGk9ZEgz_uXS0SJBo2IfWb0bSmnTOAW-j6XPS0RUSje1fD4h6Mn3zYKENDdZo7MZoyu0z0AgZFRQR2B6iu48Fb/s400/DSC_0631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628959970138044626" border="0" /></a>It came together quite quickly--I was able to do all the sewing in one afternoon + evening. My buttonholer attachment was being fussy so the 10 buttons seemed a bit intimidating. But the buttonholer cooperated in the end and I attached the 10 charcoal buttons to finish it.<br /><br />I'm excited to try the other patterns. The Portfolio tunic might be next.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-35748305953426864012011-07-10T11:21:00.006-04:002011-07-10T13:16:37.408-04:00summer bounty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM9X1nYnUUtPG2elURMusOA2O3Hftl5jqOP1g54FnPG58UofWwAhvCKhT6yInfWtrBMIPJ14Ab1LbpQ7V-J_9Wj8gEXWzam-Tl9iKXCoGy0Ts-6zO27rlbCIVhsEKVeiVqbsO/s1600/DSC_0577.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM9X1nYnUUtPG2elURMusOA2O3Hftl5jqOP1g54FnPG58UofWwAhvCKhT6yInfWtrBMIPJ14Ab1LbpQ7V-J_9Wj8gEXWzam-Tl9iKXCoGy0Ts-6zO27rlbCIVhsEKVeiVqbsO/s400/DSC_0577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627744707501839330" border="0" /></a>Yesterday's haul out of the garden. We are drowning in summery goodness.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdWHL7hupmbmBQOTm1h4grlIzZCAFFgriNYvfiXZWgPEhICnizcAm4wj4LLQlUYBdxM2-EXM3WbilFli_6g_pJ8Uo_UgpgExtslA9ZcJhlVqA3eADkXRGh9dPMVZody-m5-SH/s1600/DSC_0569.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdWHL7hupmbmBQOTm1h4grlIzZCAFFgriNYvfiXZWgPEhICnizcAm4wj4LLQlUYBdxM2-EXM3WbilFli_6g_pJ8Uo_UgpgExtslA9ZcJhlVqA3eADkXRGh9dPMVZody-m5-SH/s400/DSC_0569.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627744702019559266" border="0" /></a>Piles of fresh produce are the mother of invention and I have been trying out new recipes in order to keep up with the inventory around here. Matt's Mom brought us blueberries, ranier cherries, bing cherries, and peaches last weekend and despite munching on these goodies all week, I realized yesterday morning that I still had a pile of fruit nearing over-ripeness. Must save the fruit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcTqScU30qUbapT-ZnM_Gz7fx04e7MCy9ak8N0Ye1_-eT8r63AzwhIqPBuMTlwRLc1J8fZMuNgEnWbn_loDoSzzE0aMBUelH_4MfR1E4z4tIHusHYxQxnZd3r-z2KROT_vcMc/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcTqScU30qUbapT-ZnM_Gz7fx04e7MCy9ak8N0Ye1_-eT8r63AzwhIqPBuMTlwRLc1J8fZMuNgEnWbn_loDoSzzE0aMBUelH_4MfR1E4z4tIHusHYxQxnZd3r-z2KROT_vcMc/s400/DSC_0583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627744696202224402" border="0" /></a>So I made a crisp. I almost went with my old stand-by crisp topping (melted butter, brown sugar, oats) but decided to try something new from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rustic-Fruit-Desserts-Crumbles-Pandowdies/dp/1580089763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1310313030&sr=8-1">Rustic Fruit Desserts</a>. I used the almond crisp topping and oh. my. goodness. It's just butter + sugar + flour + toasted almonds but it could not be more delicious. I was nervous because Matt doesn't normally like nuts in his desserts (I know, crazy), but even he pronounced it awesome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y7biox55DJozt1qy6nvEmPEbVL7EZ8ztIjMhZnOucCGOSoMV2VTpv9_1pOQfuiRyWGUZQtcSo-JcnPIRD2lPZ51WFVoNMwivVybuHY9_aia4lC-zp6XfUclmJ_fbnsHHGwex/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y7biox55DJozt1qy6nvEmPEbVL7EZ8ztIjMhZnOucCGOSoMV2VTpv9_1pOQfuiRyWGUZQtcSo-JcnPIRD2lPZ51WFVoNMwivVybuHY9_aia4lC-zp6XfUclmJ_fbnsHHGwex/s400/DSC_0584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627744690646507490" border="0" /></a>This week we've had so much rain that the tomatoes are splitting open on the vine. I dashed out to save them and then put together this watermelon tomato salad from the August Martha Stewart (sorry can't find the recipe on her website, must not be up yet). I didn't bother with making the basil oil, instead I just tore up some basil leaves. A little goat cheese, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Quite tasty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyv0ZPBp4y8NZtjFgsxNIKMHapBDPaWmVD4zQhfXML-Eberz6WPn2fhjohmUjpjcByOd43wYY0gni6WCARyCND6HxSweV8mB4gNCfe9LUnosZzxcSw6z-DxQ4o1eMJ-dlolMA/s1600/DSC_0592.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyv0ZPBp4y8NZtjFgsxNIKMHapBDPaWmVD4zQhfXML-Eberz6WPn2fhjohmUjpjcByOd43wYY0gni6WCARyCND6HxSweV8mB4gNCfe9LUnosZzxcSw6z-DxQ4o1eMJ-dlolMA/s400/DSC_0592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627744686750244786" border="0" /></a>And this was my lunch yesterday, which was so pretty I had to take a picture. This is uncommonly healthy for me. I had a bowl of crisp for dessert to make up for it.