tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84359726951048163942012-01-24T06:31:49.650-05:00In and Out of the StudioDeborahnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-40670103914781208452009-05-27T09:03:00.002-04:002009-05-27T09:09:08.439-04:00

My grandfather's grandfather was a knife maker. He invented--and I promise, I'm not making this up--the serrated-edge bread knife, a story Grandad would've told you in a heartbeat if you'd asked. All through the late 19th century, his company manufactured knives in northern Ohio, and continued until two world wars made steel so expensive that they couldn't maintain the patents and competition

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-65028922273507701742009-04-30T16:37:00.005-04:002009-04-30T16:52:58.088-04:00

Just when you think you have it all figured out....I know I pretty much threw up over all y'all with that last post, but apparently I had some things that needed getting off my chest.  I think at the time I was going through the process of letting go of what I thought Pretty Jane was meant to be--but I had no real idea what Pretty Jane was becoming.  It might've come off as grumpy and bitter and

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-7948237209100197572009-04-15T20:57:00.002-04:002009-04-15T21:02:07.053-04:00

As I regroup, I came upon this quiz (via PlayIsTheThing) and figured it was worth a go. I wonder if I was unduly influenced by the fact that I adore the Emma Thompson version of Sense and Sensibility far beyond good measure? In my defense, as a former teacher of Literature, I'm kinda required to love Jane Austen, even if I do prefer Jane Eyre (still the funniest book I've ever read). Take the

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-49845955909375548712009-03-26T20:25:00.003-04:002009-03-26T21:09:15.386-04:00

Away. Busy. Overwhelmed. Changing directions. Moping, occasionally.I've been going through A Thing.On the one hand, I've been starting a new venture--have I mentioned Whipstitch yet, my baby, my passion? It's really taking off and becoming so much more than I ever, ever thought it could be. I mostly blog about it separately rather than here, but there are a lot--A LOT--of gray areas, and

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-20006982618245104512009-02-24T10:12:00.002-05:002009-02-24T10:17:18.493-05:00

Him: Do you even blog anymore?Me (snippily):  YES, as a matter of fact, I DO.Him:  Really?Me (saucier):  YES!Him:  Um, when?Me:  When you're not looking.Him:Me:  I'm a busy woman! I can't be expected to blog every day.Him:  How about ANY day?Me:Him:  Love you.Me:Me (grudgingly):  Love you, too.(He turns his back)(I stick out my tongue)Him:  I can see you in the mirror.  You know that, right?Me:  

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-4068040349604575542009-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:002009-02-15T23:27:44.568-05:00

When did I say this next preview would be posted?? Let's just pretend it was today, shall we? All better then.Here, then, is the Instant Wardrobe for girls.The Abigail pinafore, always a popular seller. Plus a pair of shorts, a pair of long pants, and an appliqued tee. All in coordinating fabrics, to be worn in nearly limitless combinations:Wear the Abigail alone. Wear the Abigail with the tee.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-5048897902112633612009-02-01T22:43:00.000-05:002009-02-15T23:27:19.180-05:00

Check out this article about the discovery of the Pretty Jane off the Australian coast.And like, I'm a trained archaeologist who always wanted to do underwater work on shipwrecks, ever since my grandfather took us snorkeling among them as kids. Plus, I'm totally of Scottish descent, and I've always wanted to go to Australia! Is this some kind of sign?? Or am I just really, really overworked

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-87118283147709079252009-01-30T15:00:00.007-05:002009-01-30T22:07:40.686-05:00

This is actually LAST week's preview, which I postponed as I digested my new minivan ownership. Look tomorrow for another, BONUS preview post, and keep in mind that the preview with the highest total number of comments will be featured in a GIVEAWAY in early March!I've done appliqued tees in the past, but I always struggled with the colors that were available. Somehow, it had escaped me that I

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-81128831017224093482009-01-28T14:20:00.004-05:002009-01-28T14:36:54.283-05:00

So, I missed the Friday preview last Friday. My car was busy needing a NEW MOTOR, and I kinda freaked a little. Then my Sweet Husband took me out for a date and bought me a minivan. And HOT WINGS! I'll post photos later, but know that only a shiny extra-large vehicle could distract me from posting photos of the spring line. Will get that next preview up ASAP!In the meantime, here's what I've

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-81630706162942382262009-01-22T14:15:00.004-05:002009-01-23T08:37:50.463-05:00

Her: Oh my gosh, you look great!Me: (blushing) Wow, thanks!Her: No, seriously, I can't believe you just had your third baby.Me: Well, I mean, he's four months old, so...Her: But you're like, back to your pre-pregnancy size!Me: Wow, um, NO. I mean, I'm wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans, but there's plenty of muffin for allllll of us, knowwhatI'msayin'??Her:Me: Sorry.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-30623295114011680402009-01-21T12:19:00.002-05:002009-01-21T12:59:03.056-05:00

Received my acceptance letter late last week for the Inman Park Festival. Am VERY excited to be there on my own this year. But today, I did the math and realized that I'm already behind my production schedule, and that I'll need to really, really step it up into high gear if I hope to create the vision I have in my head in real life. I frequently "see" things in my head that I just know are

