Bricolage & Butter

Flower Fields

2011-04-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday The Boy and I headed to The Flower Fields with Mom & Dad.
It was a beautiful day, and the flowers were breathtaking.
Rows and rows of ranunculus...I still can't believe I forgot to buy a bouquet. Too busy taking pictures, I guess!I'd never seen hot pink poinsettias before!

2011-04-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Comment #1 was randomly selected (using the oh so official "husband-pick-a-number-between-1-and-20-method"). Congratulations Belle for being the 101 Patchwork Projects giveaway winner! Enjoy! And thanks to everyone who shared their congratulations with me through blog, email and flickr--it's exciting and I appreciate it! Alissa and Andrea both shared this post with me that was pretty exciting too. Thanks girls!

And Belle, keep making those hotpads! You've inspired me to get rid of some pitiful ones of mine too...

101 Patchwork Projects + Giveaway!

2011-04-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's thrilling to have a Bricolage + Butter project featured in Interweave's 101 Patchwork Projects that hits stands this week. Remember this composition notebook? The tutorial got a makeover and now you can make it, along with 100 other projects from the magazine! The projects range from simple to more complex and there is definitely something for everyone.

Check out page 10!

I found several projects that I'm anxious to make--including projects from Ashley and Latifah who are such inspiration to me. Plus, I was delighted to be reminded of the adorable dishtowels from I love Patchwork that have been on my "to-make" list for months!

To celebrate, we'll be giving away a copy of 101 Patchwork Projects! To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on this post through April 18th and let us know your favorite thing to make--it can be by sewing, knitting, cooking, paper crafting etc. We'll randomly select a winner on the 20th and send you some B+B goodies! Enjoy!

William & Kate

2011-04-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I'll be spending the day with my old roommate from London, or maybe it's simply because I cannot deny myself any longer! Anyways, here is a round up of my favorite graphics of the Royal Wedding memorabilia...you know you can't resist either!

Special Edition Mug--and a Tea Towel too--by Emma Bridgewater

Biscuit Tin & Biscuits from Liberty of London
(I'm so glad this is already sold out, otherwise I may have accidentally
purchased this to have a tea party with my nieces!)

Procession Tote Bag from House that Lars Built
Corgi Tea Towel by Gemma Correll

Tea Towel from Claudia Pearson
Giclee Print from Glyn West Design
"I Do" Tea Towel from the London Transport Museum
Tea Towel by Francis Terry for Ben Pentreath
(via Remodelista)

On the Design Wall

2011-03-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

With work ramping up, I haven't had much time for sewing lately but that doesn't mean I don't have 84,000 projects going! Here are a few projects up on my design wall at the moment:

I'm making a pair of pillows for my bed out of Denyse Schmidt's Single Girl Pattern. Megan, Nova and Katy have done an amazing job of managing the Single Girl Support Group and quilt along and I'm sorry to say I've been slacking. There are some gorgeous quilts in the works and I'm contemplating making a whole quilt... we'll see how the pillows go!

I finally made it into the Doll Quilt Swap #10 after watching the swap group for quite awhile. I'm basing the quilt for my partner off of Aneela's "Girl on a Tree Swing" tutorial.

Speaking of Aneela, have you seen her new fabric collection Sherbet Pips? It's finally just hitting stores but I scored a charm pack off ebay for myself for Christmas. Some type of wonky star quilt on Kona Ash is in the works... Get in on this collection while you can--my prediction is that it will be scooped up fast!

2011-03-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

I finished up my Little Folks Voile quilt last month. It's my 5th finished quilt of 2011--I'm pretty proud of that. If you do the math, that is more quilts than I've made in the rest of my life combined!

I started this quilt at the LAMQG Retreat. It is a super simple design of 13" squares set on the diagonal. It is so soft and is really wonderful to finally make a quilt to keep! Right now, I've got two puppies snuggled on it with me... I love it that way.

SNAPS knit wit

2011-03-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering for a while. But then I decided to go for it. Today I added US17's to my supplies--and maybe sometime soon, one crazy scarf.
More crazy stuff here.

1st Annual LAMQG Retreat

2011-03-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

photo from Handmade by Alissa

I had such a wonderful time at last weekend's LAMQG Retreat up in Lake Arrowhead. For us So-Cal city slickers, the huge amount of snow was part enchanting, part petrifying but overall made a lovely backdrop for the crackling fire and cozy sewing room. Check out the group's pictures here and here.

I drove up with Chris, Alissa and Lori and we had a ball--and things only got better as we settled in to a weekend of sewing, knitting, chatting and eating with the rest of the ladies! I feel so fortunate to have such an incredible network of talented, generous and all around superb friends who spark creativity and inspire me.

On the right is the notebook and pincushion I made for Emily, and on the right is the amazing woodland tote and pincushion that Lori made for me as part of our secret Fabric Fairy exchange

A few favorite moments include:

Guiding a few ladies through this fabulous bag tutorial and wishing I joined the group making these bags together under Jane's guidance.

Learning the 2-at-a-time sock method from our very own Master Knitter (aka. Lori). Well, learning might be a bit of an overstatement... I'm still struggling through it!

Stealing and swapping goodies from our "white-elephant" style gift exchange.

Getting iced out of our cabin at 1am with my amazing roomie (yeah, not really sure that qualifies as a "fave" moment, but definitely needs to make the cut somehow!)

Organizing the Fabric Fairy exchange. I LOVE my bag and pincushion!

I'm voting that this becomes a bi-annual retreat and hope to see more guild members join us next time!

Google Recipe Search

2011-02-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks goes to The Boy for forwarding on this news from Google today--the launch of a recipe search function. You can specify certain ingredients, cooking time, calories, etc. Interesting!..Check it out!

Love for Baby B

2011-02-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

I just sent off another baby quilt to one of my girlfriends. So many babies--it is so exciting! This quilt was a lot of fun to create. I was inspired by this quilt of Alissa's and made scrappy blocks with natural linen, brown, green and blue fabrics from my stash. The different sized blocks rock and really stand out against the solid green. Enjoy Baby Blaide!

A Cuppa...

2011-02-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

I've finally cut into my Anna Maria Horner Little Folks Voile for the Modern Blythe Lovers flickr swap. It is incredibly gorgeous and in the running for my most favorite fabric line ever. This goodness is getting hard to find but I just got several prints from Etsy seller Mountain of the Dragon who has great customer service in addition to a great selection of fabrics! Using it is helping me to get ready for the upcoming LAMQG retreat where I plan to work on a quilt kit with the whole Little Folks collection from Sewing Party--one of my favorite local fabric shops. It's dreamy!

Goodness

2011-02-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to see my grandparents, my Daddy picked some oranges from Gramp's tree. I've been enjoying them in orange juice form. Let's just say that there is no better orange juice in the world than what comes off your grandpa's tree, picked and delivered by your Dad, squeezed in a vintage juicer gifted to you from your great-auntie, poured from a Simon Pearce pitcher from your mama, and paired along with avocado on toast served on Kate Spade Larabee Road tidbit plates given to you by one of your best girlfriends... I'm in heaven.

Spicy Cauliflower Soup

2011-01-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I picked up a head of cauliflower from the Farmer's Market to help me work through the list. I don't often cook with cauliflower, so I was stumped about what to do with it. Typically I would make a side dish, but just as January is coming to a close, so is month number one of our new budget, so I decided to stretch it into a full meal instead. I went to Alice Waters' The Art of Simple Food for inspiration, and she didn't let me down. This Spicy Cauliflower Soup, served with yogurt, cilantro and lime, smells and tastes delicious--and is easy to make.

Photo by Philip Friedman for The Daily Green.

Triple Bee: Quarter Four

2011-01-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here are the final months of my contributions to the Bricolage + Butter Bee:

Ms. October: Liz, who blogs at Lady Harvatine

Liz gave us bright fabrics and simple instructions. I loved making these blocks. This quilt is intended for her guest room bed. Cool eh?

