A Cultivated Life

Before and After: Living Room Drapes

2011-01-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

I finished a work in progress this week- yea!! When we bought this house, the main level was painted beige and we had these lovely (also beige) linen-look drapes in the living room. Here's what the house looked like when we moved in.

Then we had that AWESOME water leak that basically destroyed our house a few months ago. And thanks to that water leak, we got all new wood floors and a new coat of paint through the whole main floor. We chose a grey color, Olympic Grey Ghost. But the beige drapes had to go. And they are LONG drapes, almost 100 inches each. Do you know how hard it is to find long drapes in a color you like for a price you can afford? And do you know how expensive drapery fabric is? So I went unconventional on this project and dyed the drapes myself in the washing machine. [Don't worry- I have experience. The first washing machine dye job I did was on part of my wedding dress. Way to start safe, huh?] So as of a few weeks ago we had grey walls and grey drapes.

Except now I had another problem- shrinkage. Major drape shrinkage. Look at how terrible that is! Dying them in hot water in the washing machine caused them to shrink to different lengths. High-water drapes are so not in our design scheme. So while at Ikea this weekend I purchased a dark grey curtain panel, cut it into sections, hemmed the sections, and then attached to the current drapes. Voila!

Not only do they look like fancy custom made drapes (because they are!), but this project was completed for a tiny price- many hours of work, some RIT dye, and one Ikea curtain panel. Even Husband (who is normally not so gung-ho about my 'happy hands at home' crafty projects) has said again and again how great these turned out.

I am on a drapery roll- next up 'custom' drapes for Baby Biscuit's room. Anyone have other ways to dress up, redesign, or repurpose old curtains?

Christmas Crafting

2010-12-20T07:53:00.002-05:00

Decorating for Christmas is a big deal at our house. Not because we go all out, or because we buy tons of new things every year, but because Husband and I both enjoy it and we especially love building on what we've done in years previous.

This week I found a great little tutorial for Crochet Chain Christmas Trees at Seams of Life. I whipped up a few of these before a Christmas party we had yesterday, and I think they add a nice pop of color to our dining room table. Last week Husband crafted (can you believe it?) this card tree. A simple branch from the back yard, a vase we already had, and some binder clips and tape and voila! A beautifully simple way to display our Christmas cards [except... we had 1 inch of snow last week. No one can drive in the snow here. Someone took out our GIANT bank of neighborhood mailboxes and now we can't get any mail until it returns. Hrmphf!]

So, those are our little addition to the decorations this year. Do you have any last minute projects to add to your holiday displays?

Welcome Back

2010-12-20T07:02:00.002-05:00

Long time no see, blog world. It's been basically 9 months since I have touched this blog. Don't worry, I have thought about you many, many times. But life got in the way, and the blog was pushed to the bottom of the list.

So, what has happened in the past 9 months? Oh man, a LOT. We bought our first house, and moved in April. That was an ordeal, a happy ordeal, which included buying new furniture, painting, more painting, and spending a nice amount of time decorating our new home.

Another first at our house... first baby is on the way! This has been the biggest change in the past nine months, and probably the biggest reason why the blog has fallen aside. Mama's got work to do! I have been planning, researching, sewing, crafting, and sleeping (oh, there is a lot of sleeping), in order to prepare for Baby Girl's March arrival. Husband and I are over the moon. Can't wait to show you all that we have done for her so far. Also can't wait for the blog to take on a new aspect... my little soapbox about natural birth and attachment/gentle parenting.

What else? Oh, little things like changes at work, a huge water leak at the aforementioned new house, trips around the country for weddings of friends and family. But things seem to be calming down and I am excited to share my life with all of you again.

Pillows

2010-03-07T16:52:00.007-05:00

It has been a hectic, frenzied time at our house... Husband and I are making the leap into home ownership and when I say leap, I mean LEAP. One day of house hunting set the ball rolling for a super quick chain of events. We're still in the middle of it, but if everything works out, we'll be in our new house in early April! As stressful as it can be at times (especially because I tend to be the level-headed one around our house...), I just keep telling myself, "sewing room. sewing room. sewing room." I can't wait!

We have had a few nice additions to the current living room recently. First up is this gorgeous pillow (and it's mate) made by Amanda for the BTRS swap.

I don't know how she managed to cross an ocean, sneak into our house, record the exact Pantone numbers of our other couch pillows, and then create these beauties... but she did. And I am totally impressed and we LOVE THEM.

We saw some more great pillows at a wonderful little store called White Bench in Middleburg, VA. Although, I didn't necessarily love the price. I said what I always say, 'I could make that!', and this time, I actually did. The store version had a bit more going on, visually. I feel like this needs something on the right side. Any suggestions?

The pillow is unbleached cotton fabric, freezer paper stenciled bird, and sewn on branch (Amy Butler Midwest Modern 2, Ripple Stripe in Rust). I added the blue trim; it was purchased as part of a grab bag from a church garage sale two years ago and is 50 year old bias binding. (I am really getting my $1 worth for that purchase!) Yes, the insert needs to be stuffed a bit more, but I really like it and it emerged from the sewing machine just as I had pictured in my head.

Next up... angeling pillows for Becca from the BTRS Swap.

Waste Not, Want Not

2010-02-19T07:13:00.003-05:00

'WNWN' is a total cliche; but it has definite weight when I hear it. This plate is from the collection of the St. Louis Art Museum, and it is 300-400 years old (can't remember dates), so we know that the phrase has been around for awhile. Do I think that 400 year old wisdom has helped us? Ehh... maybe not.

I am lucky enough to live in a place and have the means to go out and get a lot. I say 'a lot' meaning both many different things and great quantities of things. And in obtaining so much, I think things really loose their value. We live in such a disposable culture (get stuff, get tired of it, get more) and I want to really fight that mentality. I want to treasure what I have, utilize items to their fullest, and think before getting more. Not only is this a more centered or thoughtful way to live, it is also a 'greener' practice.

At our house, the area that plagues me the most is food. Too bad I don't have a set of WNWN dishes to keep this thought in the forefront! I have a pantry full of food. I have a fridge full of food. I have a freezer full of food. Yet we eat out a lot and let a lot go to waste. This is not what I want for my family.

What do I want for us? Healthy, local meals that taste good and nurture our bodies. My wasteful consumption definitely gets in the way of that goal! What can we do to get what we want? Plan meals, be willing to work (i.e. skip fast food, go to the farmer's market instead of the local big box grocery) for our meals, and use the left-overs afterwards. I look forward to being a better steward of what I have, and in turn, being able to provide my family with healthier and better meals.

What do you want? How is waste getting in the way of getting what you want?

Matthew's Baptism Quilt

2010-02-15T09:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I finished this quilt for a new little friend of ours. Matthew was born in December and baptized yesterday. I started this quilt before he was born and both finished and gifted it to the family yesterday. It is a stacked coin pattern of Moda Oddysea fabric. The back is blue snuggle flannel finished with an embroidered image of yesterday's date and the baptismal shell. The polka-dot-esque fabric is actually a print of little seashells.

With every quilt I complete, I learn more and more and the process gets easier. I ironed open EVERY SINGLE SEAM on this puppy. Each and every one. And guess what, the quilt came together much neater and "stitching in the ditch" to quilt it was very simple. This one also has the best binding yet... all those hours of hand stitching that beautiful blue edge really paid off.

The embroidery was done and then attached to the backing before it was all quilted. Backstitch for the numbers and the lines of the shell, stem stitch for around the outside of the shell, and satin stitch for the water droplets (which signify God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). I really need to do more embroidery; I love the process and with just a bit of work you can create something beautiful.

Pizza Delivery?

2010-02-14T20:45:00.004-05:00

Note to self: if you are hungry, do not browse your Flickr photostream, as there are photos of Imo's Pizza.

I made sure to photograph our delicious lunch when we went during our St. Louis trip in December. Mmmmm..... Provel-y, saucy, square-y goodness. I am literally salivating at the thought of this pizza. I'll just let Wikipedia explain what all this is about. In the meantime, I might give Imo's a call to see how big their delivery radius is.

Tomorrow... the quilt I finished today. Yea!

Mad Hungry

2010-02-13T09:05:00.005-05:00

For Christmas this year, Husband and I bought gifts that fell under the umbrella of 'something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read'. All nice, important things in life, without going overboard. For my 'something to read' I asked for Mark Bittman's 'How to Cook Everything'. I didn't get it. Instead, while at the bookstore, Husband spied 'Mad Hungry'. He's a bit of a typography/design junky; here are the two covers, you be the judge...

No contest, huh. Mad Hungry sells itself as a cookbook with men's meals; the subtitle reads, "Mad hungry, feeding men and boys; recipes, strategies, & survival techniques; bringing back the family meal". To me this would be steak, potatoes, and more steak. However, the book is filled with wonderful recipes for all types of meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, even desserts! The author is Lucinda Scala Quinn, Food Director for Martha Stewart. She has created a wonderful assortment of recipes, photographs, personal content from her family and sons, and guiding words not just about technique, but also about true love of food and family. I've made quite a few things and we have loved them all. My new favorite all time cookie recipe (Oatmeal Chocolate Chip) comes from this book. Seems like these are made at least once a

week around here. Overall a great book, both to browse/read and from which to cook.

Welcome Back

2010-02-11T20:33:00.008-05:00

It's been a long time, Internet. I haven't blogged in almost 4 months to the day. Do I know why? Ehhh.... life got very busy in November/December and creativity seems to dry up in the winter. I've been keeping busy recently with different projects, I've been inspired by things I'm seeing others do online, my sewing table is actually clean enough to work. So, all these things have converged and here I am. Lots of posts in the near future, I hope.

Here's a little glance into what was happening while I was away for so long. I made this quilt back in December as a Christmas gift for Husband's mother. The pattern is from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing (I have made 3 of these quilts. Love the pattern. Made another quilt this month that is actually NOT this pattern! Gasp!). I love the colors of this quilt and it came together beautifully.

And as far as future posts are concerned, I, like everyone else in the blogosphere, have fallen in love with Wendy Mullin's new book, Built By Wendy Dresses. Hopefully I'll be back next week to share my own 'dirndl sloper' [read 'dress pattern']. (And don't google dirndl if you don't know what it is. You'll just get lady lederhosen. Dirndl is a dress shape that I suppose is popular at Oktoberfest. My dirndl will NOT be that sort of dirndl. Sorry.)

Shenandoah

2009-10-14T08:17:00.002-04:00

Ran away to the mountains this weekend. Spent some nice time with Husband and our friends Tyler and Gentri. We camped in Shenandoah National Park; the colors and the smell of fall in the air were amazing and I am wishing we could go back right this minute.

New Fall BTR Swap!

2009-09-16T08:06:00.001-04:00

To all interested swappers... I've posted on the Bend the Rules Sewing Swap blog to begin a new swap. Please visit and weigh in!

http://btrsswap.blogspot.com

Corsage Shirt

2009-09-15T07:21:00.003-04:00

What can you create with two knit shirts and half an hour?

This really is an easy cheater project; start with a shirt you like, buy another (the bigger the better... more fabric to work with), cut circles, and sew. See how easy that was?

I used two different sizes of circles, 2.5 in. and 3 in. I cut about 15 of each. Stack a small and a large circle, crimp/fold to give it a bit of texture (see below), and sew about 1/2 inch across the center (don't forget to reverse at the beginning and end!). Placement is totally up to you. Before I began attaching flowers I put on my keeper shirt and marked a nice start and end location with pins (you can see one below, too). Continue stacking circles, folding, and sewing until the corsage has reached your desired size and fullness.

