lady cordelia

rock the embroidery

When I was a kid, in the 70's, my mom used to embroider on my dads shirts.  I'd love to embroider some flowers, etc... on the edge of The Brad's shirts.  But, the 70's are long past.  I know and you know Brad would never go for it. Such a bummer.  

That said, did you know that embroidery is really "in" again?  Maybe not on mens shirts.  But check it: all the crafts of old are in: sewing, farming, running with no shoes on.  Swear!  People tell me the running with no shoes is in, anyway. 

Anyway.  I guess that's why I like to embroider.  It slows me down and offers an opportunity to be quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of busy, fancy, complex modern life.  I love learning ways to create modern art with thread and a needle. So simple, right? It reminds me of a time when our connection to "the craft of things" seemed so much deeper.  That way of thinking is something I want to share with my children.

I would like to get a lot better at embroidery over the next years. There are so many amazing stitches and I'd love to perfect all of them.  In the meantime, I'm going to pull out another one of my peacock embroidery samplers and give it another go.  I think I'm going to use more couching stitch this time. And coral knots. I really love coral knots.  The thing that is so cool about this sampler is that there is plenty of freedom to be creative and not have to adhere to a strict pattern. You can incorporate your own sense of style and stitch!   This sampler is great for kids too because there is plenty of room for keeping it basic or getting super detailed!

If you are interested in purchasing my peacock stitch sampler visit here.

xoxo

C

 

heads up

We've had quite a week around here. I've been tending to one of my girls who had a frightening bout with allergies.  Many visits to various doctors ...and I could go on.  But I'd rather suffice to say that all is good now, under control and very nearly back to normal. Plus, we've learned a lot- and that is always a good thing.

So, clearly, I am not going to work the art show today.  I have a to-do list that borders on the impossible and I am hoping that this huge cup of black tea might motivate me.  (Coffee just seems too harsh when quite frankly there has been enough adrenal stress on me this week.)

On another happy note, in the middle of our crazy week, I received my new stitch samplers!  Yep, I had a small run of these original "peacock" embroidery samplers screen-printed for my Etsy store.  (The peacock idea was inspired from a drawing by my 7-year-old.)  What is a stitch sampler you ask?  It's a design that you stitch yourself with embroidery thread.  What I'm providing is the material with the image.  You put it in an embroidery hoop and stitch away!  This sampler  is perfect for beginners and intermediate embroiderers alike and, when finished, would look lovely framed or made into a pillow.  If you are scared to try embroidery, just know that:

1) Stitching is easy-freaking-peasy.
2) It's totally "in" (you want to be cool, don't you?)
3) Working with thread, color and a little needle is creative and fun!
4) There is a plethora of free tutorials for every stitch on youtube.
5) It's a gosh darn cheap way to make art (knitting is great, but damn it's expensive!)
6) Frame your finished embroidery piece and you have an impressive homemade gift to give.
7) My sampler will be cheaper than going out for a garden burger, sweet potato fries and a veggie juice.

So think on that as I complete mine, I'll show it to you when it's finished and the samplers are the in the store!

I hope your week was good to you.  I am looking forward to tackling my to-do list and getting back to normal.  After, maybe, just one more cup of tea.

XO

joining weekending.

learning curves

~ I planted all my veggies in the ground because we didn't want pay for the materials, nor take the time to make raised beds for our veggies.  Oh, it's been hard beating the bugs and the crappy soil.  Oh, how I wish we'd just done this all differently.  Organic pest control and compost by the heaping heap and all the hours I can spare out there do help, but it's a battle.  Jeez. We could have just built the damn boxes and this would be somebody else's problem. Oh well.  I'll do my best this year.  My tomatoes are rocking, my snap peas are climbing, but my greens and beans...oh how they suffer.  Next year, I'll make it easier on myself. This year, I'll muddle through because I am not giving up.

~ I am trying out ideas for another project- involving the creation of an embroidery pattern.  It is full of its own little learning curves.  Belieeeevve me.

~Selling some quilts and bibs, and making some more quilts and bibs.  That's what happens now.  Not complaining, mind you...but today I am not all all prepared for Friday's show and will be working into the next few nights, with a messy house.