<br /><br />Now I need to figure out what to do with all this yellow squash. Matt tells me his Memom always made fried squash cakes and called them "croquettes." I'm thinking about <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/squash-and-zucchini-cakes-recipe/index.html">this recipe</a>. Paula Deen and fried food--can't go wrong. Any favorite squash recipes?juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-31119770361174033502011-06-22T18:13:00.000-04:002011-06-23T13:57:13.718-04:00squares within squares quilt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIefBjPjdtlgO9xxZN7zNTzQcx9i5JICGR3F3ooaAPQA-MMMSFPMxR47DsOV_Z_zqOvrxDdd60mnwapUurkjez7q3VspPH051yRlMGuopOUVXz8qiATKxOVpbWaZTWQFTbxthC/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIefBjPjdtlgO9xxZN7zNTzQcx9i5JICGR3F3ooaAPQA-MMMSFPMxR47DsOV_Z_zqOvrxDdd60mnwapUurkjez7q3VspPH051yRlMGuopOUVXz8qiATKxOVpbWaZTWQFTbxthC/s400/DSC_0476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621469680345364434" border="0" /></a>The baby quilt is fini, and sent off to Atlanta where it will help welcome a new little baby soon. Although it's for a baby boy, I didn't want it to be too "boy-y" so I went with a more gender-neutral yellow and turquoise color scheme. It's a mix of bold, bright patterns with a few more subtle ones, like the yellow stripe seersucker and the pale blue dot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLEllZxpUa4dbYbS9XAmgJfrkXR9k6-ahlnNQhIQDg4P13V8eKfVuUxT_1uJxtTXrM9ufvnCsUNrHTBUNoN0ZkjNMk3-yIeE22bSfQcRd0O9p6cOuuZtPjMsOgunLwbMMxvaX/s1600/baby_quilt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLEllZxpUa4dbYbS9XAmgJfrkXR9k6-ahlnNQhIQDg4P13V8eKfVuUxT_1uJxtTXrM9ufvnCsUNrHTBUNoN0ZkjNMk3-yIeE22bSfQcRd0O9p6cOuuZtPjMsOgunLwbMMxvaX/s400/baby_quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621469692601886130" border="0" /></a>The square-within-a-square pattern was fun and quite simple to piece. I didn't realize until sewing all the strips together that because of the sashing there was not a single seam that had to be carefully lined up. Sweet! I had one stray block leftover, so I incorporated it into the back of the quilt. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovVwhgXkFnGd6FEzow-EcwJFDmX7AmhourdLyPGrvGBxmlilfjc3xvcQ_-hskRNLpvWGdHSPp5aPVFIYDoFg-NweEPMkxOcEO7boucklwlpIpALxz9Qg4WSZtRUKM5zvZndTn/s1600/DSC_0464.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovVwhgXkFnGd6FEzow-EcwJFDmX7AmhourdLyPGrvGBxmlilfjc3xvcQ_-hskRNLpvWGdHSPp5aPVFIYDoFg-NweEPMkxOcEO7boucklwlpIpALxz9Qg4WSZtRUKM5zvZndTn/s400/DSC_0464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621469680467008946" border="0" /></a>I did a simple quilting pattern--just straight lines in one direction. I still don't trust my walking foot very much. I need to practice more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA-EeFXWfXq7poUZwUklRgdEUHOXetrwEUXgfkPEvxsq_zHpipz91PDEfu3T_DAohbg20lislZhLGww4h8NH4cwLJT2xEmLErChQyFkIQTwawhxPtJlTk3e8gKmCzhtOOxs6Z/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA-EeFXWfXq7poUZwUklRgdEUHOXetrwEUXgfkPEvxsq_zHpipz91PDEfu3T_DAohbg20lislZhLGww4h8NH4cwLJT2xEmLErChQyFkIQTwawhxPtJlTk3e8gKmCzhtOOxs6Z/s400/DSC_0470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621469682806118994" border="0" /></a>Binding is always my favorite part of a quilt. (Is that weird? Am I the only one?) I love the actual task of binding by hand, and I love the look of the finished binding. A lovely way to finish a quilt project.<br /><br />Sending wonderful happy thoughts for this new family of three!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-2493591542351685632011-06-15T17:00:00.008-04:002011-06-15T18:32:31.390-04:00my anniversary present<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Vkqfwvaxo8CvrmiVt_-8vwoCNnLQg8OzQXYV1ccQ-6whPTUCdhN-T4zl7qfv67TxTs31Lr38GvOu2Bil3ZOmLeTyDISA8yyUsxLKAY1bMQGLAX6Ra153xY_f2ISrK1kZwwe/s1600/DSC_0391.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Vkqfwvaxo8CvrmiVt_-8vwoCNnLQg8OzQXYV1ccQ-6whPTUCdhN-T4zl7qfv67TxTs31Lr38GvOu2Bil3ZOmLeTyDISA8yyUsxLKAY1bMQGLAX6Ra153xY_f2ISrK1kZwwe/s400/DSC_0391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618554967668828658" border="0" /></a>For my anniversary present, Matt had an old piece of my grandmother's cross-stitch custom-framed. I love it so much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmYPC8AmNFj8Qk0QqKhFKlkDHdRlI9HLcbqOS_Xp9b9QMkkeRQBCE8aLoM2DyI5cZwie3GAJCaO2ft6TZDvzB3FCu6E-ccLWsanbkJgVe_WS0uicg02gICEUoRh9tv_Y9fpOF/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmYPC8AmNFj8Qk0QqKhFKlkDHdRlI9HLcbqOS_Xp9b9QMkkeRQBCE8aLoM2DyI5cZwie3GAJCaO2ft6TZDvzB3FCu6E-ccLWsanbkJgVe_WS0uicg02gICEUoRh9tv_Y9fpOF/s400/DSC_0405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618558269040056290" border="0" /></a>I found the sampler in the depths of my grandma's linen closet when we cleaned out her house. I don't know when during her lifetime she made it, or why she never framed it. I don't really remember my grandma doing much sewing or embroidery, though she must have done quite a bit earlier in her life. I'm not surprised at all, though, by how perfectly neat and precise her cross-stitch is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTosb6EcrJZ8K9ZLpOEs_ebh-eSlVjnQwm9ZEuAcYaOTz-XXdid473-elibRkcMrFxMUzryMBHmqB02zMla_XOVfFOQgZIoELSI_LJ2ziVD9Wg198OD6YVAMZPLnKUzx2BSAzN/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTosb6EcrJZ8K9ZLpOEs_ebh-eSlVjnQwm9ZEuAcYaOTz-XXdid473-elibRkcMrFxMUzryMBHmqB02zMla_XOVfFOQgZIoELSI_LJ2ziVD9Wg198OD6YVAMZPLnKUzx2BSAzN/s400/DSC_0394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618554963200226738" border="0" /></a>The sampler is made up of delicate little motifs of flowers and animals, all in the most lovely muted colors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bpn6GbFfCPUTf2-3jf2uwAQNFDZjJLcWt8g8nQQwDtIw2ouLOK8d2psVqNTlTrER5sBQbdy-fRi9I6ggOGCQ2TbcJQ6jnh-Ft5DLWoLqTvvcYMgjNGEyQcK31__ykp2M-WCk/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bpn6GbFfCPUTf2-3jf2uwAQNFDZjJLcWt8g8nQQwDtIw2ouLOK8d2psVqNTlTrER5sBQbdy-fRi9I6ggOGCQ2TbcJQ6jnh-Ft5DLWoLqTvvcYMgjNGEyQcK31__ykp2M-WCk/s400/DSC_0495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618554955148554450" border="0" /></a>Her initials are in the very center of the sampler. My grandma's name was Genevieve, which I've always thought such a beautiful name. She would laugh because many people didn't know how to pronounce it, and she was usually called "Gen." She died just over a year ago, and I'm so glad to have this little reminder of her where I can see it every day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhducSdM8-6QXBBchZH1Dkv3y8MyaW-fSqNPg4UB6RSe36ZOyXGjCBF9UbVzhItuaxg2KTrw7IDJdurtveC1UGOKVPIBvIdrqgkzuuWioEMSmAdcHC6-vooCMP7lRm_RTtWzvsR/s1600/DSC_0481.