tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57857462011-04-21T19:06:59.224-07:00Mama Gnoreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-17961443720242449402008-07-08T06:05:00.000-07:002008-12-10T00:51:41.190-08:00

I thought I would open with an update. So, UPDATE! It is July, 2008 and Amanda's gettin' organized. See? See how organized I am? Can you see that the slate is clean? See how my desk in my kitchen is tidy?! Well, no matter that these photos were taken in January. Pshaw. No matter that I have sort of already found that my filing system dosen't really work for me--well, not the way they (the book

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-86687616308363253782007-02-27T09:25:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:41.512-08:00

Yumm! Cookies! These were some of my favorite cookies as a kid. Very easy to make and kid-friendly b/c there's no oven involved--admittedly a hot waffle iron isn't exactly kid-safe, it's still fun. We got to make these at Mom and Dad's b/c we lack a regular sized waffle -iron. Ours is Belgian style. The squares are too big for my liking for a good old waffle cookie. Hmmm....I should put

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-3530885009928642592007-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:41.737-08:00

It was another really great week visiting my parents. We didn't shop, we didn't go out to eat, in fact, we hardly left the house. Perfect. We made lots of messes, but they were "productive puddles" so, it was OK.I worked on my 4th in a series (pictures to follow) of this top. The ruffle really took me forever (especially working in 15 min. increments), but I think I'm really going to like it.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-4693191870302368932007-02-27T08:43:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:42.019-08:00

Well, this is the fruit of our visit to my parents' for the week. Though they are only half finished, these little pieces represent a week's worth of "papa's" hard work. While we were inside sewing, crafting and playing, we heard the sound of sanding, hammering and drilling (oh, and loud, LOUD talk radio.) You see, Papa was busy restoring these pieces to their former glory--and even better.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-57480557535617187122007-02-27T08:14:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:44.632-08:00

Am I really posting about Valentine's Day shenanigans? But, it's Feb. 27th or sthg. Feb.'s last gasp--it's death rattle, so to speak. Well, I guess this post is an homage to the shortest/longest month we've experienced this year. (We'll just frame it up thusly since it's really all my own fault for not posting these pics sooner. I'm gonna learn how to upload pics from the camera. Really,

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-47207552608243859582007-02-09T12:04:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:44.841-08:00

Made some presies for the birthday boys I know. For some reason, red + motor vehicles was a big trend for me. The little crown is for my nephew Braidon. I'm sure it stayed on for, like 3 seconds (he's a quick, wiry little one year old!), but maybe for birthdays to come. I zipped the card together, too using the scraps. Love that quick card thing. I totally shamlessly lifted these

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-24138235663544989362007-02-09T11:33:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:45.118-08:00

Those of us who live in cold climates and have kids know February can really linger. Who knew the shortest month is really the longest? Especially since we've gotten this cold snap in Illinois. I'm really kind of a cold-weather wimp, but luckily, I can blame not going out in sub-zero temps. on little Eleanor, who cannot argue with me. Though, truthfully, she does tend to cry in the

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-73061832144851099752007-02-09T11:03:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:45.261-08:00

Wow. I'm a full-time cloth diaper user now. I was sort of one of those moms who used them at home only--when we were out and about, I used disposables and then for naptime and night time (we have a liiiight sleeper on our hands, and I was thinking that being wet and uncomf. would wake her prematurely. But since she's almost always awake anyway, what the heck??!!) Well, since I wasn't

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-23662019392628787842007-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:45.670-08:00

Well, it's Friday Night (capital letters), or, as it's called around here, "Pizza Night, Best-Night-of-the-Week, Family Fun Night" (usually in one breath). It's time to snuggle in, put soft-pants on, slam in a movie from Netflix (when the kids are scrubbed and tubbed) and relax. The whole weekend is outspread before us. It's also time to make pizza! Franny likes to make her own "Baby

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-35116133345069678792007-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:45.789-08:00

In an effort to make lunch time (and fruit) more appealing to Frances, we made a "Mous-y" salad. Totally inpired by this cookbook I had when I was a kid. (well, technically, I had the '80's version of the cookbook, but the same recipe is in there,) Diagnosis: Really wanted to eat the mouse b/c it looked fun, yet, didn't want to "wreck" to mousy, b/c he was so cute. What a quandry!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-88389408918819404302007-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:46.165-08:00

