Happy Canada Day tomorrow!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
In honour of Canada Day, my favourite holiday of the summer, I'm offering $10 off my flannel Lumber Jack Panties. Bring them Camping, save them for winter, wear them on chilly nights, they make great sleep wear!
Piano
Friday, June 29, 2012
So, two weeks ago my dad, brother and husband moved the big, old piano from my parents house to my house. We had to do a lot of re-arranging, but our living room, although a little more full, looks great with the piano, and I've had fun playing almost every night after work. The room has become quite dark and traditional looking. I've put up some old, stained prints of the war of 1812 that I got from my grandmothers house. They are gory and macabre, but I always loved them. The painting on top of the piano is one that Dan's mom painted, and I absolutely love the winter scene. The piano became the perfect home for Dan's 1920's Remington Portable Typewriter, which we got from his grandmothers. The room is full of auction finds and hand me downs - the only new piece of furniture is our couch... a floor model from Sears. I love a house full of old junk.
Anyway, my fingers are not nearly as limber as they were at 15 years old, but I'm picking it up again. I'm not sure how much my neighbours will enjoy hearing me play the same few bars over and over and over again until I perfect it, but hey, at least I'm not practising my vocal exercises!
I was extremely fortunate to have an amazing music teacher in the "village" where I grew up. I grew up in a very small area - we had a general store and a gas station, and there were about 500 people in the village itself, and lots of cottage folk. Needless to say, there was not a whole lot going on. My parents started me in piano lessons pretty young, and I took my first exam through the Royal Conservatory at 8 years old! After that I studied guitar, voice, and played around with a violin (which I could never make work right!).
When I was a teenager, practising piano for an hour each night wasn't always fun. Scales were so boring, I hated music theory, but now as an adult I am so incredibly grateful for it. It's awesome being able to lose yourself in a song. Almost as good as losing yourself in a really beautiful ruffle or pintuck...
Tuesday...
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Today is a sewing day... I am finally starting to feel a little caught up. I am at least finished all of my orders from May and am moving onto June orders. I'm really itching to do some drafting and to sew some new things, as well as something for myself. We have a wedding to attend in two weeks, and I'd really like to make myself a dress...
I have a pattern idea in mind that I would really like to get working on, but I have a busy few weeks ahead. There is a wedding in two weeks, like I mentioned, this weekend is Canada Day weekend (and my birthday) so I will need to fit in some celebrating, and I'd really like to clear more orders off my plate. I really do need two of me, or at least a partner in crime!
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Birthday Slip...
Monday, June 25, 2012
I made this slip for my friend for her birthday - which we celebrated over the weekend. The slip is made of bias cut satin, which also has a touch of spandex in it. The triangle cups are gathered and trimmed in wide lace. The fabric had quite a bit of give when cut on the bias, so it is quite form fitting. I was even able to put darts in the back for a little more contour.
Birthday Celebrations were great. I had totally went all out and has two glasses of champagne (I don't normally drink). We had the most relaxing pedicures, then walked around downtown and had coffee and scones. Dinner was amazing - they had so many awesome details, like 3 types of butter, and their special, which Dan had, was Wild Boar and Lobster. After dinner, we noticed that they were installing new art pieces downtown, so we wandered around, eventually making it back home, and we all went to bed before midnight! It was so awesome, and relaxing...
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Getting Older...
Friday, June 22, 2012
This weekend, my best friend is coming up from the city for Birthday Celebrations! Her birthday was yesterday, and my birthday is coming up next Sunday. We are going for pedicures, a boat tour, beach-time, and a fancy dinner out. I can't wait. It's been so long since I had a day like that! And, I miss my best friend so much, it's the one thing I hate about being away from the city...
I feel like this birthday is a big birthday. I'm going to be 29. For some reason, to me, this seems scarier than 30. Twenty Nine is the last year of my twenties... I love my twenties, I have to make the most of it! It's been the best time of my life... though it does seem to be getting better, the older I get.
I've learned a lot of important lessons in my twenties... Like, nothing is carved in stone. Life is beautiful, but momentary and fleeting. Don't live life the way you think people expect you to, live the life you want. Hard work is worth it. And, money really does not buy happiness.
Twenty Eight has been an awesome year, and I have accomplished a lot! I got married - I never wanted to get married, but I loved my wedding and I love being married. I bought a house - my dream house, old and slightly falling apart but with lots of character and hidden gems. My business grew, and I feel like I'm right in the spot where I should be.
