tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86241733321654486112024-03-17T23:03:24.886-07:00Moth and SparrowClaire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-66471020908707957262012-10-24T21:49:00.001-07:002012-10-24T21:49:49.406-07:00Haunts and Horrors Whew! What a week I've had. 4 out of the last 5 days I've had someone else's vomit on me. Usually at 2 in the morning. And there's no stomach flu in our house, just a genetic fail as I comfort my son dealing with <i>my </i>lifelong stomach issues. While it leads to certain philosophical ponderings such as "How can tiny people's tiny stomachs produce such volume?" but mostly it just leads to exhaustion. Top it off with the continuing woes of a hypersensitive kindergartener, and I'm wiped out. Every night once the boys are settled I melt onto the couch and lose myself on Petfinder. The loss of my little dog last Winter has morphed in recent weeks into a gaping hole begging to be filled. Hence, Petfinder. Sweet, sweet Petfinder.<br />
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Anyway, as the brooding kindergartener requires daily creation, and his Halloween obsession has only grown over the years, we've made a few things. As you can see the mantel is in Halloween chaos. Beckett has made more air-dry clay ghosts, this time with googly eyes. <br />
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And we made these yarn ghosts. So cute. Becks had a problem with the faces, getting them just exactly how he wanted them. Sharpies bled too much and the yarn moved too much to draw, glue was too sloppy for him. So we found that cutting features out from adhesive backed felt and sticking them to the yarn bodies worked the best.<br />
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We just wound two kinds of white yarn, varying texture and width, around a cardboard rectangle until it was sufficiently puffy. Then we tied it at the top, cut the yarn at the bottom, then cut a few of the top layer strands because why not give ghosties rediculous hair dos? We had 3 cardboard rectangles to make different sizes.<br />
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And if that's not enough spooks and haunts for you, check out this shadowy phantasm that swiped a spoonful of pumpkin cookie dough out of my mixing bowl. </div>
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<br />Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-56298175457729235692012-10-14T18:29:00.004-07:002012-10-14T18:29:26.455-07:00KCWC Day 7 - Sleeves, Stencils and the Groke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First of all, let me apologize for the blurriness of my photos this week. Mr. Jones has a new found passion for photography, and I have a nasty habit of supporting such passions, even when the fate of much loved hardware is at stake. I thought all was well, but there's definitely something amiss...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For today, the last day of KCWC, I just have a few more upcycled t shirts to share. The first is a felt Groke shirt for B. I added rainbow stripe sleeves to the basic Target t shirt and it goes a long way toward looking like something really unique and whimsical. If I wasn't so worn out from this week, and worn out from just looking at the messy fallout that a week of sewing has scattered around our place - detritus abounds! - I'd probably go on a stripe sleeve insert rampage. <br />
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The Groke is a melancholy creature from Moomin Valley who strikes fear into the hearts of other residents and freezes the ground beneath her wherever she goes. She's awesome. She inspires a sort of a slow, looming cold fear rather than a running and screaming fear. Something about her has always fascinated B, and to be fair she's a complicated villain, but that's the way we like 'em around the Brewer house.<br />
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My last 2 projects were these 2 punctuation shirts. If you know my kids, you know <i>exactly</i> which shirt belongs to which boy. It was a pretty cool coincidence to find I had these two blank tees in the same shade of worn red around the house. It was a perfect opportunity for some brotherly cuteness, but I could not get inspired. The stared, maybe even glared at me from the ironing board for days. Finally on Thursday I was helping my dad print large letters on tee shirts for the bus drivers. (He wrote another School Bus the Musical to be performed at the schools by the drivers themselves. The first was super successful, and if I know my dad this one will be even better!) One of the shirts had an exclamation. Epiphany. And thus the red shirts has a destiny.<br />
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At first I thought I'd make exclamation points for both of them, but 20 to 30 seconds of thought about the boys and I knew Becks should have a question mark. Jonesie! and Beckett? It really does suit them well.<br />
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Overall I've had a fantastic week. Most of all, blogging again has given me a larger perspective on my world. It's like a porthole to the wide blue from this swaying, sometimes listing, ship called parenthood. It's really good to write again, to use grown up words, and to allow myself a few minutes alone with my netbook to pull it together. Thanks for putting up with my long absence and thanks for reading! Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-22698977692612383892012-10-13T19:30:00.003-07:002012-10-13T19:30:47.177-07:00KCWC Day 6 - Striped Sweats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today felt like the major payoff to all of the plotting that felt so laboriously methodical early in the week. So many of the bits and pieces were already cut and pressed, even pinned, so I'm writing this feeling like a cheater. Like I pulled fully constructed garments out of thin air. It was a fantastic way to spend the day, though. <br />
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I love these pants. Love them. Not that they're anything special, just basic sweats - the little ones don't even have pockets, but I'm really loving the yellow stripe rib. It was fussy. It's not proper ribbing, but a soft, bouncy rib knit, so I had to sew a smaller channel for the elastic to keep the whole thing from crumpling in on itself. It all worked out just fine. I'm super happy with the bright drawstring too. The whole thing came together just how I pictured, and let's face it, that's a rare feat.<br />