We've been sick here. The Runny-Nose/Sore-Throat/Sneezy Fairy has visited us and she's left her mark: tissues all over the house (which, I'm not gonna lie, do end up in Baby E's mouth more often than not. This is very disturbing, and I'm not sure why I'm sharing that. Doesn't reflect well on me,), and lots of coughin' and wiping of noses here.Before the Sick Fairy visited her whole wrath

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-69920337817355032632007-01-24T13:10:00.000-08:002008-12-10T00:51:46.335-08:00

Mom made it for me! It was a Christmas gift fashioned from her formerly favorite sweater, and now it's keeping my mug cozy. That's pretty great when you're obliged to abandon your cuppa joe to fish a tissue out of E's mouth or to "hep, Mama" with a Franny craft of some sort. Anyway, I'm adding this b/c I thought it was a fantastic idea. Namely, it was my idea! Ha, that's right, my creative

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167845391198255252007-01-03T09:29:00.000-08:002007-01-24T13:29:56.658-08:00

Margarita--I swear she has a knitting machine stashed somewhere in that Queens apartment of hers. Anyway, a little package arrived for the girls for Christmas and in it was this totally cute scarf. It's a little sheep to keep Franny's neck warm. I just love the button eyes and the wool is ever-so-soft as well. Such a great kid gift. I love handmade stuff!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167845183644905962007-01-03T09:26:00.000-08:002007-01-03T09:36:36.886-08:00

This is our little model showing off her gums along with the beautiful capelet Maragrita knitted for her. She looks like she's really enjoying it! I was reallly touched to get such a beautiful, hand-made gift for little Ellie when we came visiting to New York in October (yes, that was a long time ago. Yes, I'm just posting about it now. Er hmm) It must've taken her hours! She mentioned that

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167845064382969542007-01-03T09:24:00.000-08:002007-01-03T09:38:34.193-08:00

Isn't it lovely? I'm really impressed with the fair-isle design--which is something that I haven't tried yet. Following the charts are not so easy for me, but this is so cool that I may be inspired to bite the bullet (and clench my buttocks) to try. So cute!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167776575852612112007-01-02T14:22:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:36:06.126-08:00

Aren't these cute? I downloaded these sweet decorations and Frances and I colored them up and dressed them, too. After we discovered this size, we found some mini ones, too that we cuted-up and hung, too. Some we gave away on the gifts, too. People seemed to like that. I'll def. want to make more next year. I have them printed out and am planning on putting them into the Chrismas decor box

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167776380173408902007-01-02T14:19:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:19:40.176-08:00

Here's the little boy.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167776272759564322007-01-02T14:17:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:17:52.763-08:00

Here's our little tree in all its minuscule glory. We had to go small/table top style this year because of a certain handsy 9 month old who shall remain nameless. I loved our tree this year even though she's so modest. She's ours and we loved her. And although it's January now, I still don't want to take it down. Not just because I don't want to physically have to dismantle it, either.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167776084051095432007-01-02T14:14:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:14:44.056-08:00

A close-up of our happy garlands. I preferred the tinier ones better, but there weren't so many of those in the variety pack I bought. The two-year old, liked stringing the big pom-poms better. I like the effect and think I will hang them around long after our little tree is taken down.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167775833878746962007-01-02T14:10:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:37:10.263-08:00

So, here is my Christmas craft. I thought this idea was just so nifty! You may be wondering what it is. Well, I'll tell you. It's a very comfy, very cozy Personalized Hot Water Bottle Cover with Hot Water Bottle included. Every gal needs one. Who, in fact, can be without one? What does a girl need to soothe a cramp? Give comfort when needed? Warm a wintry bed? The answer of course, is a

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167775346726049652007-01-02T14:02:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:02:26.730-08:00

I'm really in a bird-mood this Chrimma. I love them. This one is for Kathryn ("BFF"). She said she liked it. She sounded sincere.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167775178305587642007-01-02T13:59:00.000-08:002007-01-03T12:58:23.093-08:00

Here are the slippers I made for Baby 'Nell. It's not a very fantastic picture, but it's really hard to photograph the feet of a perpetual motion-machine. I used a recycled sweater like I did for Baby Isaac and just embroidered on them. I just did the design out of my head, but this Jenny Hart book is totally inspirational, too. I got one for my BFF, and one for myself for good measure.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167777775840137902007-01-02T13:58:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:44:56.000-08:00

My quest for lime-green shoes has finally come to an end. Santa knows my size!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167774947398313592007-01-02T13:55:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:46:28.406-08:00

So, lots of baking ensued. We made sugar cookies, date-nut pinwheels and caramel corn. Whew! And Frances helped me every step. We were blarring the Christmas music and got the floor sufficiently floured up. I have to admit, up to this point, I hadn't really been gettin' the Chrismas spirit. Making cookies with Franny really got me there. Who can deny the powere of the sprinkles?

