Follow me on my new blog

1/3 There

I've completed nearly a third of the Amy Butler Midwest Modern Quilt. The process is quite relaxing; all I have to do is sew in a straight line, which some days can be more challenging than others! Once I've completed all the squares, I then need to figure out what my border fabric is going to be. Even though I have a container's worth of scraps to coordinate, there probably isn't enough to finish the project. So, I'm left debating if it's worth investing in more designer fabric, or trim and back it in less expensive solids. Thoughts?

I Want It Wednesdays

Anyone else noticing that embroidery hoops as picture frames are everywhere? Pottery Barn had them in a recent catalog, and now I can't go through more than two clicks in my Bloglines without seeing someone's featured. I love them and need to either buy or make some for my home. 

This cuckoo clock from Little Pink House is delightful. Her use of space outside the hoop adds interest and character. She has other awesome designs in her Etsy shop here. 

To give credit where it is due - I saw this shop on another blog but forgot to write down whose it was. Sorry! 

Olivia Quilt

My dining room has been taken over by a quilting extravaganza. Several projects are in progress including a quilt for my 2-year-old Olivia. Appropriately, I chose fabric from a line of fabric printed with the character Olivia who was first from a darling series of books by Ian Falconer and now also a cartoon show, which my daughter is a little obsessed with. Olivia is a difficult name to say, and she pronounces it "la-liba." 

The pattern is pretty simple - just a basic log cabin. I start with a fussy cut from an illustrated print fabric that I will also use for the backing. Then, I build around it in strips. My challenge is to figure out how to square them all up to the same size before putting on the sashing as each center starts as a different dimension. The sashing will be red (still need to purchase this) as this is Oliva's (the cartoon version) favorite color.

I'm also piecing strips from Moda's Hello Betty honey bun for the circle applique pillow shown on the cover of the Amy Butler book In Stitches. Tonight, Bill is going to help me figure out how to size down the circle to fit my 18"x18" pillow (pattern makes it 29"x29"). 

Have a happy Monday!

Boring to... Better

My entry way looks better, but it did not realize the beautiful potential I think it may have in one DIY spurt this morning. The struggle for me is to make the vision I have a reality... my sewing skills have a lot of room for improvement, and my design skills are amateur at best. Still, I have a passion to make to cultivate my aesthetic. For years, I have conformed to what I thought was acceptable - traditional beige - and ended up with an uninspiring, personal-less space. My goal over the next few months is to make my home cozier - brown and beige be darned! I will use the colors I like, the decorations I love... follow my instincts rather than worrying about what someone might think. 

Anyway, this bench project today was a step toward that goal. Actually, it's not a bench but a hope chest my mother gave me when I graduated from college. I had covered a piece of plywood wrapped in batting with chocolate brown satin-ish fabric, and that's how it stayed for years. Bor-ing. Now, it's covered in Amy Butler fabric (bought at the Fabric Shack in Waynesville, OH) and adorned with a knitted patchwork pillow I've worked monogamously on for the last two weeks. I love how it turned out and can't wait to make more pillow covers! The pillow pattern, called Leaf Cushion, is from the Spring/Summer 2009 Debbie Bliss magazine - love her style. 

My poor dull hope chest still needs some more work. I'll see what other patterns I can try out - maybe some quilting is in order?!

I Want It! Wednesdays

In case my handmade ever starts to look mass produced, this ribbon will declare the labor of love for me. I can see snipping it around the word and sewing it down on the corner of a quilt, on the back of the neck of a sweater, or on the edge of a scarf. Shipped from France, the cost of a meter + freight is still less than coffee and a scone at Starbucks (when put like that, maybe I'll order 2?!).

Scrappy Projects

I had a productive sewing weekend. Besides finishing the quilted table runner, I also cranked out a quick camera-strap cover from scraps and started Amy Butler's Midwest Modern Quilt - the name seems to fit, don't you think?

The camera-strap cover comes from one of my favorite blogs, Cluck, Cluck, Sew. If you don't already subscribe, do. She has great aesthetic and informative tutorials. It's one of my go-to places for inspiration. 

The Amy Butler quilt is a free download available here. I'm making it from scraps left over from my mom's many garment projects. She has tons of Amy Butler - a whole bag of scraps - that she gave me. (Thanks, mom!) I will need to buy for the outer boarder and backing, but that is down the road. For now, I can enjoy cutting and piecing this fun, colorful quilt I plan to put on Olivia's bed. 

