jack&jill design

2010-07-05T12:18:00.006-04:00

I'm currently selling one copy of each of these books on eBay for the lowest price out there! The Small Stash Sewing book is brand new, and Seams to Me is like new.

Check out the listings here:
Small Stash Sewing
Seams to Me

2010-06-22T13:39:00.004-04:00

Photo found here

Clockwise from top left:Vintage Fan; Leaf Pillow; Laerke Duvet; Tray & Tumblers; Artisan Series Mixer; Halcyon Halo Necklace; Martha Stewart Storage Container Set

This range of blues can be spotted everywhere right now and without fail, every time I see it, it's like the first time. I want it. Right now it's fresh and summery, but it's a color that makes a statement year-round. It's easy enough to inject a shot of color with a throw pillow or a few glasses. If you're a bit more committed to the shade, roll it on a couple of walls like in the photo above.

2009-10-21T18:18:00.001-04:00

Check out this design entry from the "Design The Next Glade® Scented Oil Candle Tin Contest"

I created this tin, inspired by a traditional paisley design, but chose to keep the colors very simple. Click the link above to rate my tin!

2009-05-19T06:27:00.003-04:00

If you use Adobe Photoshop or GIMP, Hawksmont Universe is an invaluable resource. The website provides you with hundreds of credit-free brushes that are free for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Other freebies include high-res photos, tutorials, wallpapers, and more. To learn more about adding brushes to Photoshop click here.

2009-05-10T16:40:00.003-04:00

I've quite enjoyed watching the videos of Lisa Hannigan. She's a very talented singer and songwriter, and her videos are also visually interesting. The video for Lille is particually engaging as it consists of a few pop-up books to tell the story of the song.

2009-04-27T13:26:00.008-04:00

This weather is junk! I'm sure rain has a purpose in the grand scheme of things, but I could live without it. These gray clouds have made me less than enthusiastic about doing more than watch movies in my pj's. I haven't even been keeping up with all my favorite blogs! Needless to say, my sewing machine has seen no action lately. I have very little motivation to be creative, but that could be a side effect of all the shopping I did when I was state-side.

These photos above are from a much sunnier day a few weeks ago at Lake Barcis, Italy. They cheer me up, and hopefully it will do they same for you (if you are in need of cheering up!)

2009-04-19T09:05:00.004-04:00

This is my 100th post!

Even though the weather has been mostly warm, the weather this weekend has kept us indoors. Right now I really wish I had a nice throw blanket to put on my lap, and I don't. I had to throw out the last two I had because they were ruined by a certain mischievous animal in my home. During my search online for a plaid wool blanket, I came across a store called "Made in Oregon". They carry a nice selection of items presumably made in Oregon, that range from jams to jewelry. Staying in the strain of warm blankets, I'd like to share some images of Pendleton blankets that are available from the store's website.

2009-04-08T18:40:00.004-04:00

I have returned from vacation, and though I'm glad to be at home, I already miss my family in Pennsylvania. During my visit my dad declared and proved his decor's new look as "rustic modern". He's got the furniture for it, and is trying to attract birds in the back yard to achieve a more rustic lifestyle. I hope he gets the birds he's looking for. In the meantime I'd like to share a few beautiful carved birds found in Sandra Healy's Etsy store. She carves more than just birds, see a variety of mammals here.

2009-03-18T16:26:00.002-04:00

image from here

I'm all packed up for a much needed visit with my family. I will not be taking my laptop along, but that doesn't mean I will be completely neglecting the blog. I expect to be gone 2 weeks, and I'll miss you!

2009-03-17T04:49:00.004-04:00

Though the current issue will be the last in print, the future of Craft Magazine is not totally bleak. The website promises to be bigger and better than ever. What is fabulous about the magazine, is that is available to read online, for FREE! This particular issue is jam-packed with great ideas, tutorials, and resources. I have been making my way through the archives, and I think this must be the best issue thus far. Some items of interest are pictured above. This is really just a sampling of all the goodness.

Clockwise: Favorite Trinkets and Treasures, Fruit sushi, Silly Snake, and Step Patterns

2009-03-13T05:21:00.003-04:00

I like to browse through Meet Me at Mikes for the variety of posts. Food, crafts, writing, and also music. I like the idea of picking a day to share some music I like, just the way Pip does. So, I will try to do it as properly as possible, as not to upset those copyright-infringement folks.

Here goes-

2009-03-11T16:09:00.003-04:00

My dear friend Sara had a birthday today, and we celebrated on Sunday with a delicious, traditional Italian meal. I decided to gift her a tote bag, as she had me make one for her sister's birthday, and had mentioned wanting to order one for herself.

The bag is made from quilting weight cotton, inside and out, and is lined with a fusible interfacing. Overall, there are three large pockets and pencil slot. I made a coordinating key wristlet and I plan to make a box bag to put inside once my zippers arrive in the mail. I am happy with the results, but after completing it I found a few things I would changed if I could have, but every project is a learning experience.

2009-03-06T14:23:00.006-05:00

For anybody out there with a little girl to sew for, I think you will enjoy this tutorial from Just Tutes. I really appreciate the simplicity of this dress, while still maintaining it's girliness. It's refreshing to see something for warmer weather, as I'm getting tired of the cold, and sweaters, and all things related to winter! Check out the tutorial here, and to see what others have made using tutorials from Just Tutes, check out the Flickr group.

2009-03-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

If you have time to check out another blog, or are hungry for some quilty inspiration, I suggest you take a gander at Oh, Fransson! Elizabeth Hartman is from outside of Portland, Oregon, and named her cats after the characters George-Michael and Maeby of Arrested Development! It looks to me that she has finished nearly a hundred quilts (if not more; I wasn't counting), all of them stunning and refreshingly modern.

She has an Etsy Shop of the same name, that carries patterns for a few quilts that are featured on her blog, and others including a 15-page tutorial for a reusable grocery bag.

Just today she posted a very educational tour through the materials and tools she uses for making her quilts. I'm finding it helpful, as I'm about to be quilting a bedspread for my bed. Whatever it is you are looking for, a visit to Oh, Fransson! will be worth it.

2009-03-02T14:28:00.003-05:00

This image caught my eye on Design*Sponge, and I couldn't help but click on some links! This photo was taken by Alissa Hunsaker, whose website showcases her natural talent. To see more of her photos click here.

2009-02-26T12:14:00.006-05:00

I have been spending a lot of time going through the archives of MadeByGirl. Lots of beautiful photos that show off projects, Etsy finds, and all things that inspire Jennifer Ramos, the blogger. She has a store by the same name that offers oodles of cards and prints. Check out her shop, and bookmark this blog!

2009-02-13T16:37:00.003-05:00

I spend enough time on Etsy, I figured I would showcase a few of my favorites, with a theme. To find any of the the items above, check out my Etsy favorites widget on the left sidebar. Happy Weekend!

