tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28786630263465433912024-02-19T02:47:48.107-08:00katemakessewing.knitting.makingkatemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-25422197863899951452013-08-05T19:35:00.002-07:002013-08-05T19:35:41.273-07:00summer school<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaH29lRncAL60Xsc0dBS4TbCPC4t5_Zl3XCLK7Tl9pJXsR1E5yqVSCTpQSi40V49spiwl3VL_D-cHXmZlMP4MxuVD252elgZ36iMTBvNbiZnUzftFVx09cxb8OekfanXV7h81BiZvEbU/s1600/LEE-K+PER+LR_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaH29lRncAL60Xsc0dBS4TbCPC4t5_Zl3XCLK7Tl9pJXsR1E5yqVSCTpQSi40V49spiwl3VL_D-cHXmZlMP4MxuVD252elgZ36iMTBvNbiZnUzftFVx09cxb8OekfanXV7h81BiZvEbU/s640/LEE-K+PER+LR_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living Room Perspective</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Vancouver has been enjoying the best summer in years. the summer that I chose to go back to school!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">i'm currently upgrading my 'senior certificate' in interior design to a diploma at BCIT. i have seven courses to finish before January 2015 to be eligible to write the special exams to become a 'Registered Interior Designer'. (as well as completing thousands of hours of work!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">above is the product of what I've been learning in Computer Technology for Interior Design. the course has covered using SketchUp to draw a small house in 3D and then rendering it in Photoshop. i'm really enjoying the course and have bought a Wacom drawing tablet to draw & colour on the computer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the other course has been much more challenging. i had expected that Business Communications would be a fairly easy course. after all, i've been writing memos, emails, and letters for a very long time. and i read a <u>lot</u>. well, it's one thing to read and entirely another to write in a hot classroom. it's been a very useful course even if just to teach me how to manage my anxiety.... like anything, it gets easier with practice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the two courses i will start in september are Joinery for Interior Design and Autodesk Revit. I'm excited to make some simple furniture and reacquaint myself with AutoCAD. And not write reports. Or speak in front of people.</span></div>
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<u></u><br />katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-39760132875453157012013-06-29T11:50:00.000-07:002013-06-29T11:50:05.897-07:00home made: cooking<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZoCQZzQws8/Uc8mm-dF5MI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Ohe4feec15U/s800/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="489" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZoCQZzQws8/Uc8mm-dF5MI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Ohe4feec15U/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">for the past year my husband has been the head chef around our house. it's his way to unwind after a long day at work. and that's fine by me. my preference is for baking and 'project cooking'. but with the relaxed pace of summer holidays I am enjoying doing a little more everyday cooking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">last year I bought yvette van boven's book, "<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/home-made/9781584799467-item.html?ikwid=yvette+van+boven&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CKixz_v0ibgCFUka5wodSG0AAA" target="_blank">Home Made</a>". a couple of weeks ago I got my hands on Home Made Summer and Home Made Winter and they do not disappoint. great recipes with beautiful photos and lovely illustrations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">I can't wait to try out our new tajine and cook with the preserved lemons. the kids were very hopeful that I was making lemonade with rock sugar. we'll see how they like the salted lemons....</span></div>
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<br />katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-64984757054578974362013-06-07T13:03:00.002-07:002013-06-07T13:03:39.082-07:00pink poppies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAHPzx6vTgI/UbI8Kb6KgFI/AAAAAAAAAp0/ByFr3-sKYFo/s1600/pink+poppies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAHPzx6vTgI/UbI8Kb6KgFI/AAAAAAAAAp0/ByFr3-sKYFo/s640/pink+poppies.JPG" width="364" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nature never ceases to amaze me.</span></div>
katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-948356269332545182013-05-21T22:14:00.001-07:002013-05-21T22:14:37.732-07:00sad sad news<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a fantastic sunday: ran my longest run since junior high; watched my daughter's swim practice; went for coffee and croissant with a friend; and spent a sunny afternoon planting seeds and gardening. and the entire day i kept telling myself how truly content i am at this point in my life - our family is enjoying a full life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">and then... sat down with a cup of tea to catch up on reading some of the blogs i follow, and learned of the tragic death of Kathreen Ricketson and her partner Rob Shugg. so terribly sad and a huge loss for their children, family, and friends. Kathreen and the Whip Up blog were such a great inspiration and resource back when i was home with a new baby and just getting back into sewing and knitting. and even though i never met her, she felt like a friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">i felt the need to do some small thing for Kathreen and Rob's children and you can too. the link is found <a href="http://whipup.net/" target="_blank">here</a>. now go hug your kids.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-4981945543813333292013-04-18T13:25:00.000-07:002013-04-18T13:26:12.220-07:00indigo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthOixjSx_PhsOtVzlXJbBWejRhyphenhyphenKWrGKT103K5jYfRcsaC7OMwEX9DzwRHE7p2YiZfYZzx7KCjx4GQEGN8uoMVWoM6ddm59d2h-In0WF1QkS9FvaQTTM0s4T-21ab1OD9-H35cbAFSMY/s1600/indigo+dyed+flags+from+this+little+coyote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthOixjSx_PhsOtVzlXJbBWejRhyphenhyphenKWrGKT103K5jYfRcsaC7OMwEX9DzwRHE7p2YiZfYZzx7KCjx4GQEGN8uoMVWoM6ddm59d2h-In0WF1QkS9FvaQTTM0s4T-21ab1OD9-H35cbAFSMY/s640/indigo+dyed+flags+from+this+little+coyote.