Sew, It has Been a While

It's been several months since I have blogged. Life has gotten in the way. Busy at work. Busy with home. Busy with school. I have wanted to blog - think about it often but haven't made time for it.

Last weekend, my friend introduced me to the wonderful world of quilting. I have been sewing more lately (and still knitting) but had mostly attempted garments for my daughter. After several frustrating starts and tearful stops, I decided to quit trying to be a seamstress to become a quilter. Quilts are mostly square with no shaping required. 

My first project was completed this afternoon - a Scrappy Do table runner made from Moda Charms. Though a fudged my way through several steps (especially the binding), I think it turned out okay. Not bad for a novice. 

My next project will be pillow covers for my living room sofa and love seat. Like many, we are giving our home mini Botox injections instead of major reconstructive surgery. Little improvements count these days. I'm thinking of doing a Log Cabin design (like this one). What do you think?

I promise it won't be 5 months before I blog again. Happy weekend!

Easter Round Up

I just read a blog post with the title "Is Easter the New Christmas?" Well, yeah, in our house it kind of is. In this economy, I think a little consumerism will go a long way, especially with small businesses that need sales in a bad way. It's practically charity if you think of it that way. I've been picking up little things here and there for Olivia's Easter basket for the last few months, and have found a few fun things to share with you! 

Blue Turtle Toys in Oakwood carry Boo Bunny Ice Packs, the cutest things for boo-boos since juvenile-character licensed band-aids. The Boo Bunny has a reusable ice cube in the center that is kept in the freezer until it's needed to make an ouchy "all better." Better yet, bunny is machine washable, and extra ice cubes can be bought separately. (If your house is anything like mine, the ice cube is sure to be lost!) 

Never one to pass up a unique beauty product, I snapped up Anderson Soap Company's whipped soap in a jar. Basically, it's a pudding-thick soap to be used instead of shower gel. I think Olivia will have a ball with this in the bath, and for just $5 a pop, I bought two - Sassy Strawberry and Cotton Candy. Can't find the scent you want? Anderson Soap Company makes custom scents. 

Half Price Books is a great place to find seconds and overstocks of great books, music, and more. At our local store, I found a copy of The Pigeon Loves Things that Go!, available online at Flying Peas. I paid $3.48 at Half Price, but Flying Peas offers it for just a little more - $7. This series of Pigeon books is adorable - such a lovable character -, and the board-book style will stand up to toddlers use.

I can't wait to play Easter bunny and fill Olivia's basket with these goodies - plus a healthy dose of chocolate. Share with our readers: What is your favorite Easter basket gift? 

 

"Me" Time

I get up every morning at 4:30 - yes, that's a.m. - to have some quiet time. While sipping on my first cup of coffee of the day, I list an item on LivvySue (have you seen our new flouncy skirts?), check my Facebook account, and then knit and listen to podcasts.

True, I should be getting up and working out (those extra 5 pounds gained from the endless buffet on the cruise are still clinging to my hips). But I've found this hour or so in the morning is exactly what I need to start my day off right - running can wait for evening.

There's something about the stillness of early morning hours that is calming. Knitting is meditative in and of itself - the rhythmic clicks center me. In fact, this is the only time of the day that is mine and that I control - each knit, purl, and cable. Even if the rest of the day is a chaotic mess, at least I had this time, which makes the rest seem more tolerable somehow.

Some of my favorite podcasts to listen to during this "me" time are:

Never Not Knitting: Instantly connected to the host, Alana, who has a daughter about Olivia's age. She has impeccable pattern taste, and I've found myself knit-stalking by casting on several of the same projects she has done. 

Knitmore Girls: This "mother-daughter knitting production" is chalk-full of great information on technique. Plus, I secretly hope some day Olivia is as in to knitting as I am and will want to hang out with me like Jasmin hangs with her mom, Gigi. 

Stash and Burn: Jenny and Nicole are hysterically funny talking about their weakness for buying yarn. Completely relatable, they are the most in touch of any podcast as to what it means to be a young knitter today. 

Search on iTunes to listen for free.

Bon Voyage

I was barely home in February. Work kept me on the road, and then we went on a cruise the last week of the month to celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary (where did the time go?). I'm happy to be grounded and getting back to normal - as normal as life can be with a 20-month-old ruling the roost.

