two straight lines

I Collect Houses

I acquired my third small house recently, so I guess that makes me a collector.  I'm including my barn as well as this much smaller house.  I'm attracted to the lonely little houses, nothing too pretty for me.  I loved the flat planes of color on this one, reminded me of an Edward Hopper painting.  It's really big (covers almost the whole top of that buffet its sitting on), and if you look closely at the detail shot, you can see that it has little light sockets in the ceiling.  I'm sure it needs to be rewired, but that would be so cool.  It's made of metal.  Like my barn, I bought it at Found.

I collect real houses too.  Well, mostly buy and sell.  I'm hoping to buy and sell (one each) soon.  Yep, we're moving.  Just across the state.  That means a closer drive my in-laws, Lake Michigan, and Chicago.  My husband will be singing this song.

The Sum of Her Days

 

Yeah, she on the table.

Survival

Pen-wielding Baby

Ack, Typepad has forgotten me.  Good thing I came up with the right password.  I guess when my grandmother and my editor start sending me "are you OK?" emails I better get back here.

Oh, June (and um, July), where did you go?  Having Elliot home full time has officially sent me into the land of unproductive-ness (not really a word, eh?)  It doesn't help that Lucie is at the age where I turn around to find her standing on barstools and such.  I have so much to say, and well, really nothing to say.  How is that possible?  Sort of like these summer days seem to drag and fly by at the same time. 

This has not been an easy summer here.  When I read posts like Blair's, I think, "wow, I so can't relate."  Maybe when my kids are little older, I hope summer will be a carefree, breezy time.  Maybe I should have taken it as a sign when on the very first morning  of summer my cat came in the dog (cat?) door and dropped a LIVE rabbit in the middle of my kids, one of my dogs and me, only to send me into a screaming fit as I chased the wee bunny around my kitchen catching him in a box and promptly despositing him in the yard.  Sort of wish I had that one caught on tape.

I'll try and be back here soon.  Just know I'm in survival mode now.  It's so not you, it's me.

Mei Tai

When Elliot was a baby I tried to engineer myself a Mei Tai (great directions there) style baby carrier, replacing the ties at the waist with a buckle.  I made the body of the carrier with denim on one side and a green Amy Butler fabric that I was lukewarm about on the other.  The straps are lightly quilted at the shoulders, with either flannel or thin batting inside.  The sash is two layers of denim squared off at the ends.

Because I never loved the fabric I never really took to using it, favoring my store bought carriers instead.  When the fabric I ordered from Pink by Post arrived last Friday, I got the idea to remake the carrier, reusing the straps and waist belt, which are really the most time-intensive part.  I finished late last night, because, you know, I needed it today.  I knew I loved the way it looked then, but the real test was when we got the girl with the red curls in it.


Waist belt detail

Note: This is an equestrian buckle rated for very heavy use.  Please make sure any hardware you purchase for making baby carriers is rated to carry the weight of your baby!  And of course, reinforce your seams.

Oh, and several of you were right about the sneak peak last week, it is the quilted awning for our play stand, which I will show you in full as soon as I can get a photo.

edited:  oops, maybe I should check the spelling of the title next time;)

Garland

Pardon the ratty ironing board cover, I shot this photo in a rush before shipping these garlands off to Wondertime last January.  The bottom three are necklaces, and the top one is a headband.  These are in the latest issue (June, I think) and I also have a piece on page 56 called "Paper Work."  I wanted to show you these as well as link to their version because they have a really cute template available.  Also, I wanted to tell you a little about the process involved in creating this one.

For Wondertime, I try to come up with projects that are fun for kids, and often try them with Elliot, but when producing the final piece, he is rarely involved.  For this one I fussed over the beads made of drinking straws covered with printed fabric, at first trying Liberty prints, but finally settling on mossy green print I already had.  Similarly I purchased and tried several other beads, as well as ribbon, yarn, string, seam binding-- you get the picture-- putting way too much thought into something that is supposed to appear organic, thrown together.  In the end I was pretty happy with the results when I shipped them off.