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125352934/indigo-dyed-flags?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">ndigo dyed flags from little coyote</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's no secret to those who know me that i love all things blue. turquoise, cobalt, cyan, prussian blue, navy, ultramarine, and indigo name a few of the hue</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. my firstborn is named blue.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjbUbYG1bpqpvZtCOFDEtG6dFCRRQwDmsuhoWkhjFk1HfJwBdzCn22d8F1RM_ART7VIchWboFtlr9bXfYLLkQBXn5TQkTVeMC9ETVaoGVLVxWuPBgvGLoTibwROPSpAlSjj2mHFSeXrQ/s1600/Bill+Cunningham+Sartorialist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjbUbYG1bpqpvZtCOFDEtG6dFCRRQwDmsuhoWkhjFk1HfJwBdzCn22d8F1RM_ART7VIchWboFtlr9bXfYLLkQBXn5TQkTVeMC9ETVaoGVLVxWuPBgvGLoTibwROPSpAlSjj2mHFSeXrQ/s320/Bill+Cunningham+Sartorialist.jpg" title="bill cunningham" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bill cunningham from <a href="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/10/101411bluejacket_8833web.jpg" target="_blank">the sartorialist</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i really enjoyed 'bill cunningham new york' when it appeared on netflix. working on a sewing project and covered head to toe in fuschia feathers, i was struck by the practicality of mr. cunningham's uniform of a blue french utility work jacket. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URspNsi7_fA/UXBNavTR4GI/AAAAAAAAApM/KodLdb4Gef0/s1600/Bookhou+smock_apron_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URspNsi7_fA/UXBNavTR4GI/AAAAAAAAApM/KodLdb4Gef0/s320/Bookhou+smock_apron_blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">blue smock apron from <a href="http://www.bookhou.com/collections/household/products/smock-apron-blue" target="_blank">bookhou</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but i like my arms to be free and my legs covered. how happy i was to find arounna's lovely blue aprons are in her shop again. perfect for any work - be it sewing feathers onto a costume or rolling out pastry dough.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLt4ZrdJuQKa8tWVW6wwUo960PiO8bHxEFwNe94bsJ4aXALqkN0X8LdFIkHbMNx_b3DMJxa9RGDo8MLZJe2IvSre5b7XeuYKaVgNHJK-VMjbhHGPOtcXqdislMiaTJ9Z1RJ0iNbwqt9A/s1600/Book-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLt4ZrdJuQKa8tWVW6wwUo960PiO8bHxEFwNe94bsJ4aXALqkN0X8LdFIkHbMNx_b3DMJxa9RGDo8MLZJe2IvSre5b7XeuYKaVgNHJK-VMjbhHGPOtcXqdislMiaTJ9Z1RJ0iNbwqt9A/s320/Book-1.JPG" width="201" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">and my own contribution to making something blue. reversible tote made of navy and cream cotton canvas with a blue and white striped denim lining. the strap is a piece of vintage japanese indigo cotton with cream woven details. the bag has both an exterior pocket and a pocket on the inside with a 'katemakes' label.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-32102171917920194212013-04-07T16:18:00.000-07:002013-04-08T06:20:51.211-07:00sketchbook project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-un3SEn4lE/UWH12Aq-5LI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ixbo5Zvcx2M/s1600/Sketchbook+scans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-un3SEn4lE/UWH12Aq-5LI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ixbo5Zvcx2M/s640/Sketchbook+scans.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">last summer i started keeping a sketchbook and learning to draw. the two younger kids have embraced it too. we are all a little more creative with our spare time without cable tv.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">for christmas a couple of years ago my mom gave me some art supplies, a sketchbook, and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/books/an-illustrated-life-drawing-inspiration/9781600610868-item.html?ikwid=danny+gregory&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CKi0v-bSubYCFYRl5wodqVYAAA" target="_blank">an illustrated life by danny gregory</a>. it was so inspiring and led me some of his other books such as <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/books/the-creative-license-giving-yourself/9781401307929-item.html?ikwid=danny+gregory&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CKi0v-bSubYCFYRl5wodqVYAAA" target="_blank">The Creative License</a>, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/books/everyday-matters/9781401307950-item.html?ikwid=danny+gregory&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CKi0v-bSubYCFYRl5wodqVYAAA" target="_blank">Everyday Matters</a>, and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/books/an-illustrated-journey-inspiration-from/9781440320255-item.html?ikwid=danny+gregory&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CKi0v-bSubYCFYRl5wodqVYAAA" target="_blank">An Illustrated Journey</a>. and so i started just drawing without worrying about how badly i drew. i find it very relaxing to draw some ordinary object while watching movies on the computer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">my little guy (who is 5) draws a lot of robots and battle scenes and does so every day. but today he sat down and drew ordinary objects in our kitchen (see the lower right-hand picture). 1. Vitamix blender. 2. Ice cream maker. 