Art, Adventures and a Toddler

Hooking, An Angel

2012-01-18T20:05:00.001-06:00

Here is a closeup of my rug hooking project and an angel doll decoration I made several years ago.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-26T13:32:00.004-06:00

home

Christmas Day at the Grandparents' place:
yummy breakfast by Grandma and cinnamon rolls by Matt
Brandt and Kim's dogs opening presents
Brandt helping put together Clay's favorite present
a walk on the property

I'm Behind. Here's Thanksgiving!

2011-12-26T12:53:00.001-06:00

I have been posting things on Facebook quite frequently, but decided to get back to the blog. With all of the frenzy of our move, I haven't had a chance to upload my photos in a while. Here are some nice ones from our yummy Thanksgiving at Sandy and Joe's.

Walk at Lights on the Lake

2011-11-23T16:38:00.001-06:00

Last week, we went to Lights on the Lake for a walk. For the first 2 days they allow you to walk along the lake and the 3rd day you can bring dogs. It was a nice evening. Not too cold and NO snow. They had lights shining in the trees that looked pretty. I'm sure when the snow comes that will be even prettier.

Here is Clayton before he agreed to get his photo taken. He did have a good time, but getting him to pose isn't easy any more.

This is a sweet pic.

Renaissance Festival: Sterling, NY

2011-08-18T18:06:00.001-05:00

My favorite character at the Renaissance festival! Love, love, love him: http://www.gabrielq.com/

Matt is in a lot of trouble!!

The queen deserves a lovely chair like this.

Matt was pulled into the show and danced with a wacky audience member.

Then, he got pulled on stage again!

Pretty pictures from the Adirondacks

2011-07-10T16:36:00.004-05:00

SOMEONE, please tell me what this creature above is. Can a tadpole be 7-9 inches long? I am convinced Copperus Pond here has been exposed to radiation. The newts below were at Spy Lake.

Before and After

2011-07-08T21:18:00.000-05:00

Before the buzz.

In the middle of the buzz.... and the last photograph was blurry, so a better photograph will have to wait.

Summer Crafts at Jazz Fest

2011-07-08T21:06:00.007-05:00

I had a tent at the Syracuse Jazz Fest this year. I made lots of stuff! I wasn't real successful. I attempted to sell some new crochet necklaces, new monster purses, block prints of jazz artists, scrap bracelets, leather bracelets (as seen in a previous post), and actually sold a few of my monster stuffed animals. In the future, I will post pictures of the items I didn't include here.

2011-07-08T20:41:00.004-05:00

Here are some shots from our recent trip to Lake Placid. Clayton did a great job on the first hike.

Crochet nesting bowls

2011-05-08T18:46:00.001-05:00

I made these from wool yarn and have already felted them. I just need to photograph the final product. Check by again!

Zoo Visit and more

2011-05-08T18:38:00.003-05:00

Matt is letting his hair grow as you can tell. I realized, today, that he must be going for the Vinnie Barbarino look: (think among yourselves.... don't forget to look later in the post for another striking example)

Clayton put this puzzle together ALL by himself. We are missing a few pieces, but they're around here somewhere.

Easter Eggs- a really late post

2011-05-08T18:34:00.003-05:00

a picture I neglected to put in the Easter Day post

Recycled Leather Bracelets

2011-05-08T18:12:00.004-05:00

Delia from Delia Creates had a terrific post of recycled accessories. I took her cue and went crazy. I have probably 10 more in the works using old buttons. I gave away a couple, but hope to sell some at a craft show this summer.

Easter Crafts-- Thanks Alisa Burke

2011-05-08T17:54:00.005-05:00

I really enjoy reading/admiring/lusting after/coveting/ Alisa Burke's blog and when I saw her post showing how to make these scrappy eggs, I had to try it. I ended up giving several away, so I should make some more for MYSELF!

I couldn't resist Alisa's post where she demonstrated making a wreath like this:

Easter (another late post)

2011-05-08T17:47:00.003-05:00

Get used to it. I have a bunch of photos to share that are kinda old...

On Easter day we went up to my parents' place. Brandt and Kim came and we had a ham Matt baked (w/ some yummy cherry something or other sauce), some spicy scalloped potatoes, corn pudding, green beans, Matt's homemade rolls...

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Valentine's Cards (much delayed post)

2011-04-13T19:27:00.003-05:00

This was for Clayton:

This one was for Matt.

CHeese

2011-04-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

Green Neck Warmer

2011-02-04T20:10:00.003-06:00

Here's my first neck warmer. I have to admit I took the idea from another artist. I gave this one to Corey and she seemed to love it. Corey gave me the button, the felt is from a recycled sweater, the fleece is new and the flower was made from an old curtain,

Pretty Blues

2011-02-04T20:02:00.004-06:00

This week, I made a couple of gifts for a family member. Thanks to Tom H. for his 0ld pants! The neck warmer is made from a recycled wool felted sweater, ribbon, fabric scraps, felt, and a fused glass piece I made.