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I'll be back tomorrow with the last day post. I just have a few more upcycled tee shirts in the works. More stripes as usual. Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-26517621406305583602012-10-13T18:29:00.003-07:002012-10-13T18:29:34.724-07:00KCWC Day 5 - Dino Shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's going to be a two post day. Yesterday I managed to plan, sew and photograph, but not blog, so you'll be getting this post, and a day 6 post in a bit. Maybe after dinner. And a glass of wine.<br />
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I made Jonesie a pair of dinosaur shirts using stripe jersey appliques. I used Heat n' Bond Lite and zig zag stitched around the edges. Jones is happy, Becks is furious that he didn't get one. So despite the fact that this seemingly simple project caused me more grief than anything else I've done this week (including those things yet to be posted) I can't retire the Heat n' Bond just yet. Another triceratops must be delivered. I will admit that they're pretty cute. Maybe practice makes perfect?<br />
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This was my first attempt at a proper applique. I usually work with felt- no fraying, no stretch or shift. So this jersey on jersey business was a whole new rodeo. There may have been a few choice expletive streams flowing from behind the Brother. I thought I was giving myself a break by upcycling so many old, blank shirts for KCWC this Fall, but in my efforts to excite and fascinate the Littles with my work, I feel like I've been reinventing the wheel all week. The straight up sewing projects seem to go much quicker.<br />
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Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-14478575689245217412012-10-11T10:34:00.000-07:002012-10-11T10:34:42.519-07:00KCWC Day 4 - Buckaroo Baseball Tees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Any success I'm having today is owing to to this epic retro cowboy fabric. I picked it up at the tail end of Spring KCWC, fully intending to make short pjs over the Summer. I'm so glad I didn't, it's a nice heavy interlock knit that lends itself so well to Fall. <br />
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I fudged my way through another raglan tee pattern for each kid. This time around it was frought with issues, tiny neck holes and gorilla arms etc. But after fiddling a bit, they've turned out just as cute as my Spring patterns and just as quick to whip up. Tall, Dark + Brilliant took Becks to dinner last night after the Jones was asleep. This entire trio of garments was made during that <2hr nbsp="nbsp" p="p" window.="window."><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anyway, Becks got red sleeves, the Jones got brown sleeves and matching sweat pants. No pants for B this round. He's a little miffed, but sweatshirt fleece is way too pricey for Longshanks pants. It's way cheaper to buy the premade Hanes. Hell, with legs like his, it's actually cheaper to buy sweats from Mini Boden or Hanna Andersson. That's a brutal reality check. He will be getting some pants later this week, if all goes to plan, but just not as many pairs as his brother. Besides, as he was quick to point out, "Real cowboys wear jeans anyway." Word.</2hr>Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-23131466433560000162012-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:002012-10-10T15:51:14.253-07:00KCWC Day 3 - Tusks and Tails Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aha! Something complete! I made a thing. Well, truthfully I stenciled and appliqued a preexisting thing, but you catch my drift. I never thought the good old walrus would still be such a source of joy in this house. It's unsurpassed for immediate glee. Mustaches too, as they're related to walruses, have been a steady gag for years now. It's showing no signs of stopping (stocking stuffers are going to be cake this year! Mustaches are everywhere!) Anyway, here's the latest incarnation of these much loved favorites. Mr. Walrus here sports a freezer paper stenciled hat, monocle, and pearly tusks, and appliqued over the top is his felt mustache. <br />
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For some reason, I'm a little iffy about this. I think it's the colors. I'd prefer the hat to be gray maybe, or brown, but Himself wouldn't hear of it. In Beckettland, bowler hats are black, end of story. Regardless, I'm glad to have something to post today, and Becks is giddy. Isn't that really the whole point?Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-17006439857927651712012-10-09T22:27:00.000-07:002012-10-09T22:27:10.870-07:00KCWC - Day 2Washed and folded piles are systematically becoming cut and pinned piles. I've gone about this Fall's KCWC with more of a process in mind. I thought it'd help me make the biggest impact with my limited hours. Everything has gone according to plan so far. So... why the hell am I experiencing premature burnout?!? It's day 2, are you kidding me? I think my assembly line procedure the past 2 days has just left me dry. I get such a buzz with each successfully completed item, so no matter how scattered I usually am while working, it seems to feel more creative. Or maybe culling success from the scatter makes it that much sweeter? <br />
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So, for the rest of my week, I'll be throwing in my lot with chaos and frenzy and we'll all see what shakes out. I'll post again tomorrow. Fingers crossed with something completed! In the meantime <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1293871@N23/pool/">the flickr pool</a> is getting epic. It makes me feel like a slacker. A happy, inspired slacker. <br />
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Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-84230672877925070842012-10-08T11:27:00.001-07:002012-10-08T11:27:36.333-07:00KWCW Day 1 - Back from the Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi all! I've been trying to write a post explaining my long, unplanned haitus (there is no explanation really - life just happened) and expressing my glee at writing again, making again, sharing again etc. I have missed it, and missed you all, so much. It's a tricky post to write, it's too big and wiry to get a handle on. Too many tangents run amok. Plus the new Blogger format hates me, and the feeling may well be mutual. But here we are, and thanks to <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/">Meg at elsiemarley</a>, I have no more excuses and no more time to dilly dally. Today is day 1 of Fall KCWC. I know, I feel pathetic for skipping a half year there, and my aim is not to be an KCWC exclusive blogger.<br />