3. Dehydrator. it was so gratifying to see him enjoying doing what i do. i couldn't be more proud of him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">just a small list of the drawing books i can recommend from personal experience (in addition to the links to the danny gregory books above):</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Drawing with Children, by Mona Brookes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Artist's Journal Workshop, by Cathy Johnson</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Art of Urban Sketching, by Gabriel Campanario</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Complete Decorated Journal, by Gwen Diehn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">anybody can learn to draw - it just takes doing it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">start where you are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">use what you have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">do what you can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - arthur ashe</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"></span></u><br />katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-70712901101629280812013-03-09T20:50:00.002-08:002013-03-09T20:50:37.561-08:00new "toy"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NXYo1RhLH4t8hHiaz-M2TQ4XuI5o_aZ7yU2i-zMFVfV2PVPOIrZ4XZFCfmDlcEe4C6TP4eJR7k3p23gBgT7QEF6Cwm-lnMFLg_DK4D-kapA_9dRUy-_olnurSnNMp_cilEiNElHkQ7A/s1600/photo+booth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NXYo1RhLH4t8hHiaz-M2TQ4XuI5o_aZ7yU2i-zMFVfV2PVPOIrZ4XZFCfmDlcEe4C6TP4eJR7k3p23gBgT7QEF6Cwm-lnMFLg_DK4D-kapA_9dRUy-_olnurSnNMp_cilEiNElHkQ7A/s640/photo+booth.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's been a very long time since i had the time or inclination to post. school, work, christmas, new year's, birthdays, illnesses.... the last few months have been pretty full of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">my new 'toy' - the collapsible photo booth - means the dreary weather can no longer hold me hostage. it's a bit bigger than i probably should have ordered but i will just have to make bigger things like pillow covers and bags. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">spring is definitely on its way and that always brings the urge create. time to reaquaint myself with my sewing machines, camera, and etsy.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-22193631112558473952012-09-13T17:50:00.000-07:002012-09-13T17:50:39.178-07:00fresh sketchbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-Bka3apsZI/UFJ669B3rMI/AAAAAAAAAnY/3_ghPB2kyUM/s1600/fresh+sketchbooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-Bka3apsZI/UFJ669B3rMI/AAAAAAAAAnY/3_ghPB2kyUM/s640/fresh+sketchbooks.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a new school year means new school supplies. my kids' school supplies are included in their tuition which is convenient and means that all the students have the same supplies. however, i do love shopping for new art supplies and we ran out of sketchbooks some time ago. it's too easy for the kids to grab my printer paper and the sketchbooks are a great way to see their progress as artists over time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the plan for these sketchbooks is that they will be used for 'family drawing time'. the idea is from <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" target="_blank">amanda soule's</a> book 'the creative family' though we've been doing our own version for years. we always remember to take paper and a pen when we go out to eat with the kids and pass the paper around the table while waiting for our food to arrive. everyone gets a chance to spontaneously draw with elaborate and often hilarious results. each of us will have our own book and sit down together to draw the same object at our own dining room table. (cancelling the cable tv last year has been great for doing creative things together).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">this is the first time i've seen sketchbooks with such colourful binding. <a href="http://www.deserres.ca/en-ca/" target="_blank">de serres</a> is having a sale - five books and a tube of winsor & newton white gouache was about $50 - if you're in canada.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">let the drawing begin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-5052547425804684202012-08-31T11:40:00.000-07:002012-08-31T11:40:05.494-07:00Tutorial: Monkey Shorts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv-Qa_L4FVs/UED0GQyxHAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/OUXDkvvMbbc/s1600/MShorts+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv-Qa_L4FVs/UED0GQyxHAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/OUXDkvvMbbc/s640/MShorts+17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">monkey shorts: little shorts to wear under your skirt while playing on the monkey bars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the girl will be starting grade three in a few days and we've been getting ready - shoe shopping, labelling clothes, and organizing her uniform. we decided that maybe it might be nice to have some little shorts to wear over her underwear/under her skirt - to preserve a little modesty while climbing the playground equipment during recess. i used an old pair of leggings as the basis for the new shorts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Materials:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- one yard of cotton jersey, pre-shrunk (can make about 6 pairs depending on size). i used navy blue to comply with school uniform requirements. old t-shirts would work well if they are very stretchy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- 1/2" wide elastic, a couple of yards if you want to make a few pairs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- thread to match jersey fabric</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- small pieces of ribbon (optional) to use as tags/labels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- tracing paper or scrap paper, paper cutting scissors, pencil, ruler</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- old pair of leggings or jersey tights to use as a pattern</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Equipment:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- sewing machine (that can sew zig zag stitch)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- serger machine (not necessary but very nice to have)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- sewing machine needle for knit fabrics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- twin sewing machine needle for knit fabrics (not necessary, but great for finishing hems on knit fabrics)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- scissors or rotary cutter (for fabric)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- pins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- measuring tape</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWc5XE5Q8sFZOzARD0PUeAcWDm15fgFkkpMslFQfhEaoQNiyVZbrHDyYBsLwHrRa0_Ba2E-cry3gKLw7pkwqHD3pwm_SaG080AnzdM5M11LTQSISg-r1h245Klflf30Td0eLN1QQLIo0/s1600/MShorts+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWc5XE5Q8sFZOzARD0PUeAcWDm15fgFkkpMslFQfhEaoQNiyVZbrHDyYBsLwHrRa0_Ba2E-cry3gKLw7pkwqHD3pwm_SaG080AnzdM5M11LTQSISg-r1h245Klflf30Td0eLN1QQLIo0/s640/MShorts+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 1: Cut the old pair of leggings to desired length and cut along seam lines. