tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27901933859091518952024-03-14T03:53:05.775-04:00Home:Spinmoments in a home:made dayElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-63325851561842585642010-10-20T11:56:00.003-04:002010-10-20T12:04:41.697-04:00I'm on a roll (with one skein wonders)So, there's been yet another scarf since we last talked stitches. Little gal wanted one of her own, and considering she <i>never</i> makes knit requests (and has <i>rarely</i> been the recipient), how could I refuse. Blocking as we speak...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5099283643/" linkindex="21" title="029b by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="029b" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5099283643_65c88a4a50.jpg" width="333" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin<br />
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But while I was picking up a skein for her, another sneaky little bundle of greyish-teal seemed to jump aboard. Time to take a break from scarves and move onto a hat that I've had my eye on since last Fall's copy of Vogue Knitting. One of these days I'll make it back to a bigger project, but somehow these quick portable patterns seem to best suit my days right now. <i>(I still take moments to daydream and dog ear a couple of sweater patterns for next Fall when the bundle of boyhood starts Kindergarten).</i> <i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5099559954/" linkindex="22" title="293/365 - October 20 2010 (Outtake) by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="293/365 - October 20 2010 (Outtake)" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5099559954_42f688d79e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
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<i>(The copy that also makes me start contemplating a drastic hair switch-up again...hmmm...I mean it's only taken me a year to grow out the last hasty decision. And I'll have the hat...that one on the left.)</i> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96X7m8S3S_ymiOG3jFcEktuLhAnd8df03HKITJY-oR49D4wlQ1J8qaDzvfl6DDsDFCOLfdD1oPwXkn5U5IJ4Crjc_Od9BPvpMm0K_i0QSDcGpE5nr4d94TY2jwFaLZk49GSt-2PKo3H-e/s1600/vogue_knitting_mckey03.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96X7m8S3S_ymiOG3jFcEktuLhAnd8df03HKITJY-oR49D4wlQ1J8qaDzvfl6DDsDFCOLfdD1oPwXkn5U5IJ4Crjc_Od9BPvpMm0K_i0QSDcGpE5nr4d94TY2jwFaLZk49GSt-2PKo3H-e/s400/vogue_knitting_mckey03.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-721-vogue-knitting-2009-fall.aspx" linkindex="24"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Vogue Knitting, Fall 2009</i></span></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-3342756807060265792010-10-13T13:05:00.007-04:002010-10-13T13:16:06.826-04:00Fall had arrived on the Island of Sodor......but "Oh no!" tooted Thomas "These leaves are blocking the track."<br />
Luckily Thomas had his die-cast friends nearby to help clear the way. <i> </i><br />
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<i>These are the moments when I am acutely aware of the power of repetitive exposure to children's programming. </i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5078237389/" linkindex="17" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="286/365 - October 13 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="286/365 - October 13 2010" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5078237389_9340ca3647.jpg" width="422" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
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When I brought the trains outside, his jaw dropped for a moment and then he said "Whaa? We play wi' trains OUTSIDE?" Quite possibly the most brilliant idea I've pulled out in weeks. Finding new ways to bring inside play, outside. Making me happy and joyfully blowing his mind.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5078237685/" linkindex="18" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="286/365 - October 13 2010 (Companion Shot) by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="286/365 - October 13 2010 (Companion Shot)" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5078237685_8bcb319cda.jpg" width="258" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-64968596846530497002010-10-07T16:31:00.004-04:002010-10-07T16:56:08.804-04:00Moving Without Purpose (sort of)<div class="photo-desc insitu-trigger insitu-highlight" id="description_div5060037078"><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621050"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5060037078/" linkindex="20" title="280/365 - October 7 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="280/365 - October 7 2010" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5060037078_37735aee14.jpg" width="500" /></a><b id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621049"></b></div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621050"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span> </div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621007">When I have an hour to myself my brain seems trained to zoom towards how many things I can get done. What I can quickly jump into and rush to finish in that precious hour. What I can race through before those extra balls are thrown back into the juggling act. I know this sounds familiar, because everyone I talk to seems to be feeling the same way.</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621007"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621007">The new month and finally feeling settled back into the school year routine seems like the right time for few little changes. Nothing that will change the world, but maybe reclaim a few moments in the day? Like taking advantage of the gorgeous weather to walk. To end up wherever, and snap pictures of whatever and let go of the things that will find a way of getting done...they always do.</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621007"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621005">And yes, this is a lovely autumnal way of realizing that the outfits I pulled out of winter storage could fit more comfortably. So maybe with the right playlist a brisk walk is never entirely without purpose after all.<br />
</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_12864828705621005"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5060036756/" linkindex="21" title="280/365 - October 7 2010 (Outtake) by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="280/365 - October 7 2010 (Outtake)" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5060036756_bdc45faa7a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-23914577138530565192010-09-30T12:47:00.004-04:002010-09-30T12:55:52.202-04:00SockScarf-toberi will <b>not </b>knit socks i will <b>not </b>knit socks i will <b>not </b>knit socks i will <b>not </b>knit socks...<br />
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It happens around this time every year. Ravelry, blogs, mystery knit-alongs...they all start tempting me with the idea of knitting socks. I've fallen victim to Sock-tober for three years running, and I have three single ill-fitting socks to show for it. And here's another little irony - I hate wearing socks.<br />