2009-02-11T13:03:00.004-05:00

I hope you took a couple of minutes to read the interview with Anna Maria Horner. I've been delving into her blog archives, her flickr page, and my husband ordered me her book "Seams to Me". I really enjoy getting to know someone through their blog and photos, and I find it especially interesting to see the processes a designer goes through to create their product. For her, she has several lines of fabric (both quilting weight and home dec), a few patterns, a book, and some homegoods. She has her own online shop where she sells her goods, and I've added her Dancefloor rug (above) to my mental wishlist. The hand-hooked rug is available at a fair price, and it would coordinate well with the colors I already have in my living room.

2009-02-09T13:33:00.006-05:00

True Up has a very insightful interview with the super-talented Anna Maria Horner. She has a new line of fabrics out called Good Folks, and a couple of oilcloths that are going to be available "SOON". Think of all the applications a coated canvas will have! Check out the interview and her new fabrics on her flickr page.

2009-01-26T08:45:00.004-05:00

I love finding beautiful things on Etsy, and when I stumbled upon Dozi's shop, I was there for a while! Dozi is a shop that specializes in paper products that are handmade by Wendy Chung. The artist keeps a blog that features updates to her Etsy shop, and also highlights others handmade items.

Etsy>dozi : simple & delightful design

2009-01-23T05:30:00.003-05:00

I've been making things for a while, and now that I have a new sewing machine, the quality is even better than ever. I've made a lot of things for myself, and for friends, and now I've decided to start selling things on Etsy. The first item I've loaded to my shop is an all-purpose pouch made with Joel Dewberry fabric, and a reproduction calico. I plan to load more items as I have the time to take photos. Check out my Etsy shop for more details!

2009-01-16T08:01:00.004-05:00

Apartment Therapy New York announced that Target will be carrying products from Orla Kiely. The products will arrive in Target stores the first week of February. I didn't recognize the Orla Kiely name, but I had definitely seen her work before. I would really like to get my hands into the oven mitts (bottom, center), and I think they would feel right at home in my kitchen. I've also been wanting to get some fabric napkins, and this might be what I was waiting for.

2009-01-08T08:52:00.006-05:00

Before Christmas, but after I bought a ton of plastic toys for Jack, I decided that I wanted to give him something handmade, that would last longer than his toys. After considering making a stuffed toy, and browsing a lot of sites for ideas, I decided to make Jack a quilt. I had never made a quilt before, but I didn't let that stop me. I started off the way I do most projects; I had no plans, and I just started sewing things together. I chose to machine sew the pieces together, but to hand-quilt it. Honestly, I just didn't think my sewing machine at the time (a cheap Brother machine) could handle it, and I was too impatient to wait for my new machine (the super Singer you see in the photo). Hand-quilting is time consuming, but I didn't use a complicated pattern, I just "stitched in the ditch" on the stripes. My fingers were not prepared for the beating they took. I used an embroidery needle, and I didn't have a thimble. I resorted to trying to pad my finger with band-aids, but that didn't make much difference. The effort was truly worth it. My son sleeps with the quilt every night, and I feel great satisfaction now that it is completed. I am now ready to make my next quilt.

2009-01-05T05:24:00.003-05:00

My super-good friend Tina made the lovely flower in the photo above. She is making these allergy-free roses for her grandfather that in the the hospital. On her blog folding paper cranes she has a brief tutorial for these crepe roses, and many other beautiful things.

2008-12-23T10:43:00.004-05:00

An informative post over at Apartment Therapy New York will give you some tips to throw a couple cheap rugs together to form a larger one. This will be helpful for me as I've got two small matching rugs from Urban Outfitters that have been stored for a while because I didn't know what to do with them. I get a great feeling from repurposing something I already have rather than buying new. Now I just have to find a place I need a rug!

2008-12-23T10:39:00.003-05:00

My laptop is back in action! I apologize for the gap in posts, but I should be able to keep up with it following the holidays. I hope to improve the blog by adding more photos of projects, along with tips and tutorials. With Christmas approaching, I have been quite busy with projects. I've got my new sewing machine set up, and I am sewing with a bit more confidence! Check back often for new posts.

2008-11-21T04:09:00.002-05:00

I still don't have my laptop back, but I've had a lot of time at home because my husband and I are sharing my car for the time being. I've been able to use his computer, and I've been dedicating a lot of time to finding Christmas gifts for those special people in my life. I feel that I want to make most of my gifts this year, rather than purchasing them, and I've been looking for inspiration. Through all my searching, I've come across some really great blogs that I'd like to share with you.

t w o straight lines

The Purl Bee (I knew about this one, but I am appreciating it more now!)

Pink Chalk Fabrics

A Little Hut

Posie Gets Cozy

I hope these blogs leave you inspired to give a few handmade gifts. If you're not inclined to make them yourself, check out Etsy's holiday gift guide.

2008-11-14T10:00:00.004-05:00

I must apologize for not posting, and not explaining. On October 31st, I broke the screen on my dear laptop, and have not had it fixed yet. The insurance check is on it's way, and so is my new LCD screen. Once I receive it I will be up and running and better than ever. I do have access to a computer, my husband's, but the monitor IS our 46" LCD TV, and I find it too be much too impersonal (my husband does NOT understand this) and it also means that when the computer is in use, the living room is consumed by it. I miss my laptop, but hopefully this episode will teach me to be more careful!

During this brief hiatus, I have researched a new sewing machine, purchased new fabrics (above) and purse hardware, and I have been evaluating what my overall goal might be with my "hobby". I have not come to any hard conclusion, but I am leaning in the direction of sewing on a more industrial level. I am currently compiling the necessary supplies to make handbags from designer fabrics, canvas, leather, cotton webbing and metal hardware. I have made a few purses in my time, and I find it to be a rewarding experience, especially when the person on the receiving end loves what they get. I have had a few custom orders already from friends which will give me an opportunity to explore what style and function I would like to achieve if I decide to retail my bags. This is an exciting, yet trying time for me. Living in Italy makes everything more challenging. It may sound like a fairytale to some, but the reality is much different. It is near impossible to source the supplies that I need, and there are other challenges such as childcare (if needed). Everything I need I have to try to find on the internet, and hope that what I get in the mail (if it can even be shipped!) is what I thought I ordered. I am willing to persevere because the process is important to me. Each piece that I create is a learning process and ultimately affects what I create in the future.

So, keep checking back. My computer should be fixed in about a week, and I will update the blog with photos of recent projects and my beautiful boy. Thanks for your continued readership despite the lack of recent posting. Take care!

2008-10-28T12:34:00.005-04:00

A knitted hat for Anika

Jack was not a willing participant, but I was able to get him to be still long enough to get a couple photos (thanks high-chair!). I used Red Heart Ltd. Light & Lofty in Puff. It is a an improvised design, which caused me to unravel a couple of times before I was satisfied. I added a little pom-pom for fun, and overall I think it turned out nice. I hope Anika enjoys it!