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6yS9Dmsp4g/UEDzl_nGybI/AAAAAAAAAlE/_bAC5mE9jms/s1600/MShorts+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6yS9Dmsp4g/UEDzl_nGybI/AAAAAAAAAlE/_bAC5mE9jms/s640/MShorts+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2: Lay the leggings onto the tracing paper and trace in pencil. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3: Add 1/4" seam allowance to the seams and 1/2" to the hem. Draw a line to indicate the grainline and label with any notes you might need. Cut out the pattern with your paper scissors. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithHOyEpy4pWKKJLuBfB1LDPAJUj7ntQNmvCUftwvkrAZwK0cEZXDAi-f0DK6movn7b0arZWUmHXFV-xpbVRZs_Gc8_r8kEra9aVwWoUoxg1-8JsMT7kG48Mo6_3kAJtZgUb60gTyI-zs/s1600/MShorts+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithHOyEpy4pWKKJLuBfB1LDPAJUj7ntQNmvCUftwvkrAZwK0cEZXDAi-f0DK6movn7b0arZWUmHXFV-xpbVRZs_Gc8_r8kEra9aVwWoUoxg1-8JsMT7kG48Mo6_3kAJtZgUb60gTyI-zs/s640/MShorts+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 4: Pin the pattern to a double layer of the fabric, lining up the grain line. Cut out using your fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqGXa6RE5ZPwgIJVbiq5zsMAAp7UN2s2DGpn2PSfBl1HTHVW16gk4z4qri6rdz_-14NfQAOB-8zRjogYTF8Js1QB1z1DS6Rn28d3UfOqn4AT7LipuDVn56fPMDPrDAY7pRRFBH0nAtww/s1600/MShorts+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqGXa6RE5ZPwgIJVbiq5zsMAAp7UN2s2DGpn2PSfBl1HTHVW16gk4z4qri6rdz_-14NfQAOB-8zRjogYTF8Js1QB1z1DS6Rn28d3UfOqn4AT7LipuDVn56fPMDPrDAY7pRRFBH0nAtww/s640/MShorts+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 5: With the fabric pieces right sides together, pin the leg seams together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 6: Sew the leg seams making sure to remove pins as you go. If you are using a serger (as I did), just trim off a little as you sew. The seams can be sewn using a standard sewing machine - use a stretch stitch or a narrow zig zag stitch. Stretch the seams as you sew.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMqxV7YVgcg/UEDz4FUMIxI/AAAAAAAAAl0/01-N536Kk5s/s1600/MShorts+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMqxV7YVgcg/UEDz4FUMIxI/AAAAAAAAAl0/01-N536Kk5s/s640/MShorts+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 7: Turn one leg right side out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 8: Place one leg inside the other, right sides together. Match leg seams and pin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 9: Sew the crotch (is there another word?) seam together, removing pins as you sew. Again, you can use a zig zag or stretch stitch with a standard sewing machine if you don't have a serger. Remember to stretch seams as you sew - we wouldn't want this important seam to split open while on the monkey bars or doing cart wheels!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 10: To hem the legs, turn up the bottom of each leg 1/2" and pin. Sew from the right side using a standard sewing machine with a twin needle or using one single needle with a zig zag stitch. Don't forget to stretch the fabric and remove pins as you sew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 11: Measure the elastic waistband from the old leggings and add 1". Or wrap the elastic around your child's waist, stretching it slightly. Lap the edges of the elastic over 1/2". Zig zag stitch the elastic together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 12: Divide the elastic waistband into four even sections and mark with pins. Do the same for the shorts. Pin the waistband to the wrong side of the shorts, aligning edges. Stitch edges from the right side using a serger OR zig zag stitch if using a standard sewing machine. Remember to stretch your fabric and elastic and to remove pins as you sew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 13: Fold over the waistband to the wrong side (interior) of the shorts and pin. At this point you can add a little piece of ribbon to the center of the back (optional).</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VamsPiPPxxc/UED0FKarSJI/AAAAAAAAAms/cSM130ApLp4/s1600/MShorts+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VamsPiPPxxc/UED0FKarSJI/AAAAAAAAAms/cSM130ApLp4/s640/MShorts+16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 14: Using the twin needle, sew the waistband while stretching the fabric/elastic and removing pins as you go. This can also be done using a standard sewing machine with a zig zag stitch.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx-egh7TTb0/UEDzd3sOo_I/AAAAAAAAAk0/6Bbym_T7d68/s1600/MShorts+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx-egh7TTb0/UEDzd3sOo_I/AAAAAAAAAk0/6Bbym_T7d68/s640/MShorts+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv-Qa_L4FVs/UED0GQyxHAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/OUXDkvvMbbc/s1600/MShorts+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv-Qa_L4FVs/UED0GQyxHAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/OUXDkvvMbbc/s640/MShorts+17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 15: Make a lot of monkey shorts and play, play, play!</span></div>
