tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81437356562825179442024-03-09T19:46:26.091-07:00Involving the SensesMeghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-53500799159116992112013-10-24T13:22:00.001-07:002013-10-24T13:22:27.247-07:00Shalom Cardigan now available on RavelryThere is some sort of hitch in my pattern hosting website, so the Shalom Cardigan pattern (English version) can be found as a free Ravelry download. Click below to see it:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shalom-cardigan" target="_blank">Shalom Cardigan (english)</a><br />
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I do get a lot of requests for pattern help or alterations, and I must apologize as I am unable to offer pattern support. Your best bet is to look for help from other knitters on Ravelry, as many people have improved upon this pattern since I wrote it many, many years ago! Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-65292371734235155842013-07-09T16:41:00.000-07:002013-07-09T16:41:29.632-07:00A few more projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been slowly and surely settling into my new place. The goal has been to make it a comfortable, beautiful, and creative space--without spending a ton of money. One of my favorite recent finds was this beautiful and long Kuba applique textile from Congo:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9249508189/" title="Kuba applique textile, wall mounted by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="Kuba applique textile, wall mounted" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9249508189_ce29d817ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I've been admiring these kinds of textiles for years, so I was thrilled to find such a nice one at an African market--and luckily the seller was more than happy to bargain with me. I mounted it on the wall using the same velcro technique that I described <a href="http://involvingthesenses.blogspot.com/2010/05/lithuanian-weaving.html">in this post</a>. <br />
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I also made a second button tufted headboard! Most of the supplies were leftover from the first headboard, so that certainly helped. I decided to go for a bright turquoise-blue for the guest room. It matches the binding on the quilt I made a few years ago. I also made the blue & white throw pillow using fabric from a dress I had made while studying abroad in Cameroon. I had always loved that fabric, but the dress was not a great fit--I'm so happy now that I can enjoy the print on a regular basis. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9252290174/" title="Guest bedroom by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="Guest bedroom" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9252290174_22c97381e3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9249506325/" title="Bright blue DIY tufted headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="Bright blue DIY tufted headboard" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/9249506325_5b352cec65_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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Perhaps my most ambitious--and intimidating--project was reupholstering a wingback chair. I received this pair of nice, older chairs from my mom when she moved to a new house. Although flame stitch patterns have definitely come back into style in recent years, I don't think the peachy pastel color scheme could pass for contemporary. I got a lot of comments from visitors on my interesting choice in furniture! The chairs were in great condition, very comfortable, and had hardly been used in their ~50 years of existence. I ended up only keeping and reupholstering one of them, due to space constraints. I also simplified the back cushion so I didn't drive myself totally crazy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9249506639/" title="After & Before DIY Wingback Chair Reupholstery by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="After & Before DIY Wingback Chair Reupholstery" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9249506639_1acbac6c6d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The final result was just about as good as I could have hoped for my first real upholstery job! People and animals alike seem to favor this chair now that it's looking more modern. I also found the perfect throw pillow, another African textile, at a nearby yard sale. I don't always have a lot of confidence in myself in the interior design department, so it's always such a nice feeling when everything finally settles into place! I guess it's true that if you just surround yourself with things you like--regardless of whether they are trendy, or what everyone else is doing--you'll end up with a space you love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9252289212/" title="DIY Reupholstered Chair by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Reupholstered Chair" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/9252289212_27afcba4e2_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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Before our last guests arrived, I went on a picture-hanging spree. This is one of my favorite vignettes: a couple wonderful paintings I scored for a song at the local antique malls, a little painting I made, and some antique spools from my Aunt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9252289884/" title="Some artwork, arranged by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="Some artwork, arranged" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/9252289884_077f863fc6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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My knitting has been very sporadic over the past couple years--though I'm sure there are a few projects I've neglected to post here! Here's a recent favorite for my new niece or nephew, who will be arriving any day. It's the <a href="http://tanisfiberarts.blogspot.com/2011/04/sunnyside-baby-sweater.html">Sunnyside Baby Sweater</a> in a variegated emerald green color that is sure to look gorgeous on any of my little relatives! I chose a larger size so the little one could grow into it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/9252289612/" title="Sunnyside Baby Cardigan by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunnyside Baby Cardigan" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9252289612_ca23a0b684_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-26758683711920899152013-07-04T09:16:00.001-07:002013-07-04T09:16:36.173-07:00Pinterest, anyone?The last couple years have taken on a more introspective character for me, and that has meant fewer things to share on this blog. I'm still working on creative projects around the house, and I'm also working on getting a little pottery business up and running. I'm planning to rekindle my online presence in the future, so keep this blog on your feed and I'll post updates when I get to that point. In the mean time, I do use pinterest to gather various sources of inspiration. Click here to see my boards:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/meguerite/">Meguerite on Pinterest</a>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-48629017826164818342012-06-09T17:18:00.000-07:002012-06-09T17:35:55.344-07:00DIY Button Tufted HeadboardFollowing in the footsteps of some great bloggers, I made by very own button tufted headboard!