I love the way this turned out and am thinking about other takes on this idea... how great would a grey shirt with a multi-hued grey corsage look for fall? Gah! Another project!

Accidental Mixed Berry Apple Butter

2009-09-14T19:38:00.002-04:00

Canning has become my new obsession. The happiest moment of my day yesterday was when Husband found pint canning jars on the clearance rack of Target and picked them up without even batting an eye. What a man!

A few weeks ago I set out to make apple butter; gathered necessary supplies, purchased Gala apples from the farmers market, de-cluttered the kitchen to make room for all my canning stuff. Ehh... did I mention I did this all one morning before work? So, there I was, in all my canning glory, counting minutes until I had to be at work. All was going well; the apples were simmering, the sugar and spices were mixed, the jars were steaming in the dishwasher.

It was going to be easy peasy... until I realized that I was short on apples and definitely not short on sugar. Lesson learned... measure your fruit BEFORE mixing it with the sugar. Since I didn't set out to make apple flavored candy that morning, I did what I could to spare my mixture. First I spooned out the excess sugar. Then I remembered the berries that had taken up residence in my freezer. I quickly got them defrosted and pureed, mixed them in with my apple/sugar/spice mixture and had the most incredible 'Accidental Mixed Berry Apple Butter'. YUM! I will definitely try to recreate this one in the future.

How do you serve your apple butter? So far we've had it on toast, graham crackers, and waffles. Mom has suggested on ham. Any other suggestions??

Hamburger Dills

2009-09-01T21:02:00.000-04:00

You might remember Stephanie, the friend for whom I made this quilt. Steph is a fabulous gift giver and I cannot wait to blog and blog and blog about this one. A few weeks ago an entire home canning set found its way to my house. What a fabulous bday gift! CANNING! and PRESERVING! Seriously. Husband might have shaken his head a few times at me, but when the word 'pickles' was uttered he was on board.

Here it all is; canning salt, vinegar, dill, cucumbers, lids, bands, peppercorns, jars.

Cucumbers (from the Farmer's Market) sliced and ready to go.

The canning set-up; left front is brine, left back is lids simmering, right side is the canner (big, isn't it??).

The finished product. Give me 4-6 weeks and then I'll let you know how they turned out. Recipe is from the Ball Blue Book.

Felt iPod Touch Case

2009-08-30T18:29:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I became the owner of a brand new iPod Touch. Husband bought a MacBook Pro, I received the iPod as part of the deal. Immediately I knew it would need a case. The metal back attracts fingerprints and the iPod slips right out of my hands; I am a klutz and would be needing some protection from myself! I spent a whooping $0.29 on some blue felt, pulled out my embroidery box, and went to work.

I love the way the 'free motion embroidery' on the medallion turned out. The case is held closed by a strip of elastic sewn onto the front panel. Headphones go in one side and iPod goes in the other. Simple enough. Did I mention the felt is reincarnated plastic soda bottles? Goodbye Diet Pepsi, hello Pedro the Lion.

Unrelated note... do you see my lack of album art? It was all lost when transferring music from one computer to another long ago. Makes Cover Flow pretty sad. One of the downfalls of not having internet at home, I suppose.

Richmond VA

2009-07-14T19:49:00.000-04:00

Husband and I spent 4th of July weekend in Richmond, VA. Nice little town and an overall nice getaway. The fireworks display claimed to be the only show in the country to have fireworks, live music, and cannons to perform the 1812 Overture (which is Russian, by the way. Go figure...).

We had a great time and every moment of that weekend made me so happy to be married to this man. I don't think that there is anyone else with whom I would want to spend the good times and bad times. We got word that his 'Oma' (grandmother) had died during our vacation. It was upsetting news, but she's off to see Jesus now; no longer dealing with cancer and old age. We worry about Opa; how her death will affect him. Many times we remarked to each other, 'You are not allowed to die'.

So, today, on our 3rd anniversary I just thought I'd tell you all (and him) how much Andy means to me and how greatful I am for such a wonderful partner. Below are some of my favorite photos from the weekend in Richmond.

During the car-ride there. Horrendous traffic with a smile on his face.

Winking at yours truly before the fireworks started.

My happy husband. He's got a very happy wife. Happy anniversary, babe!

Bringing the Outside In

2009-07-07T19:04:00.000-04:00

Our rental townhouse is severly lacking in green space. As in... we have a small dirt patch about 9 inches by 2 feet and that is our 'yard'. Basically it's enough space for our gutter downspout to train into. The view is not pretty, folks. Concrete and vinal siding as far as the eye can see.

I've been saying for months that I wanted to find small succulant planters and have a small collection of plants in our living room. Succulants are great because they're hard to kill; both for me and our cat. While shopping at Ikea a few weekends ago we came upon these planters AND the succulants to go in them.

They take hardly any work and they look fabulous. The cat has stopped trying to eat them, even! A great way to bring the outside in.

Merry Belated Christmas

2009-06-28T09:30:00.002-04:00

Way back in the fall I decided to make my friend, Stephanie, a quilt for Christmas. When we lived in Chicago Stephanie would come over every week to watch LOST with us. Because the Husband is a polar bear, our house was always freezing and and TV viewing required a throw blanket (still does, even now in June because of the high speed usage of the ceiling fan). Steph and I would hunt out whatever blanket or quilt we could find, settle in, and try and decided whether or not Charlie was dead [!!!].

So back to this quilt; it didn't get done by Christmas. Not at all. Steph came out here to visit us in May; the quilt was done then, but wasn't bound. Steph's birthday was last week. The quilt was finally finished and shipped away to it's new home. Procrastination at it's finest, folks!

Brown to match Steph's couch and yellow to match her living room walls. The patterned fabric is Amy Butler, the brown and green are cotton solids, the bright yellow/orange is gingham fat quarters. I freezer paper stenciled the tag with her initials and mine... the paint bled a bit more than I'm comfortable with, but after 6 months I didn't have time to be picky.

So, what's the longest you've ever had a work-in progress? Can you beat my 6-8 month quilting endeavor?

Happiness is...

2009-06-18T19:43:00.000-04:00

It has been almost two months since my last posting. During a recent conversation a friend asked, "when am I going to open your blog and see more than an apron?". Well, friend, the time is now.

Creativity seems to have dried up at my house; the only sewing I've done recently was projects for other people [basket liners for a friend's nursery and two lap quilts made from Sunday School quilt blocks]. Sewing out of necessity and not because of inspiration is a total buzz kill. Plus, I think I've adjusted to the Eastern time zone [Conan isn't on until 11:30!!!] and Husband and I have been sleeping in more, thus negating all free time I used to have between 5:30 and 8am way back in our CST days.

I think I'm coming out of the slump, though, as the past few days have been INCREDIBLY busy from 7-9am [in two mornings time I've done five loads of laundry, cleaned and vacuumed the first floor of our house, changed the engine air filters in both cars, and started practicing my yoga again. PHEW!]. I've even got my eye on a few projects, namely, the Summer Blouse from Weekend Sewing, something or other out of some Amy Butler I bought on a whim [perhaps the summer blouse!], and a skirt or two.

Now... to get to the post I originally set out to write.

I have the great joy [and sometimes frustration] of working with kids on a daily basis. Today one particularly ornery 5 year old said to me, "Miss Adrienne, I really like my life", and then continued to list all the reasons why his life is so grand. Got me thinking about the good things that have been happening in my life recently and so, this list is born.

Happiness is...

having an incredible Husband who is just an all around great guy.
talking to friends from far away, sharing life via the phone even though the miles keep us apart.
patiently waiting YEARS to find a watch that I had pictured in my head and randomly coming across it at Sundance.
having a 6 year old tell me 'I like your shirt!'
the new Iron and Wine collection. Some old stuff, some remastered stuff, and some new stuff, too.
getting away from life for a bit; Husband and I will be traveling to Richmond VA soon. Any must see things?

So what do you have in your life to be happy about this week?

Flirty Apron Swap- Sent

2009-04-29T11:30:00.004-04:00

Another recent creation...

...sent to Frieda for the Flirty Apron Swap. The two parts are connected at the waist band and seperate down the sides. The overlay is a vintage table cloth. The underskirt is new fabric from JoAnns. I thought the curves on the new fabric mimicked the scallop and curves on the table cloth. The edge is done in bias tape. I have a new found LOVE for bias tape after this project. SO EASY!

Originally blogged about it here.

Simplicity 4111 Remix

2009-04-28T10:11:00.003-04:00

Simplicity 4111 is a great pattern that I've enjoyed sewing before. My (uhh... and Husband's) one gripe was that the neckline was so low. I lept out of my comfort zone and decided to alter the pattern. I pinned the pattern onto muslin fabric. I raised the neckline center point a few inches and then drew in the curve. Then I traced this new neckline edge to make facings. You can see the height difference and the old/new pattern pieces below.

I love the way this came out! The height is just perfect.

I left the sleeves off and instead created bindings from the extra fabric. Never done that before, either! How do you start/stop your bindings?? Mine is a bit lumpy. Luckily it's hidden when worn. My favorite part is how the facing stripes became this beautiful little perpendicular trim when turned. I couldn't have planned for this to be so nice. Love it!

Swapped: Charming Handbag

2009-04-02T09:46:00.003-04:00

Here it is... my finished Charming Handbag for the BTRSSwap.

For the most part, this was a breeze to put together. I put in a hidden magnet closure (not sure how it will work out. My swap partner will have to let me know). I used a vintage floral that my mom had given me awhile back. The ribbon trim was also from mom; whenever she sends fabric she ties them up in little ribbons. This was exactly enough to add to the bag. Lining is pale blue quilters cotton. Overall a great stash-busting swap.

I also sent 4 cards of vintage rick-rack that I had. I'm not really a rick-rack person and I bought this as part of a larger lot at a church sale. I'm happy to be able to pass it on to someone who will hopefully use it (since I won't).

Both this swap and the flirty apron swap have really gotten me thinking about sewing with vintage fabrics instead of purchasing new ones. Where does one find great vintage sheets, tableclothes, and linens? Ebay? Thrift stores?

Twosday

2009-03-25T19:32:00.002-04:00

This Tuesday was a great day for two reasons:

1. I received my BTRS Swap package! Emily did a fabulous job on all of it. She made a wonderful bag out of a really fun fabric. I love the way she made the tab closure (I will be stealing this idea, Emily). She also made a really cute pincushion and included new pins, too. THANK YOU EMILY! [Ummm, perhaps I should start sewing for my partner now...]

2. Carrot cake! I made this cake last year when Husband and I celebrated Easter with our Chicago friends [I MISS you guys!] instead of our St. Louis families. It was GOOD then and it was GREAT again on Tuesday night. Husband and I are members of a small group Bible study on Tuesdays of several really great couples in their 20s and 30s. We always have dinner and dessert before we begin. I usually bring dessert (although others have made fabulous desserts, too). As you can see by the large portion that was eaten, this was a big hit. Cake recipe here and frosting here.Use only 1.5 C sugar in cake and 3 C in frosting, or else it will be WAY TOO SWEET!

Time for me to run home (posting from the library again; who volunteers to call the Internet company for me??) and eat the last of that cake!

Crafting 365

2009-03-22T15:33:00.005-04:00

I've been a member of the Flickr Crafting 365 group for awhile now. Only a few days ago did I realize what that meant; members are trying to do a bit of crafting every day for 365 days and upload a photo of such daily. Whoops. I had been uploading at intermittent times and definitely not crafting everyday. Seeing as how the office is somewhat clean, Spring has awakened my creative spirit again, and I went to the fabric store yesterday and got a bunch of new fabric, I will now be actually attempting Craft 365. In the sort-of words of Ben Folds, "I've got one I finished yesterday and I've got three (sixty four) to go."

