tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74577255172336399912024-03-20T01:14:39.648-07:00One Golden AppleArt + Craft + Sewing + Cider + Family + Food +
Other Bits and Bobsa golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-36138634994547223102013-02-12T09:47:00.001-08:002013-02-12T09:47:36.433-08:00Valentine's to make!I go a little nuts around Valentine's Day and I have made several things, all will full tutorials, and posted them on the various places I post.<br />
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There is this one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxITKEmy0cFrrktiNW9RqJkMeGvVv0w6sVJ0Y7E59LVhaz5gkZhhG3_XODQ2KPiV0XWpwsFy79w1KKU4pCmO8o2QOJYgrafFxJNZAANxF3YJCp7mKSL1c_yxUcXKe4rfUctdhwGsOV6sB/s1600/2013-01-30+09.40.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxITKEmy0cFrrktiNW9RqJkMeGvVv0w6sVJ0Y7E59LVhaz5gkZhhG3_XODQ2KPiV0XWpwsFy79w1KKU4pCmO8o2QOJYgrafFxJNZAANxF3YJCp7mKSL1c_yxUcXKe4rfUctdhwGsOV6sB/s320/2013-01-30+09.40.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
and the tutorial is <a href="http://blog.namebubbles.com/be-mine-an-upcycled-wool-blanket-valentine/">here</a>.<br />
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And there is this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pR7x-JWYPXQlBSMwvEy1S0fQhvlIA3N_lo_MfVmBKfVNsssy7pMTdYy5JsOjHEpUddyAzftMiSCzMh6J2iv8J4b56sVzvoESQhCHxB6x_5iR1e5Al7Bcg_9h8QD54gbjeXeC1iEKqhDa/s1600/2013-02-06+15.53.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pR7x-JWYPXQlBSMwvEy1S0fQhvlIA3N_lo_MfVmBKfVNsssy7pMTdYy5JsOjHEpUddyAzftMiSCzMh6J2iv8J4b56sVzvoESQhCHxB6x_5iR1e5Al7Bcg_9h8QD54gbjeXeC1iEKqhDa/s320/2013-02-06+15.53.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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with a tutorial<a href="http://ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/sweater-resized-and-refashioned-for-valentines-day/"> here.</a></div>
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And for the kids, there is this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4z8W9d23myKBSNe0lbiCO07RZqBYnOl4TABlr0Xp9h_rhNqJSgp9LKIKZO2Wds9e0Id0cf0pLQpe_AzwEig6XCY3trptOEPUZJhE8-uok5ki9fMbR_HlcQ9V3qgRPkkKJNmq-AGBt9am/s1600/2013-02-06+15.04.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4z8W9d23myKBSNe0lbiCO07RZqBYnOl4TABlr0Xp9h_rhNqJSgp9LKIKZO2Wds9e0Id0cf0pLQpe_AzwEig6XCY3trptOEPUZJhE8-uok5ki9fMbR_HlcQ9V3qgRPkkKJNmq-AGBt9am/s320/2013-02-06+15.04.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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with the tutorial also <a href="http://ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/kid-sewn-valentine-bookmarks/">here</a></div>
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have fun spreading your love!</div>
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xoxo, nicole.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06104038025838883231noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-28233283250449443782013-01-28T10:40:00.002-08:002013-01-28T10:40:39.637-08:00Keeping the creative fire burning in your teenage girls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recently wrote a piece about nurturing your teenager's creativity <a href="http://blog.namebubbles.com/nurturing-your-teenagers-creativity/">here</a>. I think that as I've been watching my daughter grow up - and now she is 5'6", like me, which is weird - I have been pretty conscious of her ability to cultivate her creativity with very few bumps in the road. You know, being a teenager doesn't feel that long ago and I can't help but compare myself to her. It was hard - as some of you may relate to - and I think it would have been easier with a talent and drive to create things. Despite how things have turned out for me, there were some dry years where I really didn't think things I made were good enough to make me persist. When that doubt creeps in, the actual JOY of creating isn't really on the table. It is the perfect example of <i>getting in your own way</i>. So, it has been imperative for me to support Ava. Mostly I think it is just who she is, but we have certainly been supportive. I think it has paid in dividends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ifMc_gyB2i-gwqptAM9p31oVeTIkWdFatQONkZfWnNIsJINeS2PzEsRip6z68tsrV_j4LDm2Y2DfDJFOmNLE1-UtimuEtjx5zGs8YFQgvdODFGBUtvd-Zc0csm-vMtaopgASikdOTIIs/s1600/typewriter+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ifMc_gyB2i-gwqptAM9p31oVeTIkWdFatQONkZfWnNIsJINeS2PzEsRip6z68tsrV_j4LDm2Y2DfDJFOmNLE1-UtimuEtjx5zGs8YFQgvdODFGBUtvd-Zc0csm-vMtaopgASikdOTIIs/s320/typewriter+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06104038025838883231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-65376771559021087102012-11-27T18:41:00.002-08:002012-11-27T18:41:32.353-08:00merrily we sew along #2 - the cowl neck duffle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Head on over to My <a href="http://ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/merrily-we-sew-along-2-the-cowl-neck-duffle/">Improv Diary</a> to see what I've stitched up for the second installment in our <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/p/merrily-we-sew-along.html">sew along</a> - Merrily We Sew Along. I do hope you'll join the fun and share your projects! Here is a peek, but head over to see what tweaks I have made to the original project in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603427406/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603427406&linkCode=as2&tag=bookburger-20">book</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZgal3uvO1j65BMaPd3kUHIkIlIVvRdkLM0IslaiQEFBHuvslDd7p4nREBEj3uSbLxZeMLmVVELPTIAxZEyhEPYt84YxEIJQ5Xj7ETSF08pdY_WvhAXe7d3jNvnkKawnhAryb1Gwj4_s7/s1600/2012-11-23+11.10.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZgal3uvO1j65BMaPd3kUHIkIlIVvRdkLM0IslaiQEFBHuvslDd7p4nREBEj3uSbLxZeMLmVVELPTIAxZEyhEPYt84YxEIJQ5Xj7ETSF08pdY_WvhAXe7d3jNvnkKawnhAryb1Gwj4_s7/s640/2012-11-23+11.10.40.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Ava in MY new shirt. She has stolen it.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06104038025838883231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-35705370288145135172012-10-18T07:38:00.003-07:002012-10-18T07:38:41.621-07:00Merrily We Sew AlongHead over to my other blog, <a href="http://www.improvdiary.com/">Improv Diary</a> , to join in a sew along co-hosted by <a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/">Imagine Gnats</a> and <a href="http://casaturtle.blogspot.com/">Casa Crafty</a>. All of the details are listed there and there will be prizes folks! Good ones! But of course, do it for the community bolstered inspiration, the tutorials, and the freedom of sewing in the improv way!<br />
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xo, nicole</div>
a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-9725511703562161682012-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:002012-10-11T09:08:14.677-07:00Show Me A Story Book Review + Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">I am so pleased to be able to share something really truly special and awesome with you all today - this wonderful book called Show Me A Story (Storey 2012), by Emily Neuburger of <a href="http://www.redbirdcrafts.com/">Red Bird Crafts</a>. If you have kids, teach kids, or even know some kids, then read on while I share what I feel as a mom, a former elementary school teacher, and someone who just like to pass around the beautiful things in the world. Emily is also a friend of mine, so I can tell you that she is the real deal and has put an enormous amount of thought and energy into the publication of this book, which takes all of the work out for us, and leaves us with 4o rich and authentic activities we can do with kids to promote their creativity and even proficiency at telling a story - orally, visually, and written.</span></div>
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<img height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=2b6ef71913&view=att&th=1399e06ffa4b3860&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="313" /></div>