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7355849814/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7355849814_a2a39b4d42_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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If you're looking for a tutorial to follow, I highly recommend the ones over at <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-tufted-headboard.html">Little Green Notebook</a> and <a href="http://brickcitylove.com/2010/06/15/how-to-diamond-tufted-headboard-part-3/">Brick City Love</a>. My headboard took elements from both of those tutorials, and I must say that they were very helpful. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, I thought I'd just share some photos of my process and a few notes on things I learned as I went along.<br />
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I'm not sure where the idea for this headboard first happened. I must have seen something similar and got it stuck in my head. I spent months combing the internet for tutorials and inspiration images (many of my favorites I added to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/meguerite/home/">pinterest</a> board), until I finally gathered up the supplies and the courage to tackle this project myself. <br />
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For my California King mattress, I ended up making the headboard two feet tall and six feet wide. I found this size made a big enough impact, while still being able to fit all the materials in my car! Upholstery foam also happens to be about two feet wide, which is another reason this size was so convenient.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170633265/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7170633265_a60689f3a6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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While other people have simply hung their headboards on the wall, I didn't really trust myself to be able to hang it securely enough to stand up to regular use. Instead, I made a simple frame using 1x3 and 1x2 boards. I was originally going to use plywood, but I'm really happy that I chose to use pegboard instead. It kept the headboard very lightweight, so that it was no trouble for me to flip around on my own. It also saved me a ton of time since I didn't have to drill 43 button holes. The frame helped keep the pegboard from flexing and gave me a nice surface to staple the fabric to.<br />
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For my 6ft long headboard, I only purchased 2.5 yards of dark gray upholstery weight chenille fabric. As soon as I came home from the store, I got this sinking feeling that I had seriously miscalculated. Consequently, I decided not to try to cover the legs with fabric, and instead just painted them white to match the sheets. In hindsight, painting them with the wall color paint would also have been a smart idea. I'll save you the suspense and tell you that I had *just* enough fabric to cover the headboard, but I would have preferred a bit more just to be safe!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170633387/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7170633387_88e469b9fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I charted out the button spacing so that there were 5 long rows (3 of 9 buttons, 2 of 8 buttons). The spacing worked on a 4" unit in either direction. I happened to have a metal broom handle that was the perfect diameter for punching out 1/2" tunnels through the foam for my covered buttons to fall into.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170634171/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7170634171_666ebc422a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I used some fiberfill from an old pillow between the batting and the upholstery foam--though I'm not sure if it made a big difference in the end result.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170633859/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7170633859_e90122c2cc_z.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />
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I have to say, my least favorite part of this process was making the covered buttons. They simply don't want to come together around such thick fabric! I eventually came up with a system involving a rubber mallet and a whole bunch of glue, but managed to break two of the little assembly tools in the process. If you choose a thicker pile fabric like I did, you might be wise to ask a local upholstery shop to cover buttons for you. It would cost a little extra, but would save some trouble.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7355848704/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7355848704_efcdc4d38a_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Every tutorial I read suggested starting in the middle, and working row by row. I started out this way, but quickly ran into trouble when I started on the next row. Having never done this before, and being too lazy to figure out how to mark the appropriate spacing on the fabric, I found that I wasn't getting the right amount of tension on the fabric. When I started the second row, I wasn't always able to make nice diamond folds in the fabric. So, I decided to start over. The nice thing is that there was no damage to the fabric, so starting over isn't a big deal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170635495/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7170635495_ed00bbd765_z.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />
