Penny Penelope

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Thank you cards


Here are some thank you cards I designed to send to everyone who contributed to our March of Dimes walk in April. I was holding off posting about this because I wanted the cards to get where they needed to go first, and I was also having trouble getting a good picture. The picture is still bad, but you get the idea. I made the envelope too, which was fun. Usually, I buy envelopes, then make the card to fit them. Seeing this photo makes me think about how much I'd like to improve my photography. I know lighting is really important, but it seems to be what I have the most trouble with. A different color background would have helped too.

I have a lot of sewing on my to-do list. All of a sudden, it's hot here. Mia needs more light summer dresses and hats. I need more skirts. I better go get busy.

Monday, May 29, 2006

The bye bye stroller

Last weekend we bought a new stroller for Mia. Can I just say that yes, it is possible for a stroller to change your life? It's true. The one we had before was great -- big basket, fully reclining seat, reversible handle, height-adjustable handle, the works. The only problem is with all those features it weighs 21 pounds and is big. Too big for a bus or subway with just the two of us. So, finally, I broke down and bought a lightweight umbrella stroller to use occasionally for the bus, etc. Oh my gosh! Almost immediately, the big stroller was permanently sent to the closet. The new one is now Mia's everyday ride. And the best part? She loves it. I mean loves it in a crawls-up-in-it-by-herself-and-just-sits-in-it kind of way. What a joy. Now, we hop on a bus on a whim. Need to get there faster? Hop on a subway. It's that easy. And don't even get me talking about how much easier it is to maneuver through the narrow isles of almost every place we shop. Ahh... I'm smiling just thinking of it. There was one thing about the stroller I didn't like. It was dreary. Boring (her other stroller is orange and happy). A nice seat pad slipcover did the trick. Made out of a fabric I've had stored in the cabinet for years. It has a hook-and-loop side, so I can take it off and wash it. And believe me, it will need to be washed. When Mia saw it, she said, "Nice, Mama. Nice!" Who could ask for more than that?

Thursday, May 25, 2006

A corner in my home


I love the idea of sharing corners of our homes, so here's my contribution. This is a table across from our (small, very small) kitchen. Underneath the table is a Malber washer/dryer (a washer and dryer all in one unit). Let me tell you, having a washer and dryer in a NYC apartment is a luxury. I'm serious. None of the 60+ apartments we looked at before buying this one had hookups. The apartment we have now doesn't either. So to use the washer, I have to run a hose to the sink. The dryer part of the machine is ventless. Why am I talking about this? Back to the actual photo... I keep my small, but nice collection of cookbooks here. I'd say out of all of those, I use the Joy of Cooking the most. It's definitely my favorite. The platter holding the fruit is from our real estate broker. It was a thank you gift for referring some friends of ours to her (hi Max and Courtney!). It's a Tiffany platter and is beautiful. Funny how Barbara (our broker) was able to pick out something that fits my tastes perfectly. The black bowl at the end of the cookbooks is a piece by our friend Tova Beck-Friedman. It was a gift. She's an amazing scupltor; and I feel lucky to have one of her pieces. The shell I found at Sanibel Island, FL, during our last trip. Isn't it amazing? The framed photos are of logs on my father's land in the Texas Hill Country. And, of course, the best photo up there is my amazing Mia. That was fun. I think I'll do more corners.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

A finished skirt... if you can believe it


Not only did I finish a skirt for myself, but actually wore it today. Mia and I made a day trip to Brooklyn to check out the Target store I found out was there. I have to admit, I like Target. There's not one in Manhattan, so I rarely go. When we're traveling, though, I usually make a point to stop at one. It's something I kind of feel guilty about. For the most part, I prefer to shop at small, independent shops when I can. And lucky for me, there are still some around in my area (although not nearly as many as when I moved here nine years ago). But there's just something about Target I enjoy. The bright red everywhere (I love red). The isles of wrapping paper and note pads and home storage and dishes. I just like it. I can't help it. It's my dirty little secret, so don't tell anyone. Anyway, I wore my skirt and felt pretty proud of myself. You can't tell in the picture, but the skirt is made of six panels, so there are two seams down the front and the back. I did two rows of top stitching to give them a more tailored look. I used a red (not as orange as it looks in the photo) twill that has some lycra in it. I don't really like sewing with stretchable fabrics, but it's what I had. The waist and the hem are both finished with grosgrain ribbon. Now that I know my pattern is ok, the next skirt will be in a cute Liberty twill I have.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Just wanted to say hello