In the next day or so, I sat out several bowls of "leftovers" for Elliot, along with a tapestry needle threaded with green yarn.  In a few minutes, he threaded himself a flower garland that was just the unfussy look I was going for.  Moral:  If unfussy is what you're going for, don't fuss so much. 

Who is teaching crafts here?

These would make a great rainy day or Midsummer craft.

Finished

Any guesses?

An Apron and a New Shop

I put my apron back on yesterday for the first time in a L-O-N-G time.  I've had a whole lot of obligations lately, and yesterday, it was just me and my little ones, with some crafting for fun thrown in.  I finally finished my March (eek!) quilt square for Kathy Mack and started on Amanda Jean's.  Of course this isn't just crafting just for me, but it really is fun.  I so enjoy creating something for each person that is part of their vision.  And trying color combinations and fabrics I wouldn't have chosen myself is surprisingly inspiring.
I had a little helper in the craft room, she's such a cutie pie, can't really complain about much with her around. She hammed it up for a little photo shoot. 

I plan on being back here more in the next few weeks now that things have slowed down.  I've had a few projects that I've been meaning to show you for quite a while, so now just may be the time.
Speaking of Kathy Mack, fellow bloggers will agree that you really can't find a better person out here in crafty wonderland than her.  And I'm so excited to tell you that Kathy has opened her own pattern and fabric shop called Pink By Post, found right here.  Of course, I placed my order this morning before giving you all the heads up.  I LOVE her new bag pattern, it is my very favorite shape.  I love a slightly oversized across the body purse with room on top for a sippy cup and diaper.  And I love that it also includes a child-sized pattern.  I have no doubt that Kathy will provide great customer service since she seems to do everything with an eye for detail.  Just look at that picture on her blog (not the one with Eddie Vedder), now that's someone who's found her calling.  I hope I don't embarrass Kathy with this, but I honestly don't think I could admire someone (whom I've never even met) any more.

PS- Dear Typepad- Please don't do upgrades, I liked you just the way you were;) 

Nature Boy

When Elliot was born I dreamed he'd grow into an artsy nature loving boy, and we'd spend our days crafting and gardening.  What emerged instead was a boy with your typical vehicle obsessions, most specifically of the fire truck variety.  He squealed when I even came near him with the tree hugging shirt I bought him, favoring "fire department" instead.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but he embraced his obsession for over two years. 

For little kids, such obsessions can be signs of sensory issues (yep), or of giftedness (don't know), and I'm sure in some kids they are indicative of nothing.  In the past few months since we have been pinpointing food intolerances in Elliot's diet and treating them with a combination of enzyme supplements and removal, his interest in fire trucks is all but gone.  And instead he loves space and rockets and Notre Dame football and golden retrievers and daffodils and butterflies. And he swings and climbs jungle gyms and bounces in those giant bouncy things and goes into Smalland at Ikea, and uses scissors and crayons all day long.  Oh, and he'll happily wear that tree hugger shirt.  Each activity is met with amazement-- "Mommy, I'm not afraid any more."

We've seen quite a change in our boy.  We have OT on hold until we see what is left to be treated after dietary intervention.  We aren't free of issues, that's for sure, but he's adjusting to his new view of the world.  And in a crazy twist of fate, through all of this we may have discovered that I am a Celiac, probably have been my whole life, but I exhibit very few "classic symptoms," and the symptoms I've had since childhood I thought were "just me." (What, you're fingers aren't numb?)  I've been waiting to mention it here until the testing is complete, but it looks like it may be a few more weeks.  So now we are gluten free.

I used to joke that I would forever hold it over Elliot's head that I had to limit my diet so much in order to nurse him.  Turns out it may have been the other way around, he may have been bringing me health through our dietary elimination.  Maybe I didn't get a Nature Boy, but I surely got just what I needed.

