tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48475479915706996482024-03-19T06:28:54.398-04:00alarming to the sensesI'm Ashley. I write about the things I love: crafts, music, fashion, and telling stories about my wonderfully crazy family. Visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AshleySews/">Etsy</a> shop, follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/ashleylois1/">Pinterest</a> or e-mail me at <a> ashleylois@gmail.com.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-22630937248496006192014-06-26T12:44:00.001-04:002014-06-26T12:44:36.336-04:00So... it's been awhile.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, yeah. HEY GUYS! That niece below is now two years old, and she now has a baby brother! But we all know this isn't a blog about babies, so a brief recap of the last two years: got a job in social media marketing, took a little break from crafting to work a lot, moved last week to a townhouse and am back in the arts and crafts business! I'm really excited - so excited that I've already made TWO headboards! (I didn't like the first one enough, obviously).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So the first one I made is beautiful, if I do say so myself, but I decided it wasn't tufted enough for my taste. Tutorial via <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-tufted-headboard-tutorial.html">http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-tufted-headboard-tutorial.html</a> - thank you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGDLuRZqIB35rsSI5ELVkJD6ZzOsS_KRfW-ov-fG2tdM7YAPQ_071BrIw7cCRshXCT5Fz1gBnUG3Xm8Kfuf6diGe52P57EcciMElQAgBD7wA5SYwNdDbaAr3hpvE9As4VwgFQLE-qdBFM/s1600/n2Ih0pV.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGDLuRZqIB35rsSI5ELVkJD6ZzOsS_KRfW-ov-fG2tdM7YAPQ_071BrIw7cCRshXCT5Fz1gBnUG3Xm8Kfuf6diGe52P57EcciMElQAgBD7wA5SYwNdDbaAr3hpvE9As4VwgFQLE-qdBFM/s1600/n2Ih0pV.png" height="320" width="286" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can't see in this picture (I may post better ones later), but I put nailhead trim along the border and it's really beautiful. Also, a lighter grey than this photo reflects. So I had this up for a few days, but really, since the beginning of my craft days, my heart had been set on this guy: </span><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-tufted-headboard.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-tufted-headboard.html</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. I first saw this project on one of my favorite "lifestyle blogs," A Cup of Jo (<a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2013/11/home-makeover-master-bedroom.html">http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2013/11/home-makeover-master-bedroom.html</a>), and have been dreaming about it ever since. LGN's is king-sized, and my bed is full-sized, so I decided to do a few less tufts to compensate for the difference in width. LGN did 5 rows of 9-8-9-8-9 buttons, and I did 7-6-7-6-7.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So... I went back to my favorite hardware store (Proctor ACE in Neptune Beach - Rocky is the man!), got some pegboard, used Liquid Nail to attach the .5x4-foot piece to the 4x4 and was covered in Liquid Nail for two days, made a bunch of buttons, and got to tufting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I originally had a gorgeous linen with very subtle metallic streaks, but they only had 1.5 yards left of it, and it turned out to not be enough. I almost solved the problem by cutting from the bottom and sewing it on the main fabric, creating two side panels (best part of this is that I don't have a desk right now so I had to use my sewing machine standing up and on an ironing board), but it still wasn't enough. Frustration nation!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went to another Joann to find the same fabric because I had already created the buttons, but they were out of the fabric, so I decided on gray linen upholstery fabric because, you know, it's timeless. Back home I went</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, and here's basically what happened: I spent an hour measuring where the tufts would go, covered my hands in magic marker ink, spray-adhered the foam, put on a layer of light fleece batting, and set down my fabric. I went mostly by the book/blog with this one, using the tutorial all the way through (as well as the foam from Joann).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My main two problems were that the Liquid Nail didn't work so well this time, and the smaller piece barely stayed on (I think the spray adhesive between the foam and that part of the pegboard saved it). Also, my upholstery stapler isn't the best, so I had to hammer down every. single. staple. But point is, it was an overall success! I hung it with two picture hangers into the wall <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1241782802">(</a></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1419467)">http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1419467)</a>, which hold the D-rings I had screwed into the back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What do you guys think?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH0h5EXxM7HKMSYfmaO41MGCDJtkaCbp7z4xy9BxsNKw0osO6EUEGnQwMfnolfoAiCuCPQsirpFwid9yjdP1w76FZyTyvkzqAXDe8qYpo4G5q8lh82RGyX1qMUF6nGFn_GDXwVlxV_eXu/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH0h5EXxM7HKMSYfmaO41MGCDJtkaCbp7z4xy9BxsNKw0osO6EUEGnQwMfnolfoAiCuCPQsirpFwid9yjdP1w76FZyTyvkzqAXDe8qYpo4G5q8lh82RGyX1qMUF6nGFn_GDXwVlxV_eXu/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw25NMdTGrcZXOYo7N22EBHNBRDSXQX89aCjX6gR04MFTNt2js0CVJSkqR_Sg3QKp2Idih4lQu7yu4Aj3beyUzddIWMwIeHLFFmfMzrFZ99G7XXw25hWFKAA861WUQXAZ5oBzxccv6fifL/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw25NMdTGrcZXOYo7N22EBHNBRDSXQX89aCjX6gR04MFTNt2js0CVJSkqR_Sg3QKp2Idih4lQu7yu4Aj3beyUzddIWMwIeHLFFmfMzrFZ99G7XXw25hWFKAA861WUQXAZ5oBzxccv6fifL/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And a view of my awesome mirror that I found on Craigslist:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToVcmsD9nLX7uJ82eaxgb5HOeCzgmf9nY0CO4lVkAoxmYEK56sNzFP6XiITFPg44-cXUTd7eDAFc_DfKcQrmCUhiPF46YsZ7st7Qa5GHjWz5Xc_IzzAfY_Q91v29hN62bN3IprNYLyysJ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToVcmsD9nLX7uJ82eaxgb5HOeCzgmf9nY0CO4lVkAoxmYEK56sNzFP6XiITFPg44-cXUTd7eDAFc_DfKcQrmCUhiPF46YsZ7st7Qa5GHjWz5Xc_IzzAfY_Q91v29hN62bN3IprNYLyysJ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The biggest adjustment I made to Jenny's version is that I used the waxed button thread suggested for the first headboard I made. It seems stronger than upholstery thread, and I only had to double-knot the buttons, and it sticks better to the back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Room is still in progress, but let's just say, I slept like a rock last night :) Thanks again to Jenny of Little Green Notebook and Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chic for your awesome tutorials and inspiration!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More to come as my roommate moves in next weekend and we DIY, well, everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ashley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-58511626112059471752012-06-18T13:29:00.000-04:002012-06-18T13:29:01.861-04:00New Niece/FacebookHello all! I have two very exciting bits of news today. First and foremost, my eldest sister Natalie safely delivered her third child on Friday, June 15th, 2012! Her name is Batya Yaela, born at 9:13 PM, and her big sisters Esther Shira and Simcha are very proud and excited. This marks my fourth niece, by the way... plenty of <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYcM08Jlr6wfPfFS0-Qn72K9y1L3CTxIgFZgcza-91hSmWq4_nqv1GCh9dlVxexRFRPQV6nH0AroA_L98TWT0p_zpexiBE9qEK81VbFh9lE4vEIB-n-kKh47C9Q6Eq_ILYpVlVdjzZJNv/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYcM08Jlr6wfPfFS0-Qn72K9y1L3CTxIgFZgcza-91hSmWq4_nqv1GCh9dlVxexRFRPQV6nH0AroA_L98TWT0p_zpexiBE9qEK81VbFh9lE4vEIB-n-kKh47C9Q6Eq_ILYpVlVdjzZJNv/s320/-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUz38ki-VQgZ8PFIJmsH3MnEsUR8oV_7r2WwwN_23bg8QFXMTR6bKv9YfP3d582K8VRaCr_SD1n84sekkxvzzfheU5gVdKYvjMtzXA5KcHtnuzSXQqMeBY0m-oYhTpfoVb7YinVeZsZZ_/s1600/-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUz38ki-VQgZ8PFIJmsH3MnEsUR8oV_7r2WwwN_23bg8QFXMTR6bKv9YfP3d582K8VRaCr_SD1n84sekkxvzzfheU5gVdKYvjMtzXA5KcHtnuzSXQqMeBY0m-oYhTpfoVb7YinVeZsZZ_/s320/-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Secondly, I have started a Facebook page to go along with my Etsy shop. Please become a fan! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AshleySews">https://www.facebook.com/AshleySews</a><br />