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I did start in the middle, but ended up working in every which direction from that middle point. This let me really play with the folds in the fabric so that I didn't use too much of the slack in any one direction. Once I started doing it this way, it was pretty easy to figure out the rest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170634441/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7170634441_515d25d935_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I ended up using a package of waxed button thread I found in the upholstery section of Joann Fabric. I really liked working with it because the wax kind of holds your knots in place with friction as you work, so the buttons don't fight against you the whole time. I originally was going to staple the thread to the back of the pegboard, but the density of the pegboard made stapling impossible, so I ended up using all the random little buttons I could find. They worked perfectly to secure the thread.<br />
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One note on buying supplies: if you have a smart phone, you must download the free app from Joann. It gives you a bunch of great coupons each week, and then you can join me on my quest to never buy anything there for less than 50% off ;).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7355849078/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7355849078_d0d5a9d427_z.jpg" width="428" /> </a></div>
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I propped my headboard up on four chairs, allowing me to work over and under the board with ease. here I've worked from the center to one end, and have started working the other direction.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/7170636285/" title="DIY Button Tufted Headboard by meguerite, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Button Tufted Headboard" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7170636285_66f5097bba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Finished and attached to the bed frame with carriage bolts.<br />
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I worked on putting this together in bits and pieces over the course of a week. If you were really determined, you could finish this in a weekend. It's not a terribly difficult thing to make, though you will need to work smartly and thoughtfully to ensure a professional-looking end product. I hope I've inspired a few more people to try it out! Oh, and if a headboard isn't your thing, this technique could also make a lovely bench--I'm thinking of making one of those in the future!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-62651249754285506062011-12-19T15:15:00.002-07:002011-12-19T15:18:41.193-07:00Shalom Cardigan pattern now available in Hungarian!Many thanks to Eszter Sarkadi Nagy, who volunteered to translate the Shalom Cardigan pattern into Hungarian! The translation can be found <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/74255226/Shalom-Kardigan-Hun">here</a>, or in the sidebar on the right. <span id="result_box" class="short_text" lang="hu"><span class="hps">köszönöm!</span></span>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-36937284779510984372011-12-19T14:53:00.004-07:002011-12-19T15:08:59.941-07:00Two years in the makingI interrupt this long blog break to show a huge finished project!<br /><br />I started this navy and white zig-zag quilt about two years ago. The cutting and piecing went very quickly, but I stalled out on the quilting. Life got really busy for a while, but luckily things have slowed down so I was able to concentrate on finishing this.<br /><br />I'm so pleased with the end result!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/6540025345/" title="Zig-zag quilt by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6540025345_e3bfa5b466_z.jpg" alt="Zig-zag quilt" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The quilt is queen sized and composed of navy and white rectangles sewn together in a zig-zag pattern.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/6540025779/" title="Zig-zag quilt, with circular hand quilting by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6540025779_18eca91e93_z.jpg" alt="Zig-zag quilt, with circular hand quilting" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br />After failed attempts at free-motion machine quilting, and machine quilting in the ditch, I finally decided to hand quilt 3" circles in each square. I used matching thread on the front, so it alternates on the back.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/6540026661/" title="Colorblock back on zig-zag quilt by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6540026661_ef3d0e5ebd_z.jpg" alt="Colorblock back on zig-zag quilt" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The back is a very simple color block that I think could look pretty good on its own.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/6540027167/" title="Zig-zag quilt by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6540027167_834a8fa532_z.jpg" alt="Zig-zag quilt" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I originally wanted yellow binding, but this cheery blue caught my eye, and adds to the nautical look of the design.<br /><br />I have to say, I was really intimidated by the idea of hand-quilting a queen sized quilt, especially since I had never hand-quilted anything. It did take quite a number of hours (and days and weeks) but I actually enjoyed it. It definitely adds something special and makes the quilt look handmade.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-26971275173394481062011-04-10T17:58:00.001-07:002011-04-10T18:03:11.204-07:00New potteryMy pottery has been getting better and more consistent. One of my friends told me they looked more 'confident,' which I thought was a good assessment. Here are a few of my latest favorites.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5607757923/" title="green & brown pear-shaped mug by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5607757923_4e6ea5d1c0_z.jpg" alt="green & brown pear-shaped mug" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">green & brown pear-shaped mug<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5607758135/" title="caribe & white simple mug by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5607758135_6d6cd73368_z.jpg" alt="caribe & white simple mug" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">caribe & white simple mug<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5607757677/" title="assorted cereal bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5607757677_d776de618a_z.jpg" alt="assorted cereal bowls" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">assorted cereal bowls<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5608341152/" title="blue & white plus bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5608341152_2dfe1c442d_z.jpg" alt="blue & white plus bowls" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">blue & white plus bowls.