On Your Own, For Your Own

Love List #80 ...yes, been busy!

2011-02-11T16:58:00.004-05:00

Time has slipped by, but two of my newer loves deserve their post. I try not to make all these love list posts about my family...but here is to the BLN and the big C.L., the new family additions.

Love List #79 Star Catching

2011-02-11T16:47:00.006-05:00

Inspired by the amazing photos by Jan von Holleben, Mia and I took some great pictures which were taken in the afternoon and are natural light!

One size diaper cover pattern

2010-08-07T22:53:00.004-05:00

I have to clean this up a bit, but here is the pattern for my one size diaper cover. It can be used as a turned and topstitched cover with optional third patterned outer layer, or adding the inner slit opening to make it a pocket stuffable cover. Make sure it prints with the one inch square box true to size or adjust your size on the pdf or printer.

FRONT
BACK

Print both pages and line up front to back at markings and center fold line. This will print as HALF a pattern, cut it out and trace it onto another piece of bigger paper if you want the full pattern.

The picture tutorial is found HERE

Diaper Cover Tutorial - Turn n Topstitch

2010-08-07T18:31:00.016-05:00

This will be my basic tutorial, which can be used for making waterproof diaper covers as well as pocket diaper covers! The photos and main directions are for a one size pocket diaper with a cute printed outer. I am making a snap up one size diaper, but as my 5 month old is already on the largest size, I believe the snaps could be left off for a good fitting 20+ pound cover if you do not have access to a professional snap press.
Pattern found HERE.

SEWING LEVEL: Medium, curve and stretch and sew capabilities needed

MATERIALS:
Pattern - THIS one is my favorite one sized pattern
1/4" braided polyester elastic - 18" per diaper
Guuterman 100% polyester thread (no cotton in your thread)
Loop velcro for the front - 10" if making my one size pattern ( I prefer 1.5" wide)
Hook velcro for the wing tabs - 4" - ( I prefer 1.5" wide)
Fabric:
You will need at least 2 layers to use this method called turn and topstitch. For a cover, at least one of them needs to be waterproof, so this can be 2 layers of THIN 100% soft wool ( I prefer cashmere or merino), or it can be one layer of PUL (polyeruethane laminate)and one layer of a soft polyester liner like thin microfleece or suedecloth. I prefer to buy my PUL in white and add an extra thin layer on the outside of a cute polyester print, making it 3 layers. You can get maybe 4 diapers out of a yard of materials depending on your pattern and placement. For a pocket diaper, the inner HAS to be a wicking material (suedecloth prefered)
Optional: Snap press and resin snaps ( I recommend KAM brand, not handheld pliers)

DIRECTIONS:

Pre-wash all materials before cutting. Use Ecover liquid, All small and mighty free and clear, Mountain Green , Charlie's soap, Publix free and clear, Country Save (wal mart) or a detergenet WITHOUT brighteners which can break down cover laminates, and scents which can irritate baby. Wool needs to be washed on HOT and "felted" well in the dryer to close up the knit holes.

Print your pattern, making sure the inch box is true to size, or resize to fit.

Trace pattern onto pieces marking elastic notches and snap placements (if using).
For cover or pocket cover plain, cut one liner and one PUL
For cover or pocket as in this tutorial, cut one liner, one PUL, and one poly outer
For wool, cut 2 wool
You also need to cut a piece of backing PUL or suedecloth to reinforce behind the snaps and velcro at the front. Just trace the pattern at the front down to below the snap/velcro line. Wool is so strechy that if you are using it, you need to leave off the snaps, or reinforce with a non-stretch material to keep the snaps from popping out.

Line up reinforcement layer with OUTER layer on the wrong side of outer and pin in place. This will be your PUL, Outer Wool, or third decorative poly layer.

Sew Loop (soft) velcro through both layers centered and right above top snap marks onto the right side of the outer layer.

Set snaps: top row studs and bottom two rows sockets ( I believe) :) through both layers

On LINER layer, cut a slit 5 inches long in the middle near the elastic notches on the BACK of the diaper. I fold in half, measure 2.5 inches and cut V notches at the ends.

Turn under edges of your slit and topstitch around, this will be your stuffing slit!

Line up layers: right side of outer to right side of liner and if using a third layer it will be the hidden PUL and that can go on either side sticky side hidden. More waterproof if against suedecloth liner, but see note below.

Sew through all layers with 3/8" seam allowance. If your suedecloth or liner is hidden by the PUL layer, you must leave a little hole for turning at the belly side front, if not, sew all the way around!

Trim corners and curves close to seam

Sew leg elastics with 5" or 6" of elastic (bigger for chubbier babies) Start at one notch and stretch to full stretch while you sew with a zigzag stitch to the other notch. Repeat at each leg and at back. I use 5" at the legs and 6" at the back.
Be sure to BACKTACK the ends of your elastics well!

Turn diaper through slit in liner or at the hole at top front. If you turned through the hole, topstitch it closed.

Topstitch at back BELOW the elastic, stretching it while sewing.

OPTIONAL (not shown) Topstitch all around the whole diaper going AROUND the elastic at the legs instead of through it, stretching while sewing.