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When I was asked to review the book, of course I said yes without hesitation. It is a subject that is very near and dear to me and I have tried to bring the richness of story into my home by way of reading a ton to my kids as well as providing ample time for my daughter to write - it is pretty much her favorite thing to do. Coincidentally, as the review copy came to my mailbox, my husband and I were beginning to see that our younger son appears to be having a much tougher time getting his thoughts and ideas out into the world (on paper, mostly). It was weird - the timing. It was also great because Show Me A Story is so freakin' beautiful and appealing that any kid would want to pick it up and see which projects they might want to start with. So was true for Harry. I will note, however, that when I asked him to tell the story of his characters to me, he looked worried and wondered if he needed to write it down. "No" was the right answer for him and I got to hear about the race car and the big monster who fought him and the "annual reward" for defeating the monster, which was an enormous box of golden fries (who wouldn't want that over a trophy?).</div>
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He chose this as his first project:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1NgXg8QEtse0M0eTQ6yv6g5iBTMlDd8itQhqwcTkhy8sa58AkXkw66uBxEspPrXaVm4ewtIS_jaczSH7KNHX7kSGcexc7OQYWumyChQDe20VrzDP6BGt_UDg0zzn95Z07AyEIjCU-4ZG/s1600/2012-10-02+09.30.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1NgXg8QEtse0M0eTQ6yv6g5iBTMlDd8itQhqwcTkhy8sa58AkXkw66uBxEspPrXaVm4ewtIS_jaczSH7KNHX7kSGcexc7OQYWumyChQDe20VrzDP6BGt_UDg0zzn95Z07AyEIjCU-4ZG/s320/2012-10-02+09.30.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The travelling puppet theater, which is basically a background with cuts to allow for popsicle stick characters to move around. The picture is terrible - so sorry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DlrYt5mhXncT1Aq9916wElWQOZLOs53jPKLo82QZTyPRU-u3wtjAtJRxqwK2s9XF9_vy52HWLF6GGbHxecBd0k1xKgDoIM4lTaCcKW5Tt2ACAByTtI3-Nc7jSOLQlYlcUg0nha5x7i-K/s1600/2012-10-01+17.30.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DlrYt5mhXncT1Aq9916wElWQOZLOs53jPKLo82QZTyPRU-u3wtjAtJRxqwK2s9XF9_vy52HWLF6GGbHxecBd0k1xKgDoIM4lTaCcKW5Tt2ACAByTtI3-Nc7jSOLQlYlcUg0nha5x7i-K/s320/2012-10-01+17.30.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry used Sharpies and nice thick paper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kaqWyaJg4wqDsFNwcjukjjLjIaAe062Bf_vzE_QKnyGvWMkFWcEEK-N4O1-dIe7OoAbOjDJ88EPZqBAme2osHWDW8dpCfCIzYBfQSHdEdLaTPWKdp_RrBMiY61aQMQUYP9gF1MJ78eRv/s1600/2012-10-02+09.27.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kaqWyaJg4wqDsFNwcjukjjLjIaAe062Bf_vzE_QKnyGvWMkFWcEEK-N4O1-dIe7OoAbOjDJ88EPZqBAme2osHWDW8dpCfCIzYBfQSHdEdLaTPWKdp_RrBMiY61aQMQUYP9gF1MJ78eRv/s320/2012-10-02+09.27.25.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Meet the bad guy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61NgiyhY8R0ObJAtHtoRJuYiVSBaLlvssUZpPSuMgX-m9MOvW_izWNNftiLDcUsax4y_mLagJv7rGkNf-bueigsDOj8i7ua_jbtDaN6pABdYPaxALxXX8HzX9Y_IGGERExHIYpk8Ni5Ms/s1600/2012-10-02+11.47.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61NgiyhY8R0ObJAtHtoRJuYiVSBaLlvssUZpPSuMgX-m9MOvW_izWNNftiLDcUsax4y_mLagJv7rGkNf-bueigsDOj8i7ua_jbtDaN6pABdYPaxALxXX8HzX9Y_IGGERExHIYpk8Ni5Ms/s320/2012-10-02+11.47.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the good guy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97F8QVIcrV_HzkvdlW64cnCVDaDszBonRWl2kdck3aG18Y2XGni46W61EKptR5FIR-dRgxeFoZSILec9nVvff9vdqk-ccYNLIoaEymgc2EkLwIi5yc1EpHAhrFXPXzve6lnbVsQ4yl9-1/s1600/2012-10-02+09.26.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97F8QVIcrV_HzkvdlW64cnCVDaDszBonRWl2kdck3aG18Y2XGni46W61EKptR5FIR-dRgxeFoZSILec9nVvff9vdqk-ccYNLIoaEymgc2EkLwIi5yc1EpHAhrFXPXzve6lnbVsQ4yl9-1/s320/2012-10-02+09.26.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They fight, sound effects are made, and the good guy wins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtLQ-5rVX4p2ZDSb5ALycnpcS1aghvM7Smgp4xODug3qiypasqeyLTAZFZl_XwcHMYE76zVdnfxvvgWoSk3YqKFP5zjCd33-zTYFB-OnXdFSdnvNOnOopEw72vkNJYnEl50QVkkLVV-BA/s1600/2012-10-02+09.27.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtLQ-5rVX4p2ZDSb5ALycnpcS1aghvM7Smgp4xODug3qiypasqeyLTAZFZl_XwcHMYE76zVdnfxvvgWoSk3YqKFP5zjCd33-zTYFB-OnXdFSdnvNOnOopEw72vkNJYnEl50QVkkLVV-BA/s320/2012-10-02+09.27.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and gets the french fry prize!!!! The crowd goes wild!</td></tr>
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Each time you turn the page of this book there is a new thing you want to make or do. Story stones are on top of my list! They are super cute and they are rocks!! so they are great to have in hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-buyx_4YdxDwdNHW8O5aNBW8iH2hIjGGRG-8W5MEWlTztzIzg6Ifl5WIrUirsHQuMLlYww6VMaRLA6k2nRB9BW8_wm6XjbuQnrUf9w5LJzeDkqKo0koQ_ShzMAyfHal3IQ1jkhp-pdff/s1600/2012-10-02+09.32.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-buyx_4YdxDwdNHW8O5aNBW8iH2hIjGGRG-8W5MEWlTztzIzg6Ifl5WIrUirsHQuMLlYww6VMaRLA6k2nRB9BW8_wm6XjbuQnrUf9w5LJzeDkqKo0koQ_ShzMAyfHal3IQ1jkhp-pdff/s400/2012-10-02+09.32.24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you were totally interested in my boy's project, but I know you really want to know how you can get your hands on a copy, so I will get on with it. I have <b>a copy to give away </b>to some lucky person. All you need to do is be a U.S. resident and leave a comment here by <strike>October 7</strike> October 10 (<span style="color: #0b5394;">Note: I am extending the giveaway until Wednesday, October 10)</span>to enter. Give me the first sentence in a story you would write today while you are at it. And if you want another chance to win, head over to the <a href="http://insidestorey.blogspot.com/">Storey blog</a>. They'll tell you what to do.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">This giveaway is now closed :). </span><span style="color: cyan;">Congratualtions Nancy!</span></div>
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xo</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06104038025838883231noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-39741945254782092092012-10-02T18:58:00.002-07:002012-10-02T19:00:29.452-07:00Why everyone should go to a Maker FairThis past weekend, Debra and I went to set up a little 10' x 10' sewing studio at the World Maker Faire 2012 in Queens. We were there to promote our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Improv-Sewing-Freeform-Techniques-Accessories/product-reviews/1603427406/ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_next_2?ie=UTF8&pageNumber=2&showViewpoints=0">book</a> and get curious people interested in sewing on our machines. What can I say? It was awesome! I had people talking to me about sewing conductive thread through garments and using an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino">arduino</a> to respond to some change in the wearer's body temp or heart rate to make something on the garment change. Picture actual hackles going up on the shoulders of your shirt because you got nervous! Another visitor wanted to know which kind of sewing machine he should buy for hacking. What do you think he is going to make that machine do? There were some seriously creative thinkers about and a million things to see and make while there (though I heard that second hand as we were so busy with visitors that we didn't have time to leave the booth at all).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDv5f_YIGL-GTe_843a-RdSp5zSM7DduH3QUH30umCGu3HaAdQyPuFb3j2itCCeaVv9_bk96VBhWhrgECBQ-KCNLfrg7iLPRqe541ks2V338FDw-TfHNJ090Td63bziOG9WZNCQRQ5zCo9/s1600/2012-09-29+09.18.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDv5f_YIGL-GTe_843a-RdSp5zSM7DduH3QUH30umCGu3HaAdQyPuFb3j2itCCeaVv9_bk96VBhWhrgECBQ-KCNLfrg7iLPRqe541ks2V338FDw-TfHNJ090Td63bziOG9WZNCQRQ5zCo9/s320/2012-09-29+09.18.