Thanks and love!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-72539311694299567722012-06-15T16:37:00.001-04:002012-06-15T16:38:32.373-04:00Grand Opening!Hello everyone! I am super excited to announce the grand opening of my Etsy shop!<br />
Please visit and shop!! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AshleySews">http://www.etsy.com/shop/AshleySews</a><br />
xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-41039223364854671872012-06-12T23:07:00.000-04:002012-06-12T23:07:14.351-04:00Bonnaroo 2012...was amazing. Here are my videos: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30D433310C7B2A69&feature=edit_ok">http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30D433310C7B2A69&feature=edit_ok</a> and my pictures: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10102444893216211.3657661.2056565&type=1">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10102444893216211.3657661.2056565&type=1</a><br />
enjoy! more crafts soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-67565822813971605682012-06-01T17:55:00.001-04:002012-06-01T17:58:07.263-04:00Boutique Blanketooh Pinterest, how I love you! I found this gorgeous/shockingly soft blanket on Pinterest, and needed it ASAP. The tutorial is <a href="http://thediymommy.com/sew-a-boutique-blanket/comment-page-1/#comment-902">here</a> and the author, Christina, was incredibly helpful with questions. I used the same fabrics (a minky and a cotton twill) as she did, so our blankets are essentially identical. Identically AMAZING! so soft and gorgeous. and BIG! It's about 5 feet by 6 feet, so much bigger/cozier than the faux chenille blanket. The minky was a bit hard to work with, so if you make this, use Christina's advice and pin, pin, pin!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnrSqicttTe08ZnaDmuSjJ3DVZaBt7Phj2-BwNWKk169WlRdSpIQ1rAklJLb0C5t3cmhrA6mfQBZS5GmYQE8L9q3OcrDzkCs4xOC1jzL3Vo3IsUAnc4tW7OX8fP4Q61AJDsbmHVywI-8P/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnrSqicttTe08ZnaDmuSjJ3DVZaBt7Phj2-BwNWKk169WlRdSpIQ1rAklJLb0C5t3cmhrA6mfQBZS5GmYQE8L9q3OcrDzkCs4xOC1jzL3Vo3IsUAnc4tW7OX8fP4Q61AJDsbmHVywI-8P/s320/IMG_2577.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blanket - minky on one side, cotton twill on the other</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DmemojxZezZB89PNcedWCNKFcj16cLrGt6Gru_O37jaAShsWfns5FulsbQjcgN8KRIPA6hEIRoPD2_e5r35H9HaIzh65dK4uLmE3p0B-wYI6INOLjNIHtjf9TVS0gLzeT-JmtWV_QnAZ/s1600/IMG_2579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DmemojxZezZB89PNcedWCNKFcj16cLrGt6Gru_O37jaAShsWfns5FulsbQjcgN8KRIPA6hEIRoPD2_e5r35H9HaIzh65dK4uLmE3p0B-wYI6INOLjNIHtjf9TVS0gLzeT-JmtWV_QnAZ/s320/IMG_2579.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snappy dress, on the blanket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another recent project is the <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2010/05/baby-kid/snappy-toddler-top-free-downloadable-pattern-2/">Snappy Toddler Dress</a> from Prudent Baby (for Shayna, of course), who are two of my very favorite women ever. Their website is full of sewing and craft projects, as well as delicious recipes, my two favorite being the <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2012/04/entertaining-food/one-minuteone-cookie-how-to-make-a-single-microwave-chocolate-chip-cookie-in-a-minute/#more-17044">One-Minute Chocolate Chip Cookie</a> and a <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2011/10/entertaining-food/a-cup-of-coffee-cake-in-under-five-minutes-2/">Coffee Cake in a Cup</a>. Best of all, you don't even need to have a baby to enjoy their site! so check them out at <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/">PrudentBaby.com</a>.<br />
Coming soon: matching mother-daughter outfits for Jessica and Shayna! too cute. bye!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-1078242033710683362012-05-14T18:34:00.000-04:002012-05-14T18:34:29.332-04:00le poufHello all! I'm back to show my newest creation: a pouf! I found this <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/05/sewing-101-making-a-pouf.html">tutorial</a> from Design*Sponge, and off I went to make a patchwork version.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIwWj2KQmEFPgH7I1uLmd-Z9_g096edL9Nx_gRvlnSsZ8vsSI1mEFeo1OYZ1s1h078Z_E45msmr36ZBuHICCthBW0t0kznrFnsuddOCnQnGu_6r0BDk5ul5_O3-H31dNhtHTx4wYQ3lNw/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIwWj2KQmEFPgH7I1uLmd-Z9_g096edL9Nx_gRvlnSsZ8vsSI1mEFeo1OYZ1s1h078Z_E45msmr36ZBuHICCthBW0t0kznrFnsuddOCnQnGu_6r0BDk5ul5_O3-H31dNhtHTx4wYQ3lNw/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksZcOYn_jfVLi6gJJQv2O_BlfkyL9H1g6glJ7T8wpGfDZd1hD5CrCffUFQOhMMUmy52sO3QpIxK-U13CNpbM9XkL6zdtxL0t3u8pKDEkQCaS-AGWJxqgrN-jiKFe5gOJIOU9ORhLT-mIY/s1600/IMG_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksZcOYn_jfVLi6gJJQv2O_BlfkyL9H1g6glJ7T8wpGfDZd1hD5CrCffUFQOhMMUmy52sO3QpIxK-U13CNpbM9XkL6zdtxL0t3u8pKDEkQCaS-AGWJxqgrN-jiKFe5gOJIOU9ORhLT-mIY/s320/IMG_2563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4SoYkEGqJZY6TRcsRK2q3BF_RXc5A8Bl5Y8gjU4XP6ujNAAT76vKpC1GZ4-CcVFPtBlvQ4w38YJJ2EndjNH8HfqISLE8fYwstB-Xu9EQMFy4pnFfRClnyMIniwiJdeHS5HwLuyRGLKHl/s1600/IMG_2565.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4SoYkEGqJZY6TRcsRK2q3BF_RXc5A8Bl5Y8gjU4XP6ujNAAT76vKpC1GZ4-CcVFPtBlvQ4w38YJJ2EndjNH8HfqISLE8fYwstB-Xu9EQMFy4pnFfRClnyMIniwiJdeHS5HwLuyRGLKHl/s320/IMG_2565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjC2auLAyRtfWF1pp3ivyyF_IrgKaeQTn2g5rn6tZRmmbAojL7ojWkmwEwUSmolCLL6F0NTSuj0W_pq9uJhg1-0tKdfWbz6bf0McuMkDuVf0_AJBx9eIASPz8fWjnqWJWuOsKrmlkXdo7/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjC2auLAyRtfWF1pp3ivyyF_IrgKaeQTn2g5rn6tZRmmbAojL7ojWkmwEwUSmolCLL6F0NTSuj0W_pq9uJhg1-0tKdfWbz6bf0McuMkDuVf0_AJBx9eIASPz8fWjnqWJWuOsKrmlkXdo7/s320/IMG_2569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />I had a fun time with this one, though I did mess up a bit (reversing the order of the pieces before sewing the second half together... confused me). However, I managed to figure it all out and voila, le pouf!<br />
<br />
Also, how cute are <a href="http://indigotravels.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/tie-on-slippers/">these</a>? I call them vests for feet. My feet stay warm, but can breathe.<br />
<br />
Next up: finishing the gingham taffeta skirt, dress #29483 for Shayna, and a pom pom scarf. Stay tuned! xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-55338440335091066462012-05-02T17:42:00.001-04:002012-05-02T17:46:52.486-04:00new things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time to share more creations! #1 is something I found on Pinterest (actually, the tutorial is <a href="http://itsdoable.squarespace.com/blog/2012/1/23/its-doablethe-flower-wall-art.html#comments">here</a>). It's made with scrapbooking paper! This was fun to do and I love the way it came out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWItV-eCKUdQvIypgseDz5Lw2kPKYm5fvJNAWYvZi6ot5X9KyK9Wxu_V8gLTEZhuSW4uufKqB2v38BaDdLqEV5oE4XBaQqNbiaEKmUsIUZXT3b00YZdeTp1xoTEsZMTu3pBqUw-s3oyXo/s1600/IMG_2539.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWItV-eCKUdQvIypgseDz5Lw2kPKYm5fvJNAWYvZi6ot5X9KyK9Wxu_V8gLTEZhuSW4uufKqB2v38BaDdLqEV5oE4XBaQqNbiaEKmUsIUZXT3b00YZdeTp1xoTEsZMTu3pBqUw-s3oyXo/s320/IMG_2539.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
