kidding around

I decided to tackle our yard today. After weeks of doubting that Spring would ever appear I decided to trust everyone elses perky outlook of the weather. I do believe, the Chicago area is experiencing the beginnings of Spring! The grass “all of a sudden” is green, daffodils are blooming, coats are no longer required, and my son’s seasonal allergies are back!

The discovery of plants pushing themselves through the earth is probably one of my very favorite things to experience. They are like dependable friends. I know, it doesn’t take much to make this girl giddy. It was like Christmas for me today. As I was pushing away the pile of leaves on our garden plots, I discovered that Spring was happening already!

Another “friend” that I sorely missed was my neighbor. You see, he died shortly before Christmas, but I haven’t felt his true absence until now. We shared an unspoken bond regarding my small garden plots that lined his driveway. He was hard of hearing and had a hard time getting around, but there was an unmistakable excitement we shared as we watched lettuce grow. Funny how parts of your life touch you without being asked…

Oh- and another “friend” poked its’ unwelcome self through the earth…Peppermint! ACK.

3 words:

Plant. in. pots.

And yes, I pulled it.

The tradition of a few Spring shirts all began in 2006 with this wildly popular pattern…I continued the sewing in 2007 with this shirt that I liked, but admittedly did not wear a lot…maybe it was the fabric, not sure. And then of course was all the sewing for the girls that I love, but once summer hits, my sewing of clothing pretty much ceases.

Anyway, here is my Spring 2008 shirt. It’s not for me…I think this girl has slid into my permanent shirt model position.

She’s fine with her new job, in her world she is happy as long as she has a good book to read and some quiet…

…just leave it to me to supply her with new shirts.

By the way, the pattern is Simplicity 2986. I loved it and had no problems. I would like to say my sewing is improving. I even had to trouble shoot and piece a few sections together because I didn’t have enough fabric (I was thrilled that this did not turn into a headache). Of course no buttons or zippers was a plus, but the tucks were a new element that left me pretty happy.

I have more sewing to share from this weekend. We had less than stellar weather (winter revisited, sort of) and so I decided to use my time wisely and cut out a bunch of shirts, skirts, and pants. Stay tuned.

Without our Penelope Tess, our world would be…

less cheerful, less joyful, less full of kisses, less full of singing and dancing, less laughter, and less complete…

Hurrah for another year- I love this girl and the best part, I know she loves me and everyone else in her world!

I need to take a break this week.

My week of made gifts will be hopefully next week. Sorry for mentioning something and then totally fizzling, but life has taken over and I just don’t have it in me. Thanks for all the enthusiasm and sweet comments- love them. always.

I’ve become slightly obsessed with making all things miniature.

This doll quilt will be another gift for Penelope and I love it.

I totally just went with it and tried to NOT coordinate fabrics and do too much measuring- and you know what? It was totally challenging to just cut fabric and randomnly sew it altogether. I have always loved the vintage quilts I stumble upon in the thrift stores or in books and admire the spontaneity of all the pieces. But sheesh, I didn’t think I was so “matchy”.

This process reminds me of my college years as an art major. We were studying Jackson Pollock and our professor had us all out on the lawn painting using Pollock’s method of splattering. It was such a challenge. To just let go of what you think is “right” and just create by listening to music and becoming immersed with the paint. Oh and to ignore the snickers of the other majors passing by.

Okay, enough of that- it’s only a doll quilt. But you know what I mean, right?!

I often find that my most enjoyable and creative projects are for my kids. It’s a natural intention to want to make something appealing AND be actually used. Sure, there are toys out there that will bring lots of fun, but I have found that they are really grateful for the things I make for them. That in itself is inspiring and makes me want to create more for them.

But I don’t always feel very creative. Fortunately, the kitties below brought much creative juices this week. I get to thank my pal and creative genius, Hillary for this…I bought this pattern way back and I am so glad I made it. Not only did I sew one, but 3 cats seemed to be the perfect number for my soon-to-be birthday girl.

Then, I couldn’t stop and decided there had to be a perfect picnic scenario. I created this little picnic blanket for Penny and her many tea parties she hosts, but I am also thinking that an adult version may be on the horizon (maybe in my etsy?). It’s so simple and I can imagine many good times will be made this summer.

The girls are so anxious to introduce themselves to Penny, they almost hopped off the table and ruined the surprise!

I’m gonna shake things up here on the blog. Starting next Monday, I will be sharing my favorite gifts I have made for the kids. I’ll probably just re-post from my archives. This should be fun, I have almost 3 years of posts to look through…A walk down memory lane is always nice.

First off, thanks for all the shop love and congratulations! It was fun to hear from a lot of readers. I consider having 3 of 4 items sold a smashing success. Obviously I am thrilled and grateful for my interested customers. I’ll be stocking the shop in about 4weeks and will add a few other fun goodies.

Right now, I am anxious to make Penelope a few birthday gifts and some Spring sewing as well. I do believe Spring is around the corner- at least that is what I have committed in my mind to trust.

Anyway, this week was fun with my sister visiting and no school for the kids. I sure do like the change in routine and the extra hour of sleep that vacation brings! Can you believe that these cute shots are 2 of the only 5 photos I took this entire week? I should be ashamed of myself.

Hey everyone, look who has a shop!

Drop in and take a look.

A trip to the city was a thrill for the Shackelford family. It was just what we needed- a day away from the everyday and a reminder that we live near one of the coolest cities in the country. One of the greatest gems, in my opinion, is the Art Institute of Chicago. It is full of famous art that I doubt is taken for granted, given the crowds we endured on Saturday.

A train ride was fun for the kids- a little long, a car ride would be much faster, but the gas we saved was worth the time. Plus, arriving at the station and being apart of the bustle is so fun and something I want my kids to experience.

As always, it’s fun to discuss art with children. This has always been a long time interest of mine and my kids did not disappoint. Especially when they were questioning a lot of the Modern Art. My husband and I explained the art processes of most artists and showed them specific examples of our explanations…I think we got through! Since Nathan is an art teacher and brings his students to the museum fairly regularly he was also our personal GPS system- perfect.

Of course looking at the many antiquities always blows me away. The kids picked up on my enthusiasm- hurrah.

A trip to nearby Millenium Park was also a treat. Simon was smittened by “Cloud Gate” the famous sculpture that so many love to visit and photograph.

Guess what I learned?

Family outings are so much easier now! No more strollers, diapers, diaper bag, nursing baby, stash of snacks/sippy cups or…here’s the big one…a napping child that needs to take a nap or a meltdown will surely ruin the day! Yes!

I realized that this has been my life for 9.5 years and it is so nice to be in a different stage. Sure, I liked that time and now I am dealing with bickering kids, rolling of the eyes and general sassiness…I think I’m ready!

Yesterday was the first day of Spring Break. We are one of the lucky ones and sticking around the house for the week (I swear more people LEAVE than stay). I don’t blame people for leaving, the winter we have had is making me seriously consider that Spring will be non-existent.

So although some VERY UNWELCOMED activity was occurring yesterday OUTSIDE, I decided to bake it up.

It was good therapy. Did I mention that sugar has been off my list as a major food group? I gave in- it was either impulsively booking tickets to Mexico or a slice of cake to get me out of my state of mind.

By the way, my little etsy shop will open next week. All my “dots” are complete, there are some photography issues being worked on…so check here and I’ll give the heads up. Sorry for all the unbroken promises…it’s kind of like the weather. It says SPRING on the calendar, but man, I have to remind myself we are celebrating Easter on Sunday and not Thanksgiving.