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before the gates opened we really didn't know what to expect. The rain just stopped and we heard the subways were down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Frv5LSa6QldVALpeWa5RHPl1CxYpDmA8k3SSjjF0HPXJCUZaTiWKppQIvbczaxT5LHwFX_lrDuTMBoXP0RSWLMjMi8vdu3E8tIZQl_TKBzophOD_FHQSoGcKYY0HO_DkAVy7AK5U-Emu/s1600/2012-09-29+10.53.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Frv5LSa6QldVALpeWa5RHPl1CxYpDmA8k3SSjjF0HPXJCUZaTiWKppQIvbczaxT5LHwFX_lrDuTMBoXP0RSWLMjMi8vdu3E8tIZQl_TKBzophOD_FHQSoGcKYY0HO_DkAVy7AK5U-Emu/s320/2012-09-29+10.53.24.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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It was like this all day and people were so interesting and great.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuhdy3Aokbqp82eDaBz_TXNEm2P1Lb6pgT4qEyMv4DvVcbFqgM4Z7eUpnmYYBQ529Q-zK5xVu1nOozHrcN_xQN11f2x1DBNsiS_5xpfMoXVHPjWE9ACBOTo3r8Ebevtqe31DndnVC6ZTj/s1600/2012-09-29+10.39.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuhdy3Aokbqp82eDaBz_TXNEm2P1Lb6pgT4qEyMv4DvVcbFqgM4Z7eUpnmYYBQ529Q-zK5xVu1nOozHrcN_xQN11f2x1DBNsiS_5xpfMoXVHPjWE9ACBOTo3r8Ebevtqe31DndnVC6ZTj/s320/2012-09-29+10.39.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We taught men, women, boys, and girls how to draw with thread. They made some pretty cool stuff!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvur7PuUgri25q8dKW-h7WOaaX6UIALO_Dew9ECOZQzKtdatNLc2vEBM7h15gOkwj9j0vqAIu1ADlpnJPfgMNJy2kpdLazdX4eh45bxVvByDLzzsJM0l0wPhnQC5zkkkJfIErUhomNVij/s1600/2012-09-29+11.05.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvur7PuUgri25q8dKW-h7WOaaX6UIALO_Dew9ECOZQzKtdatNLc2vEBM7h15gOkwj9j0vqAIu1ADlpnJPfgMNJy2kpdLazdX4eh45bxVvByDLzzsJM0l0wPhnQC5zkkkJfIErUhomNVij/s320/2012-09-29+11.05.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82DiMwepZSPy1xaNeWNVJKePNRnWFheaT8zNhYGP44N7Gg1w3bPDl3sgjJ3NM_A9RMP9fYx41_ULXa5lW4U9GW1kfFAftiwhgh7A1s06NYgfZROYQTwBW9Ya1O9Bd4Zt5PsbJ-aoW2G7_/s1600/2012-09-29+11.54.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82DiMwepZSPy1xaNeWNVJKePNRnWFheaT8zNhYGP44N7Gg1w3bPDl3sgjJ3NM_A9RMP9fYx41_ULXa5lW4U9GW1kfFAftiwhgh7A1s06NYgfZROYQTwBW9Ya1O9Bd4Zt5PsbJ-aoW2G7_/s320/2012-09-29+11.54.45.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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The first day ended at 7pm, so the chandelier that Debra made came in real handy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreVwrHP_WtnhdEofipUX0_CB2a4zhI8m6dwP1MJO1GAxmjPgpZ-U7KaRBA6_Tv-wnegFcDfmWH-D5HwrReXFIWJ9HLNexJ7ORnAiwZaFTg9USalbJnbhGp7EpHqawX_1VULooiuYT1-wk/s1600/2012-09-29+17.43.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreVwrHP_WtnhdEofipUX0_CB2a4zhI8m6dwP1MJO1GAxmjPgpZ-U7KaRBA6_Tv-wnegFcDfmWH-D5HwrReXFIWJ9HLNexJ7ORnAiwZaFTg9USalbJnbhGp7EpHqawX_1VULooiuYT1-wk/s320/2012-09-29+17.43.14.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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And, and, and... we won two awards!!! We were awarded the Educator's Choice award and the Editor's Pick Blue Ribbon. We were so proud it was almost unbearable.</div>
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So, my real point, before I started bragging, was this: If you ever feel disillusioned with the world and pop culture is getting you down, head over to a Maker Faire and see what people are doing and <b style="font-style: italic;">sharing!</b> It's a beehive and very inspiring!</div>
a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-65307042499949810812012-09-24T11:58:00.000-07:002012-09-24T11:58:24.629-07:00Kid's after-school sewing in my studio<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I will be running 2 classes :</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:30 <span style="color: #ff9900;">Oct. 3 - Dec</span>.<span style="color: #ff9900;"> 12</span> (No class Thanksgiving week)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 <span style="color: #ff9900;"> Oct. 4 - Dec. 13</span> (No class Thanksgiving week)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The classes will cost $175 (including most materials - I may ask for a few things to be purchased)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The classes will focus on basic machine <span style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><span class="il">sewing</span></span> skills - learn to use that machine without help! - and we will make clothes, gifts, cool things for your room, and more. If you have a <span style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><span class="il">sewing</span></span> machine that works well, I will want you to bring it. I have 3 machines and it is nice for everyone to have their own. If you are interested in buying a machine, I have opinions and advice, so just ask.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to have 6 kids in each class, and a minimum of 4 to run the class. Spread the word (forward this email!) around to others who might be interested and let me know if you have any questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My new home number is <a href="tel:413.345.2133" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14133452133"><span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; color: rgb(0, 175, 253) !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Regular', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> <span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; 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cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 11px !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; line-height: 14px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; white-space: nowrap !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" tabindex="-1"> <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Call this phone number in United States of America with Skype: +14133452133"><span class="skype_pnh_left_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; 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clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;">413.345.2133</span></span><span class="skype_pnh_right_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -62px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 15px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My cell is <a href="tel:413.336.7363" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14133367363"><span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; color: rgb(0, 175, 253) !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Regular', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> <span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><span style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><img style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px !important; max-height: 24px !important; max-width: 24px !important; min-height: 8px !important; min-width: 8px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 1em !important; word-spacing: normal !important;" /><span style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; color: rgb(73, 83, 90) !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 11px !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; line-height: 14px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; white-space: nowrap !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" tabindex="-1"> <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Call this phone number in United States of America with Skype: +14133367363"><span class="skype_pnh_left_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 6px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Skype actions"> </span><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -11px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 27px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Skype actions"><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_flag_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/flags.gif) !important; background-position: 1px 1px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 18px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span> </span><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;">413.336.7363</span></span><span class="skype_pnh_right_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -62px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 15px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My facebook page is a great place to look for upcoming <span style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><span class="il">sewing</span></span> classes, workshops, and demos :<a href="http://www.facebook.com/improvsewing" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/improvsewing</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">blog: <a href="http://www.improvdiary.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.improvdiary.com</a></span></div>
