all buttoned up.

I Let Go of Re-Caulking the Tub

I did not let go of moving rooms around, or painting, or thinking about buying a matching luggage set and new robe (because I'm having a baby in 1963?). I realize my priorities need tweaking.

This baby is coming a bit early.

Thankfully, my people know me and when I say "uh, let's paint the bathroom tonight" they go ahead and either get out of the way or help. (Then they thank the heaven's that they are not married to me). A friend was over tonight and followed me from room to room while I gripped a stud finder and a hammer and started banging nails into the walls. She didn't even blink. And thanks to those same people the fridge is all sparkly, the laundry is up-to-the-minute, and we have plans A through F if we have need of them.

You understand though, yes? You know what it's like when motivation replaces panic and the will to sew curtains overrides the worry that things are very quickly slipping out of our hands. It's silliness, most of it, but it helps.

And in the end it's going to be fine, just maybe not the way we planned. But really?? Have I learned nothing in all these years? It is our way: the plan seems to make itself up as we go along.

(*wall decal is from the super-awesome Shanna Murray. It went up as soon as Christmas came down. She's got NEON in the shop right now. Smarty pants.)

Another Reason to Get Busy

Shelly Figueroa just relaunched her pattern company, Figgy's. Holy Mother of Little People Sewing. The new patterns are pretty girl-centric, but as the mother of two awesome boys, I know she won't leave the boys out in the cold (not to mention, she co-wrote a whole darn book on sewing for boys). But that's beside the point-- do you see that dress?

I love these patterns. They are a little Ottobre meet Japanese Craft Book. They are sweet without being too sweet. They are simple but they don't skimp on the details. Shelly recently began working with Daniela and they are making magic together. I saw the samples at her house today and I'm getting my hands on all three patterns (there are 5 total garments and variations of each) of these as soon as possible. I have nieces. They need leggings and easy-over-your-head blouses. They need that freaking dress.

Figgy's is running a pre-order free shipping promo at the moment (until the 24th). They are printing up next week and will ship the first week of December, so you can eek out some pre-holiday sewing if that's your game. See here for close-ups and variations and more patterns from previous seasons.

This is most definitely my game, folks.

Hello Yellow

We are having the most colourful autumn I can ever remember having. The people in the know say it has to do with the late warm temps and the leaves holding onto their sugar longer. Maybe this is what it's like to have fall on the east coast? It is amazing-- even in the fog and rain. I hope we can take a drive this weekend and really get a good look. The boys hate to take drives.

• I wrote a piece for this month's NW Kids Magazine. If you're local and you're seeing a Dr. in the next few weeks, I'm guessing you'll run into one in the waiting room. (Two of Autumn's kids are on the cover)! Otherwise, you can read it here. We went to the dentist yesterday and someone was reading it when we walked in and I wanted to sink into the floor (there are pictures). That was before the three year-old's meltdown over the prize machine. 
• Stephanie came over late this summer for an afternoon of cucumbers and brine. The results are in the most recent 3191 Quarterly. I love the Quarterly-- and my hand's cameo aside, this is a really beautiful issue. Thank you Stephanie and Maria!
• I just opened up the sweetest package from Eireann's shop. I have loved her calendar this last year and this time I ordered cards: these and these.

Thanks to my sister, Paul and I are going to a show tomorrow night! I'm very happy. They are the authors of the quilt, after all. And it's a sit down show, which suits old-lady-sunday-drive me just fine.

Happy Machine

We are happy about this baby girl. I didn't quite get there last post, did I? Yes. Very happy. Shock and happiness don't have to be mutually exclusive, right? Thank you for your good thoughts and kind words. I have already serged up the edges of some of that double knit. I washed it and put it away in the drawer next to some of my nieces hand-me-downs and a unopened package of tiny onesies. I love tiny onesies.

The rest of my piles don't look so neat, and I had a good little chat with myself about the amount of fabric sitting here and vowed to keep any new textile purchases confined to batting, thread and solid white and off-white cotton. I have finished up two more small throws for friends and I am trying to work my way through the unfinished pile. It's now or never, people! On top of that, I have a new sewing machine that I purchased used at the end of the summer. I had been casually looking for a while, and then specifically looking for several months. I had all but given up and then the craigslist stars aligned and I was able to bring home a barely used Bernina 440 for a stunner of a deal. I feel pretty lucky.

Luck precipitated action and I pulled out two cotton linen prints to make it a cover and practice free motion quilting with the stitch regulator. I used a print from the Tammis Keefe tribute line and a Japanese folk print I've had for ages. I bound it to be double sided and used two leather buttons and two lengths of fold over elastic to finish it up. I used elastic so that it will fit around the table that is usually attached to the arm. It's very similiar in style to Rashida's cover in her book I *Heart* Zakka.

It is a great machine and before it's novelty wears off (maybe it never will?) I'm getting through that to-do pile with lightening speed. It feels so good to be sewing again. And who am I kidding about not sewing very many little girl things? That just seemed a silly the minute I wrote it down.

