Home & Family

  • Yo-Yo-Yo, Merry Christmas!

    ByHeather Bailey
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    Yes, another yo-yo post. I swear this is the last one for a least… a week. And, no, I’m not obsessed with yo-yos. I’ve just found another use for the leftover garland bits – present toppers. 

    I’m especially excited about these as these jaunty wrappings have made me feel much better about my gift card presents. I’ve always held myself to a high standard of handmade gifts only and am finding less and less time to meet those standards for everyone on my list. And, truth is, I love receiving gift cards. I do. So, I’ve made a paradigm shift this year and gift cards are now acceptable to give, as long as I wrap them all cute and handmade-looking 😉 

    Isaac and I were terribly sick all last week and now Charlotte is quite sick with a different bug. What precious gift-making time I had has been given up to long naps and baby cuddles. And now that we’re on the home-stretch to Christmas, boxes desperately need to go out and baking needs to begin. So, giftcards are my new-found friends. 

    The spiffy metal tins are from the checkout stand at Michael’s. They float my color boat.

  • A Spot of Snow

    ByHeather Bailey

    …literally, just a spot.

    It was a beautiful day. Perfect weather. Snow was brought in from the mountains and dumped smack-dab in the middle of the park, where tank-top-clad kids in mittens could have a go at a holiday classic, the snowball fight. Elijah was a good sport and managed to avoid any altercations. (I broke up two fist fights between other kids.) He stuck it out with the ice-balls too, including one nasty thud on the face. Others had the foresight to bring a cowboy hat, a motorcycle helmet (great idea) or goggles, impressive innovations for a bunch of warm-weather kids.

    Charlotte found her niche in chilling the lake. Back and forth from the snow to the water she’d toddle, with an occasional slide through the mud, bombing the lake with baby-sized snowballs (a smart choice of opponent, as a lake won’t peg you back and get ice down your collar).

    So, while others of you are shovelling your walks and defrosting your windshields, we’re sporting shorts and sunglasses and snowball-fighting nonetheless. Ha!

    But, really… I’d rather have snow and icy weather for the holidays. Christmas isn’t quite the same without the chill. Nevertheless, I’m grateful my kids had a taste of the holiday-fun-in-the-snow I remember from my childhood…

    classic Saturday fun for a family that truly needed to get out of the house!

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    The Peppermint Experiment

    ByHeather Bailey
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    Here’s the result of my late-night rush on the fabric store for red & white striped fabric. My church is donating a decorated tree to a family in need (love this idea), so I had some friends and the teenage girls over last night to make this zany garland for contribution. We sipped hot cocoa with homemade marshmallows (Katie-made) and sat in a circle, sewing. Now, why can’t that happen more often. My kind of evening.

    (The top garland is the ceramic one I mentioned two posts ago.)

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    The gingerbread house was a whole-family activity. Thank you Costco. Have you seen these kits? All of the hard stuff is already done for you;  the cookies are cooked and the frosting is mixed. Just assemble and decorate (and snack). Elijah did most of the work, but tuckered-out before the house was gaudy enough, so Charlotte and I helped him out.  I could glue candy on things all day. It’s a lot like making yo-yos – repetitive and hypnotic.

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    Back at It!

    ByHeather Bailey

    0107_sewnews_1We’re back from Vancouver. The funeral was perfect, exactly what Gary would have wanted. He even had the Dixieland band he’d special- requested. His widow, Elinor, is in decent spirits, considering. She’s heading out to Switzerland at the end of the week. I hope her trip will be the perfect distraction to help her through this painful transition. Love that woman!

    I came home to this fun little surprise in the mailbox, a Freshcut feature in Sew News‘ January 2007 issue. Holiday noise-makers, of course. Aren’t they cute? Pretty nice little spirit-lifter.

    I’ve organized my to-dos for the next couple of weeks as well and was careful to plan-in a few all-day-present-making-marathons. Making spirits bright, as they say (mainly mine). So, that’s where I’m at. Next post… something cheery.

