Recession Garden

A little before and after of the other big project that I've been working on.

Growing up we always had a garden.
I did not enjoy the process. It was always hot, and it seemed that the work was never ending. I did enjoy picking and eating the veggies that were ready, usually right there in the garden.

I have enjoyed the garden this summer. I am amazed that this little (actually not so little) garden has done so well. It helped that we started with really good soil. It seems that I retained some of the skills that I acquired while part of Mom's crew.

This is part of my crew. They do not really enjoy the process either. In fact, they prefer to observe from a distance, while wearing their pajamas.

Print and Pattern photos

As soon as I go through some photos I will post here and on flickr. I have some fun stuff to share. This represents my creative time for the last month or so. I feel ready to move on.

As the nights get cooler, I find myself thinking about winter fabric, vintage velvet, wool pencil skirts, trousers, vests, and tights.

Simplicity 2593

I am going to risk over using the el word. I love... this shirt pattern. I knew when it was first released that I would have to work it up. Yup, no changes, just exactly as it is featured on the pattern cover. The fabric that I used was thrifted. It is vintage 1989 Lorber Industries of California 6698 "Chambrey Stripe". I made this as part of the print and pattern collection that I've been working on.

The pattern is getting favorable reviews. You can find it here, here, here, and here. If you have made a Cynthia Rowley top, leave me a comment and let me add you to the list. I almost said, I would love to add you to the list.

Beet Salad

Check out these beets. They are not from my garden, and although I am now harvesting my own beets, I am still choosing to post this photo. Why? because my beets aren't as pretty. There you have it- I'm not proud, I'm just telling it like it is. To give credit where credit is due, the beets are from Stone Free Farm.

The beets found their way into this salad. Isn't it pretty? So... I had to take its picture. In the process I am interrupted by Hanna.
Hanna: What are you doing?
Mom: Taking a picture of this salad.
Hanna: Seriously? Why?
Mom: Because it is so pretty.
Hanna: Jaron... Mom is taking a picture of her salad.
Jaron: Why?
Mom: Because it is so pretty?
Jaron: Are you putting that on your blog?
Mom: Maybe?
Jaron: Who does that???

When the Dad got home he was barely through the door before he was informed that Mom took a picture of her salad and then posted it on the Internet. A plenty lengthy debate then ensued regarding the posting of your dinner and who really wants to read about it. Is there a possibility that mom's loosing it? Of course I'm over here defending myself. Explaining that lots of people post their dinner on the net. (Hey, I know who you are, I read your blog.) What I didn't realize of course, is that you are taking the pictures of your food,
after the children have gone to bed.

Print and Pattern

I love to look at fashion storyboards- fashion storyboard: a summary of your collection's inspiration and theme- I also like to create them. It seems to help keep me focused. This particular storyboard was taken when some of the items were works in progress, but you get the general idea.
The market tote ends up looking like a similar version of this one. The project is a collaboration with blossomshop/stonefreefarm. Rosie designed and printed the logo. The materials in the bag are recycled. The retro prints that we are using on the back are vintage drapes/drapery fabric.

Toward the end of this month we plan to have a photo shoot at the farm. I hope to share those photos with you soon. Click on the photo if you want a close-up view of the fabulous fabric. Or find more pics here.

hanna...

I've had this dress finished for awhile, but I'm slow getting the photos.
I used several different patterns to get the look that I wanted. The bodice top from one, skirt from another, and self drafted pockets.

I wanted you to see a close-up, as the fabric is really great. I am unsure of the era. The stylized flowers tend to suggest fifties. The width was also only 35". I am tempted to hem it up just a titch. It just feels a little long. Then again, sometimes it is just time to be done.
What do you think?

Chicks in a Limo

We spent the fourth cruising around in this limo. I am not however one of the "chicks" that this post is referring to.

Yes, these are the chicks.

This is my brother.
There were signs while we were growing up that he would be an eccentric. We were too young to understand or appreciate what would come. We missed some of those early warnings. I'm sure that most mothers do not get a call from the elementary school, asking that she make sure her son not bring any more mice pelts to school to sell to his classmates. There were other signs, but that's another very long post, on another day when you've got a huge chunk of time.
Disclaimer: I do not sanction the pelting/selling of mice, nor does does my long suffering mother.

Anyway... the crate on top of the limo is full of chicks. I know!!

So...Tony will bring your chicks to you in the limo.
Mom, did you ever think for one second that your son would turn out to be an eccentric chicken farmer? You probably expected something of the sort.

We had so much fun at The Chicken Ranch.

Fire up the limo Tone, you're having way too much fun. Our chicken pen is almost ready. We need some chickens of our own.