all buttoned up.

High Desert Dispatch: Soft Boxes

We are on our way home from a few days away in Sisters, OR.  I have to check in at the quilt shop (and die a little) and maybe squeeze in a dessert out with Paul (Grammy and Grandpa are here, too) and then we are home.  It's Back-to-School-Pizza-Night-Welcome-Back-Fall-Paul-Get-Our-Canning-On time, plus Guess Whois back in town for a little while and I need some Shim time.  Thank you for all your words of encouragement about Sam starting Kinder-- I know that it's going to be so much better than last year (less crying from both of us) and we plan to totally hunker down for September and October while we all get used to a full day of criss-cross applesauce, keep your hands to yourself. 

Before things get rolling, I'm teaching a class at Bolt for any of you local peeps who might be interested.  It's next Wednesday and we're going to be making small, soft boxes together much like the ones you might have seen at Bolt (and all over this blog for that matter).  The boxes above are larger versions of the ones we'll be making and currently house the trim by the yard spools in the store.  You can check over in the sidebar over at the Bolt Blog for more information. And for those of you unable or not wanting to take the class, there's always this (how time flies).   

Dark Matter

Doings this week:

• We went out to eat.  We eat out for breakfast/lunch when we're able because dinner is too complicated and our children make trouble.  We go to the same places all the time.  They are like home.  Hi, Muddy's.  Incidentally, I recommend doing this if you are new to a place and want to make friends.  Pick a place that is locally owned or run by good people that will eventually become your good friends, and tip well.  Local Tip:  The Krakow Cafe in North Portland serves Prince Puckler's Ice Cream.  Apparently, this is a big deal. Their Mexican Mocha ice cream is about the best thing I've ever eaten. 

• August swallowed a small bolt last week.  It was about an inch long and it slipped right down just as Paul was sweeping his mouth to get it out.  It was not sharp, but not round either so the Dr. said to give it a week and then come in for X-rays.  He passed it this morning on the sixth day.  I thought toddler stomachs would be more eager to give up foreign objects.

• We went to a show last night.  It's the first time we'd left all three boys with someone else and maybe the first time we've been out together since October.  I say that knowing our anniversary was in October and I'm *assuming* we went out, but I can't for the life of me remember.  Anyway, we went mostly for Andrew Bird-- were you there?  Did you hear that shrieking when he came out?  That could have well been Paul throwing himself prostrate in front of the stage. It was all so good. The Hazards of Love is such a beautiful, beautiful record and hearing it played front to back was amazing.  And as weird as it was to see the two little girls in front of us dance to a song about a father doing in his children one by one, it was also perfect.  Paul and I met at a show (a hardcore show in a sweaty basement at the University of Illinois) and we used to hear live music all the time and DANG IT, I miss it so much. 

• Paul ordered an Iron Gym (As Seen On TV) and a set of the Perfect Pushup (also, As Seen On TV) and as instituted a new evening fitness regime.  This is providing no end of prime time amusement.  See Scrawny Paul Get Puffy!  Watch Melissa Dangle in the Air Whimpering!  We also have heated debates about the usefulness of protein powder and what really constitutes the Perfect Push Up.  Occasionally, I sit on the couch eating ice cream while heckling. 

In short-- Mr. Bird, can we come live on your farm?  We bring to the table a deep, abiding, affection for you and a good breakfast, a pull-up bar, and children who rarely swallow small things, but when they do, pass them easily.

Pitter Smackdown.

We just returned from a week away at my parent's house in B.C.  I'm glad you liked the dress because I wore it twice in that week, which makes it a gigantic success in Melissa Terms.  Plus, I have another one ready to go that I'm going to try and line.  Oooh-Whee. 

So yes, a week away, in part for my sister's wedding (of which I have no pictures) and because we finalized Manny's adoption earlier last month and finally got his traveling papers (more on that later).  Instead of beautiful bride pictures-- of which I should have plenty-- I have pictures of beautiful cherries.  Two varieties-- both lovely, and both producing more than 120 people marching around the yard could eat in a weekend. 