Cut 2 pieces of hook (scratchy) velcro about 2 inches long each. Sew them onto the liner side of the wings, backtacking and making sure it is on there well! I sew 1/2 on the wing and 1/2 off, but if you have a skinny babe, it can be sewn all the way on the tab.

DONE!!!!

Updating my patterns and links

2010-07-01T12:45:00.001-05:00

I realized that lots of my patterns and links were not here anymore thanks to Yahoo closing down Geocities...so I will be updating them as well as uploading my newest ones in the next week or so! Sorry to all those who have come and missed out.

MiaLa Medium Tab front - Free Printable

2010-06-24T22:09:00.000-05:00

Old version of the MiaLa free downloadable printable cloth diaper pattern

Well, this pattern with the tab front has disappeared since losing geocities, so here is the one it was based on. I originally made it to fit my chunky thighed daughter because I hated how others folded over or cut into her. Make sure the inch is correct when you print it and use a 1/4" seam allowance. It is turn and topstitch method and HERE is my favorite T & T tutorial. She is making it a fitted, but it is the same idea:
Sew the bodies right sides together leaving an opening, Flip and topstitch. To change it into a tab front, I just chopped the pattern at the back leg elastic markings and squared off the tabs. For more detailed instructions, I will be adding my detailed ones soon.

PATTERN PAGE 1 HERE
PATTERN PAGE 2 HERE

Dinner on a stick

2010-06-07T15:57:00.002-05:00

Skewered dinner, picky kid friendly.

On the menu:
pepperoni
cheese squares
tofu squares
red pepper chunks
cucumber slices
cherry tomatoes

desert:
watermelon chunks
marshmallows

Homemade bug repellent

2010-06-07T15:51:00.003-05:00

We just mixed up a batch of oils that seem to be doing a good job against the TONS of mosquitoes around here.

We mixed:
2 TBS olive oil
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops citronella essential oil
6 drops tea tree oil

I was nervous about putting this mixture directly on the kids skin, so we cut cotton knit strips and soaked them in the mixture, let them dry out a bit and tied them on wrists and ankles. Ended up being a fun project for Mia!

Love List # 78

2009-07-20T08:15:00.005-05:00

Watson's Mill. I used to go camping here when I was in high school. Complete with an old covered bridge you have to drive through, walking and sliding down the slippery rocks, and a little waterfall. Fun.

Home Made Tee Pee

2009-07-20T07:33:00.005-05:00

This was such a fun project, and Mia got to help with almost all of it!
Ages 2 and up with adult help.
Materials:
Bamboo or dowels (6)
Fabric for panels: we used felt scraps for more structure. Felt, canvas, or any thicker fabric will hold up best.
sewing machine and thread
Ribbons and decorative accents (we used pipe cleaners, and sparkle tulle and lace)

Step one: We cut down Bamboo and trimmed it and cleaned it ourselves, but it would be alot easier to buy dowels! We cut them about 6 feet tall and cut 6 of them. If you use bamboo, be sure to cut the branches close to the stalk or sand them down so they are not pokey.

Step two: Gather the rods at the top, about 4 or 5 inches down and tie with twine or rubber bands.
Step three: Stand the structure up and spread them out evenly to your desired width to get your basis for your fabric panels. Easy to do this on a rug so the ends dont slip. Measure the distance between the bottoms of the rods. Ours averaged out to about 20 inches. Then measure up from the base of one rod, to the place where the ties/rubber bands are. This will be the measurements for your panels (plus seam allowances). We added a half inch on each side for seam allowances.

Step four: Cut six triangle panels. We alternated colors for a circus look. Then cut panel number 6 for the back in HALF longways for closing up.

Step Five: Fun part! Pick lots of ribbons, fringe, etc., and sew onto the individual panels how you choose. We just made a huge pile and Mia picked a few of her favorites. I sewed them in horizontal stripes

Step Six: Sew all of your panels together at the side seams, right sides together leaving the whole thing open at the back where the two half panels will meet, you will sew this closed at the end. I did not do it like this in my picture, but it will make it easier for you!

Step Seven:Sew channels over each seam on the inside except for the back closing seam which is still open to make this easier. I used ribbons and scrap pieces of fabric about 2 inches wide to allow for passing the bamboo through. Leave the top and bottoms open. You can finish the ends by folding under.

Step Eight:Sew the back seam together, right sides together.
Step Nine:Untie your rods and thread them through the channels. Stand the whole thing up again and spread it out, aligning the rods and evening it out. Then retie it at the top where the ends of the rods stick out. Be sure to catch them individually as well as in groups. If you just wrap the whole thing, it will not spread out easily and the middle ones will slip. IF you are using dowels, rubber bands will hold it better. Also be sure the fabric is all the way down to the floor on each one before tying.

Step ten:. Cut the front panel about halfway up on both sides INSIDE of the channels you have sewn for the door. IF you are using a nonfray material, this will be fine, but if not, you might want to finish the edges before assembling, after sewing the channels. We tacked some ribbons at the top edge of the cuts to hold it up when it is rolled up!