a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-71833827143972313882012-09-24T11:55:00.001-07:002012-09-24T11:57:27.539-07:00Sewing School<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I will be running 2 classes :</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:30 <span style="color: #ff9900;">Oct. 3 - Dec</span>.<span style="color: #ff9900;"> 12</span> (No class Thanksgiving week)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 <span style="color: #ff9900;"> Oct. 4 - Dec. 13</span> (No class Thanksgiving week)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The classes will cost $175 (including most materials - I may ask for a few things to be purchased)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The classes will focus on basic machine <span style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><span class="il">sewing</span></span> skills - learn to use that machine without help! - and we will make clothes, gifts, cool things for your room, and more. If you have a <span style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><span class="il">sewing</span></span> machine that works well, I will want you to bring it. I have 3 machines and it is nice for everyone to have their own. If you are interested in buying a machine, I have opinions and advice, so just ask.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I want to have 6 kids in each class, and a minimum of 4 to run the class. Spread the word around to others who might be interested and let me know if you have any questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My new home number is <a href="tel:413.345.2133" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14133452133"><span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; color: rgb(0, 175, 253) !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Regular', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> <span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><span style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><img style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px !important; max-height: 24px !important; max-width: 24px !important; min-height: 8px !important; min-width: 8px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 1em !important; word-spacing: normal !important;" /><span style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; color: rgb(73, 83, 90) !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 11px !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; line-height: 14px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; white-space: nowrap !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" tabindex="-1"> <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Call this phone number in United States of America with Skype: +14133452133"><span class="skype_pnh_left_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 6px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Skype actions"> </span><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -11px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 27px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Skype actions"><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_flag_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/flags.gif) !important; background-position: 1px 1px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 18px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span> </span><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;">413.345.2133</span></span><span class="skype_pnh_right_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -62px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 15px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">My cell is <a href="tel:413.336.7363" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14133367363"><span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; color: rgb(0, 175, 253) !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Regular', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> <span dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><span style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><img style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px !important; max-height: 24px !important; max-width: 24px !important; min-height: 8px !important; min-width: 8px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 1em !important; word-spacing: normal !important;" /><span style="background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; clear: none !important; direction: ltr !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-shadow: none !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; color: rgb(73, 83, 90) !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; font-size: 11px !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; line-height: 14px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; white-space: nowrap !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" tabindex="-1"> <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Call this phone number in United States of America with Skype: +14133367363"><span class="skype_pnh_left_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 6px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Skype actions"> </span><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -11px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 27px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;" title="Skype actions"><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_flag_span" skypeaction="skype_dropdown" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/flags.gif) !important; background-position: 1px 1px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 18px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span> </span><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -125px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;">413.336.7363</span></span><span class="skype_pnh_right_span" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: url(chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_common_inactive_icon_set.gif) !important; background-position: -62px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; border-collapse: separate !important; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0) !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; clip: auto !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 11px !important; height: 14px !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc outside none !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto !important; position: static !important; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-decoration: none !important; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: 15px !important; word-spacing: normal !important; z-index: 0 !important;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></a> </span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">My facebook page is a great place to look for upcoming <span style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><span class="il">sewing</span></span> classes, workshops, and demos :<a href="http://www.facebook.com/improvsewing" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/improvsewing</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">blog: <a href="http://www.improvdiary.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.improvdiary.com</a></span></div>