Traveling is the perfect time to sneak knitting in. I hit a couple great local yarn stores while in Boston and Chicago. A Good Yarn in Boston is located on a corner of a busy college-town street. Their selection was fantastic - many of my favorite brands like Noro and Rowan and some new to me like Claudia's Handpainted. I ended up buying what I know - Rowan 100% cotton to make Olivia a summer top from this Fruit Loop pattern.

Zora's Yarn in Chicago is located in the front part of the owners home. How lovely would it be to be surrounded by all that fiber goodness? She carries Malabrigo, which I had heard was the end all be all kettle-dyed merino wool but had not touched it in person. Well, let's just say it's everything they said it would be; I walked out with a sweaters worth to make the Lush and Lacy Cardigan.

In LivvySue news, we are thrilled for our new Kimono top to be featured by fellow blogger Elle Bella. Please check it out and post a comment on her site. We're also on her Etsy favorites. Thank you for the kind feature!

Cool Recent Purchases and Gifts

I've been lucky enough to be the recipient of some cool gifts recently. My best friend from college sent this amazing birthday gift - a double-sided necklace from Pick Up Sticks Jewelry. Both sides have my initial "S" in black and white motifs. The hammered frame around the charm gives a quirky handmade quality. Buy one for yourself or your best friend online at TooQT.

Another great gift was a French ad screen printed scarf from my mom bought on Etsy from MaryInk. It's made with super-soft spicy red fabric. Every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments. 

I've also been doing some shopping myself in an effort to refresh my breakfast nook. We have an L-shaped bench for seating on two sides of the kitchen table. About three years ago, I covered them with the colors I was into then - reds, browns, and yellows. Now, I'm ready for a change toward softer colors and ordered a bunch of pillow covers from Marie's Cozy Cushions on Etsy. She sells two covers for $20 - a great deal. Orders ship from England. 

I stumbled upon a new Etsy seller - Byrdie Graphics - which specializes in decals for your home. Her classic modern style is exactly what I'm trying to achieve in my home. It's sophisticated yet approachable. I ordered Birds on a Cherry Blossom in copper brown that I plan to position to look like it's coming out of one of my kitchen windows. Once we return from vacation in early March, we'll repaint the kitchen and put up the decal. I can't wait. I'll post pictures of our redecorating efforts as we make progress. 

Sneak Peak... Shhh!

Not much time to write. It's been a crazy day full of mishaps. One trip to Target where upon arriving realized I forgot my debit card and had no other way of paying. (I did, however, have my Starbucks gift card. So, it wasn't a total waste of time. Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte. Yummy!) The next trip to Target ended with me, a crying feverish baby, and a flat tire. Ugh! Thank goodness for random acts of kindness. A total stranger helped me change the flat, kneeling on his coat in the wet parking lot. I tried to give him a $20 for his trouble - or at least for dry cleaning - but he wouldn't accept. Makes me believe in, or at least remind me of, the decency in people.

Anyway, mom is busy sewing. We're getting ready to launch a line of kimono shoes and tops. Packaging is complete with a Chinese takeout box. How cute is that? Check out the sneak peak picture above. Kimono tops and shoes will be available in sizes 0-6 and 6-12, perfect for baby shower or newborn gifts! They're so darling, it almost makes me want to have another baby just to dress her in it!.. Okay, let's not get carried away.

Check back often for new postings. My goal is to post a new product every day. 

livvysue.etsy.com

Have a great week, readers.  

Let's Have an Up Kind of Day

Do you Fly? I do. No, I'm not talking about mode of transportation from here to Florida (although flying is far better than 18 hours in the car!). What I mean is are you a part of the 500k Flybabies? I am.

If you haven't heard about Flylady, bear with me. This might sound a little crazy, but I promise you it has changed my life and can change yours too. 

At it's core, the Flylady is a system of routines to help perfectionists be okay with imperfection. The focus is on housecleaning but extends to fitness, fashion, and parenting. The idea is housework is not something that is done too you - not a punishment. It's just something that has to be done and actually "blesses" your family. Parents who model this attitude can instill a healthier approach to chores and responsibilities in their children. 

I used to think I had to spend 5 hours every Saturday cleaning my house. Half my weekend was gone by the time I finished! Since I work full time, I don't have the luxury of being home much during the week, and evenings are my precious time with Olivia. Flylady taught me that I can do one thing for 15 minutes every day to improve my house and do things today that will make tomorrow easier. The system allowed me to find time to open LivvySue Boutique with my mom. I just work on it for 15 minutes a day, and presto! a children's clothing and accessories business is born. There's a lot more too it, and more can be found on Flylady's website. 