Sewing For Boys (Hallelujah)

Do you want this book?

You want this book.

Let me tell you why:

1. Sewing For Boys: 24 Projects to Create a Handmade Wardrobe by Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage is one of the few options for folks who would like to sew for boys (or girls that don't want to wear dresses or skirts all the time). They could have played it safe then, opting for a couple of shirts, pants and gifties. Thankfully, they didn't, and instead created projects that included the basics (t-shirts, play pants, and pullovers) and the really-very-special (beautiful coats, a suit coat and pants, and gifts that you're going to want to give).

2. The details! Shelly and Karen are sticklers for the details, friends. But they have not wasted our time on finicky, useless details! Nope. This is the kind of sewing that is built to last. I like how Anna Maria put it: "The patterns are so straight forward, doting just enough on the details that make it worth home sewing to begin with". Yes and yes. These clothes are interesting without being overwhelming. The patterns are sized up to 6/7. (For those of you looking for bigger sizes check out Figgy's individual patterns, some of them are sized up to 14.)

3. You get to sew with knits even if you've never sewn with knits or don't own a serger. My boys live in knits. I will be making this romper. EVEN IF I HAVE TO MAKE IT IN PINK.

4. The book itself. Wiley is beginning to put out books that are pretty to look at and lovely to hold. Specifically? All the projects are pictured in photos right at the beginning of the book in full colour spreads, with referenced page numbers. They have duplicated the one thing that I consistently love about Japanese Craft books and the way they are formatted.

So. I'm cutting into some cotton double knit that Mariko brought back from me for the Pauly pullover or the raglan T. Sam should fit the largest size comfortably. I was saving it for myself, but who am I kidding? These days I'm going to need a lot more than a yard to swaddle my girth. I had wanted a finished project to show you today, but the fading tomatoes on the counter stood in the way. I am assuaging my guilt with the knowledge that I'll be sewing quite a few things from this book-- like robes for Christmas in lieu of pajamas this year. They LOVE to be cozy and if I can find a good slipper pattern for August he is going to lose his mind with happiness (the child often wears a hoodie to bed, he's always so cold).

To win a copy, leave a comment (US addresses only) and we'll pull a name next week. Do you want to increase your chances and see more beautiful pictures and projects? Visit the other stops on the blog tour.

Do you have boys to sew for? Do you get stuck wondering if all their rough and tumble playing makes sewing their clothes worthwhile? Honestly, I get stuck there sometimes. This book is going to help you get unstuck.

There Was a Doll Room (of course there was a Doll Room)

Before the party prepping really got going, we headed out to a place quite near my parent's house called Granny and Grumpas. I know I was just talking thrifting, but this is something all together different. Granny and Grumpa have only occupied this dairy farm for a handful of years, but they are lifetime collectors and have on display one of the largest private collections of antiques I will ever lay my eyes on: an entire farm worth of buildings full of stuff, mostly organized, and almost all for sale (but without prices, so you just have to ask). BARNS FULL, PEOPLE. We showed up with six children which was just fine, because they have a driveway full of vintage (and not) ride on toys, an electric carousel, and two rigged up mechanical ponies. Then Granny brought out the bubbles and popsicles.

I imagine that this is all done so that you can walk around and feel your head explode in peace.

My pictures will never, never do it justice. There were specially curated rooms (below) and then huge spaces filled with player pianos, antique baby buggies and row after row of radio flyer wagons. Just know that my mouth was hanging open involuntarily as I walked through barn room after barn after room. I know this because a bug actually flew into it at one point while I was standing still staring at the salt and pepper shaker room (salt and pepper shaker ROOM).

How am I supposed to pick between 25 vintage and antique toy sewing machines? I walked in there not even wanting one. I didn't even take a photo of the button TROUGH. I will have a master plan for next time. And I'll bring proper hydration and possibly a picnic (even though we were offered pie as we were leaving). One must stay strong and saavy in a situation like this, or you'll end up leaving empty-handed like I did.

Edited to say: Granny and Grumpa's is near Abbotsford, British Columbia. They don't have a website, but I think the address is in the phonebook!

Wonder Thrift

We were at my parents house last weekend for a quick visit. We've been over this before, but it bears repeating: besides the nice tasting water and big mountains, there is thrift magic in the air up there.

My sister and I snuck away for a few minutes Sunday afternoon to go to a garage sale down the street. I rarely stop at garage sales/thrift stores any more (there are lots of reasons, one of them being the potential of actually being smothered by my stuff) and one of the only ways I can avoid them is to save up all my good thrift juju for trips north. So. Vindication: A footed hamper destined to become a side table, a wooden handled scoop, a sturdy wicker bathroom shelf (the kid with rounded sides that you mount on the wall-- I've been looking for one for a long time), a tiny squirrel cream and sugar, some old hard cover snoopy books, and a big biscuit tin covered in anemones and straw flowers. There was so much more-- I'm hoping she will open up her garage when we go back up in August. My sister and her daughter were best friends in first grade, so we may have an in.