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-1485601958390238782009-01-19T15:49:00.005-05:002009-01-19T16:15:19.972-05:00

The fabric for the Rinse aprons finally arrived--AFTER Market was past. Ah, well. I whipped up a couple aprons anyway, since Heather says she still wants a few for upcoming street markets, etc. One is flouncy and gathered and very French Maid:The other is flat front and has more of a retro feel, with a round pocket made from the pressed flower medallion:I've been reading today about the "

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-15728137973484168672009-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:002009-01-16T10:05:59.441-05:00

This is the Kirsten skirt, in sizes 12mo to 12 years. I've done it in loads of fabric combinations this season, and one of my favorites is this Sandi Henderson fabric:Elastic waistband makes it fully reversible, with bright flowers in pinks on one side, and a flush of petals on the other:I like the "paper bag" effect of the waistband here, too--does anyone else remember this style from the late

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-65783132300968405172009-01-13T15:07:00.004-05:002009-01-13T15:15:03.459-05:00

Last trip to the thrift store, I picked up this for 60 cents:I brought it home and told my husband I planned to refashion it.  He asked, "What's wrong with it now?"  Well, nothing, really.  But it could be so much BETTER, right?  You know I'm right.So I set about picking out the applique, one stitch at a time.  Nice idea, except that the central stitches go through ALL the layers, and are TIGHT.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-2944449283456470362009-01-09T14:56:00.003-05:002009-01-13T15:06:23.138-05:00

I know, the holidays are barely even over yet and here I am, blabbing on about spring.But I have a secret:  I've been working on spring and summer styles for months now, and I can hardly stand the cloak-and-dagger any longer.  It's really, really difficult, when you find something you love, to NOT talk about it all the time.  I remind myself of E with her first real high school crush.  Wow.So

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-74580603950807019262009-01-09T12:20:00.002-05:002009-01-09T12:25:10.324-05:00

I won't say "voted," since I still have some PTSD from the last election. And since the Blog Awards are hogging all the "voting."But please take a sec, if you haven't already, to hop on over and vote in favor of changes to the CPSIA. Use that little icon to the right, the one that says, "Save Handmade Toys in the US." Help us all out.I'm not freakin' over this the way I was at first, partly

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-75010834159470179572009-01-08T20:18:00.001-05:002009-01-08T20:32:16.723-05:00

Awful.I'm supposed to be sewing right this second. Making aprons for Rinse's debut at the America's Mart tomorrow. Heather from Rinse is another designer at Beehive, and so great, and I jumped at the chance to help her outfit herself and her girls for their Market debut. But THE FABRIC ISN'T HERE YET! I'm beside myself. We spent days picking out just the right combination of Amy Butler

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-1282200460399406982009-01-05T07:52:00.002-05:002009-01-05T15:30:00.433-05:00

Started as a crewneck from the local Value Village:Cut out a pair of size 2 elastic-waist pants:Warm and snuggly for if the weather EVER gets cold around here. Stripes only match on the back, but considering how tough it was to squeeze the pants out of this size sweater, I'm thrilled they match at all!This is what's left:Am pretty sure I can work out some kind of apron-crossback-tunic-top for M

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-5949302863086578722009-01-02T20:46:00.002-05:002009-01-02T20:58:39.714-05:00

Thanks to ALL of you who entered--what great wishes! I was so inspired by the number of you who are planning to scale back and bring the Refashion Love into the rest of your lives. We're working at our house to do the same thing: buy less, reuse more, and enjoy what we already have.Like these buttons!! Congrats to the three big winners: one grab bag each from this awesome stash. They are:

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-34749088351067010922009-01-01T15:22:00.006-05:002009-01-04T15:41:31.944-05:00

I have one major goal for Pretty Jane in 2009:It comes with a bit of a story behind it. In 2008, I hired some sewing ladies to work for me, in order to increase supply to meet demand, and hopefully grow my business. They were amazing, and one especially taught me a lot about what I want and don't want in the products that I create and put out for sale. They weren't cheap, though. Yes, I

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-75154644529156129422008-12-31T15:36:00.006-05:002008-12-31T15:36:00.857-05:00

A number of other bloggers have composed lists of Things to Do Before One Turns 35. As my 35th will come in September of the dawning year, now's as good a time as any to make MY list and then endeavor to complete it in the next nine months. Lofty ambitions, to be sure.Again, these aren't resolutions--we all know how I feel about those. These are GOALS for my 35th year of life. Hold me to 'em,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-46782966294916999562008-12-31T08:34:00.001-05:002008-12-31T08:34:00.995-05:00

Fun!  Got this from Riffe Raff, who linked to Ahn-Minh.  What a year I've had!Atlanta, GAMildenhall, EnglandLondon, EnglandParis, FranceRota, SpainCharleston, SCHonolulu, HawaiiMontgomery, ALLake Guntersville, ALLake Martin, ALNashville, TNTallahassee, FLHere's hoping 2009 has even half the amazing memories to offer...Happy New Year, everyone!**By the way, thanks for all the button love!  I'm so

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-3709045248340665242008-12-30T19:38:00.005-05:002008-12-30T19:59:51.866-05:00

