Monday, February 27, 2017

Alabama Chanin Walking Cape


I've been interested in the Alabama Chanin Walking Cape ever since I saw it in the store and admired its secret inside pocket. And outside pockets! Last year the AC website offered the pattern as a pdf purchase, and this week I bought it and made it up . . . but in a woven, not a jersey.


I chose a light gray wool woven because 1. I didn't have four yards of jersey to use and 2. I had this free wool. I fully lined the cape with a second layer of the wool, machine stitched it, and (as you see) put rounded pockets on the outside. There's a square inside pocket that's perfect for phone and keys if you are, in fact, walking. Or use the pocket for a tissue if you're going to wear this cape to the movies with your husband to see Lion.

A super-simple project and one I look forward to sewing up in jersey.

Friday, February 24, 2017

A Bright Sunset




Inside and out.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Daisy's New Ice Cream Parlor


Daisy's bedroom has always been known as the Mango Lounge, but Clara and I have been re-doing it in the softest, creamiest pink. It will hereafter be known as the Ice Cream Parlor.


(Benjamin Moore. Walls: Melted Ice Cream in Pearl Finish. Floors: Pure White Latex Floor Enamel)



Wednesday, February 22, 2017

What We Put Up With



This is what we have to put up with all day.

Monday, February 20, 2017

At the Greenhouse with Clara


Saturday morning errands with a little recreation thrown in.


I've been wanting a maidenhair fern--they didn't have any, but I got a little rabbit's foot fern.


Thursday, February 16, 2017

Someone Else's Needlepoint


Needlepoint pillow from the thrift store, perfect condition, just a dollar. The back is velvet!


Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Sunday Table with Tulips and a Menu



For Sunday's lunch crowd I used a very large pan, and laid two whole chickens on a bed of vegetables--several pounds of chopped potatoes, and three leeks (white parts sliced thin). All of it drizzled with olive oil, salted and peppered. A celery stalk in the chicken, and the uncovered pan in the oven on 350 for three hours.

Also a side dish of green beans (from frozen, in the Crock-Pot), and a big batch of biscuits made before church, and a green salad.

Monday, February 13, 2017

Eleven Paintings in the Shop




I've posted eleven more paintings in my etsy shop. The pricing to some extend depends on size (there are big pieces and smaller ones) and also on how successful I think the painting was. So you will see a variety of Price Points (such a genteel phrase!).

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Crocheting: Jersey Rug


Last week I cracked open the two large boxes of jersey scraps to see what was going on (besides Too Much). Lots of long, skinny scraps of not-cotton: pretty much worthless for sewing. Awkward skinny  shapes and mishmash of fibres.

So, jersey rug time. When I had pulled out everything I wanted to use, I had a pile that was knee-high. Fortunately Clara was on board, so for the last couple of days I've been cutting strips (free-hand, about two inches wide), and she's been crocheting.

This is clearly the right division of labor, since her stitches and rounds are far more beautiful and even than mine have ever been.


Thursday, February 09, 2017

Jersey Table Runner + Oranges


I started this appliqued table runner almost a year ago for the sole purpose of having a hand-stitching project on a trip to New York.


It's appliqued, with each design element cut out as needed from the applique fabric. Not the best method, since it's possible to mix things up accidentally (don't ask).


Still, I love the process and the end result.

Alabama Chanin jersey in Natural, and one of the pale grays for the applique. Blanket stitching around the outside edge.

Tuesday, February 07, 2017

Monday, February 06, 2017

Morning + Fog + Camera


This morning I ran on the road rather than driving to the trail. My cool-down was the long walk up the driveway. So foggy!


Everything misty and mysterious.


Except for Fitz. No mystery there, just affection.

Friday, February 03, 2017

Abstract: Catfish Ponds


If you've ever flown over the Mississippi delta you've seen these catfish farms from the airplane window.

Thursday, February 02, 2017

That Third Quilt Top


This wild thing is the third top Clara and I pieced in our fit of madness last week. It's the first one to be quilted. We turn the lights down so it doesn't burn our eyes.