Archive for the 'hello' Category

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WELCOME HOME

Published on June 11, 2009 in hello and home. 8 Comments

Our trip was fantastic. I’m starting to sort through all my pictures (not quite a billion, more like 500) and thoughts, there’s so much to tell! I’ll be posting lots of little individual posts all about Paris over the next couple weeks sprinkled in with my regular postings.

One of the nicest things was knowing that everything was in such great hands while we were away. Our lovely neighbours kept an eye on our house and picked up our mail. (and then delivered it upon our arrival all sweetly bundled up) Maisy stayed with Debbie and apparently charmed her entire family. Classes were taught by Reva, Johanna, Erin and Kristiann. While my special ‘workroom girls’ – Debbie, Jerisse and Ayalah kept the show running smoothly at the shop.

It’s amazing to be back home.

SNEAK PEEK

Published on March 25, 2009 in hello. 9 Comments Tags: sneak peek.

Sneak Peek, originally uploaded by the workroom.

I’ve had this idea in my head for a long time… over a year. I am finally working on my first sample. So far, I’m REALLY excited!!

FAKE SPRING

Published on March 24, 2009 in hello. 8 Comments Tags: comic.

It’s so easy to carried away this time of the year. I cut out this comic years and years ago and use it to remind myself that although the calendar says spring is here, I’m better off wearing my winter coat for just a little bit longer. It’s still really cold out there!

HANDMADE NATION

Published on February 27, 2009 in art and hello. 6 Comments Tags: Brock, Faythe Levine, Guerilla Knit Up, handmade nation, Martha Brown, patchwork dress.

It seems perfectly timed that I spotted this Guerilla Knit Up on my walk down Brock Street to work this morning. A lovely blast of pink in a grey landscape. So pretty and cheery.

The feeling of that stayed with me all day and then tonight I went to see the Toronto premier of the indie craft documentary, ‘Handmade Nation‘, by Faythe Levine. What a fun time seeing so many of you out at the screening and sitting packed in the Lennox Gallery together. I’m going to have to sit down with the Handmade Nation book over the weekend. There were so many people featured that I want to learn more about.

I was particularly inspired by a patchwork dress they showed. It reminded me that I’ve been wanting to make a piece of clothing out of patchwork, so I’ve just put that on my list. Also, the opening credits were pretty fun and you can watch bits of it here.

There was a crafty chat after the film, but I had to leave to pick up Maisy. Did anyone stay to discuss? Did you have favourite bits or people from the film? It really made me feel very proud to be a part of this community that is just bursting with talent and creativity.

And thank goodness for Google! I just found out that this Guerilla Knit Up is the handiwork of Martha Brown. You’ll notice that she even added paper tags and a pencil, so people have been adding their comments. You made my day today, Martha!

VINTAGE BLAZER

Published on February 25, 2009 in hello and vintage. 10 Comments Tags: blazer, love & rummage trunk show.

It’s all business over here, so I thought I should dress the part today. It’s tax time and it’s one of the things I do not love about having my own business. All the accounting, paper work and tax stuff really eats up a lot of time.

Nevertheless, it was a good excuse for me to throw on this blazer that I got at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show from Jen. It’s so crazy cute. I just love the angular pockets and the tailored look. I’m not sure how old it is, but all the lining is stitched in by hand and there are weights inside the hem and tiny darts on the shoulders. It feels so great to wear something with such lovely workmanship.

Andrew bought us a huge full length mirror recently and I’m just realizing how amazing it is not to have to jump up and down or stand on a chair to see my entire outfit at once. It also means I can take much better photos of the clothing I make.

Okay, back to work for me!

SIX THINGS

Published on February 15, 2009 in hello. 12 Comments Tags: 6 things, A Little Goodness, joan collins, pillow journal, tagged.

I was tagged a couple weeks ago by Leslie. It’s actually the first time I’ve been tagged and I wasn’t too sure what else there is that you don’t already know about me by now, except…

1. While I lived in New York, I designed Joan Collins‘ family holiday card one year. She was a friend of a friend. I met with her several times in person (She was really very nice) and put together a montage of photos of her children, her new husband and her. Actually Joan designed the card and I was just the hand that clicked the mouse. She also specified a very gothic font and a red gradient background to top it off. Eight hundred copies of the card were printed and mailed out to all her dearest celebrity friends and family. Let your imagination go crazy with this one, as it will never see the light of day through me.

2. I do no use an alarm to wake up. I used to have to drag myself out of bed every morning after hitting the snooze button thirty times. About four years ago, I just started waking up automatically early in the morning. Just like that, literally overnight my eyes just started popping open early in the morning. It’s harder in the winter with less light, but having a couple hours in the morning to start my day is so lovely. (although somehow I still end up running late for work)

4. I really enjoy movies with monkey characters in them. Especially older ones. My favourites include: The Barefoot Executive (with Kurt Russell) and Monkey Business (with Marilyn Monroe & Cary Grant). I still haven’t seen Monkeys Go Home and I really want to.

4. I keep a photographic pillow journal.

5. I was terrified of public speaking when I was in elementary school. Every year when ‘speech time’ rolled around, I would dutifully write a speech and every year, I would be ‘sick’ on the day I was supposed to give my speech. My grade eight teacher wouldn’t let me get away with this trick and forced me to do my speech in front of the class. I cried through the entire speech, so I doubt anyone could understand a word I said.

