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:: May 8, 2007 36 Weeks
I'm now entering into that sleepy, uncomfortable, big ol sea cow phase of pregnancy. Don't tell anyone, but I made a George Constanza move and fell asleep at work yesterday for an entire hour after lunch, right in my (empty) therapy/classroom, stretched out over four chairs, with a stuffed turtle under my belly. I still somehow managed not to miss any kids that afternoon. This is from a person who has taken maybe three naps in her whole life (not counting sickness or hangovers). The hand and feet swelling has set in, so thank goodness for roomy crocs. The doctor says everything is on track. The gear and stuff is pretty much all gathered now, so now it's just waiting, and continuing to trip the hell out over it all. It's been a while. Extremely belated thanks to Hillary for these fabulous vintage/thrifted boys' clothes ...
And to Nancy, who knit these perfect booties for us after I sent her those vintage patterns ...
Thanks to everyone for the kids' clothing suggestions. Of course since asking I have been overrun with baby clothes -- everyone says you will be but you still feel panicky and unprepared till it happens. And you still have to have a couple pieces that you pick out yourself, you know? I think I love Gymboree the best (the sales rack, of course). My sister-in-law says that she knows people with "serious Gymboree problems." Naartjie is definitely up my alley too. This summer I will try my hardest to print my own, a la Will Heron, and applique a la Amy. Lastly for now: I made three, count'em three, Amy Butler Nappy Bags for my three pregnant colleagues. They came out so nicely, but since I worked up to the last minute I failed to take pictures! I still have to finish the changing pads so maybe you can see those. I think I'll make a set for myself too. posted by in Baby , Mail :: Comments (10) :: link :: February 24, 2007 Most Exciting Mail Ever #1
You might know that I have written a few posts here and on Whip Up about fabric and intellectual property issues. If you followed these posts and especially the comments, you might know that the one and only Amy Butler responded in a most gracious way (see also Quilter's Buzz) when many people, including myself to some extent, were being pretty negative toward her re: restrictions on the use of her fabrics -- some of which are re-workings of vintage patterns. But then she discontinued ALL restrictions last year. Anyone can now sell things made from her fabric on whatever scale they please. That announcement has been out there for some time, but it bears repeating. Anyway, I wrote her back and told her that her openness about her design process (including the use of vintage patterns) and her responsiveness to the complaints was really classy (and enlightening, to me, who knows there is much I don't know about the fabric industry). Her fabric is wildly popular and I don't think the "boycotters" put a significant crimp in her sales, but she cared enough what they thought to change her business practices. So how did she respond back to me? With some very sweet and appreciative emails, and then this:
Squeeeeeee! I have always wanted these patterns. And this:
Her soon-to-be-released-from-Chronicle-books Sunbloom Stationery and correspondence cards. How cool is that? Thanks again, Amy. posted by in Mail :: Comments (7) :: link :: August 24, 2006 Mail Catch-Up
My camera just got back from Nikon Recall summer camp -- here are some things that arrived in the meanwhile ...
Jessica of Seedpod Books and Art (our lady of the Block Swap) told me that she doesn't get to go fabric shopping very much, so she suggested a little swap of scraps for some of her gocco'd treats. In addition to the lovely cards she went above and beyond with one of her quilted notebooks, AND a pile a scraps. Big time thanks to Jessica!
Kristin from Sew Mama Sew sent lucky me and at least one more blogger samples from Avlyn's new organically grown, naturally dyed cotton line, Nature's Palette.
I second everything Blair says about it. As I shuffled the colors around I thought they were destined to stay together -- maybe in a Plain Spoken quilt? Or, this free quilt pattern (picture here) made expressly to show off this soft muted organic smorgasbord. Three cheers for Kristin! posted by in Mail :: Comments (6) :: link :: June 19, 2006 Mail Call
Sarah of newish crafting-quilting blog By Needle and Thread and I recently completed a swap. Here is what I sent her (if you recognize that fabric on the left from previous swaps, it's because I have tons of these prints and they're crowd pleasers.) We set out to trade scraps and bigger squares. Before her package arrived from Ontario she told me she failed on our specifications, so I decided to fail too ... only she sent me this huge variety and I sent her bigger chunks of fewer fabrics. Just look at the bounty she sent! It just so happens that my stash is weak on pinks and blues, though I like these colors very much, so she read my unconscious needs (from across international lines, no less). Lots of wonderful stuff, plus vinyl for the Denyse Schmidt slipper pattern, and a little baby cutting board. Thanks so much Miss Sarah! I hope you like what I sent you. I think I owe you more!