Next is the Warhol dress from <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/warhol-dress-free">Dana</a>! It looks blue here, but is really purple, and was sent to my niece Shayna for her 9-month birthday. This one was quick and fun and hopefully so cute on her!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFBna1NxGR7HKD-3GkWgjTurk4A1y9ak6J6PimibjXEUhjY7PYBBvCtwbGeWR1VSaaVfdaXasLcIhLv4nCAPnTvbYdiXBakXrcqGKfFR0WJ7aJM1oUGZNxotn0OJ3KI6vxsLInTJ0i6GB/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFBna1NxGR7HKD-3GkWgjTurk4A1y9ak6J6PimibjXEUhjY7PYBBvCtwbGeWR1VSaaVfdaXasLcIhLv4nCAPnTvbYdiXBakXrcqGKfFR0WJ7aJM1oUGZNxotn0OJ3KI6vxsLInTJ0i6GB/s320/IMG_2547.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<br />
Now more baby dresses, but this time, ORGANIC! I had to order fabric from Oregon, but it was well worth it because look how cute this is! Especially the trim on the bottom - bias tape for the win.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnln5RC8ARVykSY8C1LBkadm33cF4gMN5s8oTIebsSm_k68oygun1QuwAql4Q-0Kme5E5Uh2qQ8LhS6rWU-Jyev3WphQCQP0TMKlDXhfiG8ZNUu9F_dlY7PMotmvBWbZPPQXXFJj7H0yNY/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnln5RC8ARVykSY8C1LBkadm33cF4gMN5s8oTIebsSm_k68oygun1QuwAql4Q-0Kme5E5Uh2qQ8LhS6rWU-Jyev3WphQCQP0TMKlDXhfiG8ZNUu9F_dlY7PMotmvBWbZPPQXXFJj7H0yNY/s320/IMG_2550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa97DJMKGot1xLvhhisoexGdFJSOA5ixJ_uoV5hnP0HZLOkp1V048xIGs5GhRlxC2NcYq4hbyZ4U2kmhTSZ7abuvv58tfqIXLdZNyy92242p21-q7JQk5pIIIy23UtWQnsHq0FS8WhsHH/s1600/IMG_2552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa97DJMKGot1xLvhhisoexGdFJSOA5ixJ_uoV5hnP0HZLOkp1V048xIGs5GhRlxC2NcYq4hbyZ4U2kmhTSZ7abuvv58tfqIXLdZNyy92242p21-q7JQk5pIIIy23UtWQnsHq0FS8WhsHH/s320/IMG_2552.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back - love the ribbon!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally... guess what?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XA2bdmzUK-zn9j9jCUVGgq9t56txC7zrIomzxnFLDUOfgmJIaf0VBLti6WBPrUr6dsiB07onNyzZETaCPgDZmx-aRTnIIeRhm4Hppjn4PMgYoz3EC7K33XRjbwrWHa3BqPvnt342tgHE/s1600/579524_3151604865371_1122600177_32485107_1922467177_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XA2bdmzUK-zn9j9jCUVGgq9t56txC7zrIomzxnFLDUOfgmJIaf0VBLti6WBPrUr6dsiB07onNyzZETaCPgDZmx-aRTnIIeRhm4Hppjn4PMgYoz3EC7K33XRjbwrWHa3BqPvnt342tgHE/s320/579524_3151604865371_1122600177_32485107_1922467177_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
yup.<br />
<3Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-33031348623864093112012-04-29T00:03:00.001-04:002012-04-29T00:07:23.877-04:00you have to see this.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5as8ixUBVK0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-71438957700927236362012-04-21T13:34:00.002-04:002012-04-21T13:34:39.509-04:00Chenille.After reading this <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-faux-chenille-blanket.html">tutorial by Dana</a>,
I knew I had to complete that project ASAP. I LOVE chenille and once
had a fantastic chenille blanket that was destroyed by the washing
machine. Then I found this project that was actually kind of <i>created</i>
by the washing machine. How ironic. Anyway, I found that matryoshka
fabric (shout out to my real-life Russian doll, Shira Glabman) at JoAnn,
and I knew instantly that I wanted Russian dolls all over my blanket.
So I purchased 1 1/4 yards each of the matryoshka cotton, and solid
cottons in red, yellow, pink, and white.<br />
Dana gives a great tutorial with fabulous pictures that everyone should see, but I'll give you a run-down. The basic idea is to sew these five layers of cotton (must be cotton so it will fray, flannel works well also) together in lines a 1/2 inch apart diagonally across the whole blanket, and then cut through the four solid layers in between the sewn lines. Because they're cut diagonally/on the bias, the fabric will fray in the washing machine and create soft, wavy layers that feel like chenille.<br />
Fact: if you're going to do this project, you should be warned that it takes for-ev-er. Not as long as the tote bag (haha... just kidding, that's only true if you're me), but definitely awhile. My back isn't the strongest so I had to split it up between several days of sewing. As per Dana's recommendation, I took all the fabric onto my driveway and glued them together with Craft Bond, a spray adhesive. This was a struggle because it was windy, but was definitely helpful in keeping my fabrics from shifting too much while I sewed. After putting some safety pins in random spots around the blanket, I used painter's tape to mark a line down the diagonal center of the blanket. I started sewing with this middle line and then out to the left side, and eventually flipped it upside down to the right. Luckily, I didn't have to use a ruler to measure each 1/2 inch, because that's what the little lines on my sewing machine are for.<br />
A few days later (or probably about 4-5 straight hours of sewing), the lines were done! I knew cutting would be a challenge because a) I am left-handed and lefty scissors don't have the blades reversed so they are crap, and b) I was nervous I would accidentally cut through the matyoshka layer, so I was super careful and had my right hand underneath the blanket during each and every snip. I had ordered a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Slash-28mm-Rotary-Cutter/dp/B001CEALZM">slash rotary cutter</a> just for this purpose, and it was due to arrive Thursday, but still isn't here (whoopsy, Amazon.com).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61nOfUzDaJQPeO-Xfzp3O50bFEWsTrP8hhPTe76DbI8Y1nvfMeDEwhmgWo37Zr0zRtQOiorJRmr2RDLtX5wjBlyQTMOuGGdUYBKGwGdes_mMlxLjxynlen3WVcHOjAg26D2UB9MNDHP_N/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61nOfUzDaJQPeO-Xfzp3O50bFEWsTrP8hhPTe76DbI8Y1nvfMeDEwhmgWo37Zr0zRtQOiorJRmr2RDLtX5wjBlyQTMOuGGdUYBKGwGdes_mMlxLjxynlen3WVcHOjAg26D2UB9MNDHP_N/s200/IMG_2527.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cutting begins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I cut about 1/3 of the blanket over the course of two days. I could only get through a few lines at a time before having to break and stretch out. I was getting kind of freaked out that I would never finish. But yesterday I was at JoAnn for my sewing class (details to come!), and they had a smaller version of that cutter there. I had a 50% off coupon, so I caved and got one for $7. And I am so glad I did! I went a little fast with it and cut a few lines too close to the sewn line, so there is slightly noticeable error on the finished blanket, but whatever. I'm totally over it. Next I had to sew on the binding. I chose teal, like Dana did, because teal is awesome. I bought this quilt binding at JoAnn and used about one and a half packages. It was rough to sew on because at this point, it was 6 layers of fabric, and my machine isn't the world's strongest. But it was completed. Around midnight. And ready to go in the laundry!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSeostIiIF0vDImEtzFU9JYssGE_iz5SaLwD6DWYR89fmdTRw1YHn3lT51gxfGs7kuLCDXUj7IgWmEf6HI-pJE7Ov1lX7gArr7ed7O97hTYuQTh2_P7-_aYc-ZYOIudyZ3dLH3AiYFXea/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSeostIiIF0vDImEtzFU9JYssGE_iz5SaLwD6DWYR89fmdTRw1YHn3lT51gxfGs7kuLCDXUj7IgWmEf6HI-pJE7Ov1lX7gArr7ed7O97hTYuQTh2_P7-_aYc-ZYOIudyZ3dLH3AiYFXea/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blanket cut, pre-wash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was so excited for the result that I just sat on the couch waiting for the cycle to finish. After the washing machine, it looked pretty cool, but I knew I had to wait for the dryer for the full effect. And here it is!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyEbGikGy_sAqJ8CJBmgspaBLb8cJnY3PoZKGbyYQue0JUOj5NQTD8FKHzLZT2ZFZnCToYojktxjUJTQDk0qCHZJVXpmYSyVYLvhuDISMvK4QyVuYhGmXSi2wpky_Pv0Q4gzBU1yqa7dE/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyEbGikGy_sAqJ8CJBmgspaBLb8cJnY3PoZKGbyYQue0JUOj5NQTD8FKHzLZT2ZFZnCToYojktxjUJTQDk0qCHZJVXpmYSyVYLvhuDISMvK4QyVuYhGmXSi2wpky_Pv0Q4gzBU1yqa7dE/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chenille!