North Ridge Farm

Preparing for a Month in the Shade

Yarn stash replenishment.

For the past couple of summers I’ve dedicated the month of July to making holiday gifts. I’m never actually finished by the end of the month, but I seem to get quite a bit checked off the list. Not that anything on the list is mandatory, or even expected, it’s just fun to make what I can and surprise a few people with something cute and useful as a result. July is a good month to slow down and work on some handmade goods.

With the heat and humidity of July around the corner, I like to have the garden in really good shape by the last day of June so that only minimal maintenance and of course harvesting is needed for July. It doesn’t wind up playing out as conveniently as it all sounds, but I do find myself hanging back in the shade as much as possible for the month. My garden seems to understand. I'm still around, just a little less so.

What we're making in Summer Soul Camp today. Such a fun project.

To gear up for my month in the shade, I replenished my yarn stash this weekend. Not that it needed any kind of replenishing, but you know how these things go. What is it about yarn that makes one so weak in the knees? I’m a goner in a good yarn store, and this weekend, we went to THREE! (A sampling of a bigger Yarn Shop Hop in my area.) They were all really cool small local shops so we felt doubly compelled to hand over our dollars. And now I’m fully committed to “knitting from the stash” for at least eight weeks. Kidding! I think I’m good for a year. (Knitters, don’t laugh at the absurdity of my “I’m good” statement.)

I have a simple Sugar Maple Hat on the needles right now. I’ve knit so many of these I lost count ages ago. I’m mostly drawn to knitting patterns based on their name.  For instance, next I’ll cast on for Campside. It happens to be a beautiful shawl, but the truth is, it could be a not so beautiful shawl and I’d probably still knit it, because, Campside. At the library, I choose books the same way... based on their title. I prefer light (but smart!) fiction, so once I determine a cute title, the description needs to tell me it’s not all doom and gloom. Lately I’ve been into Sarah Addison’s books. With titles such as Peach Keeper and Garden Spells, you really can’t go wrong.

I haven’t asked this in a long time, but what are you reading lately? I’m heading to the library at the end of the week and would love some new ideas. Bonus points if it’s a feel good, sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade kind of story... my nervous system appreciates kind and gentle. Thank you!

Wishing you a great start to the week... I've got an empty basket and three rows of peas calling my name, so I best get to it.

He Probably Won't Notice

 

 

Who am I kidding?  He'll notice. But how many pairs of jeans does a man/person really need anyway? Shhh... don't tell. It's our secret, okay?

I'll just say I'm behind on laundry...permanently.

Originally posted in August 2007. Perhaps you are looking for crafty inspiration today?

stitching again

This past weekend I picked up my embroidery needle for the first time in over a year. It was so nice. I think for me, stitching words with needle and thread brings the same meditative peace that my knitting friends speak of as they loop wool around long wooden needles. My knitting skills are so basic. However, I read through the Shalom pattern the other night and I think it made sense to me! Would you (experienced knitters out there) say it is a good first sweater pattern? I think my love for knitting would flourish if I could just move past scarves and fingerless gloves, you know? They can only be so interesting.

Anyway, much to show you about what this (and other) embroidery pieces are becoming.

(A hint... little pockets of lovely.) See you soon.

Home Ec: sewing quilts for Japan

 

It has been awhile since I've shared about our Home Ec excursions, there have been plenty!

Home Ec is still such a highlight to our week. In March, after learning of the earthquake in Japan and the lifelong rebuilding that will take place for survivors, we knew there must be something we could do to help. Something beyond sending money (though money is a very real, immediate and future need), something lasting... and hopefully, something that provided another person across the world with some much needed hope and love.

I came across a small and lovely group of ladies in Portland who organized Quilts for Quake Survivors, and that is where we decided to place our efforts. Working with our hands, giving our time, sitting for long stretches while talking about the thousands of people left with painful loss and the hard work of rebuilding. Hoping that wrapping themselves in something handmade with love and intention would offer them comfort, and a feeling that life is worth rebuilding and there will be good things to come. 

 

So we began sewing in earnest... the girls were very clear that the fabric combinations should be cheerful and smile inducing, of course.

But just as we got close to having our twelve squares of each pattern completed (enough for a quilt to be made from each colorway), this mama went onto the website and learned that we just missed the deadline to send in the squares! I don't recall seeing a cut off date when I first decided on this project for them, but alas, it seems that a large box of 30 (!!!) quilts is on their way to Japan through Mercy Corps/Peace Winds in Japan.

Although we missed the deadline for actual quilts to find their way to Japan, which of course would be optimal, Daniela and Susan have taken on another project of opening a quilt shop on Etsy which will officially launch very soon! All proceeds from quilt sales will be donated to relief efforts in Japan. In this shop they will sell finished quilts, made from the squares and tops they are still receiving from crafty folks around the country. 