Here it is, a fabric box that I made to keep our house clutter free [can you tell I'm sick and tired of clutter?].

Amazing that last week I said 'we should put a box at the bottom of the stairs to collect things to go up' and this week it actually happened. The damask is navy blue from JoAnns, the natural fabric is unbleached cotton that I LOVE LOVE LOVE and would wrap everything in the house in, including the Husband and the cat, if I could.

My favorite part of this box is the way the edge turned out. I have been trying to slow down my sewing; focus less on speed and more on a beautiful finished piece. The slower speed has allowed me to stitch straighter and with smaller seams. Look at that!

I've also started writing all my sewing notes in this book. I usually pull out whatever scrap paper I can find (as you can tell by my first draft of notes in the background). Now I will not have to search the house for little scraps of paper, or worry that my project plans have gone out with the recycling.

I am all set to make another box; same natural fabric, but with a cream and grassy green damask. After that I will attempt to slipcover a chair [that fuzzy one in the first photo]. Any hints, tips, or tricks??

The End of Water Marks and Paper Clutter

2009-03-19T13:29:00.006-04:00

Many crafty things have been happening at the Cultivated house (finally!). The onset of Spring has not only brought on the beginnings of new plants and an increase in temperatures, but it has awakened my desire to create and craft, too.

I've sewn 6 Crooked Coasters. Now Husband can stop freaking out about mug rings on the coffee table. The top one is finished and the one behind needs it's strings cut. I sewed all the lines without cutting the thread; I just backstitched at the end, lifted the foot, moved it, and continued with the next line.

I modified a pattern from the wonderful book Sew and Stow to make this organizer. Our filing cabinet lives in a closet downstairs and our shredder is upstairs. We have so many papers cluttering the kitchen counter that need to be either filed or shredded. I will be hanging this up and separating the papers into 'file' and 'shred' until they can be taken care of instead of throwing them all over the counter or piling them up around the house.

The green fabric is home dec from the stash and the print fabric is vintage that my mom found and then gave to me. I love it and have just enough left for another project. The trim is bias binding. I have never worked with store bought bb before, and will definitely do so in the future. This binding is also vintage; I purchased a huge bag of old rick rack and bindings at a church sale last year. $1 for nearly 20 packages. Very nice deal! I am so happy with how this turned out, very evenly sewn and neat. Too bad it will probably end up hanging in a closet (the whole point is to get the papers OUT of view...).

I've also been working on this. More photos and explanation to come later. As you can see, much has been acomplished recently. Now to begin on my BTRS Swap project.

PS... I am not nearly as angry or fanatical as that last post might have made me seem.... Just someone who's examining their own life through the scope of society. I am still ruminating on the idea of consumption and am constantly evaluating my own successes and failures in this aspect of my life.

On Consumption -or-A post that got way longer than I ever thought it would!

2009-03-17T11:50:00.005-04:00

Consumption is a topic that I have been thinking about a lot recently. I feel as though society, myself included, is turning a blind eye to the amount of stuff that we use. I find myself asking; Why are the habits of this generation and this time so different than the behaviors of the past? When did it become OK to use, use, use, without any care or concern for how things will be replenished? How can I reduce what I use, appreciate what I have, and help create a richer place for the future? I wonder if this is a topic that most ever stop and think about. Is the average everyday person out there stopping to think about the effect of their actions? Do people realize that the tiniest of things that we do today will have an effect on tomorrow?

I stopped at the grocery store on the way to work this morning and purchased one item; a small box of food coloring. The grocery attendant happily put my one box (which was already wrapped in plastic) into a plastic grocery bag. I carry a HUGE purse and could easily put a sack full of groceries inside. I told her 'I don't need a bag, thanks', and was on the receiving end of a questioning glance (as always). Why is 'no bag, thanks' so hard to understand?

This could easily turn into a plastic vs. paper vs. reusable bag debate; the issue is much larger. Why are we drinking bottled water when the tap is usually cleaner and tastier? Why is it OK for you to throw your cigarette butt out the window of your car? Who needs to eat strawberries in the middle of January? Are we taking advantage of local recycling programs? Why do we need brand new cars every 4 years? Do you know what chemicals are in your [fill in the blank (shampoo, chicken, carpet, laundry detergent, etc.)]? When did shopping become a hobby? Why does a newlywed couple need a 4 bedroom house?

I believe that this issue boils down to the fact that 1. we have lost sight of wants and needs and 2. we have stopped thinking for ourselves and instead have come to accept the status quo.

We have become used to needing a lot of pointless stuff. We have also become used to getting what we want and therefore, somewhere along the line, convincing ourselves that we need it. I think that we as a society would greatly benefit from weighing our wants and needs and making sure that the two are in check.

I also think that we would greatly benefit from taking a long look at our current lifestyles and practices and deciding whether or not this is really how we want to live. When was the last time you asked yourself 'how is this made' 'what effect does this have on me' 'why do I want this' 'will I really use this'? We have fallen under the veil of consumerism and prosperity and have stopped living our own lives. Instead, we are puppets of TV commercials, the Joneses, housing bubbles, and the like.

What does this mean for me? How do I turn these thoughts into action? What about you? Are you stopping to think? Do you really 'need' everything you say you do? Is your life helping or hurting those around you and future generations?

Snow Day To-Do

2009-03-01T15:10:00.004-05:00

They (who is this 'they', anyway?) are forecasting that our area [DC metro] will be getting 4-9 inches of snow tonight. I will be doing my part to make this happen tonight by throwing ice cubes in the toilet, wearing my pajamas inside out, and puttting a spoon under my pillow. Why? Because if we get that much snow then the federal government will close and so will my place of employment. I already have a list started of things to accomplish tomorrow. Say a prayer that we get a heap of snow and that I complete at least a few of the things below.

Finish cleaning the office/sewing/music room. It's almost done! Posting about it really did motivate me to clean it up.

Continue (finish?!?) a project that is long overdue and for some reason just being an absolute beast. I think the messy room is a mental block to large scale projects.

Make a few of these Crooked Coasters from thelongthread.com so we don't damage our new coffee table.

And in totally unrelated to snow day news... we received our new couch this weekend. The one we ordered 3 months ago and couldn't quite remember what it looked like. Turns out it is pretty fantastic. And I suppose this is related to snow day news as I will hopefully be spending some time on the couch tomorrow.

Flirty Apron Swap

2009-02-19T17:32:00.004-05:00

I signed up for another swap this week. Perhaps all these swaps and projects I want to start (or complete...) will be reason enough to get the office/sewing room cleaned out this weekend. And I heard on the Today Show this morning that when you share your goals you are more likely to follow through, so here goes: I will clean out the office and post pictures next week. I cannnot wait for you to be amazed at the amount of stuff we have crammed into such a small room. Be prepared!

The swap is the 'Flirty Apron Swap' and should be exciting! I have whipped up lots of aprons for friends and family (and even strangers), so what's another one, huh? There might be time for you to get in on this swap, too.

BTRS Swap Announced

2009-02-14T11:02:00.001-05:00

FYI... the next Bend-the-Rules Sewing swap is up over at the BTRS blog. Check it out and SIGN UP!

Bending the Rules

2009-02-09T19:50:00.002-05:00

Since I'm sure you were all waiting...

The Bend-the-Rules-Sewing Swap is back! And I am the new facilitator. Hop on over to the blog and check it out; be sure to sign-up to be a part of the BTRS swap next week!

Super Embroidery

2009-02-05T16:08:00.002-05:00

Check out the new header. It was hand embroidered (by me, duh) on Sunday while Husband yelled nasty things at the Steelers. I checked this book out of the library a few weeks ago and used it for both learning new stitches and inspiration. I think this is a hobby I should do more of, considering it is much easier to embroider on the couch than it would be to sew with the machine. But, now that I've shown off my most recent project, what's next? What do you embroider?

Also, that fabulous crafty announcement is coming in about a week or so! Stay tuned!

Winter Is Here

2009-01-28T17:55:00.003-05:00

Northern Virginia had its first real snowfall yesterday, followed by an ice storm last night. Winter is finally here! I've so enjoyed the beauty of the snow, the brightness at night with the moon reflecting off the snow, the still in the air. These are things that should have been happening months ago! But, I guess I will appreciate the fact that this snow will only be around for a bit. It will not wear out its welcome like it did in Chicago.

My life has been hectic; my weekends have been busy. I am SO looking forward to some time of my own this weekend. One major project to finish (finally....) and then this one to start.

Also, hopefully soon I'll have a nice crafty announcement to make... stay tuned for details.

Made From Scratch

2009-01-16T13:46:00.001-05:00

Instead of reading this blog for the rest of the month of January, read this book.

Hopefully we'll have the internet at home soon (although, secretly I am enjoying not having the pull of the computer when I should be lounging with Husband or doing dishes or the like). Perhaps February?

Enjoy!

Life in VA: Update #1

2008-12-30T14:54:00.004-05:00

Apologies for the scarcity in blogging. Double apologies for the boring nature of my most recent postings.

Life in our new state is going well. Although I am busy with work, I see Husband more than I did in IL. I have more free time than I did in IL. I am in proximity to way more Starbucks than I was in IL (that one could be either positive or negative, depending on how you look at it). On the flip side, I have not been crafting as much as I did in IL.

Unfortunately, our new craft/office/music room is a complete mess. This is what happens when you mush the contents of two rooms together into one smaller space. The room currently contains a computer desk, my sewing table with two machines, four bookcases, about 5 guitars, and a keyboard. Not to mention two boxes of stuff that have no home (Thursday I do not have to work and MUST get this room clean). All this did not stop me from a bit of Christmas crafting.

I made some fabric chargers for the table a few weeks ago. No photos today. Maybe tomorrow. Red and white ticking on the front and solid red on the back. They look great with a crisp white runner, white and red dishes, and some lovely votive holders that I received for Christmas from a co-worker.

I've also started on some crafty Christmas gifts that have become New Years gifts that will most likely be "Happy January 15!" presents. Anyone know of an obscure holiday that falls in the middle of January?

And, just to appease the 'must always post a photo when blogging' gods, here's a shot of our new living room. Ignore the couch and the ottoman, as we purchased a new couch a few weeks ago (impulse buy of sorts; we had been looking for a new couch for a month and although we knew we wanted to buy one, we walked out of Arhaus that day bewildered; "Did we just buy a couch?") and a new table on Sunday (courtesy of several Christmas checks, memo field was 'coffee table' as we told people that's what we were saving to buy).

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T19:01:00.002-05:00

I'm still alive. Here's the proof.

Maybe if you're lucky I'll post again in a month. Merry Christmas!

Still Alive

2008-11-20T19:23:00.002-05:00

I'm still alive. Still without internet at home, too. Almost all of the boxes have been relegated to the garage. Work is going well. Life is going well.

Photos of the house to come soon.

Also, I got my BTRS quilt a few days ago; what a great housewarming gift! You can see photos that my partner took here. I love it and it has a great place of honor on the couch. So, until the photos of the new place come, just picture that quilt on our beige couch. That's what VA looks like.

Virginia!

2008-11-10T11:14:00.003-05:00

We're here. I'm at the public library (walking distance from our house, score!). The moving truck is unloading as I type. Job starts on Wednesday. So far so good. A few things to note...