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katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-20206335501407752622012-08-20T09:20:00.001-07:002012-08-20T09:20:44.316-07:00back to school prep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7JQRPqrimI/UDJgXVdbpII/AAAAAAAAAkg/sfNCGwUIzHQ/s1600/lunch+bags+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7JQRPqrimI/UDJgXVdbpII/AAAAAAAAAkg/sfNCGwUIzHQ/s400/lunch+bags+2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we've started getting ready for school to start. and after spending a small fortune on new shoes and some extra uniform pieces, i decided that i could make them new lunch bags with fabric i had in my stash. now that my little man will be in all day kindergarten he will have to take a lunch and snacks. and the girl seems to have a hollow leg so the generous size of her lunch bag will accomodate a full lunch and lots of snacks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i used the tutorial from <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.ca/2010/08/tutorial-lunch-bag.html" target="_blank">pink penguin</a> with a couple of small modifications to enclose all the seams. inspired by <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Knot-Thread-Stitch-Creativity-Embroidery/dp/1592537723" target="_blank">knot, thread, stitch</a> i traced the kids actual printing/handwriting and embroidered over it. they are thrilled with the results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">now to research some lunch ideas...</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-8515128090494199622012-08-14T10:20:00.001-07:002012-08-14T10:20:52.899-07:00RIP David Rakoff<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHfBsXHaMHJHOKwIXizTB2f64k2cwNRRHAB_69GNNP6GTCyqj7TJrYi_p3TOsk8LLODzVfOFWogF680-JxKeVOXNiNnsIMvZR7b09VulbzQpTwO6MmS68T1-Y0CRqPkeZA3Xs9AyIXR4/s1600/david-rakoff-98707089+ny+times.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHfBsXHaMHJHOKwIXizTB2f64k2cwNRRHAB_69GNNP6GTCyqj7TJrYi_p3TOsk8LLODzVfOFWogF680-JxKeVOXNiNnsIMvZR7b09VulbzQpTwO6MmS68T1-Y0CRqPkeZA3Xs9AyIXR4/s400/david-rakoff-98707089+ny+times.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/08/postscript-david-rakoff.html" target="_blank">nytimes</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i was so sad to hear that david rakoff died, having just finished his book, <u>half empty</u>, on thursday. it's a strange feeling to know that as i was reading his last chapter detailing his brutal struggle with cancer, his family and friends were saying goodbye to him. this american life posted his <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/blog/2012/08/our-friend-david-rakoff" target="_blank">last dance</a> on their website. eff you, cancer.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-696430045486521012012-08-09T09:51:00.001-07:002012-08-09T09:51:50.714-07:00new skill: piping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKZ3CHxNn2Lle5SLND2fyd1k1dOkFaqTicxJp-_Vh6nfBrfMlN9IEXwBzwGmE5fnv6NRCkuza4xYm-F3jpmGGfKu7SWtE82EjpU4QrKPqPIO32cunRbWVXh6eddX9nDoOnvuro7i2Ilw/s1600/Muffy's+Cushions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKZ3CHxNn2Lle5SLND2fyd1k1dOkFaqTicxJp-_Vh6nfBrfMlN9IEXwBzwGmE5fnv6NRCkuza4xYm-F3jpmGGfKu7SWtE82EjpU4QrKPqPIO32cunRbWVXh6eddX9nDoOnvuro7i2Ilw/s400/Muffy's+Cushions.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">this was a fun project for a friend who needed new cushion covers for her kitchen chairs. she chose the fabric - a lovely coated cotton with an abstract chrysanthemum pattern. there were a ton of videos on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cy82Ga64Ys" target="_blank">youtube</a> to help learn about cutting bias strips for piping and sewing it onto cushions. i bought sash cord from the hardware store - 45 feet for about $2 - much cheaper than the fabric store. now i'm looking around the house to see how i can incorporate more piping.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-32415936802671015902012-08-03T10:00:00.001-07:002012-08-03T10:01:06.473-07:00Frieda's Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ7skdpvyXg/UBv7QNyX6PI/AAAAAAAAAjc/AUz7Ln_JdbY/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ7skdpvyXg/UBv7QNyX6PI/AAAAAAAAAjc/AUz7Ln_JdbY/s640/DSC_0177.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">our house is only one of four on a block with views of the gulf islands, each lot with a substantial garden. we've been lucky to make friends with the family next door who have lived here for over 40 years. our kids play with their kids, running through the sprinklers and playing in treehouses and forts together. we feel fortunate to have such friendly neighbors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the beautiful house behind us has just been sold. it is a beautiful custom built mid-century home and we hope the new owners don't tear it down. the original owner is a lovely lady named Frieda. she lived there on her own until she was 93 and started to need a little extra help though i know she is still sharp as tack. she's is now in a senior's home and according to her family, enjoying the outings and company. we got to know her by waving across our yards and when it snowed we shovelled her walk. we made sure to take her garbage cans back from the curb. we chatted every few days when we saw each other out shopping on our local market street and learned about all of the changes in our neighborhood over the last 50 years. we took over cookies, muffins, and vegetables from our garden. she was always lovely to my kids and they learned to be 'neighbourly'. Frieda would tell me not to sew too late into the night - her kitchen looked onto my sewing studio and she said she said she wished her eyes would still let her sew. she brought over fabric and we talked about sewing projects. my favourite memory of her will be when she hired a maintenance crew called 'men in kilts' to clean out her gutters and spent a lot of time checking that the base of the ladders was secure for the handsome, kilted workmen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">it has taken Frieda's family the better part of a year to clear out her belongings. it must be heartbreaking to find new homes for all of your belongings and then sell the family home. Frieda's family was very kind to donate much of it to charity. we are very grateful for the doll dishes, child's chair, and a lovely slipper chair sits in the corner of my bedroom. but i was most touched to receive the little desk and chair in the picture above. the top folds out to become a sewing table and a beautiful 1963 Singer Touch & Sew pops up. it came with all the accessories and instructions and has knee controls. i can't wait to teach my kids how to sew on this machine and carry on the handmaking/sewing/crafting tradition that Frieda enjoyed. we miss you, neighbor.