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SO, I vowed when I caught sight of some *swoon*-worthy inspiration back in <a href="http://home-spin.blogspot.com/2010/08/different-view.html" linkindex="20">July</a> that I wouldn't fall into the trap again. I'm sticking with scarves.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4853541710/" linkindex="21" title="Scarf Love by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="Scarf Love" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4853541710_dc9fa5d0a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
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Because, oh how I do love a scarf.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5036871792/" linkindex="22" title="272/365 - September 29 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="272/365 - September 29 2010" height="402" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5036871792_7131567099.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
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And the great thing about scarves is that you just pick a stitch and keep going until the yarn runs out. While the air gets a little chillier and the rain comes and goes, you seek out the nearest armchair or the driest patio you can find. You throw on an audiobook, grab a coffee, or just sit and listen to the whirlwind of excitement going on around you <i>(the most likely choice around here)</i>. And in no time at all, you've got something to brighten any day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cBh4vPgCLo0sDYBjgeN9FXkdjq5Zhc1H2Nr1yndeU658WJQ09UWImZIol7PYoBxr6BtWX0pYBgTJUuIxIWCU-3hQX_mWNbzzosyua6kQPVy_hdSUUfTjbVVlg2Nz_YGdNc1Dy4v67NiB/s1600/016c.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cBh4vPgCLo0sDYBjgeN9FXkdjq5Zhc1H2Nr1yndeU658WJQ09UWImZIol7PYoBxr6BtWX0pYBgTJUuIxIWCU-3hQX_mWNbzzosyua6kQPVy_hdSUUfTjbVVlg2Nz_YGdNc1Dy4v67NiB/s320/016c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
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No fancy pattern for this - just a trusty stitch dictionary and a rough idea of the width and gauge I wanted. When I have a moment and stop running and around looking all Fall-catalogue I'll try to type something up and give it a name. And then if someone wants to turn it into sock...well go ahead and knock your socks off with it. : )Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-43899195060965182492010-09-27T14:27:00.001-04:002010-09-27T14:27:58.197-04:00Slowly Changing<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/5027392482/" linkindex="16" title="269/365 - September 26 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on
Flickr"><img alt="269/365 - September 26 2010" height="458" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5027392482_98c7d7a96e.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>copyright © Home:Spin</i></span><br />
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This month of September. It's flying by, and given all that's it brought, that's a good thing. Will October bring some space to breathe? I'm hopeful.<br />
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In the meantime, it's taken three weeks but<br />
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<ul><li>My gal has (for the time being) given up the revolution and is no longer contemplating becoming the world's first grade one drop out.</li>
<li>We have only one more month of a little guy's "I'm two and I <b>will </b>be heard". Yes, I am aware of the fact that there is an equally loud "I'm three and I <b>will</b> be heard" phase. I'm vacationing here in denial a little longer though - they offer cookies there.</li>
<li>We're one week into the first cold of the season. But that's one week closer to it being over. Right?</li>
<li>It's going to be October soon and I almost have my first knit of the season to report. I love it to crazy bits. I'd stop and take a picture today, but it's good to keep a little something to come back and blog about before the month rolls away for good. </li>
</ul>Let's just enjoy the slow change shall we.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-51659901569431433312010-09-10T13:30:00.003-04:002010-09-10T13:33:51.026-04:00Stuck on YouYou can shake an apple off an apple tree<br />
Shake-a, shake- sugar,<br />
But you'll never shake me<br />
Uh-uh-uh<br />
No-sir-ee, uh, uh<br />
I'm gonna stick like glue,<br />
Stick because I'm<br />
Stuck on you<br />
<i>(Elvis)</i> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4976932896/" linkindex="16" title=""Stuck on You" by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt=""Stuck on You"" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4976932896_973445f342.jpg" width="331" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
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And I'll say it again - opposite kids. While my gal slowly warms to the new routine, I could barely convince my son to leave after his first hour long visit at his new preschool. He was literally bouncing into the building and didn't even have a moment to spare a goodbye wave <i>(although the giant leaping hug afterwards is so much better anyways).</i><br />
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Any parent who has searched for a daycare or preschool situation will know what I mean about the instant smile when you find <b>the</b> magical place where you know good things are going to happen. I am so excited to see the doors that Tuesday and Thursday mornings will be opening this year.<br />
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The best part of yesterday was hearing my little guy describing <b>exactly</b> what he had done in "my cassroom". There was a "big wed fireengen" and "cackers" for snack and "Miss Kewwy red stowy" about a "FROG! ribbit ribbit".<br />
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And...ahem...it includes a dance program once a week. It's impossible to look at a burly little two year old boy wearing black ballet slippers without squeaky giggles and a quick *swoon*!<br />
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And we've made it to the end of Week One! The weekend is almost here, a big pot of soup is bubbling and there is nothing on the horizon but some deep breathes and recovery time. How sweet a Friday is!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-78021820676618379672010-09-07T10:42:00.002-04:002010-09-10T13:33:04.804-04:00The Back to School EditionIn the moments when we were excited about going back to school.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4963779084/" linkindex="17" title="249/365 - September 6 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="249/365 - September 6 2010" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4963779084_380c053520.jpg" width="430" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
