K and I had a little conversation this weekend: Me: What kind of birthday dress do you want, honey? K: White. Me: Okay, what else? K: Balloons. Yeah, balloons all over, with a hot air balloon right on the chest, and with big letters that spell out "Happy Birthday". Make sure to use lots of colors, Mommy. Friends, I couldn't do it. My inner minimalist took over, and I struggled to bring myself to stencil her design onto this decidedly bridal-looking, but beautifully simple ... Read more
Happy Friday + Guest Post for Compagnie M
Happy Friday, friends! Today, I'm guest posting over at Compagnie M, so hop on over to see the details of this here creation which was inspired by the illustration on the left. The illustration is by Caitlin McGauley, who is insanely talented and one of my all-time favorite illustrators/designers. She painted the Emerson Fry leopard coat, which happens to also be a drool-worthy and favorite clothing designer of mine (though I have yet to own anything from their line), so you can imagine how much ... Read more
My First Washi: a wearable muslin?
I did it. I've finally become the trillionth person to make a Washi Dress. And friends, I got the buffalo checks to match perfectly on the sides. You know how hard that is for me, and I feel like I need to celebrate. But wait, not too fast. I may have reigned victorious with print-matching for this dress, but I don't think the fit is spot on. Let me preface all this with the fact that Rae's directions are awesome. So clear, so helpful, so easy. The pattern pieces are ingeniously designed ... Read more
Birthday Carrot Cake
It was an understated affair, M's birthday. He worked all day, and while he toiled, I made a carrot cake as requested. When he got home, we quietly lit the candles, sang a wildly off-key "Happy Birthday", and then M and I slipped out to dinner, leaving K in the able care of my mother. Like the celebration, it was an unassuming cake. It didn't rise much, and modestly turned golden in the oven, flecks of orange dotting it's surface. The recipe was from here, and is supposed to be a ... Read more
July is full of birthday celebrations…
...but this is an extra special one. Today is M's birthday and this is the fourteenth one I've celebrated with him. Six years as boyfriend/girlfriend and eight years as husband/wife. And in exactly a week, K is seven! "You're the best birthday present I've ever gotten," he tells K often. M doesn't get a lot of exposure here, consumed as I am with sewing and other creative outlets in which he has little interest. But he is quietly supporting me in the background, cheering me on with this ... Read more