~Remembering to stop and breath, smell the flowers and feed the fish.  Appreciating and enjoying the descent into Spring, and then Summer.  We can still eat kale that's been shared with bugs, right?  When life gives you ugly bug-eaten kale, make green smoothies!

Have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend and I'll see you soon!

 

'round here

Hey there. Here's what's up in these parts. 

*First, and perhaps most importantly, do you like my new mushroom S&P shakers?  This is vintage Sears, people. I wanted the mugs, too.  But they were a little steeply priced for my likin'.

*How many girls do you know that wear Christmas dresses in April?  Well, now you know at least one.  You are so lucky.  She skips a lot.  And she likes to sweep the floor which she is doing now.  I love this girl more than infinity plus four (to use a term of hers.)

*This dog is on the way to the vet right now. He is old and he out of nowhere licked his back hip deeply bloody within two days.  Prolly arthritis.  Poor man. He's covered in fatty cysts and can't walk very well.  He's ashamed of his boo-boo and can't look us in the eye.  I know people out there who just want their old dogs to "get on with it", so to speak. I am so not one of these people. I am going to get my old man a new bed today.  He peed all over his. And no, he is not the reason my car smells like pee.  He can't get into my car without several people lifting him in, and he is very ashamed about being lifted in so he rarely rides.

*This is my newest quilt.  Foxy Baby.  Maybe I'll put it on Etsy.  Though I have to tell you, I sell much better at the shows so far than on Etsy.  But I'll keep working Etsy because it feels really awesome and ego-boosting to say I sell on Etsy.  Plus: I have some ideas I'm working on that will be pretty cost-effective and good for those who like to embroider.

And thanks for the sweet comments on yesterday's post.  As for the photo, anyone can take an instagram photo of themselves and look good.  Really. Prolly even Charles Manson. 

Also, I'm really into this instagram thing now that I know how it all works.  I have been using it for years, but had no idea how to accept "followers."  (I hate that word.)   I have a picture of my deodorant up so you know I really did lose it in the car (and found it, luckily.)  Also, you can see how gross and dirty my car really is. (Toenail clippers anyone? The Brad has those in there for some reason. And I thought texting and driving was bad!)

And finally, do you want to see how cute my lil' booth was yesterday The Brad said the rug was a bad idea because someone could trip on it and sue me.  Such an upbeat guy, right?  I wouldn't trust the word of a guy who clips his toenails while he drives.  But, that's just me.

(If you want to see the photo links, you have to follow me on Instagram.  Link is in upper right of blog.  My name there is dearcordelia.

XO

 

 

 

 

a man and a garden

At some point last night a gentelman cat appeared and this morning I found him next to Lucy Mae.  He is quite darling to be sure, but still-his hand is a bit low for the first date, no? He says his name is Bert. He doesn't have a tail, but he asked me to sew one on for him.  I was all: Sure, Bert.

I think I will put these two up on my Etsy store in a day or two.

Ok.  Moving on. 

Planting seeds left and freaking right, baby.  And transplanting my tomatoes into bigger containers!  Whoo hoo! 

As far as seeds: I love thyme, creeping and French, so I bought both.  Also verbena (has to be germinated in the fridge) and bell peppers (has to germinate at 85 degrees!  Out comes the heating pad.)   Don't forget basil, chamomile, and a few other herby flowers I can't remember.   Chard, of course. I am SO EXCITED about my germinations.  SO freaking excited.  Seriously.  I am NOT GOING TO BUY A SEEDLING this year.  Nope.  I'm totally going to do my whole garden from seed.   I have to wait to plant cucumbers and beans and a bunch of other stuff cause it's still a tad early.  Why is life always about more and more patience?   I guess if you want to learn about patience, start making quilts and grow plants from seeds.

XO

 weekending with Amanda.

happiness is....

Happiness is.....

Watching the darling birds outside my studio window. (It ain't no dang office, it's a STUDIO!)

Driving to various fabric stores and also the feed store. (I was taking pics from the passenger seat, duh.)

Planting tomato seeds into their little plastic 6-packs where they will sit in our sunny kitchen window until we re-plant into 4-inch containers, harden them off outside, and eventually plant them in the Spring/Summer garden.  I've never tried starting tomatoes from seed before.  Peppers will follow, today.  I'm excited!