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For the recovery after I extracted her from my body and watched her march back into school.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4967179929/" linkindex="18" title="250/365 - September 7 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="250/365 - September 7 2010" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4967179929_1ee4ef65fc.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
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<div id="yui_3_1_0_1_1283870160856856">This September thing is kicking me in the emotional teeth. A big move to the big school grounds. A locker. A full week. Her best friend from preschool joining her (and the slings and arrows of friendship that are bound to return).</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_1283870160856858"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_1283870160856858">As expected, the tears and shaking head and hesitant mumbles of <i>"I don't think I'm ready to do this today Mommy."</i> started before we even headed out the door. The waiting mass upon arrival - not helping <i>"No. They won't crush you. It's gonna be a-ok.".</i></div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_1283870160856858"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_1283870160856858"></div><div id="yui_3_1_0_1_1283870160856861">15 minutes of calmly cajoling and reassuring...diverting...then bargaining...buying a few steps and managing to extract myself from the full body clutch. And the last sight was a completely tear soaked and quietly distraught bundle of fuchsia slowly marching into the unknown. I am fully aware that she'll be smiling and settling into her new surroundings before first break arrives - but it's those 15 minutes that I'm left with for the rest of the day. Six hours to wonder how she's doing and try to remember exactly what it was I used to do when the house wasn't in a summer uproar. Coffee, a healthy splash of Mother's Helper, several rows of knitting along to a good audiobook - seems like a good place to start.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-53750383087375559812010-08-25T13:16:00.002-04:002010-08-25T13:25:05.065-04:00The Toof TeefI'm a couple of weeks slow getting over here with our latest 6 year old rite of passage. After weeks <i>(and weeks...and weeks) </i>of gum pain and wiggling and then last minute tears <i>(because 6 years olds get really hungry and eating with a 1/2 attached tooth sucks)</i> Little Gal has finally lost her first baby tooth. However, I'm so slow about getting around to sharing, that even this picture is out of date - so we can now officially make that 'lost <b>two </b>of her baby teeth'.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4879683343/" linkindex="21" title="222/365 - August 10 2010 (Colour Alternate) by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="222/365 - August 10 2010 (Colour Alternate)" height="327" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4879683343_2849286d8b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And with this big event comes the loaded series of choices regarding the toothfairy. Given a certain girl's love of fairies there was no way the ritual lie <i>(and happy imagination fodder)</i> wasn't going to continue. The big question was "So, how much does the tooth fairy leave these days?" My husband voted for a <b>quarter</b> based on his childhood memory <i>(and the fact that it used to buy him a bag of chips and a drink)</i>. I told him he was getting old and overruled with $5 - <i>(and yes, I did actually google the phrase "how much does tooth fairy pay" and consensus seems to be in the $2-$5 range - and a parent who leaves iTunes gift cards).</i> <br />
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Future playground discussion will either prove that I'm not keeping up with inflation or seriously overestimating the fairy reserves. I decided to leave myself some wiggle room by quickly whipping up a special pouch for the exchange of tooth and reward. The great thing about 6 is that the process is as exciting as the payout.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0TZiIusvgGBZMhKM180a3M853ledibL0uvQhxGL-ar5tlUZ9XzKQp4-JknHN6ZUSERfTPWkRtGuNQtlS0aPIJ_rzHQ-0DHATyBRKnlGuwu4yp1l2nOH9A45LtFHRg3U-kcVdlB1ZizAr/s1600/087b.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="22" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0TZiIusvgGBZMhKM180a3M853ledibL0uvQhxGL-ar5tlUZ9XzKQp4-JknHN6ZUSERfTPWkRtGuNQtlS0aPIJ_rzHQ-0DHATyBRKnlGuwu4yp1l2nOH9A45LtFHRg3U-kcVdlB1ZizAr/s320/087b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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*I thought about taking pictures along the way for a tutorial, but then it would have taken more than the 15 minutes I had free and really this is such an easy peasy project. If you do want more detailed info though, just drop me a line.<br />
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I started with a rectangle of fabric approximately 8" x 5"and used 1/2" seams around the outside and a 1/4" seam for the drawstring top.<br />
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With wrong side of material facing you set ribbon or string in place. Fold material over ribbon/string leaving plenty of room for a hem stitch. Fold hem under, finger press and pin in place. Stitch straight hemline (I used a 1/4" seam) being careful <b>not</b> to stitch over ribbon or string. NOTE: You could also stitch without the ribbon/string in place and then draw it through aftewards - I'm just lazy and find it faster this way. Fold fabric in half with right sides together. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-E2Qk5OdjtoQNR1aX3y0HV5WACa0bWpOXM8Gq1CEA-UCPePiY87oHs1xGOgNqCSsKDboYIQON69S0MvfmXfSf30TFiUyZVL3G02R7k_OaT9pdBuohA8MeEEH8_8hpkk2wK3_gmEqWPRY/s1600/Tooth+Fairy+Pouch+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-E2Qk5OdjtoQNR1aX3y0HV5WACa0bWpOXM8Gq1CEA-UCPePiY87oHs1xGOgNqCSsKDboYIQON69S0MvfmXfSf30TFiUyZVL3G02R7k_OaT9pdBuohA8MeEEH8_8hpkk2wK3_gmEqWPRY/s640/Tooth+Fairy+Pouch+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stich an L shape (I used a 1/2" seam) to complete your pouch, leaving the string/ribbon opening <b>unstitched</b> so that you can cinch the pouch closed. I chose to go back around the edges with a zig zag stitch and to trim the corners with an angled snip just to make it cleaner. Turn pouch right-side out and you're ready for a visit from the fairy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-20655827300196726912010-08-09T08:50:00.005-04:002010-08-09T11:38:23.471-04:00It's Easier Being Green Than You'd ThinkSo what does a Canadian city girl know about <a href="http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Produce-638/tomatillos.aspx" linkindex="17">Tomatillos</a>?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4874107154/" linkindex="18" title="verde by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="verde" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4874107154_6c2d060a55.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Verde</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