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-88995259199457269332011-03-21T18:08:00.002-07:002011-03-21T18:19:31.450-07:00Homework<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5548149639/" title="Doing my homework by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5548149639_19b60d9b06_z.jpg" alt="Doing my homework" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />I spent last weekend trying to figure out the taxes and laws that would apply if I started selling my pottery. After hours of reading and confusion, I finally figured out that selling pottery, for me, would likely be considered a 'hobby' by the IRS because I wouldn't expect to make any money--just enough to cover the cost of my classes. What a headache! In any case, I'm glad I finally understand all this 'cause I think it'll come in handy. I borrowed the books above from the local public library. Libraries are pretty amazing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5548736968/" title="Custom-made bowl set by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5548736968_b0d0081ebc_z.jpg" alt="Custom-made bowl set" height="640" width="428" /></a><br />I invited some of the girls over a few weeks ago for a housewarming with Moroccan food. I managed to finish enough bowls and plates that everyone could eat off of handmade pottery. One friend liked her soup bowl so much that she commissioned me to make a set of 6 for her. I delivered them today and she was really pleased! The shape and the rough quality of the turquoise glaze reminded her of the Japanese tea bowls she studied in college.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5548154751/" title="Handmade ceramic plate by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5548154751_30030f0fe1_z.jpg" alt="Handmade ceramic plate" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />I've also had a lot of luck lately with a new (to me) glaze--Arabia green. I'm playing with layering glazes and seeing how different loose applications of design look.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-8999945014937593742011-03-06T17:44:00.003-07:002011-03-06T17:53:14.155-07:00Still here!Life has really been getting in the way of blogging for the past few months. I moved to a new apartment (in the same city) after discovering a major mold problem (and terrible lying property manager) at the last place. I worked on a surprise project at work that was big and exciting, and came with lots of media coverage. I had a few visits with my loved ones. And luckily, I've still had time for creative projects. My pottery continues to improve in leaps and bounds, and I have so many ideas that I can't keep up with them. Thanks so much to everyone for their wonderful feedback on my previous pottery posts. I do hope to sell things online at some point, and will certainly post here to let you know when that happens. Until then, here are a few of my latest favorites.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5503978191/" title="Ceramic bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5503978191_f96c51a28b_z.jpg" alt="Ceramic bowls" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bowls with designs in slip. I loved making these, and plan to make more.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5503977801/" title="Handmade ceramic plate by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5503977801_5179ea6e51_z.jpg" alt="Handmade ceramic plate" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My first dinner plate!! I really adore this one. If only everything came out so well!<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-84396365306925252342010-11-14T08:33:00.004-07:002010-11-14T08:43:32.152-07:00Gearing up<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">No big surprise, I'm still spending a lot of time in the pottery studio. This month, I've been focusing mostly on handbuilding and playing with different surface decoration techniques. I still feel like I have light years to go, but I have made quite a few things I'm pleased with. The annual pottery sale is next weekend--I can't wait to see how it goes!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5174589399/" title="Eggshell bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5174589399_5f671b2bca_z.jpg" alt="Eggshell bowls" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Eggshell bowls with African textile motifs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5175198166/" title="Star bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5175198166_b558fe68cf_z.jpg" alt="Star bowl" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Blue stars bowl.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5175196946/" title="Sgraffito detail by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5175196946_719f48c314_z.jpg" alt="Sgraffito detail" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Sgraffito detail<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5175197514/" title="Small Square dishes by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5175197514_bc4cbf09a8_z.jpg" alt="Small Square dishes" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Little square dishes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5175197784/" title="Turquoise/white bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5175197784_cba2fa02bb_z.jpg" alt="Turquoise/white bowls" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Turquoise and white bowls.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5175198166/" title="Star bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5175195014_46b11f4eb9_z.jpg" alt="Josh Ritter" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Oh, and I saw Josh Ritter in concert the other night. What a cutie! I've never seen someone grin for an entire concert. If you haven't seen his video for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXBI2_zH9Js">the curse</a>, please click over!