Stupendous holiday, we had.  Hoping the same for you.  All illnesses seem to have passed, and I have learned a valuable lesson: if I take a break from blogging, it is exceptionally hard to return.  So here I am, in the nick of time, ready to saddle up this horse for another year.Christmas saw our family of five renting an SUV and traveling to my mother, then my in-laws', then home for my father

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-80787975908617992152008-12-15T20:11:00.004-05:002008-12-15T20:22:04.158-05:00

I tend to assume that sickness is an indication of a lack of something, rather than the presence of something.  This is why I didn't go to medical school: I see not the presence of a virus, but a lack of sleep or nutrients.We've had a LOT of sick at our house lately.  First, M was icky.  Then my Sweet Husband got it and gleefully passed it on to me.  Lots of hacking coughs, way more mucous than

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-70440988859208401862008-12-08T13:12:00.000-05:002008-12-08T13:13:44.296-05:00

It's what's at our house.Ick.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-88576991897347945612008-12-01T15:19:00.003-05:002008-12-01T15:43:24.515-05:00

December? WHAT?? How did THAT happen?Now that Thanksgiving is officially behind us, there is no denying it: the Holidays are HERE. Our tree went up yesterday. And down today, when gravity toppled our vintage spruce right to the floor. It's in recovery status at the moment; photos when we're out of the ICU**.  I was out of the house Saturday morning and Sweet Husband, E and M did all the

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-27443295264654956552008-11-30T20:23:00.001-05:002008-11-30T20:25:08.993-05:00

I am a cheater.  If you are reading this, Eden, it's because you've randomly drawn my name as a winner in NaBloPoMo.  And I have posted this to let you know that I cheated.I did publish a post for every day in November, it's true.  Some of them are really, really good, too--I sure hope you'll take the time to sift through and read some of them.  I have been a very busy girl. But see, here's the

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-11019215206754508552008-11-30T08:48:00.004-05:002008-11-30T08:48:00.842-05:00

Our paradeOur weatherOur kidsOur bakingOur newest traditionOur favorite tradition: A Christmas Story begins its non-stop screenings on Thanksgiving Day.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-67439532448365068892008-11-29T15:18:00.004-05:002008-11-30T13:22:41.975-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-43193903145281713662008-11-28T15:17:00.005-05:002008-11-30T13:10:18.165-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-69286580241609200332008-11-27T15:17:00.003-05:002008-11-30T12:30:05.173-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-91999088657485769542008-11-26T15:16:00.004-05:002008-11-29T23:46:51.328-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-38736294411438812622008-11-25T15:16:00.005-05:002008-11-29T23:22:29.037-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-64778502184782542342008-11-24T15:15:00.006-05:002008-11-29T23:25:14.340-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-30502815571468656952008-11-23T08:56:00.005-05:002008-11-29T23:23:30.826-05:00

Taking the WHOLE week off to spend time with my amazing family. Am auto-posting a series titled "A Week of Gratitude" while we're off doing cool stuff like baking, digging out the Christmas decorations, jumping in piles of leaves, making final visits to the playground before the weather gets too cold, visiting with the relatives, taking looooong drives all in one vehicle, singing songs loudly,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-45174092946681718932008-11-22T18:22:00.000-05:002008-11-30T14:45:32.546-05:00

I'm delighted to announce, just in time for Black Friday, that I've gotten the beginnings of my new by-the-yard fabric shop open via Etsy. We're building an independent URL bit-by-bit, but I have all this yardage burning a hole in my pocket, so we've opted to launch through Etsy at a small scale now and then expand over the next few weeks and months to a new site. Will keep you updated, but in

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-25876561588791514252008-11-21T14:55:00.001-05:002008-11-21T14:55:00.607-05:00

(Sigh.)Today's the day--I can put it off no longer.  Today, we switch to CLOTH DIAPERS.OK, maybe I'm being melodramatic.  I mean, both the girls were in cloth, and it was easy.  Well, maybe not easy, but not as hard as you'd think.  We kick it old school around here, too: unfolded bird's-eye weave and vinyl pants, none of these modern Velcro thingies.Part of the motivation is thrift--at $10 a

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-38902049038737209642008-11-20T14:42:00.003-05:002008-11-30T12:14:34.773-05:00

A friend of ours asked me to bring in some styles of baby items so she could choose a gift for a friend set to deliver her little girl any day now. Most of them are based on the prototypes for the spring expanded line of baby things, and made up in fall/winter fabrics. I'm super excited to offer lots of new styles for littlest ones come spring, and to announce that we'll be focusing with

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-54001020495716978492008-11-19T14:41:00.007-05:002008-11-30T14:22:32.567-05:00

Easy scalloped edges using your special stitches and some stabilizer!I adore a scalloped edge, especially a hem. I love the shape and the symmetry of those curves, the way they make a garment feel truly finished. Usually, I accomplish this with a lining or a facing, and create the scallops from the fabric of the garment. I noticed a photo in a library book recently, though, that demonstrated

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-26860964628961917642008-11-18T10:20:00.004-05:002008-11-25T19:24:08.142-05:00