Step Eleven:Extra decorating. We made stars out of silver pipe cleaners and hung them on the inside, and Mia picked a purple sparkly tulle for an outer addition. We use it on a plush rug so there is a nice seating pad :)

I have not yet taken a picture of the actual completed project, but will add it soon!

Have fun and feel free to send me pictures of your own to add!

Love List # 77

2009-06-08T20:06:00.004-05:00

Who doesn't love piglet?

Love List # 76

2009-06-08T20:01:00.001-05:00

outside our door

Love List # 75

2009-01-31T23:56:00.004-05:00

This new dress I made for Mia, and this picture in general. I hope to be uploading some simple dress patterns soon, as well! I have decided to use recycled materials only for my stuff in the future ... (or mostly).

Love List 74 Tiny Tiny Tea Party Dinner

2009-01-17T09:56:00.005-05:00

Menu:
App: Guacamole and blue chips
Main: Hard Boiled Eggs and Bird Bread with Goat cheese
Desert: Mini Green Tea Ice Cream Cones with Blueberries

and a tiny tiny clean up~!

Original hem tutorials for jeans!

2008-11-26T23:02:00.003-05:00

I found this great tutorial for hemming your own jeans, but keeping that cool original hem. It can be done by hand, even, if you do not own a machine!

http://www.sketchee.com/963/hemming-jeans-like-a-pro

and also this one in case either of these go poof in the future.

http://www.daciaray.com/?p=38

Love List #72

2008-10-25T11:02:00.001-05:00

Costumes from Sweeney Todd....It's almost halloween! YEAY!

Love List #71 Haircuts

2008-09-19T22:03:00.005-05:00

I think I love it. No, I do, for now.

I hated it at first...then I cut some more..and a little more..and stopped there. ( I have always cut my own hair, so really I have no idea what it looks like from the back).

I think it is always hard to go from waist to chin. After 2 days, I'm definitely loving the loss of about a pound of hair which was clogging drains and getting tangled in everything and worn in a ponytail most days anyway...still getting used to it. My hair got wavy/curly when I got pregnant, so this chopping round has been fun... seeing what happens differently.

I only wish I had known I was going totally short when I started, then I could have donated. Instead I ended up with pieces.

Anyway. It is hair, it grows back. I might as well love it.

Love list # 70

2008-09-03T02:22:00.000-05:00

Yogurt fun...

Love List # 69

2008-09-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

Hanging an open chalkboard in the window...no sign.

Love list # 68

2008-09-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Learning toe tailing, the value of a powerful plug in drill, and how heavy sheetrock is. Love new knowledge..hopefully I will not have to use that knowledge again anytime soon.

Love List # 69

2008-08-30T00:54:00.000-05:00

going for it!!!

http://onlineathens.com/stories/081008/business_2008081000583.shtml

Love list # 67

2008-07-03T12:12:00.004-05:00

My play! Well, definitely not MY play, but I did the costumes for it, so I suppose my loves would be costuming in general, small theater companies, and getting to know Shakespeare. Taming of the Shrew set in the 1950's by Rose of Athens Theater.

Love List # 66

2008-06-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

The smell of honeysuckle.

ooh, also bacon, real maple syrup, freshly cut grass, magnolias, old books.
Definitely NOT mothballs. The worst!

Love List # 65

2008-06-20T12:03:00.001-05:00

Ordering room service in a nice hotel. It is not often I am in one, so enjoy a nice grilled cheese all fancied up! This was at a hotel on Seneca Lake where we went for my cousin's wedding. Beautiful.

Love List #64

2008-06-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

Picnics on breezy afternoons

Love List # 63

2008-06-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

The big respect project. More to come on this hopefully in August!

Love List # 62

2008-05-05T11:35:00.006-05:00

Green
Green
Green
Green
Green

Polish Wycinanki Paper Cutting

2008-03-21T09:20:00.003-05:00

MATERIALS:
Construction paper and White paper
Scissors
Pencil
Glue

DIRECTIONS:
Fold a piece of Construction paper in half
Draw a design along the edge of the paper with the fold
Leaving paper folded, cut out design
Glue design to a piece of white paper larger than the design
Glue White paper to a larger piece of colored paper

NOTE:
This project evolved into making paper dolls with 3 year old Mia doing the drawing and me doing the cutting.

From "Folk Art Projects Around the World"

Japanese Star Streamers

2008-03-21T08:55:00.005-05:00

Tanabata is a popular Japanese festival based on a story of a Star Princess who was a weaver. She fell in love with the cow-heard star and neither star did their work. The star princess's father sent them to opposite ends of the Milky Way, only allowed to meet on the 7th day of the 7th Month. During the celebration, children write poems on streamers tied to the trees and streets are decorated with streamers made using origami folding techniques.