<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-32721593834925878002010-10-16T07:33:00.003-07:002010-10-16T07:43:08.616-07:00In the pottery studio<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5086575570/" title="Ceramics Apron by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5086575570_4bfe48ba4d_z.jpg" alt="Ceramics Apron" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been spending a bunch of time in the pottery studio, getting ready for a pottery sale in late November. Lately, I've found a new favorite apron--it's a flight attendant apron from United Airlines previously worn by "Lori." Headphones on, The Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" playing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5086575866/" title="Glaze buckets by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5086575866_83d61ece13_z.jpg" alt="Glaze buckets" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />The glaze buckets eagerly waiting to be used.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5086576132/" title="Tea Mugs before final firing by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5086576132_c6630cc81f_z.jpg" alt="Tea Mugs before final firing" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />I've been making a lot of mugs--I'm enjoying making this shape, improving my handles, and this time I tested out a bunch of different glaze combinations.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5085980001/" title="Tea Mugs by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5085980001_aa17ff6f73_z.jpg" alt="Tea Mugs" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />The olive green and white is one of my new favorites. Pretty yet earthy and classy at the same time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5086576612/" title="Tea Mugs by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5086576612_7d66fa2aeb_z.jpg" alt="Tea Mugs" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />The caribe and white is still going strong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5086576962/" title="Alhambra Tiles by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5086576962_ba0780ec3b_z.jpg" alt="Alhambra Tiles" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />A bunch of my Alhambra tiles have also come out recently. I'm liking the way the darker colors break on the edges to highlight the carving. These tiles have a little ledge in the back so that they can be hung on the wall by a nail.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-63540084140661989052010-10-03T17:51:00.002-07:002010-10-03T18:03:03.524-07:00Street Food & Other Fun<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">After spending two weekends in row out of town last month--and numerous out of town weekends in the preceeding months, I was starting to feel disconnected with my new city. I think these things go in waves for me. But the nice thing is, this feeling gave me a burst of energy to get out and explore a whole lot more. I started following a lot of local organizations on Twitter so that I hear about fun events before they happen, and I'm doing my best to reach out to friends and acquaintances and put myself out there. Having moved so frequently in the past 5 years, it can be tough to start over again and again, but that's just the way it goes. Might as well make the most of it!<br /><br />This week was packed full of good stuff--I signed myself up to volunteer for an upcoming film festival, I joined a gym, I've been doing some good things in the ceramics studio, and I got to go to a street food party. The Justice League of Street Food is kind of a silly name, but it's a fun concept. Denver has all of these great food trucks and carts--many associated with local restaurants. Every so often, a bunch of the trucks gather in one place for an evening with a DJ and a great atmosphere. <br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5048842985/" title="The Buscuit Bus by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5048842985_ae972e42d7_z.jpg" alt="The Buscuit Bus" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5049461960/" title="Delicious street food by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5049461960_002953298a_z.jpg" alt="Delicious street food" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />From Deluxe Street Food: truffle & parmesan fries, truffle mac & cheese balls, and a black bean sope. So good!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5049461562/" title="Free Cupcakes! by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5049461562_2125192f94_z.jpg" alt="Free Cupcakes!" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />The sweetest of all, I won a punch card for 6 free cupcakes from the Denver Cupcake Truck. Now I just have to track them down again to collect.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-33606746015613650512010-09-26T16:16:00.002-07:002010-09-26T16:19:50.504-07:00The latest<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5027256055/" title="Gigantic tea mugs for a cosy day by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5027256055_7b31709d9d_z.jpg" alt="Gigantic tea mugs for a cosy day" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gigantic tea mugs, just the way I like them. These are my favorite so far.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5027258647/" title="Small vessel by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5027258647_4280a1d0cd_z.jpg" alt="Small vessel" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Small vessel, inspired by ancient Iranian pottery forms.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/5027877002/" title="Mise en place bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5027877002_ac01a0eb7a_z.jpg" alt="Mise en place bowls" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Mise en place bowls. I'd like to make a whole bunch in different colors.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-12611265398882697582010-09-09T16:56:00.001-07:002010-09-09T16:58:49.017-07:00Last weekend<div style="text-align: center;">I spent some quality time with the girls...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4975526110/" title="Diva by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4975526110_6b5760b498_z.jpg" alt="Diva" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Diva<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4974915247/" title="Lola by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4974915247_25783d812d_z.jpg" alt="Lola" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Lola<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4975525892/" title="Purple Cauliflower by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4975525892_b89f25b626_z.jpg" alt="Purple Cauliflower" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />...and picked some purple cauliflower from my garden<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-7207013213077753882010-08-30T18:52:00.002-07:002010-08-30T18:53:43.121-07:00I turn my back for 5 minutes...