They have taken on this huge undertaking and are busy moms like you and I, they are very grateful for any and all help they receive. I'm going to talk to the girls here and see if they think we can tackle finishing these quilts and sending them to Daniela and Susan completed, finished quilts are very much appreciated by them at this point. They are also in need of quilting supplies, in particular, thread and batting.

Susan made a video tutorial to show how a simple log cabin block is made! 

I have a feeling the girls will really want to get these quilts directly to people in Japan (understandably), so I will need to locate another organization that is set up for such a thing. If you have any ideas of groups I should look into, please let me know. 

I've never completed a proper quilt before, but I do think this would be the very reason to give it a (very careful) try. I'd like to think we could have our two quilts finished by sometime in June, I will keep you posted here if they are listed in the Quilts for Quake Shop. If we wind up sending them directly to Japan, I will be sure to take a few pics before we send them off.

We envision these two sets of squares surrounded by crisp white sashing. We can do this!

Nova recently did a painful yet amazing program on the earthquake/tsunami and subsequent devastation in Japan. You can watch the program in it's entirety online.

I hope I've included enough information and links in this post for those interested in joining Daniela and Susan in any way. You know, immediate needs in an emergency seem to come quickly. It is the people still recovering six months or a year after the fact that hope we haven't forgotten about them. There will always be time to quilt for the people of Japan. 

New Pillows to Brighten this Snowy Winter

I've been wanting to make a couple of new couch pillows for quite a while now. For as long as I can remember, we've only had one throw pillow, and we are three people... three people who happen to be (expert) loungers, cuddlers, and readers. One pillow divided three ways has not worked for quite sometime, if ever.

Finally, within the slowness of January, I found the time to get going on some pillow sewing. Everything I needed was found right here in the house, meaning I didn't have to put on snow gear and venture out at all for this project! (I am hibernating like you wouldn't believe this winter.)

First, I needed pillow forms. I raided my linen closet and found two standard size bedroom pillows that could be spared. I measured the width of the pillows (20 inches) and cut a bit of length off the top to bring the size of the pillow length closer to the width, making sure to leave enough for seam allowances.

Depending on the fluff and firmness of the pillow, you can decide whether to remove some of the filling or just push it all down inside the remaining pillow. Then, fold the raw edges inside and sew along the open edge, closing up the pillow. I found using a well-filled pillow to be a good idea. Sofa throw pillows see a lot of use, better that they be firm and plump than flimsy and soft.

With the pillow forms done, I paid a visit to my stash and pulled some home dec Denyse Schmidt from the shelves. I cut the fabric wide enough to cover the front of the pillows (with extra for seams), then cut the different patterns into various widths of 2, 3 and 4 inches.

Two hours later, I (and my loungy family) was rewarded with this...

What a way to perk up this crazy winter we've been having.

The pillows were backed with linen, using a fold-over envelope style for easy removal and washing.

Ahh... now if I can only get that man (outside the window) to get down from the roof once in a while to enjoy them. Bungalow's have so. much. roof. - it's a never ending task dealing with the removal of snow and ice this year. It's something we normally don't need to do, but this year seems to have taken over the record books... and the forecast for Tuesday through Wednesday? S n o w!

Last week Emily and Adam were outside playing in the snow. Instead of the usual snow forts and sledding, they just surrendered to what was, and made tunnels.

Tunnels! Not in the snow banks where you might expect, but throughout the backyard! Oh my. As for me, I've made great use of these new pillows... inside, where it's warm.

Wishing you a wonderful Monday (I'm a big fan of Monday).

we may or may not be off to a good start

And when I say we, I of course, mean me. You are all doing just fine with your New Year's lists, I am sure.

One of the things I'm attempting to do this year is schedule consistent work time for myself within the family calendar. I've never done this before. I've always just worked between it all (as mothers do).

When we started homeschooling this year, my belief was that in order for me to provide the best experience for my daughter, I would not be focusing on earning any income. I stood pretty firm about that. My job with her is full time, I couldn't really see being responsible for finances too. Ha! And what economy exactly did I think I was living in when I took that idealistic stance? Me and my silly ideas...

More important than the bank account, I am missing out on spending time on some of the work I love to do. Opportunities that should be taken, not allowed to slip through my "too busy right now" fingers.

Inspiration for a studio overhaul struck on New Year's Day. Time slots have been secured throughout the week for me to go into this room, close the door, and produce (in a variety of forms). Work was to begin precisely at 5:00 Monday evening. I knew the first few work days would be of the housekeeping sort, finishing the details of setting up this space.

Oh, there was work alright... only it wasn't the work of filling those (still empty) shelves you see in the first photo. As I opened boxes and baskets of fabric that have been in storage for too long, something other than myself seemed to take control.

Before I knew what was happening, fabrics were being cut and sewn, trim was being chosen and applied, linen was ironed and used as backing.

The shelves are still empty, but a new table scarf was born! (Or is is a table runner? I kind of like table scarf.) I think it was important motivation for me, not worrying about the room being perfectly set up and 'ready' to go... but to just get in there and make something.