I saw the greatest stroller bag on Rae's blog back in September, and commented on how I didn't know I NEEDED one of those, but as soon as I saw hers I NEEDED it. And not just in the lustful, breaking-the-tenth commandment kind of way, like, I really saw that I could get a ton of use out of it.Then a few weeks ago, I saw this link over on Wardrobe Refashion and checked out the details on Julie's

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-53724840084586615912008-11-17T14:40:00.004-05:002008-11-21T10:41:20.369-05:00

Fabric and patterns for my winter wardrobe.  Nursing has brought out the Jessica Simpson in me, and I truly can't arrive at my in-laws with June bustin' out all over.Wait, was that another overshare?  Oh, dear.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-84291409445169979072008-11-16T09:53:00.001-05:002008-11-29T22:54:46.744-05:00

Leaves changingTiny baby handsFresh bread coming out of the ovenPlaygrounds and parks, one last timeLearning who my daughter is becoming, bit by bitHearing music through the house--played live, and with verveA clean kitchenCatching up with faraway friends and learning only geography keeps us distantFamily movie night on Fridays, all of us together on the sofa with fresh hot popcorn and a PG

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-37858073635974621312008-11-15T11:34:00.004-05:002008-11-24T10:43:54.160-05:00

I'm constantly surprised to see how motivated I am to accomplish things simply by maintaining a blog. Did anyone else ever think that would be the case?I thought, as many people do, that blogs tended to be self-involved rants of angry people with bad grammar. I've learned that this is not the case, and I'm so, so thankful to the following writers and crafters who taught me that a blog can be an

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-68783136484751282832008-11-14T10:22:00.023-05:002008-11-19T15:10:03.883-05:00

Holy cow! It's my 100th post! Totally snuck up on me...My husband assures me that it is Blogland Etiquette to blog 100 facts about yourself in celebration of one's 100th post. It seems overwhelming, and I'm sure dozens of writers I admire would do a far superior job. I'm sure they could write MY list better than I will. I feel intimidated...OK, it's only cold when you first get in, right?

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-69930463773845683152008-11-13T09:20:00.004-05:002008-11-19T12:58:44.040-05:00

Last post: the Corn Fabric.This post: Some background.First, you'll need to know that I'm a lot of different people. I taught school for a long time, theatre and English. Most recently, I was an archaeologist. Really. I have a graduate degree and everything. Wrote a thesis and was offered big fellowships to fancy schools. I studied acorns, mostly--I'm not making this up. My focus was

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-19111698893288577932008-11-12T08:14:00.000-05:002008-11-12T08:46:42.961-05:00

Thanksgiving, believe it or not, is SO soon. I get excited, since here in the Deep South, that means it might get cold soon. Maybe.Last year at this time, my Sweet Husband was still in Iraq. I asked my in-laws to put up their Christmas decorations over the Thanksgiving weekend so that we could shoot a video to send to him that looked like Christmas morning for him to watch and feel, just a

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-1121383613782586932008-11-11T11:06:00.004-05:002008-11-11T11:17:36.202-05:00

Last week, I dropped M off at preschool. When I picked her up, there was a new poster hung on the wall next to the classroom door--a progress chart. It had listed, along the left side, names of each of the children in her Younger Twos class. Along the top of the chart were the names of various two-year-old skills: "ABCs", "Shapes", "Numbers", that sort of thing. Many of the children had

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-39564243120959901322008-11-10T11:54:00.003-05:002008-11-12T13:39:48.530-05:00

I'm horribly backlogged with work.  Am I the only one who seems to trip and fall into the ultimate time suck website when that happens??I already love icanhascheezburger--I mean, who doesn't?  And recently I discovered Cake Wrecks, which makes me wiggle with delight.Today, I have found Fail.  Oh, how can I even express my joy at scrolling through its pages?  Any bad day can be turned around with

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-2697026337606889262008-11-09T09:48:00.003-05:002008-11-19T12:03:07.422-05:00

Remember this?Cars and boats are taking shape! Just need to push on through these last few stages and get these bumpers FINISHED. I know we'll ALL get more sleep once the little man is out of Mommy and Daddy's room and in his own (shared) nursery.Results soon!

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-22972960986001854402008-11-08T09:54:00.001-05:002008-11-30T12:17:45.792-05:00

Alabama football takes center stage at our house from August to January (we hope!). I made my Sweet Husband a seersucker shirt in red and white for the first game over Labor Day weekend, but the details made me a little crazy, and I didn't really love how it turned out.Too cold for seersucker now, anyway.So, I altered the pattern and combined it with some details of another that I liked partly

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-77880502149377373302008-11-07T14:37:00.003-05:002008-11-24T11:01:56.330-05:00

I struggle with this, but I'm already well into whipping up Holiday-themed goodies for the shop.See, I'm a die-hard Not Until The Day After Thanksgiving kinda girl. I really, really, really don't like the consumerism/commercialization/earliness of Christmas these days. It makes me tired. It makes so many of us want it OVER ALREADY by the time it finally arrives. And I don't want to feel that

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-78444347776734996342008-11-07T07:07:00.002-05:002008-11-07T07:07:01.098-05:00

My darling husband, on the anniversary of the day we eloped.  (That's right, we eloped--it was awesome.  Story for another time.)On that day, I had no doubt.  Is that crazy?  Do you remember how the two of us forgot that whole day long that it WAS crazy to just run off on a Monday in November and get married in your minister friend's backyard?  That it seemed the most obvious, most natural, most