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I thought I'd get a jump start the past few days, but Kindergarten trivialities arose, leaving me strapped for time and down for the count by 8:30 each night. So here I am on day 1 with my washed and folded piles. A few things have been cut, a few stencils have been sketched, I'm all kinds of excited to participate again, but as of yet, the piles are all I can share. In the meantime, please check out <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/">elsiemarley</a> and all the awesomeness therein and click through to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1293871@N23/pool/">the flickr pool</a> to see what some eager beavers have already completed.<br />
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Away we go!!!Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-54751862630375048182012-09-24T10:39:00.002-07:002012-09-24T10:39:30.876-07:00Are You There Blog? It's Me, MothandsparrowClaire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-67965542900205169702012-05-06T23:17:00.003-07:002012-05-06T23:34:53.326-07:00Post KCWC Malaise, or Lost in 1Q84<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6aeHGc9P1-YH8xOELLuZOz3YNYNgbmcybu6Rc7dwCMhvxSarcRrp4k_BiMA3kBR7GNlmCz6_e-K43xsGurPYXv-w6-YrG7Pt-a0fb8OqWDsc6kCdGPhL0dserVCTi7D4JVm41WnIfY4_/s1600/KCWC+Spring+2012+074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6aeHGc9P1-YH8xOELLuZOz3YNYNgbmcybu6Rc7dwCMhvxSarcRrp4k_BiMA3kBR7GNlmCz6_e-K43xsGurPYXv-w6-YrG7Pt-a0fb8OqWDsc6kCdGPhL0dserVCTi7D4JVm41WnIfY4_/s320/KCWC+Spring+2012+074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5739674257767394674" border="0" /></a>So much for my day 7 post, huh? I guess I had a little KCWC burnout. I also had, after waiting for 197 other library users to have their turn, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/1Q84-Haruki-Murakami/dp/0307593312">Haruki Murakami's </a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/1Q84-Haruki-Murakami/dp/0307593312">1Q84</a> </span>sitting beside my bed. Oh man, I got so swept up in that whirlpool, that for the past few days, I couldn't have cared less about kids clothes. But there were so many outstanding things made during KCWC, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1293871@N23/">the flickr pool</a> was absolutely filed with eye candy. I hope you've been ogling along with me, and discovering some great new blogs and virtual cohorts in creative crime.<br /><br />Huge thanks to Meg at elsiemarley for hosting as usual. She's a whirlpool in her own right, and hundreds of people volunteered to share and be inspired and work up a frenzy along with her. Thanks so much. I can hardly wait till Fall!<br /><br />I'm happy to say I've gotten a lot of mileage out of last week's creations. Most of them have been cycled through the wash at least twice and they look great. At least as good as they ever did. My one major flub was neglecting to properly heat set the ink on B's robot shirt. I know, such a rookie mistake. The bright blue is definitely somewhat distressed now. Boo. But it gives me an excuse to recut that stencil. Which gives me an opportunity for tutorial-ness. Life is hectic right now, to say the least. It's coming, but don't hold your breath, deal?Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-73179528662923843622012-04-29T10:49:00.001-07:002012-04-29T10:49:43.588-07:00KCWC Day 6 - Rainbow Monsters and Truck Trousers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, here we are on the last day of KCWC. I'm still blogging a day behind, but I'm feeling a bit done. I'll try to sew today and post a proper Day 7 post with a few straggler things I haven't finished up yet tomorrow. But for right now I'm definitely feeling a sort of blissful exhaustion. It's been a great week. Just what I needed to remind myself what I love to do in my spare hours. <br />
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Adding to my feeling of success is the fact that 2 well known and crazy clever people have highlighted my work this week. <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/04/the-reason-i-havent-been-sewing.html"> First the brilliant Dana from Made linked to Jonesie's rainbow raglan shirt!</a> Then today <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kcwc-spring-2012-day-seven.html">Meg at elsiemarley, the ineffable organizer of this sewing freight train called KCWC linked to Beckett's robot shirt!</a> In a word... elation. I mean, I would have felt proud either way, but it never hurts to get a pat on the back from people you respect <i>so so much</i>! <br />
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Anyway... onto Day 6:<br />
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I definitely owe a lot to the rainbow fabric. I can't believe how much mileage I got out of it, and how much brightness and whimsy it adds to simple, simple things. So yesterday I made 2 more shirts with it. This time with icy blue jersey for the bodies. I screen printed Beckett's monster (I saved the screen from last Fall) on them both. The placement is a little too high on B's, but it'll do.<br />
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I also finished these corduroy trousers I've been plodding along on all week. They're like the robot shorts, with lined pockets and trimmed hems. B loves them. He says they're so comfortable that he can't wear underpants with them, like pajamas. Hmm... this could become a problem...<br />
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My model was reluctant, as ever, so I have no pictures showing the back pockets, the length, or how well they fit his long, long legs. I'm proud of these, they worked out better than the robot shorts. The corduroy is soft and lightweight and the warm brown color is perfect with the bright cotton print. If only I had a better photo to share, but alas... this is all I've got. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQmwfWNUed3Vnxu4qTW5kaclilt5IL6rcf1Vuj10klOQI0sHjNmTWM7eMWSwKxHGG1-UTp2ML1EFqHNO9qG_BGJrgebhiRw9VcqyHtWLSpzuV9ImwWhdfBNqNikpBEOECL5mP0vFKxoj3/s1600/KCWC+Spring+2012+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQmwfWNUed3Vnxu4qTW5kaclilt5IL6rcf1Vuj10klOQI0sHjNmTWM7eMWSwKxHGG1-UTp2ML1EFqHNO9qG_BGJrgebhiRw9VcqyHtWLSpzuV9ImwWhdfBNqNikpBEOECL5mP0vFKxoj3/s320/KCWC+Spring+2012+154.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-51160566984344061492012-04-28T13:05:00.001-07:002012-04-28T13:05:46.186-07:00KCWC Day 5 - The Rainbow Robot Raglan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I mentioned before, the baseball tee has become a favorite for B. Warmer arms, but no need to push up sleeves to experiment in water, dirt, sand, toilets etc. I had a raglan for each boy on my to-sew list for KCWC, but now that I've discovered the super speed of making raglan tee- shirts, I may sneak in a few more before Sunday. So far though, this one is my favorite. I actually made a little tee shirt and shorts set for Jonesie yesterday (Day 5) too, but this guy deserved a post all to himself. <br />