MATERIALS:
Origami paper or squares of construction paper or wrapping paper 4-5 " on each side
18" of string for each streamer
beads or cheerios, fruit loops, etc
Needle with an eye large enough for your string or yarn
Strip of paper to tie to the bottom long enough for a poem

DIRECTIONS:
To make one paper triangle:
Fold square in half (colored side in)
Fold that rectangle in half again
unfold completely
Fold in half diagonally (colored side in)
Unfold completely
Fold in half diagonally the other direction
Open completely, then using crease lines allready created, fold adjacent corners in making back to back triangles.
REPEAT !
Divide all your triangles into three sets
Thread needle and string triangles and beads. Put at least 3 beads or 6 cheerios in between triangles to keep them apart. Leave extra string at each end.
Knot at top and bottom to keep them from sliding around
Write a poem on slip of paper and tie to the bottom of the streamer
Hang using top end of string

From "Folk Art Projects Around the World"

Indonesian Wayang Shadow Puppets

2008-03-21T08:41:00.004-05:00

MATERIALS:
Heavy paper or light card board (cereal box, poster board)
2 skewers, sticks, rulers, or dowels
Tape
Scissors
Notebook paper fasteners that spread apart in the back
Markers or crayons

DIRECTIONS:
Draw a body onto the paper MINUS one arm (use example or make one up)
Draw separately a bent arm and upper arm piece
Cut out pieces and color (optional)
Attach (LOOSELY) arm to upper arm, and upper arm to shoulder using the fasteners
Tape skewers to body and hand

From "Folk Art Projects around the World"

Indian Toran

2008-03-21T08:25:00.004-05:00

MATERIALS:
Large piece of felt (12" X 5")
Colorful and contrasting felt scraps
5" piece of drinking straw
Aluminum foil
15" yarn or string
Glue
Scissors
optional: Embroidery thread and needle

DIRECTIONS:
Cut out two pieces of contrasting felt 5" by 2" for ends of Toran
Cut out designs, animals, flowers, etc., out of the felt scraps
Move them around on your base till you are happy
Glue each piece down (OPTIONAL you can embroider them down around the edges)
Cut small circles of aluminum foil and glue onto Toran
Glue one strip to the bottom of the Toran (one inch on the front, one inch on the back)
Fold second strip in half, gluing only the edges, making a tube
Glue only the secured edges to the BACK of the top of your Toran leaving tube free
Insert straw into the tube, thread string through, tie and hang.

From "Folk Art Projects around the World"

Peruvian Mask

2008-03-21T08:11:00.002-05:00

MATERIALS:
Thick paper, file folder, or thin cardboard
Aluminum foil
Notebook paper fasteners (the ones where you spread them apart in the back)
Scissors
Markers
String or elastic

DIRECTIONS:
Draw basic mask shape like the one pictured and cut it out of the base
We opted to cut out eye holes so it is wearable
Decorate the mask with colorful designs
Cut small ovals out of the aluminum foil
Use the fasteners to attach them all over the mask loosely. You may need to use scissors to help punch the hole in your base.
Optional: Cut a small slit at the chin,overlap sides and secure and cut the base of the nose so that the mask has dimension.
Tie string or elastic on each side so it can be worn.

from "Folk Art Projects Around the World"

Mexican Beaded Bowl

2008-03-21T07:59:00.003-05:00

Borrowed idea from the Huichol Indians of Mexico. Originally produced using dried half gourds, beeswax, seeds, kernels, pebbles, shells, etc.

MATERIALS:
Small lid or saucer (jar lid, plant saucer)
Modeling clay
Lots of big beads, beans, macaroni, pebbles, etc.

DIRECTIONS:
(ADULTS OR OLDER KIDS) Cover lid on the inside, up the sides and over the rim with clay at least 1/4" thick
Draw a design into the clay or let kids place freestyle
See pictures below for design ideas

From "Folk Art Projects Around the World"

Columbian raised line sculptures

2008-03-21T07:48:00.003-05:00

Originally made by soldering gold wire to a flat sheet of gold.

MATERIALS:
Thin cardboard (poster board, cereal box)for
Black posterboard, or paint some black for background
Thin cotton cording or thick yarn
Scissors
Glue
Gold spray paint

DIRECTIONS:
Cut a circle from your thin cardboard
Cut a square bigger than your circle out of the black or painted cardboard
Draw a design similar to the one pictured onto the circle OR glue freehand
Glue cording over the design or let the kids just make designs on their own
Let glue dry
Spray paint entire circle with gold spray paint (ADULTS)
Glue gold circle to black background

from "Folk Art Projects Around the World"

Love List # 61

2008-03-18T01:47:00.002-05:00

THUNDERSTORMS

Love List # 60

2008-03-17T23:17:00.003-05:00

"hello, blender...I think I like you."

Love List # 59

2008-03-16T09:17:00.003-05:00

New Projects! Yeay! This is a sketch of a family tree quilt I am going to make for Mia..Genealogy is another love. Some of my lines go back to the 1600s so far.

Love List # 58

2008-03-15T13:02:00.000-05:00

African Violets on the kitchen windowsill. This was a given for my great grandmother, Faith, according to her children. Mia was given her name, so I only thought it fitting to get one. Yeah, I love it.

More fun with paint sample cards

2008-02-22T13:17:00.006-05:00

After using paint cards to learn color gradients, we have come up with a few new ideas for them!

First is a game of memory. We use only 3 pairs right now, and can add more as she gets older.

Second is a calendar/schedule chart...still in the works.

Love List # 57

2008-02-21T21:10:00.002-05:00

Climbing trees. An alltime favorite activity. Whew, its been a while, but really missed this project. More to come soon.