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4943324863/" title="I turn my back for 5 minutes... by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4943324863_e9c60a4419_z.jpg" alt="I turn my back for 5 minutes..." height="480" width="640" /></a><br />The latest sneaky produce from my garden.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-67411491921540971342010-08-29T18:25:00.002-07:002010-08-29T18:30:14.473-07:00Visiting<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4940109760/" title="Celestial Seasonings Factory by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4940109760_9b8488ac92_z.jpg" alt="Celestial Seasonings Factory" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory (more fun than I expected)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4939523891/" title="Tour de b-cycle Denver by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4939523891_f4fd01cbb3_z.jpg" alt="Tour de b-cycle Denver" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Tour de B-cycle, Denver. 25 miles, 43 bike stations in one day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4939522515/" title="Dushanbe Teahouse, Boulder, CO by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4939522515_88a885741f_z.jpg" alt="Dushanbe Teahouse, Boulder, CO" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Dushanbe Teahouse, or: why can we import more buildings from Tajikistan?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4939519805/" title="Historic Georgetown, CO by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4939519805_aa94065d22_z.jpg" alt="Historic Georgetown, CO" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Historic Georgetown, CO. I just love that pup waiting for his owner.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-37521788551687924052010-08-21T16:19:00.002-07:002010-08-21T16:25:58.335-07:00Ceramics updateI've spent quite a lot of my free time this summer working on some things in the ceramics studio. This is my first time throwing pottery on the wheel in 11 years, and my first time back in the studio since 2004. I'm still perfecting my skills, so not everything comes out exactly as I want, but I have been rapidly improving. Here's a peek at some of the more successful items so far:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913913967/" title="Mug pair by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4913913967_d6f51e3e9a_z.jpg" alt="Mug pair" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913913557/" title="Turquoise bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4913913557_683bc96e17_z.jpg" alt="Turquoise bowl" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914516484/" title="Deep blue rice bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4914516484_6ccc893e92_z.jpg" alt="Deep blue rice bowl" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914516158/" title="Turquoise & white bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4914516158_0456030d6b_z.jpg" alt="Turquoise & white bowl" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913912591/" title="Tor's blue bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4913912591_1cfcf3325a_z.jpg" alt="Tor's blue bowl" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914514514/" title="Handcarved pot by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4914514514_ed1881b0e2_z.jpg" alt="Handcarved pot" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914514088/" title="Chevron jar by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4914514088_d98365d575_z.jpg" alt="Chevron jar" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914513764/" title="Islamic star cereal bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4914513764_7079b1d4ab_z.jpg" alt="Islamic star cereal bowls" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913909975/" title="Floral crest cereal bowls by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4913909975_7f2a513806_z.jpg" alt="Floral crest cereal bowls" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914513040/" title="Mug set by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4914513040_25a237dd93_z.jpg" alt="Mug set" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913909077/" title="Surf blue large bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4913909077_c18ccc23a6_z.jpg" alt="Surf blue large bowl" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913908505/" title="Deep blue large bowl by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4913908505_3a1eb6f0a9_z.jpg" alt="Deep blue large bowl" width="640" height="480" /></a>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-89328496088344040202010-08-21T16:15:00.002-07:002010-08-21T16:17:43.153-07:00Baby thingsI met my lil' nephew last month and brought a few handmade gifts: Sheldon the turtle (renamed Mervin by my sister), a bright blue baby placket neck pullover, and a small blanket.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913916055/" title="Baby gifts by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4913916055_a7c4c44501_z.jpg" alt="Baby gifts" width="640" height="480" /></a>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-67839473295938722422010-08-21T16:03:00.003-07:002010-08-21T16:19:35.686-07:00Summer kitchenWell, hello there!<br /><br />I've been enjoying my summer so much that I've neglected the blog for two months! To be honest, I'm not knitting or sewing much lately. It might be time to reinvent this space a little, though I haven't quite figured that out yet.<br /><br />I've been completely buried in vegetables lately--from my own garden, and from the farm CSA. It's great, and overwhelming. Here are a few things I happened to photograph:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914521342/" title="Homemade pizza by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4914521342_6ac8875a25_z.jpg" alt="Homemade pizza" width="640" height="480" /></a><br />Homemade pizza on my new pizza peel. This peel is great--I had been using my largest cutting board, which was not nearly large enough. This is a fresh, organic spinach pizza.