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhducSdM8-6QXBBchZH1Dkv3y8MyaW-fSqNPg4UB6RSe36ZOyXGjCBF9UbVzhItuaxg2KTrw7IDJdurtveC1UGOKVPIBvIdrqgkzuuWioEMSmAdcHC6-vooCMP7lRm_RTtWzvsR/s400/DSC_0481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618554954987813666" border="0" /></a>I knew that Matt was framing the cross-stitch, because I went with him to the store and hemmed and hawed endlessly over the framing options. I didn't know, though, that he also ordered and framed a photo of us. My brother took this picture of us at our family reunion last year. We're walking away from the camera, and we just look like we're having a lovely conversation. I can't remember if we were, but probably so. We tend to have mighty nice conversations.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-25162009761675062312011-06-14T20:48:00.003-04:002011-06-14T21:53:41.741-04:00his anniversary present<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlb0-6yFL_wHeBXRgPvklrgej6ukvNYa9h8_XmDYbrOucEYBWw7Yz8VXSB0CyVvJv3uin8bM9ODcQ9uufNHlFi2aGX5ZVF4WsSshpzzb74UUYAjoJpA0uQ7PNk_gIaCo9ler4/s1600/DSC_0437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlb0-6yFL_wHeBXRgPvklrgej6ukvNYa9h8_XmDYbrOucEYBWw7Yz8VXSB0CyVvJv3uin8bM9ODcQ9uufNHlFi2aGX5ZVF4WsSshpzzb74UUYAjoJpA0uQ7PNk_gIaCo9ler4/s400/DSC_0437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618242946620359346" border="0" /></a>I made a linen shirt for Matt as an anniversary present. I made it from our "wedding linen," which is what I call the 10 yards of natural linen that I bought last year to use as table runners at our wedding reception. I've been using this linen in projects all year long, and I still have about 3 yards left. It seemed appropriate to make Matt's anniversary present from the wedding linen. And it was one of the few fabrics in my stash that was appropriate for a man's shirt. I need to remember to look for more male-friendly fabrics when I am fabric-shopping.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82OoPkN2IsP8A7_YikprqTiWEa1dyLGaghpsZ8PkGzDXBVJ1IPsvPTD8f-iJxLiusp7HeF9oZXEl9XxecuJ5fQ0yzQPlMBUImsmrnJ3blkuBNrFPYFgEyWktFeSYCRrEZrgLb/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82OoPkN2IsP8A7_YikprqTiWEa1dyLGaghpsZ8PkGzDXBVJ1IPsvPTD8f-iJxLiusp7HeF9oZXEl9XxecuJ5fQ0yzQPlMBUImsmrnJ3blkuBNrFPYFgEyWktFeSYCRrEZrgLb/s400/DSC_0442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618242944349701058" border="0" /></a>I used McCall's 6044, which is the same pattern I used for the <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/2011/01/man-shirt.html">long-sleeve shirt</a> I made for him this past winter. It's a nice pattern and fits him well, though I think in the future I will make the sleeves a bit slimmer for a more modern fit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS65thU1gy2W6AI6RaH3ioPGK4qM_N06iV3AmzfU_VlRR0WeXr_Vg7K7vNzWshsvQ1czu8_RwPfpU9vx5Vkf9jppH86Ouo0V6p7wPZVbZHMENQ1atgWftZluC1vzc3o_Zo9lsF/s1600/DSC_0450.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS65thU1gy2W6AI6RaH3ioPGK4qM_N06iV3AmzfU_VlRR0WeXr_Vg7K7vNzWshsvQ1czu8_RwPfpU9vx5Vkf9jppH86Ouo0V6p7wPZVbZHMENQ1atgWftZluC1vzc3o_Zo9lsF/s400/DSC_0450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618242939636017538" border="0" /></a>I was surprised by how easy it was to work with the linen, since I've sometimes found linen a bit slippery to sew. (I always think of it as "squigy" though that is not a real word, is it?) In this project, though, everything came together nicely. I love how crisp linen gets when you iron it, makes sewing hems so much easier. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOVGqsxstcAfKNmIJ9mtcv5PfSj-FKCOltntVcRjOfo8Jwr9AmQpXYfTkU-4kGTcq7NsKb5mQ2vfBhaqA-VX2WpPFb8dH3NvnSmspSxd7qn69lEOkBmif1hFWn89Iifxe_WAi/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOVGqsxstcAfKNmIJ9mtcv5PfSj-FKCOltntVcRjOfo8Jwr9AmQpXYfTkU-4kGTcq7NsKb5mQ2vfBhaqA-VX2WpPFb8dH3NvnSmspSxd7qn69lEOkBmif1hFWn89Iifxe_WAi/s400/DSC_0458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618242936025889698" border="0" /></a>We took these pictures in front of our new flower beds outside the fence. I'm proud of these beds because we created them from scratch. It's all been a bit of an experiment. Last year, we started with roses and clematis on the arbor, flanked by monarda, yarrow, and hollyhocks. The hollyhocks did nothing the first year and are only just getting going now. They have been plagued by rust and are still looking quite spindly. I need to figure out if there's anything I can do for that. This year, I added nepeta, african daisies, and pink cosmos in the front of the bed. I love the nepeta, and it hides the gangly legs of the hollyhock and monarda perfectly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO64WYixtKR5HgTxVfgNG0_iqqpl3QiuwfT0ZApW2OA47gDwjehdNDb4dXXFtz5I3Iru-x6r1JzZ206F-NUDP3kn55sIrza7sf1RGwCfIZYfkljXEk6vLD7qfsjnw3Om7g_WV/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO64WYixtKR5HgTxVfgNG0_iqqpl3QiuwfT0ZApW2OA47gDwjehdNDb4dXXFtz5I3Iru-x6r1JzZ206F-NUDP3kn55sIrza7sf1RGwCfIZYfkljXEk6vLD7qfsjnw3Om7g_WV/s400/DSC_0454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618242929982253586" border="0" /></a>The one hollyhock that has managed to grow to full height this year is lovely. I need to figure out how to get the others happy, because these beauties are worth the effort.