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167774668777370152007-01-02T13:51:00.000-08:002007-01-02T13:51:08.783-08:00

Notice the lack of crimson. Yeah, that ones a favorite around here for all kinds of crafting. Thusly, a very "cool tones" Christmas cookie pallette.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167774524570355182007-01-02T13:48:00.000-08:002007-01-02T14:48:15.770-08:00

One of our first acts of giving this season was to give our aviary friends a little morsel. Even though we have not a speck of snow on the ground, and there's probably lots of sustenence out there (in fact just a few days ago i saw some juicy worms out there. Shouldn't worms be hibernating this time of year? hmm...) Anyway, it's always nice to get, like a meat and cheese sampler this year.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167774191701219892007-01-02T13:43:00.000-08:002007-01-02T13:43:11.706-08:00

Carefully applying the peanutty goodness...

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167774108513324492007-01-02T13:41:00.000-08:002007-01-02T13:41:48.516-08:00

Do you remeber doing this in elementary school? Well, I decided that we couldn't possible wait until 1st grade to make these fun decorations. I mean, can you ever have enough glittered and glammed up pinecones? You see, our apt. complex has TONS of fir trees and so MANY unsuspecting pinecones just lying around BEGGING to be made-over! At least that's how Franny and I saw it!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1167773442247266522007-01-02T13:30:00.000-08:002007-01-02T13:30:42.283-08:00

And a close-up.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164859882379873802006-11-29T20:11:00.000-08:002006-11-29T20:12:18.436-08:00

Lovely gifts from Germany arrived the other day! She sent a package for Ellie and I got stuff too! Nivea deodorant (the aerosol kind that you can't find here), chocolate, and of these beautiful mugs--two of them. I can't imagane how they made it here unbroken. Miracle! Also, she sent some cute things for Eleanor, but most of all, her very own special set of silverware. A set with knife,

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164859333940613962006-11-29T20:02:00.000-08:002006-11-29T20:03:50.686-08:00

Here's my girl modeling the latest pullover vest. Knitted in cherry red with cat button detail. She dosen't look happy wearing it here, but trust me, the cats are a big hit here. It's actually quite convenient that little sister is so chunky, b/c she can wear it too. True, it does engender a bit of jealousy, but nothing that can't be distracted with a "look over there!" Actually, it was made

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164859501597017292006-11-29T20:01:00.000-08:002006-11-29T20:05:42.243-08:00

Close up.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164859091441835592006-11-29T19:58:00.000-08:002006-11-29T20:04:22.023-08:00

For a playdate, Franny and made some treats. It was a "Fall Fest" playdate theme (we like themes here) which plans included kicking piles of leaves, scavenging pumpkins, and going on a Nature walk. (Spider cupcakes go with a Fall theme--right?) Well, the weather was very cold, so those things didn't get done, however, we still enjoyed the eatin'.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164858924739504182006-11-29T19:55:00.000-08:002006-11-29T19:55:24.743-08:00

Frances painstakingly adhered all 6 legs and both "mini M&M" eyes. And she didn't lick her fingers at all. At all.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164858752884766082006-11-29T19:52:00.000-08:002006-11-29T19:53:09.756-08:00

Here's the before: a pair of thrifted '70's denim overalls. They need some, well, some Jazz. It has to be said. Have I mentioned that I've totally been into appliqueing of late?

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164858651176658092006-11-29T19:50:00.000-08:002006-11-29T19:50:51.180-08:00

And after. Hey--this appliqueing is totally addictive! Watch out everything!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1164858445893065352006-11-29T19:47:00.000-08:002006-11-29T19:49:15.076-08:00

Aren't they cute? Well, they sure look different than I imagined them to look, but I guess they are OK. Since they're a gift, I don't expect any complaints. If I never see them again, I guess that'll tell me. The proof of this pudding is in the wearing, I guess you could say. They are made of a sweater that I felted and then I needle felted the lion's fur and embellished with embroidery. I

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1155356288379761572006-08-11T21:25:00.000-07:002006-08-11T21:25:58.966-07:00