Ms. November: Chris, from Izzy Inspired

Chris was inspired by this quilt and gave us a variety of different neutral fabrics and these teal blue centers. She is planning on hand quilting this baby to really call out the seams of the quilt. It is going to be simply gorgeous.

Ms. December: Lauren, of Uppity Mama who is opening my new favorite fabric shop Sew Modern next month!

Lauren had us make blocks for a sample for her shop out of Riley Blake All Star 2 prints. These blocks were my first wonky star blocks and I'm hooked. She directed us to this tutorial which is lovely.

Triple Bee: Quarter Three

2011-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Quarter Three of my sewing for the Bricolage + Butter Bee:

Ms. July: Emily, from Seventeen & Em'

Emily had gorgeous fabrics, yellows, greys and aquas, and the fabulous Michael Miller Ellie Amber print that I fell in love with and can't get enough of (it's the very Orla Kiely-esque print).

Ms. August: Alyssa, of Handmade by Alyssa and author of Block Party (which is now available for pre-order!)

I added a few Flea Market Fancy prints to the fabrics that Alyssa provided. For her block, she directed us to this tutorial which I followed very loosely. Someday, I'll make a quilt in this style too. It was fun!

Ms. September: Kelli

Kelli gave us an assortment of great fabrics (vintage sheets and vintage reproduction fabrics) and had us make little houses. The colors and houses pop so lovely on the solid jadite fabric--I just can't get enough of it.

Triple Bee: Quarter Two

2011-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Quarter Two of my Bricolage + Butter Bee blocks:

Ms. April: Wendy

Wendy's blocks were the most complicated for me, but still fun. She gave us Heather Ross's Munki Munki Farmers Market print and had us make blocks using only fabrics that had the same colors in them. I made one that was yellow & blue, and another that was green & brown.

Ms. May: Terri

I loved Terri's fabric. For her blocks we had to use combinations of squares and stripes. It was challenging but totally exciting to get out of my comfort zone.

Ms. June: Me!

I couldn't wait for my month and had my fabrics picked out for months ahead of time! A Kokka Trefle Matryoshka Doll fabric was the color inspiration for my blocks. I had a fabulous time pulling green, brown, aqua, yellow, rust and orange fabrics fr om my stash (and picking up a few more at Purl too!). I'm planning on sashing the quilt in linen and finishing it up at the upcoming LAMQG retreat at the end of February.

I had everyone make wonky log cabin blocks. Some people added complimentary fabric from their own stash which is fun and helps me remember who made what.

Triple Bee: Quarter One

2011-01-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

These are the Bricolage + Butter Bee blocks I made for the first quarter of 2010:

Ms. January: Jane of Fancy Two (who designed the Modern Quilt Guild Logos)

We kicked off the bee with Jane who set the bar so high! Jane is a graphic designer and all around amazing lady (remember this apron & mitt set she made me?) so it was totally enchanting getting her fabulously packaged fabrics. Jane had us make blocks using the Denyse Schmidt Improvisational Patchwork method--a first for me and totally liberating. Whatever fabric you pulled out of the little brown bags (there were small, medium & large scraps), you had to use!

Ms. February: Jenny who is the author of Sew Darn Cute

Jenny gave us a mix of vintage, linen and other fabrics and had us do Denyse Schmidt Improvisational Patchwork too. I loved the Lotta Jansdotter fabrics she included.

Ms. March: Latifah, the Quilt Engineer

Latifah gave us a selection of Kona solids and instructed us to NOT make log cabin blocks! I had never really sewn with solids before these blocks and now am hooked!

Triple Bee

2011-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

I'm the world's worst quilting bee host, but have sure enjoyed the past year sewing blocks for an amazing group of women from the LA Modern Quilt Guild, getting to know them and their styles, and of course, receiving a quilt-full of blocks myself. It's shameful that I never blogged about it this year but I know you'll forgive me when you see these blocks and quilts.

My blocks up on the design wall. Aren't they fabulous?

As many of you know, a quilting bee is usually comprised of 12 quilters. Each month, one person provides fabric and instructions to the other 11 participants who sew blocks for them in return. Each month you are sewing blocks for a different person/quilt and one of the months, you get the incredible creations of all the bee participants. It is fabulously fun.

A hoop made by Ms. September and given to each member at our Triple Bee Finale hosted at Ms. May's lovely home. What can I say? These ladies are fabulous!

I invited a crew of creative and talented LAMQG ladies to join me in my very first bee... The Bricolage + Butter Bee, or Triple Bee as we called it. In 2010 we sewed blocks, and I'm sure in 2011 we'll be finishing quilts and so I'll share those here too as they are going to be INCREDIBLE. I loved it and am definitely interested in participating in another bee in the future. Visit our flickr group here.

I think this is my favorite block I made. It was hard to give it up, and I'm fairly certain I'll be trying to steal this quilt... as well as 10 others too!

Over the next week, I'll share more about the Triple Bee, and the fun fabrics and directions that I got to play with all year-long.

Show & Tell: Camden's Quilt

2011-01-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

It's hard to think of my childhood best friend as the mother of 3 boys! It wasn't that long ago that we were playing with our Barbie dolls or American Girl dolls together--and now she has real live baby dolls! For boy #3, I picked out some Amy Butler Belle fabrics--the oranges and aquas seemed her style, but still boyish enough too to handle snails and puppy dog tails. It's my first finished quilt of 2011 (and you know I'll be keeping a tally this year)... Enjoy Baby Camden!

Radio Interview - Mark Bitterman (On Salt)

2011-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

This morning on the drive home from the Farmer's Market I caught part of KCRW's Good Food radio show. For anyone interested in knowing more about or cooking with salt, I fully recommend the last twenty minutes of this podcast (starting at 40:21). It is an interview with Mark Bitterman, owner of The Meadow (salt and chocolate shop--right?) and author of the new book Salted.

Persimmon and Granola

2011-01-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

I'm working my way through the list--persimmon is easy because it is my favorite Fall/Early Winter fruit. I love to eat fuyu persimmons cut up like apples or in a salad--but sometimes I don't know what to do with hachiya persimmons, which are soft and mushy. Recently I started baking homemade granola, and making this hachiya/granola combo for The Boy and I for dessert, or in this case, for breakfast. I'll post the granola recipe sometime soon...just wait for the hachiyas to feel liquid soft under the skin, and then chop them up and mix with granola.

Family Gift - Baby Bib & Matching Napkins

2011-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

We're finally at the age where some of my cousins are having not a first or a second, but a third baby. I'm so excited for their families. I never really know what to get a third baby since I'm pretty sure they are doomed for hand-me-downs, so I was also excited when inspiration hit during a visit to the Purl warehouse a while back. Since there are so many great matching oilcloth and cloth fabrics, I decided to make the new babies oilcloth bibs and the rest of the siblings and parents cloth napkins to match.

The shape of the bib is from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby book (although I didn't follow the pattern and instead of stitching on a pocket and serging the edges, I just sewed an outline about 1/4" inside the edge). The napkins are 9" x 9" and serged with quilting thread in an accent color.

The oilcloth and fabric are Kokka - Echino Ni-Co Aqua Bikes.

Kale, Squash & Cannellini Bean Soup

2011-01-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

Last night after work my friend Mary came over and we made this soup. It is a Martha Stewart recipe, and I've made it several times. I love the Winter flavors and the fact that it only takes 30 minutes to cook. I had it again for lunch today and it reminded me that (as a bread lover) I usually need to add more stock or water when heating up the leftovers...

Seasonal Produce - Winter

2011-01-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today, to help me with my shopping and meal planning, I made a little cheat sheet of produce that is generally in season during the Winter (December, January & February). I like to cook in season for two reasons--it makes sense to me from a nature/health standpoint, and because it's generally more cost effective...I guess because producers are moving their bounty rather than investing in resources to create the conditions necessary to grow produce outside of the natural season. While I generally know what types of common fruits and vegetables are in season, I resolved for 2011 to expand my cooking to include a greater variety of seasonal produce--hence the need for a cheat sheet! Hope it's helpful to you too...