Mom and me aprons

2007-12-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

I made a few sets of these for Christmas presents. Super easy. Lots of fun. Adult Apron: One strip of fabric cut 4" by 64" for the top, rectangle 16" by 32". Child apron: 3" by 48" strip, 12" by 24" rectangle.

Pretty much just hem and attach, gathering the large rectangle to be the same width as length and centered on the waistband. Voila!

Love List # 56

2007-12-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

Remember that scene from A Christmas Storywhen the little brother gets stuck on his back in his padded up snowsuit? It really happens. We had our first big snowfall today and the Snowsuit my mother sent from Sweden arrived this AM. Perfect timing. This afternoon was snow angels, snow ice cream, and snowball fights.

Love List # 55

2007-11-28T09:44:00.000-05:00

My favorite way to wrap gifts with old grocery bags, some raffia, and a sprig of the tree. Also favorites of Christmas time decorating are white lights, vintage metal balls, and fogging up the windows by baking something all day.

Love List # 54

2007-11-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

My all- time favorite Christmas book as a child, and now I get to read it to Mia. It is called "Letters from Father Christmas" by J.R.R. Tolkien. They are the detailed letters and drawings from "Santa" to the kids explaining the drama happening up there at the north pole (goblins, polar bear cut his paw, the pole fell on his house, the bath flooded the toy shop, etc...) Amazing stuff. Love him.

Love List #53

2007-11-25T00:34:00.000-05:00

My mother wanted to buy me a purse. I asked for some time, and made this for myself today. It is exactly what I wanted, of course, in exactly the fabric I wanted, with little touches of my all time favorite fishes fabric, which I have had for 10? years? The trout and the plaid just called to me. for me. I do these for a living, but the reason I needed a new one was that the one I used for the past 4 years was trashed! That is how it goes. The dentist always has bad teeth, the seamstress is always missing buttons...well, today, I made myself a present. and I love trout. and fly fishing. and plaid. and side pockets. and ...my bag.

Love List #52 Oh my goodness!

2007-11-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

The Kingston Sewing (and more) Center. In business since who knows when. Their goodies are all from the 60's through 80's and, while usually only 50% off the ORIGINAL sticker price, this month, they are going out of business and they took 60% off the total. CRAZY. Here are a few highlights of what I scored for a total of 14 dollars.

3 cd's, some 70's hair combs, lots of yardage of wide velcro which I use often, 20 or so zippers, a woodstock music festival coffee mug (original? dont care), some binding, ribbons and elastics. All things I need every day and buy online overpriced plus postage.

The things I reluctantly passed on (mostly because I had to get out of there soon to find a place to pee, but give an indication of the reason I love this place) were:

a gazillion records (no way to play them), a hair net or rain shield, kitchy 70's ribbons and ric rac, too many patterns to even look through, old metal file cabinets, weird leather hides only sold by the hide, pac man and carebear patches, threads of every other color than the one you need, metallic house shoes (think florida gma), trucker hats from the 70's, and on and on...

The place is TWO isles...and you need TWO hours. too much fun..love it.

Love List #51

2007-11-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

Watermelon and Karen Dalton.

Love List #50

2007-11-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

The changing of the pictures. I have 3 blank picture frames on the wall with drawings taped inside. Every now and then I replace the pictures. These are 2 of Mia's new ones.

Love List # 49

2007-11-19T15:01:00.000-05:00

Colby's new place....well, her actual house is up the hill behind this old burned down church. I love the church.

Love List #48

2007-11-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

We had a dual birthday party tonight and sometimes I just love a house full of 3 year olds jumping on the bed and screaming in delight. I am also thankful, though, that it is only once or twice a year...

Love List # 47

2007-11-17T23:17:00.001-05:00

My Mom: I love her 3 week holiday visit from Sweden. And I love her for taking over mommy duties sometimes and me not having to worry about if it was done right....(she raised me after all :))and for her telling me she can handle the meltdowns (when I am about to interfere) and for her telling me that I am a bit inspirational, and for her dancing to Bobby McGee on video with me when I ask, and for ..(I suppose) ..liking the same shoes.

Love List # 46

2007-11-16T23:38:00.000-05:00

One of my true loves (in winter)is covering myself up with a huge pile of warm laundry and watching TV and folding. Totally zoning and matching socks. It is not as good with music, nor is it pleasurable at all with nothing. Just a sittin and a foldin...Mia actually now does most of the matching and will sit with me for a bit.

Love List # 45 I made it to my bday!

2007-11-15T00:34:00.000-05:00

I thought I would have 68 random things that I loved in a list by this time. Instead, I found that when I did not push it, I really started to fall in love again, even from the start, and it was no "one a day" kind of thing. So, I did not make my goal, for the best. Anyway, today was a great day.

Today....My birthday: when I opened my eyes:

and got out of bed:

and ate some breakfast:

And I hung with my mother and daughter and realized the real meaning of a birthday. We had lasagna for dinner:

Then we had a fun night watching old videos. I borrowed Mia's crown from yesterday and adapted it for my own fun.

Love List #44

2007-11-12T11:45:00.001-05:00

My new product cards. Really cute once they are on and go with my little labels perfectly!