6. One of my favourite things to do is have a bowl of ice cream in bed before I go to sleep. Actually, I just like eating in bed. Sweet things are best – pie, candy, jello or cake.

I’m sure I’m supposed to tag someone else, but how about any of you sharing just one thing that I don’t know about you? That seems fair.

NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO EXPLORE

Published on January 26, 2009 in hello and i heart. 8 Comments Tags: Chinese food, Google Reader, Ill Seen Ill Said, Lobster and Swan.

Did you have a good weekend? We had take-out Chinese food friday night for dinner and my fortune cookie told me that, “Now is a good time to explore”. Sooo…. I let myself overindulge in some serious blog surfing over the last couple days. I’ve also finally gotten myself on Google Reader to organize all my blog reading. What a delight! Now I can read even more blogs every day, make notes, add tags and file away the things I want to remember. I feel like an efficient secretary with a well labeled filing cabinet.

I discovered some amazing new blogs that are already quick favourites – Ill Seen, Ill Said and Lobster & Swan top that list. You must visit, they will make your Monday. (or any day)

I also updated my blogroll, so now is good time for YOU to explore too!

My Saturday night was spent peering out my bedroom window watching over a dozen police and SWAT team point their firearms at my neighbours’ houses while they tracked down a robbery suspect who was hiding in one of the backyards across the street!

THE GOOD NEWS

Published on January 12, 2009 in hello. 5 Comments Tags: engagements, field guided, jen hsieh, kyle reed, nine patch, snap coin purse.

Wow, I had the best time on Friday reading all your comments and ‘meeting’ many of you for the first time. Hello! Each of you shared really meaningful lessons and I’m so grateful for the time you took to participate.

The lucky winner of the snap coin purse is commenter #62 – Tammy!

I’m really excited about this coming year, contrary to the ‘doom & gloom’ tone that seems to be everywhere. I’m feeling buoyed by the amazing community I feel around the workroom and the blogosphere. When I look around, I’m so inspired by you and each of your individual talents. I’m determined to find a good balance between working hard and relaxing and staying in good health. I’m excited to learn as much as I can and to share it with you. Even the hard challenges we will be presented with this year will be opportunities for us to get closer to the life we want, I’m so sure of this.

Not to mention, there seems to be an abundance of good news these days, including some wonderful engagements. Congratulations to sweet Anabela & Geoff! And also to Jen & Kyle, who got engaged on their way to the Nine Patch quilting class before the holidays!

THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED…

Published on January 9, 2009 in hello. 76 Comments Tags: blackboard, japanese craft book, Paper Place, snap coin purse.

This is me at home in my sewing room aka. the dining room. There’s a huge Japanese pattern sheet spread out on the table behind me. In the background you’ll see a huge blackboard leaning on the wall. I’ll post some photos of it soon, it has a ‘special feature’ that I’m quite proud of. Above the dining room table is a cherry wood veneer lampshade that I made. It’s lined with a beautiful pink & gold paper from The Paper Place.

Dear friends, have I told you recently how much I like you? I love that you visit me and see the things I’m doing. It’s fun to tell you about the things I’m learning, the mistakes I’m making and the ideas I have. Today I’m in the mood to hear from you and I’m ready to tempt you to speak up. I’d like to give away one of the lovely snap coin purses I made over the holidays to a lucky commenter to this post. All you need to do is leave a comment telling me one important thing that you learned last year that has really stuck with you. It could be something little, something crafty, something funny or something scientific!

This contest will be short, it’s really for the people who are here everyday (so flattering) – you have until midnight tonight – Friday January 9th. I’ll draw a number over the weekend and announce the winner on Monday!

One important crafty thing that I learned this year was that Japanese craft books don’t include seam allowance! I will never ever forget that.

Happy Friday, everybody!

2009 RESOLUTIONS

Published on January 6, 2009 in hello and spotted. 6 Comments Tags: resolutions.

Before we get too far into the new year, I thought it best to set out some achievable resolutions for myself. I find list writing to be a very useful tool. I’m constantly surprised at how much more I get done, when a list has been made. Hence the reason behind ‘My crafty list of things to do‘. I’m making a separate list of goals for the workroom, but I’ll keep that private for now. I don’t want to give everything away just yet.

Eat breakfast every morning (not just pie and cupcakes)

Increase my calcium intake (so I don’t feel guilty at my yearly check up with my doctor)

Do yoga classes (there’s a yoga studio right across the street!)

Take a week long vacation (while the shop stays open!)

Read more books (i’m now part of a book club, so i hope this helps)

Finish unfinished projects from last year or before (quilt sampler, queen-sized quilt, patchwork pillows, pair of pants)

Take 2 days off a week, rather than 1 (some weeks)

Keep reducing the amount of plastic in my life (must make re-usable bags for the bulk food store)

Get organized & keep writing lists (my new agenda is waiting to be filled)

On a side note, one year I kept a running list of various things in my life such as how many cartons of orange juice or eggs I had bought, how many movies I had seen, books I had read, how many flights I had taken, etc. It was a fascinating list and I really wish I had kept it.

I was on television last night for about five seconds on a new HGTV show called, “The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price“. We had filmed for the entire afternoon and part of a class and in the end they used the tiniest slice (thankfully). It was both thrilling and horrifying at the same time.