Green Kitchen: Craft Blog, etc.

Wool-Ease Web and Random

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:09:00 +0000

For the snap peas to grow up. I thought about Gudrun while I wove my tangled web. Now, I'm just trying to figure out how I can add it to Ravelry. It's almost crochet, sort of.

Thanks for the pants love. I can't wait to make another pair. Hopefully I'll be able to make a pattern of my alterations.

It was nice to see KnitSonya, Sadhita, BitterBetty, LittleLovelies, Melissa (I never got your blog) and a glimpse of the YarnHarlot, yesterday at the Maker Faire. I was wishing there was an organized craft blog get together. Maybe someone can organize one next year, Beth?

Fancy Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:29:00 +0000

My first real life, non-elastic pants with side zipper, sewn by me.

It all started with a vintage men's pajama pants pattern.

After altering the pj pattern a couple times to make it more fitted, I realized I could add a couple darts to the back, and a zipper to the side, and call it pants. I ended up adding a waist band instead of facing because I trimmed it down too low. Finally, I have pants with a waist band that fits me. It doesn't cut into my no-waist-having self.

I stay stitched the hem and let the fray stay.

These pants were made for my San Francisco trip. And, since I always feel like a country bumpkin when in the city, I thought I'd make it a theme — frayed hem and straw hat were worn with pride.

Do you see a uniform emerging? A style? Yokel couture, perhaps? I made my first French seams on these bad-boy bumpkins.

I'm feeling sassy with my made-by-me outfit.

The Usual Suspects

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:48:00 +0000

As part of my extended 40th birthday celebration we got to stay in a vacant apartment in San Francisco. Maxine lived there from the late 1940s until she died some years ago — she was 97. She fancied "Oriental" decor and fancy stereo equipment. I think these headphones were hers. Thanks, Maxine.

Ta da!

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:23:00 +0000

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. It was swell, especially the goblet-sized lemon drops that my brother-in-law made — explains the silly grin, huh? Missed the hangover after my 21st birthday, saved it for my 40th. The orange chiffon cake was fab, too.

Me 4.0 and Simplicity 3835

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:32:00 +0000

It took me a year to finally make the Built By Wendy, Simplicity 3835 pattern. I watched as everyone made cute shirt/tunic/dress after cute shirt/tunic/dress. While thinking that it looked great on them, I wondered if it would look maternity-ish on someone my size. The pattern only goes up to bust size 40 inches and I'm 46. Fortunately I remembered that on of my vintage-but-sized-for-larger-folk patterns it explained that, if you are larger than a B-cup, it's better to measure above the breasts and around the back to get a better measurement — when I do that, I'm 42 inches. So, after holding the pattern up to my body, and getting mom's opinion, and comparing it to my other favorite home-sewn, I skipped the muslin and went straight to cute polkadot quilter's cotton.

The modifications I made were: not adding the elastic on the sleeves (too puffy); adding a little to the front fold (about a half inch); adding additional length (because I'm tall); and adding the darts in back (like the dress version).

Make sure to follow the directions for the length of the elastic for the neck opening, which seems long, but, will flatter with its peek at your collar bones.

This shirt is so much better than stained, Old Gravy T-shirts in XXL, but it serves the same purpose — it's a classic mom uniform from way back, but now you get to use all the cute fabrics. It's utilitarian. It's easy. It's stash busting. It's fast (1 1/2 to 2 hours)! It's my favorite pattern, ever!

Did I scream yet about how much I LOVE THIS PATTERN?

So, even if you have big b**bs, and even if your waist size is the same as your age*, and even if you still have that baby belly — TRY THIS PATTERN. It even looks good on skinny girls. It's all good.

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*It's my 40th birthday today!!!!!

Skirts For Others

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Day 320
Originally uploaded by becktress.

Day 321
Originally uploaded by becktress.

No deep thoughts lately, just sewing. I'm playing catch up on the posting because last month I only posted four times!

The top skirt was the result of an extended playdate. Sewing *can* happen with two moms and three kids. I measured and drafted an a-line skirt for my mom-friend, Gigi; then, sewed it up with her vintage upholstery-weight linen. She helped maintain a comfortable level of sanity with the children. Barking did happen, but it wasn't the grown-ups. I finished everything except the hand-stitching while they were here.

