New Talent In The House

[All photographs, copyright 2009 by Little A.]

We were at a tae kwon do tournament this Friday and Little A wanted to use the video camera.  He's always loved taking photos but he's had limited time with my camera because he puts his little fingers on the lens. Reno let him have a go at it. Wow, his video coverage was terrific. [Plus, Big A won one second place ribbon and two third place medals. Little A got a spirit medal in his Pee Wee Division. Awesome! Congrats!]

Today I went to get my haircut. I thought that the hair looked good so I wanted Reno to snap a couple of photos that I could use on my blog or new website. Let's hope that there isn't some theory about the correlation between how one perceives you and how he takes your photo. If there is, then we're in big trouble. There will never be a public display of his said photos.

Little A wanted to give it a go. I must say that they're not bad at all. Some are a bit fuzzy because he doesn't have full control.  I did crop them and applied the Seventies Action courtesy of Pioneer Woman and that was it.

Funky, edgy and cute. What a great job and he's only five. xo, L

Afternoon Talks

Little A: "Mommy, when I become a Daddy can I have kids?"

Me: [wondering where this conversation started] "Yes, but only when you're finished school and get a job."

Little A: "Ok, is that when I'm a big boy and all growed up?"

Me: "That's right."

Little A:  "Will I find a wife like you? That would be nice."

Me: "Sure and I love you."

Little A: [smiling] "Since I can't get married, can I learn how to drive the car then?"

Me:  "Sorry, you can't drive until you're 19."

Little A:  "Wow, I can't wait!" [excited as if it was going to happen tomorrow]

Finding Inspiration

When people ask me how I design, I am sometimes shy about explaining my thought processes and little things that make me tick as a designer. I don't usually sketch in an artist's sketchbook. I tried that for a while and it was ok but it didn't completely do it for me. I make quick sketches to keep ideas but I usually like grid or lined sheets and a pen to scribble.

I do most of the thinking in my head and it doesn't come out unless I have the entire book/project envisioned in my noggin. It hurts my brain.  So I need to get into the car, drive off somewhere and process. I usually try to go somewhere pretty or cool so that I can distract myself. 

I did one small trip last week. We'd been sick for about a month with colds and other illnesses. I was desperate to just get out so I drove down to Pennington. There's a shopping plaza with a knitting shop, quilt shop and a bead shop. Don't tell your better half because he or she won't want to know about it. You won't fail to find something in this block. Pennington Quilt Works is a wonderful and inspiring place. After you're done shopping, you may need to curl up in this lovely bed of theirs.

The yarn shop and bead shops are terrific too. Look at the beading in the piece above.

I love this lamp. So funky. This is one awesome bead store.  Ahhh, I feel so much better. 

xo, L

Happy Valentine's Day!

When I wrote my scrapbooking book, my family and friends commented on the absence of Reno. Why? Well, he's a behind the scenes kind of guy who always manages to pop OUT of the way of where the camera is pointing at. I have very few good photos of him. What matters is that he's there when I need him especially when I am going through my drama [not that I'm that dramatic] or having heart palpitations over deadlines.

We're doing little dances with our kiddos to our favorite songs, Collide by Howie Day and The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson. I hope that you're having a great day cuddling and dancing to your fav tunes.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xo, L

Life Cont'd

Following the excitement that I had on Saturday, Sunday was a busy, busy day. At 10 a.m., Adam has his tae kwon do testing. [Congrats!] Then, from 1:30 on, we were going non-stop until 8p.m. with Chinese school, and their New Year's concert and banquet. It was fun and we were tired. We did win a bagful of Trader Joe's goodies. Yummy!

It has been gorgeous outside. I love it and I can't wait for spring. Meanwhile, I have photos of these beautiful arrangements on my inspiration wall. I love these arrangements by Saipua and the rest of her site is filled with beauty.

On top of all of the events going on this past weekend, I have been up to my eyeballs in finishing up a project. So, my work area looks like a disaster. It is a bright, happy and fun disaster though. I'm not complaining, just sayin'. When you work, are you neat or is it all over the place? I like to stack all of my fabrics in piles [see my other tips here and in the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting.] so that I can pull from them easily.

xo, L

Interesting Conversation ...

going on here.

I told you that Mark Lipinski interviewed me for the current issue of his magazine, Quilter's Home. Well, Joann's won't carry this particular issue and the reasons are here. Check out the talk on this issue [Jan. 30th post on his blog].

xo, L

Cramming Things.

It has been a crazy week and a crazy weekend. I have some deadlines but this time, they seem to fade in the background compared to everything else. I know that I have been talking a lot about knitting lately. It's been the simplest thing that I have been able to show you while I have been working on quilting stuff that I can't show you!

I've been working on my new website and that had to be pushed back a week as well. While we're on the topic, is there anything that you'd want to see on a quilt designer's website? Do you like tutorials? Patterns for download? Just plain ol' promotional stuff? Just asking because the site is a work in progress. Let me know, I'd love to hear.

