simplesparrow

to texas and back again

edited to add: I've fixed the link to the book, sorry bout' that. It's the second book down. It's still not working, I give up! Search the title on Amazon. And...button news flash!! My mom stayed a couple of days longer in Texas then I did and just told me that she cut a deal on the WHOLE jar of buttons that I found my small pile in!! Can you believe it?? She bought me the whole jar! What a woman :)

I had a nice 5 days with my mom and aunt. I saw cousins I hadn't seen in years and caught up with their families a bit, had a really good laugh with my mom in bed one night, did lots of shopping and ate a wonderful napoleon at the Swiss Pastry Shop. I also froze every time we went into a store, I am definitely not used to air-conditioning.

Lets enjoy a little inspiration complements of the lone star state, shall we?
First, vintage buttons and a peek at some charm squares from the summer in the city line by moda.

Love those buttons. I have a small regret that I didn't snatch up more. The price was right--10 for a dollar. The charm squares were bought at Cabbage Rose quilt shop--which I loved! (thank you again to those who recommended it) Lots more fabric was purchased there, but at the moment it is all balled up in the dryer. Unlike the fabric store I frequent here, Cabbage Rose will purchase the whole line of a particular fabric, rather then just a few bolts. That was really fun to see entire fabric lines in person.

Next is a vintage teacup and saucer I found at a dish store that specializes in dishes from the past (the actual name of the shop escapes me right now) That was a fun browse. Could have spent a lot more in that store if my wallet allowed it.

On my last day there and with only a couple of hours to look, I found this little gem at the Half Price Book Store. I had filled my basket with a few books but when it came down to forking over the cash, I decided that this was the only one I *needed*. It has several images that I find very inspiring (forgive me for not showing you the inside, I got tuckered out from picture taking) It's not a new book, published in 03.  It also has directions for a few simple projects. If you have some spare dollars, I would say this book is a good buy. You can find it here.

And since crochet is such an easy travel craft, I picked up a couple of cotton yarn balls for the flight home. These will be eyeglass cases. And to tell you the truth, I've found that they make great tampon holders for your purse! Dual function is always a plus :)

It's good to be home. That familiar feeling of needing to get off the computer now has returned, ha.
Talk soon~
T.

the noah update

For Rebecca, who was wondering what Noah is up to these days.

At the moment, Noah likes:
~animals, all kinds. especially birds. (ie: see the eagle in his mouth above)
~yogurt, with sprinkles on top (sprinkles = wheat germ)
~catching lizards in our front yard
~going to the library to use their computer
~watching documentaries on the ocean

At the moment, Noah is learning:
~everything about birds. he is rarely seen without his field guides.
~how to play backgammon
~to remember to put his shoes on before going outside. mom does not like to fish out splinters.
~that some spiders are dangerous, and please do not pick up every one you see. please.

At the moment, Noah is:
~full of energy. I think he could supply a small factory with power if they could harness him down.
~a talker. he talks all the time. and we listen. someone told me a long time ago that if you want your teenagers to talk to you, then you had better listen to them when they are 2, 3, 4, 5 etc.... I've never forgotten that.
~very social, but not past his bedtime. he reminds me some nights that he needs to get some sleep.
~a creature of habit. every morning he curls up in the same chair and tells me he's hungry. he waits while I make him hot cereal. always hot cereal. don't offer him cold cereal, because even though he may eat some, he'll still be wondering when the hot cereal will be done.

Forever he will be:
Our surprise package we could never live without.
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There are few changes around here you may have noticed...new banner, photo, and I updated my About page. Kind of in a fun, silly way. But it's all true :)

I'm off to Texas on Wednesday for 5 days and taking with me the suggestions of places to go from my last post--thank you for that!

See you after I get back.

T.

mini sale!

Any one interested in a cute set of spool lights? I saw these about 3 weeks ago in an adorable quilt shop in Pismo Beach. They were a spontaneous purchase--I was enamored with how cute they looked strung around the window. I bought their last box and strung them up over my sewing machine. Well, they are making me feel cluttered and I don't think they are really me, ya know?  I can't return them because I don't have the original package. 20.00 takes the lights and includes shipping! I can only ship these in the US. (10 spools, each 3 inches long)

I also have The Crafter Culture Handbook I want to pass along sold. 11.00 , media mail shipping included. (in the US only) Both the lights and the book are brand new. If your interested drop me an email, first come first served. Payment through Paypal would be best. Thanks guys!

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I wanted to pass along a link that Michelle sent me on a site that will be starting crochet lessons! I checked it out and I think I will definitely be popping in for a lesson or two. What a great idea and lovely gift of time she is offering.