SNAPS robert kaufman charm pack

2011-01-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

The generous Robert Kaufman Fabrics just donated charm packs to all the Modern Quilt Guilds. Jamie and I left last night's Los Angeles meeting with one pack each, and with the challenge to each finish one quilt by our March meeting. The quilts have to be made completely with these 44 Kona solids and the addition of only one other solid. I thought about the challenge all the way home and finally figured out what to do just as I pulled in...thank you, Robert Kaufman!

Me + Food, Part I

2010-12-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

Before I was ever really interested in food, I was interested in restaurant culture. It started when I was living in London with my friend Lindsy during a break from college. Each evening, on my walk home from work, I would observe a waitstaff through the windows of a peaceful little restaurant a few blocks away from our flat. It began with someone polishing glassware. Then another pressing linens. A few days later someone was sweeping the walk in front of the restaurant. As weeks passed, I pieced together the narrative of their pre-service rituals. I loved every detail--the flower arranging, the bread delivery, the frantic, perturbed look on the chef’s face when he was called from the kitchen to make a decision...

One evening I happened to walk by when the kitchen and wait staff were sitting down to family meal. I didn’t know enough about restaurants at the time to know that this is what it’s called, or that this tradition is very typical in restaurants throughout the world. For a few days, I couldn’t figure out what they were doing. I started timing my commute so that I would walk by the restaurant during family meal and could get a longer look. Everyone sat down at a long table at the front of the restaurant. There didn’t seem to be any particular order--chef coats and suit jackets were mixed. They would eat dinner family style and taste a few wines. The same two people would always be talking--I imagined the chef discussing the details of the menu and the sommelier sharing a few pairings. Later I would learn that this is only the beginning of what kind of directives get served at a family meal.

At the end of the meal, the tableware would be cleared and the linen removed. Someone would spread out a freshly pressed tablecloth and that would be it. But not for me.

Part II coming soon...

(photo from Light House restaurant's website, Wimbledon Village)

Renegade Craft Fair - Holiday Sale in LA

2010-12-12T21:32:00.001-08:00

On Saturday afternoon The Boy and I headed to the LA Holiday Renegade Craft Fair. We had an enjoyable stroll through booth after booth of great stuff. A few highlights:

Oh--and getting a picture taken with the mascot! ;)

SNAPS new pillowcase

2010-12-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

We spent Black Friday perusing the streets of Laguna Beach. I picked up this pillow case from LALA.

I love the edge detail...

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T21:36:00.000-08:00

Small white + sugar pie pumpkins. Votives + Mom's silver. Found + handmade napkins. Place cards inspired by Jen's wedding. Felted acorns. Family + friends.

Roasted turkey + Giblet gravy
Sausage, fennel + cornbread stuffing
Bacon mashed potatoes
Citrus salad
Sweet potatoes with rosemary + shallots
Corn + cabbage succotash
Jamie's relish tray
Olive, pain de campagne + butter rolls
Pumpkin + pecan pies
Cheesecake

Hosted by The Boy + Me, with thanks to all who helped.

the fam

2010-11-14T18:19:00.001-08:00

After seeing the work of the very talented Nan Lawson at this event, I decided that it was time for a family portrait. I absolutely LOVE what Nan came up with (B even has spikey hair!). Check out the puppies... she totally nailed their color markings and soft foldy ears. Can't wait to hang this puppy up so what kind of frame do you think I should get for this original masterpiece?

Another Bag

2010-11-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

Bags are a girl's best friend and I can't have enough. I love sewing bags and am always looking for a new simple pattern. The other day, Megan posted a few new bags that she made and with her recommendation, I whipped up my own Jane Market Bag from Rosy Little Things. Inspired by Megan's bags, I also patchworked the outside pockets--love that touch!

SNAPS enjoying fall

2010-10-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

WIP: Fabric Baskets

2010-10-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

I've long admired the fabric baskets from Pink Penguin... and this week I started actually making them. Rather than follow the actual tutorial, I'm selecting 12 different fabrics and cutting 2 squares of each fabric (one for the front and one for the back) to really show off what different fabric scraps could be inside. The plan is for each basket to hold that color's scraps. I love showcasing my favorite fabrics together like this!

Geometry

2010-10-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm combining some of my favorite things into one post: food, books, decorating, textiles, NPR, cool websites...and Geometry? Well, it was the only math class that I even remotely understood in my high school career (and college for that matter!) Anyways, I actually do love geometric shapes and this rug from West Elm does it for me.

As does this book which just came in the mail--an impulse purchase after this NPR interview. I love it because it's all about the beauty of geometric pasta shapes and pairing the right sauce with the right shape. Ah, details! The Geometry of Pasta website is also fabulous...recipes, illustrations, animations....

Swappy Suspense

2010-10-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Saavy Seasons Swap item. It is such a tease seeing photos of everything and wondering which one is headed my direction. Love it!

My partner was Heather of {House} of A La Mode. I know right? It was slightly intimidating having her as a partner, being that she is all amazing and all. I loved looking through her flickr albums to get inspiration and let me tell you, she is one inspiring chick! I decided on a pair of pillows. One was a holiday version like the one I made Jane for the LAMQG swap, and the other had a forest of trees adapted from this Purl Bee project.

Photo from {House} of A La Mode

Because everyone needs kitchen accessories to match the couch accessories, I added in a holiday potholder and ballband dishcloth. Using the green and red fabrics got me in the mood to start in on some holiday gift projects--anyone else in denial that it is mid-October? Anyway, I loved participating in this swap and look forward to many more! Enjoy Heather!

Happy First Birthday LAMQG

2010-10-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we've just pasted the year one milestone. What a year! What amazing people! To celebrate the LA Modern Quilt Guild's 1st birthday, we had the coolest swap. The basic idea is that you received someone's scraps and were allowed to add one additional fabric to their stash to make them something. I love the concept of this swap in so many ways: using up scraps, making something for someone with fabric you know they love, being there when people open their swappy surprise... awesome! I missed the September meeting so was thinking I'd have to sit this swap out (and you know how I'm recently obsessed with swaps!). But fortunately, Jane missed the meeting too and we decided to swap together. Lets just say that I was giddy with anticipation wondering what the amazing Jane would create...

Photo by Seventeen & Em (check out more awesome photos here!)

I made Jane a patchwork pillow with her gorgeous blue and green scraps. I knew she liked this quilt I'm working on so decided to make it in the same style. She made me an AMAZING apron and matching oven mitt--wearing them, seeing them, petting them just delights me. We both added linen to the scraps to make the items which makes me chuckle... That's the great thing about swapping with a friend--she knows what you LOVE!

Baby Audrey's Quilt

2010-10-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

Some friends just had their first baby and it prompted me to finish up a quilt I had pieced together a few years ago. The problem is, the pups kind of wanted to keep it. As soon as I laid it down to take a picture, they both came and sat on it. Adorable.

Number One Dog

2010-09-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ruby Dog turned one this past week. Such a big girl!

She was supposed to share her birthday cake treat with her little sister, but Ellie only got a few licks! Regarding the puppies, their eyes are only this freaky blue because of the flash... promise!

Free Motion Quilting

2010-09-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

My increased flickr activity has introduced me to the concept of "quilting as you go." A traditional quilt is comprised of patchworked blocks, sewn together, and then quilted. I love the block sewing, but the quilting part is totally daunting and overwhelming to me--which is why I have a collection of unfinished quilt tops, rather than finished quilts!

The idea behind the "quilt as you go" concept is that you quilt each block as you sew it, then assemble the quilted blocks together to make the quilt. I was intrigued. Definitely read these tutorials from Sew Take a Hike if you are getting intrigued yourself!