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-49238762046175739552008-11-06T08:01:00.005-05:002008-11-12T10:13:23.450-05:00

I've written before about Sandra, from whom I purchased my sewing machine adn serger off eBay a few years ago. I mentioned I'd post about some of the other treasures I located in the boxes and boxes and boxes of things her son included in the sale, and I've let that slide for too long.So without further ado, just a few of the tools bequeathed to me by Ms. Sandra that I use every day. Maybe, if

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-987932935116302712008-11-05T13:51:00.003-05:002008-11-06T12:45:46.226-05:00

We had SUCH a great time at the trunk show hosted by some sweet friends recently, and now orders are ready and starting to ship out! Just in time, too, since the weather (praise heaven!) has finally started to turn.Alphabet tees--with some of the letter hiding on the back.Lots of little girls getting this coat/dress for the fall, in bright shades of corduroy.Here it is in wide-wale olive cord,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-38976376042004262162008-11-04T09:05:00.002-05:002008-11-04T09:05:00.867-05:00

Did anyone else notice that this was supposed to be my DUE DATE?? Let's revisit how funny that is. Am I the only one still laughing, cause I just can't seem to get over it...I voted by absentee ballot weeks ago--again, in anticipation that I would be enjoying my lying in at this point. No need to get political here, but it's such a big day for ALL of us, for the whole world, really, that I had

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-8111219588616683672008-11-03T09:03:00.005-05:002008-11-04T09:49:09.153-05:00

Beautiful fall night in the Southland. Great night for tricks and treats...We handed out goodie bags to the toddler neighbors we play with, full of fruit snacks and Play-doh.M finally gets it. "Free candy, really??"Baby made his debut--and promptly fell asleep. No candy for him.It's hard to tell here, but he's wrapped in a flour "tortilla," has a tomato on his head, and there are some wisps of

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-15397305600035477242008-11-02T14:28:00.002-05:002008-11-02T14:28:00.815-05:00

Because you'd never, NEVER sit down and consume three full-size candy bars on one sitting, not in a million years. But you'll do this as dessert after lunch with no second thoughts:Wow.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-65481940159221288462008-11-01T08:12:00.007-04:002008-11-30T19:35:31.856-05:00

After writing about O's applique crib bumpers, I thought I'd drop a little note about what happened to M's pink floral bumpers once they were retired so she can move to the toddler bed.We found this fantastic toddler bed on Craig's List for a crazy reasonable price (mattress included). Better than Ikea, since it doesn't require a special size sheet, and she has plenty of pink and flowered ones

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-67045966084939593412008-10-31T09:01:00.002-04:002008-11-04T12:22:55.908-05:00

Yummy. Hope y'all get as much good candy as I will tonight. With three kids and only one of them old enough to know better, my Sweet Husband and I are all set to tramp the little ones out for free sugar.Take your glow stick, and see you on the other side!

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-5044079687515776102008-10-30T08:58:00.003-04:002008-10-30T11:24:18.836-04:00

No, not that mess. (Sigh.)When Baby Oliver made his surprise appearance, I left a few loose ends, not least of which was my September classes at Beehive. I've finished those up, and made arrangements to teach the October classes in November. I might have been crazy to do it, truly, only four weeks after baby was born. I'm a little more tired than I anticipated, and believe it or not, it's

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-88199433149656396432008-10-29T20:48:00.007-04:002008-11-05T09:32:07.389-05:00

For whatever reason, every Wardrobe Refashionista seems to do a sweater refashion of some kind. The most common is the crew-neck-to-cardigan refashion, although I aspire to something like what Sommerset posted about recently.I bought this oversized red wool sweater to turn into a maternity sweater, back when I thought I'd still be pregnant right now.It's good quality, and looked great, so

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-76625432049506620912008-10-28T21:59:00.004-04:002008-10-31T09:43:59.947-04:00

As my original due date approaches, I'm having strange urges. Nothing creepy, just...nesting. I assumed it'd be all gone, taken care of when the birth took place, but what I'm finding is that my internal clock hasn't registered O's arrival yet, and so I'm right on schedule with the unexpected, the subconscious, the instinctive urge to prepare for a new baby.My linen closets were FLAWLESS

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-30710242209693312452008-10-28T13:04:00.002-04:002008-10-28T13:06:33.878-04:00

My absolute, all-time favorite candy bar:And that's saying something, considering this was only invented in 2004, and I really, really like Heath bars.Totally steal these from your kids on Friday. Chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, all on a pretzel to give it that salty/sweet zing. Oh, am I looking forward to these bad boys...