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B is super proud. He had a rough day at school yesterday, but I had this shirt ready for him by the time he got home. The mood swing was abrupt and delightful. Though he insists that I call it his "robot shirt" or his "color stripe shirt" not a "rainbow shirt." He says he's not such a fan of rainbows, even if he really likes this fabric.<br />
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It has rainbow stripe on the sleeves and back and gray on the front. The robot is another freezer paper stencil. The edges of the bottom edge and the edges of the sleeves are left raw. I'd left them long enough to hem, but they roll up so nicely, so why bother? Beck insists that it makes them more comfy too. This picture is lame, but it's the only one I snapped that shows the stripes on the back.<br />
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I think after KCWC is all wrapped up, and I take a quick breather, I'll post a tutorial for eyeballing this raglan pattern from an existing tee shirt. It's just so simple and I've had such a good time with the ones I made this week. <br />
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PS. My kids don't actually play in toilets. At least one of them doesn't. The other very well might, if left to his own devices. No governor on that little guy, but he knows how to have a good time. He's way more fun the other 3 of us combined. Still though, we try to stay away from commodes, as a general rule.<br />
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<br />Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-88719989387205879282012-04-27T21:14:00.001-07:002012-04-27T21:14:28.283-07:00Day 4 - Freight Train Baseball Tee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Freight Train by Donald Crews is one of the most cherished books in our house. I assume that's true in many, many homes across the world. The kids are crazy for it, for obvious, vehicle worshipping reasons, but I adore the simple, modern illustrations. It's a pleasure to read, even for the 300th time this month. My favorite page has the city scape. Clean, positive - negative shapes, skyscrapers and bridges. It's just awesome. And it's been screaming at me to be stenciled. So, because I needed a breather and new needles for my sewing machine, I spent Day 4 with my old friends, x-acto and freezer paper. <br />
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It turned out better than I'd expected. Becks is thrilled, Jones is thrilled (he should probably get his own) and with Beckett's new-found adoration for baseball tees, I see this being a new favorite. Not bad, for a no-sew day.Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-64440584587277081532012-04-27T20:50:00.000-07:002012-04-27T20:50:28.329-07:00KCWC Day 3 - Robot Shorts and Stripe Tee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 3 was a doozy, I pulled off two items. Navy corduroy long shorts with robot linen details and a blue and white cotton tee with lime ribbing. The tee shirt was super quick, basic, easy. Not as quick as the raglans I've been playing with this week, but still pretty painless.<br />
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I have a confession, I started these robot trimmed pants way back last Fall during the last KCWC. Pathetic. They sat in a paper bag in my steamer trunk for all these months. Fortunately, Becks tends to grow up and not out, so while they were now too short, they still fit in the waist. So, I cropped them to below the knee, and finished them up. They're pretty cute, if I do say so myself.<br />
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The pockets are lined with the Kokka robot linen as well as the cuffs. The waist is encased elastic, and the front has a top stitched faux fly. Actually the whole shebang is top stitched like crazy. It's time consuming, but I like the style. Someone else likes it too. <br />
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I think he was starting to think Jonesie was getting all the goods this week. Little does he know, the big boy's list is double the toddler's list. He wore this outfit to school today, which had me bursting. Damn, it feels good to be productive. I mean, not that I'm otherwise lazing about, but you just don't get the same sense of pride over a clean sink or folded hamper of underpants, agreed?<br />
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I'm behind, so I'm going to post my KCWC Day 4 progress report later tonight. Check out all of the other darling kids clothes being whipped up over at the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1293871@N23/">elsie marley flickr pool.</a> Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-41491498902881099232012-04-26T13:04:00.001-07:002012-04-26T13:32:17.082-07:00KCWC Day 2 - Rainbow Raglan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I'm blogging a couple of days behind, but I'm keeping up with the sewing and that's saying something, right? The house isn't even that big of a disaster, considering how divided my attentions have been. However, we're getting down to the dregs of our take out dinner options. Pizza again, boys?<br />
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Anyway, on Tuesday, the real day 2 of KCWC, I made this raglan baseball tee for Jonesie. It's the same made-up pattern as the Day 1 shirt, but with 3/4 length sleeves. I just traced an existing shirt's sides and neckline, eyeballed the raglan angle at the shoulders, then made a sleeve pattern with the corresponding angle. So simple. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tU-YkWatyfKcl7m_mk0ioek0ouwpYu9WbBtzfr6MJarhhAUF6AhZCwuBvZJ9crBwEzNHJV6brhLuCyCFzPRqm8kpBuO9sgeh0CSVWDwzXTK9HBvLMwVDfonBDtsS2xp2yFHrUkkHqcRq/s1600/2012-04-26+001+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tU-YkWatyfKcl7m_mk0ioek0ouwpYu9WbBtzfr6MJarhhAUF6AhZCwuBvZJ9crBwEzNHJV6brhLuCyCFzPRqm8kpBuO9sgeh0CSVWDwzXTK9HBvLMwVDfonBDtsS2xp2yFHrUkkHqcRq/s320/2012-04-26+001+034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I ordered this awesome primary <a href="http://www.naturesfabrics.com/grey-royal-green-yellow-red-and-orange-stripes-cotton-jersey.html">rainbow stripe jersey here.