My curiosity, frequent viewing of the flickr group, and the fact that I was sick (and sick of house arrest) encouraged me to take the plunge and give free motion quilting a try last week. I loved it! The first attempt was quite disasterous, but I'm happy to report that I'm improving.

These are my first 2 blocks for Quilt As You Go | Quilt Along. They are stippled. By me. I'm so excited about this! So far, I'm using just my scraps, but eventually I'll have to starting cutting into the stash. As you can see, any fabric goes so it is a great way to use up some fabrics I don't love anymore along with my current favorites!

This technique is called pebble quilting. Alissa made this quilt which I just adored so I wanted to give pebble quilting a try. SO FUN! But quite tiring. I can't imagine doing an entire quilt like this which is why it is so fun to piece the quilt together this way. How big should I make this quilt? Should I add in some sashing (fabric between the blocks) or just sew them together? Let me know what you think!

Saavy Seasons Swap

2010-09-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

I've done it. I've become obsessed with swapping on flickr. It started innocently--a little fat quarter fabric trade here and there... and now I've progressed onto bigger and better things.

Click here for links to these fabulous images/creations

Here is the inspiration mosaic I created for my secret partner for the Saavy Seasons Swap which is hosted by Heather--she is a swap guru! Using these colors, ideas and whimsy in mind, my partner will make me something seasonal that I can have out, post-Thanksgiving through January. I'm busy making something for my partner too--you'll see it soon. Meanwhile, check out the flickr group to see all of the elves in action and get ready to be inspired!

SNAPS creative inc

2010-09-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

This evening The Boy was a gracious stunt double to Jamie who was too sick to venture out to the Creative Inc book signing at Urbanic Paper Boutique. Meg and Joy (and families) were adorable--as was the store. Well worth the jaunt to Venice.

We also enjoyed the sweets by Bake Lab--an LA bakeshop yet to go retail. Loved their cookies. Wishing the book, the store, the bakery and the ladies behind them all the best of luck.

SNAPS tiny shells

2010-08-28T20:29:00.001-07:00

Today we went to the beach for a little bit and took a nap.
Found these when I woke up...

Back to School Notebook Cover Tutorial

2010-08-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

With a batch of friend's kiddos heading to kindergarten this fall, I designed a reusable composition notebook cover with these new scholars in mind. I can just picture letters formed and words penned on the pages within.

Make your own with the very first Bricolage + Butter tutorial--tested by the Creative Craft Workshop! Pick up a few composition notebooks (I get mine from Target), grab some scraps, and get sewing this weekend!

Squared-Off Photo Wall

2010-08-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Since moving over Memorial Day, The Boy and I have been spending as much time as possible settling into the new place. This recently meant a photo wall full of tricky math (that's why The Boy is involved). I helped as much as I could by assembling the frames, and sketching out how the wall should look.

I started by drawing, to scale (one square = one inch), the outer dimensions of the squared-off rectangle on some graph paper. I also drew the frames to scale and cut them into pieces. I drew mock frames of many different sizes and then played around with placement to get all the frames to fit within the borders that I had determined would fit best on the wall.

It helped me with final placement to differentiate which frames had heavy borders by sketching the frame borders out more or less to scale as well. After a long time of playing around with the model, I finally figured out placement that would work, and then I ordered the frames.

Next I taped the mock frames that made the final cut to the top side of my envisioned rectangle.

Then down the left side of the rectangle.

Then across the bottom.

Then, spiraled the rest of the frames up the right side and through the middle.

The order that I taped the model together (top, left, bottom, right, middle) is the same way that we installed the frames as well--which helped us keep the edges square. When the frames came, I laid them out on the floor according to the model, and we ended up making a few minor tweaks, which is why the picture of the final model doesn't exactly look like the actual photo wall.

Thanks to W's mathematical magic, everything came together. I love how the frames square up around the edges, but have random spacing within the interior of the rectangle...looks kind of like a quilt!

Frames are from Aaron Brothers, Dryads Dancing and Room & Board.

Creative Craft Workshop

2010-08-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Day One: Getting familiar with the new sewing machine by zigzag stitching on moleskin notebooks!

Many of you know how much I had been looking forward to my sewing class with Fairmont Summer Programs. Last week's class truly was one of the highlights of my crafty career--I was lucky to have an amazing group of junior high girls in a workshop packed with fun, projects and learning to sew! A special thanks to all of you who helped by donating supplies--and for the ideas and inspiration!

Day Two: Handsewing the Tomato Pincushion Pattern by Valori Wells

It was so exciting and fulfilling to see my students get engaged, get excited and be so proud of what they created. I was amazed at how quickly they picked up the concepts and techniques, and how readily they tackled their own creative endeavors. I loved the fabric combinations they came up with and how they each had their own style and ideas.

Day One: Taking home completed Notebooks & Totebags

We started off the week learning to operate the Viking E20 that each student got to keep at the end of class. Monday's projects included moleskin notebooks from Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts, as well as canvas totebags that the girls sewed scraps of fabric onto in the same technique as the notebooks.

Day Two: Skyping with Valori Wells

On Tuesday, we were fortunate to skype with fabric and pattern designer Valori Wells! It was so great to see Val again as I haven't seen her since I moved from Central Oregon, over a year and a half ago. Val is so wonderful and she talked to the girls about designing fabric and even showed us some new designs she is working on, as well as her latest fabric collection. I loved hearing the girls whisper things like "Do you see her shirt? She made it!" It was definitely one of the highlights of the class for me to be back in Val's studio--virtually...

Day Two: Making Film in the Fridge's Flannel Pillowcase Tutorial

Wednesday brought a visit from a very special guest, Alissa Haight Carlton from Handmade by Alissa. Alissa spoke to the girls about modern quilting, and the process of making a quilt--and we were treated to an incredible quilt show and tell!

Day Three: Modern Quilting with Alissa

She also shared about her day job as casting director for Project Runway which definitely got the girls thinking about what could happen if they keep sewing! It was amazing to have her share her passion with my students. A few of the girls were so inspired that they have already started making their first quilt! Wednesday's project was to sew wonky log cabin quilt blocks.

Day Four: A visit to the Purl Soho Warehouse

On Thursday we turned the log cabin quilt blocks into covers for composition notebooks. (Tutorial coming soon!) We also visited the Purl Soho Warehouse in Tustin. It was great to see what fabrics the girls were drawn to (Echino, obviously! Can we blame them?). One of them purchased some of Val's Nest fabric, you know, because they are buddies now :) Jen was so nice to come in (she just had a baby after all!) and meet the girls and answer all of their questions. On the field trip, they each picked out oilcloth for Friday's class project.

Day Five: Working with oilcloth & zippers!

Our final project was a zippered oilcloth cosmetic bag. I was a bit nervous about this project... the pattern is very simple but oilcloth and zippers are super tough! But the girls were awesome and fearlessly jumped in. The paper towel (or tissue paper) trick helped, along with a denim needle. I was so impressed, and I think the cosmetic bags were one of the highlights for the girls.

Day Five: The Next Generation of Crafters!

In short, it was an incredible week. I learned so much, felt such pride and have immense satisfaction knowing that there are 6 new crafters who are off to a great start in making amazing things. The best part? Realizing that I love to teach others to sew more than I love sewing. The worst part? I've had Justin Bieber stuck in my head for a week...

Wedding Quilt No. 1

2010-08-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

This past June one of our cousin married a very cute girl and when we heard about their wedding colors (brown, pink, burnt orange & gold) we got inspired. And decided to make our first quilt together. I had been through the process once, and Jamie was well on her way, but this quilt was different--especially for me. We decided to go with a wonky log cabin pattern and after assembling fabrics from Jamie's stash (and a trip to the Purl warehouse), decided to tone those fabulous colors down with some linen sashing as well. I literally had no idea what I was doing, but Jamie guided me through my first square, and after completely botching it and a few others, I decided that I loved it. 14 squares later though, I was working like a pro!

