HELLO my name is Heather

  • A Wristed Development

    ByHeather Bailey

    In my ongoing quest to cute-up the dull, it’s time to attack the wrist pincushion. Who wrote the law that wrist pincushions must be ugly and uncomfortable? Did it begin with the red-plastic snap-on variety of my mother’s generation; in our excitement for the advent of plastic, did we take things too far?** Or were we torturing ourselves long before then?

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    True, there have been some commercial attempts to add personality to the plain old pincushions of the past: gingham hearts, lavendar daisies and so forth. With a lack of alternatives, I might prefer painful-to-wear over painful-to-look-at.

    WristPincushion Bring on the bloggers. I’m not the first to offer a solution. Megan of Crafty Intentions whipped up an octopus from Futuregirl’s pattern — a wristopus? Super cool. Lori La Tortuga made a fun little owl once upon a time. Super cute. And Planet June has a great tutorial for a simple, but stylish Offset Square Wrist Pincushion. Super chic.

    I’ll take a stab at pretty.

    Here, I’ve taken my new free pattern, Spring Violets (announced in our May newsletter) and adapted it to the cause. For the wrist band, I cut two rectangles of felt, 1.5″ x 7.25″ and 2″ x 7.25″. (Measure your wrist to make sure this works for you — allow overlap for a velcro closure.)

    With hot glue, I attached a thin circle of wood at the center of the wider felt band and pinked the edges of the felt. I then layered the smaller felt band on top, enclosing the wooden disc. I edge-stitched the bands together around the perimeter, then attached velcro at each end as a closure. Lastly, I whip-stitched the Spring Violets in place above the wooden disc. The flowers are attached to a small, stuffed tuffet (see pattern) which is perfect for pins. The wooden disc keeps your wrist whole-not-holey. (Check the woodcraft section of your local craft store.)

    WristPincushionNotes That’s it. Pretty simple.

    Click here to download the flower instructions. Let me know if you have any questions. Looking for felt? We’ve got plenty of that.

    ** However uncomfortable, I am totally nostalgic for those clamp-on red pincushions. Even though my mom usually kept pins between her teeth, she always wore a ratty red wrist-cushion covered with a rainbow of threaded needles.


  • The Tuxedo Clutch & Fresh Style Magazine

    ByHeather Bailey

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    There’s a fantastic new magazine out this summer called Fresh Style. The debut issue oozes with luscious color, decorating inspiration, fashionable crafts, and more, including interviews with me, Amy Butler, and Ashley Ann Campbell of Under the Sycamore.

    To celebrate the magazine’s launch, I designed a pattern to include with the article: The Tuxedo Clutch. Instructions for this fast and fun purse are found in the Summer 2011 issue — available at newstands through the end of July. Other projects featured in this issue include an apron made from men’s dress shirts, a chic ribbon headband, custom-bleached shirts,and a super-cool pallet bed. (I love the ceiling decor above the bed too (p.75). Ooo, and I just spotted a Happy Stacker in the basket next to the bed — Ashley Ann, is this your house?)

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    The Tuxedo Clutch packs a big punch of style, yet it is simple to make. My design is inspired by the ruffled front of a funky men’s dress shirt. Think 70s prom. (Whoa, not exactly 70s, but check out this ruffled shirt.)

    The blue brooch? I picked that up at a vintage hoo-hahs booth at Quilt Market a year or two ago. I couldn’t resist. It’s old and a bit skee-wumpus, which has me loving it even more.

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    For more info about Fresh Style, visit their blog at freshstylemag.com. And here’s a handy link if you wish to place an order through Hoffman Media. I think they carry back-issues too, in case you miss the July deadline.


  • Patriotic Pear Peculiar

    ByHeather Bailey

    PatrioticPearPincushion_HeatherBailey

    A rambling hello and a Happy 4th of July to you.

    I love me a holiday. I don't always take the day off, but knowing that I could is a relief on its own.

    PatrioticCowboyT2 Today, my day is a mix. So far, I've flitted between shopping with Charlotte for sillybands, managing a play date with cousins, washing the laundry, photographing a pattern cover, sketching aprons and prepping to-do lists for the week. In another hour we head to Granny's house for a swim party and food, then out for fireworks.