So, I am very excited the meet the last year of my twenties, excited to see the beginning of my thirties and what they have to hold for me. I'm very grateful to all of you who have helped me through rough times with your lovely, heartfelt comments, and cheered me on during the highs. It really does mean a lot to me!
I feel like this birthday is a big birthday. I'm going to be 29. For some reason, to me, this seems scarier than 30. Twenty Nine is the last year of my twenties... I love my twenties, I have to make the most of it! It's been the best time of my life... though it does seem to be getting better, the older I get.
Vanilla Bean Cupcake Via Flour Loves Sugar on Etsy |
I've learned a lot of important lessons in my twenties... Like, nothing is carved in stone. Life is beautiful, but momentary and fleeting. Don't live life the way you think people expect you to, live the life you want. Hard work is worth it. And, money really does not buy happiness.
Twenty Eight has been an awesome year, and I have accomplished a lot! I got married - I never wanted to get married, but I loved my wedding and I love being married. I bought a house - my dream house, old and slightly falling apart but with lots of character and hidden gems. My business grew, and I feel like I'm right in the spot where I should be.
So, I am very excited the meet the last year of my twenties, excited to see the beginning of my thirties and what they have to hold for me. I'm very grateful to all of you who have helped me through rough times with your lovely, heartfelt comments, and cheered me on during the highs. It really does mean a lot to me!
First Camping Trip of the Season
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
As I mentioned earlier, our first camping trip of the season got off to a bit of a rough start...
Dan and I, since we started dating, have always loved going camping. Our first camping trip was real spur of the moment. We packed some beer, hot dogs, ketchup, buns, a tent, sleeping bags, flash light, 2 chairs and headed out. We totally forgot to bring pillows, and ended up sleeping with our heads on a change of clothes, and the camp ground was practically an open field, but it was so much fun. After that, each summer, we've made a point of randomly heading out every few weeks...
This year has been tough to get away because Ohhh Lulu has been so busy and I am working a lot, but we finally got out for our first night last weekend. We headed up to Georgian Bay for one night at one of our favourite parks. We got there around mid-afternoon, set up the tent and realized that we had forgotten to pack a lantern or any flash lights. So, while Dan went out to get flash lights at the park store, I introduced Oliver to the tent. I guess, to him, it looked like a big bouncy castle, because as I laid down for a little rest and relaxation, Oliver started bouncing off the walls, and ended up kicking me in the face. Dan came back to find me with a fat lip! Something you should know about my "pug..." He's not like any pug you will ever see. He is a mixed breed, and absolutely gigantic - between 30-35lbs and very tall and very long. That dog packs a punch.
After getting kicked in the face, I decided we had to head out and do some hiking. I wanted to explore the Homestead Trail, which featured the ruins of a farmhouse and barn. We headed out, not realizing quite how hot it was outside. We finally made it to the homestead, which was very small and very neat, and a few steps up from that was the remains of the barn. We stood there, surveyed what was left, read the plaque, and started hearing footsteps coming up behind us. The trail was really over-grown, and didn't look like it had been travelled much, so I immediately thought the chances of coming upon another hiker, in the rather empty park, was pretty slim. We heard more branches cracking, twigs snapping, leaves rustling through the otherwise silent forest. Immediately, I though "THIS IS IT! THIS IS THE DAY I MEET BIGFOOT!" (or Sasquatch as we call him in Canada). My second thought was, "It's the ghost of one of the farmers coming back to protect his property!" Then I thought, "I watch way too many horror movies for my own good..."
I glanced through the forest towards the sound and saw a big, hulking, black form way too close for comfort. We walked up the trail a small way, until I got too chicken and worried that my little dog would become Black Bear Food, so we hustled back to camp.
Normally, a bear wouldn't freak me out too much. After all, they are more afraid of us than we are of them, right? But, bears are hungry this time of year, and it was making very little effort to get away from us scary humans, who were actually making quite a bit of noise... It's not even the first time I've seen a bear camping or hiking, but it is the first time that I've ran into a bear in such an isolated area.
We ended up back at camp, hot and exhausted. We took Oliver down to the dog beach later in the afternoon, and he played with some other dogs and we chatted with another couple and watched the sun set, which was nice. Dan captured it beautifully on camera. We had a camp fire, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, and talked until midnight...