Between wedding prep, rehearsal dinner and post-game gift opening, people stood around eating and spitting.  Loads of my new brother-in-law's family and friends were in town and some of them had never eaten the fruit off the tree before.  Then, when everyone left, it was time to get serious about picking.  And trying to moderate the small children and their intake.  But mostly, picking and pitting.

The night before we left my dad pulled out a pitter (or stoner) that they had acquired from an old family friend.  It was made in West Germany (Westmark brand) in the 60s (I think).  I tried looking for it online and came across similar, but less impressive models.  Apparently Westmark is still in the stoner business and that Germany has a corner on the market, as my search didn't get serious until I searched the term Kirschentkerner.

See what I mean?  Not messing around.  The first thing I said was something like, "that thing would eat Amy's for lunch", which prompted Paul to get out the Flip.  I didn't realize he was filming so that is my dorky voice talking to my dad about 1. a rickety swing in the backyard, and 2. making baby voices at my tiny nephew.  That last bit is a scary shot of Paul's nostrils and bloodshot eyes.  Again, you're welcome. 

Stitch Magazine and Going for Broke

Big doings over here in Crazy Town.

We went to look at a van out in the burgs this last weekend and we were able to buy it on the spot.  Hello, Air Conditioning!!  Sam was confused at first and said he missed being able to touch everybody but eventually came around when he felt the cool, cool breeze coming from his own personal vent.  Also, there was the matter of the cup holders.  

On the way home we bought a new stove.  It's been awhile... I made an inaugural rhubarb-raspberry crumble that was probably only mediocre, but really, the best thing I've tasted in a while.

If that wasn't enough excitement, copies of Stitch magazine arrived in the mail on Monday.  I have two projects in the Spring issue-- a summer hat featuring Liberty fabric, and a stenciled pillow.   Amy is in there too, and so is a great article written by Susan.  Stitch is such a quality publication and I feel very lucky to be in there. 

I've got a few things flung over my sewing machine chair waiting for me and this coming long weekend.  Thank you for all the thoughts about *finding the time*-- I hope you all know I didn't mean, "how do you do it all?", because good lord, I know that none of us really do (and if you do, then you win).  It's good to hear how you make time to do the things that matter to you.  I had a friend that put mopping the floor really high on that list because things were not right until she could get that done.  I can respect that.  I have a feeling that exercising should be bumped up a few places on my list.  I'm going to go sit in the new van with my rhubarb crumble and think on that a bit.

Several Queries and Simplicity 2995

 

How are we feeling about threaded comments these days?  And denim?  How are we feeling about that?  First off-- I know the pattern number I gave for that last dress (2591) does not look like the dress I made, but I assure you that it is, pockets and all.  I should not have said anything about leaving out the zipper, because I like putting them in and anyone who can sew two straight lines can put in a zipper with little trouble.  Do not fear them.  All new commercial patterns will have detailed instructions on how to put them in, and there are photo step-outs all over the intranet (search for zipper tutorial and you should come up with some good ones).  In fact, if you have a favourite zipper (any kind) tutorial-- would you link to it in the comments?  That would be rad. 

Threaded comments--  I'm pretty okay with them.  They feel a lot more like a conversation than words floating into the air. I often read through my emails holding a baby and it goes something like this:

Amy says: "Very cute! I definitely like the shoulder coverage. I hate when my bra straps are sticking out. And may I also say, I hate when things are so low-cut that you have to wear a cami. It seems like everything is so low-cut now. End rant. Anyway, good good dress."

Meanwhile, I'm saying (often out loud), "I know, right??  Camisoles make everything so tricky and they ride up and I don't have time to coordinate TWO things.  I'm tempted to say BRING BACK THE LEOTARD." 

But of course, that never makes it onto the screen and worse, I don't get back through my emails when I'm two-handed to answer questions and respond properly.  So, you know, if you know the answer to someone's query, go forth and answer them.  Me and my self-talk-one-handedness thank you. 

