wise craft

and on

I met my big deadline, and life now enters a new, relaxed holiday mode. December was off to a rocky start... I really didn't have my schedule together and was a little scattered (what? dinner? you guys want dinner? from me?) but somehow, I found a rhythm that seemed to get me through.

And now? With deadline met, the wine tastes a little sweeter, sleep is a little less restless, and I can't wait to start a crochet project to carry me through the holiday break... the crochet project that I'll be doing just because I want to do it and no other reason.

I have some DIY projects to share here, but I think you may have to give me a minute. In the meantime, don't forget about those times I was stuck in the house during the holidays because of snow-covered streets, making things like the simple wreath of avoidance (love that one) or one of the products of my crochet-obsessed period, the crocheted granny square scarf that is a cinch to make it you are already a crocheter, perfect for anyone with a cold neck. Or the simple sewn scarf that is also perfect for a cold neck. And don't forget the tomorrowland holiday trees. Or crocheted candle cozies (these are all over our house right now, its so cold here everything needs a sweater).

And unrelated... maybe I'm just a little premenstrual, but this song makes me cry like a newborn right now.

Flat out.

Wet rag.

On the floor.

And also random, the deer are patronuses, thank you Nancy and Priscilla! How did I miss Harry Potter connection? That must be why I love them so much. Every day at 4pm, bam! Patronuses!

dot dot dot

- My kind of Halloween decorating... simple, a little shiny, not so scary it'll give me kids bad dreams, and doesn't involve blood: fake or otherwise.

- I treated myself to this print over the weekend, I am such a fan of Lisa's work, the quilts and blankets hanging on the line had me right away.

- I need to buy this t-shirt for someone.

- Organized myself over the weekend and I'm so happy that meals for the week are planned out (2 favorite slow cooker meals, smoky beef tacos and spiced chicken). I should start every week this way.

- Thanks so much for all the drink suggestions, please keep 'em coming!

- As well as enjoying the newest Beirut release, The Rip Tide, I've also been listening to the band Papercuts this past week, I'll leave you with my favorite.

Future Primitive by Papercuts

Enjoy your Monday!

 

i knew you'd understand

Thank you for your support of my magpie ways and my stump table project. And yes! Make them, make many of them, they are easy and so doable (and, I'm assuming, totally worth it, but mine still need some finishing so I'll let you know.)

But for now, it is getting dark, and I've got pjs to get into and some serious crewel-ing to do. And... I shamelessly admit, some Housewives to watch.

What?....

Oh! And I made a new crafting mix for you! Something to put on while we're sewing, or creweling, or sanding stumps, or whatever. Enjoy!

a winter day

 

Yesterday was one of those days we intended to get out. Really, we did.

But its hard to get up out of a chair when you're so comfy, and your cards are being handed to you..

And, there is that dress pattern to cut out (Amy has been coaching me, and when it comes to this area, Amy says jump and I say how high?)

It is cold here. 20 degrees. The kids have been on break all week, but likely would have missed some school with all this snow, hail, and ice.

Better to stay inside.

There are books to catch up on...soup and bread to make...and Ian doesn't want me to forget the brownies...movies to watch...maybe some crochet?

Hope you have a weekend full of family and contented catch-up on life!

xo,

Blair

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(Some days I think I'm better than at keeping on top of emails when I'm busy, rather than days like these. If I owe you an email, you'll hear from me soon.)

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Daintytime Quilts

The Radio Dept. Heaven's On Fire

 

have a great weekend

Just a few shots taken while setting up for the photo shoot on Monday. Its so sunny in Seattle I can't believe it. A created a mix the other day and thought I posted it, but I didn't, so here it is for you, enjoy!

 

house music

(printable paper houses available here)

Oh, very good, I'm so glad I'm not alone in my semi-hibernation...

Andrea recently made a great list of songs that she would listen to over and over. Which got me thinking. Music is *big* around here in our house. We work all day to music, Emma turns on hers as soon as she's home from school. TV's only on in the evening for us grownups, but music plays pretty much nonstop.

Interesting to stop and consider which songs are the over and over ones. My list could probably go much longer than this, but here's a start.

Gut Feeling- Devo (when its time to get down to work)

Wild World- Cat Stevens (when I realize how fast my kids are growing up)

Fly Me Away- Goldfrapp (when I'm trying to get inspired)

Seaside- The Kooks (when I'm quiet)

California Stars- Wilco & Billy Bragg (when I need to whistle while I work)

Quelqu'un m'a dit- Carla Bruni (when I'm feeling girly)

Lucky Man- The Verve (when my day feels yucky)

Yucatan Gold- Throw Me The Statue (when I remember how I love nerdy cool)

Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk- Rufus Wainwright (when-ever, actually)

People Got A Lotta Nerve- Neko Case (when the music is up really loud)

Hearts on Fire- Cut Copy (when my kids and I need to dance)

Speak Like A Child- The Style Council (when I remember how much I love Paul Weller)

Music- Cornelius (when I want to be surrounded by interesting sounds)

In Between Days- The Cure (when I want to fill up Emma's Ipod with happy songs of my youth)

Single Ladies- Beyonce (when Peter needs to lighten up)

What would your list be?

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And just a little administrative business... I've added those fancy little "reblog", "tweet this", "favorite" buttons and whosie-whatsits at the bottom of each post. Try 'em out so I can see if they work.

herbs, crafts, and yacht rock

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions for summer hands-on activities for Ian, really good ones. I love the woodburning idea Jennifer suggested, I did that at many a summer camp, and remember feeling very grown up, being allowed to use the hot wand. And the Buffy Porson book (thank you Anne) And macrame! Maybe some string art would be fun (I've been wanting to do some myself).

There was a piece in the New York Times today celebrating working with our hands, reminded me of Emma, knitting, and being excited about seeing each row finished. I will definitely find more projects like this for the kids this summer.

I just wanted to share these cute seed packets. Leave it to Peter going by Kinokyunia and finding something cool for the kids. I love that place! These matchstick gardens will be going into pots this weekend, we'll see what happens.

OK, yacht rock. Love it. I love that it is a genre. I think it should be. I have (quite unapologetically) created my own playlist after listening to it the other afternoon as I was getting my hair cut.

Peter is going to be cringe, but honestly he's been listening to just a wee bit too much Bob Marley downstairs anyway.

Here's my current yacht rock mix, let me know what you'd add. I will need more songs if I'm going to play it all day.

Fly Like An Eagle- The Steve Miller Band
Hey Nineteen- Steely Dan
Baby I Love Your Way- Peter Frampton
Love Will Find a Way- Pablo Cruise
Bungle in the Jungle- Jethro Tull
Wild World- Cat Stevens
Biggest part of Me- Ambrosia
Peace Train- Cat Stevens
The Things We do for Love- 10cc
Year of the Cat- Al Stewart

I had to draw the line at adding in the Yes and Doobie Brothers (the Kenny Loggins years) I was close to clicking on. It takes me right back to those retail floors I spent more of my high school youth standing on than I care to remember right now.

Sorry for the randomness of my thoughts today.