Wordless Wednesday

After: New Barstools in the Kitchen

Beige Beauties



Check out our new awesome retro barstools, compliments of Craigslist! These were a total score if I do say so myself. It's not easy finding retro barstools that have backs, and these are in perfect condition besides. And the colors! Mmmm, they brighten up our beige-aholic house quite nicely. I have no idea what these are -- are they fiberglass? Is this a certain design era? Where did they come from originally?

Oddly enough, despite my usual thrift store, garage sale and antique store shopping obsession, this is my very first Craigslist purchase. But I couldn't help myself, I actually bought something else off Craigslist this weekend. But that's a topic for another post!

Wordless Wednesday

One Yard Wonders Wants YOU!

I don't think I have to repeat that it was a super-mega thrill to have one of my projects included in the first edition of One Yard Wonders. But to be offered a shot at possibly being in TWO books? Well, it might just be too much for me. But you should submit your project! You've only got a couple of weeks left to get your submission in, so what are you waiting for? DO IT! It's loads of fun, even if you don't get picked.

This follow-up book is going to be organized around fabric types. Flannel, wool, silk, oilcloth, all manner of interesting fabrics to consider. I imagine this book will be FULL of unique and interesting things to make. Check out the pitch and see if you've got something to contribute. Then I can buy the book and try out your pattern! Everyone wins.

Maybe somehow I'll scrap together 30 seconds to submit something. Then again, maybe I'll just bask in the glow of having been published once!

New Product: Kid's Breakfast Shirt

My poor little sweetie has been sick for two weeks. After about 9 days we went to the doctor and she gave us some meds to pick up if we felt we needed them. Well today was about day 14 and we broke down and got the meds. He's been off and on a complete a-hole for at least a week. Like, two hour screaming/crying jags. Hauling out of the restaurant fits. You name it. And of course that could all be chalked up to having a two-going-on-three-year-old, but it also probably doesn't help that he has a constant runny nose and a hacking cough.

Hopefully the meds will help. Otherwise, mommy and daddy will need meds. At least daddy can drink. Mommy is busy baking the next holy terror! UGH! Despite his tyrannical behavior and the fact that I have contemplated locking myself in the bathroom several times this week on his account, I did find it in my heart to make him a new tee shirt this weekend. Even though he loves pancakes, I thought it would be a little easier to depict the classic breakfast. So that's what he's got. His brand new breakfast shirt, complete with bacon, eggs, and toast.

My mind was actually totally blown by the fact that he wanted to put it on immediately. And he put it back on this morning. He's so obsessed with trucks and diggers and John Deere, and so OPINIONATED, I figured that shirt would go the way of many things I make him -- the back of the closet. It was a good surprise. I decided to throw this in my Etsy shop and see if any other breakfast-lovers find a need for a shirt like this. It's seeming to become a favorite in our house...!

Wordless Wednesday

New Product: Recycled Clothesline Organic Tees

Finally, I started making something for girls! It started with the Big Sis Tee, and now I'm on to these cute clothesline tees made on my new, colorful, organic cotton baby onesies. I use repurposed fabrics to make the little clothes that hang on the line, too, so these are do-gooder shirts, for reals.

I was inspired to make these by my own shoes. Yes, my shoes. You see, years ago I bought a pair of Camper Twins shoes that have a clothesline. They were on super-duper sale and I've worn them to death ever since. In fact, I dread the day I have to replace them because I'm sure they will either not be on sale, or I won't be able to track them down. So maybe my new onesies are my way of immortalizing these shoes.

I also love the clothesline image because I love to hang our clothes out to dry. Did you know that some states are moving to BAN them? Check out Laundry List and this article in Time Magazine for information if you're pro-line drying like I am, or just want to know what all the fuss is about. I don't have a clothesline at my new house, so I guess I'll have to find out if they've been banned or if I can put one in. If I do, I just know these little onesies will look so darn cute hung on it!

Stepping Out

Depending on where you live in the world, you may be looking at the calendar right now, or surveying your yard wondering, "When the he&% is it going to be Spring?" That's what I've been thinking about. It's been a fast transition around my area from snowy to muddy, but it couldn't really come soon enough. We desperately needed outside time. And color other than gray and beige and brown. I finally am starting to see glimmers of hope.

Like the other day when we ran over to the pond behind the library to feed the ducks. The ice is coming off the water, and the snow is quickly disappearing. The snowmen we built in our yard three weeks ago (seemed to be huge at the time) are now just memories. And buds (buds!) are clearly visible on the bushes and trees in the yard. So it is coming, eventually. Now I only wish that there was a single flower in my yard. But alas, there are none. All the better for me to take under my wing and transform, right!?

And I've got big plans for the yard. A vegetable garden with squash, peas, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins (for sure!). I want all the perennials I had at my old house, like rhubarb, peonies, bee balm, and black-eyed susan. And this year, I decided to buy 1/2 pound of wildflower seeds and try my hand at creating an all-native garden in my front yard. Yes, a bit to bite off given I'll be pretty preggo when the time comes to make all this happen. But, that's what husbands are for, eh?

So what are you itching to do, now that the Spring fever has infected the population? Got any bugs?

After: Crazy Purple Dining / Living Room

When we first looked at our new house, the living and dining room had purple carpet. Need I say more? Luckily, I thought, new flooring is relatively easy to make happen. Oooooh, how wrong I was.

We asked to have the guy come over to measure the day after we moved in. This was 2 1/2 months ago. Earlier this week, the work was finally done.

We decided that since the "living room" probably will never be used, I could take it over as my craft room. Now, I didn't think I could be convinced that having all my craft junk "hanging out" right when people walk in the front door would be okay. But, I guess I was convinced. And I think it'll be okay. After all, this is an AWESOME space for crafting. TONS of light.

Lucky for me there's also lots of storage all around the house, because I have accumulated lots of stuff!! Now I just have to share the space with our dining room.

Now, we just need some artwork. I'm sure there's some around here...somewhere!

Big Bread

Maybe it's the winter weather that brought it on. Or maybe it's my awesome new kitchen. Whatever the reason, ever since moving to Wisconsin, I've been Betty Baker around here. Hardly a week goes by when some treat or other isn't in our kitchen. We made a huge batch of bread dough from Tassajara Bread Book and used one for bread, the other for the world's yummiest cinnamon rolls. I also tried the recipe for British Flapjacks from Bon Apetit, and later my hubby basterdized it into a chocolate chip version. There's been gingerbread cookies, beer bread, and an awesome Brown Sugar Apple Cheesecake from Dorie Greenspan's Baking cookbook. Good thing I'm pregnant, or the 15 pounds I've gained in the last few months would really be a problem!

I guess I'm glad the weather is changing. I'm not quite as obsessed with being in my kitchen at the moment (although there IS a pan of brownies on my counter). But I don't think my baking days are quite over, so what's the best thing you've baked lately?

Wordless Wednesday