Love List #43

2007-11-11T11:42:00.000-05:00

my sewing mascots, the rhino, who sits among my threads and the partridge perched on my light.

DIY Humungo World Map: Culural learning tool

2007-11-10T17:12:00.000-05:00

DIY World Map. Large felt map with velcro backed pieces for learning different cultural dress, flags, native animals, landmarks, history, etc. 6 X 3 feet
Appropriate Age: 3 to 9
Sewing skill: Beginner
Materials needed: 2 yds blue felt, 1 yd olive or green felt, 6 different brightly colored threads, printer, clear contact paper, sticky back HOOK velcro - 1 yd. Large paper for continent patterns. OPTIONAL: Green/blue cotton for border, grommets, setter, and ribbon for hanging.

DIRECTIONS:

To draw your own world: Print a flat map. Grid to be an increment of 6 across to 3 high.

Then grid your large paper, one continent at a time, and hand draw the continents. I can also send my original patterns for $25, but due to their size cannot upload them for free. Draw each continent this way, enlarging, and then cut them out.

Cut your blue felt 6 feet long by 3 feet high. Then trace your continent patterns onto the green felt. Cut each one out and position onto your blue felt, matching borders when neccessary (like asia and europe).

Pin allover because it will be moved around a bit to maneuver through the sewing machine. Then stitch ( a close zig zag if you have it for optimal display)each continent in a different color.

After stitching each continent and removing pins, sew on your binding. This is optional, but recommended for a finished look. You can bind however you wish. What I did was cut strips of cotton twill in a green/blue paisley to the length of each side, press under each edge, as well as the center seam, and just sewed it on! Sorry no pics of this but feel free to ask if you are confused by this step.

FOR THE PIECES: I wanted interesting stick ons that Mia could play with as well as learn about the region and history while playing. Originally, I wanted to hand sew flags and little dolls out of felt. Well, the flags were too hard, and the dolls were even harder (at 2 inches each) and the dolls got their heads ripped off in 5 minutes.

I modified my vision for the best and printed paper dolls dressed in ethnic clothing and country flags, and interesting landmarks and animals. I printed on cardstock, then laminated with a heavy duty clear contact paper for sure durability. They turned out great!

What I did was take free clipart, put it into an art program where I had them all on one page and could resize them all, then print, cut out, sandwich between the contact paper, cut out with a 1/4" border or so, then stuck a tiny 1/2" piece of sticky back hook velcro on the back. I also threw in some mermaids and octopi and stuff for ocean fun...

I also created a book to go along with this, as some of the things I wanted to teach Mia about, I had only a vague idea of! I made a list of my 24 main flags, people, animals, and landmarks. I numbered each one, then wrote that number on the back of the corresponding stick on piece. I then used a really valuable site called www.enchantedlearning.com to print out related activity sheets for EACH area, animal, culture, etc...I cannot say enough about that site!

As well as the list and numbers, I printed a blank map and put each number in the right place to use as a control key....mostly for when Mia gets older and can learn more on her own. (and for myself) :)

Here are a few of the fun things I included in my map...this can totally be personalized, too!

The Pyramids of Giza near Ciaro Egypt
The rainforests of South America and the Toucan bird
The American Buffalo
The totem poles made by the Tlingit Indian tribes of NW America
The South American Flag
The culteral dress of Scandinavia
The Korean traditional dress
The Giant Panda of China

and more!

Enjoy and please feel free to contact me if you need help or would like me to mail copies of my printouts (for a small fee).

Happy Mappy!

Love List # 42

2007-11-10T17:09:00.001-05:00

Mia's birthday present...it took me 3 days. The DIY tutorial is listed under "dress up and play" if you want to make one yourself!

Compromising between Organic and Affordable Foods

2007-11-05T18:12:00.001-05:00

We do, pretty much, try to eat locally, in season, or organic foods. Since we are on a budget and winter will be here soon, I have to compromise. I had jotted down this list a while back and just found it under the fridge. I do not really know the reasons for the classifications...probably that the ones recommended OG are most likely the ones which traditionally need more pesticides or do not have skin. I also do not remember the source, but am pretty sure it is trusted.

BUY ORGANIC:
strawberries
meat
rice
tofu
spinach
peppers
celery
grapes

OK TO BUY NON ORGANIC:
asparagus
avocado
banana
blueberries
broccoli
onions
garlic
corn

Make your own Wooden Learning Bike

2007-11-05T17:55:00.000-05:00

While searching for Christmas presents to pass on as ideas for the grandparents, I came across the wooden balance bikes. No pedals, great for helping kids learn balance, and can grow with them. BUT, these bikes are pretty costly. I thinkyou might be able to get one for around a hundred, now, but why not make your own like this guy did. Here is the link to his flickr photos, and here is the link to his patterns and ideas.

Love List # 41

2007-11-04T09:09:00.002-05:00

I love to send postcards. I also love to shop for old postcards.