2008-10-22T13:11:00.004-04:00

The Diaper Stash is one of the items that has been in high demand from the ladies I know. I use one myself, and it is very convenient. I've enjoyed the evolution of this little case, because I seem to make improvements with each case I make. Right now I think the snap is the way to go, but I'd like to upgrade the way I get it on there! I'm using such a lame little plastic thingy that requires me to hammer the pieces together, mostly resulting in bent pieces and nothing attached to the fabric.

Update: I've chosen to use velcro as a closure, and I've made the entire pouch wider. They are available in my Etsy Shop.

2008-10-13T16:43:00.006-04:00

For all you coffee junkies out there (myself included), this may just be a stylish and practical way to wrap your thin paper coffee cup. Most coffee joints supply cardboard sleeves for your cup, but I find that they don't always keep your fingers cool, and they can be kind of annoying when they slip around. And then there's the whole "Save the Earth" factor. Reuse this silicone cup cozy, and you don't have to use as much paper. You can find the CupCooley on the FusionBrands wesbsite, along with a few other nifty kitchen gadgets.

2008-10-09T08:38:00.004-04:00

I have never done any patchwork, but I was given a Sandy Gervais Serendipity charm-pack by a friend who no longer wanted them. I decided to put 25 squares together for an apron I was making for a gift.

I had mixed feelings about the colors and how things were coming together, but I was really pleased with the results. I tried it on for the photo and my husband said he liked it so much he wanted me to keep it! Tempting, but I know that Grace will appreciate it, and actually get some use out of it.

2008-10-07T16:08:00.003-04:00

The fabrics above are my most recent fabric purchase. I plan to use these to make diaper/wipe cases with. I have been selling them locally, and have gotten a really good response so far. I could also use these as accent pieces on the Mei-Tai carriers I'm making.

I just printed up business cards at a friend's request. She said she always gets asked where she got her sling/Mei-Tai/or other item and she wanted something to be able to give them. My friend Emily who is a hairdresser also suggested that she put something up so that her customers can see it, and I can get some business that way. I'm really excited to see what comes my way, and I hope that the feedback continues to be positive! From now on, I PROMISE, I'll post photos of the projects that I've been commissioned to do.

2008-09-25T12:22:00.006-04:00

I spent hours searching for the perfect button-up sweater, browsing through every online retailer I could think of, and looking at stores I've never heard of. I came up with NOTHING. I was hoping to find a sweater that was cheaper to buy ready-to-wear, than to knit myself. I had no luck. I presented this dilemma to the ladies at Stitch 'n Bitch last night, and the talented Cindy (who has super clean teeth) suggested I look up the Central Park Hoodie.

I looked it up. I had nothing to lose. I had everything to gain. The CPH is the sweater. It's everything I've been looking for. I found the pattern for sale in PDF form at Knitting Daily's online store, and also found on Ravelry that thousands have completed this project with success. On Flickr, user villapeikko was inspired by the CPH pattern, and created her own pattern to resemble it. I really like the wide rib on the placket, and I plan to modify the pattern to reflect that. I would also like to make the sweater a bit longer than the original because nothing seems to be long enough for me.

The pattern calls for Tahki Donegal Tweed which is 100% wool, but I've bee toying with the idea of using a cotton yarn. I've considered Lion Brand Cotton-Ease, or Lion Brand Fisherman Wool Natural if I use wool.

2008-09-23T07:55:00.006-04:00

I have been a busy crafter lately. I love it! The bittersweet part is, none of the projects have been for me. I have sewn up a crayon roll-up, a crochet-hook roll-up, and a pair of pajama pants. All this weekend! All the projects were a lot of fun, and done without a pattern (my favorite kind of project). Tomorrow night I am going to start knitting a diaper/wipe holder for my lovely friend Stacey. I've made one for myself and have found it to be very useful.

I know I've been really bad about documenting the process of each project. I think it has a lot do with the fact that I make things up as I go along. I will try to improve upon this fact, and if anyone is curious to see how one of my crafts is made, I'd be obliged to make a tutorial.

2008-09-15T16:13:00.004-04:00

My good friend Tina challenged me to create a room around the flamingo print above. Though the image may not be the first I'd chose for my living room, I really enjoy using Polyvore, and this gave me a fun reason to use it. The room above is the result of my imagination, and below is what Tina came up with. I hope you enjoy viewing them, and the idea of creating something with limitations seems less daunting!

2008-09-12T12:14:00.006-04:00

How About Orange linked to a gallery on Domino Mag featuring creative ways to display family photographs. There are some nice ideas on how to display 4x6 or smaller photos that would otherwise look lonely if hung by itself.

Speaking of Domino Magazine, I've been having technical difficulties for the past three issues. For some reason they decided to stop sending me issues. This was actually stated on my online account. I contacted their customer service department, and after being asked if I had changed my address (no, I haven't), they said they would resolve the problem, and send out any back issues that I might be missing. So I have received the June/July issue twice, but not August or September. I don't really want to cancel my subscription, but it's not proving to be as convenient as it's supposed to be.

2008-09-10T15:43:00.003-04:00

Me, participating in the Maniago Pedala

If I've never said it before, let me say it now. I LOVE ITALY. I love a bottle of wine that cost 89 centessimi (euro cents) and tastes the same as the $8 bottle I buy on base that would cost at least $15 in the States. I love streaming video. I love when my husband works earlies and has to go to bed at 8pm. I love hanging out with my dog Thor and watching Hairspray online while knitting a sweater that is so darn easy I can do it after a couple glasses of the aforementioned wine. I love Skype. I love the fact that my mom who loves me and my son so much can watch her grandson use a shape-sorting toy even though she lives a 10 -hour flight away. I love my husband. I love that even though we won't be able to step into the voting booth, our absentee ballot for Ron Paul will be counted during the 2008 Presidential election. I love his passion for spreading the truth about the government. For having an interest in politics. For having passion about ANYTHING. I love my son's eager face when he climbs onto his dad's lap to have a round of "bouncy-bouncy".

I am a happy woman. I live a good life, in a beautiful country. I have an abundance of friends of who I am not worthy. I have a family that makes me proud. I am living the life and loving it.

2008-09-08T09:30:00.004-04:00

Since I attended a "Stitch 'n Bitch" meeting/session/get-together on Thursday night, I haven't spent much time without my knitting needles in hand. I had abandoned them for a while, busying myself with a host of other crafts but when I was invited to the group, I was enthusiastic, and didn't waste anytime asking if it was a baby-free event. It had been since April that I left Jack at home and I now had a good excuse to get out and spend some time with ladies.

The evening started with real Italian pizza, iced coffees, and informal introductions to each other. Once I finally got started knitting it felt good. I got into a rhythm of clicking my needles and chatting with the ladies around the table. Before I knew it, it was after midnight, and though I had gotten a good start to my project, I was nowhere near done.