On Saturday I needed some inspiration so I headed out to Maplewood, NJ. Reno took both kiddos to a birthday party [Happy b-day, Gavin!]. I'd never been to this city but I was told of a nice yarn shop there. Since I needed color inspiration, I thought that it would fit the bill. The Knit Knack lived up to my expectations. It is a little gem in the middle of a little town that I don't think I'll ever visit any time soon. Why? I will explain later.

Her samples are lovely and tempting. The colors, textures and yarns are oh so luscious.

Even their little lamb is well-dressed!

Check out the gorgeous sweater on the left. That's Wrenna from the new French Girl Knits book knit in Twinkle's Soft Chunky yarn. Yummy!

Take a look at the super cool yarn winder. We all need one of these for sure.

Come closer and take a peek. No cranking. Just press a button on the front and away you go. Wheeeee!

Oh yeah, why won't I come back any time soon? As I was leaving, there were 5 police cars attending to some emergency in the block where I parked. So, I went around the block to head back home. As I waited for the light to change, there was a suspect just at the right side of the front of my car talking to a police officer. Suddenly, the suspect turned and ran with the officer in hot pursuit.

That's too much excitement for me and this little trip was only the beginning of my weekend. I need to rest before the next installment of my weekend. Whew!

xo, L

Distractions

As I was sitting at my desk trying hard not to think about the cold and all of the work that I have ahead of me in the next week, I started playing with Picnik.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the site, it is a photo-editing website where you load up your photos and have some fun [for free!]. Well, you can buy into the premium package but the free one is just as fun.  There's lots to do. There are greeting cards and collages like the one above and you can add text and stickers to your photos.  Try the Polaroid frame like I did below. [How sad that Polaroid film is no longer being made. However, some enthusiasts are trying to make new film fit for the old cameras. I digress. Read about it here.]

A simple drop shadow frame is cool enough.
Wait a minute, what does this have to do with quilting/sewing? Pick any or all answers below.

a) Not a lot.

b) I did buy 7 Polaroid instant cameras from a lady who was having a garage sale as I was driving back from a quilt shop in Pennsylvania a few years ago.

c) You can print these cool pics onto photo transfer fabric paper and make wee gifts for Valentine's or any other special occasion.

Where, Oh Where Have I Been?

Well, I've been coughing up a storm with cold number "gumungus" [newly made up word by 5-year old scholar]. I didn't want to whine about another cold and scare away all of my readers.

So, I couldn't focus on much but I did manage to make this purse from a Quilter's Illustrated pattern. It was fast and fun. Plus, I needed a diversion so someone else's pattern suit the bill. Now, I need to buckle down and work on some designs of my own.

In the meantime, I made these little photo books. One was for my Mom because she wanted one of her grandkids. She wanted to be able to whip it out of her purse whenever she wanted to show them off to her friends. The other book was for our dear friend, Emily who moved away this past weekend.  I thought that an album of some of the photos that I have taken of her for the past few years would be a great gift. She loved it!

Here's the cover of the two books:

My nephew and Alex:

My boys:

Back to regular programming soon. xo, L

How Great Buddies Play

Alex has a best buddy, Aiden,  in his class. The funny and amazing thing is that they were born on the same day at the same hospital but we didn't even know it.  They act, talk and play the same way.  So what do these two love to do together?

They love to play in the sandbox.

They love to run up and down the stairs.

And, they love to paint.

Best buddies.
xo, L

Mark Lipinski, What a Fun Guy!

Guess who was interviewed by the funny and crazy, Mark Lipinski of Quilter's Home Magazine? Run to your bookstore or quilt shop and buy a copy of the magazine [April 2009 edition]. Turn to the last page and you'll see lil' ol' me. Mark is hilarious and his magazine is wild just like him.

xo, L

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

For those of you who celebrate the Lunar New Year, I wish you a prosperous and great year! Welcome, the Year of the Ox.

My kids love their little treats from my Mom. She sends lai see [red envelopes] filled with money and these adorable lions to ward off evil. xo, L

This is the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting [April 2009]. I got this advance copy because I'm a contributor. Check it out! xo, L

Lookee Here!

This is the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting [April 2009]. I got this advance copy because I'm a contributor. Check it out! xo, L

Eating While You Work

This time of year I always love a good soothing bowl of soup. It grounds and warms me somehow because I am forever trying to multi-task and am running around like some crazy woman. Lately, I've been working on book stuff, new web site stuff, etc. I made some of this favorite soup and yes, those are olives that you see in there.  I can't remember how I came about this recipe but it's yummy. Please forgive me but I am not an exact measurements kind of gal.