I will get to those boxes at some point, but I can't promise there won't be a little making (of the sewn, painted or written variety) before all is said and done. I do think things will be spruced up enough though to show you around the room, say Monday or Tuesday? Okay then, it's a plan...

Yes, I've decided, we are indeed off to a very good start.

a folksy flannel christmas

One of the first crafty projects I made in the early days of this blog was a patchwork scarf. Remember when we all made those? I used an assortment of cotton patchwork and backed it with a remnant of a vintage chenille bedspread. It felt Springtime fresh and happy, I loved it. The only problem, as cute as it was (and if you've never made one, these scarves do get a lot of comments from people), it wasn't particularly cozy. At least on the level of cozy that I operate.

Here in New England, so many months of the year require cozy.

I wanted stylish, modern fabrics in flannel. That seemed like the perfect idea for these simple to make patchwork scarves. The only problem? Nobody at the time was desinging the sort of funky flannel I was looking for. Mostly, the flannel available in the stores (available to me) looked better suited for a baby quilt or jammie pants. Hmm...

And then Anna Maria came to the rescue. A girl who knows how to get things done. She fixed things right up for those of us craving cute and sassy flannel prints. The holidays were the perfect time to indulge, I picked up a fat quarter pack of Folksy Flannel and got to work... making a total of six scarves from the lot (with the help of Emily and her friend).

For the backing I used an incredibly soft flannel by Windham Fabrics, and I prewashed everything.

There you have it, Folksy Patchwork Scarfs were the handmade gift of the season this year, and you know what? Nobody complained.

A New Year Deserves a New Studio

This was decided over a glass of champagne at noon today. Why not. It's all falling into place quite beautifully, and easily I might add. I think this is my favorite studio rendition yet! Here's a tiny glimpse...

I can't wait to show you the entire thing! It's being set up carefully to accommodate the three very different types of work that I do in here.

So, about the new year. I didn't think I would say much about it, but then I started feeling all wordy last night and wrote down a few things. Maybe I'll share some thoughts regarding this beautiful, clean slate before us, we'll see. I don't recall the last time I've felt this psyched about a new year!

Hopefully, more to come...

Summer Studio Tour

Putting the final brush strokes on my first mandala. It took awhile, but it makes me feel happy and super relaxed at the same time, a feeling worth waiting for. It is also my first piece that fulfills my crazy desire to create and offer original artwork for under $100. I'm not sure why I am drawn to this idea, or how I came up with the amount... but for now, it's something that I just need to put out there. (A limited number of prints are being made too, available soon.)

Tell me, what is happening in your studio this week? I'd love to see. I think this will be the last week I officially run this Summer Studio series, many of us are (reluctantly) winding down the season and bidding a temporary farewell to wide open spaces of creative time. It was wonderful to capture and share what we have been up to though, I really loved this little series. Thank you for being a part of it, care to play along one last time?

From a Pallet of Wood

As part of our planning and purging in preparation for our Vermont move (ha!), we let go of many, many things that didn't make the "do we want to move this to Vermont?" cut. Our deck furniture was one of those things. It wasn't beautiful. It came with this house when we bought it and served it's purpose (in an early 90's hunter green sort of way) while we were here. We felt no need to bring it with us though... to the swap pile at the dump it went!

It feels liberating to get rid of stuff that you don't find to be beautiful or useful, especially big stuff! There was no love lost with the absence of our hunter green deck furniture... until we realized that we were not in fact going to be moving at this time. Hmmm... where do we sit?

Where do we have dinner from May through September?

The deck is our secret place here in the city. The front porch is pretty, but the deck is tucked away out back and is really the only private feeling spot we have. It gets a lot of use in the summer.

We searched tag sales, roadsides and flea markets for 3 1/2 months for the right second hand outdoor dining set to make it's way home with us. We had no luck, nothing could be found. Finally, we broke down and purchased three red adirondack chairs. It was a start to reclaiming our precious outdoor space, sitting on the deck (literally) was getting old.

Then, Emily thought we should have a little coffee table to go with our new chairs. Something that we could rest our iced tea, projects, or even our feet on while we hung out on the deck. Refusing to buy brand new for this idea, I remembered Rachel's pallet table that she made and showed it to Adam. Using the idea of repurposing a free pallet (thanks Willards!), he set to work...

Two hours later we had the perfect, outdoor, don't care if it gets rained on, wooden table for our deck! He used fallen maple tree branches for the legs (peeled the bark off) which I think are so cute, though he probably wouldn't say they were cute. It is sturdy! And so much more us than a predictable glass topped, metal framed table.

In the end, we have a table that is the perfect size and height for our little sitting area out back. We are still holding out on purchasing brand new for our dining set, but I don't know how much longer we can wait, August is just about here already! Until then, if you ring the doorbell and we don't answer - come around back and you'll find us here. I'm sure we can rustle up a tall cool drink for you.