The bottom two photos are skirts that I made for my sister for her birthday. The top one is an Amy Butler print, the bottom one is denim. The interesting thing about the denim is that it looked really frumpy when I made it her normal length of 26 inches in the front. Shortening it made it look cuter, less of a bad 70s thing. I mean, there's good 70s and there's *bad* 70s — just sayin.

Straw Bale House

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:17:00 +0000

It's a lot easier to be ~~video free~~ video light in the Springtime — we're giving it another go. Winter was tough. As soon as the kids got sick I caved in and the videos trickled back downstairs until there were huge piles of them. Straw bales help — they might be my favorite kid toy of all time. Lots of creative play has been going on, around, on top, underneath, and inside of them. And, when stacked they are slightly dangerous, which makes them even better. We're thinking of getting some for a friend for his fifth birthday.

I Heart Red & Aqua (pt 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:45:00 +0000

The purse is the result of a fascination with graygoosie's crochet bolero. I was wondering how the hell to crochet something with motifs and no real pattern. Then, I sat down and actually read a book, instead of a computer — I know, wacky stuff. I turned to the section about Irish Crochet and had my answer: first, motifs are basted onto fabric templates; then a crochet chain is basted to the edge of the fabric; finally, random lace is worked from the outside toward the motifs.

So, I tried that with this purse, but the lace was *too* much. I had made a spider's web connected to the flower. The weight was too bulky and loose — I knew I'd be catching things on it all the time. So, I frogged the web and embroidered on some western-style loop decoration.

The real breakthrough for me was making a bag. I know, y'all make bags all the time. But, I haven't wanted to make one since my first attempt, which was a sorry lopsided thing made with a reclaimed polyester patchwork quilt, vinyl backing, and polkadot lining. It was a mixed-media nightmare and I never finished it. (see picture at right)

The other blue and red goodness, from left to right: metal bird ornament made by Regina at Creative Kismet; handmade pincushion and imported gnome-ish ribbon from Kristin at Kleas.

--------------------

Just found this great series of tutorials for making modern clothing with Irish Crochet. Wish I had found this first, but, then, if you don't even know what it's called, it's hard to google.

Use With Caution: Magical Hats & Wands

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:58:00 +0000

A few of the magic wands and wizard hats made for auction season over here at the two-preschool household. The wands rest on a album of vintage photos — a gift from a special, creative friend. I'm thinking about scanning them high res and uploading them to flickr so y'all can share the beauty. I'm especially thinking Kim and Bethany might like them.

My Own Personal Bokeh

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Here's a set of Alice in Wonderland cookie cutters that I made for my sister many years ago. I consider these a crafty personal best. My favorite is the Walrus (top left) — those tusks were tough, I tell you. I like how he turned out. These were all done about the same time as the gnome cutters — that's why my wrists got so wrecked!

This year, I had wanted to make and decorate the Alice cookies for an Easter tea party like we used to do — but, kid-wise, I'm still a year or two away from that. I'm OK with them making messy kid versions, but, I want to have the freedom to be perfectionistic and spend *lots* of time getting all detailey. With kid interruptions clocking in every one-to-two minutes, it's just not going to happen anytime soon. That's been one of my parenting lessons — to be looser, to let things go, to not get caught up in the details.

Some who know me may laugh at that idea — that big ol' sloppy Michelle needs to loosen up. I'm not really known for being neat and tidy. I once got fired by my dad for not mowing the lawn correctly (I liked spiral, he liked straight lines). I do tend to let *a lot* of things go. For instance, just the other day I had to choose whether or not to take my shoes off when stepping onto our white-ish carpet. I thought, "Which are dirtier: my feet or my shoes?" I kept my shoes on. When I told my sister that story, she said, "That's *so* you."

Dirty feet just aren't something I focus on. Creating — even if it's just cookie decoration — will always take precedent over hygiene, or, any cleaning, really. Perhaps I'm set on macro? My personal bokeh is large — it's big enough to artistically blur my dirty, size 10.5 US feet; or, the twenty-odd loads of dirty laundry; or, two days worth of dishes. I'm OK with that. And, kids definitely have a macro way of seeing the world. Now, if I could just set my husband to have a narrow depth of field when viewing the house. ;)

More cookie cutter pics over at flickr.

Thanks to Emily at Five Flowers for teaching me about bokeh.

P.S. The title is set to this tune.

Two Small Farms

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:53:00 +0000

goat
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

puppy
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

Today is the first day of the veggie box from our CSA. If you've never connected yourself to a local food grower, I highly recommend it. It's good for your tummy, the land, the farmer, the kids — and, sometimes you get to bottle feed a baby goat.