</a> I'm such a fan. I'll be making a few more items with it before the end of the week. When you have a 5 year old that wears a size 7 or 8, your options for playful, young-hearted duds are pitifully limited. It's all skulls, and camo. So I'll definitely be making B some rainbow things in the next few days. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPQbmrOTn_B2el-d7ZD3dku0Atq06R1IIE176qaIIv4MSo8vm9_ohMnrjwGDo8hvPm_WDX1szrqncWXZrM-fL1ZG2Fdc0XjETY3rLQkvvY6dFJ2SqQ4RZj4yHe1bmCmTB9hFnCAR61ROG/s1600/2012-04-26+001+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPQbmrOTn_B2el-d7ZD3dku0Atq06R1IIE176qaIIv4MSo8vm9_ohMnrjwGDo8hvPm_WDX1szrqncWXZrM-fL1ZG2Fdc0XjETY3rLQkvvY6dFJ2SqQ4RZj4yHe1bmCmTB9hFnCAR61ROG/s320/2012-04-26+001+025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm having so much fun making sewing a priority this week. It's great timing too, the boys have outgrown nearly everything in their closet, and at the rate I'm going they should both have a couple of new outfits for Spring. Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-88529939120195706422012-04-24T10:46:00.001-07:002012-04-24T15:15:30.467-07:00KCWC Day One<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/24/1903.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/24/s_1903.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hi all! Thank god it's KCWC. I needed a shot in the ass to overcome my recent doldrums. Nothing like 550 creative people working simultaneously on children's clothing to get you going. Or to make you feel like a total bum for not getting going sooner. Maybe both. <br /><br />The pervasive strangeness that has plagued us Brewers these past months didn't let up for the pre-KCWC week. I was swamped. So I started the day with a minimal list, washed fabric and that's it. I hadn't made my patterns or cut anything, none of the things I thought I'd have gotten a jump start on. <br /><br />Oh well, it's a truer test of the theory this way, right?<br /><br />Well, I put in my hour today. It was rough going, both Little Brother (my sewing machine) and the Viking (my serger) were dusty, needed new needles, and all of the tensions and settings were jacked. Worse yet, it's been so long since I sewed anything, all of those dials and mechanisms were like alien technology to me. But I did my. due diligence, babied my machines a bit, and pushed through to a second hour. <br /><br />The second hour became a maelstrom of newsprint, felt tip ink stained fingers and improvised patterns. I have to admit, as scatter brained as I can be while "drafting" patterns, this is one of my favorite parts of sewing. Oh, lovely, puzzle-y geometry<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/24/1904.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/24/s_1904.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Anyway, despite how disorganized I felt all day, I snuck in a 3rd hour after bedtime, and actually made something. I made something!!! It seems simple, but I've been useless in terms of output since Christmas so this little raglan tee feels like a big deal. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/24/1905.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/24/s_1905.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I'm proud. I'm happy. I'm inspired. And I'm hoping to keep it up this week and well beyond. <br /><br />Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-41918007704500048732012-03-22T09:02:00.002-07:002012-03-22T10:10:09.959-07:00Checked OutThat's what I've been. Checked out, since we lost the Boobers. Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts on our dear girl. I do miss her, but things are slowly but surely recalibrating. I, though have not quite been myself since.<br /><br />Oh, we've been plenty busy too. A certain someone has been registered and assessed for Kindergarten. The closets are all purged and reorganized. The crib is gone and a bunk bed is in its place. I've been bingeing on books, some highly enjoyable, others highly forgettable, but each held its own little escape for me.<br /><br />We spent a week in California with my sister and her family, which was marvelous, but saying goodbye to my nieces always leaves me in a funk. I did see some inspiring things down there. Beautiful vintage dresses and some swoon-worthy found object jewelry.<br /><br />Perhaps most inspiring of all though, was seeing one Mr. Ewan McGregor at Seatac Int'l! He walked through the metal detector between me and my husband. I sat there, putting shoes back on the boys, staring back at tall, dark, oblivious Zion and <span style="font-style: italic;">freaking Ewan McGregor</span>, essentially side by side, and I have to say, my Zion held his own. Handsome, sexy, charming even when standing elbow to elbow with delicious Butterscotch Mancandy himself. Not a bad day for my marriage! The accent is a little irresistible though, and Mr. McGregor was super gracious to all the staff... I'd still let him buy me a drink... or two.<br /><br />Anyway, it's been a strange month here and I haven't been myself. Creative pursuits have all but dried up, which always makes me feel like a husk. But happily, happily, when I finally returned to my dear blog, which I haven't even glanced at in a month I found<a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-spring-2012.html/comment-page-5#comment-16820"> this news!</a> Kid's Clothes Week is coming soon. That aughta get my off my ass! But first I have to get sketching.Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-52049644767069276222012-02-24T19:53:00.002-08:002012-02-24T22:29:37.684-08:00Sad Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcFCCyUy6pPvK6Rj0YZGQKYxxsEeGTPc5HC9kCvrO_CWFxhR1TpnMiCorZWsZdtLRTQ9ZdqbPiYb0Ds1Oa2nX0Mz5HH6E19OEFxRvPQftcdIjhNOXZvxF1Y8jRVjAjeglxce1bJmwWL0p/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcFCCyUy6pPvK6Rj0YZGQKYxxsEeGTPc5HC9kCvrO_CWFxhR1TpnMiCorZWsZdtLRTQ9ZdqbPiYb0Ds1Oa2nX0Mz5HH6E19OEFxRvPQftcdIjhNOXZvxF1Y8jRVjAjeglxce1bJmwWL0p/s320/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712956569624432786" border="0" /></a>Hi all. Our little dog "the Boobers" also (but less frequently) called Layla, passed away on Monday. <span style="font-style: italic;">My</span> little dog, really, for while Beckett loved to feed and walk her and Jonesie just all around adored her, she was a crotchety old girl. A vestige from my single days, my art school days. She was not the ball playing, bike chasing family dog, but she was my dear, lovely little friend and companion. I miss her so damn much.