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBIlpSFx5rKln8Pt7euPKGhxEuwJTumZq7Y2T6eCMzPgu59UJ68IGXjJ6ExfRHccuK0-IWlSeNANE6rQh9aupU7nB_vIYxLlnzGIk4UxtiFo08tOo2koO9bEBf9XGUeoj_yqk56Mq8u44/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBIlpSFx5rKln8Pt7euPKGhxEuwJTumZq7Y2T6eCMzPgu59UJ68IGXjJ6ExfRHccuK0-IWlSeNANE6rQh9aupU7nB_vIYxLlnzGIk4UxtiFo08tOo2koO9bEBf9XGUeoj_yqk56Mq8u44/s200/IMG_2536.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"layers upon layers of chenille!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7lhLi9rx13SCXZUKndL4wQnMCTe0RfjpJY6ESyNKqd_AgmsyG6TyZ_lUVoKt6ynoFkxSzFAkW96Fiwcj_ccOTgO9BhwFNePHQOVTIzrh3lTiQWKx0IOvWzHiCWGL_zfSOlxJPgi82sQ2/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7lhLi9rx13SCXZUKndL4wQnMCTe0RfjpJY6ESyNKqd_AgmsyG6TyZ_lUVoKt6ynoFkxSzFAkW96Fiwcj_ccOTgO9BhwFNePHQOVTIzrh3lTiQWKx0IOvWzHiCWGL_zfSOlxJPgi82sQ2/s320/IMG_2537.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">matryoshkas and chenille: a fantastic combination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, a million days later, I must say, I am so pleased with the results! Although I was whining about it a lot of the time, I kind of want to make another right this moment. I even slept with it in my bed last night. It's not big enough to be a sleeping quilt. I just wanted it near me. So thanks Dana for your great tutorial and my beautiful snuggly blanket!<br />
<br /> A bonus:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBqwY_ry9Z3P8h7yl22Ns1OQZq22jZCBQRYPUMKOi8G1139mML4m8AO1RYLNUODO4sAyD4Ewqf3_uivO0S5GRZkYd0F9UKBlrD56osU64ZMg4oOlvBOW8cmgm5kNFsfczZo6cwfKWM6yQ/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBqwY_ry9Z3P8h7yl22Ns1OQZq22jZCBQRYPUMKOi8G1139mML4m8AO1RYLNUODO4sAyD4Ewqf3_uivO0S5GRZkYd0F9UKBlrD56osU64ZMg4oOlvBOW8cmgm5kNFsfczZo6cwfKWM6yQ/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun times: my brother-in-law Doug and me at my mom's golf tournament. i'm dressed like a flapper under there</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-66350698451966380252012-04-14T22:39:00.002-04:002012-04-14T22:39:48.088-04:00tote bag!Well friends, I did it! I finally finished the Zakka Style Zigzag Tote.
And let me tell you, it took for-eh-ver. I messed up about a dozen
times, had to remove about a billion stitches, and almost cried a few
times, but overall, I am so pleased with the bag, and I guess the
trouble makes it feel like an even bigger accomplishment. And it's totes
cute, don't you think?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyycnvUW_2mkr3IpxyY-VDlrtl5k0u9vjw2-utjOesRX0aKoBEHVnRhyphenhyphennvM2ALnpMxqI7svj8x86VKmak0as_sfNGsFrhNPOWNETur-q1DB3GuG_2xueufFb2LjiBtSw3AqzhZOGYJWiDM/s1600/IMG_2513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyycnvUW_2mkr3IpxyY-VDlrtl5k0u9vjw2-utjOesRX0aKoBEHVnRhyphenhyphennvM2ALnpMxqI7svj8x86VKmak0as_sfNGsFrhNPOWNETur-q1DB3GuG_2xueufFb2LjiBtSw3AqzhZOGYJWiDM/s320/IMG_2513.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tote bag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5rxdkXtJxC8wmfyMP_iccfxzLpD5PcAPO93DlvtIxFUwhP_2CHYd9Pi3Tp0eip4Of4HJ4VMuZuZF8dDR3Utqm_dUCxotRZ2xiFccFrCDuq-bqgIM-1qR4IKtbNIIlnMtDGUT9dSAmw9s/s1600/IMG_2514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5rxdkXtJxC8wmfyMP_iccfxzLpD5PcAPO93DlvtIxFUwhP_2CHYd9Pi3Tp0eip4Of4HJ4VMuZuZF8dDR3Utqm_dUCxotRZ2xiFccFrCDuq-bqgIM-1qR4IKtbNIIlnMtDGUT9dSAmw9s/s320/IMG_2514.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tote bag inside. pocket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHOw7IV83jtqKlkPINJCo66mJmYGKCdaxW-sSYVFNA36w9_lHXlEmsCzJZ5oA-14aqF9NQljMOwLaX0aA_EEgbdZNZzZnH6frKHYeeEn6vjukiQMvxQSiLeWuMgcLdIYlWzC5NwiSXEGx/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHOw7IV83jtqKlkPINJCo66mJmYGKCdaxW-sSYVFNA36w9_lHXlEmsCzJZ5oA-14aqF9NQljMOwLaX0aA_EEgbdZNZzZnH6frKHYeeEn6vjukiQMvxQSiLeWuMgcLdIYlWzC5NwiSXEGx/s200/IMG_2492.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Also, tonight I went to a sewing class! I'm making a mini dress out of this gorgeous nebula-like fabric: <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvinSIv0UNpZ2kC4j5UDAk7cxFIdEN55eaCKhZk9ihJJ5iO23obtRNZYCXlTWW_umlPjP6H_DMCic_qJaxqMIRpOLj3dKN7tCTCEsiqBzDl1sLQLjIojoe4O2z0RBe1Iu3l1FBQO2eqNYG/s1600/IMG_2493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvinSIv0UNpZ2kC4j5UDAk7cxFIdEN55eaCKhZk9ihJJ5iO23obtRNZYCXlTWW_umlPjP6H_DMCic_qJaxqMIRpOLj3dKN7tCTCEsiqBzDl1sLQLjIojoe4O2z0RBe1Iu3l1FBQO2eqNYG/s320/IMG_2493.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And above, a glimpse of our beautiful Passover table!<br />
That is all. love, ashleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-67515214346622395232012-04-02T14:02:00.001-04:002012-04-02T14:02:42.422-04:00More dresses/Sew-AlongHello! Not much to say here. I've just been working and making dresses, and I wanted to show you two new ones. They're the same pattern as the Shayna dress but for smaller babies, and I totally love the fabrics I used.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D3tmS_SNqcSfGsACkvVWelUC3FstGGKGzzQmVE-gl6FrDe_uS8wY33jwf8RZxY3lB16ktBz-1GMb7isihE-lwbDJ4xKgvZUkayWXAWLVGUZmNIqVTUxwQtPwFrRlgoAOOhWPHPQk4NWH/s1600/-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D3tmS_SNqcSfGsACkvVWelUC3FstGGKGzzQmVE-gl6FrDe_uS8wY33jwf8RZxY3lB16ktBz-1GMb7isihE-lwbDJ4xKgvZUkayWXAWLVGUZmNIqVTUxwQtPwFrRlgoAOOhWPHPQk4NWH/s200/-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and my girl Shaybug.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aDAf8JNpeOKX7j31bK4kyO3BjybPJrKD6j8uMoNnOrvSiHPCZgVKXgoCYJOAUzl5g_D0X3ZT2PPKqpQBOlOF9fjT-f7wFuAD2meQlLdIut6-mnQHM2EuEpcI1WUqGefeB0Gp0hYRVGsB/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aDAf8JNpeOKX7j31bK4kyO3BjybPJrKD6j8uMoNnOrvSiHPCZgVKXgoCYJOAUzl5g_D0X3ZT2PPKqpQBOlOF9fjT-f7wFuAD2meQlLdIut6-mnQHM2EuEpcI1WUqGefeB0Gp0hYRVGsB/s200/IMG_2486.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a tiny dress!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlgE-kLnn6tNBbDcp2o4xYMbrh9Wa4IaLOgEjpPoLR3zKx6MBR7IuizShcIpF3gzwS0Z9dzCtrkLVe2_OzH5dEtGuRfipZuh46twTkszqq2v4mnYx8gpsRLY2W0v0F_mgRgvjxqyXGj1p/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlgE-kLnn6tNBbDcp2o4xYMbrh9Wa4IaLOgEjpPoLR3zKx6MBR7IuizShcIpF3gzwS0Z9dzCtrkLVe2_OzH5dEtGuRfipZuh46twTkszqq2v4mnYx8gpsRLY2W0v0F_mgRgvjxqyXGj1p/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my cool hangtag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinivZ-vik5skLVhbHIFPh9sdJ6iOQ_3omp9bib3IdPiAo9FGrWQJlf6X7rQp8ZFiMXzUNsO-LhSfbugMaj-KoOAw_XkbNHI2KWhnLWVCcDbnWo4frtGXoATqkWzRjibCQr3-ckmuw0Seuu/s1600/IMG_2491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinivZ-vik5skLVhbHIFPh9sdJ6iOQ_3omp9bib3IdPiAo9FGrWQJlf6X7rQp8ZFiMXzUNsO-LhSfbugMaj-KoOAw_XkbNHI2KWhnLWVCcDbnWo4frtGXoATqkWzRjibCQr3-ckmuw0Seuu/s320/IMG_2491.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love this batik fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Besides dresses, I am participating in a sew-along!! More info here: http://lrstitched.com/2012/03/16/zakka-style-sew-along/ It is based on the book Zakka Style by Rashida Coleman-Hale, which I coincidentally bought a week ago. I found out about the sew-along on Pinterest, and then I spent about 4 hours at Joann picking out fabrics. I think I bought 18 different ones? Whoopsy. Anyway, I'll be sure to post my finished projects here.<br />
<br />