I actually have quite a few projects to share. Unfortunately, we've had either rain or just plain dark and dreary weather for over a week. Until today. But, now that the weather is bright enough that I can actually see in my apartment and maybe take some pictures, what did I do? Well, took off to the park with Mia, of course. We met some other members of a parenting/kids group we've been part of since Mia was four months old (Mindful Parenting given by Johanna Herwitz for those of you in NYC that are interested). Even though we meet as a class every Monday, this was the first time we got together outside of class. It's so funny. I've known these women as mothers for almost two years, yet this is the first time we've met out of class and shared with each other things about ourselves outside of parenthood. You know, where we live. Where we're from. How long we've lived in New York. What we love about it. What we don't love about it. What we do outside of parenting. I found out today that one woman is a professional photographer. One is an interior designer and sews. She even came to the park with a seam ripper in her pocket. I couldn't believe it. How could I know this person for so long and not know she sews too? I guess thinking about this, it's actually very typical about the way things work here. Of course there are always exceptions, but getting to know people is actually very difficult. At least for me. And if you do meet people and get to know them well, they eventually leave the city. So many people come here for a few years to experience the place and then realize it's a tough place to live or they miss home or want more space or more peace or grass. And off they go to wherever that may be. Long Island. Westchester. California. Or some leave for career opportunities. Sweden. Hong Kong. London. And sometimes, you can have one of the most wonderful, interesting people you've ever known live just 10 blocks away, but never see them because people here work long, hard hours including weekends. Anyway, I'm not really sure how I got onto this subject, so I'll get to what I really meant to write about... I saw Autum's borrowed meme and thought I'd borrow it too:

I AM:
a wife. a mother. a daughter. a friend. trying to find my new place in the world since Mia was born. the happiest I've ever been thanks to motherhood, an amazing husband and my own determination to live a happy life.

I WANT
: to love. to give. to create. to laugh. to connect.


I HATE:
when things are out of my control. when I can't fix things for other people. when I feel as if I can't fix things for myself. months and months of bitter cold weather.

I MISS
: my family. my friends out of NYC. walks at the end of the day, when everything is that beautfiul blue just before darkness (I don't do that much now since Mia sleeps at 7:00). the garden I had in Austin. the garden I had in Tampa. the traveling I did with Tarek when we lived in London. having enough space. having enough light.

I FEAR:
losing those I love. making mistakes.

I HEAR:
the hum of the computer and Mia's room monitor. and surprisingly, nothing else.

I WONDER:
how my life would have been had I joined the Peace Corps after college.

I REGRET:
not maintaining my Spanish speaking ability. I was basically fluent after college (minored in Spanish). The old saying, "if you don't use it, you lose it" is so true.


I AM NOT:
as bold as I'd like to be.

I DANCE
: every chance I get. with Mia often.

I SING
: every day to Mia.

I CRY:
not as much as I used to.


I AM NOT ALWAYS:
energetic. I feel tired much of the time.

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS:
as much as I can.

I WRITE:
only on this blog and in emails. funny, because I have a journalism degree.

I CONFUSE
: myself often.


I NEED
: hugs from Mia and Tarek. a creative outlet. sunlight.

I SHOULD
: takes pictures of my projects for this blog.

I START
: projects, but don't finish them.

I FINISH
: the projects I'm happy with.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Skirts are in my future


... finally. I got my act together and made a rub-off (copy) of a skirt I like. I worked on it today while Mia napped. This afternoon, she played with her markers at the table, while I transferred everything to a paper pattern. I feel so good right now. I can't wait to start cutting some fabric. Summer is almost here, and I have nothing to wear... yet.

I finished the dress I was working on. Zipper, hem and all. And, well, let's just say that it's finished and leave it at that. There's no way I'm posting a picture of it. The fit is so bad, I'd be sure to lose any readers I may have out there if I shared it. Just picture Maria in the Sound of Music running through a field wearing a dress that's too big. Not quite the look I was after.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Did I say I love technology?


Several weeks ago I ran across a blogger that had made a coloring book using Photoshop Elements to convert photos to drawings (I'm so sorry, but I just can't remember the name of the blog!). I thought it was such a great idea that I immediately had to try it out. I have the full-blown Photoshop software, so I had a few more options to play around with. The image above is what I came up with. Of course, that was weeks, even months ago. Trying to remember exactly what I did was tough. So, a little more playing around turned up this "sketch" of Mia to the right. I have to say I really like it. So much so, that I think I may have to frame it. Below is the original photo. Want to know how I did it? It's easy! Convert your photo to grayscale. Then under the Filter menu item, choose Sketch and then Graphic Pen. For this picture, I also adjusted the Brightness/Contrast (under the Image menu item) because the image felt a little dark. That's it. Print and enjoy!

The more I think about this image (ah, what a sweet face that is!), the more ideas I have about what to do with it. Framing, greeting cards, gift tags, stickers, magnetic paper, shrinky dink charms, wrapping paper. The list seems endless!

On a different note, I'm still working on the dress I started a few days ago. I can tell you already that it will be a wear-around-the-apartment dress. It's too big and looks like a potato sack. But it's comfortable, so I think I'll finish it. Also, it has a gathered waist right at the true waistline. What was I thinking? I'm still carrying around 10 lbs of baby weight, so a waistline like that just isn't flattering. Oh well. Live and learn. When I finish it, I may post a picture (if I'm feeling brave).