<br /><br />I spent a lot of time this last week with the Boobers on my lap, and then a few days wishing she was on my lap. The happy news in all of this is the speed, painlessness, relative comfort and privacy of her passing. We all feel so grateful for that and for the cozy time we had with her in the preceding days. I'm also grateful for the resilience of my boys. Since she was my dog, the bulk of the grief seems to be mine, but her absence is deeply felt and inescapable for all of us.<br /><br />I'm doing my best to be adventure mom, keep spirits high and such, but there is definitely a little dog shaped hole in my chest as I write tonight.Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-86918675978202610352012-02-14T08:31:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:33:30.538-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ-6yJA4TE814NFDSeMWoQGrFMlyMGzUhTdQcxQ0pZGuw4-pMP0jTqt-6mBEMRRZhvS4f_H5fcDfxJ8_uUlK8tSQFaS19afXUx_9RXmi-Nm2L9gl-AMgeZ7HvycyTxuPCofNS7_dEaDOl/s1600/foxvalentine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ-6yJA4TE814NFDSeMWoQGrFMlyMGzUhTdQcxQ0pZGuw4-pMP0jTqt-6mBEMRRZhvS4f_H5fcDfxJ8_uUlK8tSQFaS19afXUx_9RXmi-Nm2L9gl-AMgeZ7HvycyTxuPCofNS7_dEaDOl/s320/foxvalentine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709030146816386978" border="0" /></a>Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-53071635027553809302012-02-03T19:54:00.000-08:002012-02-03T20:26:45.984-08:00Beckett and Ted's Excellent Adventure<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ThVyzlKRrs4OWg1R-piINHfpCf2X2U3ghErrM1xvKQ2-vPQ81n41SxyZHdXWZCmrfj3aJebYF0fxLDvwWVbEt7ZBaB6qySBFnfQR4obt6OdFZxHmQSTsR-xRCOrRYQkxrteFEOPG7M8m/s1600/2012-02-02+001+099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ThVyzlKRrs4OWg1R-piINHfpCf2X2U3ghErrM1xvKQ2-vPQ81n41SxyZHdXWZCmrfj3aJebYF0fxLDvwWVbEt7ZBaB6qySBFnfQR4obt6OdFZxHmQSTsR-xRCOrRYQkxrteFEOPG7M8m/s320/2012-02-02+001+099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705125860178404178" border="0" /></a>B's school has a special bear named Ted E. Bear and each child gets to take him home for a week and keep him entertained. Beckett, in his infinite reluctance, didn't want to have anything to do with Ted. No interest whatsoever, in fact there was a smidgoen of anxiety about having to participate in this. But we talked about it, and I suggested that maybe Mr. Fox, dearest Mr. Fox, wouldn't mind the company. B agreed to give it a shot.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsPV1rnWX-o6uPJVVUQpMF1GsW-XJqMQhW8XkO-qzD_3CYLdDdezmGlyFMY-3pUhxKJpjYDlgGpiLWxRaAlsB0sI4ujzBcWHi2FxcJjpXhYC_GmteIsm90LWLyvd6e4dSYCIBHijydntS/s1600/2012-02-02+001+065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsPV1rnWX-o6uPJVVUQpMF1GsW-XJqMQhW8XkO-qzD_3CYLdDdezmGlyFMY-3pUhxKJpjYDlgGpiLWxRaAlsB0sI4ujzBcWHi2FxcJjpXhYC_GmteIsm90LWLyvd6e4dSYCIBHijydntS/s320/2012-02-02+001+065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705125897203876050" border="0" /></a>The boy went crazy for this well loved old bear. He took him all around, aboard ferries, to mini farms, to birthday parties and family dinners. They played photo booth, read Charlotte's web and built lots and lots of simple circuits.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDjFziSjnfsF3Sggrkn5n5I1OFXZvlSITgnTWtNzSLFkQ2KYmxoBWK0QHoWw61jB-jMX_-MSfTwA3attAA-P-5YikzLUacp83_aNA7GE4gMYx8ZaKTc25LG64EqqcZAs391C3aDjp0Usv/s1600/2012-02-02+002+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDjFziSjnfsF3Sggrkn5n5I1OFXZvlSITgnTWtNzSLFkQ2KYmxoBWK0QHoWw61jB-jMX_-MSfTwA3attAA-P-5YikzLUacp83_aNA7GE4gMYx8ZaKTc25LG64EqqcZAs391C3aDjp0Usv/s320/2012-02-02+002+034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705125869966827986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0vlY5SViY1WCffK9NfmLYXkBBrs6UGPaHlVts-CGj4UYTAHPX_cWF23RMGa2fyFZrqRQ63A_mplgS5Or6AOR8zH4R97eCpXX1TL_27YiGzBw2XdpoIAADtTMxGotZFy5WXDWOSPSYBGT/s1600/2012-02-02+002+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0vlY5SViY1WCffK9NfmLYXkBBrs6UGPaHlVts-CGj4UYTAHPX_cWF23RMGa2fyFZrqRQ63A_mplgS5Or6AOR8zH4R97eCpXX1TL_27YiGzBw2XdpoIAADtTMxGotZFy5WXDWOSPSYBGT/s320/2012-02-02+002+021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705125892966359010" border="0" /></a>There were tears this morning when we brought him back to school. We had taken many photos, and wrote our little chapter in Ted's life story in the class journal and returned him for the next child to take home. Maybe B's reluctance all along was fear of saying goodbye, it's become really tough for him lately. But as sad it was, I was heartened and gratified to see my boy, my standoffish B, throw himself into the care and character of this stuffed animal. Thank, Ted!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCglPKHTXN1Gbm_i8bYHwOekfhPCF8yv21COBghaMP8DmHEWqm3GxMFdHFEHyHfu2KHtRFwPgOsbdnoxI7tWDzImVwqubg6zLzzGA_aoicdcooLj0XTKNbx5s-9xnRgeCyjsNzschr0m8u/s1600/2012-02-02+001+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCglPKHTXN1Gbm_i8bYHwOekfhPCF8yv21COBghaMP8DmHEWqm3GxMFdHFEHyHfu2KHtRFwPgOsbdnoxI7tWDzImVwqubg6zLzzGA_aoicdcooLj0XTKNbx5s-9xnRgeCyjsNzschr0m8u/s320/2012-02-02+001+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705125877966777186" border="0" /></a>P.S. B's wonderful teacher, upon seeing his quivering lip, suggested that he start keeping a journal for Mr. Fox and all the adventures that they have together. I love this idea!Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-77729326131867294872012-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:35:24.909-08:00Anna's MoominsWe're home sick today, which is one of those horribly guilty pleasures for me. Obviously, I hate that my kids don't feel amazing, but we haven't missed a day of school all year, ZB worked all weekend and I could really use a day to just be. So here we are, keeping warm and mellow. We've been reading some Moomin stories this morning and playing with some very special somethings.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBWiaD4Ol0FtgE2Vtwm02TLwrZOt_OT1MNTjkVuB63IDjoH-fG1g3wn_SDUsA7p9BIBN3m68SLJXSkG8FQcE-3qGeXfD_OrZCBcdvfahGQhrUysqMYRHZZ9lGbXvqpH-SbiFqcdessHXM/s1600/Anna%2527s+Moomins+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBWiaD4Ol0FtgE2Vtwm02TLwrZOt_OT1MNTjkVuB63IDjoH-fG1g3wn_SDUsA7p9BIBN3m68SLJXSkG8FQcE-3qGeXfD_OrZCBcdvfahGQhrUysqMYRHZZ9lGbXvqpH-SbiFqcdessHXM/s320/Anna%2527s+Moomins+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703494749772031378" border="0" /></a>In the midst of all of the holiday hubbub - parties, dinners, visits, which lasted well into January for us this year - Beckett did his best to hide from the revelry (more specifically, the revelers) until a dinner with two of my favorite people. Anna, who had lived with my parents while on exchange\ and her husband Doug (who she fell for while on exchange and has been with ever since. Seriously - like a modern day fairy tale) are bright, funny, but quiet people and B came alive with them. He said later "They were quiet and kinda shy, like me. They just seemed like my kind of people." Agreed, couldn't have put it better myself. It didn't hurt that Anna loves Moomins and knew each of Beckett's favorite stories.