A Race

2011-02-02T11:30:00.002-06:00

Here's what I'm going to do to motivate myself to do the dishes. Put on the new Lori McKenna and time myself. How fast can I get this done?

Coasters from thrifted fabric

2011-02-01T20:03:00.003-06:00

I made another couple of varieties, to be posted another time.

Mini Sweater Ornaments

2011-01-27T13:38:00.003-06:00

Before Christmas I made a bunch of sweater ornaments. I sketched my basic pattern and then just made them up as I went along. A couple of them look a little strange, but, eventually I got some really nice ones. I made some wire hangers and hung them on the tree.

This gray one didn't get finished...

New Year's Fun

2011-01-04T08:29:00.005-06:00

Alexandra had never sledded before, so she had fun with Clayton, taking him down the hill.

Clay got snowshoes for Christmas and he's a natural. He got skiis, too, and was pretty good at that.

Clayton loves his new Play-doh set from Tom and Joyce. Not much of the individual colors still exist. He mixes it all...

Clayton Speak

2010-12-28T17:00:00.001-06:00

Clayton gets one of his matchbox cars and says, "it's a baseball car. It's a basketball car. It's a sports car."

New Hats

2010-12-27T08:36:00.002-06:00

I bought this green handmade hat from a crafter and then went home and made 2 of my own. The red one at the top is one of mine. I haven't photographed the other one yet.

Christmas Card by Mommy and Clayton

2010-12-27T08:30:00.002-06:00

Christmas Day

2010-12-27T08:23:00.004-06:00

Clayton didn't want to open more presents after he got some books. He wanted Daddy to read to him right then, "I told you."

Clayton LOVES Thomas the Train and Brandt and Kim got him a really fun set.

Matt made his homemade lasagna. (completely from scratch people)

Ty is helping Clayton open his present.

Grandma and Grandpa Hallock and Brandt and Kim came over.

Halloween outing (late post)

2010-12-27T08:21:00.000-06:00

Clayton Speak

2010-12-25T09:54:00.003-06:00

I need to start writing down more of Clayton's quotes. Just now I was putting on his clothes and he says, " bite the bean."
I said, "what does that mean?"
He replies, "bite the bean on your plate."
I asked, "where did you get that idea?".
"From my voice." Of course.

Lately, he has been adding, "I told you" onto everything he says. For example, "I want some soy milk I told you." "I wanna watch a kids' show, I told you." He's quite demanding.

Santa Visit

2010-12-22T13:03:00.002-06:00

As you can see, Clayton wasn't too thrilled with visiting Santa. He wouldn't smile, but he did manage to ask for Gordon and Henry trains. Wow, Bass Pro Shop is pretty amazing to see.

No School Monday- Lots of Snow!

2010-12-06T19:16:00.002-06:00

Successful Show- Plowshares Fair

2010-12-06T19:13:00.003-06:00

My show was a success! I still have a ton of inventory, but I sold quite a lot. I'm going to update my Etsy.com site in the next week. I'm busy with lots of other things....

Clayton Thomas the Train

2010-11-06T10:10:00.003-05:00

We went out trick or treating with Clayton. I made the costume out of a liquor box, some cereal and cracker boxes, an oatmeal box, plastic container tops, electrical tape, ribbon, paper pulp for the face, ribbon and some gray fabric scraps.
He lasted a few houses, and then wanted to go home. So, he didn't get much candy. We weren't hurting for candy after all because I had bought a huge bag and we did not get one trick or treater at our place. Dangerous. Candy around the house. Not good.

Jack-O-Lanterns- Characters and Animals

2010-11-03T14:43:00.007-05:00

We went to an Enchanted Evening where we followed jack-o-lantern lit paths. Here are 2 photo montages of some of the pumpkins. I am still working on a third montage. Clayton really loved it and maybe next year I will volunteer to carve.

This last picture is the one that I carved. The pumpkin's top was rotten, so I didn't put too much effort into it.

Holiday Monsters

2010-10-22T14:09:00.004-05:00

I've been making notecards to sell at the craft fair in December. These are a few that will be available at The Plowshares Fair. I'll also have recycled shirts with appliques and block print designs like in the samples below. The watercolor owl t-shirt photo didn't come out well, so this is what the print will look like on a shirt.

Is that E.T.?

2010-10-08T17:55:00.000-05:00

Visit to Rimrock Farm (a.k.a- the old home place)

2010-10-08T17:51:00.003-05:00

Wolf Oak Farm

2010-10-08T17:44:00.004-05:00

There was a corn maze....

... the cutest pig race.

... a cow train that Clayton had to go on

...alpacas with a rogue goat that could be without them.

This blog is a pain in the bum. Every time I try to upload 5 photos at a time, I have to try again, until I get them uploaded. Anyways, last weekend we went to the Farm and a goat tried to eat my coat. They were cute...

Pumpkin Project

2010-10-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

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I forgot to photograph the final pumpkins, so stay tuned.