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll post about my anniversary presents. I think Matt's superpower is thoughtful gift-giving. He is awfully good at it.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-32078173802955269632011-06-08T18:08:00.000-04:002011-06-10T15:39:02.595-04:00a happy year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT58PRoxzO6JNnCVIS2UZEc048J4LzdUN9ys2CFtnk_684WZ9KHAtvxINy6FpLVvonbsQIiD9hmE16aU00u-1nN9HjE4APSqDvSgDk2th0M3OqsbxmZ4QlW1RDFzab9IJSw6w/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT58PRoxzO6JNnCVIS2UZEc048J4LzdUN9ys2CFtnk_684WZ9KHAtvxINy6FpLVvonbsQIiD9hmE16aU00u-1nN9HjE4APSqDvSgDk2th0M3OqsbxmZ4QlW1RDFzab9IJSw6w/s400/DSC_0385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615944063476181746" border="0" /></a>Matt and I celebrated our first anniversary over the past weekend. We popped a bottle of champagne, snapped a picture under the arbor, then walked downtown for dinner. I wore the new dress he bought me a few weeks ago (from Target!). It is a great dress, and I was surprised by how comfortable and flattering it is. It has inspired me to try sewing a <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=922a402dab6567371880d888caa76178&Store_Code=SL&Screen=PROD&Category_Code=AP&Product_Code=OLV-U02246">Lisette Traveler</a> dress, which has a similar shape. Now I just need to pick out a fabric...<br /><br />We're in re-adjustment mode this week. Matt's work schedule has changed and he's now working a night shift and, what's worse, our days off no longer coincide. It stinks, and has knocked both of us for a bit of a loop. Neither of us likes change very much, but I know we will settle into a new routine soon. And, it reminds me how lucky I am to have a husband whose very presence just brings me so much joy. I wish we could have more time together, but this isn't forever. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAgY-lP88k7ozD_uGliNHNiussjvvGs2YwQjQKXT2A42vvAolfc34_7GJHNNWiNiTwN_QeZr4R_2OPLcTaAUxgYRr0dT2NhrBSTiPwiA96PWAFA9PK9LBntNUwzWI_OxyPPkq/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAgY-lP88k7ozD_uGliNHNiussjvvGs2YwQjQKXT2A42vvAolfc34_7GJHNNWiNiTwN_QeZr4R_2OPLcTaAUxgYRr0dT2NhrBSTiPwiA96PWAFA9PK9LBntNUwzWI_OxyPPkq/s400/DSC_0372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615944072089548322" border="0" /></a>In the garden, we've harvested the peas. They're pretty much done for this year, and we pulled the vines down to make room for the cucumbers, which are running wild. We've already gotten one cucumber, and with the heat wave we're experiencing, the tomatoes are close behind. Two words: summer pickle, folks. SUMMER PICKLE!!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-46661106334471307872011-05-24T20:33:00.004-04:002011-05-24T21:33:45.316-04:00lessons in gardening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEqTmY91sN-d3KFaP8FIiV00OSRAeZAvLpEEs9UDvc5Klt-nW8pkxpBdshW-oIcZAv9Wg41aQkCz2YjO6El4fiFHnA02yKsPzCYfKLFf7avYsFPvDOFSMwbUC6iNwpMQ47xFj/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEqTmY91sN-d3KFaP8FIiV00OSRAeZAvLpEEs9UDvc5Klt-nW8pkxpBdshW-oIcZAv9Wg41aQkCz2YjO6El4fiFHnA02yKsPzCYfKLFf7avYsFPvDOFSMwbUC6iNwpMQ47xFj/s400/DSC_0332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610445963780324850" border="0" /></a>We're having our first little heat wave and the veggies are loving it. The tomatoes are climbing like mad and the peas are coming in. So far most of our efforts have been at least moderately successful. I am still amazed each time I pull something edible out of that garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMOdTY6d8Z77qEVfXu_4rhcjFedq85A_cteInsQwmSiTxcJ9QzVFK4HX4s-2DXhyphenhyphenhEqWCUppvSdNu3VK0zhZKg4B49Gw3QBwEgEt6WXQjTdypI_8Kuspc1OoFAbnys4R1-1ag/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMOdTY6d8Z77qEVfXu_4rhcjFedq85A_cteInsQwmSiTxcJ9QzVFK4HX4s-2DXhyphenhyphenhEqWCUppvSdNu3VK0zhZKg4B49Gw3QBwEgEt6WXQjTdypI_8Kuspc1OoFAbnys4R1-1ag/s400/DSC_0180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610445956194326018" border="0" /></a>One lesson learned is to sow radish seeds more sparsely and thin more aggressively. Our first patch of radishes was too crowded and they all ended up undersized and oddly-shaped. Luckily they still tasted good. Above is our one perfectly round radish which I photographed carefully, then ate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCg9N9ygKWVIdeS6OycDTBKReo1qWKmkHgNVvXGsFB5or_Dkb_2PjEgn3zWdxV8Yi-M8lgHq50gp6U4ZseV5DgUG1sfHGJIgWQr6yChBzKCD38gmLTy57iucESNn_wSAkBGM6/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCg9N9ygKWVIdeS6OycDTBKReo1qWKmkHgNVvXGsFB5or_Dkb_2PjEgn3zWdxV8Yi-M8lgHq50gp6U4ZseV5DgUG1sfHGJIgWQr6yChBzKCD38gmLTy57iucESNn_wSAkBGM6/s400/DSC_0339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610445962536127458" border="0" /></a>It