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913915161/" title="Tahini-smashed fresh peas by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4913915161_50d0b3b522_z.jpg" alt="Tahini-smashed fresh peas" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/06/crushed-peas-with-smoky-sesame-dressing/">Tahini smashed english peas</a>. Soooo good, I wish I was eating this right now.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914520842/" title="Almond cake with rhubarb strawberry compote by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4914520842_2c731fe074_z.jpg" alt="Almond cake with rhubarb strawberry compote" width="640" height="480" /></a><br />Almond cake with strawberry rhubarb compote, via <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/04/almond-cake-with-strawberry-rhubarb-compote/">Smitten Kitchen</a>. This was really tasty, though I preferred the cake without the compote. The compote was wonderful with plain yogurt.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913916951/" title="Spinach & Zucchini Lasagne by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4913916951_2c866f2a1e_z.jpg" alt="Spinach & Zucchini Lasagne" width="640" height="480" /></a><br />Spinach and zucchini lasagne, back when the farm sent me two gargantuan bunches of spinach, and I was not yet at war with my over-productive zucchini plants.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4914519874/" title="Zucchini bread (round 2 of many?) by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4914519874_01621a00a3_z.jpg" alt="Zucchini bread (round 2 of many?)" width="640" height="480" /></a><br />This was either round two or three of zucchini bread fest 2010. There's much much more to come! I think I used <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/07/summer-of-the-bats/">this recipe</a>, and it was good.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18682827@N00/4913915507/" title="Homemade quesadilla with zucchini blossoms by meguerite, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4913915507_30c8b9a503_z.jpg" alt="Homemade quesadilla with zucchini blossoms" width="640" height="480" /></a><br />My first zucchini plant attack involved plucking some of the male flowers to make these great homemade <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fried-Quesadillas-with-Two-Fillings-105008">zucchini blossom quesadillas</a>. I used yogurt instead of crema, and threw in some green onion. Quite nice!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-24905007288733090562010-06-23T20:56:00.002-07:002010-06-23T21:01:30.910-07:00Ceramics!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQtSPoRkmEudbyBArcQkfRLSw8ghxuESkSkdYx6D0b4kvgKQXFslhksCUlSqoz1MQHdlkfDPmSHYy_cx8rVDybp0_Ei_kyY6Ac7ADYhKdLZiZD6dwyRfE5ZOjtGhB7nd0mvtJtZTkm28/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQtSPoRkmEudbyBArcQkfRLSw8ghxuESkSkdYx6D0b4kvgKQXFslhksCUlSqoz1MQHdlkfDPmSHYy_cx8rVDybp0_Ei_kyY6Ac7ADYhKdLZiZD6dwyRfE5ZOjtGhB7nd0mvtJtZTkm28/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486184262457718258" border="0" /></a><br />I started a ceramics class several weeks ago. It's a great class with plenty of open studio hours. I try to stop by 3-4 times a week--if only for an hour. Those of you who have worked with clay know that it takes a lot of time and attention. This is my first time back at the pottery wheel in 11 years--I have done several campaigns of handbuilding since then, however. I'm still regaining my skills, and am very much at the small-bowl-stage, but hopefully by the end of the summer I'll be able to branch out a bit more.<br /><br />The pots above have been bisque fired and are ready to be glazed. That's the step that always makes me a bit nervous--glazing is as much of an art as making the pot itself, and it can really make or break a piece. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I like most of them in the end!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-71791205204132457922010-06-23T20:52:00.003-07:002010-06-23T20:56:00.298-07:00Meet Sheldon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlCf7rhZFS9GHVGCx6bwFiTaKzNCtb_NGrlWeNGdI8hOozB503IvC_hdu9VxK1hyphenhyphen4JPaYhV_0s8UOpUXDEynu8fr4vWwXp8jFOau0am1DsiMFT5_H0x61q6jQY8LnGqaC0XMIBus2AeQ/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlCf7rhZFS9GHVGCx6bwFiTaKzNCtb_NGrlWeNGdI8hOozB503IvC_hdu9VxK1hyphenhyphen4JPaYhV_0s8UOpUXDEynu8fr4vWwXp8jFOau0am1DsiMFT5_H0x61q6jQY8LnGqaC0XMIBus2AeQ/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486183246367300882" border="0" /></a>My first knitting in months--I finished him over the weekend and my wrists did not appreciate the quick pace of the project. If you haven't met Sheldon, he's a free pattern from <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTsheldon.html">knitty.com</a>. He wears his shell like a little sweater vest, and it comes off. I almost think he's cuter without it, just this little green blob.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-69754622462483106002010-06-20T15:54:00.002-07:002010-06-20T15:58:13.156-07:00Craft book projects #2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5EZfvbIccHxqryNHnPoYTIzSPv5YXF0WNgkTajDs6MWaqLLFfpmhq2-Jo6xNMmq5xTFUAC-kx8oYxcIdzOFsasM-e-beloDNxJZcGNbqefnIMRHSf9AvGYbiAIj3jyeOA3LHSZTUiy4/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5EZfvbIccHxqryNHnPoYTIzSPv5YXF0WNgkTajDs6MWaqLLFfpmhq2-Jo6xNMmq5xTFUAC-kx8oYxcIdzOFsasM-e-beloDNxJZcGNbqefnIMRHSf9AvGYbiAIj3jyeOA3LHSZTUiy4/s400/IMG_0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484993217406127634" border="0" /></a><br />My second craft book from the library was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307406490?ie=UTF8&tag=involthesense-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307406490">Bag Bazaar: 25 Stylish Bags to Sew in an Afternoon</a>. Overall this is a good book, with a variety of bag styles to choose from. I decided to make a laptop sleeve, which is loosely based on the "Ellen" pattern from this book, though I changed it up by adding a flap. I used a nice canvas print fabric I found in Thailand, and vibrant blue fleece for the lining. It came together easily, and didn't take a lot of time.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-69291636560662157702010-06-19T15:04:00.004-07:002010-06-19T15:16:01.763-07:00Craft book projectsI decided that if I'm going to check out craft books from the library, I'd better actually make an effort to do some projects from them. Up first: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584796340?ie=UTF8&tag=involthesense-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1584796340">Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=involthesense-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1584796340" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> by Joelle Hoverson.