Felt Jewelry

2010-10-08T17:36:00.003-05:00

Clayton picked the colors for these beads. More to come!

New Crocheted Earrings

2010-09-30T15:54:00.006-05:00

Well, most of them were done this summer. I have several more that I still have to photograph. They're fun to make!

A Happy Kid

2010-09-30T14:26:00.002-05:00

Clayton loves going to playgrounds and we've managed to try out most of the local ones that I know about. He never wants to leave!
Cl

Morning Out of the House

2010-09-24T15:24:00.004-05:00

Clay and I went out for the morning to the Erie Canal Park and walked around, then to the thrift store and then to the playground. It's a rather warm day today. He's not afraid of swings anymore thanks to Grandpa Hallock who taught him the name on the swing while he was pushing him. Clayton always wants to know, "what's the name on there?"

ReDone Duffels

2010-09-24T15:17:00.002-05:00

These are some of my recycled monster bags I made this summer. I have a few more in the works and bought some "new" fabric from the thrift store today in the form of a curtain and a table cloth. I am looking forward to making more and selling them at the Plowshare Fair in December.

Golden Harvest Festival, at Beaver Lake Nature Center

2010-09-11T17:34:00.006-05:00

Los Blancos, a great local band!

We were thinking about going to an apple farm, but heard about the festival and went there instead. We had a nice time, listening to music, riding the hay wagon, petting the animals, eatin' the food, watching the puppet show, admiring the crafts and more. BTW, it took me 5 tries to get that dang pig picture to show up.

Cross Country Reunion

2010-09-11T17:26:00.003-05:00

I planned a cross country reunion this summer and was able to contact lots of Redmen runners from 1979-1985 and other years. More people RSVP'ed, but we had Mr. Love and his wife, Judy, Peggy Espinoza Wells and her family, Kevin Schulz, one daughter and his mom, Eileen ( Coach Schulz's wife). Clayton and I rounded out the group. Mrs. Schulz made some great spaghetti, just like the end of the year dinners she and Coach used to host. The weather was kinda of rotten, but it was fun. We are hoping to do it again next year and get even more people to attend.

Southwick Beach, Yippee

2010-09-11T17:15:00.005-05:00

The day after we arrived in New York, we went up to Southwick Beach, on Lake Ontario with Grandma and Grandpa Hallock. We got to see our friend Wendy and her family. Matt wasn't in town yet. Clayton just loved the water!

Friends

2010-09-11T17:09:00.004-05:00

Future Musician

Steve and Kathleen, our friends in Colorado Springs. They invited us over for dinner before we left Colorado.

Their kids, Alex and Ryan.

Our cat, Cezanne, with chunks of fur cut by Clayton, future barber.

Future Comedian

Anthropologie Inspired Purse

2010-08-13T20:24:00.003-05:00

I loved a purse from Anthropologie and saw this blog post from Happy Together and thought I could make my own version, too. I bought a purse from the thrift store and hooked through strips of fabric I had in my studio.

Peace, Baby, Peace and MoNsterS

2010-08-11T12:12:00.008-05:00

The monster t-shirts and onesies are my plain onesies that I hadn't sold yet and I figured if I tie died them they might sell.

These are recycled t-shirts with my own appliques made from old t-shirts. I have several more back in NY and a few more to finish here.

Piseco swimming

2010-08-11T12:01:00.004-05:00

Clay can swim! (with a noodle and all by himself)

Jeans Pocket Door Hanging

2010-08-10T15:19:00.002-05:00

Remember that kitchen rug I was making out of old jeans? Well, here is a door hanging made out of some of those leftovers. I don't have a dowel yet, that's why it's not hanging on a wall.

Little Actor

2010-08-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

Clayton is getting to be quite a character. He still won't pose most of the time, but if you get him to make faces it sometimes gets him to look at you.

Matt's Retirement Ceremony

2010-08-10T10:22:00.006-05:00

Colonel Gibson and Matt.
President Obama signed this certificate.

I got an award too!

Here's Matt Before and After:

Rocky Mountains

2010-08-10T10:04:00.007-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we drove up to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. We got a great military deal on a hotel and meals for the weekend. It sure is beautiful!

Clayton at the Museum

2010-08-09T22:33:00.002-05:00

Illinois and Wisconsin Trip Continued

2010-08-04T17:36:00.004-05:00

We stayed with Bonnie and Dave a couple of nights on this visit.
We went to the Chicago Art Institute Museum and the Milwaukee Museum of Art.

Chicago Trip for Jennifer and Joel's Wedding

2010-07-27T18:38:00.001-05:00

At my parent's place in Cleveland

2010-07-27T18:33:00.001-05:00

Piseco Lake - May and June 2010

2010-07-27T18:05:00.004-05:00

Clay loved the water! Clay was attacked by black flies and looked like he had chicken pox.

Mother's Day at Sandy's

2010-07-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

I am finally able to update my blog with photos because I'm home and have DSL. Back in NY, using Dial-Up was not cutting it, so I'll have more to add in the next couple of days....