a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-33506157219442722332012-09-03T09:25:00.002-07:002012-09-03T11:22:43.628-07:00cocktails anyone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The autumn is coming and I don't think I have had nearly enough spritely cocktails this summer, though I distinctly recall having it on my mental "goals of the summer" list. So what! It is warm and this cocktail, created by my husband for an upcoming <a href="http://edibleberkshires.com/">Edible Berkshires</a> article our cider is going to be in, is soooo good. If you can't get a hold of shrub and haven't made any yourself even though all the kids in Brooklyn are doing it, then just go get a small bottle of Chambourg or other raspberry cordial. It is called a Cider Maiden's Blush - sexy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CBQIxcyzp_MBEf9zeDDrjxLyXo36bS9wjgnUsf5rMKo0vuio76vvTxQfotB9zZ5Hl6_qI-hRL0Mbg8tHbq3s9Wg5AKv5MpNdzNTZyeono6ueTDLVoypDCRMc7TTRXF7Jpp1Rzn7Yn4Vy/s1600/dolls+++cocktails+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CBQIxcyzp_MBEf9zeDDrjxLyXo36bS9wjgnUsf5rMKo0vuio76vvTxQfotB9zZ5Hl6_qI-hRL0Mbg8tHbq3s9Wg5AKv5MpNdzNTZyeono6ueTDLVoypDCRMc7TTRXF7Jpp1Rzn7Yn4Vy/s640/dolls+++cocktails+017.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cider Maiden's Blush</span><br />
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6 ounces sparkling hard cider (preferably <a href="http://www.carrsciderhouse.com/">Carr's Dry Cider</a>)<br />
1.5 ounces gin<br />
1/2 ounce raspberry shrub or Chambourg<br />
chopped mint / and a sprig of mint too<br />
raspberries<br />
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First of all, everything should be good and cold, including the glasses - stick them in the freezer until ready to pour. I add the shrub/cordial last so it stays a little separated - so pretty. Add a sprig of mint and a few raspberries and cross that task off your list.</div>
a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-24063439529665025842012-08-30T11:18:00.000-07:002012-09-07T08:18:21.716-07:00Two new tutorials - snacks and skirts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My kids are at school today! Honestly, I can't believe it, but that's how it goes EVERY YEAR! I like to make them new things to start the year and this year I made Harry a new snack bag with a paper airplane stitched on front. If you are interested in reading about it and making one like it, head over to this new place I am writing a monthly blog post for - a site called <a href="http://namebubbles.com/bubbleblog/">The Bubble Blog</a>. The blog has a number of different writers, writing about a number of different topics - food, crafts, parenting, finances, and organization. This post should be up over there in the next week. I just didn't want you to think I left Harry out when you see what I made Ava!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96T_X-W-gSiCnbxiIQGrBa6n_hrBJy5j9P980TceO4kGmzreAb_EFXBeJesBbZgjQUKHrmWReeWSx89e_Nt6VQF0TX_36TaNZ0z6YfGEaCuUH5zVrIpZC8kHPeAow-vVk110w5WKz_tl4/s1600/skirt+and+snack+bag+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96T_X-W-gSiCnbxiIQGrBa6n_hrBJy5j9P980TceO4kGmzreAb_EFXBeJesBbZgjQUKHrmWReeWSx89e_Nt6VQF0TX_36TaNZ0z6YfGEaCuUH5zVrIpZC8kHPeAow-vVk110w5WKz_tl4/s400/skirt+and+snack+bag+051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ava wanted a full skirt made out of great fabric and that is what she got. I blogged about it over on my other blog <a href="http://www.improvdiary.com/">Improv Diary</a> and there is a tutorial as well, so you can make one too. I had a simpler plan, but she had a vision and I figured I would try to figure out how to achieve it. I might do things differently next time, but it worked out great and she looks great and she wore it today ONE HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj008wUkhOas0zsrmQAq8MhwcDlgi4IMWNLAhnQ6rtcP0WN04cO44e4sdwuG0swIUgDMFrp1ya-u5195uJjaRGBTfkkkQCTA2FJeDtlrJAi5Sq_QVhkX6XJnD130yhxtjhhMOAgpgAdHWdA/s1600/skirt+and+snack+bag+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj008wUkhOas0zsrmQAq8MhwcDlgi4IMWNLAhnQ6rtcP0WN04cO44e4sdwuG0swIUgDMFrp1ya-u5195uJjaRGBTfkkkQCTA2FJeDtlrJAi5Sq_QVhkX6XJnD130yhxtjhhMOAgpgAdHWdA/s320/skirt+and+snack+bag+067.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Happy almost autumn! xo</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">UPDATE: The tutorial is now live on <a href="http://namebubbles.com/bubbleblog/lunch-box-fun/">the bubble blog</a>! Do show me what you make!</span></div>
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a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-27489055174900062202012-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:002012-08-01T07:00:00.891-07:0013 year old girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwGsOMek0yeLeBcKTCP2IhScvzhH-ZqoYxWEiQsmKB2LX2PbZ_S4TybcsmpsPESIqLgd6YjUQHujRFAyFTBHrO3SKI3oFx03ibIbef6uAqRFhyphenhyphenrS_XehuFt3zuxgyjS6dXd3fHmgaUfnU/s512/ava%2520017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwGsOMek0yeLeBcKTCP2IhScvzhH-ZqoYxWEiQsmKB2LX2PbZ_S4TybcsmpsPESIqLgd6YjUQHujRFAyFTBHrO3SKI3oFx03ibIbef6uAqRFhyphenhyphenrS_XehuFt3zuxgyjS6dXd3fHmgaUfnU/s320/ava%2520017.JPG" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
13 years ago wasn't yesterday, but the day Ava came is still a completely vivid story I can play over in my mind. She has blown me away each and every year of her growth and now she is a teenager and I am happy. I am happy that she is happy. And strong and smart and deeply beautiful throughout. I don't worry about her - well, I mean, in that way that we worry about whether our kids will lead happy lives, I don't I worry about her practically every minute, but that is about silly stuff, like whether or not she will drop something heavy on her foot, or land funny jumping off the trampoline.<br />
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I would have liked to be her friend when I was 13.<br />
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-26791092559497922632012-07-14T19:37:00.000-07:002012-07-14T19:37:57.959-07:00pig roastWe've been raising pigs for a few years now, but this was our first pig roast. I keep trying to come up with the right adjective to describe the whole experience but no one word sums it up. Maybe intense or epic or something hearkening back to my California roots,but I don't know. I was a vegetarian for 15 years, you might be surprised to read, and I never ever thought I would be literally looking my dinner right in the eye. But, I did the other day. It was not a simple meal.<br />
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Here is how it went, if you are interested. It isn't super graphic in terms of the pig - maybe rated PG. I didn't feel right photographing it's face, for example.<br />
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Jonny decided to do it Cuban style, so a Cuban pig roasting pit was built. It isn't pretty, but it worked! 4 layers of cinder blocks and a rack made from re-bar all lashed together.<br />
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A charcoal fire was lit on the ground of the pit and pushed to the sides.</div>
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Then the 100 pound pig was butterflied and laid out on the rack. We marinated it overnight with a Cuban citrus and garlic and hard cider concoction.</div>
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We even injected it into the flesh.</div>
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another rack was added and the whole thing was lashed together </div>
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and covered in aluminum foil to keep in the heat. It cooked slow and long.</div>
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Now the pit master sat his butt down and made sure there were no flare ups. Every 40 minutes he added coals and about 3 hours in, the pig was flipped. And, we ate the tail. It's true. It yoinked right off and it was<span style="background-color: white;"> delicious! </span></div>
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meanwhile...</div>