  • Sad News, Thankful Day

    ByHeather Bailey

    Hello all. Where to begin?

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    I’ll start with a shot of the cutting table at present. I was snapping this photo yesterday when I received the call that my father-in-law had died. The project has remained untouched ever since, a reminder of sudden upset and a shift in the week’s priorities.  We were able to get Isaac out the door almost immediately. He’s flown to Washington to comfort and support his mother and siblings. I wish we had been able to secure travel for me and the kids to go with him at that time. I adore my in-laws and am hurting for their loss. From what I hear, their evening was filled with much singing, both solemn and light, as well as requisite tears and a sprinkling of laughter. A healthy farewell. 

    The news is still rather fresh and I haven’t yet sorted through my feelings, (currently a jarbled ponder). I’m glad to be heading their way with my son on Friday to offer hugs and tears, whatever comfort I can lend. Until then, I’ve taken on the mantle of grand pie-maker, as a measure of support for my husband…

    In Isaac’s family, Thanksgiving can be a bigger deal than Christmas. And the fervor is most notably reflected in the pie-count. (I believe the record stands at 17 homemade pies for one Thanksgiving celebration.) Isaac has taken this tradition to heart and when we’re not celebrating with the Baileys, the pie-making falls to us (mostly Isaac). 

    This was to be one of those years. So, Monday night, we set out as a family to gather supplies and foster that holiday feeling. We packed the fridge tight, with berries and butter and all sorts of yummy goodness, planning today as a full day of pie-making, with Elijah as apprentice. But then, with last night’s terrible news, the prime pie-man headed out of town in a hurry.

    On the way to the airport to drop him off, our discussion was focused on pie and the logistics of successful pie-preparation. There was no talk of store-bought alternatives or even the weightier matters at hand. With this conversation, it became clear to me that these pies, especially this year, stand for more than good eats. In his buried grief, somewhere, Isaac wants the reassurance that Thanksgiving goes on, that pies go on, that life goes on. So tonight I make pies, lots and lots of pies: pies of love, pies of sympathy, pies of support, pies my husband would have made had our holiday gone as planned. Isaac will have his pies, even if he’s not here to share them. And with this, I hold the hope that my husband will know he’s loved.

    So, today, I am thankful that the Baileys have Thanksgiving. That the love and laughter they share tomorrow will strengthen them through this painful time. I long to be there with them as they scurry about prepping all of the many necessary family traditions. I’ve never known a more passionate lot.

  • Round Things

    ByHeather Bailey

    Do onions make you sleepy? A friend of mine swears that a whiff of freshly- sliced onion can help defeat insomnia. Of course, she’s up before the sun and to bed by 9:30pm most nights and only has an occasional bout of sleeplessness. According to her (and her mom, who introduced her to the idea), when your eyes tear up from those nasty onion vapors, it’s easier to access your sleepy place. Hmmm. Now, I haven’t tried onions for sleep, but I wonder if there’s something to it. Is it hard, cold science or classical conditioning? Vintagebuttonshbw2_1Hmmm again. Just one of those thoughts buzzing around the back of my mind this week.(I have found that earplugs can work wonders.) 

    As for the eye candy… Aaah, vintage buttons, recent acquisitions from Market. I had used up a few of my favorite buttons on recent projects and it was time to replenish the palette. One card each, of the best colors — and boy, was it hard to stop at that. This booth had tables of bakelite, organized by hue. Drool. Thank heaven I was on my way to a meeting, or I would have been sucked into a mighty vortex of indecision. 

  • I Dream in Red & White

    ByHeather Bailey

    Feeling a bit scattered.  I’ve had these photos on my desktop for a few days, all ready to post, but I haven’t had the brainpower to compose any thoughts to go with them.  Fortunately, they’re light fare, so I’ll give it another go.