OK, so I'm up way too late (for me, people. for me--generally a morning person, talking here.) But everyone else is in bed and I'm not, a.) changing a diaper , b.) making food to be consumed by others, or c.) nursing or doiong any of the other option of an alphabet (boy, was that a ramble. No, to sum it up, I'm not doing any of those things. So, what to do with the uninterrupted time? Shop,

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1155356641252577722006-08-11T21:24:00.000-07:002006-08-11T21:24:01.256-07:00

I finished knitting it a while ago now. Yes, that's right folks--wool in the thick of a heatwave. What can I say--I was planning ahead? Yes, this is supposed to fit a 9-12 monther. But, I hope my little Butterball can still squeeze in when the weather's right for it. By the way, my Mother-in-law is a crotcher and she put the embroidery on to cover up my...well...inconsistancies shall we say?

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152564152855067202006-07-10T13:42:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:56:26.896-07:00

I'll try to post a few more things now since (dare I say it out loud?) both girls are napping now and I have a few minutes. This is the stencil I made for Frances' 2nd Birthday Party. (Thanks Mom for the use of your nifty stencil cutter and paints). I stenciled chicks on the bags for the party favors. Inside were lots of stuff for 2-year-old fun: bubbles, a lighty ball, sidewalk chalk.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152563978076605732006-07-10T13:39:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:44:54.276-07:00

I stenciled two chicks on a onesie. I think they turned out pretty nifty--despite the drama I had in making them--long story. I'll just say that Eleanor is wearing one from the second batch of the lot.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152563955190022632006-07-10T13:38:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:46:27.713-07:00

Here's a close up.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152563066311252222006-07-10T13:24:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:30:31.883-07:00

I finished this crib bumper a long time ago. In fact, I was still preggers with #2 when it got done. Wasn't sure if we were expecting a girl or a boy at that point. All I knew is this baby was gonna be huge. And to keep my mind off my monster belly (and heartburn, sciatica, and gerneral miserable-ness) I decided to jazz up this plain, boring bumper. I bought it at IKEA in white with just

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152562933482815892006-07-10T13:22:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:31:14.790-07:00

Here's what she looks like from the other side. Have I mentioned that I'm totally into polka dots?

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152562875575923752006-07-10T13:21:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:34:18.906-07:00

And there's Eleanor really enjoying it. By the way, this kid really needs a bumber. It's lilke there's a magnet on the top of her head that attracts her to the wooden rails of this crib. Now at least she won't have the slats imprinted on her anymore (hopefully.) And yes, child rearing experts--I know it's supposed to be "Back to Sleep", but have you seen the rippling biceps on this child?

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152360338800902812006-07-08T05:05:00.000-07:002006-07-08T05:05:38.806-07:00

Here's the finished product. Finally. I used some denim ribbon yarn for this and seems like it turned out not to be as stretchy as I would have liked it to be. Or maybe just not stretchy in the right places. Sigh. Oh well, it was pretty/very easy to knit. And I got the yarn on super-dupe clearancio (yes, that's how I usually talk) at Jo-Ann's or somewhere. I wanted to try working with

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152360109448635792006-07-08T05:01:00.000-07:002006-07-10T13:51:10.786-07:00

So, This is me in the tank. I always get annoyed at people who post headless pics of finished stuff. I'm always so curious to see what they look like. Now that I'm blogging my stuff myself, I can see why it's OK to leave some things to mystery. Overall I'm pleased. Not because it's stunning, but because it's a finished project that I'm actually planning on wearing. As opposed to

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152331133909644702006-07-07T21:24:00.000-07:002006-07-07T21:41:37.110-07:00

So, this is what I've been busy making lately. Diapers. That's right, folks: sewing cloth diapers. Why you ask? Your husband is trying to dissuade you, you reason? You have two kids in diapers now, are you crazy? you say. Well, I guess I am crazy for wanting to do this. It's just that ever since I saw some patterns for making cloth diapers out of stuff I had lying around anyway,

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152332311825850602006-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:002006-07-07T21:34:58.293-07:00

Here's my little model. I haven't given Eleanor the official nod yet because I'm still looking for the right sort of material for the diaper cover. I did by some nylon and covered it with som cute "polchester" as my sister would say. But there was...shall we say....unpleasantness in the inial test run. I guess you could say that it wasn't a dry run. Not dry at all. Was it the

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152332530785183522006-07-07T21:22:00.000-07:002006-07-07T21:53:55.860-07:00