I guess overall it was pretty good, and will certainly be the most memorable. It's funny now, how scared I was at the bear - which I guess is some kind of primal, human, evolutionary fear. It's definitely a camping trip we will remember.
What's new around the house...
Monday, June 18, 2012
Dan and I both had an extended weekend, so we decided to fill it FULL of projects. Now I'm exhausted and getting ready to go back to work. We ended up going camping on Friday night, which started off with me getting a fat lip when Oliver kicked me in the face, then a run-in with a bear... Not the best camping trip ever - we both felt rushed and never really got into the swing of things. We came home early on Saturday, moved my piano from my parents place to my house, and did a few things around the house (including finally finishing painting the bathroom vanity!).
We had to move a bunch of furniture on the main floor to make room for the piano. I ended up painting an old Ikea bookshelf, white, and put it in my room for clothes storage. We also put some drapery panels over our bed, since we don't' have a headboard, to fill up some empty space. My bedroom finally is starting to look half decent. It was one of the least-nice spaces in the house.
I finally got the guest bedroom set up, after having it sit empty for the last 6 months. It is the perfect home for my doll house, and will be home for my best friend, who is coming to visit for birthday celebrations next week! I can't wait to have her here, and I am excited to actually have a place for her to stay.
Here is the beast of a piano that my husband, my dad, and my brother moved for me. I didn't really want the piano, but now that it is here, I've enjoyed playing it, and it actually goes nicely in the room. I've become very rusty over the years...
I even managed to fit in some sewing this weekend and got an order or two completed, and a birthday gift started.
New To Me Pattern...
Friday, June 15, 2012
I have finally gotten around to watching Mad Men... and in a week I've watched the first two seasons and am well into the 3rd. When I sew, I like to have something on the TV. Usually I watch some cheesy documentary on Big Foot or UFO's, or a Creature Feature (The Legend of Boggy Creek, anyone?), but I thought I'd give Mad Men a try... needless to say I'm totally hooked. The costumes alone are absolutely amazing. I was super excited when I was browsing through Ebay the other day and came across this 1960's bra pattern - very Mad Men-esque. Cant wait until I have some time to give it a try!
phew...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
I just finished a large custom order for one of my favourite repeat customers... she always gives me lots of creative room to make something special for her. Here's a taste of what was sent in the mail today...
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Wednesday Wishlist...
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
1. Blue Elettrico Soft Leather Handmade Oxford Shoes by Ele Handmade
2. Tie-Sleeve Organic Cotton Knit Dress by Riordan Roache
3. To Bee Natural Perfume by Illuminated Perfume
4. SUKKAR Silver Necklace by Gemagenta
5. White Cat Ring by Every Bear Jewel
Around the garden...
I've added so many more things to my garden, like the strawberry plant above, which has doubled in size since I planted it. No sign of any strawberries, and we are in the midst of strawberry season, but maybe next year. Our crab apple tree has tons of apples growing, which is very exciting. The are about the size of a marble right now, I am hoping they get to a decent size.
While I figure out a long-term plan for my gardens, I've been planting lots of annuals, especially impatiens. My mom gave me this cute little pot, which I put a few left over plants in. I am absolutely loving the garden - I don't know how I lived without it. Every day I walk through it and survey the changes. Pretty soon we will have lettuce, tomatoes, peppers... Next year I hope to do a real vegetable garden, but we got off to an awesome start this year!
On the sewing table...
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Ahh! I am starting to feel a little bit more caught up! I sewed so many undies this weekend! I am only working 3 days this week at the office, so I am hoping to be in an even better position at the end of the week... I am hoping to fit in a night of camping this coming weekend to help me wind down a little bit. There is nothing better than a camp fire, marshmallows, and sleeping in a tent to help me relax.
I sewed 6 pairs of ruffle bloomers on Sunday. I think that must be my record. All of my garments with ruffled lace, the lace is ruffled entirely by hand. On each pair of ruffle bloomers, I gather a total of 6 meters of lace. Though I must admit, I sometimes enlist my husband to help me with the ruffling - four hands are better than two, and he is an excellent ruffler, if I do say so myself! The ruffling is definitely the most labour-intensive part of making ruffle bloomers.
My obsession with miniatures...