Bundles

of Carolina Chambray from Robert Kaufman sent out last week to my fellow participants in the Virtual Quilting Bee.  Available at Purl, a little cheaper locally at Guildcrafters.  Anyone who likes shot cottons will love this stuff.  There are actually three colors in each bundle, dark teal, russet, and muslin (my names for the colors, not Robert Kaufman's).

(S & P shakers by Anthropologie)

And some quilty inspiration via Flickr.  I didn't make any of these.  Click through for links to the very talented makers.

Charm

Hi, I just wanted to pop in a say hello.  We've been on spring break here, and now I'm on a deadline.  The above picture is my most recent piece for Wondertime.  It is a fabric charm made (theoretically) from a swatch of your child's clothing.  I made these from fabrics from Lucie's room, but also may make some from one of my Mom's old dresses.  Wondertime actually found a  donut shaped charm that did not require drilling for the magazine shot, but these are the ones I made. 

If you do this project, take your time and do several coats of mod podge on the charm, and you'll end up with a really nice and super smooth result.   The base is just a 1" wooden square. 

In the April issue, my project was the God's Eye with variegated yarn.  Those are really fun, and perfect for Cinquo de Mayo. Be back soon, I promise;)

Babette

These aren't the best photos, but I may never be able to get any with good natural lighting because this area of my house is rather dark.  This week-- April 1, yes I am a fool-- was my birthday (37, thank you)  and I got myself a few treats, including this Babette Doll which I absolutely adore.  I am not the biggest collector of softies, but Babette is my favorite.  I love how French she looks.  I am a major French wanna-be (actually I am French, my maiden name is DeMoss), so this is just perfect for me.

(That's the reflection of my kitchen in the TV, see the terrariums back there?)

And I finally filled some embroidery hoops that I bought on Ebay many months ago with Joelle Hoverson's new line of fabric Cake Rock Beach.  I was so pleased when it arrived today, I bought this print as well as the companion dot in two colorways, and it is really gorgeous.  I want more, but will leave some for the rest of you.  Here you can see a few of the changes that I've managed to implement in my family room.  I've painted the mantel black, put some Denyse Schmidt throw pillows on the chairs, and some of you spied the DS quilt on the back of my couch a while back.  Now I just need to slipcover the ottoman with some tobacco colored fabric I bought a few months back.  Why does that seem so difficult?  I don't know.  I'll give you some more shots of some other changes soon, including a ladder to the left of the fireplace with three wool throws. (that I conveniently bought for my family for Christmas, how's that for multi-tasking?  Call me Homer Simpson).

Have a great weekend...

(PS- a few posts back a few of you asked about my fridge magnets.  I made them by printing large numbers on Kraft paper and putting them through my Xyron)

Specimens

Elliot and I decided to make some terrariums, so last week we headed out to our local plant store and picked out some nice specimens.  It took us a whole week to gather the supplies (giant jars and dinos from Target, everything else besides plants from Downtown Home & Garden), and we put them together this morning.  I really struggle with houseplants because I am fickle with a short attention span, but I have great hope for these because I read online that most terrariums fail due to over watering.  Well, they clearly haven't met me.  (Husband chuckles)

The dinos were originally intended for a paludarium in Elliot's room, but he wanted them in the kitchen, and actually I quite like them.  Elliot and my husband (do I ever say his name?  his name is Scott) ran to Target for one more dino and a smaller jar for his room.  I would show you a photo of that one, but its rest time, and of course, one does not interrupt rest time.

Science is so cool, why did my teachers have to make it so dang boring?

This one is my favorite.  I love the way that guy looks like he's eating the plant.  Scott says this one doesn't eat plants.  I say only boys care about such details.

I keep forgetting to tell you, a local friend of mine started a blog, and she is super sweet as well as the queen of crochet.  Check it out...here.

Update: These jars are the 2 gallon Heritage Collection at Target (by Anchor Hocking) for $12.99.  They are around 13" tall.  They are in the kitchen department, and there are many others there that would also work.  I chose these because they looked vintage, instead of looking like they were "trying to look vintage, but not quite."