Well, she knows that when you mix them with onions, garlic, Jalapeno, cilantro and lime you get a really tasty Salsa Verde.<br />
<br />
She knows a local farm that has them in season and ripe at the stand.<br />
<br />
She knows that hiding in those fresh earthy smelling husks is a most surprisingly tart and tangy flavour. <br />
<br />
She knows enough to keep her fingers away from her eyes until she's got that Jalapeno well and thoroughly out of sight and cleaned away.<br />
<br />
And she highly suspects that the final result would taste pretty darn fantastic on her favourite Sometimes-Sunday-Mornings Huevos Rancheros <i>(assuming there is any left by the time the weekend arrives again).</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4675677804/" linkindex="19" title="157/365 - June 6 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="157/365 - June 6 2010" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4675677804_74ae0b568d.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Father's Day Breakfast (has it really been this long since June?)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<b>Salsa Verde</b><br />
<br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 medium onion, finely diced<br />
2 cloves garlic, finely diced<br />
1 qrt tomatillos, chopped <br />
1 (or 2 or 3) Jalapeno, finely diced (you pick your heat)<br />
handful cilantro, coarsely chopped<br />
juice of 1/2 a lime<br />
<br />
Cook onion and garlic until translucent. Add tomatillos and Jalapeno. Simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally and mashing after the first 10 minutes. Add cilantro and lime when ready to serve. NOTE: Can be served chunky or pureed slightly.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-69144849995133079282010-08-04T13:10:00.005-04:002010-08-04T13:22:57.877-04:00My AlbatrossHere's the thing about handmade gifts - you have to be prepared for the reaction, and it will seldom be the one you anticipate. I've seen a range, from joyful to luke-warm to no response at all. I suppose it's the same for any gift, but it somehow becomes more personal when it's something you've invested your free time and energy into. A new reaction for me though, is the 'custom order'.<br />
<br />
Remember <a href="http://home-spin.blogspot.com/2010/04/race-against-bunny.html" linkindex="17">this</a>?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4487331523/" linkindex="18" title="Pinwheel Table Topper 3 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinwheel Table Topper 3" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4487331523_c12070c877.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Let me start by saying it <b>was</b> very joyfully received and has found a welcome place. However, a day later it was followed with a message: "You know that thing you made. It's great. What I need is something big enough to cover the whole table. 48" and can you stick an elastic in it so that it tucks underneath."<br />
<br />
We'll just skip past the colourful series of thoughts that went through my mind and move on to part where I gracefully take up the challenge. While we're tracking, let's fast-forward even beyond the logistics of sourcing out batting and material wide enough to get started on this ridiculous thing that I was beginning to resent more with each passing effort <i>(since there was no way I'd be making another patchwork - plain Jane and that would be it)</i>. So here I am over the past several weeks, finally getting around to cutting this beast and pinning it together <i>(and resenting it more...and more)</i>. And after no less than a dozen attempts, the stitching just isn't coming together. Is it because it's unwieldy? Is it because the material isn't designed for quilting and is bunching against the feed dogs? Is it just because the very sight of the big ivory beast sends me spiraling into a whirlwind of frustration?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4859571169/" linkindex="19" title="The Albatross by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="The Albatross" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4859571169_f75713a993.jpg" width="306" /></a><br />
<br />
Whatever the reason, I'm casting this albatross off my neck. Craft time is supposed to be something I enjoy <i>(or at the very least, is spent on something I <b>want</b> to make)</i>. I'm going to say what I should have been forthright enough to have said from the very beginning. "Sorry. No custom orders."Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-16097926232872045632010-08-02T15:15:00.002-04:002010-08-02T15:18:51.464-04:00A Different ViewWe've reached the summer holiday half-way point and are slowly recovering from few days back on <a href="http://home-spin.blogspot.com/2008/08/coming-up-for-air.html">Georgian Bay</a>. To call adventures with a two-year old and a routine turned on it's head a vacation seems to be implying a bit too much rest and relaxation. Call it a change of scenery and some time to unplug.<br />
<br />
There was the hammock that sadly hung unused <i>(and the book that wasn't cracked open at all)</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4853467784/" title="210/365 - July 29 2010 by : Elizabeth : (slowly catching up), on Flickr"><img alt="210/365 - July 29 2010" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4853467784_2a1d56c21d.jpg" width="333" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
But there were also new friends to meet and share secrets with for a day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4852892453/" title="211/365 - July 30 2010 by : Elizabeth : (slowly catching up), on Flickr"><img alt="211/365 - July 30 2010" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4852892453_3a17e910d5.jpg" width="322" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><br />
And there were some quiet stops along the way and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Thomson">mysteries</a> to ponder.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4853597200/" title="212/365 - August 1 2010 by : Elizabeth : (slowly catching up), on Flickr"><img alt="212/365 - August 1 2010" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4853597200_7528ccae1a.jpg" width="377" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom Thompson's grave site at Leith Presbyterian Church</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<br />
And although I didn't get to sit in that hammock or read that book, I did get to take lots of pictures and visit one of my favourite yarn stores and touch all the precious things.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4852920627/" title="Colour Happy by : Elizabeth : (slowly catching up), on Flickr"><img alt="Colour Happy" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4852920627_4c016f50c5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4852921321/" title="212/365 - July 31 2010 by : Elizabeth : (slowly catching up), on Flickr"><img alt="212/365 - July 31 2010" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4852921321_dd18143f8a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Riverside Yarns, Owen Sound</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<br />