Healthy parenting is a big part of the Flylady system, and her company dropped a CD this fall called Up Kind of Day full of songs to inspire kids to develop routines, eat their veggies, be kind to others, and more. Each song as a specific message delivered in a non-preachy, super motivating way. Even parents will enjoy listening with their kids. We literally listen to the CD every day after work/school. It's become part of our routine. The last song we listen to is the 2-minute Cleanup, which is Olivia's signal it's time to pick up toys and head upstairs for a bath.

Clips of the songs can be found on here and the entire album is just $9.99 to download on iTunes.

In addition, the Flylady and Friends network has a weekly podcast called Give Your Children Wings to Fly. In lieu of finding time to read parenting books (because time for that is non-existent), I listen to this podcast while I work out. Kelly, Flylady's sidekick, hosts the show and has tons of excellent advise on how to teach kids to keep their little lives clean and organized - a key to a successful life. Every episode is chalk-full of excellent tips and tricks; I learn something new every time I listen. Check it out on iTunes by going to podcasts, type in Flylady Kelly. Subscribing is free. 

Potty Talk

Going back to the roots of CMM, I have a product recommendation - the Boon Potty Bench. 

At Olivia's 18-month check up in December, her ped recommended we buy a training potty to have in the house for Olivia to get used to seeing and try sitting on, but not to actually use. Most girls are apparently able to potty train by age 2. 

A co-worker recommended the Boon model, and after seeing it I ordered immediately. I was suckered in by the multi-functional features and general coolness of the product. If you have to deal with wiping butts and endless conversations starting with "Do you have to go potty?" it may as well be done in style. 

Boon's Potty Bench is way more than a toilet. It's a toilet, toilet paper roll dispenser, book storage, and step-stool (no pun intended) all in one. Two side compartments flank the seat area perfect for storing tp, wipes, and toys and books to keep little ones occupied while they do their business. Then, when they are finished, the seat has a non-slip cover that functions as a step-stool, perfect for reaching the sink to wash hands. The sleek design comes complete with what they delicately call a "deflector shield." Basically, it is for keeping pee from spraying all over your powder room. Brilliant.

There's lots of potty talk going on in our house now. We're replacing our old cussing habits with new potty words. While it's not as much fun, I will be very happy to free up the money spent on diapers each month. The cost of the Boon was the same as what I spend on a jumbo box at the warehouse club - $34.99. Shipping was about 10 bucks but the order arrived in two days. Even better, 10% of Boon's profits are donated to children's charities. 

New Year, New Goals

Whew! Survived the holiday madness thanks to hours of therapeutic knitting. I've been a knitting fool these past two weeks, the longest I've been off work since maternity leave. 

Finished...

//All holiday gifts including two handbags

//Socks for me (Monkey sock pattern in Noro Kureyon yarn)

//Socks for Olivia (Most Basic Toddler Sock pattern in Crystal Palace Yarn in Panda Cotton Print... not a big fan of this color-way, but Santa chose it for me)

//Hat for me (pattern from the amazing Boutique Knits, Sideways Grande Hat)

//Pants for Olivia that ended up WAY too big for her

Looking ahead to the new year, I set goals to push my knitting and sewing skills.

1. Join local knitting group

2. Take sewing class

3. Knit a pattern using the entrelac technique

4. Sew a dress for Olivia

5. Learn how to line knitted handbags

What are your goals for 2009?

As a side, keep checking LivvySue Boutique. New fashions will be posted soon that we're so excited to debut!  

Happy New Year!

Christmas Knitting

Quick update today. I've been knitting a ton recently and have a bunch of FOs to share.

The bag, Double Dumpling, is a pattern published in the fall 08 Interweave Knits magazine. The designer, Sharon Dreifuss of She-Knits sells kits. I bought a couple of them to make gifts this season. They include all the yarn and supplies, including the magnetic snap and faux-wood rings needed to make the project. The pattern, made on size 13 needles, knits up quickly. I had fun with the embroidery vine, too, learning the chain stitch and french knots. I really like the rings on the strap - nice decorative touch. And the yarn, Lamb's Pride Bulky, has a nice organic lamb-y feel to it with little pieces of vegetation still stuck to the fibers. 

Who doesn't love an indulgent cup of coffee this time of year, especially with Starbucks and others offering seasonal favs like Gingerbread Lattes. I thought this knitting cup sleeve, pattern found here, would make a nice addition to a gift card. Using leftover yarn used on another project - 100% cashmere! - it is a luxurious quick-knit update to a present. 