    A simple celebration works for me — especially in this heat, with this belly. These days I get winded just walking up the stairs. I tell myself it's a heat/pregnancy/blood-volume thing. It couldn't possibly be my fitness level. I plan to sit. And sip. And sit. It is HOT out there.

    * * * * *

    If you haven't heard, there's a patriotic pack of Trash Ties™ posted in our shop till Labor Day — with a FREEBIE offer good till July 15th (see latest newsletter). And long Trash Ties are BACK! And on super sale. Just sayin.

  • Spilling the Bean

    ByHeather Bailey

    BigSisterShirtW A lot of my family lives nearby. So, when the time came to let everyone in on our baby news, I let my kids concoct a plan for spilling the beans. Charlotte and Elijah discussed their ideas for several days before deciding their scheme.

    This was the plan:

    Elijah was to make Charlotte a “Big Sister” shirt to wear at the Mother’s Day party, after the swimming was done. Very curious. Charlotte was to draw up a mysterious note for Granny announcing our news. The note would distract Granny from noticing the “Big Sister” shirt at first.

    Then, when Granny looked up after reading her note, any confusion would be quickly dispelled when she saw Charlotte’s shirt. Charlotte, a big sister?

    In the end, the reveal went down perfectly as planned. Though I think the giggling may have given away as much as the tee shirt and the creatively-spelled letter did. While Granny was reading, my older brother Matt said, “Hey Charlotte, what’s up with your shirt?” It wasn’t long before the whole crew caught on. Mystery solved. Like a good episode of Scooby Doo.

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    Here is Charlotte’s note. On the envelope is a picture of Red Riding Hood on her way to Granny’s house with an idea to share. Awesome. The note inside translates to, “This is how many people are in my family — 5. No really. I love you Granny, so much.”

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    Elijah made the purple “Big Sister” shirt by himself. (I had made a similar shirt for him to wear when he met Charlotte in the hospital for the first time. I’ll try to track down the photos. He was very proud of that shirt.)

    It’s a miracle my leather couch is still intact. My mom stopped by the afternoon Elijah was prepping the letters, so he ran upstairs to finish his work without her glimpsing it. Later, I discovered him kneeling in front of the couch, running sharp scissors along the smooth leather cushions to cut out each letter. “Whoa, hey, what’s going on up here!?” To his credit, he was properly penitent. I think he said something like, “You’re right. What was I thinking?” Or did he argue first? I can’t remember.

    It was fun to watch these kids hatch out a plan together. I figure they are old enough to remember a lot of this experience — why not get them involved. A 14-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a newborn. It’s going to be an interesting dynamic.

    Oh! I have to tell you Elijah’s response when we first told him about the baby. This is classic — especially considering his age and his commensurate understanding of the subject. I asked him how he felt about the news and he replied, “I’m surprised… I’m excited… And I’m a bit alarmed.”


  • Pinch Me

    ByHeather Bailey

    GreenBoots

    I have big news.  And that news is growing bigger every day — requiring a wardrobe overhaul every 3 weeks it seems.

    I’m having a baby!

    A little boy.  And he’s coming in August, so I don’t have much more time for this news to soak in.  Perhaps announcing him to the world will help dispel my disbelief.  Like one big pinch.

    I only just told my kids a couple of weeks ago and my family found out on Mother’s Day.  I’ve known for quite a while, but was amused by the idea of everyone else enjoying a rather short wait from May till August.  At least, that’s the simplified version of things — the version that skips over waiting to see that the pregnancy was going to stick well into the second trimester.

    I’ve never had an easy time getting pregnant and I haven’t always had the best of luck in having a pregnancy keep past 14 weeks or so, hence the crazy-big age gaps between my children. (There are 8 years between Elijah and Charlotte, and nearly 7 years between Charlotte and this baby.)

    But this guy was a complete surprise — ergo my disbelief.  In fact, the week I got pregnant was the same week I got rid of all of my baby gear — all but the girl clothes — and only because I ran out of time.  So long stroller, so long swing, so long car seats, so long toys, clothes — everything.  Ah, Murphy’s Law.  Not that there are a whole lot of Elijah’s baby clothes that I’m wishing I had back — 15 years was a long time ago.