But back to the dresses. Hopefully, in time, I will be selling some things on Etsy, and this dress will definitely be one of them. I am also currently experimenting with an organic version (but I have to order the supplies online, so that will take a bit). But if you want to buy one now... get at me! ashleylois@gmail.com. I can make them in several different sizes, the smallest being for newborns and/or preemies, so e-mail me for a price quote and details. They make great gifts, and I can customize them any way you like! xo.. ashley<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-77577049023977255722012-03-25T18:52:00.000-04:002012-03-25T18:52:59.568-04:00The Hunger Games Soundtrack: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Officially titled</span> "</b>The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond," <i>The Hunger Games</i> soundtrack was released as an accompaniment to the film. None of the songs actually appear in the movie (except three over the end credits), and I'm not sure how I feel about this: I think several of them could have really boosted the film in certain places. However, this soundtrack works beautifully by itself as an ode to Katniss's epic plight of survival, and the album as a whole definitely vibes strongly with the film: listening to it before I saw the film got me so psyched to see the moody, dark book on screen, and listening to it afterward somehow made me feel like I was still in the theater, so deeply involved with the intimate portrayal of Katniss's quandary. T-Bone Burnett did, as usual, an incredible job producing here. With a mix of folksy artists sticking to their roots and other musicians expertly bending to the genre, this album is a wildly engaging and effective counterpart to <i>The Hunger Games </i>trilogy - and anyone who can get Adam Levine to sound so siren-like gets an A+ in my book.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZqBFNYRTpJZP2jBB07Yc34aTfCosFsydK51O7YwJNFyh3o5qo_A0W_dR4aEosf-hfLfdT4c0S_GMXKB4a3upxB5kDX8LKMxd8k9uYMgC65C3ZE0voWDW8dDrK1YqWQPTJw9iFIlNd65l/s1600/Soundtrack-The-Hunger-Games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZqBFNYRTpJZP2jBB07Yc34aTfCosFsydK51O7YwJNFyh3o5qo_A0W_dR4aEosf-hfLfdT4c0S_GMXKB4a3upxB5kDX8LKMxd8k9uYMgC65C3ZE0voWDW8dDrK1YqWQPTJw9iFIlNd65l/s200/Soundtrack-The-Hunger-Games.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My thoughts, track-by-track:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Arcade Fire, "Abraham's Daughter:"<span style="font-weight: normal;"> The first song t</span></b>o play over the end credits, this haunting tune makes it nearly impossible to get up from your seat. Regine Chassagne sounds like some sort of mythical creature (okay, another siren reference). One critic called it "Enya meets <i>Game of Thrones</i>," and I'm definitely cool with that idea.<br />
<br />
<b>2. The Secret Sisters, "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">A sweet and hopeful ballad</span></b> that makes me think of Rue. I think it would have served well in her final scene, but apparently Gary Ross doesn't agree. Whatevs.<br />
<b> <br /> 3. Neko Case, "Nothing To Remember:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">Katniss could have written this one herself. </span></b><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_42">Case pleads, <i>"give me something to remember." </i>I'm not sure if it's this song I will<i> </i>remember<i> </i>from this collection, but it is a solid enough track and definitely adds to the album.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b>4. Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars, "Safe & Sound:"</b> The first single released from the album, I've been loving this song for awhile. It just feels so... well, <i>Hunger Games</i>. It is Swift's sweetest ballad, made even sweeter with the delicate harmonies of The Civil Wars. It makes me feel... well, safe and sound.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Kid Cudi, "The Ruler And The Killer:"</b> I'm a huge fan of Kid Cudi, but I'm not sure about this track. It is... interesting. It is also growing on me.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Punch Brothers, "Dark Days:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">Chris Thile and his band are perfect for this soundtrack, and their contribution does not disappoint. "Dark Days" is an obvious reference to Katniss and her mother and sister, a gentle song about hiding from fear, and I think it could have done wonders for a scene early in the film.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>7. The Decemberists, "One Engine:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">This song is t</span></b>ypical Decemberists fare, but the surprise of an electric guitar will shake things up for fans. "One Engine" picks up the pace of the album, but I'm not in love with it.<br />
<br />
<b>8. The Carolina Chocolate Drops, "Daughter's Lament:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">This song, with its references to mockingjays, is clearly a tribute to District 12 and Katniss's hunting ways. I must admit that it kind of creeps me out. Sorry.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>9. The Civil Wars, "Kingdom Come:"</b> This song has become one of my favorites by The Civil Wars, who also fit into this compilation very well. The duo shines on "Safe & Sound," but here, they really glimmer (pun intended).<br />
<br />
<b>10. Glen Hansard, "Take The Heartland:"</b> A rocking tune to match the Decemberists. Hansard gets really angry by the end, and I feel that it's a great reflection of many of Katniss's feelings in the film. <br />
<br />
<b>11. Maroon 5 featuring Rozzi Crane, "Come Away To The Water:"</b> Adam Levine and friends stop moving like Jagger to slow things down on this track, which I would have really loved to see in the film. Levine's voice soars, but quietly, and I find this song to be truly gorgeous and haunting.<br />
<b> <br /> 12. Miranda Lambert featuring Pistol Annies, "Run Daddy Run:"</b> This tune by Miranda, <span class="st">Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley</span> has a real down-home country feel, and I'm really loving it. Their harmonies are great, and talks of the devil scare me a little and delight me at the same time.<br />
<br />
<b>13. Jayme Dee, "Rules:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">At first listen, this is one of the weaker spots on the album, but I like it more each time I hear it. It screams "Peeta" to me, and it is probably the most blatant reference to the trilogy's inevitable love triangle.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>14. Taylor Swift, "Eyes Open:"</b> No surprises here from Swift. A straightforward pop-country tune that, lyrically, really serves as a perfect anthem to <i>The Hunger Games</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>15. The Low Anthem, "Lover Is Childlike:" <span style="font-weight: normal;">A quiet, moody track that doesn't feel very <i>Hunger Games</i>-y, but its poetic quality is appealing. I'm working on this one.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>16. Birdy, "Just A Game:"</b> We hear every single part of Birdy's much-more-mature-than-15-years-old voice in this album closer, and wow, are we lucky to do so. A perfect closer, and my favorite track from album.<br />
<br />
Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! <b> </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-5104525328344683872012-03-22T17:01:00.003-04:002012-03-22T17:01:43.486-04:00Shayna dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0AoHvoG0-0omZ5nax8GeVVjh9F7QLQFTYlC4JnkuyK8wRcVMpOu0ISnG2rrQaXy0EJABymU4K6Z7NuQpv5eFz1AuEPbCoL-gmG1ixpM3mV8Oqj0QkhMFPo88wTfxpGSBQ0hS62-3ATdf/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0AoHvoG0-0omZ5nax8GeVVjh9F7QLQFTYlC4JnkuyK8wRcVMpOu0ISnG2rrQaXy0EJABymU4K6Z7NuQpv5eFz1AuEPbCoL-gmG1ixpM3mV8Oqj0QkhMFPo88wTfxpGSBQ0hS62-3ATdf/s320/IMG_2470.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
