Thanks for all the advice concerning Jane and her fashion sensibilities.  I have come to the conclusion that I am finished sewing for her until she asks for something.  And then I will think long and hard about it before I cut any fabric.  For me, the hardest thing is the hurt feelings.  I know I shouldn't take it personally, but I do.  The whole thing makes me sad.

I've been knitting a bit at night.  Traditionally, I don't like to knit during the hot summer months, but for whatever reason, this feels right.  This project is a gift so it'll be awhile before I can share the finished product.  I love the bright yellow yarn.  I don't love the yellow fuzzies it leaves all over my couch.

I am signing off for the weekend.  A bit early, I know, but we have good friends coming to visit and I have stuff to get done.  Until Monday...take care.

I bought the fabric for these on Saturday, cut them out on Sunday night, and sewed them up on Monday.

for Kate

for Jane

Both are from my Japanese craft book.  I think they turned out cute, but I wish I would have added a bit of length to the top part of Jane's.  It doesn't really matter, though.  She refuses to wear it.  And she picked the fabric and the pattern.  I swear I am about to give up sewing for her - every single thing that I have made this spring sits on a hanger and is never worn.  I am talking about this outfit, this skirt, this top and the new one, too.  She tries them on once, wears it for awhile and never puts it on again.  I feel I need to repeat:  I let her choose the fabrics and I show her the patterns.  I always get an enthusiastic response.  What's a mom to do?

Kate's an entirely different story.  She loves it all.

At least I have one kid to sew for!  Good thing that my girls wear the same size.  Kate can wear Jane's clothes.  That is, if Jane will let her.   I am taking advice...help!

Yesterday, the girls and I stopped at the thrift store to make a huge donation of toys.  Of course, it is physically impossible to donate with out purchasing.

See all that yummy Pyrex?  New to me.  All in the same store, donated on two different days and so ready to be taken home.

That should be enough, but, no I found some little things too.  The girls each bought a book and I scooped up a few vintage pillowcases and a little lap desk.

This photo is for Meg and her thrifty color scheme flickr group.  I doubt I will post many photos over there only because I do not have good luck thrifting.  Really, I don't.  But yesterday I did!

Last summer when I started my blog, Susan found me through a comment I made somewhere else (am I remembering right, Susan?).  She began commenting on all my posts and I started reading her blog.  We traded emails and swapped some earrings for a belt.  Before you knew it, I had made my first "blog" friend.

Susan is an incredibly talented gal.  She makes beautiful jewelry that she sells through her etsy store.  You should go check it out.  She has an uncanny eye for matching beads and her compositions are stunning.  It's this eye that makes her a wonderful photographer.  In her original intent series, she takes photos and uses them as inspiration for her jewelry.  The results are truly amazing.  You need to go over to her blog and look in the archives (beginning in January) and see what she does.

Not only is she super talented, she is super sweet.  For my birthday, she sent me a little package.  Inside there was a pair of earrings that scream summer.

Aren't they gorgeous?  I cannot wait to wear them with jeans and a white tank top - they are going to be perfect.

She sent something else too.  When I opened this part, I was so excited that I could hardly stand it.

A framed copy of my very favorite original intent photo.  I love it!  I asked for it in a roundabout way.  I love that she remembered and I love that I will think of Susan every time I see this photo hanging in the studio. 

Thanks Susan!  I am so glad that you are my friend.

It's kind of hard to tell in this photo, but these are the SAME peonies from two days ago.  Crazy, huh?  No longer pink, more like peachy butter.  Their metamorphosis was a nice surprise - kind of like getting two bouquets for the price of one.

The girls and I are adapting to all the togetherness that comes along with summer vacation.  We had swim team practice this morning, swam a bit longer then ran errands.  Now the girls are at my neighbor's house for one hour of quiet reading time.  They can read, journal or draw, but no talking aloud.  If they can't keep quiet, home they come.  I love this idea and hope it sticks.

Back soon with some McCoy and hopefully, some sewing.  The locally owned fabric store has their semi-annual 40% off everything sale tomorrow.  I have a list to make!

School is out for the summer.  Really, it just began about 30 minutes ago.  And I am such a sap...I cried on and off all last Wednesday because Kate was leaving preschool.  Then today, I got teary over having a second grader.  Gee, what is with me?

I did make totes for the teachers - 6 in all.  These are the ones I finished yesterday and photographed early this morning then wrapped for Jane to take in today.  I didn't get photos of the ones for Kate's teachers - too little time.  When will I learn?

We're off to the pool - trying to get into the summertime groove.  I hope that I can balance fun and housework with two little girls in tow.  I did it last summer, but just don't remember how.  I think it'll be trial and error.  Wish me luck.

Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain.  I don't have any kind of back-up plan at this early date.  Got to get on that too.

Peonies - another favorite flower of mine.  Fragrant, feminine, and frilly.  Unfortunately, these did not come from my garden.  They came from Whole Foods who has great sales on flowers.  At least the one here does.

I stuck them in this vintage yellow McCoy pitcher that doesn't see much light.  In fact, I have a pretty decent McCoy pottery collection - started back before Fatty and I were married.  Before we moved to this house two years ago, I had it all displayed together.  I loved seeing in mass.  Now it is all over the house - sitting on different shelves and in a neglected china cabinet.  Some of it is still in a box - lame, I know.  Most of my pieces are flower pots with some vases mixed in.  I haven't added much to it in the last few years because the prices are sooooooo high now.  I think I probably have at least 40 pieces...I should count.  And then show and tell.  That could be fun.  Maybe I could figure out a good way to display it all in the process.  What do you think?  I promise I won't overwhelm you - just a little here and there.  Are you guys game?

Isn't it funny how time can get away from you?  The weekend was a blur, but the good kind.  I did manage to check one item off my list.  Head on over to Flickr and check out the new Twirly Skirt Group.  If you have made one, please post it over there.  It's great seeing all the different versions - kids and adults - out there.  I may just have to make one for myself!

OK - back with something tomorrow.  Maybe just photos.....