On a different vegetable note:
One of my goals this summer is to make home-canned vegetable soup. I've had a pressure canner for years and I've always been afraid of it. I've lost the directions, so it's even scarier. It's like these.

And, thanks to Julia for the photos. I don't get many photos of me with the kids, goat or otherwise.

H is for Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:22:00 +0000

He always wears his best when we go out to the fancy neighborhood restaurant. This time it was three plaids and a vintage fedora, white pants, and suede oxfords — all on his own.

More photos at flickr.

What's that on your butt?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:09:00 +0000

While walking around in a bottom-half girdle today, my older son said, "What's that on your butt?" Thinking something was stuck to my bottom, I brushed away — but, nothing was there. Then, I realized he was talking about the black girdle I was wearing. I don't usually wear girdles with my ancient maternity yoga pants and such, but today I was wearing a dress! And, it was sticking to my regular undergarments because I didn't have a slip, hence the smooth girdle. Quickly I came up with a white lie, "It's like bike shorts." His response, "It's a butt holder."

Ain't it the truth, man. Ain't it the truth.

How do they get so smart?

I promise some crafty photos soon. I'm close to finishing my first sweater! My goal is to take an Anthropologie-worthy photo of it that doesn't make me ~~look~~ feel like a wurst.

P.S. Thanks for the bra info. In the pre-internets days I would have only had a few friends to get quality info from. Who would have thought a b**b song and bra question could garner 21 comments. I love it. :)

Do your b**bs hang low?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Do they wobble to an fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you throw them over your shoulder
like a Continental soldier?
Do your b**bs hang low?

Mine are hanging low, and the blown-out nursing bras aren't helping much.

I totally need to buy some bras. I'm close to weaning the little guy. Should I wait until then? Any leads on where to get good bras? I haven't had a regular bra in six years, probably haven't bought one in eight.

*****I had to edit the title because I've already gotten about ten google searches leading to this post.

Would you trust me with your children?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:01:00 +0000

When I'm not wearing cute handmade skirts, you might find me wearing something like in the photo above. As I was getting ready for my work day at our co-op preschool I thought how funny I looked, especially in contrast to my glamorous sister. But, each thing I wore was chosen with care. You have to dress just right to survive another day of positive discipline, conflict resolution, and healthful snack making.

Let's start at the top:

My hair is pinned back because it's getting a little out of control. I only schedule my hair appointments for every seven or eight weeks. Six weeks would be better, but getting childcare is such a hassle that I push it out, probably getting one less haircut a year — saves me some money, too.

I put on my Miraculous Medal of Mary recently to gather up as much good mama juju as possible while I wait for the little guy's sedation dental work appointment. Blaize got me the original medal when I was pregnant with my first, and, a second for the second. It's blue and pretty and makes me feel good. My doula, Mary, got a matching one and that makes me feel good, too — double Mary goodness. I'm not Catholic, or, ever been Catholic, but sometimes people have said I "look Catholic." I figure Mary doesn't care.

Black clothes. I used to wear black almost everyday. It was a good designer uniform and pretty much matched my mood. Now, I'm drawn to colors. I think it's because I hang out with kids. But, some days you just have to wear black — layers of it.

Black crochet purse. It's made of polypropelene and it's nearly indestructible, just don't drink out of it. It was a hand-me-down, so I'm counting it as a green-non-green situation.

Maternity yoga pants still have a place in my wardrobe. While I've only been accused of being pregnant once since my last birth, I'm counting that as an improvement, since I was asked twice after my first birth. I guess it's time to start exercising.

The Best Boots Evah came from a garage sale long ago. They're vintage with a short cut, not sure what you call that. They've molded to my foot just right. I love them.

That's it — my uniform for surviving small children.

Namedropping (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:44:00 +0000

"Your new best friend, Heather Ross"*

*That’s a quote from my friend, Bitter Betty, who admittedly gets funnier when she’s feeling insecure or jealous. While famous fabric designer Heather hasn’t actually bumped local crafty pal Bethany out of BFF status, she was fun to meet and talk to when she did an in-store demonstration at a local fabric/yarn shop. She showed us some of her cute new designs (coming out soon) and did an elastic thread “shirring” demo. I even got to take home the demo thread. Woot! Heather Ross touched my thread — reminds me of catching the drumstick at a Thompson Twins concert back about 1984.