August seems like the perfect time to preempt the Fall temptation to knit socks <i>(which always ends with me finishing one oversized sock)</i> by falling even deeper in love with Scarves. Yarn followed me home and the needles are ready to jump back into action.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4853541710/" title="Scarf Love by : Elizabeth : (slowly catching up), on Flickr"><img alt="Scarf Love" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4853541710_dc9fa5d0a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Riverside Yarns, Owen Sound</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-81927895006228210572010-07-22T17:09:00.002-04:002010-07-22T17:13:04.539-04:00Summer HappeningsThese summer days of ours swing from chaotic craziness all the way over to delicious pause. In between, a lot of the little things have been laid aside and just aren't getting done <i>(yup, I'm still looking at you 'cleaning')</i>. But on the flip side, some pretty huge things are happening; magical, mysterious things that are so much bigger than the day-to-day.<br />
<br />
After procrastinating and avoiding and dreading, potty training is finally underway. <i>(this one just doesn't come with a clear user manual does it!)</i> We had our first "pee pee on the potty" jazz hands on Monday, and Thursday finds me with a little boy who doesn't always make it in time, but is consistently 'calling it' and finding his way to his Cars accesorized Pitstop <i>(he couldn't even be bothered with the training potty). </i>After these few short days, he's even starting to choose the toilet when we he <i>is</i> wearing diapers <i>(a jelly-bean and sticker for success seems to be the deciding factor for success).</i> I know this is going to be an ongoing process...but <b>he's getting it</b>! Bless his <i>(at times frustratingly)</i> independent force of spirit...the boy is getting it <b>fast</b> and I can actually see a glimmer of hope for a diaper-free Fall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4808319759/" linkindex="23" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="200/365 - July 19 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="200/365 - July 19 2010" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4808319759_605a0b5690.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span></div><br />
Then there's my word bird, who has flown from 22 Sight Words in Spring, to taking a stab at everything from signs, to bumper stickers and of course her current favourite <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search?keywords=rainbow%20magic%20petal%20fairies&pageSize=10" linkindex="24">chapter books</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4582091466/" linkindex="25" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="125/365 - May 5 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="125/365 - May 5 2010" height="217" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4582091466_4752dfa61a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span></div><br />
And when she isn't reading, she's improving her writing by leaps and bounds. Finding surprise notes on the kitchen counter makes my day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4733472300/" linkindex="26" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="176/365 - June 25 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="176/365 - June 25 2010" height="213" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/4733472300_f5202c37ff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © Home:Spin</span></i></span></div><br />
And in the occasional moments of quiet in between, I'm even managing to get through some fun summer fiction of my own <i>(the contagious nature of reading)</i>. Funny how summer has become the perfect time for letting things that have been patiently waiting in the background, step into the light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4761549507/" linkindex="27" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="185/365 - July 4 2010 by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="185/365 - July 4 2010" height="228" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4761549507_1f36ae1849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-65084948304886126912010-07-15T10:04:00.004-04:002010-07-16T15:12:15.987-04:00First FallingA making stand-still. I wasn't kidding.<br />
It started with a burst of creative energy and then a quick fizzle as soon as a few things were finished and the busy-ness of late Spring came along. Approaching the middle of July, I can finally start to feel the urge slowly returning. The biggest obstacle now is school break with very very few activities booked and instead, lots of play and swimming and home days and reading and play-dates. The last pause before my gal heads into grade one and <b>full weeks</b>. In case you haven't read between the lines, that translates into lots of my time being spent doing everything <b>other</b> than following that crafty urge<i> (or cleaning for that matter...but I obviously find that part easier to let go of).</i><br />
<br />
Anyways, back to my point. I haven't been knitting. At all.<br />
<br />
Settling back into this blog space led me over to <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/index.php" linkindex="21">Knitty</a>, and I really got inspired by their new concept of First Fall (with Deep Fall to follow in October).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Starting with this issue, fall begins in July. Because how can you have </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a fall sweater ready to wear if you don't start a little ahead of the season? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So welcome to First Fall. We think First Fall is about transition." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Knitty.com, Issue 32, Inventing New Seasons)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I fell in love with some of their latest patterns. Mojo levels instantly started rising.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>images courtesy of knitty.com</i></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/images/coquilleBEAUTY.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="22" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/images/coquilleBEAUTY.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/PATTcoquille.php" linkindex="23">Coquille Shawl: Knitty First Fall 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/images/purlieuBEAUTY.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/KSPATTpurlieu.php" linkindex="24">Purlieu: Knitty First Fall 2010</a></span></span></div></div><div class="bodytext"></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-65588460631682438332010-07-13T12:38:00.004-04:002010-07-13T20:08:21.255-04:00Did the blogging stop because the making of things did?<br />
Did the making of things stop because the blogging did?<br />
The classic chicken or the egg question. <br />
<br />