Jamie's favorite square--I think because of the pig fabric.

My favorite square--because it was my first, and I somehow messed it up several times. See how imperfect it is? I just kept cutting off the bad parts and sewing on replacements--so much fun and non-frustrating. Swoon...

Many thanks to Jamie for hand binding the entire thing--as well as sewing the sashing, etc.

Our friend at work, Sherry, has an embroidery machine so we swapped her lunch for her help with the label--which we created in the same fonts and colors as the wedding invitation.

Anyways, here is the end result. We're having a little trouble parting with it. We actually finished the quilt within two weeks of the wedding, but it hasn't made it into the mail yet. Bad sisters! Hopefully we can talk J&L to meeting up with us in LA for a hand-off sometime soon...

Front

Back

Support Action Kivu

2010-08-23T20:22:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about Action Kivu? I love the concept of empowering victimized Congolese women through teaching them how to sew! If this is something that you want to be part of, please join me in supporting this organization--and these women and their children.

For more information on how you can help, please visit Alissa's blog where she is hosting a week-long fundraiser. Your donation even enters you in a raffle to win fabulous fabric prizes! Hands off the Flea Market Fancy bundle--that one is mine!

SNAPS a new quilt

2010-08-22T21:45:00.001-07:00

I'm obsessed and in love.

Unique OC

2010-08-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, The Boy and I hooked up with Jamie to check out Unique OC--a spin off of Unique LA, and a small scale fair of handmade things by local artists. We had a nice time and met some interesting people/makers. And, I wanted to give a shout out to my favorite booths:

Nan Lawson
Paper Pastries
My Friend Roze -- well, I grabbed the wrong card and this should have been someone else who makes very cool dresses and other clothes -- will try to find her and post about it soon
Bird Envy
Kelso Doesn't Dance
The Poster List

There were many other vendors as well. Here is the entire list for some great browsing!

Things to Make

2010-07-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

There are so many great things to make being shared online. Here is an assortment of several tutorials and DIY tips that have caught my eye over the summer. Happy Making!

A Case for the iPad

2010-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

I spy in the middle...something that's not a book! (Photo from Simple Song)

For our 3rd Anniversary, The Boy surprised me with an iPad. Since April it has somehow managed to survive without a cover. While I've typically been a simple incase type of girl, the Chilewich iPhone Case kind of changed that for me...so now I'm on the hunt. I'm kind of feeling something felt...any ideas? Here are a few that I've dug up so far...

Left column: Long Live Books (book and sleeve)

Right column: 2 color options from Byrd & Belle, leather case from Julie Boyles, a second shot at the Long Live Books sleeve in orange, and one of many options from Thitaree

(Special thanks to Jayna for tipping me off to the Byrd & Belle case--it's definitely a favorite)

Part of My Week 07 03 10

2010-07-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well--this post is really a "part of my quarter" rather than "week" type of round-up. A few months ago my Facebook profile read "Goodbye blogs, yoga, health, knitting, husband, friends, bicycling, cooking and everything else good in life--I just read my course syllabus for the semester..." Sad but true, but now I'm off of school for the summer and feeling very happy to be back in the blogosphere. I'm not sure exactly how many posts I was behind on because apparently Google Reader rounds it up as 1,000+ but this evening I finally caught up...so, here are some of the things that caught my eye...in rows left to right...

Row 1 - Portland Picnic Plates; Dales Ford Organics Pig Print Tote via Simple + Pretty; Tips on how to keep a baguette fresh via Stephmodo

Row 2 - Found via Oh Happy Day, this spread of cakes inspired by Wayne Thiebaud (photos by Kate Harrison via Green Wedding Shoes via You Are my Fave); The entire site and especially this laundry bag from Aubin + Wills; Cotton Ribbon Samplers from Edizoni

Row 3 - Minima Bowls via Remodelista, Commune-designed Heath Ceramics store in the SF Ferry Market via Remodelista

Row 4 - Sparrow Key Ring Organizer from Barnvanligt via Bliss
Row 1 - Make Believe T-Shirt from Make Believe Studio via Design Crush; The new "May" doll from Le Train Fantome

Row 2 - Food Flower Style's flower delivery service via Stephmodo; Mid-Century Credenza from the home of Michael & Sarah Hunter featured on Design Sponge

Row 3 - Home Tour Caitlin Mociun featured on Design Sponge; On Sale - Moka Print from Sandra Juto

A Real Quilt

2010-06-26T10:23:00.001-07:00

Sharing the quilt at the May LAMQD meeting. Photo by Seventeen & 'Em.

More photos to come, but my first real quilt (as in, not a giant potholder) has been given to Sweet Baby Riley. I'm hooked. More quilts to come too!

To Do: Buy more Fabric!

2010-06-14T20:42:00.001-07:00

At our most recent LA Modern Quilt Guild Meeting (which by the way is getting better and better!), we had a mini quilt swap. Can you even believe the adorableness of the quilt I got? This treasure was made by Lori--I LOVE IT! Thanks Alissa for these awesome photos too! So many incredible quilts were created and traded. As always, I'm just amazed and inspired by the creativity of our group. Read more about it at Handmade by Alissa and Seventeen & Em'.

Photos from Handmade by Alissa

In other fabric news, I've become obsessed with fabric swapping on flickr. If you are in-search-of (ISO) fabric, you have to give this a try. Or, if like me, you just like getting new fabric, you have to give this a try! It is simple: Join a swap group (I like the Designer Swappy Poo), Post a picture of the fabric you are willing to part with and comment or message the people you'd like to trade with. Thanks to Nicole and Chris from LAMQD who introduced me to the flickr fabric swap world... Beware, it's addictive!

Happy (late) Mother's Day

2010-06-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day, B and I made these herb plant tags out of vintage silverware for our Mamas... Ever since I first saw this idea way back here, I've been wanting to 1) have some and 2) make my own (being the DIYer that I am). It was a fun little "joint" project for the Moms--mostly by B!

Since we made these, I found a tutorial from Shrimp Salad Circus found via How About Orange and saw them at Anthropologie last weekend... Such trendy Mamas we have!

The Owl and the Pussycat

2010-05-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

One of Court and my favorite books growing up (who are we kidding? it still is!) was the Owl & the Pussycat by Hillary Knight. It truly delights me. I'd kill for a copy.

So you can imagine the feelings inside on spotting Heather Ross's new Far Far Away 2 prints... (Image from Heather Ross). Check out the prints and fabulous color ways on her blog and prepare to be enchanted.

SNAPS Sneak Peek

2010-04-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ruby Dog loves this quilt I'm making for my girlfriend's soon-to-arrive baby girl. If puppy obedience school only taught handstitching on a binding...

Part of my Week

2010-04-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few things I've been feasting on lately:

EmersonMade's Home Tour featured on Design*Sponge
The world's cutest Ukuleles from Olivelse
Peeps Bunny Bunting from Made. Found via Bunny Cakes
Dottie Angel's Happy Hanger How To
Blik Headboard Decals. Found via Design Crush

The Not So Weekend Sew

2010-04-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

We were planning to head to Saturday's Weekend Sew with the LA Modern Quilt Guild, but got a late start so we only made it to the new Ruby's Diner in Anaheim for a late lunch and decided to head back to Jamie's to do our sewing. Hopefully we can make it next month! Eliminating the drive did mean that we got a couple hours more sewing time in--we finished up a baker's dozen of wonky log cabins on a quilt that we're creating together...more about that later!

Loving the new retro decor and the sweet busser who stopped by our table
to ask us if we were having a "nice experience"!

As you can see, we bought out the Purl warehouse (on a previous lunch date).

Jamie taught me how to do a log cabin. Here is one of my first ever...love it.
(Pardon the bad shots--took them with my phone.)

