Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Sweet Magnolia

Most people go to New York to see sites and go to museums and stuff.... And sure, I hoped to see those things....on my way to food! We hit Magnolia Bakery on our way to the show (an appropriate dinner, wouldn't you say?). It was heavenly.

Here were my picks:


And this wasn't supposed to happen, but I'm so glad it did:


You just walk right in (at the mercy of the Bakery Bouncer....yes, a bouncer) and pick out a few cupcakes you like, pack 'em up yo' self, and enjoy them in the park across the street.


I loved how they store the sprinkles and such in jars.


A splendid afternoon indeed. However, I'll need to return to sample all the flavors.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Finally!!

Ok, seriously, this is the LAST TIME you ever have to look at this blanket. I'm happy to see it every day, but I've really milked this project. Thank you for bearing with the recycled material.

I machine quilted it with a diagonal cross-hatch pattern and I'm quite pleased. I would have liked to say I free-motion quilted it, but I think with the angular pattern of the bento box, it's better to keep it simple. And frankly, I'm not that good yet.

I bound it with orange, per the recommendation of my favorite shop-keeper (Pea Pod).

Come to think of it, this is the first blanket I've quilted, actually kept (is that selfish?), and washed (I now know to wash before giving...). I didn't realize how awesomely scrunchy it gets! It looks so cozy and loved and lovable.

I love the way it looks much that I'm returning to an old quilt to do a little more hand-quilting. I haven't yet washed it (because I haven't yet used it) so I'm exited to see the transformation.

p.s. don't you love my recycled door headboard (probably full of flaking lead paint, but whatever)? D stole it for me from someone else's trash pile. And that's better than a dozen long-stems, if you ask me.

I've Got the Blues


All of them, in fact. And a couple greens and grays. This is what I wear. Every. Day. To. Work.

Suppose I should switch up the palate a little, yes? Yipes.

Blue Runner

You were expecting all sorts of updates from New York, weren't you? Well, me too. But photos were all taken on D's camera and I have been working every day since I got back and bla bla bla. Sorry.

We stayed in Staten Island with D's mom. I made her this runner in blues (her favorite color) which paled in comparison, really, to her awesome hostessness (yes, this is a word...now).

Front:

Back:

Inspired by the great DS, of course.

Soon, I'll get those photos from D and send you more about NY. In the mean time, if anyone feels like sending me a sweet camera, I'll send you my address...

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Nueva Jork

Tonight D and I are leaving for NYC! We'll be away until Monday night. Plans include, attending a wedding, meeting family and friends, going to a show (!), eating delicious sandwiches, and I'm SOOPER excited about finally going to Purl Patchwork....because I need more fabric and/or projects.

Speaking of more projects, look what D bought me out of the blue:

Lotta Prints - click to enlarge






















Isn't that the most thoughtful thing?? He knows I like her. I told him, "now I can't go to New York because I have potato stamping to do..." He rebutted with, "It says she has a studio in Brooklyn though."

You carrying my bag or shall I?

Monday, April 14, 2008

Nailed, Again


For the 4th time in 12 months, I had to have my tire patched (culprit above). Man! I had grand plans of shopping yesterday, but those were squashed when I heard "psssssssssssssssss" and this shiny little shopping-day-destroyer nestled in the groove of my tire.

Loved driving to work yesterday over the Bay Bridge on my doughnut at 40 miles an hour with my hazards on. People really love that. Thankfully, Big O patches your tire for free AND gives you a free coffee coupon to the cafe across the street to sip on while you wait. How great is that? It would be even greater if they washed my car too, but...

I'm keeping the bolt in my car to ward off evil spirits, for at least another 12 months.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Window Box

Our house was recently repainted and my dad made us this beautiful little window box to go with the facelift. We planted it with bright little flowers, and now I think our house is the cutest on the block.



It makes me so happy to come home.

Ain't No Challa Back Girl

I couldn't resist the title... I am so my father's daughter (the guy who says we're having halibut for dinner, just for the "halibut"....every time.)



Here's the gorgeous (and slightly overbaked - I did it better next time) challa I made from my new favorite book, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

I also made this Portuguese corn bread....not to be confused with the sweetened cornbread you slather with honey and eat with chili. Although, I did eat it with chili and it was scrumptious.



The idea is, you make a big wettish batch of dough, let it rise once, and throw it in the fridge. When you want bread, you cut off a hunk, let it sit a few minutes, bake it, and voila! You're a homemaker extraordinaire.

How great is that??

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Crafty Roots


I'd like to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to my mom and dad and thank them for giving me crafty roots. My dad is an impressive woodworker (in his time off), a kick-ass cook, and can fix most anything. I think he even went through a batiking phase. He's also a world-famous scientist and is currently starting a beer business.

And my mom has done painting, sewing, Ukranian eggs, gardenig, lots of cooking/baking, cake-decorating, and has a general "we can make that at home" approach. She's the one who taught me to sew, cook, garden, and "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

Above is a painting my mom did probably long before I started making her drive me to the fabric store.

Thanks guys - I guess the apple doesn't fall too far...

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Wee Kimono-Shirt - Worn

Here is my precious angel baby (aka niece, Maile) sporting the shirt I made her.


She's not lookin' so happy in it right here. But it fits! (barely) Next time, maybe no ribbon tie. This crafty 10 month-old pulled that ribbon in no time. And next time, bigger, of course.