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Harry came out every once in a while to look at the progress, but you can bet Ava stayed pretty much right where you see her here.</div>
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This is what happened for 3 more hours.</div>
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And we readied the place for our many guests.</div>
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Lookin' good...</div>
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When the pig was roasted completely it needed to be flipped one more time to crisp up the skin on the back. Of course, the meat was falling off the bone at this point so things got a little hairy.</div>
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Before flipping all the way, a friend pulled out all of the pans with dripping so the coals could be raked out to make it nice and hot. He got right in there.</div>
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It was a little like a sporting event with much muscle straining and sweat.</div>
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When it was time to lift the rack away from the pit and put it on the table, the hams fell through the rack and into the fire. One friend reflexively went to save it but his brain kicked in and saved him first, so nobody was harmed.</div>
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Pablo and Andrew are ready for the pig pickin' to start. Look at that color!</div>
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I grabbed my camera just as this boy put down the cleaver and started using his hands.</div>
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The pork was delicious and tender. We had about 100 friends there to help us eat it, a keg of cider, and a ton of lovely things spread on the potluck table. It was a great day and we will do it again. </div>
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-40142388674942018192012-06-21T15:00:00.000-07:002012-06-21T15:00:40.930-07:00sewing camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Live in the area and have a kid who would like to learn to sew on a machine? I have a few spots open still. Ava lettered and harry did the machine drawing. Good help.</div>
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-7780671441818385172012-05-14T20:31:00.000-07:002012-05-14T20:31:46.332-07:00perfect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week I was in California! Beautiful California. I was there with Debra (my co-author pal) promoting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Improv-Sewing-Freeform-Techniques-Accessories/dp/1603427406">Improv Sewing</a> and I actually can't believe how busy our days were. A city of culinary delights-like tacos. I could cry thinking that I did not have one, though I set out with the idea that I would have them for either lunch or dinner daily. Do you understand? I sort of became the woman I am in SF- fed by taquerias. I was so busy. But! But, I did have a little time on the first morning, as I was waiting for the Larkspur ferry to take me across the bay to my sister who was going to drive me up to an event in Santa Rosa. Am I boring you with too many details about the minutiae of travel? Then look at what I indulged in before the ferry came. Perfect eggs on a bed of creamy Bellweather farm goat cheese with delicate butter lettuce. I also had a pot of Stumptown coffee that was as good as coffee at home (which is good). I had this at the most lovely place in the ferry building called <a href="http://www.bouletteslarder.com/">Boullette's Larder</a>, sitting at the communal table, talking to the most awesome waitress and looking out to the Bay Bridge. It was the most expensive plate of eggs I have ever purchased, but I watched the egg farmer walk in with her eggs and they really were sort of a magical experience. I think I must cook eggs more gently in the future.</div>
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<br /></div>a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-25853196323855732142012-04-25T07:43:00.001-07:002012-04-25T07:44:18.806-07:00Busiest time of year/life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is Spring! Oh, Spring! The sun is stronger and the buds have opened. In New England we have leaves opening a good 3 weeks earlier than normal- which is really something! "We" are planting 500 new trees on the orchard this week<br />
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and "we" are also busy prepping for a big trip and a new book!<br />
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A week from today will find me in Colorado on day 2 of Improv Sewing's book tour! I will be on set at Sew It All TV with Debra after a night doing demos and partying down at Denver's super cool crafty shop <a href="http://www.fancytiger.com/">Fancy Tiger</a>. Actually, instead of listing all of our event dates here, please head over to our facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ImprovSewing">here</a> for all of the current listings and plans. "Like" us too- all the cool kids are doing it!<br />
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Needless to say, there is a lot to do to get ready and I hope if you live in Denver or environs, or if you live in SF, Santa Rosa, or Sacramento (or a driveable distance from one of those spots) that you will come to one of our fun events. I really do want to emphasize the fun, because as Debra will tell you, this stuff is FUN!<br />
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This is also fun:<br />
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I had to pull him a bit, but he got a nice run down the orchard road, and then ended up overturned in a sizable patch of poison ivy. Now I have to decide if the steroids are necessary for my swollen eye! Ugh! Vanity is tricky, especially if you are heading in front of an HD TV camera.<br />
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Come see me! Let me know that you came because I asked! Check out our book. We are really proud of it and think it is for EVERYBODY- for real!<br />
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xo, n<br />
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-22436544188941132332012-04-12T18:20:00.002-07:002012-04-12T18:23:45.052-07:00Burdock baskets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite the havoc the wreak on my curly dog's coat (scissors required), burdock creates burrs that are nature's brillo blocks and in no time at all you can smoosh them together to create baskets, bowls, and vases like the one pictured above. We collected these on a walk last week and J and Ava made this together in a few minutes. They just pressed them together. So beautiful. </div>
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Don't forget to head over to <a href="http://www.improvdiary.com/">Improv Diary</a> for a dose of actual tutorials and updates on The Great Improv Sewing Tour Stops. Our book comes out may 1st and we are hitting the road- Colorado, California, Washington DC, NYC, and others. If you live in any of those places, I hope you'll come to an event. Like I said, they will be posted on Improv Diary. </div>
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xo, n</div>
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-89467397358934712292012-02-09T09:06:00.000-08:002012-02-09T09:06:47.148-08:00Skating without winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I sorta feel like my other blog, <a href="http://www.ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/">Improv Diary</a>, is like, my BFF and this blog is being snubbed. Now I feel bad. I don't mean to be such a fair weather friend. However, having said that, if you like this blog and want more tutorials and things, do head over to Improv Diary because it is all happening over there on a pretty regular basis. We have several Valentine craft tutorials, to start, and news about our forthcoming book. Debra is fun to read and because there is two of us, there is just more on offer.<br />
