Allyson Hill

Simple Gifts to Stitch - Along - 2

Late again, but done.  Another nice project from the Simple Gifts to Stitch.  I'd like to have tried this in a solid fabric, but I didn't have anything on hand that would work.  Ever since I bought this fabric, I've thought it would work great as a table runner.  Mainly because I love the newsprint!  If only I had some all-newsprint fabric, now that would make a really cool pintucked table runner, yes?  I love typography so maybe it's just me.  Hop over to the flickr pool to see more at Finny and Donk's Sewing Adventure.

In other news, we celebrated a little birthday recently.  I now have a 7 year old.  What a sweetie pie.

And what was his favorite birthday gift?  The Electonic Snap Circuits.  It is well worth the money if you have a child who likes technical-gadgety things.  My son is so that kind of kid.  He can never have too many flashlights, compasses, spy gear, magnifying glasses, etc.  The plastic base has a grid with coordinates which I read off to him from the instruction manual - so it's fun for both of us. 

Oh and a belated Happy Easter to you!

 

Some Vintage Arrangements

Not much makes me happier than figuring out a great arrangement.  And then when the light hits just right, it catches your eye as you walk by.  I need these moments as I walk through my house. 

When these arrangements start getting ruined by the clutter of daily living, my energy gets zapped and I become non-productive - oh yeah, and I get grumpy.   

The heart of the issue is not so much that I'm seeing clutter, but rather that I'm not seeing beauty and art and therefore I'm not inspired.   

So.  I'm doing a lot of spring cleaning this week.  Finding a place for everything in order to make room for an artfully arranged living environment to inspire and brighten my moments.  To help keep on track, I use Fly Lady.  I don't follow all her rules, but in general, her ideas are really helpful. 

Back to organizing!

The bird bowl came from Good Wiu

Tins from a local shop called Ragtime Antiques & Collectables   

March of the Tools

I love March and I love Tools, so how could I not join in?

These three tools are basics that I believe every sewing body should own.  First of all is the Bamboo Pointer.  Keeps my real finger safe and it can handle a few pricks from the needle (unlike the plastic version or my finger).  I use this when installing zippers or when sewing small pieces of fabric.

Next are the Turn-It-All tube turners.  I know there are various kinds of tube turners out there, but I've only used these and I'm very happy with them.

Finally, is the Easy Threader.  This 24" snake-like piece of plastic can pull drawstring through a hoodie in one swoop.  Which is the reason why every household should have one of these alongside their measuring tape.  So handy.   

By the way, Reproduction Fabrics is a great place to find tiny prints.  You can buy only 1/2 yard pieces too, which is a big deal when you're just looking to collect piles and piles of cute ditzy prints. 

Simple Gifts To Stitch - Along

I joined my very first sew-along, Finny and Donk's Sewing Adventure (FDSA).  Project #1 was the button scarf.  I must say, I was so uninspired to do this project.  As you can see, I'm a day late in submitting it.  Lindsay and I were e-mailing eachother last night sharing our woes.  But thankfully, some last minute inspiration came and I must now say that I'm in LOVE with my new scarf.  I altered the positioning of the buttons so it's more of a cowl or a loose turtleneck.  I see more coming in my future and I'm just so happy that I was encouraged to make something I wouldn't have normally made.  I do love this Sewing Adventure, I feel like I'm back in college again - but less stressful!

Here's the details if you want to make one yourself:   

Two pieces of charcoal velveteen measuring 7" x 33.  I added rows of red stitching and simply overlapped the edges 4" and sewed the buttons on.  I didn't bother with button holes since this easily slips over my head.

   

Vintage Fashion Girls : Round 2

So my 10-year-old niece really, really wanted an earring screen for her birthday.  She was, at the time, using a tissue.  Yes you read that right, a tissue as in Kleenex.  Sad huh?  But so resourceful that girl. 

After searching high and low, I couldn't find one that would suit her.  Anything was better than a tissue, but it had to be pretty, ya know?  I found lots of nice jewelry trees, but I didn't think that was really her style.  Next obvious step: blog search for a tutorial.  I found the project inspiration from Anne Marie Beard.  But, the design inspiration goes to Julie from Jane's Apron. 

These vintage patterns are perfect for a young girl, how could I resist?  I found this extra-wide frame at the craft store, though I also considered a shadow box frame because it would stand on its own.  I opted for the extra-wide frame because it would feature the pattern girls more. 

But that left me with the problem of how to make this stand on its own.  The solution was simple, but took me way too long to think up!  (poor Micah, waiting patiently)  I found these corner braces, painted them white, and added some bolts because my wood screws were too long.  I screwed them in about an inch from the bottom of the frame to allow it to tilt back a little bit, but not too much.  I also added some hooks at the top for hanging necklaces.      