Went to the Obama rally on Tuesday night. That experience was one of the most incredible of my life. Absolutely amazing. I was especially proud when it was announced that VA went blue. "That's our state!", Husband and I cheered. Words can't describe the joy and hope that were present with us as we watched CNN on the jumbotrons and then later listened to Pres. Obama speak. And the party in the streets afterwards was unreal, too.
Sewing goodness to come soon, once we figure out how to cram our new office with all my sewing stuff, our computer desk, and about 12 various musical instruments. Husband wants to hang the stringed ones on the walls. I think the landlord might be a bit upset about all the anchor holes in the drywall. We'll see.

Fall Placemats and More Thoughts on Moving

2008-11-01T11:40:00.004-04:00

Well, seeing as how the little tree in our front yard has suddenly become a glorious orange, I will officially deem it fall. Yes, I know that fall started awhile ago, but with 70 degree weather and green trees it hasn't really felt like fall yet. One thing I wanted to make before autumn and before we move is done! Yes! My fall placemats came out beautifully.

[edges are not as wonky as they appear;
I'm blaming camera angles for this one.]

Materials used; Amy Butler Garden Maze in Mustard, kona quilting cotton, and grosgrain ribbon. I used two fat quarters for the panels. One I had from the FQs I got way back in July and the other I bought from ruralFABRIC. The back is kona cotton. Using just a bit of AB fabric and a lot of kona (bought with a 40% coup at JoAnns for sure) saved a lot of money. Plus, the chargers cover most of the placemat anyway, why use expensive fabric for that? I love the way these turned out and love the design... I can see a whole rainbow of placemats in my future. Now I just need a rolled hem foot for my serger and I could whip out the cloth napkins to match.

Our new rental has all white walls, and I don't think we have plans to paint any time soon. The white will be a welcomed change from the intensity of this kitchen; white throughout the house will also allow us to focus on beautiful things and not walls.

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We're getting close to the big move; Monday is pack day (I am so happy I don't have to do this), Tuesday is load the truck day, Wednesday we depart, and Thursday we arrive in VA. We still have a lot to do, and I should probably be folding clothes or packing a suitcase instead of blogging, but I so wanted to share my new creation.

We were lucky enough to have some great friends over last night. I stayed up way later than I have in a long time; talking and watching the guys Guitar Hero like fools. We have crammed in as many lunches, dinners, and get-together as possible this last week. I am desperately trying to overdose on other people before we go.

These last few days at home have been hard. Not hard with all the stuff we must do before we go and in preparation for the move, but hard as we say 'See you later' (not 'Goodbye') to friends. I have known my closest friends here in Chicago for about 6 years; we have friendships that go beyond mutual interests and a shared location.

I'm not interested in replacing these friends, but I am worried about connecting with people of similar belief and mindset. DC is a big place and there have got to be a few like-minded folks out there, right?

BTRS Lap Quilt Is Done!

2008-10-30T17:44:00.003-04:00

My quilt swap has been done for some time now, and according to the post office, Mary Ann received it this week. So it's now fair game to post. Here it is in all it's BTRS glory.

This was the first quilt I've ever sewn, and I'm sure it will not be the last. I'm hoping to make some again for Christmas; we'll see how busy November/December is. I really love the way it came out. The fabric choice was fabulous, and it really went together quickly. It is also much larger than the size listed in the book. I assume that's a good thing! I love the look of this quilt; it seems broken in and worn even though it's new. That's not to say that I didn't have a few issues.

One of my fabrics was a stretch cord. Oh how I wanted to give that corduroy to the cat! Sewing the cord to the other woven fabrics left it all stretched out and some strips way longer than others. After washing the cord had pulled away from the other fabric in two spots. I topstitched these holes and then doused them with Fray Check. Crisis averted.
If you remember, my machine died during this project. I wonder who was at fault; did the quilt kill the machine or did the machine kill the quilt? Not that the quilt is bad, just that the back is way wonkier than I'd like.
The binding looks great when sewn by hand, but I hated how the two ends came together. Unable to send it to Mary Ann in that condition, I created a tag out of unbleached cotton and a quick freezer paper stencil. I sewed it right over the nasty binding spot, and am very happy with how that turned out. Before and after photos below. You can also spot the tag in the photo of the back.

What do you think?

Moving

2008-10-28T08:42:00.003-04:00

Did I mention that we're moving? I did? Did I mention that I have SO MUCH TO DO!? I'm trying so hard to not get caught up in everything that must be done. The last week in this place should be a time of reminiscing and remembering. Husband and I don't know if we'll ever be back. Perhaps for a little visit here or there, but I highly doubt that we will ever live in this part of the country again. I've been here for over 7 years. Hopefully we'll be in the next place for even longer. We leave next Wednesday.

St. Louis Recap

2008-10-25T02:11:00.003-04:00

It is very late for me to be blogging. But this is how the chain of events went tonight... eat some amazing aged cheddar... go to sleep... have a dream about a crazy co-worker trying to kill me... wake up... spend hours on the couch trying to fall asleep. I should have known better! Dairy products before bed always give me crazy dreams!! Anyways, I'm taking this opportunity to recap our fabulous trip this week.

This week I...

replaced a foglight and TWO headlights that burnt out in Husband's car. How do TWO headlights burn out at the same time??
hand sewed the binding to my BTRS quilt. It is DONE and will be mailed tomorrow. Hurray! Expect a detailed blog post after Mary Ann receives it.
saw grandpa and grandma on my side and Husband's oma and opa.
ate sushi for the first time. I know, I know. I've been missing out. AND the restaurant where we ate was EMPTY. Just the 4 of us. Private sushi party at Modai!
loved the Stephen Kellog show at the Duck Room. So good! Only downside... idiots being rude and loud while Stephen was talking about something with actual meaning, you know, outside of telling jokes and pandering for someone to take him on the AB tour. And you know it's a good show when you walk out with a piece of a keytar.
enjoyed pumpkin pie gelato. First time we'd been to the South Grand Gelateria since construction time. We almost went back the next day. It's that good.
gawked at mom and dad's bumper crop of sweet potatoes. Seriously, enough for twenty family's Thanksgiving dinner.

What a great time! Now we're spending next week getting ready to move. This is all happening very, very fast! Expect random posts until we get settled in VA. And expect photos of the new place soon, too.

Rejoice!

2008-10-18T08:13:00.002-04:00

The machine is back! And don't worry, I've already tested it out. It runs beautifully! Here's my BTRS swap quilt. Binding is machine sewed to the front; I'll be hand-stitching it to the back as we head to St. Louis next week to see our parents. I've never done a binding before. Luckily, mom has. I've loved sewing this quilt, although it did give me some issues. More to come on the quilt when it's all done.

I am so excited to be able to sew again! Too bad we are so busy right now. Moving company came out for a quote yesterday. We'll be setting the final moving schedule this week. I've got a lot to wrap up at work, friends to see, closets to clean out. But, regardless of all that I will always have a few hours as the sun is rising to sit at the machine and sew. Par for the course, we have a busy day today. Husband has work tonight and I have my two last games as 4th and 5th grade volleyball coach. There will be cupcakes to celebrate. I'm off to create chocolate flavored volleyballs. Wish us luck!

Yes We Can

2008-10-13T12:31:00.002-04:00

The video below is 'old', but I just came across this quilt and had to share. The quilt could be yours, too. Enter here.

Freeze Yer Buns 2008

2008-10-13T06:43:00.004-04:00

Miss me? I've been around; cleaning house, preparing to move to VA, baking. I have not, however, been sewing. My machine is still in the shop. Tuesday is repair day, so I'm hoping to get a call tomorrow that it is ready. I suppose I could be readying projects in the meantime; washing fabric, cutting, etc. Does anyone else find that so unfulfilling? Doing all the work that I hate and then not being able to actually SEW anything? Terrible.

In a few weeks Crunchy Chicken's 'Freeze Yer Buns Challenge' officially begins. We will be keeping our heat at 60 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. We've upped the ante on our own and will try to go without heat until we move. Shouldn't be too hard, as the temps are supposed to stay in the 60s and 50s through October [with a high temp of 82(!!!) today].

It will be interesting to see how the new place heats. We have a programmable thermostat here which makes it SO easy to keep a handle on our heating. Hopefully the new place will have one, too. Also, here we live in a raised ranch townhouse; there will be a 3 story townhouse. So here if our heat rises it goes to the living area, office, and bedroom. No biggy. There if the heat rises, it will head up to the office and bedroom and out of the living area. Not so good. I'll report back in December, I suppose. Click on that cute little fox and join for yourself!

Loves

2008-10-08T20:03:00.003-04:00

I love Jon Stewart (especially when his show called Cubs fans stupid. HA! To quote, "The Chicago Cubs will never, ever win the World's Series").
I love Becca loving me.
I love margaritas (and no, I don't need this right now).
I love crisp fall air.
I love new music.
I love our cat, Zoe.
I love clean laundry (but I hate folding and ironing!!!).
I love nights at home exactly like this one; restful, yet productive.

Blogging Goggles?

2008-10-08T07:43:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure if Google is duping us all with this one, but it does seem like a good idea. Although Mathletes like myself might need some tougher questions. Come on Google, stop underestimating me, OK? When are the Blogging Goggles coming?

Sewing machine is still out. !!!. While this is driving me nuts and leaving me with a gaping creative void, it is helping me to get the house clean and make homemade dinners. This house should look like a show worthy model by Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Fix It!

2008-10-06T20:25:00.002-04:00

Took my machine (it really needs a name, huh?) to the shop today for a tune-up and to be fixed. Hurry back, baby!

SKERJEWIOU!!!!!

2008-10-06T06:33:00.003-04:00

My sewing machine is rebelling against the crazy amount of work I have forced upon it recently. It is grabbing as much thread as it can get it's grubby little hooks on. This is frustrating to no end, and last night I was lucky enough to have Husband stop me before I did something drastic like throw it out the window. The damn thing has been cleaned, oiled, taken apart, put together, taken apart again, swore at, and then left in the dark. I think it's time for a tune-up and some couples therapy. It can't hold out on me like this!

Weekend Update

2008-10-04T07:28:00.003-04:00

Here's what's been happening around the house recently...

Husband has a fabulous job offer in Virginia; 700 miles away from where we currently live. If we take it we'll be moving during the first part of November. We've been undertaking a sort of 'Fall Cleaning' to prepare. If we end up not going, then we'll just have a shiny, organized house. If he does accept the offer, moving will be a breeze (fingers crossed!). Decision will be made in the next two weeks.
Got a LOT of work done on the BTRS quilt. On Thursday I sewed the top, readied the back, and got my binding ready, then yesterday I bought batting and started sewing the quilt together. I'm hoping to finish it this week; not necessarily to send off, as I don't want to put undue pressure on my partner, but so that in case of a move, it'll be done and I won't have to worry about it at the last minute.
Ordered a Fat Quarter from ruralFABRIC. I'll have my fall place mats this week!
Coaching a VBall tourney this weekend. We lost yesterday. Two more games today. I'm hoping the attitudes improve and we don't get stuck in a slump.
It's a chilly 42 degrees outside right now. We've vowed to keep our heat set low this winter, a la Crunchy Chicken's 'Freeze Yur Buns Challenge'. Crunchy is one of my favorite blogs. It is my hope that we live a "thoughtful life"; thinking about what we do, what we consume, and how we affect the world around us. Thoughtful living describes a lifestyle and not a passing trend, which I find most 'green' things to be right now. Crunchy's blog is definitely about changing the way you live, and not just buying NEW GREEN STUFF! Anyway... we're getting acclimated to the cooler temps, keeping the heat low (haven't even turned it on yet), bundling up (I'm wrapped in a quilt my mom made for me right now), and not heating parts of the house we're never in. Husband is always warm and is loving this right now. He hasn't been 'cold' yet (the lowest temp in the house thus far this week was 61). I am the wuss who's always chilly! I'm thinking the heat will be set on 60 during the morning and evening and 55 during the night and time we're away from the house.