Spring-y

(Spring Green Cape, #6 of 10 I'm making for Elliot's classmates)

OK, this is a really random post after all of that heavy stuff, but I'm feeling all spring-y over here and it brought up a question that comes up in my mind every time I think about adding some curb appeal to my house.  You know, planting some flowers, putting some furniture on my front porch.  Why are all (or at least most) flags for you house (besides the patriotic ones, of course) so cheesy?  Is there a market for non-cheesy ones, or are they just bad all around?  I think if you could find really cute ones they could be a nice touch.  There seems to be so much fabulous illustration around these days, why doesn't anyone print it on a flag?  and sell it to me?  I managed to find cute simple ones for the fall and winter, but the spring and summer ones are scaring me.

I just got a marketing email from Michelle Caplan, which led me to the Paper Quilt project, now there are a number of illustrations there that would make great flags.  Here's a really cute one by Claudine Hellmuth that would be cute for spring.  Am I crazy?

Things are really good over here (thus the decorating), Elliot and I start OT this afternoon.  Can't wait.  We've also started some dietary changes, and I can really see a difference in him.  They call it the "Happy Child Effect."  I'll take it.  As we progress, I'll share what we're doing.

Have a great day.

Just What Are Sensory Issues?

First, let me thank all of you for your kind words and support, they mean the world to me, really.  I am constantly amazed at the kindness of this community.  You brought many a tear to my eye.  I will touch base with as many of you as possible over the next few days.  I would also like to give a little more information about Sensory Integration as a whole, and also how it relates to my son.  I know a few of you who know us in real life are wondering just what this means for Elliot.

I don't think I could possibly sum this up as eloquently as Taya did when she said-- "preschoolers, by definition, are learning to integrate the incredible, overwhelming data from the world around them. It's hard, and struggling with it demonstrates just how much there is out there to see, hear, touch, etc.--it can point out the richness and beauty of the world to us, the adults who are really good at integrating, and it can also help us to notice the very sensitive little souls for whom sometimes it's just too much." 

Taya is absolutely right.  Sensory integration really is the most important work little children are doing.  Taking in information from their surroundings, interpreting it, and reacting to it.  And all children have sensory issues, little things that make you scratch your head and go, hmmmmm.  It is when these things add up and alter the way a child lives his life that it needs intervention. 

I also want to clarify for those who read all of the comments the relationship between sensory issues and pervasive developmental disorders such as autism.  Nearly all autistics have sensory issues, but kids with sensory issues are not necessarily autistic.  My son is not autistic. 

I suspect the reason it took me so long to figure out Elliot's sensory issues is because he does not have what I thought of as many of the classic symptoms.  I thought affected children covered their eyes and ears all of the time, made their parents cut all of the tags out of their clothing, and only ate a few foods.  Elliot doesn't do any of these things, he does subtly avoid some things, but in and of themselves they would not be significant.  For example, he won't eat anything "minty" or "bubbly," hates swings, and has grown out of a variety of other sensory avoiding behaviors.

Elliot is primarily a sensory seeker.  He loves preschool and asks us if he can go everyday, and stay for aftercare.   He doesn't cause any significant problems at school, but does want to touch other children a lot, which I suspect is annoying to them.  This is his only problem at school, and luckily he has very good relationships with his teachers, who incidentally, think he has sensory issues, but that they are within the range of normal.

At home, Elliot is more difficult.  I think that holding it all together at school is very tiring, and he sort of lets it go for us.  Again, he loves action, and if we were to run him around from the farmer's market to a restaurant, to a mall, he would be happy as a clam.  It is mainly when we desire to stay home and do something besides entertain him every waking moment that we run into a problem.  I'm delighted that my son is so bright and energetic, but there has to be room in the day for meeting the needs of more than one family member.

The other big frustration Elliot has is getting his body to keep up with his mind.  I knew that he struggled with large motor skills, as he frequently injures himself (hello, emergency room) but I thought his fine motor skills were just fine.  On the way out of the occupational therapist's office the other day I bought him an orthopedic pencil as a treat.  When we got home he wrote his name on every piece of paper he could find.  I guess he was not able to hold a normal pencil well enough to write.