Baking these muffins- which I'd seen linked to on various blogs lately.  I could pop about four of them in my mouth at one time they're so good.  Just mush them in there and gulp them down with cup after cup of creamy coffee.  Hey.  Why not?  No one's looking. 

Practicing the art of quilting. It's clearly not finished as it's still missing the binding, but I had to show you as I quilted this sweet thang better than any of the previous.  With thanks to this lady for some tips, I got somewhat even lines (and you know I don't want anything too even.). I didn't follow her advice until the quilting was half done, but hey...halfway is better than never, I say!

And so much thanks to all the creators of awesome fabrics out there.  I am truly and really fabric crazy.  Num num num num num i lovefabricilovefabricilovefabic

Alrighty then! Off to stitch!

XO

 

 

'round here

 




Still in my pajamas at 1: 30 p.m.  Is that bad?  I really tried to clean up today.  Still so much mess in the corners, laundry piles galore. and now I just want to forget the rest and go out and get more bird seed.  (The one feeder I have outside is starting to get some action from little sparrows, now it's time to get the finches to come! )

The sky is blue, the windows and doors swung open after what seems like the longest cold spell ever in this neck of the woods that we call home.  The girls are having a picnic outside, and then coming back in with muddy shoes.  Then changing clothes. Again.  Thus the piles. Oh well.

Again, loving your support the last few days.  Happy with a new quilt top.  I really went for it!  Felt so good and I think I found a little organization in chaos- which as you know, is my goal.

And now, bird seed from the darling little organic feed and seed down the way.  Where else can you get organic bird seed from bulk bins!?   Then I really need to pick some lemons.  Get the garden ready for Spring.  Pull out the dregs of Winter.  I know there is still time before Spring arrives.  But today, looking outside, you'd think it was here.

thank you

You have given me so much assurance and such a powerful feeling this morning with your comments on yesterday's post.  Thank you, friends.  And I do call you friends even though I have not met many of you in the flesh.  It is an amazing thing to wake up in the morning, check your email, and get cheered on from different corners of the country and world. 

Many of you have been here with me for the approximately three years (really?) that I have been blogging and still, yesterday's post was hard for me to write, I was nervous to "come out" so to speak.   But today I feel so much lighter and freer with your words of encouragement and I felt downright giddy this morning trying something I was worried to try before: making squares for a log cabin quilt. (It's actually very easy!) 

Gosh. Such a voice in my head for so many years saying that I was just not "smart" enough to carry through with something, anything of real value to myself- as far as work.  I couldn't just "get a job" like everyone else because I'm not that girl and I've made it this far without having to do it.  But....it's a funny thing, that voice.  Right? the one that says you can't.  But what I see now is that passion overcomes fear.  A longing to learn isn't enough, there has to be a powerful propelling.  A hunger.  A willingness to make mistakes.  A willingness even, for someone to NOT like what I do. 

I've watched my husband for 10 years slog through so many feelings and emotions connected to his art and where he has come in those years is amazing (he has come here.)  I've watched several female friends build businesses from the ground up in the last few years and that has given me a wonderful mirror, as well.

It's hard to do the easy thing sometimes, which is just doing what we feel led to do.  Unclogging all the crap that we need to unclog in order to see what it is exactly that our hearts are driven to do.  Even as I write this, I can hear that old familiar voice saying...Nah.  You can't pull it off. 

But your voices this morning, were stronger. 

Thank you.

~Cory

willing

I have a little confession.  I haven't been doing all this baby-quilting simply for the sake of learning it.  I've had a tiny bit of a motive.  I know you've been seeing quilts flying past you the last weeks over here.  You're wondering which quilt is what and who and how.  Well, I've been nearly completing a quilt a day.  And... I feel I owe you a bit of an explanation....

...I'm hoping, eventually, I can sell these quilt creations at the weekly art show here in town.  The Brad has been selling his art there every Sunday (landscape photography) for the last 10 years and he's been trying to get me to join him - in one form or another- for all that time.  Ya gotta come up with a craft- he tells me every year.  And every year, I've been totally disinterested, until now.