    So guess who gets to go shopping!  And soak every step of this up like a thirsty sponge.


  • Summer Reading

    ByHeather Bailey

    SummerReading

    I recently asked for book recommendations on Twitter. Here’s a list of what came through. Of course, who knows what literary taste each of these books reflects, but I’m enjoying the adventure of finding out. If you are looking for a summer read, one of these might suit your fancy — but read at your own risk. I don’t know anything about these books.

    • 19 Minutes by Jody Picoult (several people recommended this, but warned that it’s “heavy”)
    • Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler
    • The Birth House by Sideshow Ami
    • Charlotte Collins by Jennifer Becton (“if you like Jane Austen”)
    • Christmas Jars
    • Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
    • Freedom by Jonathan Franzen (“anything” by him)
    • The Giving Tree (ha! a kid’s book)
    • The Great Night by Chris Adrian
    • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
    • Mistress of the Art of Death (looks like this is a series)
    • Modoc (this is about an elephant!?)
    • The Red Tent (several people recommended this one)
    • Remarkable Creatures
    • Sarah’s Key
    • The Tailor’s Daughter
    • The Time Traveler’s Wife

    And I’ll add Bossypants by Tina Fey to the list.  I’m curious to see what that one is about.  Has anyone read it?

    Several of these titles were not available at the library yesterday with multiple holds placed on each of the copies — a good sign.  The three I ended up taking home for Round 1 were:  Back When We Were Grownups, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Corrections (by Jonathan Franzen). 

    Thanks to everyone who sent their picks.  I have to read at night to fall asleep, otherwise, my mind invents all sorts of excuses to stay up!  If you have a suggestion or two to add, please share it.  Maybe tell us a little about it.  Twitter does’t afford space for much explanation, does it?  Here you can cast more than 140 characters in the role.



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    Signature Styles

    ByHeather Bailey


    I have a bit of catch up to do.  More than a bit.

    I made a list of all the blog posts I would have done if I hadn’t lost my Wonder Woman headband last month. (Or is it a tiara?)  It’s quite a list and I’m just not prepared to skip past “Go” and move on with things without spinning out a few re-caps.  There are too many cool things I have missed sharing.

    I’ll start with Signature Styles.  That’s me on the cover of a new book.  Newsworthy, right?   I think so.  In Jenny Doh’s latest title for Lark Crafts, she features 20 creative women and discusses each gal’s personal style as it relates to her work, her wardrobe and more.  Each “stitcher” has designed a project for the book as well.  For example, Megan Hunt includes instructions for an awesome little ruffled flower bracelet and Amy Tangerine shares techniques for “Crafty” tee shirt applique.  It’s a jam-packed read, with lots of eye candy. 

    For my part, I designed this quick and kicky wristlet purse.  It’s the ultimate easy-assemble purse pattern for customizing your wardrobe.  With a design so simple to sew, why not prep the perfect purse for every outfit?

    Wristlet Purse

    I’m really impressed with this book. I’m only about halfway through reading each of the features, but once I’ve devoured it entirely, I’m certain to keep it within easy reach for a quick visual escape.  It was a pleasure to work with Jenny and of course, an honor to be included.

    Signature Styles hit bookstores just this last month. If you’re interested in a signed copy, we are stocking a few at our online shop — for a limited time.

    Heather Bailey Purse

    Other women featured in this new book include: Serena Thompson, Meg McElwee, Elsie Flannigan, Rashida Coleman-Hale, Kathy Cano-Murillo (who I just had dinner with last week), Betz White, Meg Allan Cole, Bari J. Ackerman, Erika & Monika Simmons, Kayte Terry, Megan Hunt, Sonya Nimri, Megan Nicolay, Ruth Singer, Sandy Stone, Bonzie & Ger, Teva Durham, and Amy Tangerine.

    Feeling oddly curious about the history and significance of Wonder Woman’s headband?  Click here. It’s amazing what you can learn on the internet.