seems that carrots also appreciate a bit of wiggle room while growing, though I found it very sweet that carrots planted too close together will sometimes entwine themselves around their neighbor. We're calling them lover carrots. They have magical powers and bestow good luck in love. I'm sure of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD19rbFpQNlVuMTcwlkRecGirqzbJ1vlMFb34YuTwx7uKyfKv6VmruQpO7TqEGuUb-u0z6Iwe3vsAvlOt2on78WTDrkuMabdzp-50IWau4yKEb9CNV1cjVm0YqS7RHTXYolhDA/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD19rbFpQNlVuMTcwlkRecGirqzbJ1vlMFb34YuTwx7uKyfKv6VmruQpO7TqEGuUb-u0z6Iwe3vsAvlOt2on78WTDrkuMabdzp-50IWau4yKEb9CNV1cjVm0YqS7RHTXYolhDA/s400/DSC_0352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610445952197660930" border="0" /></a>We grew four different types of lettuce, all of which came up beautifully. We have realized, though, that we don't actually eat a lot of salad. And we are no more likely to eat salad when fresh greens are only steps from our back door. This is a sad truth, but a truth none the less. So I harvested all the greens last night and took a cooler full of them to work today. I am very glad to have all that lettuce in the happy bellies of my coworkers tonight. I am going to plant okra, squash, and zucchini in the empty spaces. I know we will eat those!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6R3bg3NIAfkJxSSx20OaP1S7EW6KC9TaAuhK8T4M7uCjBaUHrDdwjjdusLM5efpDg6DSsNtLuD82E0sUG3kcxZvhcASPu7IlQ83upwa2vBe9CZVkoEv_4j6ILmp60FYZmGqg/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6R3bg3NIAfkJxSSx20OaP1S7EW6KC9TaAuhK8T4M7uCjBaUHrDdwjjdusLM5efpDg6DSsNtLuD82E0sUG3kcxZvhcASPu7IlQ83upwa2vBe9CZVkoEv_4j6ILmp60FYZmGqg/s400/DSC_0360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610445950699882562" border="0" /></a>With temperatures spiking into the 90s this weekend, it was high time for strawberry-rhubarb pie. This is my favorite pie of all. Our local strawberries are almost done, but I managed to find a pint of local berries for my pie.<br /><br />I also finally broke down and turned on the AC this weekend. I always resist as long as possible. But there comes a night--usually in late May for us--when I wake up and the night air is so hot and still and humid that sleep is difficult. So I give up, pad down the hallway, and turn on the AC. It pours out deliciously cool air and I flop back in bed and sigh a most happy sigh.<br /><br />Welcome, summer, we're so very glad you're here.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-26796072448554771342011-05-13T20:02:00.007-04:002011-05-13T20:43:14.023-04:00ups and downsI've been in a bit of a crafting rut the past couple weeks. Isn't it funny how that happens sometimes? Creative inspiration seems to dry up and a few failed projects snowball into a general feeling of frustration and inertia. I'm not sure which is the cause and which is the effect, but it is disheartening.<br /><br />Last week I cut a simple shirt pattern out of a lovely voile, then decided to go off-pattern slightly and replace the gathers with pintucks. Sadly, the pintucks ended up completely off-center (curse you, math skills!). It looked like the pintucks were sliding sideways off my bust, rather than draping oh-so-elegantly across it. Then I cut the back piece too small. Then I couldn't figure out how to attach the straps. Then I threw the whole damn wad of fabric into the scraps bin. Phooey.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZftUn9fHAdC-35uAb-tD7ZFRR24HXpQraKOEYMtqVsDcN6pIE1ZPQyS9OX_rlpUl0RcHgKOYLyiAjL1qRS5HlvpdgdYNw0QfagU_rjID_Hs6IkO2LLojTh9k9Qj2id1G9WMvx/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZftUn9fHAdC-35uAb-tD7ZFRR24HXpQraKOEYMtqVsDcN6pIE1ZPQyS9OX_rlpUl0RcHgKOYLyiAjL1qRS5HlvpdgdYNw0QfagU_rjID_Hs6IkO2LLojTh9k9Qj2id1G9WMvx/s400/DSC_0196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606356657836150082" border="0" /></a>Small and simple projects seem to be the best cure for a crisis of crafting confidence. And it doesn't get much smaller or simpler than baby bibs. I used <a href="http://chickpeastudio.typepad.com/chickpea_sewing_studio/2008/01/chickpea-infant.html">this pattern</a> to make three infant-sized bibs for a friend who is expecting. They are so tiny!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8W6mAeSnX-S5J-iyo03AEXuvBIqTjb81T13CknVwaM6y87D0QF8i4S5BjS6pEK0K6l4b9yoI5tveo1XOszJ5lsKif8vFXuAP2zWRe_5QT9G1dRW-xFLqhA0flXbpARkALQqk/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8W6mAeSnX-S5J-iyo03AEXuvBIqTjb81T13CknVwaM6y87D0QF8i4S5BjS6pEK0K6l4b9yoI5tveo1XOszJ5lsKif8vFXuAP2zWRe_5QT9G1dRW-xFLqhA0flXbpARkALQqk/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606356658340788530" border="0" /></a>I used a cotton print on the front and a soft flannel on the back. I added a little hippo applique to one. Done and done and couldn't be cuter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd2EXJgvHVS66AhhTdrdAqdkiulY9vy3ZnhJGtOWpugZ4vhE7_vTY9YIJS0wb39QkABqbLp2mwH3Osx8qYaz-86Bi13QQ-9pmLaSm8P0iDBFF1uzN6hJJqfz0m1F_ZzoVKomp/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd2EXJgvHVS66AhhTdrdAqdkiulY9vy3ZnhJGtOWpugZ4vhE7_vTY9YIJS0wb39QkABqbLp2mwH3Osx8qYaz-86Bi13QQ-9pmLaSm8P0iDBFF1uzN6hJJqfz0m1F_ZzoVKomp/s400/DSC_0222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606356652873866594" border="0" /></a>And