WOW that is a long post... my apologies!

BTRS Lap Quilt WIP 1

2008-10-02T08:21:00.004-04:00

After last night's place mat debacle I decided to start on something else. I have really incredible fabrics to work with; bamboo, corduroy, linen, hemp, cotton. The texture of this quilt will be amazing.The show piece is definitely this hand printed hemp. Can you see the bird's nests? Explains why the backing fabric is robin's egg blue. Mary Ann got it in Australia, so you bet I'll be babying this one!I've cut all my pieces for the lap quilt and am trying to decide on a lay-out. These photos were all taken at various stage of sunrise, so excuse the crazy exposure, please.

Place Mat Setback

2008-10-01T20:01:00.008-04:00

Well, I locked myself in the office tonight to sew place mats. I will finish them before fall ends. Really, I will.

Ironed all my fabric, figured out measurements that worked with my one beautiful AB Mustard Garden Maze fat quarter as trim, cut, and then decided that these place mats were going to be way too small! Guess they'll have to wait until I can get my hands on another fat quarter. At least I started some good by which music to sew (Husband's 'Indie Rock Mix' + Fleet Foxes). Playlist below. There is still a lot of time in October to complete these projects, right?

After writing this post I have decided that 'the Fat Quarters' would be an interesting band name; real meaning only understood by quilters and seamstresses. 18 x 22, baby!

October Projects

2008-09-30T08:16:00.003-04:00

Dinner time at the Cultivated house often includes husband complaining that our dinner plates are not big enough for large portions (they're some odd size... I don't know). Well, those complaints are my sentiments this month. I find myself heaping project on top of project without the space on my plate for them. Between work, coaching volleyball 4 days a week (and two weekend tournaments), general upkeep of our house, plans with friends, etc. it's going to be a stretch! Plus, there's the possibility of a huge move ahead of us. GAH! Granted, sewing and creating is what I love to do with my free minutes so although I've got a lot happening, I'm not overwhelmed or regretting my choices. I've added a list* to the left sidebar over there, just to keep myself on track (pop out of reader and check it out). Lots of good things ahead!

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*I really, really wanted to add progress bars (like Lynn at Craftstew), but for the life of my could not figure out how to install the code. Help!

Bend the Rules Sewing Lap Quilt Swap Update #1

2008-09-27T18:17:00.002-04:00

The BTRS swap starts again soon. This go round we're buying our own fabric, mailing it to our partners, sewing up a quilt with what we receive, and then sending it back. I've bought half of my fabric; still need to find a few solids to mix them with. I can' wait to get fabric from my partner and start sewing! Here's what I've bought so far.

I just found this other print while browsing Amy Butler's website. I've got to find some of this!

Sewist for Hire?

2008-09-25T11:20:00.006-04:00

This morning I put my time spent doing yoga to practical use. While sewing another BTRS Charming Handbag I somehow managed to sidestep into a needle that had fallen on the floor. This was not just your normal poke. I'm used to those by now. This was full on needle-in-my-foot action. Seconds after pulling it out [DISGUSTING], the blood began to flow. FLOW, people. So I bent my foot up and around into a bit of King Dancer and proceeded to holler for Husband to bring me some tissue. He was sound asleep, mind you, so waking him from the next room took some time. Crisis averted. Resume stitching.

Today is a co-worker's birthday, so I spent an hour this morning putting this charming bag together. Everything came from the stash, which was a spectacular feat.

I believe this bag matches the cat quite well, doesn't it? I've got it wrapped up here with me at my desk. We'll see what Sue thinks later. She loves gingham and always wears black (the bag is black, not brown as it might appear), so I'm thinking this will be an A+.

As an aside, if you sew or craft, how do you feel about being asked to do things for others? I love making gifts. That's totally different. But what about specific requests from others. Granted, I would probably sew a purse, apron, or home dec sort of thing for anyone who asked, but what about things that are a bit more difficult. This doesn't even take into account dealing with fit. Screwing up my own apparel is one thing, but what if it is for someone else? So, here's my question: When asked, do you oblige others or do you make an excuse? Why?

Simplicity 2932A

2008-09-24T08:24:00.004-04:00

My friend Becca requested that I sew her a full length apron. Here's the beauty that I whipped through on Monday night and Tuesday morning.

This turned out absolutely fabulous and I wanted to keep it for myself! Becca loved it. I'm thinking I'll be making one of these for myself soon. Aside from the fact that there were about 40 pattern pieces in the envelope (11 of which were used for view A), I did enjoy sewing this. That's about it for this morning... did I mention I'm late for work? Eek!

Five Years

2008-09-22T23:17:00.003-04:00

Last week marked five years of togetherness (and 26 months of marriage) for Andy and I. I love this man. As Beccs wrote on our wedding frame, 'To think this all started with a piece of cake' [actually it was a glass of milk that just happened to come with cake, B]. A glass of milk, a Ben Folds concert (and many others that followed; Ryan Adams, Sleeping at Last, Sondre Lerche, etc., etc.), road trips to nowhere, nights at Borders, breakfast at Ikea, bike rides, camping trips, afternoon naps, hot date nights, adopting our little kitten Zoe; we have created so many great memories in these five years and I can't wait to see what the next five years bring us.

Freezer Paper Stencils

2008-09-21T00:15:00.003-04:00

Freezer paper stencils... where have you been all my life?? Today I whipped up this BEAUTIFUL tote. One yard of unbleached cotton ($2.50) and blue fabric paint ($1.49) and an hour of my time and I had ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! This is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful bag that will ever grace the grocery store [yes, it will leave the door handle, Nate] with its presence. Easy directions from Amy here.

Anyone want to guess what a pain it was to cut out all those little branch details? And this was my first ever. EVER! Husband also got in on the crafty fun. He's always said that it would be interesting to screen print his own t-shirts. Here's the t that he made yesterday. He's a picky guy, so I know the bumpy edges might drive him crazy. Good thing he used white ink; nothing a black Sharpie can't fix!

Both of these designs are from Stencilry.org. Mom and I have been having an ongoing discussion about homemade grocery totes, and when I told her about these she specially requested one with a tomato slice on it. Such a great idea! Stay tuned for at least two more of these beauties this week.

Caramel Layers

2008-09-16T08:24:00.005-04:00

Fall is in the air at the Cultivated house; cooler temps, richer food, warmer clothes. The real benchmark for fall arrived last week- the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Anyone know where I can find a good pumpkin syrup other than the black market Sbux jugs on ebay? Anyone?

Anyways... one of my favorite things about fall is the sweet treats. Some with cinnamon, some with caramel, some with apples. These are the things that make fall. This week I've made Caramel Layers twice. Once for our staff luncheon this weekend and then again yesterday at the request of a co-worker. These are my absolute favorite dessert; salty and sweet, crumbly and smooth.

Caramel Layers

1 C + 2 T flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C quick cooking oats ( not cooked)
1/2 C butter
1 C caramel bits (found near the chocolate chips) -OR- 24 caramels
2 T cream
1/2 C chocolate chips

Mix 1 cup flour, salt, soda, brown sugar and oats. Cut in butter until particles are fine. [I do this in the food processor. Takes less than 30 seconds.] Reserve 1 Cup. Press remaining mixture into bottom of greased 8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Do not overbake!

Combine Caramels and cream on top of double boiler till melted. Blend in 2T Flour. Spread over base. Sprinkle with chocolate chips then remaining crumb mixture. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Again, do not overbake!

Let cool and cut into bars. So good!

Simplicity 3964

2008-09-12T11:32:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I had a lunch meeting with friends/colleagues and one such friend asked me to make her a full length apron (I prefer half and have made her a half before). So after lunch we went to JoAnns and while we were there I ended up buying a pattern I have wanted for a long time. How can you pass up a $1.99 pattern sale? While we were at JoAnns another friend called to let us know that she was just hired for her dream job! Yea Evangeline! So, the three of us decided we needed to go out and celebrate. I got home from JoAnns and decided that there was no better time than the present, so I immediately went to work. 4 hours later I had a new shirt. Finished just as I had to leave. Ran out the door and had a great night.

This shirt is only about $6 in fabric. The blue cotton shirting was a remnant that I got for 50% off ($3?). The white is a pillowcase that I bought at Ikea for $0.50 in the As-Is department. The insert is an Amy Butler fat quarter that came as part of the bundle my mom got my for my birthday. I had all of it in the stash. The AB hadn't been washed yet, but I was in a rush, so this shirt will not be going near any warm water or air anytime soon. Skipped the neck binding and tie and did a hook and eye in the back instead.

I love the way this turned out. Funny how this isn't any project that I said I was going to make. Perhaps I sew better when moved by the moment. (Although I do remember mentioning Amy Butler and interesting yokes in the same sentence awhile back). Got lots of complements last night, too.

Wifey

2008-09-10T19:29:00.005-04:00

I love my life as a wife. Most likely because I have such a wonderful husband. And it turns out that I do a damn good job (according to 1930's standards).

As a 1930s wife, I am
Superior

Take the test!

I'm loving this quiz, too. Hilarious. Only... I can't tell if these phrases that describe me are supposed to be good or bad.
"Corrects husband's speech or actions before others."
"Has spunk--will defend her ideals and religion."
"Keeps snacks in refrigerator for late eating."
"Puts her cold feet on husband at night to warm them"
"Wears red nail polish."

I suppose 74 is a good score. Too high and I might worry! And don't worry... there is a version for Husband to take, too.

The [Almost] Perfect Evening

2008-09-08T20:05:00.003-04:00

Chips + Trader Joe's Fresh Hot Salsa + Margaritas + the Daily Show + the Colbert Report = What a great night!

Husband is working late tonight. Every now and then it's nice to have some me only down time. I was going to come home and sew... the couch was calling my name instead. More sewing will ensue in a few days.

Simplicity 4111

2008-09-08T08:20:00.003-04:00

After my success of this weekend's sewing project, I am ready and super psyched to keep sewing fall clothes. I want to revisit Simplicity 4111 soon. I LOVE the chick on the pattern envelope. I want this shirt in my size, please. I'm 80% sure I can find a plaid like this at JoAnn's. You can't, however find this pattern anymore as it is out of print. Yikes! I guess I didn't realize they retire patterns so soon after releasing them. Oh well... I have my copy!

Here's my version of 4111. This was made a long time ago (a year ago?) out of an Ikea sheet. It was the first piece of clothing I've ever made. And look at how those lines line up! Incredible! It was supposed to be a muslin for a different fabric, but it turned out so well I wear it often (errands and such). Husband hates when I wear this because he can't get past the sheet part. I suppose he's not as into repurposing materials as I am. Oh well; he's not the one wearing it. Anyway, so after I find my to-die-for plaid I'm going to make this again (out of REAL fabric!). I'm raising the neckline and adding an inch or so to the top of the bodice. Grading out at the hips (you know, the ushe).
Why in the world does my face always look so odd in these 'Look what I made' photos? Wait a minute... don't answer that. I suppose staring at a tiny little needle for hours on end would make anyone a bit cross-eyed.