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-88037123741038781822008-10-27T08:19:00.005-04:002008-10-27T14:58:04.559-04:00

It's been at least three years that I've had to endure the "half-angel/half-devil" idea from our eldest as her Halloween costume suggestion. I have a lot of tolerance for plenty of silly ideas, but that one just annoys me. Lack of creativity, maybe? Annoying one side/other side costume ickiness? I dunno, I just don't want to make THAT one.She's settled on murdered Prom queen, which shows my

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-51286836063785827792008-10-22T21:20:00.005-04:002008-10-22T21:37:13.334-04:00

For all those who have remarked how impressed they are at my workload/level of motivation so soon after baby's birth, I should point out that I'm feeling a little in need of a control fix right now, along the lines of what Liesl mentions in this post. It was nice to read her post and realize I'm not the only one who frequently works out my control-freak urges on the closets and shelves and

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-50745335603847573382008-10-22T08:47:00.001-04:002008-10-22T15:29:09.560-04:00

Baby O had another check up today--his one month well baby visit. ONE MONTH! As shocking as it is that he's already been here that long, the biggest shock of the day was his weight.Any takers on bets??SIX POUNDS, THIRTEEN POINT TWO OUNCES. That's 6-13.2, people. Up from 5-6.6 two weeks ago. Little porker.I'm delighted, the doctor is delighted, his father is so proud (the baby's, not the

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-64439096656711682412008-10-21T08:44:00.002-04:002008-10-21T12:45:39.349-04:00

Our Teen went to her first real, live big dance this weekend: Homecoming. I can hardly stand it.The invites said "semi-formal," but I think we're all a little unclear about what that means these days. We had this hanging in the closet from two Halloweens ago when I had no costume and went as the default "pretty fairy princess" to which all women my age have sunk at least once over the years.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-43572429924240692982008-10-18T07:50:00.001-04:002008-10-22T11:13:57.605-04:00

Check back next week for images from the Winter additions to the Fall collection! With any luck, they'll join the other pieces in the shop SOON!

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-22961839404729906352008-10-17T08:27:00.000-04:002008-10-17T15:56:21.685-04:00

Baby's bumpers are coming along, albeit slowly. I considered doing the applique by hand on these, but then realized that I'd be giving them to my son on his wedding day if that were the case. So I did them by machine and am REALLY happy so far--I love the semi-quilted look that's developing. I may still decide to attach the vehicles by hand, just because of the number of layers involved, but

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-56239101348455981242008-10-16T09:14:00.004-04:002008-10-17T15:55:32.641-04:00

M needed a new pillowcase for her little pillow if she's ever going to move out of the crib and let the O take it over. I realize this even more now that I've spent the weekend with houseguests and the other two kids, trying vainly to explain to everyone that our newborn is sleeping in my room, which shares a wall with the kitchen, and if they yell and slam cabinet doors or unload the dishwasher

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-75682072407947604852008-10-15T08:28:00.004-04:002008-11-05T13:29:36.458-05:00

Today is my mother's birthday. Our family sure takes a hit in the fall--and I didn't even get a chance to post about my PopPop on Sept 15!When my younger sister was born, my mom started selling maternity clothes that she made in our basement. Over time, that evolved into Heidi Kidwear, a children's clothing company that lasted almost 15 years and sold through trunk shows all over the Southeast.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-48186769484515814602008-10-14T10:57:00.010-04:002008-10-14T16:52:48.949-04:00

I know it's beginning to get repetitive, but I still am amazed each day that I'm no longer pregnant. I had gotten it so ingrained in my head that I'd be waiting for the baby right now that I can't seem to accept that he's HERE.Having said that, and expressed my immense gratitude that he's healthy and beautiful and such a sweet baby, I think often of my TWO friends who right now find themselves

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-86345143099068273302008-10-11T12:59:00.002-04:002008-10-13T14:12:12.513-04:00

Our new little man went in for a weight check last week and had packed on a whopping half pound in a single week! He's up to 5 lb 6.6 oz, and everyone at the pediatrician's called him "perfect." Which we knew already.More photos soon--wow, I sure am slack about photographing our kids. Yikes.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-51446237238129390362008-10-07T08:04:00.005-04:002008-10-07T14:20:11.628-04:00

Miss M had thrifted crib bumpers that I recovered in some pink fabric I'd had lying around since our TEEN was little. (I think I bought it for E when she was six or seven to cover her duvet and make some curtains for her room. She finally had to tell me she was "too old for pink." So it got recycled--y'know, five years later.) The bumpers never quite fit the way I wanted them to, so when new

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-15492927984974559622008-10-06T10:27:00.015-04:002008-10-06T14:58:42.256-04:00

My students in the Intro Sewing class all make continuous bias tape. I make it right along with them each month, and give them a copy of printed instructions courtesy of the Dread Pirate Rogers, but have always wanted to have better photos to offer. While I was busy making the changing pad cover for New Baby, I went ahead and shot some photos of the CBT process with the gingham I used to wrap

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-25186556743319908492008-10-06T08:32:00.013-04:002008-10-06T08:32:01.013-04:00

When our Toddler, M, was itty bitty (maybe even in utero?), I needed a changing table pad but was hoping one would be "showered" upon us, so avoided buying one. In the meantime, I made this one:Oh, yeah. That's a mattress pad, some foam, and a waterproof liner, all layered up together. Seriously. It was meant to be a temporary fix, but y'all know how these things go... And it's worked so

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-80699699993622652862008-10-04T14:51:00.004-04:002008-10-04T14:51:02.052-04:00