Moleskine Passion Books (& Hacks)

2010-04-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for the Moleskine Passion Books - Wellness, Wine, Book, Music, Film, and especially, RECIPES! I won't be needing them all, but looks like I might be making an upgrade...

Did you know Moleskine has a blog? It's called Moleskinerie. I love seeing how people all around the world use their books. And also, I loved this Moleskine hacker post I caught on TreeHugger over the weekend.

Photo from simple blueprint.

P.S. Since I'm planning to order one, if you're someone that I see regularly and you want in on an order to split shipping costs, let me know by Friday. It looks like buying 4 or more discounts the price $1 so we may as well go bulk. A penny saved...

Modern Quilt Guild on Etsy

2010-04-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Look what I found--a photo of Jamie and other fabulous ladies at an LA Modern Quilt Guild meeting in Jenny's Home Ec shop. Check out the full post and other pictures on Etsy here.

SNAPS leftovers for lunch

2010-04-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Finally made it to Osteria Mozza for dinner (last night). Can't wait to try the pizzeria next--but first, leftovers for lunch! I wanted to try the calf brain ravioli for my pasta course, but no one wanted to share! Went with the squid ink and sea urchin instead...hmm.

Part of My Week...

2010-04-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

One, two, skip a few--that's been the nature of our weekly re-caps the last couple of weeks thanks to work, work and homework. At least you know our priorities are straight, right? ;) Anyways, here are some things that managed to catch my attention the past few weeks, despite the grind...

Clockwise from top left:

Pieced pinwheel (Wee Wonderfuls)
Leibwoitz & McLachlan interior (Desire to Inspire)
Pretty Vintage Things Arranged by Color (via See Saw Designs)
Wall Mural - projector method (Design Sponge)
Vintage French Stripe Market Tote (from Jill Bent--via everyone)
Cable Throw by Adrienne Rogers (Remodelista)

SNAPS new yarn

2010-04-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

Finally had a chance to get some yarn to start my next carriage blanket. Beware! This is going to be a funky one! Blue Sky Alpaca - Skinny Dyed Cotton: Organic Clay, Pink, Maize & Zinc.

SNAPS frogs (not that kind)

2010-03-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot about this snap I took this past fall from an antique store in Petaluma, Ca (forget the name of it--used to be the Roost on Kentucky St). Anyways, I got a kick out of the display--flower frogs and scrabble squares.

New Design Project: Fairmont Mable Campus

2010-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

This summer, Fairmont Private Schools is renovating its Mable campus and I'm helping out with some of the design choices. First up is the exterior paint color. Above is an old photo of the main school building which is a 1910 American Foursquare from what I can tell. It leans heavy towards the craftsman side of the foursquare era, and doesn't fit either description perfectly. (If you happen to be an early century architecture expert, I'm all ears.)

The building was the old Carroll Residence in Anaheim (they were beet farmers)--the building was purchased by Fairmont in 1955 and has been home to the 1st-8th grades ever since (for the most part). Anyways, I'm a big believer in maintaining the integrity of an old building as much as possible in a modernization. In this case, my goals are to find an exterior paint scheme that updates the look of the school without being a complete departure from the foursquare era, somehow incorporates the school's colors (blue/red), looks good painted on the rest of the campus buildings, and feels like a school as much as possible. Oh, and I'm kind of starting off with a bias not to bring the red in--thinking of just sticking with the blue for now.

Today's research took me to a great website called Antique Homes, and its sister flickr pool Daily Bungalow, where I dug up a ton of pictures including the above advertisement. Fascinating, but not very helpful. So, I created the below collages and could really use some opinions:

Is tan too boring? How about the slightly green-ish tan in the Craftsman at top right?
Is navy and white (like the Tyler Florence - Mill Valley storefront) too East coast?
How about this light gray color (in the Bernardo Urqiueta - San Francisco home) with a red door?
Is this white/dark blue/light blue detail on this Austin Gingerbread too hokey or just right?
Is gray (below) too dark for a school?

(Photos from Daily Bungalow, Remodelista, Antique Homes, Desire to Inspire & Google Images)

Part of my Week

2010-03-14T13:35:00.001-07:00

I love you because print by SeattleShowPosters found via Swiss Miss

Lara of Ink & Spindle's New Wall Stickers!

Dog Stache, found via Swiss Miss

Liberty of London for Target debuts today

Design * Sponge's DIY Woven Cork Ikea Skala Tray

Alphabets All Around

2010-03-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

I was born into loving alphabets as some people are born into money. It's as simple as that. I can't help but notice how they are everywhere these days too. Check these out! In rows, left to right (click on image to enlarge--don't miss the details of these babies!)...

Angela Liguori Brocade Ribbons (Edizoni)
Stamp Chart (The Small Object)
Jessica Hische (Design Sponge)
Alligators All Around (via my childhood memories of growing up with the Nutshell Library)
Girard Alphabet Blocks (Moma Store)
Paper Nut (Black Eiffel)
Please someone, help me find the artist to this image that I pulled years ago and still love to death--if I remember correctly, she is an artist around Seattle who makes individual square prints and will do custom numbers. I recall N, Z or "rette" being in her name some how...anybody recognize?
Found Alphabet (Black Eiffel)
Beauchamping (Simple Song)
Proverbial Quilt Pattern (Denise Schmidt) - Not exactly the alphabet, but close enough
The Blueprint-made-famous Binth Alphabet poster now available in individual prints
Ink Tree Press (Etsy)

SNAPS i think i might go gladiator

2010-03-09T18:17:00.001-08:00

J.Crew Spring 2010 - It took me a while to warm up to the idea...

Part of My Week

2010-03-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

Better late than never! This weekend came and went too quickly...the leisure time was grand and the homework not so bad either...anyways, here are a few things that caught my attention last week. Clockwise from top left...

Ixelles Settee from Casamidy (Remodelista)
An email from Heath Ceramics announcing their Spring/Summer 2010 collection
Bobbi Bear (Purl Soho)
Lumi Doll Print - collaboration between Julie Morstad & Le Train Fantome
Fog Linen Book (Lena Corwin)
Photo from Cathinca's Flickr album (via Morning's Light)
Cupcake Kits (Oh Joy)

Good Company

2010-03-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

In my dream world, I craft and blog all day. In the real world, I have a great "real job." Since the fall, I've been working with my team to develop the program, theme, collateral and website for Fairmont's 2010 Summer Program. It is with great enthusiasm that I share with blogland, Fairmont's Summer Circus, aka. my "real job."

I've been living and breathing the circus and am happy to see that I'm not alone. Check out some of Fairmont Summer Program's recent circus-y company. Something tells me, we couldn't have picked a better theme for 2010!

Giant Dwarf Pinwheels found via Design is Mine
The Winding Road's Circus Birthday Party featured on The Sweetest Occasion, found via my girlfriend Jayna who incidentally designed our amazing look!
Circus Tent Ring found via Greedy Girl Anthropologie's February 2010 Circus Catalogue
J Crew's Crewcuts Circus

Bookin' Good!

2010-03-01T18:57:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't heart books? (BTW, at what point did heart take over love in the land of blogs? I still get a kick out of that.)

Here's a little something I learned from Dr. Krashen, language acuqisition researcher extraordinaire, at Fairmont's last teacher in-service: Need to expand your personal library, but on the cheap? Book Mooch lets you do it for (almost) free.

And here are some things that caught my attention blogging and twittering the past few weeks (clockwise from top left)...

- Stack of Cookbooks photo from Geninne's Art Blog
- Penguin Postcards (via Design Crush)
- Mrs. Literary Book Club - a funny, if not a bit snotty, view of reading in style (via Mrs. Lilien)
- More Penguin Classics Books (Amazon & Anthropologie - photo from Anthro)
- Cover Spy "a team of publishing nerds hits the subways, streets, parks and bars to see what New Yorkers are reading now"
- Readeo (new partner of Chronicle Books) allows grandparents to read to their grandchildren via the internet while living far away...love it!