Okay, now denim... This is very lightweight, cotton denim I bought for 2 dollars/yard last summer.  I made Sam some pants out of it and I washed and dried them twice weekly for a year before they started to rip through in the knees.  This will get worn less frequently, and maybe I won't dry it very often.  It also fades/bleeds a little, so I chose some thrifted poly/cotton for the pocket and shoulder tabs.  The pattern is Simplicity 2995 and BY GOD, I think I've found my new uniform.  It qualifies for several reasons:  it has a whole list of variations but really only three pattern pieces for the basic dress.  You can't get much easier than three pattern pieces.  It's darted in the front and has a decent shape in the back (it looks particularly rockin' with a belt), and Paul said some very nice things about it and me when I tried it on.  I'm working on another version which I will report and model on shortly.  I has a completely different look.  In other news-- Simplicity has come out with several patterns that actually contain B, C, and D cup alterations right on the pattern.  HELLO.  This is one more great step forward in making garment sewing more accessible for the beginning homesewer.

This weekend is ending up all right but it has had it's sucky moments.   I'm going to try and put it all to bed this evening-- maybe pancakes?  And Bob Newhart on Hulu?  He's my new answer to MTM.  Plus, he lives in Chicago which is where I'd like to be today.  Natch. 

Coming Down

What is that colour?!!?  Whatever it is, it's my new best friend. 

I have been posting at Habit since the 30th.  Molly and Emily have created a beautiful space that they are generously sharing with myself and others.    

Our mac keyboard took a little bath this week, leaving two-thirds of the keys non-functional.  It makes google searching a bit of an adventure.  We have an older PC laptop so I upload photos on the mac and then tandem type into little chuggachugga here.  Posting has become more like a chore than I'd like,  so, "Going to Apple store" just got bumped up to the top of the list.  While I'm there I should probably check into getting a new mouse.  Augs has made it his mission to chew clear through it when I'm not looking. 

We are a classy bunch. 

I am planning on spending a good part of the day outside tomorrow.  I hope you have a good, great Monday. 

Yes, sorry-- they are ranunculus... I always think to plant them and then never do.

So much to say

August is terrified of bubble baths-- he panics and screams to get out.  We think it is because he cannot see his feet.  Yesterday  we went to the Dr. for a checkup and shots and an actual blood draw on his little tiny arm, and he barely flinched through any of it.  He was the first toddler they had ever seen who hadn't cried even a little bit.  But you better watch out if all of a sudden he can't see his toes.   

See?  I have so much to write down here and no time to do it. 

I started panicking myself last weekend as we started off Spring Break.  I have this massive list of to-dos from the last five months that was not doing itself and a whole week in which to worry that it was not getting finished.  I know, call me Sunshine.  Anyway, now it's Thursday and we are getting there but I'd like another week please, and pretty, pretty please someone to clean the house and cook so I could squeeze some more out of what's left? 

Thank you for all your words and the time you take to share them here.  I am shamefully behind in answering questions and responding to mail in the way that I would like.  I know you get it, and I'm pretty sure you don't expect much, but you know, I want to do better.  This space and the people in it-- you-- you have given us so much. 

Here are some more things:

• Jen sent us this beautiful package with gifts for all the boys.  It came at the perfect time for Sam who has (finally and triumphantly) taken a shine activity books and drawing for more than five minutes at a time. And then, My Word, there is this sweater...
• I am sewing!!  My sister is co-hosting a little trunk show up in B.C. on April 4th and I have been putting some things together to send up.  It's going to be in Abbotsford (for those of you In The Know) and I'm wishing I could be there for it.  If you go, please say hi to her-- her name is Sharalee.  She's pretty. 
• Nobody in this house has the flu!!  August is making a full recovery and I am so thankful that winter is over (in theory anyway).
• I'm heading over to Bolt on Saturday for Susan's book signing.  It's going to be good.  AND I have a book to give away tomorrow, so check in. 
• I lost so many plants this winter.  My yard is full of plant carcasses.  This is sad.