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But One Golden Apple. I do have something to write about today and it happened up in the apple orchard, where the golden apples grow. If you are a New Englander, you are well aware of the very oddball winter we are having. My plans to ski a lot haven't been realized, but I have been running much more (skiing is WAY more fun). We only got one gorgeous skating day on the pond out back before it turned 50 degrees and melted the ice- sad. BUT, my friend Jill was walking up on the orchard the other day and informed us that the pond at the very top was solid as can be, so yesterday we hiked up there and had a blast until it got too dark. Glorious!<br />
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Ollie the dog has a weird "chase Jonathan" need that is very funny and a little annoying, what with all the barking and snorting.</div>
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It really felt like winter.</div>
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You would never know how tired and grumpy this little boy was. He alternated between crying and flopping on the ice, to laughing and chasing his sister around. Kids can be so strange. </div>
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It was a blast!</div>
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<br /></div>a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-87527405796930709912011-12-18T19:48:00.000-08:002011-12-18T19:48:47.072-08:00Sparkling Hard Cider Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am so very happy to announce that our hard cidermaking business is up and running. We are now selling in a few local places and are gearing up for more. If you live in out area of Western Mass (specifically the Northampton/Hadley/Amherst area) then come on by this coming thursday for our very first barn sale. Here are the details:</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When</span>: <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 4-8pm</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Where: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Our Fermentation Barn</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 295 River Drive (that's route 47)</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Hadley, MA</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We are 4.1 miles north of route 9, on the right.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">What: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We are selling bottles of our delicious sparkling hard cider and having a wee tasting too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 bottle (750ml.) for $12</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 bottles for $22</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3 bottles for $30</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">and a full case (12 bottles) for $108</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Come and taste what we have pressed and fermented. We would love to see you and anyone you know. Spread the word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">For more information go to our website:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.carrsciderhouse.com/">carr's ciderhouse</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3Nvzvz8HI259ZNQZxQaBM1mFRRyjEOFcHp6WT1VvaM4bwfn6JWGEZdR8mz1uGwwtNivNMlWB0AAn7vC9tXRiqA6zp5l-qAsBUNEyHa7eaqR5dlinICOLRpIHgV9XYTfaTNkBJBlxi5r2/s1600/wooden+spoons+and+trees+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3Nvzvz8HI259ZNQZxQaBM1mFRRyjEOFcHp6WT1VvaM4bwfn6JWGEZdR8mz1uGwwtNivNMlWB0AAn7vC9tXRiqA6zp5l-qAsBUNEyHa7eaqR5dlinICOLRpIHgV9XYTfaTNkBJBlxi5r2/s640/wooden+spoons+and+trees+018.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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This week has been filled with intensive crafting for a Family Fun segment on The Today Show that is coming up (next week, I think). One of the Top Editors is heading down to New York to show off the different things you can make with your kids for the holidays and I am making those things. I have to say, it has been a great week of crafty fun. I became practically addicted to making these <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-decorations/christmas-table-toppers/christmas-dinner-place-markers-669689/">Tree Placecard Holders</a>. It was a good thing, because I had to personalize them for the host's children and various other children that will be on the show. Harry ended up making one yesterday as an ornament gift for a pal of his. <br />
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I don't know if I have ever linked to <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/">Family Fun</a> for crafts. I love working for them and I think it is a great magazine for families. If you haven't seen it before, you should pick one up sometime. And, it only costs about $10 a year to boot!<br />
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Despite my work as a crafter, I don't craft with my kids as much as I would like. I am embarrassed to think about all of the times I have said (possibly sharply) not to touch what i am in the middle of styling for the magazine. But now it is the holiday season and all of that changes. We have things to make! I set my kids up and we craft a ton and I couldn't be happier. I'm not sure why we don't make gifts for people we love all year long. It feels so good at so many levels.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Gift Idea!!!</span><br />
If you need a good holiday gift that kids can make, head over to my other blog <a href="http://www.ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/">Improv Diary</a> for a decorative wooden spoon idea. And it involves a wood burner, so your kids will love it!a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-83353310407970971452011-11-24T06:37:00.001-08:002011-11-24T06:48:54.020-08:00Thank you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't begin to thank the people in my life enough for who they are and how they deeply affect my life. I wanted to start making a list of names but knew there would be people I would neglect to put down and it wouldn't be because I am not thankful for them. So, you know who you are. I hope you feel from me my deep gratitude for the blessing of your place in my life. I really hope you do.<br />
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I am, at this moment, baking a huge apple pie. Pumpkin is done. Going for a run soon. Playing an enormous game of Capture the Flag with many families and that should simply be the biggest blast ever. Going to our dear Catherine and Michael's for a feast that will be too delicious to describe, I'm sure. It is sunny. We pressed 300 gallons of cider on Monday. Ava and Harry and Jonny are amazing. Things are really good and I am so freakin' thankful. <br />
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Now, before I start to cry, or something, please head over to <a href="http://pacingthepanicroom.blogspot.com/2011/11/press.html">Pacing the Panic Room</a> to see Ryan Marshal's beautiful video of our apple press in action. It is short and truly worth your time. He is crazy talented and inspired. In case you don't read his whole post, here is another link that will bring you to <a href="http://www.kinfolkmag.com/2011/11/21/first-press-of-the-season/">Kinfolk</a> magazine, where Ryan wrote and article and contributed the same video. It is a magazine devoted to celebrating small gatherings and is lovely,<br />
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Have a great day and wear loose fitting clothes!<br />