My silly attempt at an artsy photo (above) is of the Tudora neckwarmer, a free Knitty pattern download. It's for my grandma who is turning 81 this year (I'm sure she doesn't read this - she doesn't even know how to use a mouse - so no surprises given away). It's made out of 100% cashmere - 'cause when you make it to 81 you deserve nothing but the best, right? -  by Classic Elite. The blue-green colorway is amazing and has a little tweed to it with flecks of mustard yellow and deep purple. So pretty. I think she will like it. If not, I'll take it back and wear it myself! The button is handmade and was ordered here. 

Finally, my crowned jewel, the Debbie Bliss Smock Coat is FINALLY finished. Olivia wore it to our Thanksgiving dinner and did a photo shoot with my sister in-law for our Christmas card, which was promptly ordered from Tiny Prints, which has the trendiest designed cards for the holidays. I would not recommend this pattern nor ever make it again - so much work invested. However, I am extremely happy with the finished product. 

What are you knitting/making for the holidays? Post your comments. Would love to read. 

The Case for Handmade

This Christmas, I am buying mostly handmade gifts. The people I've told this to are shocked. "What are we getting? Hot glued imported masks?" my brother in-law asked. Others suspect they're getting country-bumpkin roosters and potpourri-filled Santas. Not that there's anything wrong with those things, but my point is that many people don't realize there is a huge market of beautiful, trendy handmade items.

There is a big difference between homemade and handmade. That difference lies in the quality and taste level.

Etsy is a great place, of course, to buy hand crafted products in every style and genre. Here's a listing of stores I've bought gifts from (I'm not going to say what I bought since many of the gift recipients read this blog!).

These fantastic vintage type-writer key products make great gifts for fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and uncles.

For the photographer in your life, these are an ingenious product.

If you're on the market for something personalized, this is a good option. And so is this.

Don't forget the yogis. This is a cute shop with great products.

Can't ever go wrong with jewelry. This shop is great for youthful gift recipients, and this one is great for everyone else.

A shameless plug, LivvySue offers great children's accessories, including bibs and hair pretties, and clothing sized 6 months through 5T. Our new button hair pretties make great stocking stuffers! (pictured above)

Even if you can't do all of your holiday shopping on Etsy (or other handmade source sites or local shops), try to buy a few things to support small businesses through this tough economic time.

Happy shopping, readers!

Thankful

Thanksgiving is this week. I must admit that one thing I am hugely thankful for is that I'm almost finished with Olivia's Christmas coat. This morning, I began making the collar, which is a new technique of construction for me. I started with three stitches and added one every other row until there were 21 total stitches. Then I started with the shaping by knitting twelve, turning, and knitting back to the beginning. By doing this twice and then knitting four rows in between, the collar begins to curve nicely around the neck of the garment. It's exciting to watch this happen, because I honestly wasn't sure what would happen when I started.

I decided on the location of the photo shoot for our Christmas card; the gazebo in the Oregon District where by husband proposed to me and where we had many of our wedding photographs taken. The neighborhood decorates the gazebo for Christmas, and it should be a picture-perfect spot for Olivia to model her new coat!

The other picture above is of a top started for Olivia. It has been sitting on my sewing table and needs a little attention. I should be able to finish it during one of my vacation days coming up.

Also, check out LivvySue Boutique where we added our new product, toddler bibs, this week. There are styles for boys and girls, and the original custom pattern provides maximum coverage for toddlers. Plus, they are backed with terry cloth, making them super absorbent to sop up all that messy spaghetti sauce!

Happy Thanksgiving, blog readers. 

When Will it End?

I realize my problems and stresses are minor compared to many. That doesn't stop me from feeling the stress. This week, I traveled 5 out of 7 days. On top of that, I have a couple freelance projects keeping me busy, am gearing up to start another MBA course, am hip deep in knitting and sewing projects... And, oh yeah, I'm also a mom, wife, granddaughter, daughter. My head feels like it's going to spin off my shoulders!

Focusing on what brings me joy, my family and art, I have devoted as much time as possible to them. I finished a couple projects including this cute Susan B. Anderson elephant pacifier holder and Tudora neck warmer - made of the fabulous Debbie Bliss yarn.

I'm also slogging through Olivia's Christmas Coat, finishing the right this weekend. Once that is finished, the only pieces left are the collar, blocking, and sewing together. Finally.

I'm much better at updating Twitter than this blog. Find me by following: sarahhibner.

Until next time...