<br /><br />I'm a bigger fan of this book than I expected--there are a lot of really nice, simple, and elegant projects--many of which you might have trouble giving away when you're finished. I chose three projects to complete. It helped that two of these were things I needed, and already had fabric for. The third will make an excellent gift.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT3I-b6FYvr5sL_21HvfRJUVduHHOkMljrcA4IXnasO-6_YLEeOJpfWtRKR0lFo6SLulbw1Rsf4RwBsUB2GVlycUrUjJu9BXRUMBkn-1ojYi-RJURdp-il3_QXyR3Ra7kNPsG78L3fmI/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT3I-b6FYvr5sL_21HvfRJUVduHHOkMljrcA4IXnasO-6_YLEeOJpfWtRKR0lFo6SLulbw1Rsf4RwBsUB2GVlycUrUjJu9BXRUMBkn-1ojYi-RJURdp-il3_QXyR3Ra7kNPsG78L3fmI/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484609438096678962" border="0" /></a>Quilted coasters made with batik fabric my mom brought home from Indonesia. My poor coffee table will certainly thank me!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjSxjcntg0032r4M1hGj2SWkQhG3CPxZRAVnja7wBHfjigVpPNQzpFOnvpgrYBwHjChLuxhLYJNdfVv4j6X6WcvVqErcQm18RTEJySsa1NeiFe2se56FcbkaCyoewDrxvq6xXEPJVvOo/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjSxjcntg0032r4M1hGj2SWkQhG3CPxZRAVnja7wBHfjigVpPNQzpFOnvpgrYBwHjChLuxhLYJNdfVv4j6X6WcvVqErcQm18RTEJySsa1NeiFe2se56FcbkaCyoewDrxvq6xXEPJVvOo/s400/IMG_0061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484609400320101378" border="0" /></a>Kelly's pincushion in an assortment of fabrics from India, Africa, and home. I've never had a pincushion before, and already it has come in handy!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENNc8RoqToenOqK-wA6reNAYe0WzCg52gkDpU33E9q6hpJ-x4vgZYbc9CM3oc_6J-gNijLm1_EfvIxe30-zs732NNW39NfGrBWt_l_Wapfq58XbAquskNzIy66I2As5bH6tXpqtKw16Q/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENNc8RoqToenOqK-wA6reNAYe0WzCg52gkDpU33E9q6hpJ-x4vgZYbc9CM3oc_6J-gNijLm1_EfvIxe30-zs732NNW39NfGrBWt_l_Wapfq58XbAquskNzIy66I2As5bH6tXpqtKw16Q/s400/IMG_0072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484609415495971634" border="0" /></a>Lastly, the super quick + easy baby quilt. Oh man, I was absolutely loving this quilt when I sewed it up--it was effortless and so fast...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWFIcStC7rjkc17PwXc8UmVUfG-64nnFHDyzV2guUkwIwwXBXZoiJG9BeLsj4Zp3KxvcbOq147ZgsVZv05VTG5PXsE1rAIETxOdC5m0a6aQ3GrDlks0jPBreksxy1KZaSJyepP-8FPqA/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWFIcStC7rjkc17PwXc8UmVUfG-64nnFHDyzV2guUkwIwwXBXZoiJG9BeLsj4Zp3KxvcbOq147ZgsVZv05VTG5PXsE1rAIETxOdC5m0a6aQ3GrDlks0jPBreksxy1KZaSJyepP-8FPqA/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484609423328933730" border="0" /></a>...then I realized that I had four threads to knot and tuck in for each of the cute little satin diamonds that quilt the piece together. It took me the better part of my evenings this week to finish that. But, hopefully the little guy will love his blankie. The fabric is from Joann--pretty cute!<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-23446834415159176292010-06-19T14:56:00.002-07:002010-06-19T15:03:53.579-07:00New RecipesThis was a pretty successful week in the kitchen. My new CSA (community supported agriculture) started. We got three kinds of lettuce, spinach, cilantro, and parsley. Very green! With the spinach I made:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_QuIDuWn5FwkpsxFCJN-GcADmaC5MfLMn-fdie9dMsZYl6N7ZOEclZPPg1WsUIpjkwDxy1DIBdwt6Xlj4kGNZJq2b_vyENclbOXnr0QHAdeqZJr-iuqMM0Kbe2SexOHuDdNhUKZ9in0/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_QuIDuWn5FwkpsxFCJN-GcADmaC5MfLMn-fdie9dMsZYl6N7ZOEclZPPg1WsUIpjkwDxy1DIBdwt6Xlj4kGNZJq2b_vyENclbOXnr0QHAdeqZJr-iuqMM0Kbe2SexOHuDdNhUKZ9in0/s400/IMG_0070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484607207066433778" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Spanish-White-Beans-with-Spinach-356051">Spanish white beans with spinach.</a><br />I made a few changes, including using butter beans instead of cannellini. It had a very nice flavor.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WZ5VJ7eFSF8YYuUy5NDhh8mYNNlAUvsigzvBRX74_qv2mlK5go1CuSZ9mw6f2Fa2u6Ha5Sws_y0epKMmAMafp2_OFJrsGMCxeiYhPevFTJHjshoa16v4qE6S88XeSdbcA8iLcYcr4H8/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WZ5VJ7eFSF8YYuUy5NDhh8mYNNlAUvsigzvBRX74_qv2mlK5go1CuSZ9mw6f2Fa2u6Ha5Sws_y0epKMmAMafp2_OFJrsGMCxeiYhPevFTJHjshoa16v4qE6S88XeSdbcA8iLcYcr4H8/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484607194133112338" border="0" /></a>The absolute star of the week was this amazing <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/savory-mushroom-tart.aspx">savory mushroom tart</a>. So good!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRI8YOZT0A5__ObxnsLpv7p9zgJEQsj-4zyHNDGoZGic37LBJ3RIPte1BoUjp8GOKSRXHFxlUoQ3RF1_Z6jzE0O0LmpbfE0kXKGBxdsu4iXy7iUwoShI3g_U6vwuasBKjxpf5lybE4KQ/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRI8YOZT0A5__ObxnsLpv7p9zgJEQsj-4zyHNDGoZGic37LBJ3RIPte1BoUjp8GOKSRXHFxlUoQ3RF1_Z6jzE0O0LmpbfE0kXKGBxdsu4iXy7iUwoShI3g_U6vwuasBKjxpf5lybE4KQ/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484607184026573234" border="0" /></a>Also delicious: <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/white-bean-artichoke-dip.aspx">artichoke & white bean dip</a>. I added some tahini, to make it more hummus-like. Fine Cooking Magazine is quickly becoming my favorite.<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8143735656282517944.post-33922981689360195332010-06-10T16:28:00.002-07:002010-06-10T16:30:47.556-07:00It's Aunt Meghan, actually.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerCjpIEqo_8OlUy9-4oj5pSeETbTytYLwKIn4h3ckRRhCIxX1vCIGFeLcBjqBM0lgsdaYFG9QYWp9jOHFaLe5zycuibPISW32kZx0gherO_DUzWmAyFBjC-ZrXVLX4JId9jlt_ISXEgE/s1600/P1000144.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerCjpIEqo_8OlUy9-4oj5pSeETbTytYLwKIn4h3ckRRhCIxX1vCIGFeLcBjqBM0lgsdaYFG9QYWp9jOHFaLe5zycuibPISW32kZx0gherO_DUzWmAyFBjC-ZrXVLX4JId9jlt_ISXEgE/s400/P1000144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481291233146414562" border="0" /></a>My first nephew was born today. What a cutie.<br /><br />Any favorite sewing/knitting patterns for baby boys?<br /></div>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14494127639787920874noreply@blogger.com10