Simplicity 3835B

2008-09-07T07:58:00.003-04:00

Ta da! I present to you my Simplicity 3835 Built By You tunic. How great is this? Granted, this photo was taken this morning after a hot, sandy day of Flugtag spectatorship. Pattern is exactly the way it was designed, only I hemmed it a bit shorter and I graded out at the hips. I also used my serger for the first time (if you don't count scraps or my 2 minute tank top). Check out those beautiful serged seams (tunic is inside out in the photo)! This added maybe... 15 minutes total to my work time and makes such a huge difference. I also sewed a zipper for the first time ever. Ever! Invisible zip... so easy. For real. I am no longer afraid of the zipper and I can guarantee that this pattern has just started me on the long road of conquering the collection of patterns I have in the office.

Next up... the same pattern, only in shirt length, with pin tucks instead of gathers.

Also! Sign up for the Bend the Rules Sewing Swap! The project this time is the easy lap quilt. I can not wait for this!

Simplicity SL350

2008-09-02T20:16:00.004-04:00

My lovely mother-in-law gave me a serger about a year ago. It has been sitting in our office closet ever since. It emerged yesterday in the great closet clean-out of 2008. I've never used it, or any other serger for that matter. As much as I'd love to be a pro with the serger, I'm scared! Tell me this thing doesn't look daunting...The serger is threaded and working (second try! I've heard serger threading horror stories) and the tension even looks pretty good.

The order from first to last (and loosest to better[not best yet]) is left, right, top, bottom. I have some random knit jersey in the dryer to play with. My goal for the night is to learn how to keep the tails from unraveling. My other goal is to wash the brown shirting I bought to make
a dress/tunic from Simplicity 3835.

ETA- Knit jersey tank top is done. 4 seams and done- two side seams and two neck seams. Nothing else is finished (neckline, arm holes, hem) but WHO CARES! It's knit and it won't fray and it will never leave the house. This serger is incredible!

Fall Fashion Inspiration

2008-09-01T20:23:00.007-04:00

Welcome to September, everyone. One of my goals for this month is to make a few clothes pieces for fall. I spent some time this morning trolling Flickr and I found inspiration. Mostly I just wish I could have one of everything from Wiksten. If someone wants to throw $200 my way so I can have a new shirt or dress, I'd love you forever. Aimee at Betsy Ross must have been onto something when she designed the Market Bag with pin tucks. EVERYTHING for autumn in the stores has pin tucks. Something I make will have pin tucks, too. As I have fallen in love with these photo collages recently, here's one for fall.
Lucky me, I have the pattern for the last one at home. Hopefully I'll start on that this week. It seems that I have a thing for long tunics with interesting necklines over dark, rolled jeans. I actually wore a version of this outfit today; similar fabric to #4, sleeveless like #7, and styled like #2. Except I wore it with these beauties that I picked up at the REI Labor Day sale.My love for the Chaco is strong and true. I've had a pair of men's without the toe strap for a long time that best friend Andie gave several years ago. These are a little daintier and I am LOVING the double green strap. Some may say that they don't 'go' with normal everyday clothes and to those people I say 'who cares?!? these are freaking CHACOS!'

Photo Cred
1. Yellow Shirt, 2. just stay on the path, no matter the mud, 3. pleated wrap, 4. tova shirt, 5. me in carolyn dress, 6. Untitled, 7. Anna Tunic, 8. built by me

Bend the Rules Sewing Lap Quilt Swap

2008-08-29T08:25:00.005-04:00

The thinking is that the next BTRS swap will be the easy lap quilt. We'll buy our own fabric, mail it to our swap partner, and then s/he (who are we kidding... she) will sew it all up and mail it back. At first I didn't really like this idea; what if I spend $$$ on Amy Butler or Heather Bailey and then hate the quilt? But then I realized... better I end up with the quilt after spending that money than buying them for someone else and mailing a finished quilt off, never to be seen again. [And this has NOTHING to do with previous swaps or partners. A quilt is a lot more involved than handbags or home crafts!]

So, I'm starting to think about what I want my quilt to look like. It'll be great for autumn on the couch. Orange? Red? I put together this mosaic of previously done quilts as inspiration. I am loving #4 and #5. Be prepared for several 'I'm considering this fabric' posts in the future.

1. Easy Lap Quilt, 2. Easy Lap Quilt, 3. M's quilt, 4. Quilt front with Pillow, 5. Red and white, 6. Emma's study quilt, 7. Olive's Quilt - Top, 8. Quilt close up., 9. Easy Lap Quilt (single bed size)

Marimekko To-Market DONE

2008-08-28T10:01:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to be done with this bag; because it was such a pain to sew that waxed linen and because it turned out so great.
The pattern is from Betsy Ross. I made a few changes.

1. I added pleats to the bottom for structure.
2. I added a lined inner pocket. Make sure to place it low enough so it doesn't interfere with the pleats.
3. I lined the bag with flannel (a la Bend the Rules Sewing). I thought this would be difficult because of the pleats, but it turned out just fine. I knew that I couldn't add the pleats in the same place on the lining, because it would be a total pain to sew through that many layers. Instead of the five pleats I did two; one on either side of where the pleats on the bag were. I figured out the amount of fabric that was 'used' in the five pleats and then divided by four to know how big the lining pleat should be. Here's how my numbers turned out- Each of my pleats was .25 inch (so .5 inch of fabric). 5 pleats*.5 inch is 2.5 inches. 2.5 divided by 4 is .625 or 5/8 inch. So, each of my lining pleats should be 5/8 inch wide (5/8 inch fabric on both the front and back of the pleat). All those years as a Mathlete are really paying off! Makes sense?

I love the way this bag looks and will be using it a lot, for sure! And, in case you were wondering, yes I snapped ANOTHER needle. Two stitches until the end of the bag, too. Found a smaller needle that fit the linen and then forced it through. DONE!

Don Miller at the DNC

2008-08-27T08:13:00.002-04:00

When I heard that Donald Miller would be closing night one of the Democratic National Convention, I was happy for him and for our country. Happy for people like me who sit in between the party lines and yet are sometimes shunned by both. I was happy that I knew he would speak with my voice. I appreciate what he said. I would stand behind any of these statements.

Following is a video (there's a bit of soundlessness in the vid... wait a few seconds and it comes back) and a transcript of his prayer. Enjoy!

“Father God,

This week, as the world looks on, help the leaders in this room create a civil dialogue about our future.

We need you, God, as individuals and also as a nation.

We need you to protect us from our enemies, but also from ourselves, because we are easily tempted toward apathy.

Give us a passion to advance opportunities for the least of these, for widows and orphans, for single moms and children whose fathers have left.

Give us the eyes to see them, and the ears to hear them, and hands willing to serve them.

Help us serve people, not just causes. And stand up to specific injustices rather than vague notions.

Give those in this room who have power, along with those who will meet next week, the courage to work together to finally provide health care to those who don’t have any, and a living wage so families can thrive rather than struggle.

Hep us figure out how to pay teachers what they deserve and give children an equal opportunity to get a college education.

Help us figure out the balance between economic opportunity and corporate gluttony.

We have tried to solve these problems ourselves but they are still there. We need your help.

Father, will you restore our moral standing in the world.

A lot of people don’t like us but that’s because they don’t know the heart of the average American.

Will you give us favor and forgiveness, along with our allies around the world.

Help us be an example of humility and strength once again.

Lastly, father, unify us.

Even in our diversity help us see how much we have in common.

And unify us not just in our ideas and in our sentiments—but in our actions, as we look around and figure out something we can do to help create an America even greater than the one we have come to cherish.

God we know that you are good.

Thank you for blessing us in so many ways as Americans.

I make these requests in the name of your son, Jesus, who gave his own life against the forces of injustice.

Let Him be our example.

Amen.”

Marimekko To-Market WIP #2

2008-08-23T11:55:00.003-04:00

This bag is going to be the death of me. For real. It will be the last thing I make. Ever. The bag portion came together so quickly, I should have known that it was too good to be true! The handles came in the mail and are GORGEOUS.

However, the waxed linen is a total pain to sew. I'm half done and I've already snapped two fat embroidery needles. TWO! And I only have one needle left in that size and four buttons to attach (on the inside of the bag to support the straps).

My poor, poor little babies! Wish me luck on the last four and hopefully I'll have a completed bag to show you. When it's all finished I'll post again to share my changes to the pattern. And if my needle problem doesn't get solved, I guess I could get used to a one-handled bag?

Scrapblog

2008-08-21T23:46:00.004-04:00

So, my friend Erin turned me on to this great website today; Scrapblog. Now, I'm not a scrap booker at all. I never have been. But this website is calling out to me! Online scrapbooking for free! This short little album is from a spring trip to Tennessee we took with our friends Matt and Ally. I think I'll do our July 4th St. Louis trip next. Enjoy!

Buy Nothing August - Update

2008-08-21T09:41:00.003-04:00

It's been simple living around here recently. Not window shopping and not buying has given us more time with each other, more time to think, and just generally more time to sit around and be bored. The Olympics have done their fare share of eating into our time, too. I have read in several different places this week that retailers and advertisers sell products by making us think we're unhappy without their new thing. I have, and I'm sure you have too, felt this many times. I see something I want, I can't buy it, I feel bad about not owning it. Whether it's new clothes, something for the house, sewing things, whatever. Funny thing is, I buy more than enough food, I have tons of clothes, the bills are paid, Husband does a great job of keeping me company, so why in the world would not having more stuff make me feel bad? It is quite ridiculous when you think about it.

During our 'Buy Nothing August' I have felt the emotional tie to buying release from my life. Yes, I've seen several things that I want, but knowing in advance that I will not be buying them prevents the inner push/pull over the decision to buy. I'm just not buying it. Done. No emotions, no bad feelings. After August is over (as we are nearing the end of the month) I can see this carrying over into 'Buy Stuff Months'. If I need a new pair of pants, buy a new pair of pants. If I need something for the house, buy something for the house. Do NOT wander around Target looking at every item and considering 'Should I buy this? Do I want this? Do I even like this?'. Obviously, you do not need it if you are asking yourself these questions!

Now, don't think that we've been 100% on par and our bank account is bursting at the seams. We have bought things. Have we bought a whole lot less than we normally would? Hell yes! The only things that I can recall us buying are books for work and my purse handles. We have been eating out... we're starting to slip in this area, but the cash system for fast food helps. Starbucks and the new Burger King Mocha Joe [WOW these are good] do not help, either.

Overall, August ended up being a 'actually consider where your money is going and therefore buy a whole lot less than you normally would' month for us. No one died from not going to the mall or Target, and we're rethinking purchasing just to purchase. Success!

Sounds Take Flight-Or-Reason #408 Why I Love Husband

2008-08-13T12:12:00.003-04:00

I'd like to introduce you all to the most incredible person I know. Husband has a blog!

Husband is a 'think and then speak', whereas I am definitely a 'blurt it out and then consider the consequences'. Don't expect him to post as often as I do; but lookout when he does. I love this man!

Marimekko To-Market WIP

2008-08-13T11:46:00.004-04:00

I spent a few hours this morning working on the To-Market bag. I've gotten it as far as it will go until my handles arrive (they're supposed to ship today... fingers crossed). I'm not willing to sew the outside and inside together yet, just in case I decide to go with a D-ring instead of attaching the handles directly to the bag. I made a few changes and will share when it's all said and done!
I added a lined inner pocket. Previously my pockets were always sort of wonky, wider at the corners than in the middle. I made sure to angle in a bit at the corners when sewing the pocket to it's lining and the problem is (basically) fixed.
I'm quite happy with how the bag has turned out so far, but I do have one dilemma. What do I do with these little threads on the bottom of the pin-tucks? I think they add a bit of character, but I also think they have the possibility of looking unfinished. Thoughts?