I just went to my first post card show. A bit overwhelming because each booth had hundreds of boxes arranged by topic i.e."children smoking" or area "WV covered bridges". I mostly just flipped through the random "5 for a buck" boxes. I spent 2 dollars. The guy next to me spent 38$ on two postcards. The really old ones are a few of the ones I scored today including a picture of Shakespeare's birthplace, a raggedy travelin man, a parisian street and a boy on crutches receiving either money or leaves....not sure :)... The other bunch are ones I picked up this week down the street at the antique shoppe.

Love List # 40

2007-11-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

My brand new Husky sewing machine.

Love List # 39

2007-10-31T20:37:00.000-05:00

The best Holiday EVER. Halloween. Including everything like making my perfect costume, the excitement a 3 year old feels, and doing a bonfire and chili at a friends instead of trick or treating (for now).

Love List #38

2007-10-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

Paper Doll Books - Historical Fashion.

Love List # 37

2007-10-29T19:20:00.000-05:00

The view, out the window, looking up at the evening sky past the roof.

Love List # 36

2007-10-27T21:00:00.000-05:00

Kandinski and the interconnections of life. I had done a painting back in August or so...a dream feeling, then suddenly realized when Mia's monthly overview was sent home, that I needed to read about this Kandinski she was learning about...turns out, I got some circle ideas from him, unknown to me...

Love List #35

2007-10-25T17:59:00.000-05:00

I am now working 2 mornings a week at one of the coolest buildings in the area...the chocolate factory. I dont think they make chocolate there any more, but there are mostly artists in the building along with this little motorcycle/car tire warmer company. This was the company I was working for up until I had Mia...and Dave is happy to have me back even if it is only 3 or 4 hours a week! That makes me happy, too!

Love List #34

2007-10-24T17:56:00.000-05:00

I think I just caught this through my windshield on a camera phone!

Love List #33

2007-10-23T17:53:00.000-05:00

Winterbear Montessori school....thank you.

Love List #32

2007-10-22T17:18:00.000-05:00

Trees in upstate NY. Im not really cheating by using this again...the first one was the start of fall :)

Love List #31

2007-10-21T17:34:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Picking!

Love List # 30

2007-10-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

A full fridge and pantry with some quality fuel.

Love List #29

2007-10-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

The original Fashion Plates from the 80's....put back into use

Love List # 28

2007-10-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

My Halloween costume, Starry Starry Night.

Love List #27

2007-10-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

The appple pie that Mia baked. I knew they were doing apple pie baking at school, but I never knew at 2 years old, that she would make and bring home her own delicious, perfect pie for us to eat!

Love List #26

2007-10-14T23:10:00.000-05:00

The smell of play dough. The real stuff.

Love List #25

2007-10-13T13:36:00.000-05:00

I love love love creative fonts. You can download these for free for personal use from www.chank.com. Love that site. I wish I were a fontographer.

Love List #24

2007-10-12T00:46:00.000-05:00

The tinyest piece of blue sky peeking through and lighting the layers of dismalness of the morning.

Love List # 23

2007-10-10T00:42:00.000-05:00

Today, it was a good rainy day. The smell of rain is borrowed as a love. (thanks)

I especially love the smell of rain on a really hot day. Also, thunderstorms in late summer. That has to be my favorite rain, but some days, you just need a good rain. pic credit here.

Love List #22

2007-10-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

Kick Ass Forts and slightly more advanced tree houses. I drew floor plans and specs for my own tree house a few years ago. Today was a 2 bedroom cushion fort with 2 entrances and a maze. This is where dinner was eaten.

Love List #21

2007-10-08T19:49:00.000-05:00

Rodin's sculptures. I first fell in love with the Gates of Hell when I saw it, then this one, the kiss. Now I just have too look at a book. Smitten. Pic credit

Love List #20

2007-10-05T01:06:00.000-05:00

My Dad.

He has moved back to his hometown in PA and is the one making the difference! He had a goal to light up this kinda forgotten, steel mining city...and is very well on his way!

Published: September 21, 2007
Working tirelessly to improve city

Anthony Gergely inspired by former mayor
The Tribune-Democrat

Anthony Gergely’s bridge-lighting mission has been nothing short of amazing. Wednesday’s dedication program marked the official completion of his effort to light the Minersville Bridge west of downtown Johnstown.

Victorian-style lampposts and matching sconces have been installed. It’s the seventh city bridge to be lighted in 21/2 years through his fundraising efforts.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that all the work has been done without tax dollars.

That’s almost unbelievable.

“I once turned down a $5,000 check from the lieutenant governor’s office,” he said. “I told the aide, ‘That would defeat the whole purpose.’ She wrote a personal check and gave it to me. I think that’s why a lot of people are willing to donate.”

Gergely figures he’s raised about $65,000. He estimates that each of his projects takes about $7,000 plus volunteer efforts from electrical contractors.

Still to be done are the Hornerstown and Woodvale bridges, a bridge on Central Avenue near Greater Johnstown High School and the Inclined Plane bridge.

Those projects could be done as early as the end of October, he said.

Adding to this heartwarming story is the fact that the 74-year-old Gergely, who contracted polio at a young age, gets around with crutches and a motorized scooter.

He credits former Johnstown Mayor Don Zucco for getting his civic juices flowing.