I kept up with the knitting, and following the simple pattern from Twelve Months of Knitting. Before I knew it, I had finished a hat for my husband. I had plenty of yarn left and opted to make a matching hat for the babe. Ear flaps seemed like a good idea, and I enough yarn to do it. By this morning I had both hats done and I am pleased with the results. The yarn is a very soft, kind-of-annoying-to-knit-with Lion Brand Homespun in Prairie. The hat looks adorable on both husband and son, and this has given me the jump-start I need to get knitting for the winter.

2008-09-02T10:28:00.006-04:00

Simple, delicious, satisfying. These are the three words I'm choosing to use to describe homemade pita chips. Granted, I did not make the pita, but I did take stale wheat pitas and turn them into yummy chips that the whole family can enjoy. I can tell you how I did it, but I must warn that I rarely measure ingredients unless my husband is leaning over my shoulder.

I sliced my otherwise destined-for-the-bin pitas (2) into 8 triangles. In a small bowl I poured some De Cecco olive oil for about 3-seconds. Then I grinded some sea salt probably about 3 turns. A dash and a half of black pepper, and the same of garlic powder. The final ingredient, and a definite crowd-pleaser, dried basil leaves. These are not whole leaves, more like flakes. Put as much or as little as you like, I put in enough so that there were approximately 9 flakes per pita slice. I'm kidding. But that's what it kind of ended being. I didn't mention, that before you start this (because I didn't intend this to be a tutorial) you should preheat the oven at 400 degrees. Place your slices on a baking sheet, and brush the mixture on. Put in the oven for about 8 minutes, and keep an eye on them because they tend to burn easily. Once removed from the oven they cool quite quickly and you can eat them alone, or with ~~a friend~~ hummus.

I grabbed the above image from a website called offthemeathook.com. I didn't use their recipe though.

2008-08-30T15:03:00.003-04:00

I have been spending far too much time on Polyvore. It is really addictive. If you don't know what it is, head over there and expect to waste some time! Below is the first collage I made.

2008-08-27T11:00:00.006-04:00

I haven't posted in a couple of days, but I have been plenty busy. In recent days I've accomplished the following:

Refashioned Bejing 2008 T-shirt for Jack
Dyed stained dress, old sweater, and t-shirt for husband a lovely shade of Kelly Green
Dyed two v-neck shirts blue, and reconstructed both for me
Sewn a sock monkey from materials left by my late and great Great-Grandmother
Custom-fit curtains for kitchen windows/doors
Refashioned a Gap shirt to fit me perfect
Mended several items to include stuffed animal and Jack's shirts

None of this seemed like work. I get such great satisfaction out of re-purposing, mending, and creating! I feel that I have made a contribution to my family in a financial way (as minimal as it is), and also to our quality of life. It makes me proud to wear, or to see my handmade and personalized items worn (or played with, or admired by others of course!)

Jack wearing his new shirt, and enjoying one of his instruments

Jack wearing his new shirt and holding his sock monkey

Thor looking outside through the newly fitted curtains

2008-08-18T14:11:00.007-04:00

Today I got this crazy idea that I want to make a quilt. A quilt made of hexagons. I have never made a quilt before, but I've seen millions of listings for "fat quarters" on eBay while searching for fabric, and I'm pretty sure it has to do with quilting. I decided to search for these "fat quarters" to find something that I liked, and came upon Fat Quarter Shop. This post is not about that shop, but about what I found in that shop.

This fabric is from a very new line of fabrics called "Pumpkin Gone Wild" by Sandy Gervais (released in July). Cute fabric right? Not so long ago (11 June), I posted my idea for a fabric that I had planned to submit to Spoonflower to have printed.

Is this just a coincidence? Am I overreacting to think that they are eerily similar? I know I have just a little blog, that a few people look at. What are the chances that someone would come here, and like my crappy mock-up of a fabric idea? Is this a case of bad luck, or bad timing? Either way, it sucks that I sat up in bed thinking up this idea, in different color schemes and how great it would look in a large scale print on a dress, just for someone else to have the same idea.

2008-08-18T08:39:00.004-04:00

As mother, I have a right, no, duty to brag about my child. So here goes. My child, Jack, at 15 months of age, has learned to play the harmonica. Any naysayers keep it to yourself. Praise is welcome.

2008-08-14T16:59:00.005-04:00

I have not even touched the list of things to do (at left). I realized some of the supplies for the projects are still at my mom's house, so I haven't been to eager to start anything.

I have done a few alterations on pieces that I bought while back in the States. I really do love that I can have a custom fit on anything I get off-the-rack. I feel that even though I might not have the best 'bod around, I do have an edge by having well-fitting clothing. The idea of making all my own clothes sounds nice, but at this point, it's not realistic. For now I will be happy with custom-fitting my purchased items, and sewing up a few special pieces when I get the chance.

Besides crafts, I have been keeping myself busy with the baby, and with the new pup we've added to our family. The weather has been very warm, and we've been enjoying it!

2008-08-13T07:38:00.004-04:00

How About Orange has some ideas for what to use ribbon for (above). This is good news! Seller TrimGoddess on Etsy has tons of beautiful ribbon and trim (below). I haven't been able to bring myself to buy any, because I didn't know what to use it for. Not anymore!

2008-08-07T14:20:00.003-04:00

The images above are all items saved in my Favorites on Etsy.

2008-08-05T11:29:00.004-04:00

1. Danish design, 2. Navajo rugs, 3. Wood Grain, 4. Lago di Santa Croce

I searched Flickr with the keywords above to find some inspirational photos. Lago di Santa Croce is a lake about an hour from where I live. We passed it on our way home from camping this past weekend. I hope you enjoy the photos.

2008-08-04T07:36:00.001-04:00

Two women, both named Melissa, fashioned these adorable shirts from unwanted men's button-downs. Melissa from all buttoned up. made the shirt on the left, and the shirt on the right was made by Melissa of Bridgman Pottery.

I had an idea very similar to this, but haven't yet acted on it, like so many other forgotten ideas. I'm going to add this to the project list that I'm going to start today. As I complete the projects I'll post the results.

2008-07-30T14:21:00.001-04:00

Made by Petchy has a really neat tutorial for an iPod pouch. I knitted a case for myself and a friend a while back, but this one seems a bit more functional. I think I might just follow this tute and make another one!

2008-07-29T13:00:00.004-04:00

I don't know if I mentioned that I was going to attempt making a swimsuit, but I did. I started out with a pattern and quickly got confused. I wasn't familiar with the jargon or the general use of them, so I pitched the pattern, and started sewing by heart (that's catchy--I should copyright that). The use of elastic is not too fun, and I had difficulty figuring out how much stretchy fabric should be used (because it stretches once it's on...). The final result is a halter tankini with full coverage bottoms. I would totally wear it. I think if I weighed about 20 lbs less it would fit perfect.