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    The polkadotty flower pin is a goody that sprang forth from these happy wrappings. (There was a big ol’ spiral lollipop too.) The two flower/leaf buttons are bakelite and a happy Quilt Market find. (Yes, there were some shopping moments.) Then came the horse and card… 

    My new dentist happens to be a mile from my favorite antique store
    (regularly  mentioned). Dangerous.  I predict many hit-and-run shopping
    jaunts. This time I ran in to check for must-have vintage buttons.
    None this time. But, there was a necessary little horse. And a card.
    (They’re both so tiny.) See the little girl on the inside of the card?  She’s absorbed in cutting paper, clickety-clack. Could it be little-girl me? I didn’t even peek inside until I’d brought the card safely home. Strange how some objects call your name.

    Speaking of objects that call your name.  There was a fantastic little
    antique settee there that day that kept whispering, “Heather… oh, Heather…”

    But, I wouldn’t adopt her until I found her a right place in
    my home. That night, I fell asleep plotting out her makeover. The
    exposed wood was to be painted turquoise and I would upholster her with red & white fabric. If none could be found, I would paint the
    fabric myself. She would have her choice of three prime locations:
    the foyer, the morning room, or the master bath. Most notably, I was
    determined to see this project through. And soon. 

    So, I skipped back to the store the next day, with two kids in tow and cash in hand. And, there she was “ON HOLD,” in big letters. (Cue sound effect, “Deflating Balloon.”) In all my shopping sprees at this
    particular store, I never knew that they put items on hold (and the
    workers there have witnessed me in debate on several occasions, I’ll
    add).  So frustrating! That “ON HOLD” sign should have been mine.  That settee should have been mine.  I’m still not over it. We had a
    connection, she and I.

    Oh, settee, where are you?

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    Ah well, I’ll just spend that would-be makeover time with my cutie kids instead.  Like Amanda (Soulemama blog), I’ve entered the review and re-format phase that inevitably follows a major deadline.  What’s working?  What’s not?  Who needs attention?  Who needs to play outside?  How can we improve the system and recapture our rhythm?  I’ve been through this cycle many times and have come to appreciate the sweetness of reassessment.  It’s a time to reflect on my priorities and recapture the passion and purpose that drives me.  Goals are set, true.  But also, more books are read, longer snuggles are shared and better meals are cooked during these times.  Sweet memories surface and the entire family recharges.  A good place to be, settee or not.

  • A Post Post

    ByHeather Bailey

    The mail’s been good to me lately. 

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    WrappedgoodiescCaroline (Dollie Daydream) sent me some fun little goodies from London. I had to wait until the next day to open them in order to get a snapshot of the luscious packaging. I’ll show you what she sent in my next post. Loutre sent me a hanger from France, but only the envelope made it. It’s a happy envelope, though. I love how both little girls have to carry the present. Isn’t that just like kids? Thank you, ladies. 

    And, I received two publications to drool over, The Apron Book by EllynAnne Geisel, and Craftzine. The Apron Book is a mix of apron memorabilia, projects, Booksinmailc_1testimonials, and recipes. It looks pretty fun. And, Craftzine… well, you’ve probably heard all about it already. I’m a bit late on my report. I received my copy at least a month ago, but things were so crazy, I just didn’t get to it. But, now that we’ve had a chance to get acquainted, I predict that Craftzine and I will be good friends. Not only does it provide a crazy mix of weird and wonderful projects, but it’s also a very pleasant size for toting around. 

    So, there it is, the mail report. Now, off to move a mountain, then fold it.

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    This Little Piggy went to Market

    ByHeather Bailey

    Well, I had an amazing time at Quilt Market. Freshcut’s off and running, as are many new and exciting friendships. Anna is every bit as delightful in person as she is to read. (Even though she did tell on us — twice — referring to two blog posts on Anna Maria’s old blog that doesn’t exist any more. What a charmer too. And funny.

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    Robyn Pandolph is kind and generous (and excited about her new little grandbaby, though she doesn’t seem old enough to be a grandmother). Did you know that Robyn has a roller-cutter wound that severed four tendons in her hand? Be careful with those cutters, gals! So sad. It’s healed now, but what a nightmare.