Now that we're well into October, I wanted to drop a quick note about the September campaign I posted about on my birthday. It's such an amazing concept, first of all, that this guy my age just decided to do away with gifts and instead make his life and his time about doing something for people he would never meet. That overwhelms me, not only because I know I would never be able to do it, but

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-19815613003691132322008-10-03T13:14:00.000-04:002008-10-03T15:05:19.262-04:00

I discovered this in my drafts and had to laugh. Thought I'd share it with y'all so you can laugh at me, too. I truly, truly thought I had tons of time before this baby came. This post was written in APRIL, folks. I was barely even pregnant then. Not only did I do this revamp of the studio, I was busy perusing Craig's List for car seats, strollers, baby bumper sets, toys and newborn clothes

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-39728685304876120822008-10-03T11:54:00.006-04:002008-10-06T10:59:21.764-04:00

Yesterday I stumbled on the sweetest site of handmade kids' things, over at Craftsbury Kids. They've got piles of the sweetest toys, slings, shoes, art, all kinds of things, and so wonderfully handmade. It's like an Etsy for super-high quality children's finds, all carefully vetted and edited by the owner. Check it out--these are some of my favorites:This awesome knit acorn hat by Linda Lou:

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-43037343127743687342008-10-02T08:02:00.005-04:002008-10-02T09:49:58.959-04:00

Baby Oliver is known around here as BO. Our Toddler has been BM for some time now.I never intended to have a family of stinkiness. At least our Teen isn't a Baby--although I guess BE is pretty non-threatening, right? I can't even imagine what bodily function that could stand for (and you shouldn't, either).They really do smell good, honest.

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-25822410286836813092008-10-01T11:00:00.008-04:002008-10-01T19:59:21.806-04:00

Our auction winner received her Lucy jumper not too long ago. Here's her daughter, modeling the dress, and thrilled with the paperdolls fabric. Thanks, Nanana, for letting me post photos!When our girl's mommy won the auction, she also ordered one of our letter pillows for her girl--here it is, waiting to ship out. I'm told there was much rejoicing when the package arrived, which is just what I

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-53052695936781703792008-09-30T11:51:00.002-04:002008-10-01T10:56:25.142-04:00

My sister is something of a gift-giving savant. Always the right gift, the perfect wrapping, and flawless timing. She sent this package on Monday. Loyal readers, you'll no doubt notice that I had our baby on Monday. I didn't call and tell anyone until Tuesday morning, as I was busy recovering and receiving visitors. My sister lives in Boston, and woke up that morning thinking, "Hmm. I really

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-26172106473206473992008-09-29T09:38:00.003-04:002008-09-29T09:53:47.533-04:00

Thomas Oliver, our recent addition. He was born early, early last Monday morning and has been home with us since Wednesday. Our early baby. Our Monday's child (to go with our Sunday's child and our Tuesday's child, plus my Saturday husband, and me--a Wednesday kid, all on our way to a complete set!).More photos soon, but I haven't really been able to put the baby down long enough to pick up

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-45071951338588360242008-09-22T14:06:00.008-04:002008-10-03T20:04:39.372-04:00

So, since my birthday, a lot has happened. To the point that the details of my wonderful birthday date night with my Sweet Husband seem out of place and tame. We went to another show, some of the same performers, and ate come more BBQ at a local place that was way cute (The Swallow in the Hollow in Roswell), and there was an altercation with a drunk guy who used the ladies' room at one point,

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-49782693618813680772008-09-17T21:25:00.002-04:002008-09-28T20:32:08.558-04:00

Had very happy birthday. Thanks for all the comments and emails, y'all--they made for a special #34. Currently buried under deluge of orders (hooray!) and prepping for next trunk show. Will resurface in a few hours (days?) with photos of romantic birthday date with Sweet Husband. See you then!

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-13269793582659906802008-09-11T08:38:00.003-04:002008-09-11T14:36:34.723-04:00

Well, it's my birthday today, everyone. And like most folks in their 30s, I am of mixed emotions. On the one hand, I feel OLD. On the other, there's NO WAY it's all gone so fast. I'm thrilled with my happy, happy life, but I am horrified at so much in the world around me. Mixed emotions.I have never, ever at any period (including the Nirvana that is the College Years), been so happy and

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-4696867661596990272008-09-10T09:24:00.005-04:002008-09-10T10:14:00.101-04:00

Today is my grandmother's 84th birthday. She's 50 years older than I am, and 25 older than my mom, who had me at the same age her mother had her. Miriam is what folks used to call "a pistol," and I think she rocks. She has the funniest voice, and when I try, I sound exactly like her--EXACTLY, to the point that I am frequently asked to do my Miriam impersonation at family gatherings, which

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-63160400673506737112008-09-09T14:41:00.004-04:002008-09-09T14:51:49.908-04:00

I've signed on over at Wardrobe Refashion for four months of refashioning goodness. Making the pledge means that I've determined to only make, repurpose, or purchase used/secondhand all clothing for myself and my family (excluding undergarments) for the next four months. My commitment started Sept 1, so I've already added my maternity shorts to the list of Completed Projects. Feels pretty good

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-38267591572148746822008-09-08T10:50:00.001-04:002008-09-08T10:51:08.498-04:00