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Progress

I finally got started on another project. This time, a dress for myself. I managed to cut it out yesterday while Mia played in her crib. She wanted "night night" yesterday morning, so I put her in her crib thinking she'd want right out. But instead, she played happily for an entire HOUR. I couldn't believe it. I had already pinned the pieces the night before, so it was ready to go when I got my bonus hour.

I started sewing last night only after I took the time to care for my poor neglected machine. Can you believe how bad it was? It's been months since I took out the bobbin base and really cleaned. My machine started to protest yesterday by making a big knocking noise every time the needle dipped down. Dear Sewing Machine, please forgive me. I promise to take better care of you. You've been a faithful and reliable friend for 12 years. You deserve better from me. I'm sorry!

And yesterday during Mia's nap, I was able to make this. Looks simple right? Well, it should have been. But I had to make this twice. The first time I made the top ruffle part too short. On the second version, I made it a full inch, but then put the buttonhole for the ribbon in the wrong place. ahh! A "simple" project took me quite a while, but it was worth it. Next time, though, I think I'll make the top ruffle part even bigger and add another half inch.

Monday, May 08, 2006

May days and memories

Well, I'm back from the weekend (a great weekend, too, by the way) and trying to get back into the swing of things. My creative slump still haunts me a little. I've decided, though, that I just have to get busy and get through it. I did make something last week, but I can't show it to you just yet -- next week, I promise.

With May's arrival, the weather has been consistently nice. Mia and I try to take advantage by getting to Central Park every day. I'm learning that LOTS of time outside and space to run around (something we don't have easily in a NYC apartment) is essential for an 18-month-old. The photo above is from a few days ago. You may recognize the hat. The top I made a few years ago when I was designing childrenswear. Mia fits into a lot of my samples now. It's great to see her in them.

Actually, here's another sample from my line. I don't think you can tell from the photo, but the fabric is pink with little white polka dots. The binding is the same fabric as her hat and the trim on the bottom is solid green (click on the picture for a better view). The center front has a little rose with green leaves. She's wearing a pink onsie underneath, but in the summer she'll wear the dress without it with a green gingham bloomer. I think I'll make several more of these for her this summer. Next time, though, I won't do straps that tie and will add a button to the center back. Have a great week everyone!

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

A little slump

The last few days, I've been in a little creative slump. It's not even that I have so many ideas that I don't know where to start (as often happens). This time, it's that I don't have any idea what I want to do next. All I've really wanted to do is sit and read everyone else's blogs. I tell myself, "Fifteen minutes, then I'll go sew." The next thing I know it's 11:00 p.m. and too late to start a project. I've been thinking about the skirt, but don't have all the materials to get started. The garment district is an hour walk from here and difficult to do with Mia. So, unless I want to go on the weekend and miss out on time with Tarek and Mia, it just doesn't happen. I've thought about just taking a cab (buses take too long, subway too hard with Mia), but the garment district stores are often a nightmare with a stroller. Yea, it's going to have to be a weekend trip.

Anyway, during one of my morning walks with Mia, I saw this. Just being out enjoying the beautiful day can be inspiring. Central Park, oh how I love you. I really, really do. Excuse me while I go make something.



Monday, May 01, 2006

Three cheers for technology!

I love my inkjet printer. And my scanner. And my digital camera. And, oh, let's not forget the queen of them all -- the home computer. It's really amazing what we can do now sitting at our desk at home, or at a coffee shop, or the park, or wherever. I grew up around computers. My mom and step dad had a Data General (a what?) computer that was taller than an adult. It used big reels of tape to save data, had a weird green screen, and of course, there was no mouse. Constant use of function keys to do anything. Not to mention the printer. It was huge (almost as big as my NYC kitchen) and loud. And it used paper with the little holes on the edges. And, of course, no color. Wow, a few years later, and I'm printing my own fabric! Amazing.

I bought the paper at Kate's Paperie to frame and hang in my living room (it's framed, but not hanging yet). I still had a big strip left over and held onto it because it's just so beautiful. I saw this post yesterday and knew right away the wait was over. Time to scan the paper and print some fabric. I actually tried this years ago and the fabric got jammed in my printer and made a huge mess. I let go of the idea until now. The fabric fed through the (different) printer well this time, but had some black smudges on the edges. Nothing terrible though. The colors are not as rich as the paper, but considering my printer doesn't use water resistant ink, and I didn't use bubble jet, I think it turned out well. I can't wash it though. I was making a pincushion with it, but couldn't bring myself to put a button in the middle and cover up that pretty butterfly. I thought about letting Mia play with it, but she'd chew on it and get ink in her mouth. So back to a pincushion -- with no button center.