since i got my sewing machine last saturday, i haven't been able to stop using it. really. potholders, pin cushions, stuffed animals, and finally, a dress for my niece Shayna! i got the pattern from <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2008/04/free-itty-bitty-baby-dress-pattern/">Made by Rae</a> and enlarged it to fit Shayna, and used rickrack instead of piping in the middle. i also made her a little bow to match. she has a little bit of room to grow into it, but it's so cute for now and i'm so pleased with how it turned out. enjoy the pictures! thanks Rae!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XORGFgZ0m4wReN17EzQKKycmfeBIiLOnDlgLjjhE03WF_pGlCg75lsSvsa_HBycnSkNYUkiEyKPz4pYSreecqZ7vrf0Yc2Kkx8TH8uMPi1W2XYdWOOw_coHfLbgb58HROyxh8_9n9t40/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XORGFgZ0m4wReN17EzQKKycmfeBIiLOnDlgLjjhE03WF_pGlCg75lsSvsa_HBycnSkNYUkiEyKPz4pYSreecqZ7vrf0Yc2Kkx8TH8uMPi1W2XYdWOOw_coHfLbgb58HROyxh8_9n9t40/s320/IMG_2475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfiZavb0hyr-c48YmYI44PCairOuEVW8-F-We5tZ2dI-Dni_GTjng7TBY6RlRhuwmqqffC6xSN4syabf6tMyLICypd21xB6229_sZOXhuWAjIObXDE4SfiTebpwb5ar3OaP5362_drrKG/s1600/IMG_2476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfiZavb0hyr-c48YmYI44PCairOuEVW8-F-We5tZ2dI-Dni_GTjng7TBY6RlRhuwmqqffC6xSN4syabf6tMyLICypd21xB6229_sZOXhuWAjIObXDE4SfiTebpwb5ar3OaP5362_drrKG/s320/IMG_2476.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-18082104441366622022012-03-19T23:53:00.001-04:002012-03-19T23:54:45.170-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfh_MMDTUu2EnnT38XQPtoU_HtfCUn_2mrAQPs29t0Bc3ByYyCECpSMHvdjyVJUMi7dlL5LK59NnoGpAsfJ4StIVxWYUYuxHyDKUQ5Uc43STrsL-dfeD_fpq1Ek8hWJAaFSsWoKwkuw9o/s1600/484905_10102035498212081_2056565_86213536_1640921504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfh_MMDTUu2EnnT38XQPtoU_HtfCUn_2mrAQPs29t0Bc3ByYyCECpSMHvdjyVJUMi7dlL5LK59NnoGpAsfJ4StIVxWYUYuxHyDKUQ5Uc43STrsL-dfeD_fpq1Ek8hWJAaFSsWoKwkuw9o/s320/484905_10102035498212081_2056565_86213536_1640921504_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHulU6m5hTcNXG6vdzMucTnTFYNgf7hU-9Wxvv6yCSP2x-idWtBQh4om_eJu_Y0EMmlIgL31UnvZ6hBTNN5jmGKHqooGm8dwiKd42xdvcnPNE_-N-bb86NaWQk-6uNquFgD2JQYmhkS-U/s1600/306589_10102035496041431_2056565_86213528_814972790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHulU6m5hTcNXG6vdzMucTnTFYNgf7hU-9Wxvv6yCSP2x-idWtBQh4om_eJu_Y0EMmlIgL31UnvZ6hBTNN5jmGKHqooGm8dwiKd42xdvcnPNE_-N-bb86NaWQk-6uNquFgD2JQYmhkS-U/s320/306589_10102035496041431_2056565_86213528_814972790_n.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
meet my penguin, Emma. i made her on my brand new sewing machine, which is named ________ (???!!). </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-41852132484487692682012-03-14T16:38:00.000-04:002012-03-14T16:58:13.348-04:00arts & crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I moved back to Jacksonville recently, and I have been unable to stop
crafting. I'm currently making stuffed owl pillows for two of my
nieces. Here are some of my completed projects: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlidF66GhKrfb8nNU1fjkQ73C0JCqaEY76_dlQ6jFAC6gnCc7vhfB0hnGtufGQ_gFPFIKnMXj81I0vjSYft-XJhwiP9vKbH1QVPwLeI7rWcm6VJAuNjpsuoKK_Jg5L18WYfELJVdIydl5S/s200/419653_10102000816170171_2056565_85982398_1105908054_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rose barrette (pattern via the purl bee)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX2xKbVnzTma-NpxS9HRZNzUbRt7Vl7mVvr2vw_MZp1uRbW6nidwBoEe9OU92adP2_BtbFZOkAlzirfs4Q0bQ_GKPW7_Bz_qriALFGmZwieIi8qOvp4fAX_d6M7CUJts7U0kKEbYDpc6o/s1600/421102_10102000811050431_2056565_85982355_952329199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX2xKbVnzTma-NpxS9HRZNzUbRt7Vl7mVvr2vw_MZp1uRbW6nidwBoEe9OU92adP2_BtbFZOkAlzirfs4Q0bQ_GKPW7_Bz_qriALFGmZwieIi8qOvp4fAX_d6M7CUJts7U0kKEbYDpc6o/s200/421102_10102000811050431_2056565_85982355_952329199_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tulips i am painting - very much in progress - design inspired by Lisabelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-3GEAyBmnnicKTJHnoo4E1YglLFcc4koKdBmRfX-GhAM9CahkUYAZRCI7u4gccVheGpk6H9U_E3ZgNkpmA439IN4-ODtcRmXobHvQwSDtqpGezIqvqKNMGKu2lEswh8YuMiQ-MCEQPoy/s1600/421102_10102000811115301_2056565_85982356_943193982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-3GEAyBmnnicKTJHnoo4E1YglLFcc4koKdBmRfX-GhAM9CahkUYAZRCI7u4gccVheGpk6H9U_E3ZgNkpmA439IN4-ODtcRmXobHvQwSDtqpGezIqvqKNMGKu2lEswh8YuMiQ-MCEQPoy/s320/421102_10102000811115301_2056565_85982356_943193982_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">felt owls!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4tGbdykaEEfP74JKhcMb3XwBMNP6hRY-Ucf0d24tEHStiSZEFAF_aw3pFQw2EDfqhvFsnwwvcKnXM84Yn9VIQJBeYTsrIz6ghwfrUL2ZbS3aAzU7AYHrVO5urWlXOjjnkuY4v2H6dLg8/s1600/421102_10102000811145241_2056565_85982357_1401860041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4tGbdykaEEfP74JKhcMb3XwBMNP6hRY-Ucf0d24tEHStiSZEFAF_aw3pFQw2EDfqhvFsnwwvcKnXM84Yn9VIQJBeYTsrIz6ghwfrUL2ZbS3aAzU7AYHrVO5urWlXOjjnkuY4v2H6dLg8/s200/421102_10102000811145241_2056565_85982357_1401860041_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the felt owls in mobile form for my next niece/nephew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6F8_i6nKwRAtbiFDk-fZtGMbteTTsiByafWC_Omy3RdOiOga6fIsTRHJ6S-P7Ka05GUojLIb2Sj8suCFjOlB2ANx9TD00m4T7lGpzwh30iaz79n7gUqF2PlnOpcwpExPf3XVMSSXFSnI/s1600/421780_10102000817637231_2056565_85982412_1647633588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6F8_i6nKwRAtbiFDk-fZtGMbteTTsiByafWC_Omy3RdOiOga6fIsTRHJ6S-P7Ka05GUojLIb2Sj8suCFjOlB2ANx9TD00m4T7lGpzwh30iaz79n7gUqF2PlnOpcwpExPf3XVMSSXFSnI/s200/421780_10102000817637231_2056565_85982412_1647633588_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">silk flower garland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More pictures to come soon. If you have questions or want links to tutorials, let me know in the comments. xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-18840741820480005912012-03-09T14:42:00.007-05:002012-03-14T16:56:40.166-04:00prom? should have gone.<br />
i didn't go to my senior prom (i was a "rebel"), and there is only one
reason i regret not going: the dress. i never got to wear a beautiful,
fancy, bejeweled masterpiece at the age/size when it would have looked
best on me. so now, 6 years later, i like to look at pretty dresses and
sometimes be a little bit sad that i no longer have a prom to which to
wear one.<br />
<br />
here are some of my favorites: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrPqkt6nmM8mGRJ5ruAjwbSMx9J_Y-AtExQhqCfQ5p44eBMmnu2CpZKUPw9nu-wbAjJW3TYTLYTNR_wosOeMzSstsxd8xMZNkb3OgznNBaGg3EYsyoqEQxoFdWPXPiQAPJBWYJWE5J7ae/s1600/2829-Sherri-Hill-Prom-Dress-S12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrPqkt6nmM8mGRJ5ruAjwbSMx9J_Y-AtExQhqCfQ5p44eBMmnu2CpZKUPw9nu-wbAjJW3TYTLYTNR_wosOeMzSstsxd8xMZNkb3OgznNBaGg3EYsyoqEQxoFdWPXPiQAPJBWYJWE5J7ae/s320/2829-Sherri-Hill-Prom-Dress-S12.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frenchnovelty.com/p/SH2829/2012+Prom+Dresses+Sherri+Hill+Long+Floral+Print+Prom+Dress+2829.html">http://www.frenchnovelty.com/p/SH2829/2012+Prom+Dresses+Sherri+Hill+Long+Floral+Print+Prom+Dress+2829.html</a><br /> amazing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdiHXkjUykizmoaqZaW7owIYJ594nukA3beDgBQBSkTz1WdsgCjBjqTNcKOdu_HWhAXklec9YcOJupHgXWxoelIZUiDLTQ74OmfeEkM2PGGwtJfAKRtKWfmdS69wUSY2Kr-neZXpWSqgn/s1600/2841-Sherri-Hill-Prom-Dress-S12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdiHXkjUykizmoaqZaW7owIYJ594nukA3beDgBQBSkTz1WdsgCjBjqTNcKOdu_HWhAXklec9YcOJupHgXWxoelIZUiDLTQ74OmfeEkM2PGGwtJfAKRtKWfmdS69wUSY2Kr-neZXpWSqgn/s320/2841-Sherri-Hill-Prom-Dress-S12.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frenchnovelty.com/p/SH2841/Sherri+Hill+Lace+Beaded+Short+Prom+Party+Dress+2841.html">http://www.frenchnovelty.com/p/SH2841/Sherri+Hill+Lace+Beaded+Short+Prom+Party+Dress+2841.html</a> love the sweetheart neckline, the lace, and most of all, the huge bow. (bows!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrPUQZWLjHH5GEFLRILJiAH9UlHY_nV6eGPRxw4Cir0YCpDsdfCDH1hO114sPycr2Vgxe5I0fGzlXq6W41ZCTs5u4uACMbUn5N8qStDjcbnBr8xWO2vBByoklIBvimYWqno8uNF4S_2bM/s1600/71515-Jovani-Short-and-Cocktail-Prom-Dress-S12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrPUQZWLjHH5GEFLRILJiAH9UlHY_nV6eGPRxw4Cir0YCpDsdfCDH1hO114sPycr2Vgxe5I0fGzlXq6W41ZCTs5u4uACMbUn5N8qStDjcbnBr8xWO2vBByoklIBvimYWqno8uNF4S_2bM/s320/71515-Jovani-Short-and-Cocktail-Prom-Dress-S12.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frenchnovelty.com/p/JV71515/Jovani+Short+and+Cocktail+Black+Lace+and+Satin+Prom+Dress+71515.html"><br />http://www.frenchnovelty.com/p/JV71515/Jovani+Short+and+Cocktail+Black+Lace+and+Satin+Prom+Dress+71515.html</a> i love lace, especially like this. and long sleeves are gorgeous like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