I accepted an invitation for an afternoon at the pool with the notion that I could go pick up a suit the day before. But, the BX is no longer carrying any type of swimwear, and the options on the local economy are limited to no-coverage bikinis.

Today I ordered this suit online. It is available in "Tall" which was the deciding factor in choosing this particular one. The other one-pieces I've tried weren't long enough and had to be sent back. This is the best time to shop for swimwear online; most stores are offering discounts up to 75%. I found this at Newport News and was near the top of the price range at only $34.00.

2008-07-28T08:11:00.004-04:00

Since we returned back from our trip, my husband has decided that we should redecorate the living room. We can't afford to change the major elements in the room such as the couch, tv-stand and rug, but we are hoping to create a significant change by adding new pillows and accessories. We don't currently have much of a theme, and that seems to be the problem. We tend to buy anything that we like, without the big picture in mind. That leaves us with a hodgepodge of a room. We don't have any major vision now, we just hope that the use of neutral colors will leave us feeling more comfortable.

I found that Crate & Barrel has an outlet section, which appeals to our budget. Shown above are a couple of pillows from the outlet at very reasonable prices.

We would also like to add this Eames pillow and a select few that I found on eBay.

An Eileen Gray-ish table is our current side table, and it could stay, but I'd like to see it replaced by something wooden. A tree stump would be nice, or something carved from wood. Viva Terra have a few nice options. My concerns are that they won't be tall enough, or sturdy enough.

Right now these are just ideas, if we actually purchase anything, I'll post an update. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments.

2008-07-24T14:05:00.005-04:00

I am back from vacation and I'm ready to blog. I didn't have many opportunities to write when I was gone, especially since two of the houses we stayed at didn't have internet. I don't feel that my time away was restful, and I don't feel renewed. This is something I should expect considering all the actual travel time. Flying across the ocean can be really exhausting (tedious, boring, trying, and more). This is also the first time I've traveled with a child overseas. It wasn't as challenging as I thought it would be, but I did feel that I had to be much more prepared and organized.

I was prepared to be inspired while in the States. I had erroneously thought that the plentiful resources would spark my creativity. This really wasn't the case. I really did know better. The only way those craft stores would have helped me, is if I never went to any other stores. It's so hard to pass up all the deals that can be found EVERYWHERE. There is just no need to spend your precious time and money to "create" when it's so easy to find what you're looking for on the cheap. My creative juices really started flowin' when I stopped working, here in Italy. I believe the reason is because I have a hard time finding things I like here, and I also finally had time to do stuff. The catch-22 is that there are no resources for the crafts/projects I want to do.

So thank goodness for the internet! I (probably) also started blogging because I spend so much darn time on the internet looking for awesome stuff. I gotta put that info somewhere, or I'd probably forget it. Plus I figure I ought to share this stuff, cause hogging all my finds and projects would just be rude.

Stayed tuned.

2008-07-10T15:46:00.005-04:00

Me and Jack at Piancavallo 20 minutes from our home in Italy.

I realize the posts have been light this past week (or more). I am taking a break in the States and visiting family. It has been almost 2 years since our last visit, we were newlyweds and just found out that I was pregnant.

Living in Italy had left me feeling deprived of choices. Whether it be restaurants, movies, underwear, and everything in between, there were fewer varieties to choose from. Any time the local stores didn't have what I was looking for (and that is often), I would wish I was living in the U.S. My eyes have been opened now that my family and I have arrived in the "land of the free".

I don't know if so much has changed in 2 years that it disgusts me, or if I was just disillusioned because this is where I grew up (Pennsylvania). There is too much of everything. I have had a dizzy feeling from being overwhelmed by the choices available to the average consumer.

My jaw dropped when I stood in the toy section at Wal-Mart. I never had to shop for toys before I had Jack, so my only experience has been shopping at the BX or on the local economy in Italy. There is a limited availability of toys at the BX due to high demand, and the local shops are out of my price range. That is just one small example of how shopping is different in the U.S. compared to where we live in Italy, but, I can tell that if I lived in the States, I would go broke, and I would never be happy with what I have. It's not that hard to understand why people in America are fat, in debt, or depressed after this eye-opening trip.

I will have to take this trip as a learning experience and count my blessings. I will return to Italy with a great appreciation for my surroundings and the life that I have been granted.

2008-07-04T10:08:00.004-04:00

A few selections from "Drawing Room"

I just came across the fabrics of Anna Maria Horner for the first time today when looking through Contemporary Cloth's inventory. I wish I would have found it sooner! It appears the entire "Drawing Room" collection is on sale, which is most likely in anticipation of the arrival of Horner's new collection "Garden party". Horner keeps a blog that chronicles her crafts (including quilts and pillowcase dresses to name a few) and has recently introduced her new line of fabrics with lots of photos.

A sampling of the Garden Party Collection by Anna Maria Horner

2008-07-01T15:53:00.004-04:00

I want to share with you a "refashion" I have done with two t-shirts. They were my husband's cast-offs that I thought would be adorable shirts for my toddler with a bit of tweaking.

I totally free-handed the "MTV" t-shirt and struggled for quite a while trying to figure out the sleeves. I got smart with the second one and I deconstructed a T that my son already ruined, and used it as a guide for cutting up the shirt. The results are much better, but I still like the lthe first one. It has a vintage football jersey look to it. I'm really excited with the outcome of both and I can't wait to raid the thrift store once I get back to the states (that's my vacation). I don't know if I'll ever buy a ready-made t-shirt for him again. It's very gratifying to see him wear something I made for him.

2008-06-30T10:41:00.007-04:00

This is a really great compromise between antique and modern. There are so many possibilities when you combine furniture of yesteryear and fabrics and paints of today. If you've got an idea for a particular look, MetroSofa can work with you, or choose from the items they already have in stock.

I think this a great DIY opportunity. Browse your local thrift shops for junkers and use your imagination. If you need convincing, consider this your "gift" to the environment.

2008-06-27T06:35:00.004-04:00

[ Photo from Living Etc ]

I spotted this photo on Apartment Therapy, in a post about it's wall color. I like the paint choice, and the room as a whole, but the ottoman (or pouf, or hassock) is what stood out to me. I like the versatility of an ottoman that is larger than average. It could be used to rest your feet, an extra seat, or function as a coffee table. I did my best to round up ottomans (or pouffes, or hassocks) that would fit into this category.

Clockwise from top left: Eero Saarinen Large Pouf; Bingo Pouf with Tray Table; Bamboo Ottoman; Pouf by Gino Carollo; Missoni Tulipani; Moroccan Embriodered Pouf; Spinball Seat.