Here's my dad trying to use Clayton's gift from his cousins.

Newest Jewelry

2010-05-05T15:42:00.010-05:00

These are my latest fused glass jewelry. I made most of them a couple of months ago. I can't seem to find the time to put them up on my Etsy shop, but I won't be home in Colorado for most of the summer, so it would be difficult to get them to buyers. I don't know if I could trust my husband to take over. He's busy, too. Anyway, I did sell the top three sets last week, so that was nice. I have a devoted customer in Syracuse. Once I start creating more in Aug. or Sept, I hope she will buy some more.

Gimme your old jeans!

2010-05-05T14:39:00.004-05:00

I'm almost done with my recycled jeans kitchen mat. I have 6 pairs of jeans already into it and the last pair is in the ball next to Cezanne. I'll hide and trim the ends and then I will replace the disgusting, Walmart mat we currently have.

I cut the seams off the pants to reveal as much material as I could (4 panels). Then I cut up and down, turning around at each end. I made a long chain and used single crochet back and forth. Pretty easy. One thing that was annoying was the fact that the "yarn" would get twisted and I had to keep untwisting it as I crocheted.

I'll finish tonight and will present my results tomorrow.

Kimono PJ's and an Appliqued Dino

2010-05-02T23:18:00.002-05:00

Check out my latest sewing project!
I managed to finish the pj shorts I was planning for Clayton. I bought the fabric originally to make him a banner for his birthday. I bought a little extra, but I wasn't sure what I would make out of it. I revisited my kimonos thinking about summer pajamas for my boy. The ties/trim were some bias tape I bought at the thrift store. I used a thrifted pattern for the shorts and cut out the pieces last week. Being the airhead that I can be sometimes, I didn't realize they included pockets (not really important for pj's), so when I went to sew them today, I had to cut the pockets out of an old t-shirt. Plus, I used my serger for the first time! I did pretty well, and now I'm motivated to take it to more adventurous projects. Oh, I used the blind hem stitch for the first time using my regular machine. Stay tuned for some more pj's and a robe, too. (I've started them.)

The dinosaur shirt was a 75cent find at the thrift store. I added the applique. You can see a pretty lame tutorial I did for them here. Fun! And, they're great for covering up spots on your kid's clothing.

Also posted at Thrifty Garde Robe.

Yummy, yummy!

2010-05-01T11:22:00.002-05:00

I made a yummy bread pudding last night!

Things I Can't Wait for in NY

2010-05-01T11:14:00.004-05:00

Seeing my family
Hiking in the Adirondacks
Hanging out on the beach at Piseco Lake
Going to Jazz Fest if we're not on our way to IL
Getting my haircut by Erika
Sewing projects with my mom
Mowing the lawn
Playing outside with Clayton
Taking Clayton to the beach
Getting a Job, teaching again
Looking for a house and getting one
The cross country reunion
Running down the dirt road like I used to do regularly
Seeing my friends again
Going back to Geneseo and visiting Letchworth
Picnics
Visiting NYC for museums and shows
and I can't think of anymore right now

Machine Sewn Quilt Cards

2010-04-28T15:44:00.006-05:00

I made some quilted cards out of fabric scraps. I'm working on several more. It's really easy and fun.
1)I stitch the pieces together,
2)iron them flat,
3)trace a rectangle template onto the wrong side,
4)cut out roughly,
5)then sew all around 2 layers of organic, washed baby wipes (my batting) to the back of the rectangle,
6)cut excess off all layers at about 1/4 inch from the stitch line, trim corners
7)slice a hole in the middle of the "batting,
8)turn inside out, poke corners out carefully,
9)finger press flat,
10)position onto card stock, pin in one or 2 places if you desire (I didn't)
11)sew around edge and keep going inside shape to give quilting effect, overlapping at edge when you want to move to another area
12)and trim threads.

If you have questions, please let me know. I don't know when I'll have the time to add photos.

More Applique Shirts

2010-04-28T13:33:00.004-05:00

I made a couple more applique shirts in the style of the Mini-Boden shirts. I got these shirts at the thrift store for 75 cents a piece. Clayton loves them, and we think it's a skidder on the left. Brandt could tell me. He was big into skidders as a kid. (they are used for logging).

Felt Chinese Food

2010-04-23T20:45:00.002-05:00

Here is the project I made for Madeline's birthday. I didn't want to post it before she received it. It's been a few weeks, and I remembered it. The pattern is from Bugga Bugs.

Changes Coming

2010-04-22T19:28:00.001-05:00

Matt got accepted at Syracuse University for his Ph.D. He wanted to go to Cornell, but didn't get accepted. He hasn't heard from his other top picks: U Mass and U Michigan. So,.... we are going back to Syracuse, NY. That's fine with me! And my parents are really happy about it. Now I have to get a teaching job and find a place to live!