“I saw the mayor cutting grass (at the parklet near the Bedford Street exit of the Johnstown bypass.) It started the whole thing. I thought, if he could do something, I could do something.”

The former chief executive has also been a mentor: “I’ve checked with Zucco over the years on my ideas and he’s kept me on track.”

Gergely’s fundraising includes a lot of letter-writing.

“I write about 50 letters a week,” he said. “I’ve gotten money from as far away as Ireland and Canada and from 39 states.”

The names of those who help or donate are included in plaques installed on the bridges.

Other projects this visionary has talked about over the years includes planting vines along the city’s river walls, a fountain in the Stonycreek River at Sandyvale Cemetery, and building a parking platform over the Stonycreek behind the War Memorial Arena.

His next project? “I’m still looking for a job,” he said. “I’ve applied for two jobs and never got an interview. I like to work and I want to work.”

He also says he’s on a mission to make Cambria County more handicapped-friendly as far as the aspect of mobility.

Does he ever get discouraged raising funds?

“The negative aspect never enters my mind,” he said.

Gergely was named the Kiwanis Club Man of the Year for 2004. After 30 years away, Johnstown is fortunate to have him back home.

I am fortunate to have him as a dad and a grandfather to my daughter.

Love List #19

2007-09-30T16:15:00.001-05:00

My super old black converse with laces that are too short!

Love List #18

2007-09-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

Erica Chase Salerno for starting the Hudson Valley Parents group, and planning the fall festival. Also loved today were dancing kids, cool moms and Nora's daughter Abbey who took the stage with her guitar at 9? years old and who was the only kid to sit through the construction of an origami crane.

Love List #17

2007-09-29T15:16:00.000-05:00

Central park when it is warm in the sun and cool in the shade.

Love List #16

2007-09-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

Apple Picking in September. Cortland and McIntosh, although granny smith remain my favorite apple.

Love List #15

2007-09-27T12:52:00.001-05:00

The start of Fall.

Love List #14

2007-09-26T12:50:00.001-05:00

Harvest Moon Full moon gathering with drum circle and bonfire on Magic Mountain.

In honor of the harvest moon, named so for the farmers who need the extra light this season (thanks wiki).

It was great!!! 30 + bongo drums for everyone to play ...sax player, flute player and conch player...totally magical...really...potluck snacks ( we brought edamame beans and fruit)

So, according to the firemaster/shaman?/old caped guy with 2 foot beard .....what you have to do tonight....or any full moon night is...

Hold up your hand to the moon with its light shining on your palm (where you can see it). Look at it shining on your palm for a bit. Then right before you go to sleep, look at your palm and remember what the moonlight looked like on it. This will bring you peaceful dreams which will sort out any troubling things that are on your mind.

Fun night.

Love List # 13

2007-09-20T15:52:00.000-05:00

The shawl my step father brought from India (as he passed through NY). I got to pick my favorite, then after he went back to Sweden, I felt bad that my mother would want this one, too, so I offered her to swap years on it!

Love List #12

2007-09-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Artist trading cards...ACEO's or ATC's...this one is mine, but I might just have to start collecting!

Love List #11

2007-09-18T15:44:00.000-05:00

My Bodum French press with some good dark roast.

Love List #10

2007-09-17T15:37:00.000-05:00

"Somewhere Down the Road" Written by Jesse Harris, performed by Feist.

Listen here

Love List #9

2007-09-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

I am in love with moving water. This is the Chattooga, below Dick's Falls. OK, I did not take this picture but think it is a better reference than the calm Hudson I live by....credits here

I pretty much feel the need to live near new water...and visit daily. I do have ultimate respect for whitewater and the ocean. This borders on fear, but sometimes, I just want to be a part of the insanity. For my love of water, I will say my true love would be a river less than 10 feet deep, with calm and rough parts, enough for butterflies when you peak the waterfall and a few spots along the way to make the most of the ride by taking a snack break. Lots like life.

PS. This one is for Erin and naked keewee-ing down the Broad river.

Love List #8

2007-09-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

Artwork from the Black Apple from Athens, GA. Her Store.

Love List #7

2007-09-14T09:51:00.000-05:00

My friend (and inspiration) Justin

Love List #6

2007-09-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

Fresh, Local corn on the cob in September.

Love List #5

2007-09-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

My house on Spring Street. We have the second floor with the bay window. The backyard is enclosed...there is a sandbox for Mia and on the right are a few herbs and veggies.

Love list # 4

2007-09-11T16:27:00.001-05:00

Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew in the fall or on snowy days. I cook it low and long because it smells so great!...ohhhh....and another thing I love in there...my french press, but Ill save that one for later ....

Love List #3

2007-09-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

Late summer afternoons when it is breezy. Fall in on the way, but the leaves are still green and crisp. This is a beautiful tree next to the Hudson river near the Esopus Meadow Preserve.

Love List #2

2007-09-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

My little Asian Gypsy.

Sixty Eight Days of Things I love #1

2007-09-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

This is totally not a DIY "project", but you can definitely do it yourself! Every day until my birthday (November 14th), I am going to take a picture of something I really like or love.

Here is number one. It is a house around the corner from me on Post street. It actually reminds me of my house, but today, this is the one I love.