2008-06-25T07:18:00.001-04:00

If you are familiar with Etsy, then you are probably familiar with Yellena. Yellena James has been a featured seller, and can be found on the front page at any given time. I am a proud owner of one of her prints (above) and I have my eye on one more (below). There is something whimsical, yet organic about her drawings that always intrigues me. It has attracted many others as well, being that Yellena's shop has sold 1,741 prints to date (awesome). Check out her interview on Etsy. It is very inspiring and interesting. It gives new meaning to her art.

2008-06-24T06:15:00.002-04:00

1. Untitled, 2. Jars, 3. dresser, 4. Planter., 5. thrift trim, 6. mahlie's bed (one day)

I found these inspiring photos on flickr today. I have always wanted a planter like the one above, and the ribbon/trim is something that I would love to be able to use if I could get my hands on it. There are so many things about the photos I love I can't name them all. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

2008-06-23T15:53:00.002-04:00

I woke up Tuesday morning, and decided Jack needed jean shorts. I had to be somewhere at 10:00, and yet, I decided it would be a good time to get started on a project. I have a tendency of getting ideas and not letting them go until I've gotten what I wanted (my husband can attest to this). I know making pants into shorts is not a difficult task, but I take pride in making something out of nothing. His pants were too short yet they still fit around the waist, and I hate to spend money on anything I think I can do myself. The result isn't perfect but I'm satisfied, and I finished before we had to leave.

2008-06-22T15:58:00.004-04:00

I am a proud mother. Prove your awesome skills with your own video.

2008-06-20T03:54:00.005-04:00

Vintage Swank caught my eye after I typed some random things into Google. I think those things were "modern vintage clothing". I realize that those words don't make much sense together, but it's fun (for me) to see what the results are.

Fun vintage items that range from a maternity bathing suit (bottomest right), to tea towels (top right), furniture, platform shoes, and many other great items. They have a brick and mortar store in Front Royal, Virginia, but browsing the website can be a lot of fun.

2008-06-19T16:49:00.005-04:00

This image from jacksprat on Etsy, was the closest thing I could find that resembles the type of shirt I'd like to make for my son. I anticipate having fabric leftover from the dress I'm making and I would like to make a piece of clothing for Jack because I haven't yet. I've attempted a few things in the past, but they've never succeeded, and ultimately ended in the bin. I may have mentioned my aversion to patterns before, which causes me to freehand my designs, and the projects don't always turn out the way I hope for. This shirt, which I want to call a tunic, seems like a pretty simple concept, and I think I'll get on fine without a pattern.

2008-06-18T12:03:00.007-04:00

Other than the stress of my upcoming trip back to the States, bicycles have been on my mind. I am surrounded by adorable, practical, vintage, Dutch or Italian city bikes, and it's hard not to want one. This style of bicycle is hard to come by locally (most now look like mountain bikes), and pretty expensive (the EURO). I like the skirt guards, fenders, chain guards, book rack, and basket. I have been able to find similar bikes online, and the prices range about $250 to over $3000.

I've literally had dreams about the red bike above. Of course, that one is closer to the top of the price range, and is custom made by Velorbis. The bike in white is made by Schwinn, and the cheapest at $250. Bottom left is by Raleigh, and has been featured in O Magazine. And finally, the beautiful Bianchi is made in Italy, and sold for about $600.

2008-06-15T15:51:00.007-04:00

I have a picture of this shirt from Urban Outfitters posted on my inspiration wall, and my friend Klaudnya spotted it and asked if I could make something similar for her. So I'm excited. I have made things for people before, but never clothing. Tomorrow I'm going to head down to the market as early as I can get my baby and myself out of the house. There's a vendor who sells sewing notions and such, and I'm going to look for some ribbon or something else to use on the placket. Finding fabric will be the challenge, because Italian fabric stores are hard to find, and of course, the Euro kills. Wish me luck!

2008-06-13T12:14:00.004-04:00

1. House 161, 2. solid oak wood sideboard, 3. Afroart (Stockholm), 4. Park Avenue West Coin Op, 5. Melamine, 6. henna macro, 7. beginning of a dress for daughter, 8. drawing corner

These photos serve as inspiration for me today. The colors, textures and themes "speak" to me. I am in the planning stages of making a dress, and I don't usually use patterns, so I take hints from things around me to create the shape and style of the item. I'm also working on a design for the fabric I'll have printed at Spoonflower. I hope you enjoy my picks.

2008-06-12T14:05:00.008-04:00

I was taking a look through dominomag.com's galleries and found that Holly Becker, of Decor8 fame, collected a few fine examples of what Etsy has to offer in the furniture department. After browsing her gallery, and doing a little digging of my own, I gathered a few of my favorites.

Top row: Spruce Home, Cane Back Chair; Pianonoble, Vollen Bench; Lunar Lounge Design, Slipper Style Chair.
Bottom Row: Lorimer Antiques, Farm Table; Michael Arras, Birch Plywood Chair; Scott Bergman, Rocking Cradle

Update: I originally stated that Holly Becker was from Design*Sponge, and she very kindly let me know that she was from Decor8. I am very sorry for the mix up, and pretty darn embarrassed.

2008-06-11T12:59:00.005-04:00

I am really pleased to let you know that I've been invited to participate in Spoonflower's Beta testing period. Spoonflower is enabling regular folks to upload their own image or design and have it printed on fabric. I've kicked around a few ideas, and have scanned one in, but I haven't yet decided what my first design will be. I'm considering a hand-drawn chevron pattern. There are really so many possibilities that when I first received my invite I felt overwhelmed. But I'm starting to focus and get excited. I'll keep you updated during the process.

This is a very rough sketch of one of my ideas.

2008-06-09T11:33:00.004-04:00

This is just a sampling of the fabrics I'd like to get my hands on from IKEA. I don't have any particular projects in mind, but that wouldn't stop me from building my itty-bitty stash. In my experience, it's hit and miss with which fabrics will actually be available when you reach the store. For me, I'm not sure if these fabrics are motivation enough for me to make the trip through Venice traffic, then spend my husband's hard-earned money on anything priced in Euro. He is paid in American dollars, and it just doesn't make a dent in the Euro, given the poor exchange rate. I'm hoping to do fabric shopping when I visit the States this summer. I have few resources for craft supplies, so my productivity is stifled. Too bad IKEA fabrics aren't available for purchase online!

2008-06-07T16:44:00.006-04:00

These box bags from Rohmer are too cute. I can think of a couple different things I could use them for, but I just love looking at them. The full time teacher who runs the Rohmcraft Etsy shop creates a variety of box bags and takes custom orders. She'll even turn your fabric into a bag if that's your cup o' tea. Her shop isn't limited to bags, coasters and note cards can also be found there.