Kimono Dress for Olivia

2010-04-22T17:36:00.006-05:00

I used leftover fabric from a shirt I made last year. I love the fabric. I ended up taking apart the original shirt to make alterations. I have never worn it except for the time I took the picture. Maybe I'll fix it this week. I adapted the pattern I got here.

Insane Thrifter

2010-04-19T16:31:00.003-05:00

Today, I went to the thrift store and picked up a huge bags of t-shirts marked as rag shirts for $5.99 and it was military discount day, so I got them for 1/2 off. I counted 33 shirts and they don't have stains all over them. That's about 10 cents a shirt. I will use them to make appliques, pj's for Clayton, shirts and dresses. I think I should hide them from Matt. He thinks I'm nuts, but I have some interesting plans for them.

Imitation Mini Boden Shirts

2010-04-18T13:17:00.015-05:00

I love the appliqué shirts from Mini Boden.

I thought I could make some on my own using 4 of my son’s current shirts: one from Grandma Thomas and the others from thrift stores. I started by finding some graphics I thought he would like. I found a nice coloring book site called Free Printable Coloring Pages. I also searched on Google Images for stencils and found some nice ones.
Of course, I was thinking I was saving time by finding them on the internet, but I probably could have drawn them just as fast. Anyway, I used Adobe Photoshop to make them a full page in size and printed them out.

Next, I traced the images onto WonderUnder with a permanent marker. I roughly cut out the image. I ironed an old t-shirt first, and then ironed the WonderUnder tracing onto it.

I let it cool and cut along my lines and removed the backing. Next, I placed the cut out onto the good t-shirt and carefully ironed it on.

(For the images with more than one color, I cut out the WonderUnder shapes needed for another color and ironed those shapes onto another colored t-shirt fabric. Then I cut them out and ironed them all onto the shirt.) If there are details, you will need to draw them on with an erasable marker or chalk.

Next, I sewed around the edges. I wanted to get the rough edge effect, so I sewed inside the shape slightly. I haven't washed these shirts yet, but I anticipate a little ruffling of the edges after washing.

I thought the beginning and ending stitch might unravel, so I used a needle and brought the excess thread to the inside and knotted them. I used black fabric paint on the eyes of the octopus.

Strange Bloomers

2010-04-17T14:48:00.005-05:00

Last year I was attempting to make something for Clayton out of a kitchen towel. I love making little dresses and tops for girls, but for boys, the possibilities are fewer. I made some aprons out of the towels that boys can use for sure, but tried to design something for a boy. I came up with these weird bloomers (without the ribbon and flower) that were quite large for Clay months ago and now they are just not going to work because he's too mature... ha ha. They fit him, don't get me wrong, but look stupid. Okay, they may still look pretty strange after I added the ribbons and flower, but I needed to fill up a box I am sending to Olivia and Drake... Hopefully, their mom, Sarah, my sister.... will at least give them a try for Olivia. With a white top underneath, she could pull it off.

I had the bright ribbon from my scrap collection (thrifted, as well) and I used leftover yarn and ribbon to make the flower/medallion. The flower came out pretty large, so ended up using it the middle instead of like a large pin on the chest as I originally planned. I think the bloomers are cute, but it seems like my tastes don't seem to fit with too many others. Oh, well. I may continue with the medallion idea for future projects.

Thrifted Thread for Crochet Earrings

2010-04-16T13:59:00.002-05:00

(originally posted at Wardrobe Refashion)

In the last few months I have picked up bags of various thread, buttons, beads, ribbon, zippers.... and more from thrift stores. I spent about $6 on this last bunch of embroidery threads and stuff. (When I was at Michael's the other day I noticed the same threads for something like $1.25 a piece.) I must have gotten about 22 skeins of the ones I'm using to crochet with, so I think my purchase at the thrift store was worth it. I wasn't sure what I was going to use them for initially because I don't embroider very much, but I knew I had to change up my fused glass jewelry because I haven't been selling much of it. I had been toying with the idea of adding something like crochet to them and last week I took a look at some of the threads I purchased and thought I could use them like yarn. I have some plain white thread in a large roll, and bought some Kool-Aid with the intention of trying to dye the thread/yarn to use. The thrifted thread was already in beautiful colors, so when I was successful at making some small items, I sketched out some ideas to embellish my fused glass jewelry. I'm excited about the results and if these don't sell, I will wear them! (I still may try dying the thread, so I get a variegated coloration.)

I'm having fun crocheting at night when we're watching television. I like to do something productive when I'm rotting my brain on TV. The last photo shows a nearly finished pair using some cool buttons from a collection that was given to my by my uncle.

Thanks for looking. Next I'll post a goofy pair of bloomers I made from a kitchen towel, thrifted ribbon and a colorful crochet flower from leftover yarn.