for another friend who is expecting (it's high baby season around these parts), I have a baby quilt underway. I love the methodical, repetitive process of piecing a quilt. It's almost like meditation. Most restorative for the crafting mojo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-EfzAJA5bT7_iRNxfygKYJ_ms1AoOM4_rXMZ__UP9Wa4EMdOw-qRY4qpgVmp2XABHBmn8xcxXWtrtm6knSn2kP1u0K2H8-oADHh3Z7u1qSPtMc-7nAFeMc1XOKvV0Z23p12e/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-EfzAJA5bT7_iRNxfygKYJ_ms1AoOM4_rXMZ__UP9Wa4EMdOw-qRY4qpgVmp2XABHBmn8xcxXWtrtm6knSn2kP1u0K2H8-oADHh3Z7u1qSPtMc-7nAFeMc1XOKvV0Z23p12e/s400/DSC_0191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606356661028868530" border="0" /></a>Rather unrelated, but I got home from work today to find these three beautiful little bouquets sitting on the coffee table. All picked from the garden. Yeah, this husband, he's a keeper.<br /><br />Happy weekend!juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-81922970455331392672011-04-25T19:54:00.005-04:002011-04-25T20:37:08.201-04:00late april blooms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54rJJW4ECj3U-WxT1GtuRjkDl1Z2QQ5aup88ZX0b8hv1ialJ-GU-t65RBsqrEgmQ672nsZQiipeU5BDw4bsA50RQKV1DGLz4QcXid65yGrGmV14NZqqi61o6MJ1md3kdtbgpG/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54rJJW4ECj3U-WxT1GtuRjkDl1Z2QQ5aup88ZX0b8hv1ialJ-GU-t65RBsqrEgmQ672nsZQiipeU5BDw4bsA50RQKV1DGLz4QcXid65yGrGmV14NZqqi61o6MJ1md3kdtbgpG/s400/DSC_0107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674647763135186" border="0" /></a>Spring is galloping along here, aided by plenty of rain and warming weather. The rhododendron in front of the house is just opening up. We've now got a purple + lime green thing happening out front that was unforeseen but is quite awesome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6zp8YsLyZtBhryImWKVlckKlKQzRoslRadrWye8Vt3i0SQeXq2FOBBrVF7rAFFLOWyPGViKWkR-dyplmkGzeCOH5Pm-QFHyTd-qSmKHVZfPAPQiLPFIR56NCHkT4mNBB_Sux/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6zp8YsLyZtBhryImWKVlckKlKQzRoslRadrWye8Vt3i0SQeXq2FOBBrVF7rAFFLOWyPGViKWkR-dyplmkGzeCOH5Pm-QFHyTd-qSmKHVZfPAPQiLPFIR56NCHkT4mNBB_Sux/s400/DSC_0094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674645398795778" border="0" /></a>Last year I planted a viburnum and I killed it. I think he was a casualty of poor drainage. I kept watering him religiously, which probably didn't help. Last year overall was not a good year for me and shrubs, but I am determined to do better this year. I really wanted a white viburnum, so we picked out a common snowball viburnum. I figured "common" might mean "hardy." I didn't even realize until it bloomed that these are the exact flowers that I had in my wedding. Bonus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u5OxWSjNQo9LGOebPUs-9iiqRAXmeoPXX_LIBeXBv4ABFPuhuLyg5xKkVR9Rt-x5558NeeVuyxT1KGmVntQf3mlplV_UJyyOuoM7EsDADQ0K1UQntFFqAC7EXtypsPuQQOM2/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u5OxWSjNQo9LGOebPUs-9iiqRAXmeoPXX_LIBeXBv4ABFPuhuLyg5xKkVR9Rt-x5558NeeVuyxT1KGmVntQf3mlplV_UJyyOuoM7EsDADQ0K1UQntFFqAC7EXtypsPuQQOM2/s400/DSC_0154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674393801797026" border="0" /></a>The arbor roses are taking off, and I fully expect this year they will make it over the top of the arbor and reach toward the sky. They are called Morning Magic roses and they are somehow akin to the knockout roses which just bloom and bloom. These do indeed seem to have a lot of get up and go. The buds are a lovely apricot pink and they open to almost white.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2V69bSzdG5irazghxlShGRsoIw9t2mjtgihL7ZlkQatR6x3-TH_BkhnG0O9-d2FW8YiRqdzs0in0b8VeN82FOFjbCMIvNh5-S4aHQvkL_X_2WR5ub0M6AP4g2wLGYhnG5E0j/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2V69bSzdG5irazghxlShGRsoIw9t2mjtgihL7ZlkQatR6x3-TH_BkhnG0O9-d2FW8YiRqdzs0in0b8VeN82FOFjbCMIvNh5-S4aHQvkL_X_2WR5ub0M6AP4g2wLGYhnG5E0j/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674389013720386" border="0" /></a>The snowmound spirea is just budding. This might be my favorite thing we planted last year. It's a petite shrub with delicate little leaves. It branches beautifully, sending out gently waving arms in all directions. It stays pretty all season, long after the blooms fade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BOKzafSppcIgkfQgD1CZnD1j-KxQ1UEKCoD4Hp2eZbEK-2Xq7gKtXJO3Kn0LngC5wNCtyMmPYycWO7gMmJPJVDotFvsEpWYUG15vVE2BrUYIaTJbVBktmrwcvNMgj-2LPfJ0/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BOKzafSppcIgkfQgD1CZnD1j-KxQ1UEKCoD4Hp2eZbEK-2Xq7gKtXJO3Kn0LngC5wNCtyMmPYycWO7gMmJPJVDotFvsEpWYUG15vVE2BrUYIaTJbVBktmrwcvNMgj-2LPfJ0/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674389845303618" border="0" /></a>Someone at some point planted some mint in this garden which entrenched itself with fierce determination. I have been methodically pulling it out and replacing it with heuchera of various colors. I can't remember the names of these, I'm pretty sure the bronze one is called "Caramel."