Several months since my last post, and a multitude of reasons that pulled me away from this space - let's just chalk it up to breathing space and the chasing of life <i>(and two little people that are livelier than I even wake up with the energy to be).</i> The only reason that I'll follow for today, is my reason for coming back...I just like this little corner that waits patiently, drawing me back no matter how far I wander from the very inspiration I'm looking for.<br />
<br />
Maybe a different approach? Keeping things small and simple? I'll just take it bit by bit and see if the inspiration starts to shine again. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15434676@N07/4739517813/" linkindex="15" title="Farmhouse Orchids by : Elizabeth :, on Flickr"><img alt="Farmhouse Orchids" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4739517813_7a4ed50c56.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Taken recently at Ravine Vineyard, St.Davids, Ontario</i></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">copyright © </span></i></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-80579452188184581662010-04-06T17:46:00.011-04:002010-07-11T16:15:52.481-04:00That Special ThingIf you could stop the clocks and step outside of having to do anything else for a few uninterrupted hours - what would you be up to? Here's mine.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4497870980_9d73a34717.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4497870980_9d73a34717.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 500px; width: 357px;" /></a></div><br />
Theoretically this would be really fun to do along <span style="font-weight: bold;">with </span>the kids. Theoretically.<br />
<br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Realistically</span>, the phrase "I want to paint" usually translates into mama setting things up, getting two kids organized with two different sets of supplies, finally sitting down with my own favourite bits, and then being told "I'm bored. Let's play a game." Despite my early parenting fantasies, my children have a very short attention span when it comes to arts and crafts <span style="font-style: italic;">(believe me...I'm working on building that muscle).</span> They love to do it - it just has to be planned, concentrated and quick on results.<br />
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I can see faint glimmers of getting back to some of these special "me time" activities. In the meantime though, I'll settle for taking a brief time out to just daydream about it a little during 15 minutes of making someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">else's</span> sweet creation<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>come to life. And luckily it takes infinitely less time to take a picture I love than it does to paint one.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx1SJGCdyGBHIWjI3WI08icoW9fdk0FScxpQN3HUMm1D0TLvdV0CvCfNaQIvPZb1C97A8608DAgMC4ipiK8Y58ZauRrXivT7UF7oGDh862-AXGQoxl40cMneeKLHox7_hnFMTUMZAJ3-t/s1600/017.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457146275686088066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx1SJGCdyGBHIWjI3WI08icoW9fdk0FScxpQN3HUMm1D0TLvdV0CvCfNaQIvPZb1C97A8608DAgMC4ipiK8Y58ZauRrXivT7UF7oGDh862-AXGQoxl40cMneeKLHox7_hnFMTUMZAJ3-t/s400/017.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 285px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julia's favourite Princess palette and her fancy Easter nailpolish.</span></span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-24574617084802639442010-04-03T18:03:00.006-04:002010-08-04T13:10:27.414-04:00Race Against the Bunny<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4487331539_dacfc342e2.jpg" linkindex="25" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4487331539_dacfc342e2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 333px; width: 500px;" /></a></div><br />
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One of my goals for 2010 is more handmade gifts. Projects that are fun and functional and a compliment to something bought for special people and occasions throughout the year. I knew that a table topper would be first up and I managed to finish it <span style="font-style: italic;">(with breathing space for a change)</span> for a special someone's birthday/Easter this weekend. Ta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Da</span>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4487331523_c12070c877.jpg" linkindex="26" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4487331523_c12070c877.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 333px; width: 500px;" /></a></div><br />
The pattern is adapted from the Pinwheel Cushions included on <a href="http://www.electricquilt.com/Shop/AmyButler/AmyButler.asp" linkindex="27">Amy Butlers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Softwares</span></a> CD <span style="font-style: italic;">(one of the gifts I received for Christmas).</span> Love this package and I've become a huge fan of CD patterns and the ability to browse and print exactly what I want when I want it <span style="font-style: italic;">(along with some great customization and sizing options).</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngs8-T4mUMeJ4mY8YANE_QhPTiWFtFN_p2555aIt_WTITazL2JKVDCTGg0F4JHXIg5WiIqvuM42hYmAPAurH65RalWYyqOoa8vVig-_yPH10Xa8CA4Og8UvcwOcqC84OWQ4wDySzl8A12/s1600/amybutlersoftwares.png" linkindex="28" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456038870954163794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngs8-T4mUMeJ4mY8YANE_QhPTiWFtFN_p2555aIt_WTITazL2JKVDCTGg0F4JHXIg5WiIqvuM42hYmAPAurH65RalWYyqOoa8vVig-_yPH10Xa8CA4Og8UvcwOcqC84OWQ4wDySzl8A12/s400/amybutlersoftwares.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: 229px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.electricquilt.com/Shop/AmyButler/AmyButler.asp" linkindex="29"><span style="font-style: italic;">details here</span></a></div><br />
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I wish I could say that the fabric was also Amy Butler - but I do love it. The green jumped out at me instantly when I spotted it, and the blue and brown are just a perfectly sweet combination. If it looks familiar, that's because it's the same fabric I've shown for the Patchwork Quilt which I've cut, pieced together and...ummm...set aside (blush). Back to bigger pursuits now that this far more manageable goal has been reached.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4487331537_aa542bece3.jpg" linkindex="30" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4487331537_aa542bece3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 248px; width: 500px;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-15635817814391395902010-03-23T13:32:00.003-04:002010-03-23T13:39:01.619-04:00Puddle Jumpers (and Pokers)April showers are right around the corner. We're dressed. We're trained. We're ready.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4457081155_3d635b9561.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4457081155_3d635b9561.