2008-06-06T12:50:00.005-04:00

Oftentimes, while driving to wherever I need to go, I see graffiti, not the malicious kind, but rather art in unexpected places. Unfortunately, I don't believe that these spray-painted murals were commissioned by anyone, and will eventually get painted over. I see large blank walls and wonder why they can't be used to enhance the scenery and showcase artists work, legally. Art-Speak in the city of Portsmouth, NH has a program that puts this concept to work with local artists and structures. The Overnight Art Installation "intends to showcase the talents of artists working in the seacoast area, and also to highlight the important role public art plays in our communities by enhancing our environment, sparking our imaginations, generating conversation, and stimulating our minds".
I was pleased to see that Poppytalk featured the art of Susan Schwake, who was chosen to adorn a parking garage in Portsmouth as a part of Overnight Art. Below are photos from Susan's website.

2008-06-05T11:24:00.006-04:00

Pittsburgh Paints has a pretty neat (and accurate, I think) color personality quiz. I saw this first on How About Orange, I thought I would check it out for myself. My results are good, I would use paints of these colors if I were allowed to paint my walls! It's a fun little quiz, more in depth than other ones I've done before. Check it out for yourself here. This sums up my color personality: "If you find yourself drawn to Tapestry & Mosaic, relax and trust your intuition. Most likely, you are a spiritual, adventurous, and open-minded soul who welcomes both color, and the undiscovered, into your world."

2008-06-02T14:01:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted much lately, but while browsing my favorite blogs, I found this questionnaire on Elsie Marley's blog. Seemed like fun to me!

The concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
Robyn
2. What is your favorite food?
Cheese
3. What high school did you go to?
Southern Lehigh
4. What is your favorite color?
Green
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
Matthew McConaughey
6. Favorite drink?
Espresso
7. Dream vacation?
India
8. Favorite dessert?
Chocolate
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
Textile Designer
10. What do you love most in life?
Jack
11. One Word to describe you.
Creative
12. Your flickr name.
rocketrobyn

2008-05-21T16:26:00.003-04:00

I have been bogged down by inspiration overload. It may seem improbable, but lately, I've just been bombarded with too many great images, crafts, decor, new blogs, new resources, and so on. And besides my life as it is on the internet, my real life has been a bit overwhelming lately. On top of things that actually matter, I have a list of projects that I want to accomplish: frame posters (and by frame, I mean cut the glass, mats, wood, etc.), sew bathing suit, complete wallet, complete dress, knit ipod case for friend, write thank-you notes, and more. I'm not complaining, but I went from being BORED, to having so much I want to get done that it's been overwhelming, and I've been procrastinating. It's the kind of situation that I have a typical reaction to; if there is a lot to do, I don't do anything. So I am at least posting a blog.
Here are some websites that I've been immersed in lately:
kirtsy / Popular
elsie marley
Popgadget
The Bloggess
SouleMama
How About Orange

The photo above is Jack and me at his western-themed party that took place 17 May. My baby is 1!

2008-04-22T05:54:00.004-04:00

In an earlier post I had blogged about some fabric I ordered to make pillows from (shown above). I've completed 4 pillows (3 shown here) and made a pin cushion with some scraps. I enjoy Amy Butler's fabrics, but I think they take on a new quality when paired with fabrics by other designers. I am satisfied with the outcome, and it inspires me to make more! During my next trip back to the States I plan to build my stash so the creative possibilities will be endless. Once I've made more than would be appropriate for one living room (mine), I will start selling them on Etsy.

2008-04-22T05:00:00.008-04:00

HeroDesignStudio, based in Buffalo, NY, features gig posters for some of my favorite bands. My first search of "Feist" led me to them, and then I was happy to be greeted with Andrew Bird, Metric, Spoon, National and more. Their prints are not limited to bands, but also include owls, robots, birds and other whimiscal characters. You can visit them on Etsy, or at their website.

2008-04-21T14:16:00.006-04:00

While searching the term 'Bob Dylan' on Etsy, I was led to the Carpenter Dress. It's simplicity and versatile design appealed to me and I quickly added it to my favorites. Shaybelle offers three dress styles and makes them according your measurements to ensure a good fit. Because they are made to order, you can also specify the length you prefer.

2008-04-04T06:46:00.005-04:00

Design*Sponge has been running a "before and after" feature since at least December 2007. It has really inspired me to look at junk a little differently. Unfortunately, the resources for used furniture are slim pickins' around here. Below are some of my favorite projects thus far.

2008-03-24T17:12:00.004-04:00

I just had to share this. I saw this Apple Jacket over on Oh Happy Day. I cannot imagine how this is at all practical, but it is beautiful nonetheless. I enjoy knitting and I can appreciate how this may have come about. It made me smile!

2008-03-17T03:53:00.002-04:00

Wal-Mart makes me mad. The photos show nursery furniture that is available for purchase at Wal-Mart, at very Wal-Mart prices. I saw the photo with the blue-ish bedding on Ohdeeoh and first thought "that is too cute". Then I saw it was from Wal-mart, and currently only $39, and I got mad. Where was this stuff when I was pregant? It was only a little more than a year ago. I searched like a mad-pregnant-woman for reasonably priced good-looking gear for my baby's room. I ended up with DwellBaby's Cube crib set in Pear. I like it, but I paid almost $200 for it on Ebay. Let me also mention that Dwell Studio is now doing a line for Target, and that bedding almost looks better than the set I bought.

If I were buying all this stuff for the first time I would choose the orchard set in less than a heartbeat. There would be no obsessive web-browsing going on.

Don't get me started on the rocker! I really, cannot go into it about the rocker. Let me just say that my options were a horrible glider that I did not even consider, and an $800 rocker that was not even an option cause I'm not J.Lo.

All these options almost make me want to have another baby. Almost.

2008-03-11T08:19:00.006-04:00

I have been searching high and low (on the internet!) to find a new dinnerware set. My current set is from IKEA, and it has served it's purpose well, but lately I've had slippery hands or something. I've broken all but one of my small plates, and my cups are down to 3. My dinner plates are intact, but they are white, and show gray lines where we cut our food.

My dream dinnerware set would be from Heath Ceramics. I've pined for these ceramics since I read a story about Edith Heath in Dwell in June 2006 (read the article here). The only thing between me and my favorite dishes are the price tag. I've considered just buying one or two pieces at a time until I have a nice collection. If I lived anywhere near Sausalito I'd check out their factory store and hope to pick up irregulars, but it's a bit of a trip from Italy. In the meantime, I'll be searching on eBay.

2008-03-07T10:14:00.009-05:00

A post on Design*Sponge tipped me off to the retro poster designs of ISO50, and I think I've found the right posters for my living room.

2008-03-04T11:54:00.009-05:00

I chose the fabrics for the pillows I'm going to make and created a color palette using Big Huge Labs Color Palette Generator. I purchased all my fabric from Ebay and I'm really excited to get started.

2008-02-28T12:52:00.006-05:00

Here are photos from Flickr user honeymilk petals. Her "kitschy kitchen" first caught my eye and then I couldn't stop my self from browsing through the rest of her photos. Enjoy!

2008-02-27T10:22:00.007-05:00

These pillows from Amy Marcella (via Design*Sponge) have inspired me to sew my own for my living room. The unexpected color accents allow for a larger color pallette throughout the space.