wishful thinking... xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-15897344769203712022012-02-07T22:30:00.001-05:002012-03-14T17:00:49.882-04:00<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBnPOpUiXeE">www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBnPOpUiXeE</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-45375494852267432832012-02-02T21:45:00.004-05:002012-02-02T21:50:30.939-05:00things i love<- my niece shayna (happy 6 months!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYr5MapSa_xu3I0kQw9esRDvsk3SG77LpBXRbsTG6bbOdWN7J_Du63MBA7mc4icBsR4918pLZqcoyNs16GEjF5NAzti5Tqphgk40C61MVJYdlEH2mFiZ5Ce31HlSj8LKgXpyaDAy1gRG6/s1600/431478_370353022981957_100000217875793_1740647_682220637_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYr5MapSa_xu3I0kQw9esRDvsk3SG77LpBXRbsTG6bbOdWN7J_Du63MBA7mc4icBsR4918pLZqcoyNs16GEjF5NAzti5Tqphgk40C61MVJYdlEH2mFiZ5Ce31HlSj8LKgXpyaDAy1gRG6/s200/431478_370353022981957_100000217875793_1740647_682220637_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704735348158519010" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kristen-Bell-Sloth-1042615.aspx">http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kristen-Bell-Sloth-1042615.aspx<br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-willey/pro-breastfeeding-dad_b_1234561.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-willey/pro-breastfeeding-dad_b_1234561.html<br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9NF2edxy-M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9NF2edxy-M</a><br /><br />p.s. steady bobbin': <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUCo-PyqGW0sV4T5IcGLfmVwuYB6XlBChqtOzPxhKbsr-lGK_-b8j-1lqPZEI-srZ10_HF93FsDISnSyzPeWg_J1e4VybR6MwRD8NztQHCUG-ZIQ_wOjbnSBm96uHflzHfMyRinGgzsxV/s1600/Photo+96.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUCo-PyqGW0sV4T5IcGLfmVwuYB6XlBChqtOzPxhKbsr-lGK_-b8j-1lqPZEI-srZ10_HF93FsDISnSyzPeWg_J1e4VybR6MwRD8NztQHCUG-ZIQ_wOjbnSBm96uHflzHfMyRinGgzsxV/s200/Photo+96.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704736178725905026" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-40197198079511202482012-01-30T23:32:00.003-05:002012-01-30T23:38:52.836-05:00chasing kidsi work at a preschool, which means i chase kids all day. also, sometimes they say funny things. here are some of my favorite:<br /><br /><br />me: when did you get your hair cut?<br />4-year-old: tomorrow.<br /><br /><br />3-year-old: i misseded you.<br /><br /><br />4-year-old: the midwives were kind.<br /><br /><br />2-year-old: i want to go to the farmers' market.<br /><br /><br />4-year-old: (raps entire Justin Bieber song)<br /><br /><br />2-year-old: i got a Dora haircut. who took my hair?<br /><br /><br />3-year-old: i don't need a pull-up. i'm a big sister!<br /><br /><br />me: my sister has a daughter who is 4, just like you. her name is Esther Shira.<br />4-year-old: is that a different language?<br />me: yes, it's Hebrew.<br />4-year-old: Hebrew! that's the language of the Hanukkah people!<br /><br /><br />to be continued.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-36908630457625003822009-09-25T23:47:00.004-04:002009-09-25T23:54:52.323-04:00for my mom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GKD2PJGVyZbWdN2G54S4FBIEKDAlffh5h-RxYdEPwxqV0_RmUrhbZm_b-MVRDl5r54DxHsuJNTFVFEzFmtBKm3xNxAlXK92GJSSsBMJn5CwS6HOskiETHwb5d2opFaFvLpoH-MQzohs2/s1600-h/l.GSeyuqerbWaVyOfM.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GKD2PJGVyZbWdN2G54S4FBIEKDAlffh5h-RxYdEPwxqV0_RmUrhbZm_b-MVRDl5r54DxHsuJNTFVFEzFmtBKm3xNxAlXK92GJSSsBMJn5CwS6HOskiETHwb5d2opFaFvLpoH-MQzohs2/s200/l.GSeyuqerbWaVyOfM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385619375616590802" /></a><br />this video is in honor of my cancer-stricken mother. this is really, truly stunning:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymlI2Ks_gYw"><br />Top Of The World (Live) - The Dixie Chicks<br /></a><br />love you, mommyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-1897905840349385792008-11-20T03:29:00.001-05:002008-11-20T03:30:48.450-05:00<div style="text-align: right;">November 20th, 2008<br />Steven Spielberg<br />Short Response #11 – Film<br /></div><br /> I've never been a big fan of war movies. I've simply thought them to be unnecessary for me to see, never enjoyable; they rarely have uplifting plotlines, and I can't say that I prefer watching soldiers losing their arms to doubling over in laughter at a Will Ferrell monologue. But surprise, Steven Spielberg has managed to change my mind about movies once again and taught me to appreciate a movie outside of my genres of choice with <span style="font-style: italic;">Saving Private Ryan</span>.<br /> It was unquestionably the opening scene that did it for me. I have to say that it took me a few minutes to get into it; I had seen <span style="font-style: italic;">Forrest Gump</span> a few days before watching this film, and I had a hard time imaging Tom Hanks with anything but that classic accent, speaking unforgettable one-liners (specifically, "Me and Jenny goes together like peas and carrots"). In fact, I may have been "that girl" to giggle during the beginning of <span style="font-style: italic;">Saving Private Ryan</span> (for which I will be eternally embarrassed). But then the booms and bangs and dozens of other onomatopoeias shouted from my television, and I closed my eyes and the goosebumps came, and then the shivers began, and my eyes began to water, and then there was that extreme close-up of Tom Hanks' eyes and that's when I felt an inexplicable sadness, something that I'm not ready to delve into, but something that made me feel more patriotic than I've ever felt, actually profoundly, genuinely, cheesily proud to be an American.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-82589396209862338672008-11-20T03:25:00.003-05:002008-11-20T04:04:00.988-05:00this isn't about reva.read this, because he buys his own lightbulbs, because his mom grows multiple gardens, but mostly, because he's adam duritz for the eyes: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.creezle.blogspot.com">creezle.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />also, how i felt tonight in the car:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0dZJFp8IBdYrwoMQ1x4nasvL2BcwVMWW2Z67N4d2t-4GcwMaG2gHdPjpwN1IUmBS0TDwSXly0e-fM2FKqTRjNzLY1rg8Ry2LluN0Sl6HzlWSvtFS7EGhcDx0RWAYPMl8tMVgpHznFXYo/s1600-h/-1_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0dZJFp8IBdYrwoMQ1x4nasvL2BcwVMWW2Z67N4d2t-4GcwMaG2gHdPjpwN1IUmBS0TDwSXly0e-fM2FKqTRjNzLY1rg8Ry2LluN0Sl6HzlWSvtFS7EGhcDx0RWAYPMl8tMVgpHznFXYo/s200/-1_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270653720574907154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />----------------<br />Now playing: <a href="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/envy+on+the+coast/track/the+gift+of+paralysis" title="'Envy On The Coast - The Gift Of Paralysis' - open on FoxyTunes Planet">Envy On The Coast - The Gift Of Paralysis</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic;font-size:10;" ></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-35418523922666669192008-11-20T03:20:00.002-05:002008-11-20T03:24:46.950-05:00steven spielberg: still hot at 61i'm in a spielberg class, and we have to write weekly responses to various spielberg films/writings/whatevs. here are some to entertain you.