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-53786060847253028542011-11-09T20:10:00.000-08:002011-11-09T20:11:40.853-08:00Tutorial alert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey, did you know that I just posted a new tutorial over on my other blog, <a href="http://www.ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/">Improv Diary</a>? Well, I did. AND, I even made a little video as part of it so you might really understand how to "draw" with thread on your machine. Let me know if it is helpful, if you are so inclined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOTALb4I-1w7dy3fesfJ9cIfYuZ9lwzm615rsH-f5ah6TwyL62iGZVwRMZ-xKDj37ot9MAc2ZqWjDm1Y20r-HCUgf_ALLMxlphNlbpuPa0XynlblkzfvR1sezYXNPB26pGKVzjdTeRmqX/s1600/canvas+project+envelope+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOTALb4I-1w7dy3fesfJ9cIfYuZ9lwzm615rsH-f5ah6TwyL62iGZVwRMZ-xKDj37ot9MAc2ZqWjDm1Y20r-HCUgf_ALLMxlphNlbpuPa0XynlblkzfvR1sezYXNPB26pGKVzjdTeRmqX/s320/canvas+project+envelope+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC536ZwtmORLIFup1JC6odpLqkOg3OV9Bj_22-XZzc5Lw_cjZHOUzGywdCgiGabFFQQerq_N-iWkyfjcSAi4GiLqsow19QExBXu6rLAx5M4CynyUlZ_CyyxYXWVcinIoR_jCBqlROEEcF/s1600/canvas+project+envelope+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC536ZwtmORLIFup1JC6odpLqkOg3OV9Bj_22-XZzc5Lw_cjZHOUzGywdCgiGabFFQQerq_N-iWkyfjcSAi4GiLqsow19QExBXu6rLAx5M4CynyUlZ_CyyxYXWVcinIoR_jCBqlROEEcF/s320/canvas+project+envelope+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It is a canvas project envelope, based on a regular paper 9 x 12 envelope. You can read all about it <a href="http://ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/project-envelope-tutorial/">here</a>.</div>a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-21670557398826563202011-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:002011-11-08T09:37:41.013-08:00Pork BellyOkay, I am posting about a roast pork belly I made for a picnic up at our cider barn on Sunday. I have to admit I am torn about posting these shots because they are diametrically opposed to what I just posted over on <a href="http://www.ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/">Improv Diary</a>. Head over after this and you'll see what I mean. I am not heartless, just for the record. I feel good about raising pigs to feed my family and friends for many many reasons, but it isn't without its complications.<br />
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I have never made a pork belly before so I read a lot before doing it and followed the directions I found <a href="http://momofukufor2.com/2010/01/roasted-pork-belly/">here</a>. I did the slow first, hot second version and it was AMAZING!. You may have heard this cut called Pork Layer Cake before, and here is the reason:<br />
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The lean meat is at the bottom, then comes a thick layer of fat, then atop the whole thing is the skin all crispy and crunchy. The fat might seem like a bit much, looking at it running off the table (the dog was underneath being bathed in and licking up the treasure) but even I ate it and that sort of thing usually revolts me. This was so NOT revolting. It was sooooo good.<br />
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I cut it up into squares and folks stuffed it into a baguette with a sweet vinegar slaw, mayo, hot sauce, and pickled beans and radish. It was insane. I don't have a picture of a fixed sandwich - sorry. I don't know why I didn't think to snap one. Duh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLd6pNz0aPZt5SVFCLJlxYMlO6xdSeRO2ABXyNw-hrqqVgkpbTPQ5KM8UlNOX2DMxxCcfJMsHYf9K4j9e6LL1sfM3CE2vgx4rPkJ_Q1x38UHdgzjWzmGeuBkm52P4sDlkH5BhQ877tYTv/s1600/piglets+and+fun+house+shots+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLd6pNz0aPZt5SVFCLJlxYMlO6xdSeRO2ABXyNw-hrqqVgkpbTPQ5KM8UlNOX2DMxxCcfJMsHYf9K4j9e6LL1sfM3CE2vgx4rPkJ_Q1x38UHdgzjWzmGeuBkm52P4sDlkH5BhQ877tYTv/s400/piglets+and+fun+house+shots+080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We also had our first press day of the season with our whole new cider press set up. New and improved. It went off without a hitch and our relief and joy was great. Everyone went home with some fresh cider and much too full bellies.<br />
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This is me pulling the lever that operates the apple elevator. They fall into the grinder above the press and then fall in a heap at the bootom of that plastic tube.<br />
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Here is the ground apples on top of the press cloth.</div>
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We wrap the press cloth around the ground apples like an envelope.</div>
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We do it 6-7 times on press racks all in a stack like this. Then it gets pushed into the press and smooshed.<br />
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The juice runs through a tube into a container outside the barn. We were doing a small run, so it was into a 50 gallon drum with a liner.<br />
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Last year fermented cider under snow.</div>
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A very cute boy eating a pork belly sandwich. </div>
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<br />a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-26401166018565118242011-10-28T08:43:00.000-07:002011-10-28T08:43:26.690-07:00my girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a 12 year old daughter named Ava, as many of you know. Since she is my kid, you might not believe that I am unbiased when I say she is pretty flippin' amazing, and of course, you shouldn't. I am wildly biased but I know it is true. She recently started a blog to share her art and creative life. She is also a devoted writer and sometimes we get a glimpse of those stories on her blog. I wanted to invite you all to go have a peek at <a href="http://www.popcorncadence.blogspot.com/">Popcorn Cadence</a>. She, like most of us who put our work out into the world, loves comments, so don't be shy. Pass it along to young friends you have that might be interested.a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-85121907646343267132011-10-17T08:04:00.000-07:002011-10-17T08:06:57.956-07:00Mason Jar Pendants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I use mason jars a lot, and I know I am not alone in the world now or back in the day. We drink out of them, burn candles in them, dip paint brushes in them, and preserve food in them. They are just so darn useful and they are pretty. So yesterday, we made them into pendant lights for our dinner table and I couldn't be happier (well, I could be a little happier with the cords they dangle from, but the kit was given to us out of my Mom's attic, so...)<br />
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Our IKEA pendants were beginning to break and look yucky so we switched it our for this. Nice, huh!<br />
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Currently, there is a different sized jar on each light, but my husband prefers the little half pint jars. They can be switched out by unscrewing the lids, and then screwing different jars on. Maybe I'll even tint some for fun.<br />
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Right now, we are using a piece of cardboard that I cut a hole in for the lid, but we will swapping them out with actual mason jar lids that are drilled today or tomorrow (or in a few years). I keep checking the cardboard, and it isn't hot at all. Still, just in case.<br />
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This really could not have been easier. And, I LOVE IT!</div>a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457725517233639991.post-86181082273404432252011-09-27T06:50:00.000-07:002011-09-27T06:50:26.686-07:00pretty pink cashmere cardi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you read the article in today's Times about women and coffee consumption and depression? I did, with a cup of coffee in hand and a smile on my face.<br />
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For those of you who haven't had a chance to look at Debra Immergut's and my new blog, <a href="http://www.ourimprovdiary.wordpress.com/">Improv Diary</a>, head over for a very easy tutorial on making the above cardigan. It took me 15 minutes to make out of something I simply never would have worn otherwise. It is very pink and pretty.a golden applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362621519939508990noreply@blogger.com2