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-40041622904347187522012-08-02T10:04:00.000-07:002012-08-02T10:04:30.307-07:00happy anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-zk0H02A4byYeDv3vnv9sgXuv-64gH7Vxeb8hAPxLCzmEwOM4z83Npnd3ZezvQrooxH-bhu6V__JC3D86t-v8rkmzw25AL_Y1m7TfHz8dLOkOApa4VZklzWQ2ojRmsCYDd_VN2nY5eM/s1600/DSCN1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-zk0H02A4byYeDv3vnv9sgXuv-64gH7Vxeb8hAPxLCzmEwOM4z83Npnd3ZezvQrooxH-bhu6V__JC3D86t-v8rkmzw25AL_Y1m7TfHz8dLOkOApa4VZklzWQ2ojRmsCYDd_VN2nY5eM/s400/DSCN1286.JPG" width="325" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nine years ago we were enjoying hot, sunny weather and getting ready to be married. it really was a perfect day surrounded by our families and friends. </span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-51055071526467246982012-08-01T09:30:00.001-07:002012-08-01T09:32:28.024-07:00summer reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8lyNxx1esY/UBlTYofaZuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/JWs5muScNLE/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8lyNxx1esY/UBlTYofaZuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/JWs5muScNLE/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this post could also be called 'restrain oneself from kissing postal delivery person'. i was so thrilled to get the mail on monday - a gigantic box of books and even my <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/?show_burdafashion_message=true" target="_blank">favourite sewing magazine</a> delivered to my door. most of these books have been on the bookstore shelves for some time but not on my own shelves. i've needed a little fresh inspiration and these are scratching that itch. this september (in one month!) i will be able to focus on my interior design business thanks to all-day kindergarden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">i am really enjoying <a href="http://lisasolomon-musings.blogspot.ca/2012/07/knot-thread-stitch-peeps-and-little.html" target="_blank">lisa soloman's</a> 'knot,thread,stitch'. great projects, clear instructions, and lots of encouragement to try stitching your own way. i can't wait to transfer some of my kids' drawings onto pillows for them. and to get them started on a little hand stitching of their own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">lest you think i've been only reading books with pictures, here's a list of what i've read this summer on my kobo ereader and from the library. and no, i have not succumbed to reading any of the 'fifty shades of grey' books - yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">summer reading list 2012 (in no particular order):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the birth house - ami mckay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">cutting for stone - abraham verghese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the descendents - kaui hart hemmings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">freedom - jonathan franzen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">irma voth - miriam toews</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">let's pretend this never happened - jenny lawson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the sense of an ending - julian barnes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the sentimentalists - johann skibsrud</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the shoemaker's wife - adriana trigiani</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the sisters brothers - patrick dewitt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">this is how: overcoming shyness,... - ausgusten burroughs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">committed - elizabeth gilbert</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the 100-mile diet - alisa smith and j.b. mackinnon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">life a user's manual - georges perec</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">if i keep going at this pace i may need a new prescription for my glasses...</span><br />
<br />katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-11815677014474295812012-07-26T09:51:00.002-07:002012-07-26T09:52:04.085-07:00true love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-150wWpFiyHE/UBF0pEFBf3I/AAAAAAAAAio/8YmLe3uhpuY/s1600/Mom+&+Bob+Wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-150wWpFiyHE/UBF0pEFBf3I/AAAAAAAAAio/8YmLe3uhpuY/s640/Mom+&+Bob+Wedding.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">last weekend was spent celebrating the wedding of my mom and bob. they are just so happy together and we couldn't be more thrilled for them. (and, finally, my lifelong wish to be a bridesmaid was fulfilled).</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-49869101956571626732012-07-12T10:41:00.003-07:002012-07-12T10:42:13.138-07:00new pouches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyng7xcpTQWgFxPWty5qpN_5SuP7JJXkZrsLuSwPJPhTDIovHrGnKvhXcwn6k9IVflO7ABLK9abE7pPDDVcuPzALadwdLO2uyH0gxUeXd884HT_-C07zSs02EufmlMQYh1ra4ZuxXjzxk/s1600/GP+btick-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyng7xcpTQWgFxPWty5qpN_5SuP7JJXkZrsLuSwPJPhTDIovHrGnKvhXcwn6k9IVflO7ABLK9abE7pPDDVcuPzALadwdLO2uyH0gxUeXd884HT_-C07zSs02EufmlMQYh1ra4ZuxXjzxk/s400/GP+btick-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the last couple of months just got away from me. i had every intention to post but very little time. it's nice to relax a little after a couple of fast paced months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the kids are at summer camp, the laundry is done, and i don't have to go into work today and it is absolutely lovely to have a little time to myself. it was an entirely pleasant process gettting some new bags photographed and listed in my etsy shop. i love the new size of pouches - just right for pencils or makeup.