I'm putting the universe on notice for the perfect bed side tables and will be taking enamelware orders from my people. 

Holla! Block Party

(Sliding By-- Kristen)

I participated in one of the very first online quilting bees a few years ago. My friend Jennifer put it together and the 12 of us muddled through a year (and a bit more) of swapped fabric and blocks-- it was fantastic. Luckily, Alissa Haight Carlton and Kristen Lejnieks had the same idea, and along with a group of talented women they have brought us Block Party--The Modern Quilting Bee: The Journey of 12 Women, 1 Blog and 12 Improvisational Projects. This book celebrates quilting, community, and the way that the two come together.

(Connect the Dots-- Lisa Billings)

With this book you get 12 beautiful patterns (and their variations), a step-by-step overview of setting up your own quilting bee (virtual or otherwise), and a peak into some of your favorite quilters lives. The instructions are clear and done with photographs and diagrams and the photography is beautiful.

One of the first things I did at Quilt Market was attend Kristen and Alissa's schoolhouse seminar. The quilts were all there and they were all beautiful. They each talked about their own desire for a like minded sewing community and how difficult it can be to find depending on ones own geography. They also spoke about learning how to piece blocks and quilt them and how the bee challenged and grew their skill set. I love that about quilting with other people, and I really appreciate how they incorporated the same type of skill building patterns in this book.

(Square Deal-- Nettie Petersen: Made from thrifted mens shirts!)

So! You read to go? Stash Books is offering up a copy for you! Leave a comment (US addresses only please) and I'll pull a winner next week. Do you quilt or would you like to learn how? Do you have a sewing community? How did you find it?

Hey hey! Thanks to all over you for your comments. Noelle is the big winner this go 'round! It's inspiring to read about your communities, virtual and otherwise, and I recomend going through the comments if you're looking for ways to find or start your own!

June 16

The transition to summer time has been fine for two reasons: some very unsummer weather and all three boys have fevers and aches and are holed up on the couch at this very moment watching Martha Speaks. Sounds like a vacation to me.

On Sunday, Sally and I drove up to see Blair and a visiting Martha. It was just for the day and it was wonderful. I have known these ladies for years now, and I am warmed to my cockles (yes, right down to them) by how much I admire and appreciate them. As makers and creatives they are inspiring, but also as mothers-- as with so many of my friends, I am lucky to know them. 

Notes:

**I am a little stumped over Father's Day. I made him some underwear. I feel like I should do more for the person who keeps this crazy train rolling.

**I am sure you already read the blue hour, but if for some reason you have missed Brian's posts on Italy, please remedy that situation. Frankly, I'm a little glad he's back to posting about boring, old London*, because I'm not sure how much more I could take.

**The new cards from Rifle Paper Co. are really, really good. I finally bought boxes of birthday and blank cards from them last year, and I'm going to work hard to use them all up so I can get a box or two more.

**I would like to take a moment and send my condolences to my family: you know I don't give a rip about hockey, but I'm sorry your team lost. Also, please shave any remnants of rumored playoff beards before we meet again.

(*London never seemed so appealing.)

Where Was I?

Blenders. Right. Thank you for all your help. A sale and a coupon later, we have a Kitchenaid (the glass jar one). The reviews are *not as* mixed as most, and since I bought it locally, I will just skedaddle my butt back there if anything leaks or goes wrong. Paul is already a big fan and it has done pretty well with ice, so we'll see how it holds up. I would have also loved a Vitamix or a Blendtec.

I have been sewing, though with very little to show for it, really. There are lots of works in progress. I wrote about these mini bloomers at Bolt and I think you should all make yourself a pair for summer. I'm very happy with my leg elastic modification.

(P&B booth at Market-- Toomuchery by Helen Dardick)

The post Quilt Market True Up coverage is ongoing and we're getting closed to being finished. There is so much that I missed that Kristen is writing about, it's like going all over again (minus the bread pudding). I have been buying quilt weight cottons only when I need them for a certain project, but after I got a good look at Moda's Farmyard line at Bolt yesterday, I had to bring home some trees. And some Japanese Folklore to match.

Did you sign up for Sally and Joke's Packaging 101 workshop? The first one sold out quickly so they are offering a second round at Modern Domestic on July 9th. Sally is a good friend and a master wrapper, plus I can assure you the take home supplies are going to be REALLY good. You will have a great time.

School gets out on Tuesday and I am bracing myself for the transition between doing-something-every-day to you-must-entertain-yourself that will inevitably be difficult for Mr. 7. Mostly, I am readying myself to have a good attitude. I am so lucky to get to spend time with these boys and they deserve the best version of a mother that I can muster. Happily, we are getting in reinforcements at the end of the month for a much anticipated visit. It's going to be like summer camp, minus the outhouses. Plus, they promised they would bring the sun.