Part of My Week

2010-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

What a week! After packing a week of work into a few days, B and I are now on a mini vacation in Montana to see friends. Check out a few favorite parts of my week (not related to my time in Montana!):

To support my claim that you can't have too much Green: Belle Maison's Green Interiors
To make me miss Paris (even more!): Design Crush's Picture It: Eiffel Tower (photo by Andy Bloxham)
Loving this Tasty Book, found via the Purl Bee Newsletter
To give me another chance at getting one of these amazing creations: The In like a Lion, Out like a Lamb Collection by Stephanie Congdon Barnes

Resonating

2010-02-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

I love this message and print by designer Muro Buro (found via Design is Mine). How easily I get distracted by what I really want to do...

That is why I loved taking the Screenprinting Workshop with Andy Kane and Illustrator 101 with Alma Loveland at last weekend's Mini Art Weekend-LA. Beware things! A makeover is in your future...

SNAPS bunting

2010-02-23T21:06:00.001-08:00

I am having way too much fun with this little project for work. Details coming soon...

SNAPS stitching with nieces

2010-02-21T20:23:00.001-08:00

I spent the afternoon with my nieces. We were trying to be quiet while the little ones were sleeping so I told them I thought I would knit, but they had a better idea...

P.S. Someone asked what the book was. It's called Miss Woolly's Mini Cross-Stitch by Eliza Edwards (photo from Barnes & Noble). My nieces got this book from their grandmother for Christmas. So cute.

Part of My Week...

2010-02-20T20:49:00.000-08:00

A few things that caught my attention this week...rows, left to right:

I love all the black in this room (Remodelista)
Wish I was within walking distance to the Brook Farm General Store (Sunday Suppers)
Enjoyed the shades in this Valentine's arrangement of tulips on my co-worker's desk (from her grown daughter, how sweet is that!)
Cork knobs by Jasper Morrison (Remodelista)
Pepe baby shoes (Makie)
My mind is spinning with many ideas for theses ABC paper cups (Design Crush)
Cleverly designed - the Thermos Kaan (Design Crush)
Shades and stripes in these "neck worm" designs (Sanda Juto)
If I didn't bring my own bags to the store, I would reuse paper ones with this metal frame from Matteria (Remodelista--lots of great stuff from them this week!)

Toys for Kids

2010-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

(Playroom, Mahar Home)

What do you buy for a sweet little girl's birthday who is number four in the line up? I was stumped until reading the Lisa Mahar post that I mentioned a few days ago. If you haven't read the interview yet, and you're interested in exploring one mom's take on kids playing with "materials" rather than toys, take a peek.

Lisa is the owner of Kid O, a design store for children. After stumbling on this post by A Merry Mishap, I read the interview which took me to Lisa's online store. I browsed around and found this fascinating tub and decided my search was over. We'll see how she likes it--today is her day...

I also want to mention that my thoughts have been with Lisa and the Kid O staff all week. Last week I ordered the gift along with some other little things that I wanted to give to other people. A few days after making the online order, I got a call from a staff member at the store saying that while they could ship the Bilibo from their New Jersey warehouse, they wouldn't be able to accommodate the rest of the order due to a fire that had happened overnight that took the store and its wares. I felt so terrible for everyone involved with the store--it reminded me of how I felt while working with TKRG during the per se fire. I hope they are able to reconstruct and carry on as soon as they wish to...

Maps

2010-02-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

(Erik, lover of maps, this post is for you, my friend.) And for all the rest of you...what is it with maps these days? Fabulous ones everywhere. I'll take them all for my wall...

Julia Rotham

One of many cities by ORK

The Map As Art: Contemporary Artists Explore Cartography

These Are The Things

Transit Maps of the World
French Agriculture Map

Inspiration

2010-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today is our day (in sfgirlbybay's Blog It Foward Mashup) to talk about where we find inspiration. The list of participants is at once amazing and overwhelmingly extensive, so we decided to keep it simple (in case you're following all 300 posts). In a single word, what inspires us is authenticity...

You know...things that are real--no knock offs!

grounded people
seasonal food
independent stores
cotton, linen and wool fabrics
found objects
wit and whimsy
antiques and well-made modern furnishings
tea prepared with care (Americans in general do not know how to do this!)
quirky rooms
handmade things and their makers
imperfections
fragrant flowers
handwriting
vintage ribbons, fabrics and notions
blogs with fresh content
artistic eyes
epiphanies

We could go on forever, but we promised to be brief. Be sure to check out tomorrow's post by Brin & Nohl who will keep Group No. 2 going...

No Place Like Home...except maybe Palm Springs

2010-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

The Boy and I were happy to call Palm Springs home for the long weekend. We stayed at the Ace Hotel (thanks to a great deal scored through a Tablet Private Sale last month). We loved the aesthetic of the hotel (as we do with everything that Commune Design is involved with--like the Heath Ceramics store in Los Angeles). The hotel was very hip which unfortunately means that it attracts a lot of yuppie jerks mas o menos my age, so I can't say I recommend hitting it on a weekend unless you're feeling extremely tolerant. However, other than the clientele, it was fabulous. There are so many great places to stay in Palm Springs--I noticed a couple spots that are less publicized that I'd like to check out in the future. Both are mid-century modern properties (as is Ace): Desert Star Bungalows and Horizon Hotel.

For Valentine's Day dinner we went to Mister Parker's at the Parker Palm Springs. I've been wanting to go to the Parker ever since the multimillion dollar renovation it went through a few years ago with Jonathan Adler. (Seeing blog posts about things like Parker-inspired wedding invitations helped to fuel my interest as well.) All I can say is that I'm glad I got a taste of the experience before recommending the hotel to say, my boss, because it is very camp (which I never picked up on in any of the readings I've done). From the pink pants the valet boys sport to the vintage pin up posters in the dining room and the 8 foot "DRUGS" sign in the lobby...it was both fabulous Adler design and an unexpected Valentine's date experience.

The remainder of our weekend was fairly mellow, made special by a visit to my grandparents' home on Sunday morning and for lunch. Modernism Week kicked off on Friday, but we ended up not participating in any events. I would have loved one of the double decker architecture tours, but $75/person was a bit steep.

We made the rounds to a few vintage/modern design stores--here are a few I recommend in Cathedral City (just outside of Palm Springs):

Hedge
Spaces
Hom (at Home Palm Springs)
JP Denmark

And in Palm Springs:

The Estate Sale Company (new and old pieces, thrift store-esque, fabulous prices)
A La Mod
Trina Turk Residential
Modern Way

King's Highway

Since we stayed poolside at the hotel as much as possible (to relax) we didn't eat out much, but I do recommend Tyler's Burgers (which I first heard about in a "best burgers of CA" round-up by C Magazine) and of course, Las Casuelas. The Ace Hotel has a great diner, King's Highway--we loved the breakfast there.

On our way out of town, we drove through El Rancho Vista Estates, the original mid-century modern neighborhood. It is fairly run down, but still cool to see. We grabbed some flyers...only $325k. So cheap! (We've obviously been house hunting in Orange County for too long!)

Our time was too short to make it to the Palm Springs Art Museum which I was hoping to do. We'll have to go back sometime soon--especially since The Boy has never been to the Living Desert Museum or on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

A few of our photos here. Postcard image from 123 Posters.

SNAPS in progress

2010-02-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Baby Quilt in the works...

Part of my Week

2010-02-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

Love Big Valentines from Bunny Cakes
Custom Silhouette Mug via Swiss Miss
Adorable bike bags & seat covers from Beatrice Holiday found via Design*Sponge
Inspiring Craft Room Round-up on Belle Maison
Crazy Nine Patch Tutorial from Oh Fransson!
Handmade Pachyderms on the Purl Bee

Simple Definition...

2010-02-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying what is being shared in regards to, "What does Modern Quilting mean to me?" and wanted to join in myself.