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />gotta.touch.it.gotta.touch.it.gotta.touch.it.<br /><br />Cause that's what you do when you're a boy who's two.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4457081435_65feddbb57.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 337px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4457081435_65feddbb57.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />gotta.jump.in.it.gotta.jump.in.it.gotta.jump.in.it.<br /><br />Cause that's how you jive when you're a girl who's five.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-36964230179155521482010-03-19T21:51:00.007-04:002010-03-21T17:21:18.677-04:00Sweet Ways to End the March Break<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I'd been hoping to make it to one of the local Maple Syrup festivals over the March Break and we couldn't have asked for better weather - warm, sunny and perfect for free flowing sap. <span style="font-style: italic;">(We saw that +5C and took a few steps further to +16C)</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4443716863_ed5e65f801_m.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4443716863_ed5e65f801_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4444495950_f04b685a8c_m.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4444495950_f04b685a8c_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><br />I still remember discovering where maple syrup came from when I was around my daughter's age. I also remember a big tin of syrup that would accompany pancake breakfasts for the better part of each year.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4443734627_4aee25be96.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4443734627_4aee25be96.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This is one of my favourite pictures from the beautiful Mountsburg Conservation Area. Something about the tones and the rings on the tree is really striking and I keep thinking it would somehow translate really well in embroidery. We'll see.<br /><br />Something that does translate really well - that lovely sweet drop, along with several thousands more lovely drops - into delicious amber syrup.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4444504414_5c034aa583.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4444504414_5c034aa583.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-39344623859065123392010-03-16T14:26:00.014-04:002010-03-16T14:58:56.984-04:00Sweet Ways to Start March BreakStarting the week with a fresh new look and a fresh batch of cookies. Since those four cookies are all gone now, I hope you'll be satisfied with the blog makeover. : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4437510095_2cb177eae1_m.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 214px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4437510095_2cb177eae1_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I know I've mentioned before that I'm not typically the cookie baking sort of mom. I can make cookies. They taste quite delicious if I do say so myself <span style="font-style: italic;">(and I do...between numerous mouthfuls)</span>. It's just not the first activity that pops to mind for a fun-filled afternoon. The repeated batches sort of drive me mad for some reason, and after the first dozen I'm usually ready to clean-up and pour a cup of coffee.<br /><br />All of that said (again!), when I <span style="font-weight: bold;">do</span> make cookies with my little gal, I almost always find myself saying "we should do this more often". Making these spring cookies yesterday was no exception <span style="font-style: italic;">(the eggs are on display while the bunnies, chicks and flowers are still hanging out back in the kitchen)</span>. There was also one <span style="font-weight: bold;">very </span>big difference this time - her interest in making cookies together actually lasted through the entire four dozen process. That's a pretty huge deal, and also made me want to keep at it. So I guess the lessons to be learned: reserve judgment on cookie baking until your assistant is at least 5 years old and make sure to involve lots of sprinkles. The promise of a tea party afterwards doesn't hurt the cause either.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-12368762553870421802010-03-01T08:18:00.003-05:002010-03-01T08:21:21.960-05:00TulipsI bought some fresh cut tulips over the weekend. Sometime you just have to treat yourself to a little bit of weekend happy.<br /><br />They're making me dream of spring...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vUH9iaa8pSJxBhtLKwzPkHGUa45HvoZfruf4gM61tEQBvDPFlQeStlJxZWBAL85bfkT9aKK03zzKuF3pRMcoGJ0JXQDEJAO1OVDy4ILT0pkKokG5Yc5WfeANeZxK3Qq1gJeQzT72IBEG/s1600-h/Tulips+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vUH9iaa8pSJxBhtLKwzPkHGUa45HvoZfruf4gM61tEQBvDPFlQeStlJxZWBAL85bfkT9aKK03zzKuF3pRMcoGJ0JXQDEJAO1OVDy4ILT0pkKokG5Yc5WfeANeZxK3Qq1gJeQzT72IBEG/s400/Tulips+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443654430698547666" border="0" /></a><br />...even though we're still steadily dealing with winter. *sigh*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFwaxdmDuilZ12S7LjZiHBEHGagvwvDt3mdsYDG2jLajllNzIjamM3DqH9BU0rI-xKK9T-dmvFlEjccii2q_J2XAB6t6J_DbAO3y4omgDPoOpIu0FUhFzzgZ1V1Vrrmu7BVNFlzyyRyiu/s1600-h/Tulips+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFwaxdmDuilZ12S7LjZiHBEHGagvwvDt3mdsYDG2jLajllNzIjamM3DqH9BU0rI-xKK9T-dmvFlEjccii2q_J2XAB6t6J_DbAO3y4omgDPoOpIu0FUhFzzgZ1V1Vrrmu7BVNFlzyyRyiu/s400/Tulips+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443654431387593442" border="0" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-85300733131518239332010-02-22T09:29:00.003-05:002010-02-22T09:33:54.963-05:00I SpyOver the weekend, my little gal and I went out on a "picture hunt" (and spontaneous candy run).<br /><br />While crouched down and fixating on some typical folliage that I'm seeing everywhere right now, she had made her way up a berm and called down "Hey. I found a shell."<br /><br />A shell? In the middle of winter, in a subdivision, surrounded by trees, across from hayfields? Not likely. I gave her the "Mmm Hmm. That's nice."<br /><br />But she's a persistent one, my gal. "You wanna see it?"<br />It's probably a little rock or something. "Yeah sure. In just a minute ok?"<br /><br />Just a minute later, I stand up expecting her to have brought me the mystery shell-rock. No way. She's waiting at the top of that berm for me, guarding her discovery.<br />Up I go.<br />And you know what it was?<br />It was an empty snail shell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-iHEq60DSju2Es_I13LtOR-IbHrYSwtKfayUezJfmP1p1JAY6DDd1so2WhrWrlIu4aKGSPBoD4ovhIqciCCJ67LE34Hv6A-PbeszJUK1fmAQo6bTFQoQGgIEjURhcMKmTjVF2O6Y1zFR/s1600-h/040w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-iHEq60DSju2Es_I13LtOR-IbHrYSwtKfayUezJfmP1p1JAY6DDd1so2WhrWrlIu4aKGSPBoD4ovhIqciCCJ67LE34Hv6A-PbeszJUK1fmAQo6bTFQoQGgIEjURhcMKmTjVF2O6Y1zFR/s400/040w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441074922944758706" border="0" /></a><br />"Hey! It really is a shell! You just found my shot for the day! That's so cool!"