H & me at Luminous Threads.

H circa 1985

A commenter once left a semi-anonymous note about how I went to high school with Heather’s sister, but didn’t leave any details. The mystery went unsolved until one day I got an email from Heather. It turns out she spent some growing-up years around here, and, coincidently, went to middle school with my friend Sara, as well as my husband. He thinks that he remembers her, as, “That girl who carried a purse to school every day.”

***Update***

After I wrote the original post above, Heather contacted me because she had figured out that she *knew* me. One of the facial expressions in my Unknown Me post jogged her memory of a self-portrait I did a long, long time ago. Turns out we went to school together for a short time, too. Unfortunately, *I* was the mean girl in art class who made fun of her neon pink sweater and Ralph Macchio portrait. I don’t remember doing this, but it does sound like something my angry, pseudo-punk high school self would have said. I guess that “holier-than-thou” attitude, that a co-worker once described me as having, has been around for awhile. Fortunately, Heather is a much nicer person than I, and was full of complimentary things to say about our short stint as classmates.

Me circa 1985

This classic photo from my Junior year features my one-and-only perm, replete with a nearly neon pink sweatshirt. I think this is from the same year (maybe the year before) as Heather's neon pink sweater. How I thought my look was better than hers is a mystery. I've lost the ability to spot the make-or-break nuances of high school fashion. This photo is for you, Heather. BFF, right? ;)

A Tasha Tudor Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:36:00 +0000

This is a valentine card I made for my mom about twenty years ago. The idea and instructions came from the wonderful, but, sadly not-in-print book Drawn From New England, by Bethany Tudor. She's the daughter of children's book author/illustrator Tasha Tudor — who's about 93 by the way! Each flower or tree can be pulled out of its pot where a hidden Valentine message waits.

I used to spend a lot of time with this book dreaming about all the crafts, seasonal celebrations, and old-fashioned farm lifestyle this creative family experienced. Now that I have children I'm even more amazed at the life that Tasha made for herself and her family. If only I could accomplished a fifth of what she did/does...

Read more about the Tudor Family at their website, where you can also buy things directly from them, including Bethany's book.

Namedropping (Part One)

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:06:00 +0000

This is the first in a series of namedropping posts. I was looking for a photo of myself from this night, but it seems to be buried a little too deeply. I thought I better start posting anyway, before they go stale.

Tony Bennett Called Me Baby

My first job out of college was in-house artist for a small record store chain — the pay wasn’t much, but the perks were great. I had my own studio, a monthly CD stipend, and lots of free shows. A few of the bands I saw were: The Byrds, Ice-T, Public Enemy, Arrested Development, Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Henry Rollins, Austin Lounge Lizards, Cowboy Junkies, Michelle Shocked, Phranc — anyone else love Phranc?

One night, after a Tony Bennett dinner show, I got to meet the guy that Sinatra called, "the best singer in the business." Knowing this meet-up might happen, I had fancied myself up with a new dress, lipstick, and an updo. Believe me, I usually don’t dress up for people — but, that night, I figured Tony would appreciate it if I left the thrifted, over-sized manpants at home. We were introduced, he touched my arm, said some words — nothing too memorable. I must have left my feminist heart in San Francisco that night, though, because I *do* remember liking that Tony B. called me Baby.

Soft Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:27:00 +0000

Feeling ~~non-verbal~~ non-typal tonight. Fabric balls were for C for Christmas. The Wee Wonderfuls dolls were just finished today. More photos at flickr.

Kids Sweater Apron Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:42:00 +0000

I don't get a lot of opportunity to thank all of you individually. Blogger makes near impossible to reply to comments — and, even if it was easy, I'd still be too short on time to keep up. I want all of you (commenters, bloggers, and lurkers) to know that I love what we have going here in crafty blogland. Thank you!

To reciprocate all this feel-goodness I've written up a Sweater Apron Tutorial over at Flickr.

You all should know that my five-year-old son came up with this idea. Sometimes I call him the Art Director. He has a lot of good ideas and likes to delegate them. ;) He saw a fulled sweater piece lying around, held it up to his body and said, "This would be a good apron." He was so right! At first, I thought a sweater might be weird as an apron, but, it's really a great fabric because of its absorbency. Kids are such wonderful free thinkers.

P.S. I'd love to see photos if you make a sweater apron.