So, our hopes are that through occupational therapy, they can teach his body how to better work with his brain, and he will have a lower level of frustration, which will lead to more peaceful times in our home.  I also believe there is a strong connection between sensory issues and food allergy, and as proof of that would like to let you know that every single Mom who has contacted me privately has confirmed that her child also suffered from reflux as a baby, which I also believe is a food allergy issue.  We will also be handling this from a food allergy perspective.  (anyone wanting more info about the food allergy connection, check this link)

Finally, as I am sure is the case with any child's diagnosis, this has led me to examine my own issues, and I am confident I have plenty of sensory issues as well.  This gives me hope, as I am functioning, as least reasonably well:)  I also believe these children carry with them enormous gifts in their sensitive little bodies. 

Mama Voice

I try and draw a line between the public and private in this little space, but this needs saying, if only for me, for my boy.  And also to explain why I seem come and go from here.

We're four years down this path, and finally we have some answers.  From his earliest days, something just seemed different, harder.  With every sound he woke, I held him, all day, all night.  Had to limit my diet to keep him happy.  There's something off I say, the doctors say he is fine, he is big, he is beautiful.  I listen to my Mama Voice, stop asking for help. 

I will care for you little one.

He grows, he's smart, he's healthy.  He's just clumsy because he's SO BIG.  All parents have to repeat things a lot, right?  Why doesn't he really play with all those toys?  Why must I lead him through everything?  Still, things seem more normal.  Maybe parenting is really this hard.  But, it doesn't look this hard for others.

He starts school, does fine.  Seems ahead in some ways, behind in others.  He's happy.  He turns three, his sister comes.  Things aren't so good.  Sibling issues, yes, that's it.  He challenges more, acts out towards pets and sister.  Everyone says "he's three, three is hard."

But, he has incredibly sweet moments.  He talks like such a grown up now.  When did my little boy become so grown up?  Still, something about him seems naive, a little off.  What is it?

Fourth birthday approaches, maybe four will be better.  Late night internet searching, click on "sensory issues."  This is my child.

Seek evaluation-- yes sensory issues, sensory seeking (must touch everything), sensory avoiding (no swings, please).  We can help him.  He will be fine.

Prescription:  Rich sensory experiences, occupational therapy (disguised as play), lots of hugs (no tickles)

I will care for you little one.

Odd Feed?

A local reader of my blog (thanks Parke!) contacted me and said she's getting a really odd feed of my blog on her feedreader (she's on my atom feed which is my most popular).  Anyone else getting music related postings from me?

If you don't know what a "feed" is, please disregard.

11 Months

:Lucie:

at 11 months you

stand against various things for really long periods of time, until you get crabby from standing so much

dump all of the play food out of the playstand each time I pick it up...this could continue all day

clap your hands and also put them up by your shoulders like you're saying "SO!?"

love Clio the cat so much that you gasp and flap your arms while saying "CAT" each time you see him.  You even purr at him.  I'm so glad now that I bought you this adorable cat with three wee kitties hiding in her skirt for your upcoming birthday  (from Dorie at Tumbling Blocks)

have a little gap between your front teeth just like your Grandma Debbie did

have little curls at the nape of your neck

love to eat, but are not so sure about yogurt

love Elliot best.

Been Around the Block

My quilt square for the Virtual Quilting Bee destined for Mama Urchin's playroom.

Now I need to go buy a non-crap iron. Bye-bye Rowenta. Hello Black & Decker. I took the internet's advice and spritzed it with water (rather than using steam) and it added a boatload of tiny wrinkles.

Time to Sew

Fickle

This bed, recycled from a down pillow, was one of the first blog projects I did.  It used to have a cute little apron with vintage kitty fabric and red trim, but I washed it once and the seam binding bled.  Clio never once used it, until today.  Maybe its a nice spot to look out at the fresh snow.