I'll leave you with proof of progress... Pillows for the show:

Okay!  My parents are here and my dad is changing into his work clothes which may mean I should fill buckets of water or get out the flashlights, just in case.  Also, he expects some sort of dinner food. 

The Bed is not Made

AND, there's stuff on the floor.  But this is my house, so I know you're not surprised.  Sam's room is slowly coming together and I know I said it already, but he is so pleased.  I am too.  There are a few more things for the walls and we'll probably get some sort of carpet for next winter.  I have my eye on a new light fixture. The window trim needs some paint.  There's also this little, bitty closet that I have jammed full of stuff (I'm actually standing in it to take the picture) which will get cleared out eventually.  I'll be honest though, the fact that he won't wear shirts with buttons on them sort of takes care of him needing to hang anything up and has me thinking my stuff looks just fine in there. If I had waited until everything was done to take pictures, he'd probably be old enough to throw me out and lock the door.  I'm sure parts of it would also have been repainted black.  

This is my favourite bit so far-- a Sarah Neuberger original map and a copper horse Paul banged out in middle school, which happened to fit exactly into a frame we already had.  Sam also has his first pet!  It's a house plant in its own little Grobal.  

The bulletin board is just a very cheap Ikea frame, some cork I got second-hand ages ago, and elephant fabric.  The bookshelf is the ever lovin' Ikea Expedit and so is the desk- which is huge and can easily fit a few kids around it.  The paint colours are hard to see, but it's all Yolo.  Two walls are leftovers from the living room, and the rest (including the ceiling) are painted their brightest white.  This is how one of those walls looked before and here's the rest of it when we were sleeping/sewing in it. 

 

I'm almost "done" with our room, too, which means there is also sewing happening.  I know, Shut Up!  Oh, and Whitney?  Rhubarb. 

The One Where My Son Faints From Celebrity

Sam and I received a note from Mrs. P last month, thanking me for the post and letting us know that she was coming to town to do a reading.  Sam could not believe it.  I have never seen him look or react in the way that he did, going from open mouth shock to downright giggly embarrassment.  It was as though Big Bird and The President had decided to drop by the house carrying a Fraggle under their arms for good luck.  My son was flummoxed.

He is totally confused and excited how exactly he's going to see Mrs. P outside her virtual library and asks me 16 times a day what I think she'll be wearing and how many stories she might read (as he is usually only allowed two at a time).  As such, I am looking as forward to it being done and dusted as he is for the actual event.  So... if you are so inclined (and you really should be):

Story Time with Mrs. P
Thursday, February 26 at 11am
Powell's on Cedar Hills Blvd

There are going to be loads of good people there, and as it's a school day, I would imagine a good number of them will be on the smaller side. 

This is not the only trip we have planned... we are tagging along with Paul's class to the Harlem Globe Trotters Game on Saturday.  I haven't even told Sam about this one yet.  I'm not sure his small body could bear the anticipation.  We all have to get well, though, so that's top priority.  As for this last weekend, in my stuffy nose haze I really am thrilled with the amount of work we got done on the weekend and I know all good things have to come to end one way or another.  Since my nannying days, I have come to terms with the "end" taking the form of some temporary illness or laundry or both.  Anticipating the sick makes it so much easier to take, I think.  And the laundry, well, I just put away the last load this morning so take that, Karma.

Thanksgiving

Emmanuel Fischer. 

I picked him up last night.  

He is the tiniest baby we've ever had and though it's hard to tell from the pictures, he looks so much like August.  Manny and I are still in South Florida waiting for some paperwork to get itself sorted (please, please get yourself sorted, Paperwork).  I was supposed to fly home today but due to the holiday, it will probably be another week.  Happily, I have Lynne Rosetto Casper to keep me company  (there's nothing like a lot of food talk to get you through a food-based celebration).  

I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my boys or how happy I am to be holding this one.