For Crafting OutLoud

Friday I'm In Love

2009-11-13T16:17:00.004-05:00

It may have been a rough start to the week, but Friday the 13th has proven to be anything but a bad day. I have been trying to find a decent replacement to an old pair of Birkenstock clogs. A few days back I put my trust in cute pair of shoes I found at Sierra Trading Post . The granola girl in me can not resist a pair of comfy, supportive, and a somewhat chunky shoe.

The shoes arrived today and have already been put to the test. Sanita is the company who has changed my feet. Ah, the Danish and their wonderful footwear. No pain, no sliding around, and I could easily keep up with the 3yr. old. Easy on and off for when you go flying out the door. You also have to love the fact they were on clearance. To quote The Cure......It's Friday, I'm in love.

What Is Going One Here??

2009-11-11T10:46:00.004-05:00

Okay, seriously....we are sick again??? The oldest came down with a cough then a fever, then congestion. Home from school. Then me with the cough and run-down. Luckily no fever. Now the youngest is down with the fever and looking like he got hit by the sick truck. Sheesh. We were such a healthy family, now it is like we can hardly go a week without someone being in bed. I try really hard to remind the kids about hand washing, not touching our faces or each others faces, and so on. But it must just be inevitable. I am just praying that we are all healthy for Thanksgiving and can really celebrate as a finally healthy and happy family! In the meantime I am going to rock my soup for the cold season, Bean Soup With Kale. It tastes great and those dark greens are so good for what ale's ya!

Back On Track

2009-11-09T08:36:00.002-05:00

Last week was a weird one. Recovering from a tummy bug is frustrating. Thank goodness this week things are back on track. While last week was just about trying to survive, this week I am back on the crafty train. CHOO CHOO! The boys have started their turkey projects. No pictures in case certain people are reading the blog, but will post them later. The Bella mitt's are coming along great. One is totally finished, so now I just need to get the other one going. Hopefully this week I can get it all set. I am also thinking about some Christmas project idea's..... I really need to use up some scrap fabric. Maybe some drawstring bags might be a fun way to wrap up some gifts. At least things are starting to move along. Hopefully this train keeps moving at a good pace as the holiday season approaches.

2009-11-03T14:33:00.003-05:00

Happy November! Halloween weekend was bittersweet. Bitter due to getting a wicked stomach flu bug. SWEET due to seeing this man in concert, joined by Carrie and company.

Now that we are on the upswing of feeling good and the home is somewhat back in order, I am ready to make some crafty time!! So what is on the agenda. Of course we have the hand turkeys to work on. (see post below). I am thinking mittens would be nice. Perhaps sewing a skirt? Can it also be time to think about Christmas Crafting???

Thinking Ahead

2009-10-28T10:50:00.003-04:00

Crazy to think about Thanksgiving. I mean Halloween has not even happened yet. But I found this project and I can't wait to craft it with the kids! Bella Dia posted this last year. I know, a little behind on things, but as least I found it! How cute is this little turkey??!!! Great stash buster and I already have the felt in the house. YEAH! Find instructions here. Super easy and I think it would be a cute center piece. Hope to post when we get these little guys done!

Halloween Time

2009-10-26T09:05:00.003-04:00

I love this time of year. There are TONS of fun projects to do. One that the kids enjoy the most is decorating cupcakes for Halloween. We have been invaded by ghosts, vampires, worms, monsters, and lots of candy.

A big mess always is a good time. Perhaps more fun for the kids than mom, but fun none the less. Yesterday I was working on cleaning up and reorganizing the craft room. I went through all the fabric and ideas I have/had. I think it is time to revisit some of those ideas. If anything there is some great stash busting potential there!

Ms. Mckay On My Computer

2009-10-20T09:41:00.004-04:00

Currently I have been listening to the fun, fantastic Nellie McKay. I have a soft spot for a girl who wears thrift store vintage, plays a ukulele, pays tribute to Doris Days, is an activist, and smiles. She may only be 27, but she is packing lots of talent. I like that she is kind of quirky and silly. Her song Mother of Pearl is a funny and smart song on feminism, while her latest album (Simple As Blueberry Pie) recalls a gosh-golly-and gee whiz kind of attitude.

Her music is great to listen to while the hum of the sewing machine whirs on, or while knitting needles click clack together, or really anywhere. With that being said, I think I will pick up my sticks and have a moment while the wee one sleeps.

Learning To Stay Afloat

2009-10-19T08:51:00.003-04:00

In an effort to get my knee stronger and keep myself in relatively "good" shape I have taken up lap swimming. Oh my gosh this is hard. The first day, I was so kidding myself. I can't lap swim for beans. Apparently I am on a quest for zen-like patience. I have much to learn. So back to the beginning I go. I must learn to breath correctly, work some new muscles, and try not to sink.

I like swimming. The pool is close to the house and at 6 a.m. it is not busy at all. It will be good during the winter months while the weather outside is frightful. It has been fun to explore all these different forms of staying healthy and exercise. I am not going for anything competitive or outside the realm of a 5k. I just want to be able to keep up with the kids and set a good example. While I love things that keep me on my bum (sewing and knitting), it is important to keep those legs and arms moving even for just 30 minutes 3 days a week. We all have to start somewhere.