Modern Quilting helps me learn to embrace imperfection and enjoy the process. For me, it is freedom from preconceived ideas. No rules, no expectations... just experimentation with texture and color.

SNAPS new fabric

2010-02-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

Can you spot Ruby Dog in this great Heather Ross fabric that just arrived? (Clue: she is the super cute long legged, long nosed pup in the center!) What should I make with this special pup print?

SNAPS our baby clothes

2010-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we were visiting our parents and Mama pulled out some of our baby clothes that she saved. Knitted dress by our grandmother "Aamie" circa 1981. Patent leather shoes in various sizes.

SNAPS my new timewaster

2010-02-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

Blogland isn't very familiar with Ruby Dog yet. She's why I don't blog anymore, don't sew anymore, and don't regret a thing anymore. Get ready to know her better soon...

SNAPS next quilt

2010-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Speaking of quilting, I bought these fabrics a few weeks ago, but am just now feeling like I want to do something with them. The below fabric (Kokka Fabrics Echino Dove) was the inspiration for all the rest...

Modern Quilting Defined

2010-02-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

This week we're taking a moment (over here) to answer the question "what does modern quilting mean to you?"

(Image from Denyse Schmidt, who broke the
art of quilting down simple enough for me to feel
that I could give it a shot in the first place.)

To me modern quilting means sewing according to our "modern" lifestyle. We're busy--we have jobs, families, things to take care of. We don't have a lot of leisure time, but we're setting aside some time to make creative choices in our lives. Unlike quilters of the past, we haven't been honing our sewing skills since a young age--when we make mistakes, we work them into our design as reasonable idiosyncrasies, and move on. We appreciate the handiwork of skilled quilters, but admire the resolve of our fellow makers who are teaching themselves to sew and quilt as time permits.

Inspiration at February's Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild Meeting

2010-02-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

We had another wonderful meeting of the LA Modern Quilt Guild this evening. Have you heard there are chapters opening up across the world? We even have our own website! Check out the great conversation going on to answer, "What does modern quilting mean to me?" and leave a comment of your own.

One of the things shared about this month was Inspiration. Courtney and I have been so inspired by our fellow modern quilt guild-ers that we wanted to say thanks--and do something to remind us all of the great group we are apart of. Keeping in true bricolage form (creating something out of what is on-hand around you), we made a bottle cap magnet for each member of our group.

The magnets were made with recycled bottle caps and the 2009 Snow & Graham desk calendar.

To make some of your own, follow these easy steps: 0. have a party and save all of the bottle caps--Izze soda caps work perfectly! 1. wash & dry bottle caps, 2. punch circles out of cardstock using a 1" hole punch (caution, normal paper wants to curl and can result in heartbreaking disaster), 3. we printed LA MQD on velum, cut it into little squares and laid it inside--you could type anything on velum, or keep it word free, 4. add a rhinestone sticker for fun, 5. fill with crystal lacquer, 6. pop any bubbles and make sure paper is laying flat, 7. let dry overnight (or a few days...), 8. attach a magnet to the back using hot glue, 9. share with inspiring friends to remind them of how wonderful they are!

Check back a week from tomorrow to see our post on Inspiration as part of sfgirlbybay's Blog it Forward!

(POSTED BY JAMIE)

Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs

2010-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I spotted these Paul McCobb lounge chairs in a New York Social Diary interview with Lisa Mahar (this is her home office). Aren't they great? They've been refurbished nicely. I've always liked the simple lines of his 1950's furniture...has anyone read the book?

SNAPS valentine

2010-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Handmade Valentine for tomorrow's swap at the LA Modern Quilt Guild meeting.

Part of My Week...

2010-02-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

This color palette has been twirling around in my mind now for months, and this photograph (via Decor8) is the best representation of it that I've come across so far...
I love the concept of this new LA restaurant (by Lucques veteran, Jason Kim). Forage encourages anyone to purvey the fruits and vegetables that they grow at home. It's all about connection and collaboration--even online.
Where can I get these tights? Sign me up! (via sfgirlbybay)
And while we're on the subject of clothing (not pictured), I'm still digging this post on grace by the fashionable Scott Schuman of the Sartorialist

I love this time of year for citrus and this orchard wedding shot is beautiful (photographed by Jill Thomas, styled by Amorology weddings & found via OhHappyDay)
Nonparleil Magazine has launched. It's about weddings, and while I'm not so much into wedding design anymore, I still find that a good wedding mag always inspires me on other types of entertaining (via DesignCrush)
When Decor8 posted about Nooosugar, it made me want to return to the homeland (which I've never actually been to, but hey!)
Last night found The Boy and I eating tapas at Lola Gaspar in the Santa Ana Artist Village--our first time there, and we'll be back
Can't wait to head to Palm Springs for the long weekend next week. When we booked our plans we didn't realize it was Modernism Week, but I stumbled on that news this past week so now I'm really looking forward to it!

SNAPS all matchy matchy

2010-02-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Rockin' my new gray tights today...
and apparently matchin' my bed quilt while I'm at it.

Make & Bake Valentines

2010-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

MAKE...

Block Print Valentine (Martha Stewart)
Travel Lingerie Bag (Sommer Designs)
Needle Felted Valentine Hearts (Felt Cafe)
Collage of Red Ephemera (Bluebell Bazaar via A Little Sussy)

BAKE...

Red Velvet Cake Balls (Bakerella) We had some of these at the Home Ec Bake Sale for "Doctors without Borders" last month--fabulous!
Personalized Ding Dong Cupcakes (Martha Stewart)
Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches (Martha Stewart) Jamie, Mom and I made these one year and they were great. Perfect for a warm weather Valentine's Day
Rasberry and Pink Peppercorn Macarons (Canelle et Vanille)

B&B participating in "Blog It Forward"

2010-02-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

We were in on the Twitter madness, and now we're one of 300 blogs participating in sfgirlbybay's "Blog It Forward" Mashup on the topic of inspiration. With next week's LA Modern Quilt Guild meeting dedicated to the theme of inspiration, this month is off to a great start!

SNAPS mast brothers chocolate

2010-02-01T18:59:00.001-08:00

Chocolate care package from Summer (thank you, Sums! I love.) More on the Mast Brothers (specifically their beards) today at Unruly Things.

Part of My Week...

2010-01-31T19:45:00.000-08:00

A week to celebrate friends! Congrats Hsing (great article) & Jennifer (new website).
By rows, starting at top left...

My fabulous friend Hsing's sweet article about the traditional Lunar New Year meal: A Fortunate Exchange
I wonder if we'll be seeing more and more architecture like this as solar roofing becomes the norm? (via Desire to Inspire)
I had totally forgotten about this book--but yes, it's a "yummy" one!
Can't wait to look through Jen's photographs in her new book Simply Paris
Jennifer's new website on styling and personal wardrobe refinement

SNAPS spring flowers

2010-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

First sign of spring--tulips at Urban Gardener.

Part of My Week...Now Part of Me

2010-01-30T22:32:00.000-08:00

To make me want to drop everything and sew: Puffy Pouch Tutorial from Pink Penguin

To help me expand my pincushion collection: Heather Bailey's Elephants

To delight me: Shortbread Buttons from Nikole Herriott, found via Design Is Mine

To rekindle my desire for a photo wall: John Murphy Frames from Design*Sponge

To help me remember my resolutions (and come up with a few more!): Designer Monina Velarde's New Year's Resolutions Generator found via the SCOOP

To make me drool: Apple's new iPad

To remind me how much I love to knit: A peak into Dutch Designer Ingrid Jansen’s life & style from sfgirlbybay

To help me realize my dreams: How to Enter the World of Textiles: For the Quilting Industry by Lizzy House found via Twitter

To help me protect my new macbook: The BookBook found via everyone on the planet (so its probably old news to you by now too... but I still love it!)

To make me whip out the CC (or this could be titled, To teach me how to tell time at last!): La Mer Collections found via Made By Girl