Monday, June 11, 2012
It's funny how life works. I've been wanting to make a doll house, after obsessing over the amazing miniatures on Etsy. My Uncle made this Doll House years and years ago for my cousin. My cousin lives in the city and hasn't had room to store it, so it's been living at my parents house. Well... it had an unfortunate accident last week... it fell off it's stand and is in rather rough shape. The railing on the porch is smashed, the whole house has come off it's stand, the dormer roof has come apart, and some of the floor boards have started lifting. Not knowing what to do with it, the doll house was going to make it's final trip...
I couldn't let the doll house go. My uncle, who passed away just a few years ago made this piece by piece for my cousin. I always loved the doll house whenever I would go to visit... all the little bits of furniture and nicknack's. So, I have adopted the rather damaged doll house, and will be renovating it over the next few weeks... months... years. My cousins are like my sisters, I couldn't let this get away! I know it means so much to all of us, and I am excited to start a real heirloom project. Maybe one day I will have a little girl who will enjoy it as well....
This is the attic, which has the most adorable Alice in Wonderland wall paper and two little circular windows.
The bathroom has an amazing checker board floor and still has some tissue on the toilet paper roll, though it's a little worse for wear after sitting in the basement for a few years...
The bedroom and the living room have bay windows and pretty flowered wall paper. I have no idea how I want to "decorate" but I am so, so, SO excited to fix it up again!
...
Saturday, June 9, 2012
I'm feeling a bit stressed this morning. This weekend will be a repeat of the last... getting up at 6am to answer emails then sewing until I just can't sew any more. I'm so grateful that I am busy, I just wish I had more hours throughout the week to devote to sewing, as opposed to all of my weekend hours. I need a mini-vacation! I'm feeling a little worn thin... Its been a busy few weeks.
I am also very sad because I completed a rush order last weekend and made a bra & a pair of panties too big. Such a disappointment! It's so nerve racking sending someone the fruits of your labour. I put so much of myself into each piece it's heartbreaking for me when something doesn't work out. I keep reminding myself that my mistakes are few and far between, but it still sucks! You are your own worst critic, right?
Yesterday I left work a little early and cleaned up my gardens, which were weedy and grassy... I repotted a mandevilla vine and a hanging basket that had fallen down and broken, and planted a wistera vine to grow along the lattice work under our back deck. It's supposed to rain all day today, which is good... I won't feel so guilty about staying indoors all day. My plants will appreciate it too! <3
Anyone up to anything special this weekend? Can I live vicariously through you?
To cheer myself up, here's my adorable little dog, being adorable. |
Yesterday I left work a little early and cleaned up my gardens, which were weedy and grassy... I repotted a mandevilla vine and a hanging basket that had fallen down and broken, and planted a wistera vine to grow along the lattice work under our back deck. It's supposed to rain all day today, which is good... I won't feel so guilty about staying indoors all day. My plants will appreciate it too! <3
Anyone up to anything special this weekend? Can I live vicariously through you?
Nautical Mix and Match
Friday, June 8, 2012
High Waist |
When I shop, I always think in teams of outfits. Whenever I buy something, I think of what items I already have in my wardrobe that would coordinate, and I always have to get 1 or 2 new things to go with. I like to get a lot of wear out of my clothes, so I've got to have a few outfits in mind for each piece! It's no different for lingerie.... so Along those lines, I have these nautical mix and match pieces.
This is my all time favourite set... so I've made a few variations on it to (hopefully) suit nearly everyone. There is a high waist and low waist version of the panties, matching bra, coordinating satin camisole, and satin panties that can be worn with the camisole or the bra.
Low Waist |
Matching Bra |
Look! It's a set! |
Pair it with a navy camisole |
Mix and Match with Navy Panties |
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Mix & Match Pinks & Whites
Thursday, June 7, 2012
I've been trying to create more pieces that you can mix and match tops and bottoms with. Here's an example of a few pieces that can be worn with one bra to create matching sets.
Ballet Pink Cheeky Panties |
High Waist Panties in Pink and White |
Pocket Full of Posies Panties |
Ballet Pink Bra |
Makes a complete set! |
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Brighter
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
So... once I had added some darks to my 3 for $60 deal, I had to add some bights to counter balance the dark and pastel, so I've added a few fun prints in more saturated colours than I usually use.
My favourites are the ones above and the ones below. The Gold Floral pair are so soft. I absolutely love the fabric (I also have a small bit in chocolate brown).
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