Chicken, Leeks and Olive Soup

6 - 8  Chicken drumsticks [I prefer to take the skin off]

2 Stalks of Leeks [chop into 2" lengths]

1 Small Jar of Green Olives

Chicken broth

Salt and Pepper if desired 

Throw everything into a pot or a slow cooker and let cook until chicken is done and leeks are tender. Simple and delicious.

xo, L

Dinosaurs Rule!

This is one of our favorite books at the moment. We love the artistry of Robert Sabuda. Before I started quilting and before the explosion of the number of paper artists into the greeting card industry, I designed handmade greeting cards. I must admit that paper was my first love and it was an even more passionate love affair than the one that I have with fabric.

You have to watch out for the hungry T-rex. He'll jump right out at you and eat you!

The triceratops love to fight and we get such a kick out of the fiery personalities that pop out of this book.

The mastery of the pop-up object is phenomenal and one little dinosaur lover is entertained immensely. xo, L

Sweet Roll

[Photo credit: American Patchwork & Quilting]
Look what I found! My crayon roll made its debut in Better Homes and Gardens' Fall 2008 issue.  It is such a versatile design. You can change it up and use it to store your knitting needles or anything else that pleases you.  You can use any type of fabric and alter the size of the crayon roll for a different look or purpose. Quilt and fabric designer, Jane Sassaman, modified and made the design for her pencils. How cool is that? I love to see what others have done with my designs. Won't you share yours? xo, L

dream

Today the world is focused on witnessing the start of a new journey for the United States. The history-making inauguration of Barack Obama has the world mesmerized. This is another step along the way in fulfilling the dream of Dr. Martin Luthor King. President-elect Obama's inspiration and great oratorical skills has injected hope into people around the world.

It has been amazing to see how my kids have grasped the events in their own way. Adam would rather watch world news over Curious George and Alex shocks people when he shouts "Barack Obama!" whenever we see his photograph gracing the cover of a magazine at the bookstore.

Here's to your dream, Mr. President.

3, 2, 1

... ready for landing. The Space Quilt is officially up on the wall. I loved the applique on this one. The pattern comes from Make Believe. There's even a pillow that coordinates with the quilt.

 

I am giddy over his love for this quilt ["Mom, can you write that I love your quilt?"]. I make/design a lot of things and they do love what I do. However, there were times when Nintendo and Thomas the Tank Engine were much preferred over my softies or handknit hats and scarves. Things are turning around. I now get their opinions on which fabrics I should buy at the quilt shop and they will pull out balls of  yarn that they want me to buy for them at the yarn shop. They both want to help me make a quilt for them. What more can I ask for?

New and Old

I am starting work on my next book. The deadline is a tight one and I have to get cracking. Funny thing though. I just received two boxes of my samples back from the publisher. It has been a year or so. Whenever I do get samples back, it is like Christmas because I don't know what I will be getting back. I usually design, sew, write and send the samples out. Though I take photos of the pieces for myself, there's nothing like touching the real thing. I often forget how the project looks and feels until the book is published. When I get the actual samples back though, it is even more fun because I get re-acquainted with the designs. Adam has been asking about "his" Space Quilt for a long while now. Well, we are just going to have to have a little welcome home hanging ceremony tomorrow after I take the quilt out of box and press it. 

This little pillow came  from The Modern Crafter - Home Stuff. I had so much fun designing the projects for this book. The ideas are simple yet cool. I hope that you check the book out.

xo, L

Things To Do In This Cold Spell

We've been experiencing a cold spell and my crazy little one loves to play outside with his best buddy right after dismissal. Brrr!!!

My ideal morning and better way to deal with the bitter cold is to snuggle under the covers and read. I've been enjoying this little read. The Coraline website is cute too. If you want to explore the site, there's a knitting pattern hidden in the web site. Suddenly, there's a lot of buzz about Coraline. There's a Nintendo DS game for it coming out in the next few weeks and then the movie will debut in February. Right now, I simply want to enjoy the book.  xo, L

Still Here

I'm back and full well into 2009. I'm not so much for making resolutions but I always have a sense of renewal every year around this time. I go into a cleaning binge and try to de-clutter. I think that it comes from the fact that when I was young, we were always told to have the house clean by Chinese New Year.

We had a rough couple of weeks with a couple of health issues. One of the main ones was the presence of whooping cough in my 2nd graders' class. He was sick with a virus and didn't have the pertussis but he did sit diagonally from one of the classmates who had it. In the end he ended up with a three week vacation [2 over the holidays and an extra week off] and a week-long dose of antibiotics.

I spent some time crocheting. I'm self-taught and I don't think that I've ever really done any crochet except a few granny squares. Well, I ended up crocheting Mario and Luigi softies, starting a lacy crochet cell phone case and finishing this cool scarf. The pattern is actually just a stitch pattern called Queen Anne's Lace and it looks more difficult than it really is. I'll have the pics for the others soon enough.

Meanwhile, I am bracing for the cold spell that will hit the east coast by the end of the week. I hope that you've all had a fab start to the new year. Back soon. xo, L