I ordered this Japanese fabric--direct from Japan!--months ago. It came in finally a few weeks back, and boy oh boy was it worth waiting for! So soft, such a sweet print, fantastic colors. Awesome. I am completely in love. And so is our Toddler: check her out! (When she first tried it on for me, just so I could check the fit, she flipped out when I tried to take it off her. And this is how

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-18343197098487115222008-09-07T08:12:00.007-04:002008-09-07T09:15:40.042-04:00

My birthday is coming up next week, so my husband and I sent the girls to their grandparents' and are spending the weekend in Nashville. Last night was My Pick of Activities, so we ate BBQ and then went to a little club downtown to see some bluegrass. The place is called the Station Inn, and is wayyyyyy old school. They serve frozen pizza and beer, and for dessert you can have a Moon Pie or a

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-81044751179206073312008-09-04T10:14:00.005-04:002008-09-04T11:51:40.266-04:00

There are three women on our cul-de-sac who are pregnant. When we had our toddler two years ago, there were FIVE. Something in the water.The one whose house backs up to ours--and who we like better, frankly, than the other one--is due about 6 weeks before I am. She asked for some burp cloths for this second boy they're having, and her only requirement was that one side be the frogs fabric from

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-34131064279525000792008-09-03T16:15:00.003-04:002008-09-03T16:59:15.161-04:00

Our local thrift store had a 50% off sale last week, so Baby and I dropped by on the way home from my most recent OB appointment. We found some SUPER cute stuff, mostly for the kids but including a wool winter maternity coat for me, and THIS treasure.It's missing the blue tray that used to sit below the seat, and the whinny is gone, but it's just like the one I had 30 years (!!) ago, and it was

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-71486538529247527502008-09-02T14:05:00.006-04:002008-09-03T17:00:01.173-04:00

We have a winning bid! By just a hair, Nanana pulled it out at the last minute, and will be donating $46 to the Stephanie and Christian Nielson Fund. Her reward? The Lucy jumper in this delicious paperdolls print, for her daughter. Thanks to ALL of you who bid, wrote, told me how moved you've been by this amazing family. There are still other auctions going on--and some just beginning!--so

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-38142956218153113152008-09-01T15:20:00.012-04:002008-09-02T15:18:03.827-04:00

I need more pants. The belly has grown, and baby is getting bigger every day. No Pants Land is a lonely place. So I whipped up some navy maternity shorts in a nice, simple "city short" shape. I think this is a McCall's pattern, but I can't seem to locate the envelope to give the actual number--I made some changes, anyway, so it might not be relevant... These were very straightforward to

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-81865877562641414852008-09-01T13:44:00.004-04:002008-09-01T13:57:13.424-04:00

I deliberately scheduled the end of this auction a little later than many of the others, hoping folks who'd missed out on an opportunity to bid or win on other items would still get a chance to make a donation here. Check all the wonderful links out if you're still hoping to make a bid (Design Mom is keeping the active ones marked with the word "LIVE" in red to make it easier to search her

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-70532377699521668262008-08-28T10:03:00.013-04:002008-09-01T13:52:24.053-04:00

Alright, everyone! As I wrote yesterday, today has been named Nie Nie Day in honor of Stephanie and Christian Nielson. Pretty Jane is participating in a HUGE, wide-ranging group of blogs who are staging, in groups and individually, auctions of items to support the care and recovery of this amazing couple. Please read more about their ordeal here and here, and then continue below to the

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-2573746094638972722008-08-27T14:38:00.005-04:002008-08-28T10:43:27.217-04:00

So, while I was here moaning about my Summer Complaint, I caught up on my blog reading and spent a solid hour-plus crying over Stephanie and Christian Nielson's recent tragedy. It's made the local and national news, but nowhere does it seem to have hit a nerve like it has in Blogland.Here are a loving, devoted husband and wife, with an amazing devotion to their family--they have the coolest

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-22775249047753798902008-08-26T13:49:00.003-04:002008-08-26T13:55:39.292-04:00

I have The Funk. Not the good kind. The upper respiratory kind. The one that comes with mind-numbing fatigue and light-headedness when climbing stairs. The kind your husband brings back with him after spending a week in Alaska and touching a glacier without you--the insult-to-injury kind of Funk.My friend's mother says when you get oddly ill in the summer, with no apparent cause, it's the

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-43314281912697953562008-08-16T14:58:00.005-04:002008-08-26T13:55:06.822-04:00

Anna Maria is one of my fave fabric designers, partly because I love her use of color and her enthusiastic embracing of the natural world in the textiles she designs, and partly because I find her life and her worldview so sympatico to my own, and so inspiring. Plus I love women with big families and a creative eye, and she has both in spades... It doesn't hurt that she's a sister Southerner (

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8435972695104816394.post-39860703242974526072008-08-14T13:11:00.005-04:002008-08-14T13:16:53.702-04:00

Not to be crude, but my students tease me that all my mostest favorite finds when it comes to sewing tools are from folks who are, shall we say, no longer with us. I'll break this up into a number of posts, since it's kinda a long story.Let's start with Sandra (**angels in background sing in unison: "Sandra!"). When my husband and I bit the bullet and decided that as long as I was going to stay

Deborahnoreply@blogger.com1