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRKCCCEe0PEVlCVxs_18X3JKwxDwFj_Naf6RLPh-UHJcTE3gAM7zz20uQAXfCTBuSLhB_4Yp-kl0BQ0S27zszH_wdJsv70eUwcixCJQL0uPlv_AngB23GhjXMuR9qtTLeXGNL/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRKCCCEe0PEVlCVxs_18X3JKwxDwFj_Naf6RLPh-UHJcTE3gAM7zz20uQAXfCTBuSLhB_4Yp-kl0BQ0S27zszH_wdJsv70eUwcixCJQL0uPlv_AngB23GhjXMuR9qtTLeXGNL/s400/DSC_0130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674385853791858" border="0" /></a>The iris just opened up today. I got home from work and they were ready for their sunset photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsKYP85y6Ng1BW1QX6jska_1KWo3EzyrtOdCxOEPiBy2Y-7H5PHPVsmlZRFktO5dDbjnyyUl3wQ8HDQ_Rq9xEJuQguEpVhT-uNBD3yW21G1Ct99LCJxmkuSI0GVwKpfFN-vd0/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsKYP85y6Ng1BW1QX6jska_1KWo3EzyrtOdCxOEPiBy2Y-7H5PHPVsmlZRFktO5dDbjnyyUl3wQ8HDQ_Rq9xEJuQguEpVhT-uNBD3yW21G1Ct99LCJxmkuSI0GVwKpfFN-vd0/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599674385900131714" border="0" /></a>The veggies are also coming along nicely. Looks like we are going to be eating lots of salads this summer. It really does taste better when it's out of your own garden, doesn't it? Part freshness and part pride, I expect. :)juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-54897105650131926762011-04-23T21:29:00.003-04:002011-04-24T11:25:16.587-04:00his and hers aprons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBLZhDMM0-hhppxcNpsPiqSmob8feO924fe_vF4r6MeJs-fNj6BsyCvE1ScmeZQDaNsBQHLlGbWPHocR00DTHBCZZAic89JWtUPKJ1xgk065zgpo_WsmMlGigV6-K_kL0rLCu/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBLZhDMM0-hhppxcNpsPiqSmob8feO924fe_vF4r6MeJs-fNj6BsyCvE1ScmeZQDaNsBQHLlGbWPHocR00DTHBCZZAic89JWtUPKJ1xgk065zgpo_WsmMlGigV6-K_kL0rLCu/s400/DSC_0121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598956589641328626" border="0" /></a>This picture cracks me up so much because Matt and I are wearing matching crocs, which also happen to match our aprons. I love it. This is a set of his and hers aprons I made as a wedding gift for Matt's cousin. I made a set like this for one of my cousins who got married last year and it's fun to choose coordinating fabrics for the bride and groom versions. The girl apron is from the pattern in Lotta Jansdotter's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lotta-Jansdotters-Simple-Sewing-How-/dp/0811852571/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1303608891&sr=8-3">Simple Sewing</a>, which is an awesome pattern that I have made several times before. I love the silhouette of it, and the little darts at the top give it such a nice neckline. The boy apron I made based on an old half-apron that I have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ581-yiO9Z8FCQIedrLlRv2aOvbeDzCEXievITMJjkU2St278CVz3C1gF64XKDESlktFcyXlaCujqAf6zLu-symZGpELg00PCfVsxI6bRBGzemn7y6w49eK3wUpp23ppK1et/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ581-yiO9Z8FCQIedrLlRv2aOvbeDzCEXievITMJjkU2St278CVz3C1gF64XKDESlktFcyXlaCujqAf6zLu-symZGpELg00PCfVsxI6bRBGzemn7y6w49eK3wUpp23ppK1et/s400/DSC_0124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598956583239655890" border="0" /></a>The fabrics are a cheerful lemon print and a blue stripe shirting from the stash. The aprons are both reversible and have a <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/fabric/">Lisette blue chambray</a> on the other side. (Oh, and my Joann's had all Lisette fabrics 50% off when I was there last week. Get thee to Joann's!) I love this chambray and have been using it in all my projects lately. It frays like crazy but that might just be the nature of chambray.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdfUSowTxvvx-jFTt-zf9FpH7rjER7dlWUbZvIXz_bi8e1XkpD8jOA4avMYp2oSWhEo1bJtzdJdNhX4W4_rP2qLTSjbPKVacIQtCFEWsjGOJLhMoYUXz0i_ESXxeXQh9M1Bua/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdfUSowTxvvx-jFTt-zf9FpH7rjER7dlWUbZvIXz_bi8e1XkpD8jOA4avMYp2oSWhEo1bJtzdJdNhX4W4_rP2qLTSjbPKVacIQtCFEWsjGOJLhMoYUXz0i_ESXxeXQh9M1Bua/s400/DSC_0119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598956587213794706" border="0" /></a>Abby is a camera hog.<br /><br />Wishing all a very happy Easter! Hop hop.juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25495279.post-45652208963656156462011-04-18T21:12:00.007-04:002011-04-18T22:47:56.286-04:00bookcase lined...and dining room is DONE (for now)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEI3jMAhZD9U2FGNp22ook64Wb8KgaqhX3DvCBvKl0jSsP9CB3lZVqoqfVW4AnQ9IYC4qczat1XJReurlxMB2Kacgzln-4Grap0Ze8hyY9NhoQNNKCCXvCi2TS3TPiKf7TXvm/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEI3jMAhZD9U2FGNp22ook64Wb8KgaqhX3DvCBvKl0jSsP9CB3lZVqoqfVW4AnQ9IYC4qczat1XJReurlxMB2Kacgzln-4Grap0Ze8hyY9NhoQNNKCCXvCi2TS3TPiKf7TXvm/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597098780894486114" border="0" /></a>Neither of us had ever had a proper dining room before this house, but we've managed to acquire some really lovely pieces and it's now one of my favorite rooms. The corner cabinet above was from my grandma's house and I feel so lucky to have inherited it. And every time I open one of the doors on the cabinet, the smell of my grandma's house envelops me. I love that part.<br /><br />The bookcase is a hand-me-down from my parents that we painted white. For some reason the bookcase never had a back panel on it--I can only assume it used to be mounted flush against a wall and didn't need a back. This has been bothering me for some time, so last weekend I went to Lowe's and bought a piece of the thinnest plywood I could find. The nice Lowe's man cut it to the right size for me and I brought it home, covered it with fabric, and tacked it to the back of the bookcase. I contemplated using wallpaper remnants, but I didn't have any wallpaper. Fabric, I have lots of that. And this way I can switch the fabric out if I want.