Here's where to go--Crafty Daisies

I'm going to Texas next week to visit my Aunt with my mom, and was wondering if any of you could recommend any fabric, yarn or crafty shops that I should check out while I'm there. I'll be in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I appreciate any hot tips... :)

Houston, we have grannies

It's happened. I've learned to do a granny square. (thank you Em! ) What seemed like rocket science only a few days ago now feels like a piece of cake. I'm not claiming to be an expert mind you, but I'm good enough for me. It has been a loooong time since I had a crochet project going and I'm very much enjoying the rhythm a larger project brings. Of keeping the balls of yarn parked next to my favorite chair , of not being in any hurry...just a little here and a little there.

So I'm planning to do a small throw. Something to hang over the arm of the couch. I always need a throw over the arm of the couch and I prefer to have a few to choose from. I don't  know how large I'm going to make it so I don't know how many squares I'll need. For now, I'm just trying to get a good pile going. I know it will take quite a few. As Emily and I sat crocheting together the other night (she was my hands on teacher that I so desperately needed!) we were both agreeing that solid color granny squares were becoming more and more appealing as we were changing colors with each round and then weaving in all those loose ends. That's 2 loose ends per color @ 4 colors per square, which brings us to 8 loose ends to weave for every square! (impressive math, eh?) Well, aside from all of that, multi colored grannies are very pretty and well worth the extra weaving.

I wanted to do squares using a lot of neutrals-- cream, oatmeal and gray with touches of color. They are shaping up to be much more colorful then my original vision but I think I'm okay with that. It has been fun to watch these come to life, not using any set color pattern. I'm just deciding as I go based on what I have already done. Even though multi colored squares are more work with weaving, making a different color pattern each time keeps things interesting. It's not showing in the picture above, but I'm using a small bit of golden rod here and there and that has been a nice contrast. I'm so monochromatic all of the time that I like to make myself break out of that box now and then.

I want to mention the very lovely vintage button swap package that I received from Katurah. All the way from Africa! Mini tote made with hand painted fabric, cute cork board with push pins, pretty fabric, hand carved wooden and bone buttons + darling pastel ones. All of this wrapped up so beautifully and in adorable little boxes. Thank you again, Katurah :)

lets do lunch

Thank you (!!!) for all the encouragement and  help on my granny squares. I have read and re-read all the tips and feel like the next time I try, I just might get it!! Stay tuned :)

Emily and I had a fun day last week. Just the 2 of us got to go shopping--the thrift store (but of course), 2 'new to us' fabric shops, and a yarn shop. We both spotted, and quickly fell in love with this blue floral that was on the sale rack! Sweet. We both agreed it reminded us of the 70's--for me, of the tiny print seer-sucker jumpers I wore all summer long.

With this and another new fabric I made up two lunch sacks with matching napkins. I love these! Very eco friendly and UN-disposable. They are the perfect size for toting a lunch around on your trips, where ever you may be headed. Small enough for a child to use, and yet not too small for an adult.

It took my daughter to point this out to me, they are reversible! Display the liner on the outside or vice-versa. She's a clever one, that girl. I don't think it would have ever occurred to me. Both are up for grabs in my shop.

good grief

Exhibit A:

Yummy and delicious yarn waiting to be turned into granny squares.

Exhibit B:

One wonky, incomplete granny square after 2 hrs. (!!!) of trying. Good grief.

Yes, I have succumbed to the granny square craze and am attempting to make a throw. I have had success making several small and simple crochet projects over the last couple of years. Truly, I have come a very long way from the days of my youth when my brother and I would sit quietly together on the couch making 50 ft. long chains. Yep, that's all my mom could remember to do when she taught us.

So anyway, I'm doing something wrong and so far I haven't been able to figure it out. Purl has a great tutorial that I'm going to print out and study in depth. I have books. I'm using them too. So far no tamale. (is that a saying, or is it enchilada? or am i just a dork?) I need someone to sit with me and show me. Oh the joys of being a hands on learner.  I'll get it  though, I know it's not rocket science. It just feels like it.

ho-hum...back to work.

offerings

Hannah brought home this gorgeous bouquet of daisies from an obliging field yesterday. I don't photograph every bouquet that comes into the house, but this one needed to be remembered. It just bursts with summer joy, with warm afternoons and crystal clear skies, the smell of cut grass and the clicking of crickets. Next to my small bowl of beach stones I cannot help but be reminded of the simple and peaceful offerings of nature that feed my soul.

A few years ago my son Nathan wrote me this sweet message on a heart rock. I was so touched when he gave it to me. There was no special occasion, just because. During our spring break I decided to frame it. The frame is perfect I think. Found at Michaels unfinished, I painted it my own mix of blue and covered the cardboard backing with fabric and glued the rock in place.  Now I have the beauty of nature combined with a loving offering from my son. Double the goodness.

Pods

Another collage (I still sew, really I do)
This one is available in my shop.

Busy day ahead--starting with getting a big pot of oatmeal on the stove.

Have a good one :)