  • Smells Like Nobody

    ByHeather Bailey

    FinishedDresserHB

    Drexel Heritage makes a sturdy dresser. When you come across one for $40 bucks at a thrift store with dovetail joints and great lines, you might be tempted to take it home and doll it up with a new coat of paint. I was.

    WoodPuttyW Elijah did the sanding. Who knew a 14-year-old could be so useful?  I made a note. And Isaac used our paint sprayer for a quick and even finish. I had the best job as the lemonade-maker. 

    We’re debating whether to keep the finished piece in our living room or our bedroom. I really could use a new dresser upstairs.  The one I have now is a beautiful, refinished antique, but it’s teensy and smells like old people.

    Below is a glimpse of this spring’s hobo shanty town, though the photo doesn’t do it justice. Think mis-matched tarps tied up with zip-ties and held down with water jugs. Then imagine loosely-wadded tumbleweeds of used masking tape drifting through the scene. It baffles me that the HOA left us alone. (This dusty contraption was up for weeks.) They sure are on top of things when a visitor parks their car on the street for the evening.

    I do think we kept the neighbors entertained.

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    I know I’ve been MIA for the last while. I repent. I have a ton going on and it’s been all I could do to keep up with my deadlines and still get some sleep on occasion. Sleep is my new best friend — where has she been all my life?

    With the kids out of school now, let’s see if I can get back in the groove. I have at least two dozen posts scribbled down in my head — and lots of BIG news.



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    O Football Tree, O Football Tree

    ByHeather Bailey

    LemonTree_Big
    I have THE best lemon tree.  It produces footballs.  Juicy, tasty footballs.  And when it is hung with a full crop of fruit, fragrant blooms pop all over it again for the next crop of lemons.

    My parents stayed with us all last month.  The lemon tree might have been the main draw — seriously.  My mother grew up in Arizona, eating fresh lemons with salt as a warm-weather snack.  Salt — not sugar.  My mom can't get enough of them.  Can't say enough about them either.  "This is the craziest lemon tree!"  "I want a lemon tree like yours."  Lemons, lemons, lemons.  I can't even pucker up to try this treat.

    I'm content to drown my food in lemon juice – salad, vegetables, fish, spaghetti, sandwiches.  My siblings are the same way.  Lemon on everything.  I think it's genetic.  If it weren't for my dad's genes mixed in there as well, we'd all be eating salt-lemons like my mom.  And there's lemonade too, of course. 

    Thank goodness for modern toothpaste.

    I might have to learn how to propagate this crazy tree and adopt out its offspring as family gifts.  I should name the mama tree first — and put together a lemony recipe collection.  Any favorites?  Elijah had big success with a lemon-glazed pound cake a couple of weeks ago.

  • E’s Cake

    ByHeather Bailey

    Elijah is suspended from school for two days.  He punched the bully.  Elijah is an intellectual, not really physical at all.  But, after two years of constant harrassment of the most foul sort, he had had it.  Funny thing is, as soon as their scuffle was over, it was Elijah who went to the office and reported it, even though he threw the first punch. He has been rather humble about the whole thing — he just wants this bully to leave him alone.  The office staff is well aware of this other kid’s behavior.  He received a longer suspension.

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    We’ll see what comes of it.  Hopefully the other kid will think twice next time.  Turns out quiet, read-a-book-at-lunch Elijah has a threshhold.

    Regardless of the circumstances, we’re not cool with punching.  (Elijah adds, “Neither am I!”)  We’re not letting him have a vacation.  He must work, contribute, stay busy.  He has helped his grandparents plant trees and pull weeds, he has washed the dogs, done the dishes, cleaned the bathrooms, — and to top it off, he made a cheesecake.  How about that?  Granny helped him out.

    He is just delighted with himself over the result.  I spent the first hour this morning hearing all about cheesecakes and how they are made, how he swirled chocolate into the top layer, how he piped a spongecake border around the edge of the cake, but it didn’t work, and so forth.

    Tough waters to navigate as a parent.  Condemn the punch, condone the confession.  Condemn the wrong reaction, condone the good kid.  Punish, comfort, direct & love.