<br /><br />{she smiles} "Mmm Hmm. That's nice." {and she's off in search of the next discovery}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfO_M3mbfnQV_3T67DjuzMwSBz0xI7YWfEjNKS8TTXPEKQ6htBnsgfxA-mg9YyoQ0ru2CyNzoNgZzd9A1qN9QqY1070dgPInmoFE0KmNwx8LdM_BC9yvnrKmYtQuBomA0HUPKlAYBeDB9/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfO_M3mbfnQV_3T67DjuzMwSBz0xI7YWfEjNKS8TTXPEKQ6htBnsgfxA-mg9YyoQ0ru2CyNzoNgZzd9A1qN9QqY1070dgPInmoFE0KmNwx8LdM_BC9yvnrKmYtQuBomA0HUPKlAYBeDB9/s400/043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441075118291947714" border="0" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-5945536118859016472010-02-19T10:21:00.005-05:002010-02-19T10:33:26.951-05:00Pins and Needles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4368586973_5a7e0aeb18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 357px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4368586973_5a7e0aeb18.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The day started with vaccines and the quick reminder that a 5 year old facing a needle <span style="font-style: italic;">(even hours before the needle) </span>becomes a cross between an emotional Oscar winner and an ultimate fighting champion. Little Man on the other hand just voiced his displeasure, shot me an accusing pout and then just as quickly moved on at the sight of a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gummi</span> bears <span style="font-style: italic;">(when it comes to needles, 2 isn't so terrible after all). </span><br /><br />After the drama and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ouchies</span> had passed, the better part of the afternoon was spent twisted and sprawled across the living room floor pinning fabric for my patchwork quilt. This is my second quilt <span style="font-style: italic;">(ever...and in the past 4 months)</span> and I am once again struck by the realization that I love love love the piecework part, and am completely daunted by the giant assembly part. I'm definitely feeling less trepidation this time around, but am blown away by the size. Somehow, this "throw" has grown way bigger in reality than it seemed when I was cutting isolated pieces. It's safe to say that "throw" is as big as I ever wish to go <span style="font-style: italic;">(famous last words - please feel free to stage an intervention if you ever seen the words "quilt" and "king" in this space).</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4368586413_8908c34f64.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4368586413_8908c34f64.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-66998620901577266202010-02-12T13:16:00.007-05:002010-02-12T17:02:33.675-05:00Of Hearts and Their Matters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6x6GTybuQCgVaDaxEtNCK8IVD3yXUpVElHsuDvkKoB-mJ3_NFN2Tc3i9twBJnPuizMCK5NU4N8XTGzUaQPecAxrgIBKamrmuk53ba1EdafQeYe1khSXDg5XPPmDnkpm86q2hc8i6ZDHm/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6x6GTybuQCgVaDaxEtNCK8IVD3yXUpVElHsuDvkKoB-mJ3_NFN2Tc3i9twBJnPuizMCK5NU4N8XTGzUaQPecAxrgIBKamrmuk53ba1EdafQeYe1khSXDg5XPPmDnkpm86q2hc8i6ZDHm/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437480712713727394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Freely given. Easily broken. Patiently mended.</span><br /><br /></div>I'm not usually prone to the sentimental side of Valentines <span style="font-style: italic;">(but I'll happily take the excuse for a quiet meal, eaten warm with the company of my sweetie and some uninterrupted conversation...did I mention champagne and chocolates?).<br /><br /></span>I couldn't resist a bit of cliche and a dose of reflection though, not to mention the collaboration of favourite things <span style="font-style: italic;">(fabric, scissors, embroidery floss and my camera).</span><br /><br />Hope you have a sweet weekend planned with your favourite people and pastimes.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-22015936764778617852010-02-09T17:00:00.004-05:002010-02-09T17:21:09.060-05:00P is for...Patchwork (<a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/books_detail.php#institches">Amy Butler's Patchwork Throw</a> to be exact).<br /><br />Planning in Publisher (<span style="font-style: italic;">it took the better part of an afternoon but was such a helpful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">roadmap</span> when cutting and prepping</span>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21N6v2aszcX8e9ROzwXRbyZ997M_2x6Eu-IHTC2F55VmN9az-B0i1j1gouI5GnK2WADuKs-1lLV3ISg3388N94TlV4vg6Xt0lDVmTxNJnZgz33xp8S8VfW0H17SVk-ycIYl-eejLm4WiT/s1600-h/Amy+Butler+Patchwork+Throw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 482px; height: 630px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21N6v2aszcX8e9ROzwXRbyZ997M_2x6Eu-IHTC2F55VmN9az-B0i1j1gouI5GnK2WADuKs-1lLV3ISg3388N94TlV4vg6Xt0lDVmTxNJnZgz33xp8S8VfW0H17SVk-ycIYl-eejLm4WiT/s400/Amy+Butler+Patchwork+Throw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436370806461970162" border="0" /></a><br />And P is for lots of lovely pieces, cut, ironed and waiting to be placed.<br /><br />But as usual, the most important P will be for progress. It should be coming quickly now.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790193385909151895.post-7558147256263268982010-02-05T13:12:00.004-05:002010-02-05T13:21:12.382-05:00From the Kitchen (iv)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQL6kTnaYJzC_pUJeD0RFZWmAtXmxAkfqczA5thov1MN-aoB4jhfDl8eny7FJIQCSTRdDx2FHHccEG6Ab59AfC6VZTLo8nEsqUFBW3Y2M_Qiax3orekSIwxRuok2nBMKbUwAH2vt3XBqy/s1600-h/026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQL6kTnaYJzC_pUJeD0RFZWmAtXmxAkfqczA5thov1MN-aoB4jhfDl8eny7FJIQCSTRdDx2FHHccEG6Ab59AfC6VZTLo8nEsqUFBW3Y2M_Qiax3orekSIwxRuok2nBMKbUwAH2vt3XBqy/s400/026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434824013912740690" border="0" /></a><br />Today is the final kitchen installment which means I better drum up some new ideas for next week. This little teacup is a single, and every time I come across it in the cupboard it's a reminder to look for some more little singles. My gal is at that age where a proper tea party is an appealing afternoon <span style="font-style: italic;">(for both of us) </span>but the plastic set just doesn't hold the same charm anymore. Hopefully one of these days the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thrifting</span> fates will bring me exactly what I'm looking for <span style="font-style: italic;">(<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">admittedly</span> the first key would be getting back out to the sort of places where that could happen)<br /><br /></span>In the meantime though, here is today's bonus (and a reminder for me when we find those extra pieces). Check out <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2008/07/party-hats_22.html">this link</a> for a really quick, sweet and fun craft over at <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com">Maya:Made</a> - totally adorable newspaper tea party hats in a pinch.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354888972665397209noreply@blogger.com0