<br /><br />Like many children, I had frightening dreams about Jurassic Park for the majority of my childhood. Although, or perhaps because, the movie scared me for a long time, I am often reminded of a scene of the film while going about my daily activities. For instance, every time I see a Jeep Wrangler on the road, my first instinct is to stay away, as there might be a dinosaur nearby. As I pass through the oatmeal aisle in Publix, I always take a moment to stare fondly at the Dinosaur Eggs Maple and Brown Sugar Quaker oatmeal box and reminisce of the days when I used to eat that oatmeal only because it made me feel like I was actually in Jurassic Park. During a thunderstorm, I am often struck with the image of Sam Neill and two children hiding in a tree in the woods. Slightly frustrating is the fact that whenever I see Jeff Goldblum in a different acting role, I can’t help but giggle and picture him as a crazy mathematician dressed in black and acting like a rock star.<br />My very favorite “I love Jurassic Park” story goes like this: In middle school, I was a member of a softball team called “Velocity.” Always better cheerleaders than softball players, my two best friends from the team and I had a dance that consisted of us hopping around with our hands in the form of claws, saying, “Velociraptors, raah!” I don’t think any of the three of us ever scored a run in a single game that season, but we sure had a good time acting like vicious dinosaurs. (WORD UP, JESSIE CARR.)<br /><br />----------------<br />Now playing: <a href="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/incubus/track/just+a+phase" title="'Incubus - Just a Phase' - open on FoxyTunes Planet">Incubus - Just a Phase</a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic; font-size: 10px;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-61911632834080334282008-07-13T18:26:00.000-04:002008-07-13T18:27:39.390-04:00pictures!<span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2566443&l=d6c34&id=2056565">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2566443&l=d6c34&id=2056565</a><br /><br />look at these and browse others. florence is lame but the pictures are nice.<br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4847547991570699648.post-52426990499527820392008-07-05T12:57:00.005-04:002008-07-05T13:37:48.900-04:00roma#1so, i'm in rome, and i've been posting a lot of pictures on facebook that portray good stories, but here are some words to go along.<br /><br />i'm on a program with UF called "UF in Rome" (clever title), and it's 37ish students and four professors. everyone takes an Italian class and then either Art History or Medieval Italian History. the students are living in Hotel Arenula, which is a hotel near the Jewish Ghetto and, essentially, in the heart of Rome. our classes are in a study center a few blocks away, right next to a huge bookstore, 239482 delicious cafes, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina</a>. Italian classes are at 12:20 (!!), and then we have a break between 2:40-3:00, when Art History begins. it is taught via powerpoint in a dark room, which makes it unbelievably hard to stay awake. in fact, i have not yet stayed awake during a class. we are done at 4:45, and then we sometimes nap or shop or get gelato - or on the best days, we do all three.<br />some mornings we have walking tours; the first day, they showed us where to go around where we live, like the supermarcato, tabacchi shop (essentially a convenience store, they also sell train tickets and cell phone minutes), mini-walmart, textbook store, the bars, etc. day 2 was some big sites - circus maximus (totally not a circus), a turtle fountain, a hole in a door through which you can see three countries (malta, the vatican, and italy), etc. on the other mornings, we try really hard to sleep in, although that never seems to work, or just relax in the room. perhaps in the future we will decide to use our mornings wisely, but for now, cuddling is more fun.<br /><br />so i got here on saturday the 28th and stayed in a room at our hotel, where i sufficiently enjoyed the lack of air conditioning by not sleeping and taking 3 cold showers (it was fixed monday, but is certainly not american a/c). on sunday many of the students had arrived, so i met a few and went to the great synagogue of Rome - stunningggg, and they sell Prigat and falafel and israeli ice cream all around. soon after that i met my totallylame roommates named Kristen, Maria, and Christine. in case you can't tell, this is the jewish room. we are on the first floor (110) and have internet!! hooray! the program started officially on Sunday evening, and we all met in the park across the street and went to the world's fanciest dinner. the food here in unbelievably wonderful/fresh/probablyfattening/whocares. after dinner we went to a bar and watched the final soccer game, not really caring about spain's victory, but feeling italian just the same.<br /><br /><br />i wrote this in an e-mail to my family on the second day (june 30th):<br /><br />hello! it is 10:00 pm and we just did our italian homework! (it took 30 seconds) it's cool because three of us in my room are in italian I, and all four of us are in Art History, so nothing will be really hard because we all work together. today we had breakfast at the hotel - it was delicious and we have it every morning! they gave me delicious cappuccino and we had crackers and fruit to take/sneak for the day... anyway jerusalem isn't really full of convenient stores like mini office depot or great cheap clothing stores so i was a little worried that roma would be the same way, but no! they even sell pillows everywhere, it's like bed bath and beyond in italian. next we had art history and we went on a walking tour to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome" target="_blank">The Pantheon</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_sopra_Minerva" target="_blank">Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva</a>. They were so stunning, we saw michelangelo's jesus and the place where Galileo was on on the block! the easy accessibility of fine art is astounding and also surprising, people can just go shit on a michelangelo statue if they want. after that we went to another fancy dinner, not as fun as last night but still ridiculous. i had an incredible panini today http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifwith mozzarella tomato and eggplant, the bread tasted like deep dish pizza crust, i had it with orange fanta and it was "paradiso." the place where i got it is called Pascucci and is right next to our study center, so we will clearly be going there for break every day. they also have smoothies which are really any fruit you want mixed with milk, so refreshing and delicioso. they also have israeli/european ice cream here - such a plus! my favorite ice cream in israel when i was there in 2005 was solero, but they stopped selling it in israel. however, there is an infinite supply of it right next door to my hotel, so i'm as happy as a clam.<br />there is still no a/c so we're all like bleh, but in high spirits. there are also nuns everywhere, i can't help but laugh every time i see one.<br /><br /><br />back to the present:<br /><br />the past few days have been good but i don't feel like giving every detail. let's just say i've been doing a lot of sudoku during art history class. yesterday we went to Villa D'Este, an amazing villa in tivoli that is... amazing. my pictures are on facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2056565#/album.php?aid=2557999&id=2056565&ref=mf">check them out here</a>. we had a chill night, it was a long week and we were so tired, but still managed to have amazing FIG gelato!! today we went to the beach, which was pretty and mediterraneany and fun. we are about to go to go dinner and then to a bar and pick up hot italians. finally.<br /><br />----------------<br />Now playing: <a href="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/sarah+mclachlan/track/fumbling+towards+ecstasy" title="'Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' - open on FoxyTunes Planet">Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy</a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic;font-size:10;" ><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11026335854111546022noreply@blogger.com0