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5e9BieFyKbcI4KRM82lOjB8LhiHqXwjfCKzLKyU8ovMHLMA-VikthpUSxrRp9y3Q_eev5sE2ZW47uzqr6hYWb1BawFqfs-k9ZNqbXGitY92INNlGj7cWnINovQ4Bz2x1ZA927WWQbchn/s1600/Anna%2527s+Moomins+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5e9BieFyKbcI4KRM82lOjB8LhiHqXwjfCKzLKyU8ovMHLMA-VikthpUSxrRp9y3Q_eev5sE2ZW47uzqr6hYWb1BawFqfs-k9ZNqbXGitY92INNlGj7cWnINovQ4Bz2x1ZA927WWQbchn/s320/Anna%2527s+Moomins+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703494774955394306" border="0" /></a>The catch? They live in Sweden. Which may as well be Mars to a 5 year old. So after spending as much time as we could with Anna, there was a brutal goodbye. Beckett and I were beside ourselves. But Anna had one last surprise up her sleeve.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzemTT8SD6MKT91jYkzrTuiMX-j2pyHn10SsPQJy1gVz6H9yjk3m2wh1xeMVC9FDl5gVEAVWjmNn94d6dZ6YyBPygajii_oTwRVYFB91j5rL96VnvjHD6ArK3kKmn0HCgIc8RQNlOlcKGS/s1600/Anna%2527s+Moomins+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzemTT8SD6MKT91jYkzrTuiMX-j2pyHn10SsPQJy1gVz6H9yjk3m2wh1xeMVC9FDl5gVEAVWjmNn94d6dZ6YyBPygajii_oTwRVYFB91j5rL96VnvjHD6ArK3kKmn0HCgIc8RQNlOlcKGS/s320/Anna%2527s+Moomins+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703494764099685202" border="0" /></a>She made these wonderful Moomin figures, and this great Moominpappa applique/embroidered pouch, and delivered them to B at school. It made his day. And though there were many many more uncharacteristic tears shed, these figures have become a happy way to think about our friend. Thank you Anna, if you're reading this! You changed the whole world with your visit, made it bigger, sweeter, and a lovely place for us shy people!Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-51918582149561429312012-01-17T21:58:00.001-08:002012-01-22T12:30:10.098-08:00Whew!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYTvyd_EJyx4TcOsFRiYMlymLx3G0_x4lfnupQVUO_LPORWMgNAXveOLYvwotNiwAJxqZm114NPs8OuwDkWdrZMzkamBKK3GCM9FKV9Br1eHo1wBQq1AfEENk9Z_HE-e1YIBb0LJpm4Va/s1600/photo%252829%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYTvyd_EJyx4TcOsFRiYMlymLx3G0_x4lfnupQVUO_LPORWMgNAXveOLYvwotNiwAJxqZm114NPs8OuwDkWdrZMzkamBKK3GCM9FKV9Br1eHo1wBQq1AfEENk9Z_HE-e1YIBb0LJpm4Va/s320/photo%252829%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700549273270069362" border="0" /></a>It's been a hard fall off the new year's resolution wagon. Oh how the mighty... yada yada yada. It seems like I have to shoot for the moon just to accomplish the basics. The wedding show votive wraps were awesome, and highly appreciated by my sister and a few brides, but the etsy shop is in limbo (you'll be the first to know when that changes!). Zion was out of town for a week leaving me fully overwhelmed by simple things like walking the dog and brushing 3 sets of teeth. And finally, even though we're still digging out from the holiday toy, food and decoration avalanche, we threw a birthday party for our boy. Whew!<br /><br />That right there is enough to make me step away from the x-acto and pick up some laundry, dishes, cooking, insert any number of neglected house chores here.<br /><br />Then came snow... then more snow... then ice... then more ice. Then our power went out. Madness.<br /><br />But we were safe and together, and lucky enough to flee the blackout zone before the refreeze made the roads too treacherous. We stayed with my parents and I watched Beckett come out of his (sometimes overly) cautious shell and become a sledding master on my own childhood sledding hill with a whole crew of neighborhood kids. Calder delighted at each snowball he threw,and giggled at the snowman's carrot nose. And Zion, because he works from home (or wherever he can plug in) didn't miss any of our adventures. He's a bit of a sledding master himself.<br /><br />So despite the chaos and upheaval. The 4 of us homeless, snowbound vagabonds had a lovely week. Our power is back, we went to a <span style="font-style: italic;">beautiful </span>wedding last night, and now we're in our pj's watching football. Life is good. And my x-acto is calling...Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-13776332647972890792012-01-17T21:18:00.000-08:002012-01-17T22:58:34.065-08:00Happy 5th Birthday, Beckett!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GPjJS8Z7IcOU4_Lj0yQ8yJHFvkq1LKJsQ3n25wuSAIL6BVODf2Kna9GmheQ0mAd5J0jFEbMIUBLpa_lDjv2rUpqcWj3Qc9vrjoTO0Xrk-AbaTpxnigBf9Hj-L6Yf-mXmm30C7PZJ1kPF/s1600/photo%252828%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GPjJS8Z7IcOU4_Lj0yQ8yJHFvkq1LKJsQ3n25wuSAIL6BVODf2Kna9GmheQ0mAd5J0jFEbMIUBLpa_lDjv2rUpqcWj3Qc9vrjoTO0Xrk-AbaTpxnigBf9Hj-L6Yf-mXmm30C7PZJ1kPF/s320/photo%252828%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698859770351377122" border="0" /></a>5 is a big one. I'm not as emotional as other years, but just filled with an awe in the person Beckett is. He's fascinating. We had a birthday party for him last weekend with robots, monsters, trucks, mustaches and a few good friends. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf1u1bKQRGatza-5PQv00i7WaWIst_YAG4XXvYKpyF7jn_MLF_URCkiVYaFB4tTa7WVEx6nNdjl_YVJeLA5sF2Bcbn4FrIs5_KR_hIbdGxn9TWcVxUJw3Clo7D_tNW9usSxUts0W10Ih3/s1600/photo%252826%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf1u1bKQRGatza-5PQv00i7WaWIst_YAG4XXvYKpyF7jn_MLF_URCkiVYaFB4tTa7WVEx6nNdjl_YVJeLA5sF2Bcbn4FrIs5_KR_hIbdGxn9TWcVxUJw3Clo7D_tNW9usSxUts0W10Ih3/s320/photo%252826%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698842245750638434" border="0" /></a>Snow fell the following morning, and we've been rosy cheeked and frosty ever since. We're expecting more snow tonight and our sleds are waiting. School has been canceled and I'm looking forward to spending the day with my 5 year old. I had an alien changeling baby once upon a time - alert, responsive, flawless skin and huge, bottomless gray eyes. I blinked and he became a clever, sensitive, articulate and aware little boy. I'm so proud and so inspired. Happy Birthday Becks!Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-21563415913953504372012-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T17:25:36.607-08:00Exciting StuffIn my New Year well wishing, I neglected to mention that I've also been busy on a special project. My sister asked me to do a potentially lucrative favor for her; She's setting up the <a href="http://www.zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=1722">Woodland Park Zoo's</a> booth at the upcoming <a href="http://www.weddingshow.com/">Seattle Wedding Show</a> and she's asked me to create some cut paper pieces to display! I know there will be tons of talent, all more professional than me, but I appreciate the chance for a little exposure.