GrueneTree

I have a nephew!

Julian was born last Wed. He was a big surprise. He is the cutest little thing and the whole family is fighting over holding him. He sleeps all day and my sister reports (though this has yet to be confirmed by an unbiased party) that he sleeps through the night. Send all hate mail to :

Sondra 
Atlanta, Ga

This happy addition comes close on the heels of my own happy addition: a new sewing/embroidery machine. All of Julian's tiny shirts will all be lovingly embroidered from here on out. Here is the practice and final shot of one of the applique patterns.


Cute as a button!

Cafe Curtains Ahoy!

I love green and I am not ashamed. I plan on greening up my house in every way possible (color wise and environmentally). The kitchen, especially, is targeted for the green bomb. I won't release details now, because in the past when I have shared my plans for the kitchen people respond with a grimace, wide-eyes or a look of extreme doubt. That is only because they can't see the finished product which currently resides only in my head. Trust me, it is going to be awesome.

The first deployment of green into said kitchen is via curtains. I really like cafe curtains in kitchens but feel that they are often too girly or country. Wanting neither and feeling a need to man-it-up as a nod to my husband- I woke up one morning with an idea for a curtain rod. I already knew what fabric I would use and felt I might need to tone it down with a more masculine look because the fabric might be construed as flowery in the eyes of certain home-dwellers with less artistic vision (yes, Garrett I am talking about you). My idea: big beefy marine cleats,  crisp white rope, and grommets. The idea worked flawlessly and I am INLOVE with my new curtains and Garrett even approved. I also added a twill, herringbone camel colored ribbon at the bottom.

The Goods:

• I purchased the fabric from Kris a while ago and it sat for the right project.
• The twill ribbon actually tied 2 throw pillows together that I purchased at Target. I loved the thickness and the color so I kept it. Pack rats Unite!
• I purchased the marine cleats at Ace Hardware. I went to Home Depot and Lowe's too but their cleats were too wimpy. These were roughly $2 each. Steal!
• The rope I bought at Ace and it is just regular rope. I knotted the ends and let them fray a little
• The curtains were real simple. They are about 6 inch wider then each window and half the height of the window plus hems and seams. Don't forget your drapery weights or the bottoms will stick out like a bell. I added grommets from Joann's (They are the only place I found silver) and the project was complete. The curtains are unlined because of the covered porch the windows face and I didn't want to cut down on the light.

They are the first green into the kitchen and they might be the best!

Apologies

I owe you an apology. It has been over 2 months since my last post and I feel terrible. All I can say is that life got in the way. In November, I wrestled hand in hand with the down-economy and lost (my job at least). Since then I have been slowly building a freelance writing business and playing the role of neighborhood seamstress/designer. I must admit the sewing is the most fun, but I hate hand holding. The other good news is that we finally, FINALLY sold our house... after 4 closing dates rescheduled and 2 contracts. Thank you Craigslist! Between the initial job hunt, business launch, house sale and the realization that we actually sold the house, it has been hard to justify any real time for myself, even a few minutes to write and admire my crafty pictures. It is amazing what guilt will let you hide from. I love to write (obviously) and I love to write about crafting but setting aside time to write my blog gave me pains in my belly and made my hands sweat. This post is a baby step along the road. I am finally letting myself enjoy what I do and I will kick guilt in the ass once more!

p.s stay tuned for the good stuff. I made the coolest curtain rod but I also lost my camera (curses!)
Tara