-Tamara

Crochet Earrings

2010-04-13T15:40:00.006-05:00

from http://yospree.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/birthday-earrings-free-pattern/

from: http://gildedbottle.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-first-blog-and-my-first-crochet.html
from http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/jewelry/f107008daintyearrings.shtm l

I purchased 2 bags of thread and other miscellaneous sewing and beading implements from the thrift shop in the last few months. I probably spent a total of $6 for the stuff. Some of it is pictured here. I used some of the thread to make some crochet earrings. I don't have the correct crochet hook to make them, but I managed. The blue ones are quite large, but since my hair is getting longer, they might be fine, because they'll peak out of my hair.

I am hoping to create my own designs, as well. It's fun to make them at night when we're watching tv. Which reminds me, I need to get more light in the corner of the room, so I can see better.

Zoo Day

2010-04-12T10:30:00.003-05:00

Sesame Street Live photos

2010-04-11T20:51:00.003-05:00

I took a lot of photos, but without a tripod, not many came out very well. The characters came over to Clay and shook his hand a bunch of times, but the camera delayed in taking the pictures, so none of those came out.

Shirt refashion Chicago Style

2010-04-11T20:41:00.005-05:00

I noticed there's a darker mark in the front of the tie dye that doesn't look too flattering. I guess I know better for the next shirt.

We went to see Sesame Street Live on Saturday. Clayton lost interest and afterward I asked him if he liked the show or not. He said, "not", and then said something that sounded a lot like "bullshit". I'm sure that wasn't what he said, but it sure sounded like it. ???

Pics from Sesame Street Live in next post.

Table Runner in Progress

2010-04-07T15:44:00.002-05:00

Here's a current project I am working on. I think I will wait for Clayton to wake up from his nap to continue on it. If I sew full speed, the machine can be pretty loud and it vibrates. Clay's bedroom is right under my studio. So, I'll post the final piece in the next couple of days.

Vintage Pillowcase Dresses

2010-04-07T15:27:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of vintage pillowcase dresses I made. They are going to Olivia.
I'm sorry, but I don't think I have time to write up my method for sewing these dresses, but these links will lead you to some great tutorials. For the second dress I made it kind of a bubble style by creating a hem and then inserting elastic. I sewed the elastic together and stitched up the opening.

http://www.everythingsewing.net/pillowcase_dress_how_to.htm
https://www.fabshophop.com/downloads/pillowcaseDress_chop1.pdf
http://www.graceviolet.com/2008/05/how-to-make-pillowcase-dress.html
http://www.rostitchery.com/a-safer-pillowcase-dress.html
http://www.craftleftovers.com/blog/archives/1971 Mine is similar to this one, I guess. I used bias tape I created around the arm opening and left long ends to use as the ties.

Hoodie for Drake

2010-04-06T10:31:00.002-05:00

I finished a hoodie for Drake last night and Clayton allowed me to put it on him, but he didn't want to pose. BIG surprise. Another use of my pattern from Lil Blue Boo. These are fun to make! I hope Drake likes it considering his dad, Jeff was a big time wrestler in high school and college.

Dragon and Turtle

2010-04-05T16:14:00.006-05:00

I made this dragon a few weeks ago. Oops! I forgot to add the claws and the ears. I'll have to post again when I do that. Pattern here.

I finally added the eyes and mouth to the tortoise and finished it. Pattern here.

This BLOGSPOT is driving me nuts! I can't upload my photos all at once. I have to do it again and again and it takes TOO long. Half the time it loads nothing. AHHHH!

Easter Eggs

2010-04-05T14:22:00.005-05:00

I drew a set of clues for Clayton to search for eggs on Easter morning.

Clayton used crayons to decorate and I attempted some stickers as resist. We tried some rubber bands, too. The dye was koolaid mix.

Toddler Dress from old clothes

2010-04-05T14:02:00.004-05:00

Over the weekend I made a couple of refashions for my niece, Olivia. I used my dress pattern from Lil Blue Boo for the bee dress and added a stencil. I adapted the pattern for the other one. I'm working on a hoodie for nephew, Drake and I'm sure his daddy will like the motif.

Hoodie Refashion -Yin Yang

2010-04-05T13:17:00.004-05:00

I made a hoodie for Clayton from the pattern I bought from Lil Blue Boo. I added the stencils. Clay doesn't much like posing, so maybe you can get an idea about what the shirt looks like.

Drummer Hero and Sandman

2010-04-05T13:12:00.002-05:00

Grandma Hallock sent Clayton a neat sweatshirt with a car from the movie Cars. He had to wear it even though it was quite warm.

Toddler Messenger Bag

2010-03-29T14:46:00.004-05:00

I made a toddler messenger bag from 2 pairs of Clayton's pants. Not only is this a refashion, but before Clayton grew out of them, I had acquired the beige cargo pants from the thrift shop. The lining is made from donated scraps. I adapted this bag from the tutorial at Noodlehead. (I made it smaller because the pants were smaller...) Clay refused to pose, but maybe I can try him again later.

Playground Fun and Photoshop Magic

2010-03-24T09:37:00.003-05:00

On this first photo, I used the wonder of PhotoShop to combine 2 photos. Matt was looking at me in one photo, but Clay was looking away. And then Clayton was smiling and Matt's head was down in the other. It's not perfect, but most people would think it's an untouched photo.

