Thursday, March 31, 2011

Flood 2011

We have had a very snowy winter, and now we have a very full river system as it all melts.
I trotted over to the High Bridge to take a few photos today and this is what I saw -
The waters ran high last year too.
I was just going through those photos and it seems worse this year, but not by too much.
When I was walking back to my car from the bridge I started chatting to a neighbor who seemed disappointed about the flood. She was expecting something a little more spectacular.
She grudgingly admitted that it was probably best for the folks with riverfront condos if the water didn't get any higher.

Also, as I was going along my favorite woodsy path, I saw these footprints all over.Here is my foot for reference -What do you think? Wild turkey? Heron? Big Bird?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Lots of Sewing

I have been making lots of models for Treadle lately, and I got a couple of them back this week.
Since I forgot to take photos of them when I made them, I thought I would put some up now.
This pink one is made from a linen/cotton blend, so it's really wrinkly, and I didn't iron it, because it will always be really wrinkly when the Elder wears it.
The fabric is an import from Japan, and it was such a charming, delicate border print, I just couldn't resist making up this jumper. Never mind that she already has too many dresses...
The pattern is McCalls M5692.
I liked it, but the straps are a little long, and the dress must be paired with a shirt of some kind.

This ensemble is made from a print and a solid from ModKid by Patty Young.
I love her prints, they're so joyful.
The pattern is also from McCalls - M5794.
The pants and the top came together pretty well, but the undershirt (which you can see peeking through) is a very odd shape.
Too wide and too short.
It looks OK on the Elder anyway, and it's tucked away inside the top so nobody knows about its wierdness but you and me.

What are you making this week?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Studio at 220

My amazing, talented neighbor (the same one who welcomed me and my friends into her welding studio a couple of years ago) is a beautiful photographer and we had a family portrait session at her studio last Sunday.We have lots and lots (and lots) of photos around here, but there aren't many of my husband and myself, and almost none of us as a family.
This is the first time we've gone to a real photographer and had our photos taken as a group, but I can see this being an annual thing.
Give Shelly a call. You'll be glad you did.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Signs of Spring

Walking in a zipper hoodie, instead of a heavy coat -
Buds on tree limbs -
Sprouts in black earth -
Despite the cool temperatures, I declare it Spring!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

A Little Better

I rebuilt the table yesterday, and it's a little better.
Pretty wobbly, but I think if I replace the legs with IKEA ones it will be better.
I love having a counter-high table that I can move around the room.
The hubby doesn't like it, but hopefully he'll come around.
In other news, it's cold and I like pancakes.We've been having cooking lessons in the mornings, very informally, and the Elder made those pancakes herself.
Flipped them and everything!

Friday, March 25, 2011

What do I have to Show for Myself?


This week has been a little bit of a disappointment as far as the kitchen is concerned.
I did manage to paint the radiator, and I got a few coats of creamy paint on this wall, but the Hubby vetoed the green I had planned for above the wainscoting so I am at an impasse there.
Also, the counter top turned out to be too small to wrap around like I had planned, and then it was too warped to attach to the other piece that I had on hand, so this table turned out to be kind of a disaster.
Back to the drawing board. Ikea will have those counters back in stock at the end of April, and I'll try again then.
I have been able to work on some important secret knitting for my job, so that's encouraging.
Blocking and seaming are the order of the day for that project.
Otherwise, today will be a day of major clean-up, an end-of-camp performance for the kids, and probably some pizza.
How was your week?

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Spring Break


It's Spring Break.
I have a long list of things to do.
Paramount among these has become - paint the kitchen.
Also still to do-
sewing and knitting (both for work)
finish my book (actually, I checked that one off this morning)
fold a mountain of laundry
bake some bread
sewing and knitting (just for me)
organize my sewing table (maybe that should happen before I start sewing)
and I only have 4 more days.
The kids will be living it up at day camp, learning to dance and sing and stuff. I am looking forward to the end of the week performance, but that also means that really I only have 3 3/4 days to do all of this and now I am starting to panic.
I may not be back to say hi until next Monday.
Have a great spring break!