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjp9p9MwBt0rsgX5k3oYKAeWV9zZ4QYZpU3AaDBjpFvv5sKLj0GggX1Phyo8CsHsxuYgHNtaA-Fiu8Rp_KdgfPCmuYgeJXUwb-Un_qzFFfgQUHiwebeKdp6hwbHJx-Zxgk4n1/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjp9p9MwBt0rsgX5k3oYKAeWV9zZ4QYZpU3AaDBjpFvv5sKLj0GggX1Phyo8CsHsxuYgHNtaA-Fiu8Rp_KdgfPCmuYgeJXUwb-Un_qzFFfgQUHiwebeKdp6hwbHJx-Zxgk4n1/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597098423268968258" border="0" /></a>I've had this leaf print in my stash for a long time and it seemed like a cheerful choice for the room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCUJWwCHk_JK8CDw0ZYMMtAVL7uqsh0ZCeeDMPbukWghLXwo223ijV3RZHx4rTmW42AxrYcKKXJO7n3ay_jZmZyDppK27kIPf1gQvZPfhzh2A699efcbxi-uoNY4BdDJX-S3L/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCUJWwCHk_JK8CDw0ZYMMtAVL7uqsh0ZCeeDMPbukWghLXwo223ijV3RZHx4rTmW42AxrYcKKXJO7n3ay_jZmZyDppK27kIPf1gQvZPfhzh2A699efcbxi-uoNY4BdDJX-S3L/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597098410342029394" border="0" /></a>I <a href="http://julieree.blogspot.com/2010/09/dark-gray.html">blogged before</a> about our wall color choice and the awesome hoosier cabinet my parents got us for a wedding present. The rug is a beautiful old Karastan that has been in Matt's family for a long time. I never would have chosen a rug like this, thinking it would be too formal, but once we put it down in the room, it was perfect. The colors tie everything together and look so beautiful. Matt's hometown has a Karastan factory and his grandpa worked there for many years. I am fascinated by the art of carpet-weaving, and one of these days I want to get Papa to tell me all about it. This part of NC used to have an incredibly vibrant textile industry with thousands of mills. Most of those companies are now gone and the mills abandoned, though some are being reclaimed and turned into lofts or retail spaces. Thinking about it all makes the historian crafter nerd in me start to itch. But I digress.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGHdwPLjJarhhy1uF596tQnrh8OrdhiGqtY_g1FBND2impQZxnA3lPljrp44ncc0_41Od3n4UHs1Y2-ok2ijPbFEyg-t13_MTkXbovZ8wgeC0K0wbn6Fyi0QK3UKcaLmj6EoN/s1600/DSC_1010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGHdwPLjJarhhy1uF596tQnrh8OrdhiGqtY_g1FBND2impQZxnA3lPljrp44ncc0_41Od3n4UHs1Y2-ok2ijPbFEyg-t13_MTkXbovZ8wgeC0K0wbn6Fyi0QK3UKcaLmj6EoN/s400/DSC_1010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597098406531758370" border="0" /></a>For weeks we've been looking for just the right cabinet for a tiny bar tucked into the corner. Matt found this one which fits perfectly and has two handy shelves inside for glasses and drinks. The 5cent beer wallhanging was another wedding gift that came from the consignment shop downtown. We love that consignment shop. Our wine glasses are hanging from the business end of an old garden rake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtuGidskZetlukoSgzCw2ebsxVs1XLikrW1ye1NTLpsH3MtY1WgHPdm2OWtJgR5foWyQNy9NDaDzUguQg9ee69jqDpsJHuBWSMiC5Dxyfv1Qc3dFa511Lf7onavCUfPSCHIjt/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtuGidskZetlukoSgzCw2ebsxVs1XLikrW1ye1NTLpsH3MtY1WgHPdm2OWtJgR5foWyQNy9NDaDzUguQg9ee69jqDpsJHuBWSMiC5Dxyfv1Qc3dFa511Lf7onavCUfPSCHIjt/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597098400471057138" border="0" /></a>Under the window sits the hifi I got for Matt last Christmas (also from the consignment shop for $40). It didn't have a needle and the volume knob was wonky, but I found someone to repair it for $50 and now it plays perfectly. Matt's collection of albums is stored in an old crate that was unearthed when we cleaned out my grandma's garage. I have been trying to find a second, similarly-sized one because his collection will soon outgrow this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNU3bQkMIhtdapcWJmZ9f8R0M7Og3fc8AF0sBAZgAILAmY1N5VOoWFzuzi3_GoG9PF1ccNTUQEry45pg_J67mQA45HM6fkLpzP0OcfP-Kz72fpXFcrfws01gJ6LXCMR5E-1fn/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNU3bQkMIhtdapcWJmZ9f8R0M7Og3fc8AF0sBAZgAILAmY1N5VOoWFzuzi3_GoG9PF1ccNTUQEry45pg_J67mQA45HM6fkLpzP0OcfP-Kz72fpXFcrfws01gJ6LXCMR5E-1fn/s400/DSC_0063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597098396638635154" border="0" /></a>The Flatt and Scruggs albums get place of pride above the trim of the french doors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyZcf4htl2UHGJoiBoZok0SARNUwVQeTM0VZIXfGpO88yPJFz15WuqyGjXb70BKzh9sJzhdl4XE_nyImyvJDzETsL97lY4enaB44hsB4FJ0GcQ6JnTK0QXWE-QjXsJNQkPQMT/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyZcf4htl2UHGJoiBoZok0SARNUwVQeTM0VZIXfGpO88yPJFz15WuqyGjXb70BKzh9sJzhdl4XE_nyImyvJDzETsL97lY4enaB44hsB4FJ0GcQ6JnTK0QXWE-QjXsJNQkPQMT/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597112664135512258" border="0" /></a>And I'll leave you with the first peony of the season. He opened up on Saturday to say hello and I brought him indoors before the thunderstorms could toss him around. Is there anything more beautiful?juliereehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01879488318405950508noreply@blogger.com1