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    Went shopping with Heather Ross. Smart, smart, smart. (Have you seen her pajama line?) She zeroed in on this cool antique necklace with an acorn pendant. When you twisted the top, a pencil lead projected from the bottom. What a find. I don’t know if she bought it or not. Dang, I should have paid better attention!

    Jane Sassaman is a sweetheart. She’s designed some powerful new quilts that go together quickly. Her husband’s the big collector in their family. And I mean big. He even had a collection of barber’s chairs at some point. Where do you put such a collection? Didn’t get to chat with her quite enough.

    It took 32 hours for the charming gals from Prints Charming just to get to Houston (from Sydney, Australia). Bright and energetic. (And they sported fabulous clothing and shoes too.) I didn’t get to say goodbye. Kath, Kirsten, sorry about that. Missing you.

    And, because you are undoubtedly fans, you must know that Amy and Denyse are intelligent and warm. Did I mention intelligent? Amy’s working with her husband on another amazing book. Those two! I can’t wait to see it experience it. And, Denyse has just pinned down a name for her next fabric collection, “Katie Jumprope,” (though I don’t know which spelling of “Katie” she’s going to use). Great name, huh? Love it.

    Bigflower_1I met droves of neat folks:  artists, editors, shop owners, sales reps, distributors, and more. So much to take in. So little time.

    My schoolhouse class worked out well, though I could have held an all-day seminar on the subject (the internet sewing/crafting community and whatnot). Ambitious for a 15-minute class. But, I think I got across the main gist (and my flyers covered the rest). Can you believe there’s already a podcast review of my class on Simple Arts (about 1/3 of the way into the interview)? That’s some quick reporting!

    Before I wrap it up, I’d like to send a huge thanks out to Sandi for whipping up some delightful children’s clothes for the photo book. Here’s just one of the fab outfits she did. Sandi designs one-of-a-kind clothing for Portabello Pixie and is talented and generous. Thanks Sandi!

    And, another big hug out to Gina and Stephanie at The Threaded Pear for quilting my samples so beautifully. Boy did those two get the scoop on Quilt Market. They were everywhere. I’m sure you’ll be hearing all about it on Quilter’s Buzz.

    Annadonnaandi300All in all, it was a marvelous weekend at Market. I packed my bags late Monday night, changed back into jeans and a tee, and flew wee-wee-wee-wee all the way home!

    It’s nice to be back.

    (From left to right, Anna Maria, me & Donna Wilder of Free Spirit)

    Oh, and see what I mean about Isaac’s photography? He took those top ones.

  • Babble & Baubles

    ByHeather Bailey

    Boy, have I been M.I.A.! 

    More like S.I.C.K. I thought it was the flu, but after days of not being able to move, I finally dragged myself to the doctor’s and found out I have Strep. With a few doses of antibiotics behind me, I’m now functioning on the sheer hope of feeling well.

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    Nevertheless, we had the most amazing photoshoot yesterday. Isaac took the day to do my bidding. I styled the shots and held the reflector, while Isaac manned the camera. Make me drool. If you think my photography’s pretty, just wait till you see how great his photography turned out! Let’s just say I have a lot more to learn. We’ll be designing a photo book this weekend and having a few copies rush-printed to bring with me to Market next week. Rush, rush, rush. 

    I can’t wait for you to see the photos… and all of the projects in the photos too, of course. Until then, here’s a Heather-shot of some vintage strawberry baubles. I believe they were passed along to me from my mother in law’s enviable collection of small, silly things. Every once in a while, I pull these out to admire. I let them drift around the studio for a few days, then tuck them back into their own little drawer to save for later. Each strawberry is only about one inch tall. They make me happy in the same way that doll furniture makes me happy. Someday, hopefully, I’ll have a spot in this little exchange with Inspire Company and get my girlish fix of teensy weensy. For today, it’s beaded velvet strawberries. If I were Lennie from Of Mice and Men, these would be my mouse of choice.