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWhS2rq7p6rON3xKdAdlpaMlqz_nDTBpFhuY1pH5T9steygnGi4OtNyybte_QhBdWng7KELQmB6jXhi2TGWFpVd-6z_GGQxpmA9_WTd9Egjzaudz8agnJq7dNPZy8rQGAgHW3d3ncjstH/s1600/photo%252824%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWhS2rq7p6rON3xKdAdlpaMlqz_nDTBpFhuY1pH5T9steygnGi4OtNyybte_QhBdWng7KELQmB6jXhi2TGWFpVd-6z_GGQxpmA9_WTd9Egjzaudz8agnJq7dNPZy8rQGAgHW3d3ncjstH/s320/photo%252824%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693947321148097346" border="0" /></a>In order to make the best of this opportunity, I'll be finally setting up my etsy shop. I'm focusing on cut paper to start - cards and the like, but I'll welcome custom orders. Especially from my readers! So if you've seen anything on this here blog that piqued your interest, send me an email or an etsy convo and we'll see if we can work something out.<br /><br />Thanks for your interest, and if you'll be at the<a href="http://www.weddingshow.com/"> Wedding Show</a>, be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=1826">Woodland Park Zoo's</a> booth! They host beautiful weddings, and other corporate and private events, at a variety of unique venues within the park. Jubilate with jaguars or revel with river otters. What could be cooler than that?Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624173332165448611.post-78008574345210699792012-01-01T17:20:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:59:17.788-08:00Happy New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmNe32QEcN6Nb5QPiIoCQYuO9NhKJt-pV6SyzuyKMPWWZzjR-kMv4OmR3Szajvy1Cjh15gMjA2naqumgiQhiwSCsUxBFF789c5sRorBb78vmJRXOCZrorMRlP582ISf1lotXUDRus8E5/s1600/Christmas+2011+048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmNe32QEcN6Nb5QPiIoCQYuO9NhKJt-pV6SyzuyKMPWWZzjR-kMv4OmR3Szajvy1Cjh15gMjA2naqumgiQhiwSCsUxBFF789c5sRorBb78vmJRXOCZrorMRlP582ISf1lotXUDRus8E5/s320/Christmas+2011+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692858882281388834" border="0" /></a>Hi everyone. I hope the dawn of 2012 finds you cozy and well. This holiday season was drastically different for us, being the first Christmas since moving close to our families. More parties, less travel, new traditions and friends, and the lights and decorations of a whole new neighborhood. I must say it was the loveliest, sweetest Christmas ever. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiC6MuUrle4Y91f0udZvaV2N0RgCPw57b3f2a3S89bG4OjwlJjlcPt5CkvNrf1OaPhLhYLIJ0AnafyGnjBzm5utUTjCOfY9fU1p3pPT5aVaGKEOkdlN_0ASMncx0XF84ynVt7FHJ3bGjw/s1600/Christmas+2011+093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiC6MuUrle4Y91f0udZvaV2N0RgCPw57b3f2a3S89bG4OjwlJjlcPt5CkvNrf1OaPhLhYLIJ0AnafyGnjBzm5utUTjCOfY9fU1p3pPT5aVaGKEOkdlN_0ASMncx0XF84ynVt7FHJ3bGjw/s320/Christmas+2011+093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692858919531951362" border="0" /></a> Somehow, despite the proximity to a horde of doting relatives, we had more cozy time, just the 4 of us, than ever before. Absolutely charming.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXHO_o_E-rwLrPOecM4iNnLUMx-_uESYN51HE35BFqyc7N2NFytLIfhUMQew39uLVyF3CCQfshsh3qrTSMvGgPER0QzUjkUZsvJ_VtKF9gtJMzI0kiQiv1kYMIVCF3acEUHjHbg6YSQHz/s1600/Christmas+2011+086.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-PJz-Llj0k1FXUS2mNT_7gzlxhO7z-TPy7QqgmmzL53C-xMBjAqWt6TCBmuMAszHlBavMZl1CHyCfQggwvaeqZ0TTRBQjnh7r-VV6hMZ0vc8ktEEE1qXTsy9IU4ZrhTofjC3az4JvNSK/s1600/Christmas+2011+092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-PJz-Llj0k1FXUS2mNT_7gzlxhO7z-TPy7QqgmmzL53C-xMBjAqWt6TCBmuMAszHlBavMZl1CHyCfQggwvaeqZ0TTRBQjnh7r-VV6hMZ0vc8ktEEE1qXTsy9IU4ZrhTofjC3az4JvNSK/s320/Christmas+2011+092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862367219337218" border="0" /></a>Our house is filled with such festive details, most of it handmade by the boys, especially Becks, who was my very own Christmas tomten, sneaking around leaving his childlike wonder in every corner of this apartment. There are gnomes and snowflakes, pine cones and boughs, garlands and displays and loads of pipe cleaners. The boys' even had their own tree this year. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK_XhkxwLDhU3GyKcJcEekEp9QifbeEGko9tXVbOI50nTopPzobo1LeWpzSP7N-8-fDtU2enO_hEqjfTBwY-53LVvv5trAbH0NHLQQIE-QpBjmw9kkgmTDSO5Y1p96OedwD0acS_9bMJ2/s1600/Christmas+2011+081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK_XhkxwLDhU3GyKcJcEekEp9QifbeEGko9tXVbOI50nTopPzobo1LeWpzSP7N-8-fDtU2enO_hEqjfTBwY-53LVvv5trAbH0NHLQQIE-QpBjmw9kkgmTDSO5Y1p96OedwD0acS_9bMJ2/s320/Christmas+2011+081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692858893797363170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-QBazlreIK9JXhBMQP_fc7IVQgJ7aC6KjtRjPXEFlAqzOO3rgxRvCSp87r05-ar87v5AvW1aXabhDqSehYNWhZ7exxXFkOHBCh_UTX_M-I33q1qhnQdDSfuui5oo_hQOJTX2dvqxbhWt/s1600/Christmas+2011+058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-QBazlreIK9JXhBMQP_fc7IVQgJ7aC6KjtRjPXEFlAqzOO3rgxRvCSp87r05-ar87v5AvW1aXabhDqSehYNWhZ7exxXFkOHBCh_UTX_M-I33q1qhnQdDSfuui5oo_hQOJTX2dvqxbhWt/s320/Christmas+2011+058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862372987097570" border="0" /></a>The only thing missing was the blogging. There have been times when I've neglected my blog because I hadn't made anything worth posting. Lately, though, I've had plenty to post and I just haven't taken the time. I miss the writing, I miss the community of inspiring bloggers and blog readers and I miss having this little piece of something all my own.<br /><br />Thanks for putting up with me this past, lean year and I promise to be more present in 2012! I suppose this is my resolution. More posts, tutorials, patterns and all the good stuff I had in mind when I started this little blog. Happy New Year everyone! Here's to a beautiful, charming, creative year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxFniVhFiF7ft79KStfFzTDnrNythBwGK7nfUt33K2wFUgj0qPRI73mq_3KVQ5aMul8y7YPDHujCHBRPfC1MIgzIG-itYeUaQIQOQl2ejf6EqmQsU4xaIaAOivwYHzM-urmHOjjYt6q1T/s1600/Christmas+2011+068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxFniVhFiF7ft79KStfFzTDnrNythBwGK7nfUt33K2wFUgj0qPRI73mq_3KVQ5aMul8y7YPDHujCHBRPfC1MIgzIG-itYeUaQIQOQl2ejf6EqmQsU4xaIaAOivwYHzM-urmHOjjYt6q1T/s320/Christmas+2011+068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692858889477559506" border="0" /></a>Claire Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05745642122134748138noreply@blogger.com0