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Showing posts from March, 2009

Signed, sealed, delivered, they're yours!

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I can't say enough to thank you for all your kind thoughts and comments in response to my last post which I did not begin with the intent of pouring out quite so much. It just came as I wrote, and I left it there. Someone said something about how good that overly emotional time of pregnancy can be for you, like catharsis, and I agree, wholeheartedly. I'm not too much of a dweller, but often feel that there are times and thoughts that deserve to be noted by saying or writing outloud, good or bad, it helps me move on....uh so moving on. The patterns! Land sakes, we've been shipping and shipping and shipping to lots of shops around the globe, and happy to say (if you're not already in the know ) that the goods are in our shop now too. I really, really hope everyone enjoys these patterns, they were a lot of work to put together, but can say I'm pleased as punch. I've already begun a flickr group for them, so join in the fun should you choose, and please sh

Maybe my favorite word: Beginning

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Juliana, Jeff and I were able to sneak just the 3 (erh, I guess I count as 2, so 4) of us to Manhattan for several days while the rest had farm days at Grandma's house over spring break. Consider this my excuse note for the blog principal. Main intention being getting an early look at Parsons for Juliana, but, of course mixed in with plenty of eating, shopping, training, cabbing, with the bonus of spending every night with my brother George and his family on Long Island. And the double-dog bonus of getting to eat my brother's homecooked meals at each day's end. But it was a beginning of sorts. The beginning of taking a proactive approach to finding a college home for the big bub. This is new. We can talk all we want, but move, and fly, and gather information books, and talk with counselors, and tour? Really? Are we sure? Okay. The trip was filled with such a range of emotions, most of them excitement and promise and interest. But please. I really don't mea

You may have this dance!

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Here she is! The Folk Dance quilt pattern is ready for downloading, printing, cutting, sewing, backing, quilting and binding! Got a few spare weeks? Me either. But I'm excited to share this pattern with you nonetheless. The pdf is linked over there in the sidebar at the top of the other quilt patterns and also on the products/sewing page of my website. You must be told too, that making these sorts of updates to my website without calling Jeff, makes me so happy. Not nearly as happy as it makes him, but happy. I have seen zigzag quilts cut and assembled a few different ways, a few googles and likely you would too. Often they are squares made up of two right triangles, and the zigzag lines just appear based on which way you turn and alternate the square as you go. My pattern is based on an antique quilt that I came across (which of course I can't find now) that was just vertical columns of larger right triangles alternating their color and direction. Then all the colum

Dancing the Zig

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Rounding out her new skills, Isabela helped me with some layer pinning on the "Folk Dance" quilt. Eleni helped too, but quickly became more interested in the case of T-pins. On my hands and knees, I was reminded of being 19 and preg with Juliana (who affectionately refers to me as "Preg" these days so I have a hard time ever finishing the word anymore). I was attending the Ringling School of Art & Design and had taken on a painting to earn some extra money. I was commissioned by my former HS drama teacher (who swore on my acting potential) back home and it was for a 3x5' watercolor of orchids. Thats big. Anyway, if you've ever stretched watercolor paper, you know that its ideal to staple it to a wooden board after its been soaked, er that's one method anyway. After securing a roll of heavy duty watercolor paper in the appropriate size, I embarked on figuring out what to staple the paper to and where I would find the space for this in my tiny li

The past few & the next few

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I've had some really lovely days here, despite how the week started. (Thanks for all your well-wishes, the foot and I are currently without further incident.) So many early mornings here start just like above. I try to get on the computer and plot out my day before most of the little people are awake. This one eventually stumbles in and transitions from asleep to awake just like that. One of the new studio features is the extremely cozy armchair+blanket+pillows situated in front of the drawing table. I think here is where I would typically say new pictures of the studio coming soon , but I'll skip saying that and then maybe they'll just happen on their own. But, seriously, soon. I got the best phone call ever on Monday while I was in said waiting room. A call from my mom to see if I wanted some company for a few days. I think I said DUH . And then life just got great. (and it was going along fine before.) Someone to crochet and knit with, lunch with, shop with

Barefoot & Pregnant & Consequences ~ as journaled by Isabela

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Through one squinted, teary eye, I noticed her in the exam room chair scribbling in her journal, seemingly unbothered by my restrained mini-screams as the thing was being removed. You know, I'm pretty certain she giggled a little when I let out a wince as the local anesthetic (aka flaming needle of fire) went into the bottom of my foot. Call it pain pride, but I was sure to let the doctor know that I have indeed endured numerous natural child births. In fact, I think with less noise. Anyone remember this (from waaaaay back)? And how funny that she journaled it this time, whereas last time I made a play-by-play illustrated story for you. And what did I do as soon as we got home? Took off my shoes. Do I learn? No. I don't. I'm fine, thanks for asking. Dumb. But fine. xo,Anna

Our color game

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When bolts get thin enough to fold up and tuck in, I call in the experts. Purple . Cinch. Magenta/ Orange . Piece a cake. Let's see. Brown/gold/magenta/pink .....makes, mmmm burgundy. Every 5 year old knows this. Hmm. Stumped . Oh, well done. Next stack. ~New cabinet found here , comes in just about every width and height and with or without tempered glass doors (which are heavy so watch out when its empty and they're open!) We chose with , for upcoming curious (unfolding) baby hands. Assembly required and I found that here . Knobs found here . Prairie Blouse found here , which coincidentally young Adelaide seems to be enjoying today too.~ More soon, miss you guys! xo, Anna