So, I'm learning.  Bit by bit.  And the plan is that someday, I will be ready.  I've been putting about 8 hours/day into quilting these last months, as you know, and I have learned a lot.  None of the quilts I've made are fit for selling yet.  But in the last few days I've stumbled on something which I think feels fun to delve into: applique.  The one I finished today has "soft-edge" applique designs which makes the edges of the designs crinkly and soft.  (The whole thing is delightfully crinkly and soft, actually, due to not washing the material until after the quilt is complete.) I came up with putting the bird in the nest and also the tree.  The flower square was inspired by part of a pattern someone gave me yesterday. This latest quilt I made was the funnest yet, and the best in terms of sheer sewing. (see the perfect corner.  ahem.)  I just need to work on the quilting aspect a little more.  Filling in the empty squares here and there with a threaded wonder, of some sort.

Here- let me open up to you.  Do you know what?  I've had a very hard time committing to any "work-type of thing" beyond my music.  That said, writing songs came very easily to me and the modest income I do receive from it takes basically no work on my part. Because my kids are older and I'd like to (and need to) supplement the music income, in the last years I've thought about doing several things, including writing a book.  I shopped my book idea (and even garnered some interest from a few publishers.)  But, I couldn't pull the trigger when it came to the actual commitment aspect.  The following through on the book, or whatever my latest idea was, eluded me.  My poor husband has sat by and watched me start and stop things more than once or twice. Losing interest and probably also fearing the commitment that success takes has been my downfall. 

The sewing, the designing and playing with fabric, the process of taking material and making something sweet and warm for children is very inviting to me.  I don't think there has been anything I have done with the sake of "work" in mind, excepting my music, that has kept me happily working for hours on end, willing to make mistakes and start over again. I have been designing in my sleep at night and bouncing up out of bed at 6 a.m. (and earlier) to (often nervously) try things out. 

As for my husband and the rest of my family, parents included, they are championing me.  The Brad says: You're not bowing out on this one.  I'm not letting you.  He says: If you could just follow through with ONE of your great ideas, I think you would be pleasantly surprised.

Ok, husband.  Um.  Deep Breath.  If you say so.

 

 

 

apple pancakes and etc...

Let me ask you a little question.  Do you like Apple Pie Pancakes?  Duh!  Of course you do.  Everyone does.  Hey: I'm not into carbs that make me feel like a blotation device. But that's my problem.  And truth be known, I usually ignore that and eat these anyway.  Yes, even though they're not made with 48-grain flour.  They could be, I suppose.  But would they be as fluffy as a cloud with still just the tinest, perfect bit of gooey density?  Prolly not. Plus, I'm not the maker of these cakes.  You-know-who is.  And THAT boy cooks with white flour 'cause he is from the Midwest and thinks "brown flour is for hippies."  To which I reply: I must be a hippie then.  To which he replies: Not this morning you ain't.  And then he hands me a plate of Apple Pie cakes.  

Wanna make the cakes? Just Open up your good ol' Joy Of Cooking and make the standard pancake recipe.  YES! Who knew, right?  Well- Brad did.  For the topping?  Just throw some cut apples in the frying pan with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and a little bit of water and cook until soft. Voila! Your kids will love you even more than they do now! 

Ok. Onward: my obsession with thread, material and my new sewing machine, which I love like a human.. Boooring.  I know. But, I think you may have to get used to it. Capice?

I got into applique this weekend which was very exciting for me.  The birds (which were appliqued on) are in the process of getting their little legs embroidered on, and then I'll embroider around the shape of their body too. Then I'll try and quilt this sucker.  I was messing around with the free motion quilting this weekend.  WOW!  It is so hard.  Way too hard to chance messing up an almost-finished quilt with.  Even with the tips I found on the internet...it's clear I need a lot of practice and maybe a few lessons.  Anyone out there free-motioning?

And...see that cute heater?  I love it so much.  I  saw it over and over in photos on the Posie blog and finally bought for the girls room a few months back from here.  It works amazingly well and the girls huddle up to it several times a day, everyday.  The quilt you see is the finished one from the Posie pattern I showed you last week.  I learned a lot making it.  Mostly, I learned how much I have yet to learn.

Anyway, I do believe that's a wrap for this morning.  I'm onto embroidering bird legs.