Fabulous Finds

2008-08-12T14:59:00.004-04:00

So, in the past weeks I've made two new handbags (of which I'm only using one) and I already am lusting after another new one. Feast your eyes on this. (Find #1)
It's the free "To-Market Purse" pattern by Betsy Ross Designs. I love this design and I even admired a skirt at Anthropologie a few weeks ago with the same pin-tucks near the top. I was a bit upset that I don't have enough fancy schmancy Amy Butler fabric to make one, though. Pictured above is Amy's Cherry Wallflower from the Lotus line. Knew it from the moment I saw it. Sick. I know. So, instead of buying expnsive ($9 per yard) fabric, I decided to use something from the stash. Enter Find #2.
Perhaps you recognize (I didn't) Marimekko's Kukkula fabric. Mine has an aquamarine field with white branches. I bought this fabric from Crate and Barrel outlet at least 2 years ago (copyright on the selvage is 2003) and paid probably $5 for it. They charge by the pound. Like, by the lb. I've never ever seen fabric weighed before, but I guess it works for them! Anyway, to those of you like me who have no clue what this fabric is... it normally retails for about $50 a yard! And a Marimekko purse will set you back about $100!

I will have the handbag portion done tonight or tomorrow evening. I've ordered leather handles from Homestead Heirlooms. They have GORGEOUS leather handles. I should have those by the weekend and have a Marimekko bag all ready to go by next week.

Is it understandable that I now fear messing up this project? What did you do to the Marimekko!?!

Starting the week off right

2008-08-11T08:58:00.005-04:00

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here at the Cultivated house. Windows open to better appreciate the 60 degrees outside, sun shining in, wind absolutely still. What a contrast to the stormy weather we had last week. We spent a few nights 'relaxing' at home while the storms and funnel cloud went right by. Not something I want to experience on a regular basis. The only reprieve from last week's storms was the incredible sky afterwards. Our house went from pitch black (thank you power flickers and giant black clouds) to an intense shade of red. I'll take this sunny weather any day, although the storms did make for a nice photo.

Daydreaming

2008-08-07T14:35:00.003-04:00

This afternoon I am the only one at work. I've been solicited to answer phones and greet visitors while others are at an open house type event. The only issue I have with this is that the phones aren't ringing and no one is visiting. So, in essence, I am waiting around for nothing to happen.

My time is not a total waste, however, as I am currently dreaming up future craft projects. I might actually go home and attempt something. I am also ridiculously hungry (even though I've just eaten lunch) for delicious St. Louis foods of which I have no access.

So here I am, at the desk, willing the phone to ring, day dreaming of Amy Butler fabric and cotton shirts with interesting yokes for the few weeks that hang between super hot summer and full blown fall, and craving Imo's pizza and Mexican chocolate gelato.

Such is life.

Note to Self

2008-08-06T21:00:00.003-04:00

NTS: Do some of this!

A Charming Day

2008-08-06T19:13:00.003-04:00

This morning, while husband perused the music blogs (he does this a LOT), I cleaned up the sewing table. Well, I started cleaning the table but then decided sewing is always time better spent, so I started another Charming Handbag from BTRS. It was half done when I left for work and quickly completed in less than an hour this afternoon.

Made entirely from scraps, and totally matching the placemats I made for the BTRS swap, this is another perfect little bag. Outside is green home dec, dotted inside is cotton. Orange is ribbon.

I've discovered that I always have music playing. Always. At work, during yoga, while sewing. Music focuses my mind on something other than the million things I'm constantly thinking about! Here's what I listened to while sewing (Husband's Indie Acoustic mix from iTunes; click for a larger photo.).

It was the perfect low key list for this afternoon. And as Conor sang the last lines of Lua I was threading the handles into place. Perfection.

P.S. Hey all of you reading in Google Reader or the like... pop out and check out the new layout and the *beautiful* new banner Andy made for me. As Paris Hilton would say (how many thousands of times have we all seen her new campaign video?) LOVES IT! What a great (and creative) hubby!

Love it or Fix it

2008-08-04T07:18:00.003-04:00

Here's a really great video from the folks at Good Magazine (great magazine! loved their food issue; chickens eating chickens!) about how most of our major problems today are related. High gas shortages, crazy weather, the weaker dollar, the higher cost of food. It really is mind blowing to think about how rapidly things around us are declining, and how short of a time it's been.

I can remember paying $0.75 for gas in the last 10 years... now the price has gone up over 500%! Farmers we know around here cannot believe the price they're getting for their corn. Definitely a good thing for them, perhaps not so good for the rest of the world. So check out this video. Perhaps look at the source page at the end for some further research. What are we going to do to fix this?

BNA Update #1

2008-08-02T07:29:00.002-04:00

We're one day in and we're on track. Yesterday we went out to go to the bank and avoided the TWO targets we passed on the way. We also had to return some things somewhere else and didn't even take time to browse around. Instead of dinner out we had a great dinner in with friends.

I did spend $3.94 on coupons, but I only bought ones for things we ALWAYS buy. Total savings after using the coups will be $25.

Tonight we're heading out to the movies. Our local theater does buy 9 tickets get one free. The free one has to be a two week old show. I have at least 5 free tix in my wallet, so that gives us a couple of chances to go for free. I'm already planning on making our own chocolate covered pretzels to take, too.

Hopefully tomorrow (tonight?) I'll have a new skirt to show you from Sew What Skirts. Mustard yellow crinkly cotton. Sounds weird; should be nice. I'm still debating on zipper or elastic, though. I'm planning on attempting the zip and turning to elastic when desperate times call for it.

Buy Nothing August

2008-07-30T09:48:00.004-04:00

Husband and I have decided that August will be free of new, unnecessary stuff at our house. We already have everything we need to live (and more). And it sucks to admit, but some of the stuff we own was bought at the expense of our credit card balance. Redirecting money not spent on stuff to credit card balances is really the best solution for our family.

AND... it was great this morning to open my Google Reader and see this-

One of my favorite bloggers (and queen of monthly challenges), Crunchy Chicken is heading this one up and I invite all of you to take part as well. Her rules are as follows:

No new clothes
No new gadgets
No new furniture or housewares
No salon services (except haircuts)
No new makeup
No new tools
No whatever the hell else people buy
No eating out

As is, these rules will not work for us. So we're modifying a bit. Husband gets a $20 fast food stipend for the month (damn you McDonald's sweet tea!) and we're allowing ourselves to eat out three or four times this month (but no more!). We are also not just holding off on purchases until May; we are really not buying stuff we don't actually need. I really hope that we'll get used to not buying unnecessary crap and this will have some lasting results.

In other news (eh em... good thing it's still July!), we bought this orange duvet cover and a couple shams from Pottery Barn last week. Organic cotton, on the clearance rack. Duvet was normally $130, bought for $20. Shams were $25 each, we paid $6. Not too shabby, and a great reasonable purchase to say goodbye to buying and hello to saving resources and $$$!

This Will Destroy You (Or Make You More Flexible)

2008-07-29T09:19:00.005-04:00

My yoga count for the week is 1/2. Felt really great to get up this morning and really move for 30 minutes before starting the day. Music without words today; not just music, but the most beautiful wordless music out there. Might not be right for all, as they do get quite rocking in some songs, but I've found that the thicker/heavier/louder music spurs me on in my practice.

I think I'm developing a Pavlovian reaction to This Will Destroy You. Just listening to it makes me feel stronger and more in tune with my muscles and body. If only it were that easy, right?

So good. I suggest listening to 'Quiet' or 'Thread'.

Also (unrelated), I picked the first yield from our garden yesterday. One tiny vine tomato. I added it to our pasta sauce last night just so we could say we ate it. There are more tomatoes on the way, along with TONS of watermelons (the largest right now is as big as a fist), and jalapeños. The basil and oregano are always ready to go. I think my green peppers aren't going to produce; they look quite sickly, and my cucumber plant seems to have disappeared?

My Long Lost Friend... Practicing Yoga

2008-07-27T17:31:00.006-04:00

Friday morning I kicked myself in the butt and did yoga for the first time in a long time. I had previously been practicing almost daily, proceeded to get sick, stopped, and then never started again. Not so anymore! I could tell that I was out of practice and not as flexible/strong as I had been. My out-of-practice body still felt at home in certain poses; tree, warrior, plow.

I also put on music with lyrics as opposed to instrumental music. I think the words actually helped me to focus better, as having lyrics running through my head helped block out the normal flow of random thought that plagues my practice. No to-do lists on Friday morning, just the beautiful words of Jon Foreman. (Music starts at 0:35. If you don't have the time [coughpatiencecough] to watch the whole video, skip to 5:05 for one of the most incredible songs from Foreman's EP project)

My goal for this week... morning yoga 4/7 days. Hold me to that, would ya?

On Emotions -or-Reason #317 Why I Love Husband

2008-07-24T20:46:00.008-04:00

Funny things, those emotions. Funny how for some of us (eh em... ladies) emotions are not always something to be enjoyed and expressed, but rather something to be controlled, tolerated, and waited out. And while I would guess that most women are in tune and understanding of their emotions, it's the people in her path that are left wondering 'what just happened?'.

Perhaps it's not the emotions that are so hard to understand. We all get sad, angry, jealous, excited, happy. It's the combination of them all in a rapid succession that disorient and destroy. A punch in the face you understand. 'I just got punched in the face.' But how do you reconcile a punch in the face, a pat on the back, a kick to the groin, and a kiss on the lips in rapid succession? Again, the questions 'what just happened?' comes to mind. (By no means am I beating up Husband. Don't worry.)

A good friend and/or partner is one who can keep up. Maybe not reacting to each and every rapid fire feeling, but always moving forward, not stuck in the previous emotion, because, let's be honest, it's long gone (only to return in a few hours). Isn't that what we all want? Someone to understand us where we are and say 'I am here for you.'? And 'here' could be in any number of places; a sadness, an anger, a love, a tear, a rage. Knowing that you are not alone in your emotion gives you the strength to move through it, to face it, to shove it out the window, to live in it; whatever the appropriate response might be.

Let me get through this week without beating Husband with ridiculous requests, tears, death stares, needy embraces, or any combination thereof.

---

(Totally 100% unrelated... I wish I could give all the guys in My Morning Jacket tips on how to enhance the natural curl in their hair. They need my help. You can thank Austin City Limits for that one.)

A Charming Evening

2008-07-23T08:56:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have the perfect evening with Husband. We enjoyed a nice dinner at home (not fast food, not frozen pizza- that doesn't happen too often for us). After eating and cleaning up, we spent a few hours in the office; me working on my sewing projects, Husband checking out his favorite music blogs.

I've begun working through my Amy Butler fat quarters. One down, 14 to go. Last night I made the Charming Handbag from Bend the Rules Sewing. No problem at all finishing this one in an evening. Word to the wise... it's little! Such a cute little bag, and one fat quarter is all it took for the outside and handle. I will most likely by making this again, maybe even out of another ABfq. Next up... a set of fall-ish placemats.

Downs and Ups

2008-07-20T22:15:00.004-04:00

This weekend was a busy one; work, friends and family in for a visit, a trip to the ER...

Last night was definitely the worst part of my weekend. Sister was ridiculously sick and ended up calling 911, getting a ride in an ambulance, and spending several hours in the ER. We live about 1.5/2 hours away (opposite ends of the Chicago suburbs) and we hauled it down to her place. Husband, bro-in-law, and friend returned home last night and I stayed with her. She was able to go home, get some medicine, and is feeling much better. I needed to get home. That's where the best part of the weekend comes in.