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60nP9VDMP4A/T_8L5e42UqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/3oDUM6bPsKk/s1600/GPP+blutick-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60nP9VDMP4A/T_8L5e42UqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/3oDUM6bPsKk/s400/GPP+blutick-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-8164001722405132832012-05-11T15:33:00.000-07:002012-05-11T15:33:53.847-07:00Lightning McQueen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpSUM6WjtfqWtRBIVXGveVae6XDe7GVCWn4N3R_pM7kBE_A37sQ0_E5nAxJCpTPVlBsqRDYDAuOO0jK6HPHbPhKE_XHZspIM-M3r4C94neXxGrIZneLznUNXsPlhdtnkEXGF3tsKn8HI/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpSUM6WjtfqWtRBIVXGveVae6XDe7GVCWn4N3R_pM7kBE_A37sQ0_E5nAxJCpTPVlBsqRDYDAuOO0jK6HPHbPhKE_XHZspIM-M3r4C94neXxGrIZneLznUNXsPlhdtnkEXGF3tsKn8HI/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx5a-bso3FM/T62RHBov1rI/AAAAAAAAAiE/J_Qmvkrf7q4/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx5a-bso3FM/T62RHBov1rI/AAAAAAAAAiE/J_Qmvkrf7q4/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the little brother turns 5 soon and he is having a joint birthday party with two of his girl friends in his class. like many little boys his age he is obsessed with 'cars', 'cars 2', lego and transformers but lightning mcqueen remains in the a-1 top seeded position around our house. his race car driving grandfather is pretty thrilled to have a fellow car enthusiast in the family after having two daughters (though i do know how to change a tire and my dream car is an aston martin). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">there will be about 100 people at the party tomorrow - bouncy castles, pizza, cake and general mayhem. in lieu of presents, we've asked the guests to bring a donation for the vancouver food bank. for loot bags this year we decided to hand out cookies of our boy's favourite character instead of a bag of cheap plastic junk. i can't take any credit for the amazing cookies - my dear friend is a fantastic baker and she did an amazing job! the boy is so thrilled and sends a big sticky hug and kiss out to mrs. c.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-33693536182186842872012-05-08T08:06:00.000-07:002012-05-08T08:06:00.763-07:00R.I.P. Maurice Sendak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cRvSJ_eLBFK1EHzs40o2LVQXcp1GTKwLZwRCFG14pYZOUARmmv_kbCgtCs4K-TUxeyYWix8YLdRoCu9vuvoXjl0gSQQ1ZDK6GGVPyaBxvhPMwq1UpbTlR4zRBVysOPq-fbKMtjULJSo/s1600/200px-Sendak-nightkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cRvSJ_eLBFK1EHzs40o2LVQXcp1GTKwLZwRCFG14pYZOUARmmv_kbCgtCs4K-TUxeyYWix8YLdRoCu9vuvoXjl0gSQQ1ZDK6GGVPyaBxvhPMwq1UpbTlR4zRBVysOPq-fbKMtjULJSo/s320/200px-Sendak-nightkitchen.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Night_Kitchen" target="_blank">wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLj4X2BQG94/T6k04z_BncI/AAAAAAAAAhw/d3fgSu2Y3W4/s1600/where+the+wild+things+are.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLj4X2BQG94/T6k04z_BncI/AAAAAAAAAhw/d3fgSu2Y3W4/s320/where+the+wild+things+are.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from <a href="http://www.gwarlingo.com/tag/film/" target="_blank">gwarlingo</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sad to wake up to the news that maurice sendak has passed away. his books were read over and over and over to me when i was a kid and it's been my great pleasure to read them over and over and over to my own children. thank you for the wonderful stories and illustrations.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-35716770234911251862012-05-04T11:50:00.000-07:002012-05-04T11:50:07.009-07:00R.I.P. MCA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVfNSeTr8q97HJK3lFsD8FZhIZLeac1pw__XFgQ4NQQ6VDtdv2c35ax5ZmIpr8vDwGJtybpERQ2Hazlcc-ORMduYuNgntxybLbOAbgzvXL12GW-slg1xz4pxGx-iaot5yqCBlPO-rLRs/s1600/adam-yauch-mca-beastie-boys-birthday-august-5_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVfNSeTr8q97HJK3lFsD8FZhIZLeac1pw__XFgQ4NQQ6VDtdv2c35ax5ZmIpr8vDwGJtybpERQ2Hazlcc-ORMduYuNgntxybLbOAbgzvXL12GW-slg1xz4pxGx-iaot5yqCBlPO-rLRs/s400/adam-yauch-mca-beastie-boys-birthday-august-5_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://globalgrind.com/news/adam-yauch-mca-beastie-boys-dies-47-photos" target="_blank">from: global grind</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shockingly sad. i've loved the beastie boys since high school. thank you for bringing hip hop to my little sheltered suburban world. </span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-76729249080506299462012-05-01T21:06:00.002-07:002012-05-01T21:07:09.069-07:00lego, lego, lego<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0qoN6REaR95RGW1wGPnPhuAb4wODInY5aHemCffSXgXx6lS4H8ZIGZf58LbJrcWLCd4Os6wIiBXBpMUg2LP_sQX4lLnnaBAlkol2Hpf6T-ZP3zwrqY9Uo_AaY5batRemDgwOlka2rX0/s1600/lego_farnsworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0qoN6REaR95RGW1wGPnPhuAb4wODInY5aHemCffSXgXx6lS4H8ZIGZf58LbJrcWLCd4Os6wIiBXBpMUg2LP_sQX4lLnnaBAlkol2Hpf6T-ZP3zwrqY9Uo_AaY5batRemDgwOlka2rX0/s640/lego_farnsworth.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">via <a href="http://www.ohgizmo.com/2011/04/08/lego-architecture-farnsworth-house/" target="_blank">OhGizmo!</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the cold, wet spring we've been 'enjoying' and a lack of cable tv has meant that my kids have been entertaining themselves with lego every chance they get. every time they get a new set they build it according to the plan. but within days the 'kits' have morphed into a dozen different original creations. the boys tend to make ships, vehicles, and things that move or shoot and nothing seems to be saved in it's original format for long. my daughter tends to create elaborate structures and villages and woe is the brother who steals a coveted piece or a parent who accidently knocks anything over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">the nearest mall just opened a lego shop and we've visited several times. the kids love to look at it all but have not harassed us for any more sets. which really is an indication of just how much lego we already have at home. (we've probably spent more on lego than i did on my first car. and anyone who has ever fallen in love with a little british sports car will understand exactly what that means). but this weeks visit to the lego store had me seriously considering a purchase or two for myself. almost the entire <a href="http://architecture.lego.com/" target="_blank">lego architecture</a> line was calling my name. mother's day is coming up and lego will last longer than flowers or a british sports car. and it's certainly the only way i'm going to own <a href="http://architecture.lego.com/en-us/products/architect/farnsworth-house/" target="_blank">farnsworth house</a> or <a href="http://architecture.lego.com/en-us/products/architect/fallingwater/" target="_blank">fallingwater</a>.