This is what most people will see--Ellie from behind--so I thought I'd share her modeling the questionalbe-but--cute diaper cover that I made. By the way, this is the pattern I used for the diapers and lots more patterns here.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1152309066717654382006-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:002006-07-07T15:22:58.663-07:00

I made an apple strudel! I thought it tasted so good that I wanted to share it with everyone else, too. I got it from a recipe book for babies and toddlers, believe it or not. What kid wouldn't love this? Although with the coffee, it does make it more of an adult-oriented treat. Come to think of it, I don't think Frances even ate any of it! I remember offering it to her and her turning up

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1148863375460357362006-05-28T17:42:00.000-07:002006-05-28T17:48:40.876-07:00

Here's what a glue stick, markers and non-judicious use of glitter can get you. These are Frances' ivitations to her 2nd Birthday. She gave them out to her playmates last week and they were duly impressed. Errr, well, the other moms dutifully ooohhed and awhed. It's going to be a "playground party". We've been practicing "Happy Birthday" already. I'm sure I'll post pics of the actual fete

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1148860268836841372006-05-28T16:51:00.000-07:002006-05-28T17:51:23.376-07:00

Ahhh...she's so clean and pristine...So, I know that I really wanted to keep this blog strictly about crafting and the little things that I am doing around the house. As most of us mothers know, separating the kids and your life (which, may at the worst of times seems like a good idea), is impossible. Even on a blog where you can't really see me or how I spend most of my time. And you know, I

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1148859880788936922006-05-28T16:44:00.000-07:002006-05-28T16:58:44.186-07:00

...and sometimes it shoots up the back.That's Eleanor modeling her latest creation.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1148509023124202602006-05-24T15:17:00.000-07:002006-05-24T15:51:25.146-07:00

We're still reaping the benefits from our trip to the Crate & Barrel outlet store a couple of weeks ago. We happened upon this quilt which was obscenely marked down. It's funny b/c MG and i had actually wanted to buy it on-line, but, well, it and the shams/sheets didn't fit out frugal budget. So, we sighed and moved on. So the fact that we saw it in the store again was really just a reunion.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1148508781450859062006-05-24T15:13:00.000-07:002006-05-24T15:29:27.593-07:00

Here's a piece of Marimekko fabric for the wall. Very practical for apt. dwellers, I think. Even though we did bother painting this, here, wall a lovely shade of "Luminaria" we needn't have because the wall hangings add that color without the bother of trying to make your paint job look decent. Also, the hangings are interchangeble and the best part is: when you leave, you take it with you.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1147706151986530402006-05-15T08:15:00.000-07:002006-05-22T07:34:47.660-07:00

Ahh...Crate and Barrel goodness. Got these cool napkins (real cheap at the Outlet store) and decided I could really make some cool accents with them.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1147706087243556682006-05-15T08:14:00.000-07:002006-05-15T08:14:47.250-07:00

And look what I've made with them so far! They'll also make nifty t-shirt sleeves, i've decided.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1147705871314818352006-05-15T08:11:00.000-07:002006-05-15T08:13:38.693-07:00

Why is this written as underlined? Who knows. Anyway, what I wished to share was this froggy cuteness. It hangs out in our tub and "eats" our tub toys. Thanks Jen!!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1147705711736185032006-05-15T08:08:00.000-07:002006-05-22T07:31:04.553-07:00

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1147700887935781502006-05-15T06:48:00.000-07:002006-05-15T06:48:07.946-07:00

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1147700859319972222006-05-15T06:47:00.000-07:002006-05-22T07:29:09.046-07:00

Well, I've been getting lots of requests to see the T-shirts I've been working on. See, having child #2 has really thrown ye olde wardrobe for a loop. Consequently, my old T-shirts look more like halfshirts at this point--and you know that look is totally played. So, I decided to steal the ideas I got from these sites http://www.stephaniesyjuco.com/antifactory/ or http://

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1145484318584970322006-04-19T15:05:00.000-07:002006-04-19T15:05:18.590-07:00

She's more than a hand model--Frances is a dress model AND a bag model, too. And it's perfect for the gal on the go--check out her action shot. Just the perfect size for a sippy cup!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1145484142895162052006-04-19T15:02:00.000-07:002006-04-19T15:04:01.176-07:00

Wow! I haven't added any posts to this site for such a long time. I finished this bag/purse just before we went to the hospital to have Eleanor. I think it's rather cute. Not to mention that a purse is kind of out of the question until we're done with the diaper bag stage--a long time from now. And when I say "diaper bag", I mean 200 lb. duffel bag.I got the pattern from a cool Japanese