2008-02-21T14:59:00.007-05:00

yellowcanoe via Another Shade of Grey. Enjoy the playful designs!

2008-02-18T16:07:00.007-05:00

The source picture, found on desire to inspire, was taken by professional photographer Scott Dorrance. This image inspired me to find look-alikes on the cheap. I added a mirror in place of the window, because we should all be so lucky to have that beautiful window. The console table was hard to come by, but the shelving on the left is available in red, and may be a suitable substitute. I would prefer the Expedit shelving from Ikea, turned on it side, with some bulky casters and painted red. The hand-painted umbrella stand has beautiful details and I couldn't resist.

Clockwise from left:
Janice Table Lamp from Target, $59.99; Pandan Single Box from The Container Store, $39.99; Himimay Milk Crates from Target, $35.99 for 2; Gold filigree porcelain umbrella stand - hand painted, 18" tall on Amazon, $129.00; Indo Gabbeh Rug from Ikea, $199.00; VÄNNA Mirror, from Ikea, $39.99; Cubitec shelving from DWR, $220 for red; Expedit shelving from Ikea, $79.99.

2008-02-18T09:26:00.006-05:00

I'd like to eat my black bean soup out of these handmade bowls from Etsy seller Lean Dog Pottery.

2008-02-18T06:32:00.007-05:00

I've been a reader of Oh Joy! for quite a while (I refresh a couple of times a day). Yet, I had no idea that the talented blogger had a store. Her store, Nantaka Joy, features papergoods made with hand-drawn designs and a vibrant use of color. These precious notebooks caught my eye:

2008-02-18T06:09:00.009-05:00

Beer-Braised Pork and Black Bean Soup
from REALSIMPLE

2 12-ounce bottles of beer (preferably lager)
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large onion, chopped
1 pound dried black beans, rinsed
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork butt (pork shoulder)
Kosher salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup store-bought refrigerated fresh salsa
1/4 cup fresh cilantro

In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine the beer, 3 cups water, the chilies, adobo sauce, cumin, onion, beans, pork, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Set the slow cooker to high and cook, covered, until the beans are tender and the pork pulls apart easily, 4 hours. Using a fork, separate the pork into large pieces. Divide among individual bowls and top with the sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.

If You Don't Have a Slow Cooker: Heat oven to 300° F. Follow the recipe above using a Dutch oven or large casserole. Bake, covered, until the pork pulls apart easily, 4 hours.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

I haven't yet tried this recipe but it's gotten positive reviews from the magazine's readers. I'll be making it as soon as I gather the ingredients. For the beer I'll try Warsteiner (my husband's favorite German beer), and I'll post the results when they're in!

UPDATE:
I made the recipe and it wasn't as flavorful as I had thought it would be, but with the right condiments (guacamole, salsa) I did enjoy it.

2008-02-18T05:01:00.011-05:00

The new Bargello pillow line from Jonathan Adler boasts hand-embroidery. I'm especially loving the yellow/gray/green color combos. There are several other eye-catching designs, prices ranging from $110-$145. A design pro featured in Real Simple suggests these pillows will be collectible in 25 years.

2008-02-17T16:50:00.005-05:00

When I was pregnant I spent all my energy looking for modern, yet reasonably priced nursery decor. Now, DwellStudio brings their genius to the masses via Target. I'm no longer excited about the baby items, been there, done that. I am, however, impatiently awaiting their home line to appear in Target stores. Domino Magazine featured some products that are not yet in stores. A press release by Target did share some photos and prices of products we can expect.

In particular, I am hoping to purchase the pillow featured about (top left) for $19.95. My eyes will be glued to Target's website until they appear.

2007-03-18T13:44:00.002-04:00

It seems I just can't stop finding things I love on Etsy, and I realize I'm not the only one. I immediately fell in love when I stumbled upon Ernest the Elf by Cari at marshallarts while looking for artwork to hang in my son's nursery.

I didn't end up purchasing this particular print, but I did come away with three other charming photos.

What makes these prints even better is that they are accompanied by great customer service from a real person.

2007-02-10T05:37:00.002-05:00

One look at the bags on their website and it's obvious the designers at StorkSak had fashion-forward mommies in mind. This UK-based company strives "to break the mould, mixing technology with contemporary design, producing products that can be used everyday whether you have children or not." Angelina Jolie may be able to attest to that; she was seen carrying one of their bags in October 2006.

Their beautiful and practical bags feature an insulated interior that keeps fluids cold or warm for up to 5 hours, include a changing mat and a removable pouch for wipes or make-up. They are designed to be easily wiped clean, and have multi-functional storage pockets.

$250 may be less than most designer handbags cost, and when fashion and function meet, I think it's well worth the dough.

2007-01-29T11:11:00.002-05:00

I am so glad I found this, now I just have scrounge up 164euro.

"The Mamaponcho is a protective garment designed especially for mothers who love to carry their babies close during the colder months of the year. It consists of a warm pouch for the baby with tow openings, one for the baby's head and one for the mother’s. The Mamaponcho is made from 100% ecologically friendly and very fine non itching Virgin Wool (IVN and Oekotex Standard 100). It is suitable to be worn over all baby slings and most brands of baby carrier."

Check out this innovative sweater/poncho/babywarmer here.

2007-01-27T06:23:00.002-05:00

Foxy & Winston was established in 2005 by Designer/ Illustrator Jane Buck, who is originally from England. Jane moved to the U.S. eight years ago and lives in Brooklyn, NY where her home studio is based. Each design is hand drawn, then individually screen printed onto cards, clothing and Limited Edition larger format prints.

I found adorable nature-inspired onesies and t-shirts for toddlers in her shop, as well as ready-to-be-framed prints that would be suitable for the nursery. Her wares are available on Etsy.

2007-01-26T09:01:00.002-05:00

Eleanor Grosch runs Pushmepullyou Designs in Philadelphia, PA. She prints all of her work by hand in her studio. These prints would look great anywhere in your home (and there's ton to choose from). Add a unique touch to your nursery with one of her animal prints, or a concert poster, which are so well-designed they stand on their own, even if you don't know the band!

Some of her other work includes a designs for Keds, and homegoods available through her website.

2007-01-26T06:17:00.003-05:00

The Oeuf Baby Lounger from Oeuf NYC is one example of great design from a company that has a knack for stylish baby goods. It's sleek look appeals to parents (and babies) with discerning taste, and will blend easily in a modern setting. There are seven different color combinations available on their website which should allow you to find one that fits your style. The lounger is suitable for newborns and will find plenty of use until your baby is able to sit up on his own.

With a price tag of $98 it may cost a bit more than your average bouncer, but it can resell on eBay for around $50 (where I purchased mine). If you're feeling generous, one of your expectant friends will be happy to know there may be a gently-used Oeuf Lounger in their future.