:: May 22, 2006 Block Swap
My block swap package arrived last week. I am so pleased. All the blocks play so well together (It makes me hope that my contributions found good friends and weren't too much of black sheep). Every time I walk by them I stop and take a minute to admire. Jessica either put them together randomly and they just jived, or she spent That Much Time assembling packages and she's a genius. Either way, she rules! The idea of using the same four solids worked out so well. She was really on top of things and the turnaround was quick so it was all very satisfying. And now I get to decide how to turn these guys into a quilt. Right now I can only imagine doing the same thing Jessica is doing for the charity quilts -- a plain white background, with the blocks set not-quite-symmetrically. She's sure to come up with some other lovely ideas so I'll sit back and wait for a while. Here is who made my blocks! From the top, left to right: Thanks to the ladies who made my blocks, and double-triple-quadruple thanks to Jessica. I hope there is a block swap II very soon! posted by in Mail , Quilting , _____-Alongs :: Comments (2) :: link :: May 8, 2006 Stephanie Swap
Fellow Banana Slug (and fellow Kresge Banana Slug to boot) Stephanie and I did a swap ... I sent her most of Project Runway season 2 on videotape along with some bonus fabric and miscellany. And look what she sent me! Some of the things I cried out as I unpacked the treasures: "Dude." "No way." "No WAY!" "More?!" "Damn, woman!" And doing my best Joy from My Name Is Earl, "Oh, snap!" I mean, she made me stuff! A great craft apron with two-count-them-two pincushions ( I need to get on the linen train) that fits on me or my sewing chair. One of her famous fawns, which is so dainty and detailed and perfect. And all the fabric! Four bundles of vintage and new goodness tied with gingham ribbons. I will get these words out of the way now and let you gasp at her generosity.
My photo does not do justice to this apron/pincushion suite and for that I am sorry. Thanks so much Stephanie! You rule! posted by in Mail :: Comments (11) :: link :: March 13, 2006 Solomon Swap!
Look at the bounty of goodness that Lisa has sent. I'm in love. Thanks so much Ms. Solomon!
posted by in Mail :: Comments (6) :: link :: February 16, 2006 Many Green Apples (and Pears and Onions and Artichokes)
Rina of Three Green Apples and I did a little swap. In exchange for some buttons and extras she sent me the great fruits & veggies napkins, the geometric calico from Joann's (which you might recognize from the Denyse Schmidt book) and some cute extras from her Etsy shop. I remember staring at that calico (and the collection it belonged to) at Joann's on numerous occasions, but never buying it. Then it was gone, then it showed up all over the DS book, then of course I was filled with regret. So thanks to Rina I have enough for binding a good-sized quilt. Thanks so much Rina! posted by in Mail :: Comments (2) :: link :: October 13, 2005 Vintage Swappage
My vintage swap package from Donielle arrived yesterday! All the booty came wrapped up in a floral bedsheet. You may notice a 60s-70s, bird and flower and sewing theme. I also scored some "vintage-like" ephemera from The Small Object and other art/craft superstars.
The loot (clockwise from upper left): a bundle of floral fabric from various eras, a crochet button monster and bookworm, a ceramic bird, shaggy blue trim, a big pincushion with a clever thread holder, an assortment of cards, assorted trims and ribbons, a crazy bird pouch filled with buttons and beads.
I go and put the worm too close to the bird, and look what happens. Thanks Donielle! I love it all. And thanks to Toni for organizing the Vintage Swap. I'm looking forward to part II. posted by in Mail :: Comments (2) :: link :: August 14, 2005 Thanks Kelly!
Kelly and I did a little swap. Here's the great stuff she sent!
It was hard to capture with my camera, but the apron says "Don't Kiss Me, I'm Busy!" Hilarious.
A beautiful selection of vintage fabrics, including this one (which I must have commented on after seeing War of the Worlds)
New fabrics: Flannel bear-creatures, toast!, and a polka dot floral that I've had on my wish list for some time. HOW DID YOU KNOW?
She also included a cool Domokun pencil case (just in time for back-to-school) with Japanese candy, a pencil, and Hello Kitty stickers. I LOVE the unusual vintage rick-rack. All this introduced with a Gee's Bend quilt card. I'm filled with glee! Thanks Kelly! posted by in Mail :: Comments (2) :: link :: August 2, 2005 Thanks Miss Hillary!
I am now officially a part of the universe of swapping. I like it here! This arrived in the mail yesterday from Hillary! Awesome novelty prints (my favorite things to collect), florals and Euro-folk prints (my favorite things to actually USE), and a bundle of small scraps, vintage buttons and ribbons to feed my newest hoarding jones. I love the patch, too! I should wear that when I start my new job this week, just so they don't get any funny ideas about my work ethic.
posted by in Mail :: Comments (3) :: link
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