I took the commuter train into downtown Chicago and had a few hours to wander around, people watch, window shop, etc. It was a wonderful stroll; beautiful weather, fingers stained orange from Garret's popcorn, never once pulling out the emergency GoogleMap in my purse. Then I hopped onto another train and was home by the afternoon. I picked up Eat, Pray, Love before my jaunt into the city and LOVED every page I read. And then, upon my return home I was greeted by this...

Amy Butler Midwestern Modern fat quarters. What should I make? I'm thinking a set of placemats with two coordinating fabrics in the same style as the ones Danielle made for me and some sort of patchwork handbag and a no-cash wallet from BTRS and what else?

Wordle

2008-07-19T18:49:00.003-04:00

Here's a new fun internet toy... Wordle. Wordle captures words from a blog, website, or block of text and, I'm assuming, orders them somewhat by frequency. I am quite happy that lots of sewing terms and the word "Husband" popped up on mine... not at all excited about that giant WORK. Click for a larger showing.

Pleated Beauty Bag Demon

2008-07-16T23:47:00.003-04:00

That's my new title; 'bag demon'. I volunteered to be a 'bag angel' for Lynn who never got a bag in the Bend the Rules Sewing Swap. It took me FOREVER to get her bag done. I feel quite guilty about this! Hence the self bestowed 'bag demon' name. I love the way it turned out and I hope she does too, despite the timing.

I worked really hard to make it all line up and be really well made. I especially loved how the reinforcing around the top of the pleats turned out and the top stitching around the top is, too. The yellow fabric is (was) a duvet cover from Ikea and the black fabric is... black fabric.

To come soon... skirts from Sew What Skirts (Husband bought it for me for our anniversary) and some 'plastic' bags for shopping. I think they'd actually be really great out of this yellow fabric.

Wise Advice

2008-07-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Week In Review

2008-07-13T14:45:00.002-04:00

This week was an absolute lovely one... my birthday was Friday and it seemed as though I actually had a whole week devoted to me. The celebration included birthday Mexican dinner with B, birthday pedicure with Steph, and (actual) birthday trip to Ravinia with Husband, friends, and Feist. There was also a birthday flower delivery from Andie... GORGEOUS! And fragrant, too. Really, really fragrant.
I also received my BTRS swap from Danielle. Nothing beats birthday gifts from strangers. How great are these placemats? Nice and bright, covered in one of my favorite summer treats. Two are as pictured and two have pink edging and napkins. I really love the way Danielle adjusted the pattern. I would imagine that this simple switch would shave off a lot of cutting, sewing, and ribbon folding time. It would also solve the fabric wasting problem from the original design. I will be replicating these, for sure. Danielle also mitered the corners of the napkins... another design idea I will be using. It was a great week spent with lots of friends and goodies. This week is looking to be just as good. Our 2nd anniversary is Monday. 2 down, 75 to go, right Andy?

Busy-ness

2008-07-10T20:19:00.002-04:00

I do not really enjoy the feeling of being busy. Well, I like being busy, but only to a degree. I like to work, and I work a lot, both at 'work' and at things outside of work. I also like to be able to stop at any point and time, take a minute to read a blog, eat a sweet, or text a friend, and then continue on with my work. One of the most painful and terrifying feelings is being busy to the point where I feel like I do not have one second to spare. Too bad that's how my weekend is shaping up.

Friday and Saturday Husband and I are participating in our village garage sale. Our house and 50+ others will be overtaken by bargain hunters, antiquers, and people who are just plain cheap. This would not normally make me so busy, except for the fact that we just decided to partake in the sale a few days ago. Husband doesn't get home from work at a decent hour on Wednesdays or Thursdays, so that leaves me to ready our garage and junk for the sale.

At least I have the evenings to relax, right? Wrong. Saturday night I am heading up an event/dinner/coffee house type thing for a conference that is taking place this weekend. Food, drinks, decorations, speakers, etc. for 500. Yikes! 99% of the prep work is done, but that last 1% is driving me crazy. My garage sale customers better not get in the way of me putting quotes into picture frames! Look out people I'm frazzled!

Friday night is the one bright spot, and I would be able to look forward to it more if I knew I wouldn't be worrying about Saturday! Husband, two friends, and I are heading to an outdoor concert to see Feist. It's my 25 birthday. There will be cheese, wine, and chocolate covered strawberries. Seeing that last sentence just made me realize that, YES, I will be able to relax this weekend, at least for a few hours.

And with the thousands (HA!) of dollars the sale will rake in, I won't need to work anymore anyways, right?

Bend the Rules Sewing Placemat Swap

2008-07-09T22:04:00.004-04:00

Here it is... my finished swap project. (Ani... I totally forgot to include a recipe with them! Sorry!)

These turned out great, but I don't think I'd ever make placemats like this again. There isn't enough solid green for my taste. I'd make the inside piece smaller. I think I'd also patchwork the front instead of putting the inner piece on top of a huge piece of fabric (seems like a waste to me). The green solid is home dec fabric and these turned out really thick. Either use quilting cotton and line with flannel, or use home dec without a lining. Even with all the changes, this project has inspired me to make placemats for our house. Or, at least add placemats to my 'future projects' list. The napkins were SUPER easy, two from one fat quarter. I'm totally going to make a bunch of these for us to use instead of paper towels.

I'll post about the package I receive when it gets here... exciting!!

June Swap WIPs

2008-06-29T17:39:00.004-04:00

My first swap project is coming along nicely. I need to get some heavy interfacing tomorrow so I can finish the bottom and get it in the mail on Tuesday. The black is the exterior and the print is the lining.
My second swap project is all ready to be ironed, cut, and sewn. I hate ironing and cutting so much. So much! But this should be an easy one; multiples of the same dimensions. The green is limier in real life. I do believe I have already shared what is what, so I'll refrain from boring you with the details AGAIN. Look for the finished product on Tuesday.
The most exciting part of these swaps for me is that I SO want to include a CD of the music I listened to while sewing them. Judging from one of my swap partner's blog, we have very, very similar taste in music, so hopefully I can share some great tracks with her. Husband always has some odd secret track or taping hiding in iTunes. Recently it's been all alt-country/folk/etc. bands covering other alt-country/folk/etc. and/or rock songs. How do you not love that? This is one of my favs, Ryan Adams covering Willie Nelson (and Elvis & Brenda Lee, too, I guess). Pop out of Google Reader for a second to listen to the song, would ya?

Hello Summer

2008-06-28T07:41:00.003-04:00

June is always a crazy month for me at work, and seeing as how it's almost July, Summer has officially begun in my life. Husband is still away, but he returns tonight. Can't wait!

Today will be spent sewing my two swaps. I spent a decent chunk of time walking around JoAnn's last night, picking up and putting back bolt after bolt of fabric. For placemats and napkins, I finally settled on a pale green home dec, a speckled cotton, and yellow/orange ribbon for trim. Napkins are yellow/orange, too. Hopefully I'll finish both projects today and perhaps even mail them, too.

A Week's Worth of Posts

2008-06-26T04:11:00.003-04:00

So it has been almost a week since I last posted. Seems like forever. Things around the Cultivated House have been the same, yet different. Husband is out of town for work. This week at work has been incredibly stressful for me. On top of that I've been sick and doped up on cold medicine. Overall, it's been a normal week with a sort of Twilight Zone feel.

I don't like the fact that Husband is away. My schedule is thrown off, my house feels half full, the cat knows something is up. I haven't been sleeping well (as you can tell by the timing of this post). It is incredibly reassuring to me that I'm off kilter because he is away. As strange as I've felt this week, it just affirms the fact that Husband is a positive force in my life. The only thing I like about his absence is the fact that I've been subsisting on a diet of fruit, bread, and ice cream. Carbs!

Sickness has slowed my progress in several projects. Swap #1 is half done. I don't have any ideas or any beginnings on Swap #2 yet. I've got a sort of odd color scheme to work with. Both MUST be finished by next week when we head to St. Louis for vacation with some friends. Hopefully I will have some progress to report in the next few days.

Swap #1 Post #1

2008-06-20T08:12:00.004-04:00

My goal for the weekend is to destress (arrival at home last night- 9:30 pm). The steps to achieve this goal go something like this... yoga class, dinner out with husband, sewing a swap bag.

I have high hopes for this swap. Not only is it my first, but I love the fabric and really want to see how it turns out. I'll be turning this...Into one of these...That is, if I get my machined oiled and fixed. The black fabric is just some thick solid??? Ehh... I'm not good with types. The yellow is a duvet cover set from Ikea. I should have tons of fabric left over afterwards, so perhaps I'll end up with a matching bag.

Off to eat peaches and berries with home made vanilla whipped cream on top. YUM!

Disappointment

2008-06-19T19:46:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know it's early in the season, but my trip to our local farmer's market today really felt like a bust. There were 3 different produce stands, a bread stand, a meat truck (which I didn't stop at but got a price list... corn fed filets, huh??), and some crazy CD selling guy. Oh, and an older Asian woman doing yoga in the middle of it all. Even though I got strawberries, peaches, and AMAZING pumpkin bread, it's a bust. I think that I saw this little jaunt as a glimmer of hope in my WORK OVERLOADED world. Did I mention that I started work at around 7:30 am and won't be home until 8:30 pm tonight? You understand how much I wanted a little slice of heaven in the middle of the day, right? Sigh. How does my farmer's market experience stack up to what's available by you right now? Please tell me I'm not the only one suffering through with just a pan-flute guy to keep me going!

Nothing New

2008-06-18T07:20:00.002-04:00

Life as of late has been devoid of anything crafty, pretty, interesting, or creative. It's been work, work, and more work. This trend is bound to continue for at least a few more days. In between my crazy work hours and deadlines, I must attempt to finish a swap. It will be done by Monday. It will be done by Monday. It will be done by Monday. That should finish it, right?

The glimmer of hope in my work heavy world right now is an upcoming trip to our home town of St. Louis for the 4th. Several days away not having to think about work will be INCREDIBLE. Can't wait.

Something that is new, although not for me, is 26 for Stephanie. Happy birthday!

A Weekend Well Spent

2008-06-15T20:58:00.004-04:00

I spent this afternoon at a great BBQ with coworkers and friends. I made the slab pie from Martha Stewart's baking book (recipe here; the book version did not include the glaze, just brush with cream and lightly cover with 1/4 C sanding or granulated sugar). Easier than a regular pie, and it cools in 45 minutes, instead of 3 hours. This one also feeds more people, and has a better 'crust to pie ratio' as we discovered at the BBQ. Did I mention that I live where baking and math come together in perfect harmony?

Last night husband had to run to work after we were in the local parade. I spent the time embroidering and this is just one of the things I finished.

Pattern courtesy of the lovely ladies at Pimp Stitch. One of the most exciting parts of my weekend (2nd only to hot date night) was being featured on the Pimp Stitch blog! How cool is that?? I can't wait to see what other kind of cool patterns they put out, and I can't wait to have the perfect recipient for such a wise old owl. Overall, it was a weekend well spent.

Reason #288 Why I Love Husband

2008-06-15T09:04:00.003-04:00

Friday night was hot date night. Out to my favorite restaurant around (Mexican) and then to see 'The Happening' (feat. one of my favorite young actresses, Zooey Deschanel). It was a nice night out; thoughtful and fun.

Today we're off to a bbq. I'm going to attempt a slab pie, since I don't have the time to make and cool a normal one. This is what happens when you accidentally spend $$$ on pounds and pounds of cherries. Pies for weeks. Not a bad life, huh?