Okay, I'll show you the original photos.

It was a beautiful day and today it's cold and snowy. Strange weather...

Pj Refashion with Crochet Accents

2010-03-21T16:12:00.007-05:00

I realized Clayton's sweatshirt PJ jumper was too short. I cut off the bottom and created this adorable sweatshirt today. Olivia is a lucky girl!

The original pajamas.

Cut off legs.

Cut off sleeves.

Trace a circle at the neck.

Cut off neck.

Use the circle to create a template for the pockets. Trace onto a leg.

Cut out pockets.

Sew a blanket stitch around all cut openings. (I think this is the most difficult step.)

Knot the end.

Trim ends. For the pockets I just went ahead and sewed the crochet down to the sweater when I sewed on the pockets (to prevent unraveling).

For the other areas I dabbed a bit of fabric glue on the knot. I didn't think I could hide the ends adequately and prevent unraveling.

This picture shows the stitching of the pocket. I pinned it down, sewed the straight stitch first, and then the zigzag stitch.

I made some easy flowers.
I cut some small leaves from the leg, marked the placement for flowers and sewed them on.

Bathing Cutie

2010-03-19T16:21:00.004-05:00

I love his use of the back scrubber to clean the bathtub. See the extra feet in the tub? Those are mine. Clayton is pretty happy here. I gave him a haircut after the bath, we read a book and he had some ice cream (first time at home.) He did have a rough day. We went for a walk to the playground (one of several in walking distance) and ended up getting knocked to the ground by another boy on a swing. Later, at home he made another kiss to the ground when he tripped . It was a beautiful day... in the mid- 60's. Today we have a couple of inches of snow. It's Friday, so that's cool, but my plans for the evening are shot because the day care arrangement was canceled.

Crochet Hearts

2010-03-19T16:17:00.003-05:00

These are a couple of crochet items I am late in getting posted. I used a pattern for the stuffed heart. I didn't get the point as nice as intended...
(Made at Valentine's) I hung the banner up in our bedroom.

SU vs. Vermont

2010-03-18T16:57:00.004-05:00

One cute fan in Colorado will be rooting for you!

Curtains to Slip Refashion

2010-03-17T15:26:00.005-05:00

Thrift store curtains were used for this slip. I think it's too long, so I may take it up a bit. I used a pattern from the Japanese Tunic & One Piece book. The ruffle isn't as nice as the book photo, but I'm learning.

Receiving Blanket Refashion

2010-03-17T14:40:00.006-05:00

I took 4 of Clayton's baby receiving blankets and created a bed sheet. The sizes weren't exactly the same, so the edges don't line up perfectly, but it works out really well. Because the edges were rounded, I ended up having to cut off a couple of inches after I sewed up the seams. I zig-zag-ed the seams after I trimmed them. I could have easily used my serger, but haven't used it YET. I guess I'm scared, but I really want to break it out in the next few days. Can anyone calm my nerves about it? I was psyched to buy it months ago and totally wimped out.

On Creativity

2010-03-16T20:25:00.002-05:00

Jim Jarmush's Golden Rules

I am going to print these out and hang them up in my studio!
Have you seen any of his movies? You should...

Smarty Pants

2010-03-16T17:02:00.001-05:00

Clayton is getting too smart for his own good. He has a very strong vocabulary.

And he repeats what you say like "shit" or "shoot" or even "f__k"- that one was Matt's....

He has adjectives for everything: crunchy, spicy, warm, cold, mushy, silly, messy, tall, Huge (he uses all the time.. like talking about the size of the toilet paper rolls in the public restrooms), rainy

Verbs: sinking, floating, walking, running, swimming, snowing,

He'll say "excuse me or pardon me" when he passes gas or burps. "sorry, mom" for whenever he hurts himself
"Wait... stop" when we are walking away from him.

He knows that red is stop and green is go.
He remembered over a week later that a painting in one of his books was by
Cezanne and pointed to it and said" Cezanne".

His pacifier is his "parse" still and bananas are still "Ma's". For some reason he doesn't want to say these words correctly.

He is TOO funny.

Olivia as a hippy chick

2010-03-16T16:49:00.002-05:00

How cute! My niece Olivia wearing the top/dress I made. I can't wait to make more.

My Original Crochet Square Patterns

2010-03-16T16:16:00.012-05:00

I finally wrote up three of my original squares. They are for a sweater I am working on (mentioned in a previous post). I should come up with more catchy names, but these will have to do for now. I find it interesting that I used the same type of yarn in many different colors, but some of them were nicer than others. The yellow was quite flimsy, yet the red was thick and easy to work with. Who knows?

I used a G hook (4mm) and tried to achieve 41/2 X 41/2 squares to work with the sweater pattern.

Chain…ch

Single crochet…. sc

Half double crochet…hdc

Double crochet….dc

Triple crochet….tr
Slip stitch….Sl st

Tamara Square

COLOR 1

Ch. 6, join with a Sl st to form a ring.