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1141924093969897592006-03-09T09:08:00.000-08:002006-03-09T09:14:51.003-08:00

Here's the bunting I made for baby #2. I was a little disappointed in the selection of fleece at Jo-Ann's. Not because they didn't have a lot to choose from ( I mean a whole floor to ceiling wall devoted only to fleece!) It's just that when you're looking for "neutral" type of fleece, it cut down the options tremendously. They had really cute for boys, and really cute for girls, but nothing

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1139586693143265552006-02-10T07:51:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:52:13.666-08:00

Gifts for the new Baby Mom painted this festive little guy for the new baby. It was a Christmas gift and I thought it was so cute! What a jaunty fellow!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1139585903367467752006-02-10T07:38:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:41:30.750-08:00

Jazzed up Ikea Sorry for the out of order posts, it's just that I'm trying to get some stuff up here that I've made when I have a little time ("Barney's" on). I feel a little sense of urgency to post Franny's things before newbie comes. So, this little diaper holder thingy I painted to match the walls and then machine embroidered some animals. It certainly makes a plain old Ikea look

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1139585836039663312006-02-10T07:37:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:47:58.443-08:00

Festive Pennants Here's the shelf in the context of her room. We only painted and stenciled two walls b/c of the windows. (Yes, it was a shortcut, but before you protest, we're renting now. Do I really want to paint around someone elses woodwork? I think the answer is clear.) Anyway, I saw these cute bannery/used car lot looking pennants at Land of Nod when MG went a-shopping. I really

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1139585584083851202006-02-10T07:33:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:33:04.086-08:00

Here's the reluctant model. When I tried to put it on her in the morning, she started crying and saying "no, no..." Could this be payback for how I recieved some of my mother's beautiful home made creations? Or just a toddler's passing fancy?

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1139585202064948512006-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:26:42.070-08:00

Here's the dress that I (finally) finished for Frances. It's from a Debbie Bliss pattern. It was mostly stockinette stitch (boring), but I learned how to do lace and button holes and picked up some othe tricks. Though it looks decidedly home-made, I'm quite proud of it. Too bad it's like, two sizes too big right now.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1139584712818317222006-02-10T07:18:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:28:30.883-08:00

Yarn-y goodness... This is the delivery I got last week from Knit Picks. It was my first order from them and I was thoroughly impressed. So cheap! So woolly...and cottony! I was a little disappointed, though, b/c the colors didn't look to me exactly how I thought they would be according to the catalog. But that's ok, I'm sure they will look quite fetching knitted up as socks. By the

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1138909059001934592006-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:002006-02-02T11:46:51.790-08:00

Introducing: Sir Nigel; Lord or Argyle. But we knew him before he was knighted, so we just call him "Nige". He's gotta keep his street cred. I think he's quite handsome, but don't tell him that. He'll just complain about his receeding chin, all the while fishing for compliments. Typical aristicrat!Anyway, he was the first of my sock creatures patterned from the book Stupid Sock Creatures

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1137939206027563192006-01-22T06:13:00.000-08:002006-01-22T06:13:26.060-08:00

This is the bag (made by me). I left the raw edge as a design detail, but not sure if i like it. anyway, it'll be a good bag for future projects!

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1137787361041946652006-01-20T11:56:00.001-08:002006-01-20T15:41:24.456-08:00

See that blue bag? My husband gave it to me for Chrimma and I use it as a diaper bag. Before that, I was using a ridiculously strappy backback. It looked like I was a serious contenter for climbing Everest. Also, the straps had deadly potential for whacking people in the face everytime I put it on. It was useful for a time--in NYC it was good to be hands-free so that I could push my dauther's

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1137786984245776352006-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:002006-01-20T11:56:24.430-08:00

This is my new (made-by-someone-else) diaper bag

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1137644678780714032006-01-18T20:03:00.000-08:002006-01-18T20:24:38.836-08:00

So, my husband spurred me on to this. Writing on my blog, that is. Not that I haven't been wanting, itcing, really to write. It seems the longer I put off doing the writing, the harder it is to actually do it. And then the longer it goes, the more I know I need to do it, the more I resist doing it. Weird. Well, like I said, I've been wanting to get going on this thing again for awhile.

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785746.post-1137643315331967952006-01-18T20:01:00.000-08:002006-01-18T20:01:55.353-08:00

Even Franny's getting into the creative act...

Mama Gnoreply@blogger.com0