I couldn't find a decorative paper wide enough so I painted it, dotted it, hot glued some "pearl" trim, modgepodged the girls on and finished with an entire coat (of modge podge) over the whole frame to give it protection and shine.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a nice full picture before driving it out to my niece in Massachusetts.  I think you get the idea though?

How Can I Get Me An...

Oompa Loompa?  I could use one of those little guys around here.  I could pay him in fabric scraps.  That would be great!  But really, sorry for that little unannounced break.  I seem to do that too often.  I've had a lot going on so thankfully there'll be plenty to share in the upcoming weeks.  To start, finally, a utility tote for ME.  Made out of thrifted vintage upholstery fabric:

I finally made some new wallets for the shop, I can't believe it's been over a year since I last made one:

Even though Valentine's Day has come and gone, I can still show you my bunting because afterall, it's still hanging in my kitchen doorways:

One part I'm excited about are the eyelets in the corners for easy hanging:

And finally, simply a nice photo with warm textures.  I promise to be back very soon because I have more more more to share!

images from a boy's life

Cats cradle, erector, chiseling and falling asleep with the light on.  Just sharing some images from a boy's life.  He wants to spray paint after school today, so I'd better get back to work so I can be ready for that one.  Happy Monday!  Let's make it a good week, ok?       

Vintage Fashion Girls

Vintage patterns are amazing!  Just when I think I've found my favorite, another comes along to blow me away.  I've been turning them into magnets and pairing them with coordinating button magnets.  It's so fun to search for eensy retro prints.  I like to think she has another dress in this fabric a purse lining in that fabric and so on until her house it fully visualized and she even has an occupation.  Oooh I've got a big box of them to explore and create:

Now Begins 2008

I've got no resolutions, my only hope is that by the end of this new year I'll be a step ahead of where I am now.  I love a fresh start and this is such a nice way to begin. 

Enjoy some inspiring illustrators:

Tim Biskup:

Tadahiro Uesugi:

Ronnie del Carmen:

Mary Blair:

Also, in love with this guy (Marc Boutavant) and he can also be found in this book (Play Pen) which is on sale now at amazon.com.  There are some other great illustrators in there too (Oyvind Torseter, Elena Odriozola and Sara Fanelli were some of my favorites) .   Happy First Day of the Year!

Christmas 2007

Sigh.  The night is here at last. 

What will tomorrow bring?

I hope you all had someone this sweet to spend your Christmas with. 

Production Line Love

Really, I shouldn't be blogging right now.  I have a craft fair on Saturday and I'm totally unprepared. 

But I'm finding myself struck by the beauty of the production line process.

So I had to stop and take some photos of it all, soaked by the warm sun.

And perhaps someone out there will understand this strange love. 

Patiently toiling through each step of the production line until finally comes the moment when you ooh and aah with each flip.  Really, it is an exhausting process isn't it?  So worth it though.

Lately, I've been feeling like Crepe

I haven't had much time for extracurricular crafting this week, but boy have I felt like being in front of the oven with the cold weather coming on.  I've been enjoying cooking for me and only me.  I cut this recipe in half and felt no worries over whether anybody else would like it or not.  I liked it.  Just to be sure, I made it for lunch 2 days in a row. 

This recipe called for mascarpone cheese, which I found to be rather bland so I added some feta on top for a little extra flavor.  It was good, real good - though I'd be interested in coming up with an alternative to mascarpone.  I whipped up some chocolate crepes with the leftovers.  For the filling, I basically tossed in the remaining mascarpone, a bit of light cream, sugar, vanilla, whipped cream and melted espresso dark chocolate.  On top I drizzled some whipped cream and chocolate.  It was goood.  Crepe-loving sister enjoyed it too. 

Here's the recipe for the Roast Asparagus Crepes si le gusta:

   

   

a few of my favorite things (mostly in red, black and white)

this boy relaxing after a hard day at school

finally some suitable prints for a boy by John Golden and if you go quickly you'll catch his BOGO sale.

the morning sun on the most wonderful shower curtain ever.  (thank you Martha Stewart)

the security of having an apron wrapped tightly around your waist

peek-a-boo-red-shoes

Happy Halloween!

 

how it all comes together

Mindless collecting...of that I am guilty.  But oh the satisfaction when you finally realize that it all fits like a puzzle.  I just love how it all comes together:

Turqoise teapot from Target and vintage yellow S/P shakers handed down from my Grandma Hill.

 

Jen Oaks art print that I adore.

Vintage fabric thrifted off eBay (which I made into a foot warming floor mat).

And lastly the ikebana has finally found its place.

I suppose I can't leave out the Grocery NotePad from Seamripper and pen holder made from a recycled Danimals Yogurt container.

Floor Mat Tips:

Put shelf liner underneath the mat to prevent slipping and to spray your mat with 303 Fabric Guard (15.99 plus tax) so you don't have to fret over spills.  I bought mine at our local West Marine.