Round 1

Ch 3 (counts as a Dc now and throughout), 15 Dc, sl st into top of beg ch-3(dc) 16 total stitches

Round 2

(make 2 stitches between each of the 16 stitches from round 1)

Sl. Stitch in space between current stitches and ch1 (counts as a *Sc)and hdc, in next space- dc and tr, in next space tr and dc, in next space hdc and sc

Repeat from * 3 times. The corners are the spaces between the tr. Drop COLOR 1

32 total stitches

COLOR 2

Round 3

Pull up a loop in a corner ch 3 (counts as a *Tr) Tr ch2 2Tr, dc and hd in next stitch, 3ch skip 5 ch from round 2, hd and dc in next stitch, 2tc ch2 tr (2^nd corner).

Repeat from * 1 time. Join with a Sl st to top of beginning. End off COLOR 2

COLOR 3

Round 4

Pull up a loop in a corner ch2 (as a *hdc) hdc 2ch 2hdc, 2 sc, ch2 skip 1, 4dc in ch.3 space, ch2 skip 1, 2sc,

Repeat from * 3 times. Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch3. End off COLOR 3

Tamara’s Oval Center Design

COLOR 1

Ch. 6, join with a Sl st to form a ring.

Round 1

Ch 3 (counts as a Dc), 15 Dc, Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch3. End off Color 1

16 total stitches

COLOR 2

Round 2

(make 2 stitches between each of the 16 stitches from round 1)- 32 total stitches

Sl. Stitch in space between current stitches and ch1 (as a *Sc) Sc, 2 hdc, 2dc, 2 tr, 2tr, 2dc, 2 hdc, 2sc

Repeat from * 3 times. Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch3. End off COLOR 2

COLOR 3

Round 3

Pull up a loop between 2 tallest Tr, attach with a Sl st, ch 3), 2Tr ch3 2Tr (corner), *ch1, 5 dc, ch1**, 2Tr ch3 2Tr (corner), ch3 skip 3 Sl st, skip 3 ch 3, 2Tr ch3 2Tr (corner),

Repeat from * to **, Join with a Sl st to top of beginning sl st. End off COLOR 3.

COLOR 4

Round 4

Pick a corner, pull up a loop and ch3 (counts as *dc) dc ch3 dc, 2dc in first space, 4 dc, 2 dc in next space**,

Repeat from * to ** 3 times.

Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch3. End off COLOR 4.

COLOR 3

Round 4

Pull up a loop where you left off on round 3. Ch2 (counts as hdc) 4Hdc , *at corner 2hdc ch3 2 hdc**, ***Dc, 2tr in next stitch, skip 5 stitches, 2tr in next stitch, Dc, 2hdc****,

Repeat from * to **( 2^nd corner), 9 hdc, Repeat from 8 to ** (3^rd corner),

Repeat *** to ****, 4 hdc, Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch2. End off COLOR 3.

Tamara’s Flower Center Square

Round 1

Ch. 4, join with a Sl st to form a ring.

Create 8 petals:

* Ch 3 (counts as a Tr) 4 Tr ch2 Slst in ring **,

Repeat from * to ** 7 times. 4Sl st. up beginning Ch.3 and begin Round 2 in center of first petal. This will be a very tight squeeze.

Round 2

*Ch. 4, Sl st. to center Tr of next petal, Ch5, Sl st. to center Tr of next petal**.

Repeat from * to ** 3 times. The 5 ch. areas will be corners.

Round 3

Sl into first 4 ch. area, ch 3 (counts as *dc) 3dc in same area, 3dc ch3 3dc (create a corner)**

Repeat from * to ** 3 times. Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch3.

Round 4

Ch 3(counts as first hdc), continue 5 hdc stitches until the corner, in corner space- 2hdc ch2 2hdc, hdc in next 9 stitches**

Repeat from * to **.

Create another corner- 2hdc ch1 2 hdc, 4 hdc. Join with a Sl st to top of beginning ch3. End off.

Still to write up:

Heart Center Square

Circle Center Square

My mom suggested a peace symbol square. I will get to work on that....eventually... why not right now when I've got 10 other things I should be doing!!!!

Home

2010-03-16T15:35:00.001-05:00

I participated in a little survey a former student proposed to aid her with her college senior thesis. It was about what reminds you of HOME. Here was my response.

Goofy things my dad did (and does), snow sledding up the road, running every day down the dirt road and beyond, playing badminton (trying to play without a partner, too), cross country skiing on our property, our malamutes who lived and howled outdoors, mowing the lawn, mom's garden, our dirt basement, insane annoying ...neighbors, family picnics, our tiny house with no room to get away from anyone, mom's cooking, making dinner starting at a young age because mom worked the 3-11 shift, getting up in the middle of the night to stoke the wood stove, bats in the house and mom freaking out, dad chopping wood, shoveling, great tunes on the turntable...

What would your response be?