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-23114105789914622322012-04-30T07:24:00.000-07:002012-04-30T07:24:49.504-07:00mother's day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyH0oqqnmCSjlUzJGdufo3S1zRQYucIwm9_E1r7fAO-ekEfn9E3YfwL0dsrWeI7vIPYGIARYwfyH8iwqfndhUrAStmGxgGpkV44jtphl4mLf0qW2BN9zQVeOVESIqyt9zmbLwWamOigyk/s1600/GP+Ikat-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyH0oqqnmCSjlUzJGdufo3S1zRQYucIwm9_E1r7fAO-ekEfn9E3YfwL0dsrWeI7vIPYGIARYwfyH8iwqfndhUrAStmGxgGpkV44jtphl4mLf0qW2BN9zQVeOVESIqyt9zmbLwWamOigyk/s400/GP+Ikat-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mother's day is quickly approaching. one of these little pouches would be a great gift - filled with with a gift card or some beauty products for your mom, grandma, or aunt.</span></div>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-14212820437634417432012-04-26T11:40:00.003-07:002012-04-26T11:41:05.245-07:00quickie lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9WeDs0mDgN-L0oadlmFjNDdv5ZbqE5Xf8mPi2MG8a095XbMq6AnWrZ7KwDlFAPG7P9d0ETp2eQF-yHBIQA1iBU-va-uc0ScZOef9O0osK5RyFZLZllSfd5Ab-kgI_jnCFRE3gH7Zo7E/s1600/Julienne+peeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9WeDs0mDgN-L0oadlmFjNDdv5ZbqE5Xf8mPi2MG8a095XbMq6AnWrZ7KwDlFAPG7P9d0ETp2eQF-yHBIQA1iBU-va-uc0ScZOef9O0osK5RyFZLZllSfd5Ab-kgI_jnCFRE3gH7Zo7E/s400/Julienne+peeler.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grabby post title but no, it's not what you might be thinking. sometimes you need to make a quick meal and this is about 5 minutes total. this is our favourite small kitchen gadget of late. it's from kuhn rikon and was brought by santa but has just been rotated into daily use. it juliennes like nobody's business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">recipe: quickie lunch*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 package ramen noodles (toss out the flavour packet - there is nothing good in it)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3 cups of broth (preferably homemade/low-sodium)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">one carrot, peeled and julienned</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">handful of frozen peas/corn/green beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 egg, beaten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">finely chopped green onion (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">cook noodles in boiling broth for about 2 minutes. add vegetables and cook for a minute longer. add egg and stir and top with green onion if desired. serve in bowls. slurping allowed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">*no pictures of the noodles as they were eaten in less time that it takes to make them!</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878663026346543391.post-47349709735984525542012-04-19T19:07:00.000-07:002012-04-19T19:07:16.923-07:00domino magazine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr48fZVlTK5FSdZRsleJT_CtiZ8dcvtFoi1qZjlwzlf3cm5vZc5D9j93Z6xVgZp4OmrQZNtzHqKvV-OzoWzaJV5sUK4e2ONmYkKC2QuA3ml3aglWmMcRurXDCCgm_tTFg3d-QKvsjIJ2E/s1600/domino+april+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr48fZVlTK5FSdZRsleJT_CtiZ8dcvtFoi1qZjlwzlf3cm5vZc5D9j93Z6xVgZp4OmrQZNtzHqKvV-OzoWzaJV5sUK4e2ONmYkKC2QuA3ml3aglWmMcRurXDCCgm_tTFg3d-QKvsjIJ2E/s640/domino+april+2012.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dominomag.com/" target="_blank">domino</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">i have almost every issue of domino (2005-2009) carefully stored in my craft closet - right alongside every one of martha stewart's blueprint magazines</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (2006-2008). while i've managed to edit the massive dwell 'mountain' down to one thick binder, every time we move or reorganize i struggle with the decision to donate or keep the full issue magazines. surely i am not the only person hoarding back issues of domino.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">it was with great anticipation that i awaited the arrival of this issue, trolling the magazine aisles in the grocery store this week to get my hot little hands on my very own copy. I'd hoped for an entirely new issue as inspiring as the original but it's a bit of a rehash. i feel a little let down. maybe i'm just a little jaded - there's an awful lot to 'see' out there on the internet and a massive increase in lifestyle/interior design/shelter blog content. surely the online access to instant inspiration has had something to do with the decline in print publications. living in a small house, being mostly self-employed on a tight 'fun money' allowance, as well as trying to tread a little more lightly on the earth has meant that i have been much more selective in what i buy. and sometimes it's just that i want to come up with my very own ideas without any outside influence and that can't occur when there's no break from outside influences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">that being said, i am looking forward to sitting down with a cup of tea and getting to know this new/old friend. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9f0rZgi0y0oo2UtcSm8u1oa7paLJprNEP-vPecVB4u-uLF0axLKDdxSRTrzn5wBo6WRqpG6bcLrmZgS1XHEif_VuCeGYKjabiO1WBr9CpuXYBDkzaT_DFMR_uQXOm_HX-C1jWgIi_Mk/s1600/canucks+logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9f0rZgi0y0oo2UtcSm8u1oa7paLJprNEP-vPecVB4u-uLF0axLKDdxSRTrzn5wBo6WRqpG6bcLrmZgS1XHEif_VuCeGYKjabiO1WBr9CpuXYBDkzaT_DFMR_uQXOm_HX-C1jWgIi_Mk/s400/canucks+logo.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the canucks are in the stanley cup playoffs - this is our year. we could not have come closer last season and we are determined to bring it home this year. (ok so i can't really skate but we are all canucks in vancouver. the puck drops at 7 pm and the beer and chip dip are in the fridge. honestly, the only thing i miss about cable tv is not being able to watch the canucks on our tv. live streaming on the computer screen isn't the same though i can sew at the same time. if i sew with blue and green fabric we might win tonight? it's great to see people out and about in their jerseys on game days and the scruffy start of many a play off beard.</span>katemakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13458409972292401902noreply@blogger.com1