Take Time To Breath

2009-10-16T15:05:00.006-04:00

I am trying to keep the spirit of seeing live music with me after the great Rothbury experience. Tomorrow night after a hard day of work I am headed out (with friends) to see Michael Glabicki at a local pub. YEAH!! He is minus the rest of Rusted Root, but that is okay. There is something great about a more intimate setting sometimes. Yes, I am so a GenX child. I am okay with that. I am happy so far to have seen the AMAZING Ragbirds and the entire Rusted Root clan already this fall. The next music attempt is (along with Ms. Carrie) the ever amazing Pete Yorn later this month. You take what you can get when you live on the non Detroit side of Michigan. I love having live music back in my life after a little hiatus of raising 2 small boys. I don't get out to often, but when those moments do arrive, they are so special and precious. Why not fill your soul with some music and friends that you love??

Avairy Fun

2009-10-14T13:49:00.004-04:00

Another new knit! What is going on??!! Must be cold weather time. To keep my head nice and toasty warm in this unseasonable cold weather a new knit is in order!! On Ravelry I found the super easy and very fun knit hat Felicity by Wanett Clyde. I used Cascade 220 yarn in a dark chocolate. My favorite part is the cute bird pins I found at the local thrift store. Love them!!

I am not sure what is up with that super cheesy smile on my face, but hey. It is what, it is. Hat pattern is fun and you really can easily modify it in so many ways and really customize it just for you. I understand why people are making more than just one! Also a great way to stash bust or get started on a gift for the impending holiday season.

The Great Popcicle Experiment

2009-10-12T08:08:00.005-04:00

After reading a super fantastic idea over at the ever lovely Urban Orangica blog, I knew I must try this for fall. The idea?? Echinacea Popsicles! (she is such a genius) With the wet and damp weather upon us compiled with all the flu talk, these are a great way to keep the kids (along with their parents) healthy.

The Ingredients

The honey is for some added sweetness. A good thing for the kids. I let the 5yr. old be my taste tester. (if you can get some local honey, might also be helpful with allergies!) We just brewed the tea, and let is steep for an hour or so (to taste). The kids picked out Spongebob Dixie cups to pour the tea into.

We let them freeze and then eat. The result? Happy boys who love their new treat!! YEAH!! They ask for one everyday. Even J. thinks it is great. It is the simple and easy ideas that can be the most pleasing!

The Birds.......

2009-10-09T09:27:00.003-04:00

It is Halloween time and we have been invaded by birds! Thanks to Martha Stewart at Micheal's, our home is getting a fun spooky feel. The kids enjoyed playing with the "spider webs" and figuring out where our little bird friends should go. Since it has been such a rainy week here, decorating the inside of the house has helped keep the boys entertained and busy thinking about what other fun things we could do! Our next idea is to work on all the fun Halloween treats. (of course the best part is all the candy, right?)

So very frustrated

2009-10-06T14:26:00.003-04:00

I have become very frustrated with myself. Running has been such a great thing until last week. My first injury and boy am I mad. It was my knee. I believe it to be runners knee. So I have been off the schedule for 1 week. Went out today with little man and the jogger and wound up walking and hardly running. Ahhh! Then it was home to ice and take a little pain reliever to get the swelling back down. As I was checking out some ways to deal with this new issue (and *cough getting older) I discovered that we have a community aquatics program at the local school. I am sure that most cities have this and I am a dunce for just looking into it. Is this what I need to do in the meantime?? Will lap swimming become a new form of low impact exercise? Will there be cross-training in my future? They charge so little for the open lap time. I may need to give this some serious thought. Discovered that there is a swimming program like the couch to 5k running program. The swimming program can be found here.

October Wear

2009-10-06T08:33:00.003-04:00

I finally have a new knit to post about!! I have been working on the textured shawl recipe from Orlane. Used two skeins of FABULOUS Malabrigo yarn in a yellow/gold color. It feels good to have a finished knitting project. Things have been so busy around here, that my crafty world has fallen by the wayside. Of course with the winter hibernation just around the corner, I am sure things will pick back up!

Soup's On

2009-10-02T11:42:00.004-04:00

With the weather turning cold and my love of watching N o Reservations (might have small crush on Anthony Bourdain), has caused a food craving for noodle bowls. I want something simple, something warm, something good to eat. I researched what goes in a noodle bowl. What could someone who is NOT a chef or even a good cook make? Here is what I came up with. (Sorry for glare, not very skilled with camera!)

I used chicken stock (any kind, but prefer organic), about 3 cans worth. Some hearty Asian cooking noodles. I found these by the Ramen noodles, I did not use the spice pack. Added salt, pepper, garlic and a VERY SMALL amount of Chinese Five Spice. Then added whatever veggies were on hand. Mushrooms, celery, onion, spinach. Heat it up and eat. It surprisingly good! Who new, and there was plenty left over. I think it would also be good some chicken or shrimp. Might add heartiness to the soup. Overall, I am feeling like the craving is satisfied for now.