P.P.S. I just googled "sweater apron" and, of course, Amy Karol already made one. ;)

Crafts of Yore: Knitted Hats

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:01:00 +0000

I don't really knit much these days, because poke-y sticks are just too attractive to the littles. But, I used to knit, for a short time — made some hats, some dolls, a blanket. Ravelry inspired me to take these pics of past projects, and it's also tempting me to knit again. I kinda, sorta want to make a sweater for myself. [Insert nervous nail biting here.] I'm thinking about the Sophisticated Rustic Jacket over at Interweave's Knitting Daily. Has anyone made it? Suggestions on another sweater type garment that would flatter a big breasted, big waisted gal like me?

The beehive hat is from Stitch 'N Bitch Nation. The stripe-y hat is Tychus from Knitty. And, the baby bonnet is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I added the fuzzy crochet border. The weird baby head is a leftover Bedfellow head that now gets used as a ball. I left the yarn string on it and the kids love to chuck it. The eyes and nose were done in Photoshop. Sorry, I don't remember too much about yarns and needle sizes.

We Care, Not

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Well, that little Heather Ross preview was exciting, no? On the Sewing Mamas board, I read that the other colorways are going to be pretty fantastic, too. I'll keep you updated if I get my hands on some more pics.

Because life is a series of ups and downs, today's mail brought me disappointment in the form of one obviously ripped open package with no contents. A plastic bag with a pre-printed and very generic apology from the USPS provided little comfort. The package was supposed to have a special Etsy purchase from Little Robot &mdash a one-of-a-kind hand painted enamel brooch with silver surround. Sigh. Lindsey is a great vendor, she graciously refunded my PayPal even before the packaging arrived. If you feel like it, check out her Etsy shop and spend a little money, maybe offset some of her loss.

Sneak Peek: New Heather Ross Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:13:00 +0000

***Update***
Sneak Peek is over while we anxiously await the finalized designs.
************

I'm excited to reveal a preview of some new, almost-finished fabric designs by Heather Ross. The line comes out in May from Westminster. See the collection together over here. I can't wait to make something out of the mermaids or the seahorses or the seaweed — perhaps a shirt for me, something similar to Meg's cutest evah Western.

***Coming up soon***
My namedropping post, wherein I will explain: how Tony Bennett called me, "Baby;" why Heather Ross is my new best friend; who I have in common with Britney Spears; and more!

P.S. Heather also has a new website in the works, so we'll be able to keep up to date on what that crafty gal is up to. Have you seen this project she did for Home Companion?

Soup & Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:42:00 +0000

Two of my favorite things — yum!

It was a cold rainy day here yesterday, with snow in the mountains! That only happens once or twice a year. We stayed home and made bread, looked for rainbows, caught hail in our mouths, painted pictures, and watched videos. On rainy days without school, filling up the ten and a half hours that papa isn't home is always interesting (How do you do it Eren?). What do you do, especially when you have a little one that makes doing bigger kid things a little challenging? We have a list of things to do while he's napping, but that still leaves at least nine hours. And, someone always seems to have a bit of a cold, which makes me not want to take them out into the cold.

On a different note: I love it when people share their favorite cookbooks. The Soup & Bread book is one of mine (Patchwork Slaw with Curried Vinaigrette; Chicken with Pasta Soup; Oatmeal Molasses Bread). I love a cookbook with prose, and Crescent Dragonwagon is a great storyteller. I love reading about the life she and her husband created at Dairy Hollow House in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Awhile back I looked online to see if the Inn was still going and was sad to see that it is closed (now a writer's retreat) and that Crescent's husband had died — hit while bicycling.

I just checked and Amazon didn't have the book. I'm sure you can find it used.

You think... you wink... you do a double blink.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Kitchen) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:28:00 +0000

One year and five minutes later a WIP is finished. I just had to add the already made flowers. It's for my sis — she just opened an etsy shop, by the way.

I made up the pattern for the hat (just a single crochet) and the flowers were from this scarf that I made from Needlebook's free pattern. After enjoying wearing it a couple times, I ended up taking the scarf apart because it curled (not sure of the official knitting term for that rolling thing that happens sometimes). The hat yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky — so super soft. The flowers were scrap, thrifted acrylic and cotton.

Because this blog is not yarn fiber biased, here is a sewing WIP. The little guy saw Archie and Olive at Wee Wonderfuls and wanted one. I'm a sucker for this guy — I'll sew him anything, anytime.