Fun Finds

2009-10-01T09:59:00.003-04:00

The boys and I headed over to one of our favorite thrift stores in search of some vintage Pyrex finds. While there was nothing there for Pyrex, we did find J. a fun outfit for the fall. I figure if he did not like it, then there was mass potential for some repurposing.When we came home and presented the outfit to J. it went over very well, so there will be no projects coming from this find, but there is one sharp dressed man, all for under 15 bucks! Yeah!!

Fantastic Morning

2009-09-26T11:29:00.002-04:00

The Race For The Cure was this morning and it was great. LOTS of people turned up for the event, which was fantastic to see so much support. It was a good time, but also a time to remember those we have lost. It was also inspiring to have the survivors celebrated as they crossed the finish line. So many stories and so many smiling faces and cheers. It was a good thing.

I See Pink

2009-09-20T09:36:00.004-04:00

I am Racing For The Cure on Saturday. By racing I mean I am run/walking for the cure. I am not confident in my 5K ability at this point, so I am planning on a non-timed race. I am excited to be doing this and thrilled to be doing it with friends and having family there. I hope the kids enjoy and that fun is had by all. It is a time to honer those we lost, those who fight, and those who have won the battle against breast cancer. Our sisters. To be able to do this with so many of a shared experience will be powerful and one that I hope to keep with me all year.

Speaking of Dresses

2009-09-15T15:06:00.002-04:00

(not my photo)

Speaking of Dresses Check out the link to see how all this pink yarn was turned into something artful. Have A Happy Tuesday!

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Held On

2009-09-14T08:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we held onto summer for one more day. Our family hit the always fun Millennium Park, where we swam, played in the sand, enjoyed the splash pad, and soaked up the sun. As we pretended that there was plenty of summer, we briefly ignored the leaves starting to change color, the plans of apple picking, and other fall activities. It was a wonderful way to end things. Now I feel fully ready to embrace the fall, the color, and crisp days ahead. In a word, it was Awesome!

Man Made

2009-09-08T12:01:00.004-04:00

I live in man world. I am married to one, I am raising 2 of them, I even work part-time in men's clothing. So when I saw this cool organizer for all those remotes that are floating around my house, I said HURRAY!!! There is a tutorial over at Sew-Mad (photo by Sew-Mad as well). I love the material that was used. This will be a great solution to the all to common question of "where is the remote?"

A Walk

2009-09-04T19:21:00.003-04:00

The holiday weekend is here, and we have to say goodbye to summer. It was a wonderful summer full of sun, sand, woods, family, friends, laughs, and most of all love. I really enjoyed being the 3 amigos during the day. While dad was off at work, the 3 of us would take off on adventures and enjoy. Now, schools, schedules, shorter days, and the chilly weather are knocking at the back door. We have one last weekend to enjoy, to be out, and kiss the summer farewell. I hope that you enjoy it as well!!

Fabric Previews

2009-09-02T08:01:00.004-04:00

There are so many beautiful and fun fabrics that will be arriving this winter, I can hardly wait. Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, and others are previewing new lines over at The Fabric Shopper. Currently I am in a 50's retro groove. Recently I have the fun undertaking of restoring an old metal glider for our porch. I also have found so fab. 50's Pyrex for the kitchen to add some kitsch. So when I saw the line Circa 50 by Monaluna, I was thrilled. To view the entire line click here.

I see a couple of pillows for the porch coming from this line. Maybe some fun little accessories for kitchen as well. Not only is it super cute, but it is 100% organic cotton as well. For a fun treat check out The Fabric Shopper Gallery for some Beautiful fabrics and let your mind wander.

New Knits

2009-08-28T09:11:00.003-04:00

I finally finished my new scarf for fall. LOVE it. The pattern comes by Stephen West. His pattern was great. Easy to memorize and straight forward. You can adjust the pattern to any weight yarn and tada, you have a new accessory for fall. I used sport weight yarn from Tree Frog . It is alpaca yarn that will be great for the cooler months ahead. The color green is always a winner in my book. I tried to get a close up of the pattern, but my photo skills are not so good. Also photographing yarn is really hard! I highly recommend the pattern for you knitters out there. If you want something easy, warm, and wearable for fall, check it out. You can use the link above or find it on Ravelry. Happy crafting!!

It's Coming....

2009-08-27T09:02:00.003-04:00

Things are seeming a little different outside. The smell is different, the sun is different. This means that fall is starting to make her way here to Michigan. While we can still expect BEAUTIFUL days for a month or so, there is something about fall. I LOVE IT!!! The cool crisp feeling, cooking, apples, beautiful trees, and the clothing. So here are some ideas that I have been thinking about for FALL!

I am thinking of heading to the thrift store and finding some nice corduroy men's pants. I love my repurposed cargo skirt so much, I think the idea would be great for fall as well. Nothing like nice broken in corduroy! Also maybe a heavy knit skirt would be most comfy to tuck feet into while sitting on the couch watching a movie, reading, or knitting. I had such fun this summer with all my skirts, that I want to somehow work that into fall/winter. Time to start thinking.....