Sorry for the blogging absence this week...not that it's unusual...

My blog and site and everything Chickpea has been moved and I didn't want to blog during the move and make more work for my technically inclined friend.

Please come visit me over at the new and soon to be improved Chickpea Studios. I haven't had a chance to fully alter the site and make it my own. And to be perfectly honest, I have no idea how to do any of that stuff anyways...I just keep bugging my techie friend until he does it!

Oh, and I haven't blogged over there yet but I'm hoping to this weekend! So, come visit me and save the link, change your favorites, add my new site to your blogroll...whatever you have to do...

Chickpea Studios

nice days make me happy

It's been gorgeous here the last few days...a bit humid but otherwise great! We've managed to spend some time outside and I've been making progress on all of my projects.

Estella and I had a nice morning at the Reservoir yesterday with some friends. It was so sunny and warm. The water was so nice and warm that Estella willingly went in and played, which was a relief. She has a tendency to be a little hesitant to go in the water but not yesterday...maybe it was the heat, or the fact that the water felt like a bath tub...

We gathered our first helping of beans last night for dinner...very yummy. The garden continues to be a bit disappointing, but at least we've managed a few tasty servings from it so far!
I've finished the quilt...did I already blog that? I really can't remember but anyways it's done!

I've been slowly working on the rabbit pattern. I do a few minutes every now and then but nothing much. It's too nice out to be stuck inside sewing...and considering how miserable the weather was around here this summer, I'd better enjoy it while I can!

Hope you all have been able to enjoy the beautiful weather this week! I'll try to post again as I make more progress on my projects, or if something really thrilling happens that I just have to share...

what are you going to use it for?

That (the title) is what I can expect to hear from my husband whenever I come home with anything unexpected. And, I usually end up finding a use for just about everything I come home with...

I've had a few trips to flea markets and thrift stores lately and I've come home with quite a few new items needing attention...and I think he's getting used to it (or he's given up) so I haven't had to come up with reasons for my purchases.
This is the most recent pile of projects/finds. I'm a sucker for old pieces and the hidden potential I see in them...and I like to redo old furniture. I can pretty much blame (or thank) my parents for that trait. There was never a shortage of furniture projects going on in our household!

And in my defense, I have a pretty good track record for getting my projects done. I finished the couch and the chair that I was working on last year, and I just finished a vintage metal bathroom cabinet I bought earlier this summer (which looks great Mom). So in honor of my huge pile of things-to-get-redone, I'm also planning to finally start on this old chair.

Yes, it's vinyl and incredibly ugly, but also incredibly comfortable and a really great shape and size. I've never done any upholstering with buttons so it should be an adventure, but I figure it'll be a great indoor project as the weather gets cooler and it's no longer warm enough for painting...

I will say that while researching the techniques on reupholstering this style of chair, I'm realizing why it's so ridiculously expensive to pay someone to do it for you....this should be an experience. I'll try to keep updating my progress as I get started.

I have begun sewing binding.

I'll be finished somewhere between the wedding and my death...okay maybe I'm exaggerating but it's a bit slow going...and I think I need to invest in a thimble...it kills my fingers!

Just to update our mental status for those of you who know what's going on with the houses...we are maintaining. We continue to hope for a sale but are fully prepared to move again. I've also maybe sorta kinda decided that if we do move, I may want to take the house off the market so we can have some stability for a little while...the not knowing and uncertainty has been the hardest part. But as usual, we shall see...all we can do at this point is continue to wait. We'll of course keep you all posted.

Yeah!

I managed to finally get everything done for Plush You and I even managed to get them in the mail on time...though I did cut it kind of close. These three are on their way to Washington:
Now it's time for me to get going on the quilt I've been avoiding. I still have about half of the quilting to do and the entire binding...yuck! I'm sure I'll get it done, I like to have something to work on at night and the binding is a perfect chill-on-the-couch kind of project.

And yet another reason my daughter is spoiled rotten and sure to turn into the world's biggest brat...I serve her lunches like this.

No...not everyday, but when I do this, she eats most of it and asks for more. If I don't have to convince her to eat her food, I'm more than happy to break out the cookie cutters and slice up her grapes!

Terrible picture I know...but it's our first carrot so I had to document it! I pulled one out just to see how they're doing and Estella ate it for dessert.

I've had pretty rotten luck with my gardens this year, and I'm pleased to have something edible come out of it...even if it is a 4 inch long carrot. I'll take just about anything I can get...I've lost most of my beets, all of my zucchini and summer squash, and my tomatoes are dwarfs. I shouldn't make it seem all bad though - we've had a ton of herbs and lettuce, and it looks like we'll have a decent crop of beans. I know I'm not the only one with a difficult garden this year so I'm trying not to take it too personally!

It has been a gorgeous day today...sunny and warm with a nice breeze...perfect for mowing the lawn and playing in the sand box! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for the rain to hold of since I'd love to get to the local farmer's market tonight. We shall see...

We took advantage of some nice weather this weekend and visited some local waterfalls. It's nice to see cool things locally that you've never seen before...it makes me realize there's lots more to discover in Vermont (even though I've lived here my whole life).
Estella modeling some sunglasses that were meant to go to the thrift store...they are now a new addition to her accessory collection. She's such a ham...

She's getting quite the little personality as she grows into more and more of a little girl...she never ceases to amaze me...or make me laugh.

And in the spirit of procrastination and putting off what I should be working on, I've picked out materials for a rabbit pattern that I'm testing out. I don't normally make stuffed animals from a pattern, but I'm sort of testing this one for a fellow blogger...more on that later.

Cool vintage buttons from the ReStore:

I've developed a bit of a button addiction. I accumulate them from flea markets and thrift stores and old clothing. Everywhere I go I find cool buttons...now all I need to do is find a use for them.

On the home front, my garden has been enjoying these few days of summer sun, Walti has been enjoying his job and the promise of some time in the ER sometime soon, and we are still trying to keep our heads up as we count down the days until we (may) have to move. We are definitely hoping for a super summery sunny August and some time to spend together enjoying it!

Happy weekend to everyone...it's supposed to be a nice one...keep your fingers crossed!

chillin'

We haven't been doing much lately so I haven't had too much to blog about and also, if I'm being totally honest with myself (and you), I'm moping. I figure if I don't have lots of nice things to share, why bother...I'm feeling stressed and I can't really hide it so I figure I should post as little as possible so as not to spread my anxiety...it's contagious you know.

I've been trying to engage in stress-free, relaxing activities. We spent some time one morning lounging on the porch (complete with pillows and blankets) and made a nice tent to hide under. The people driving by must have thought we were nuts but at least it kept Estella happy for a couple of hours.
Estella and I had a relaxing weekend in the Kingdom this weekend. It was nice to get away and Estella had fun visiting her Grandma, and Grammy and Papa.

Estella did a little gardening and shelled some peas...she very carefully shelled one pea at a time...her attention to detail A+, time management D-. Luckily we weren't having peas for dinner or we may have never eaten!

A little DJ time with Daddy:

And in between it all I've done a little sewing:

This one is still in the works, as are many of the others. Did I mention I'm not doing so well with actually finishing anything? I'm distracted and seem to be bouncing around to different projects. I finished Estella's first piece of clothing...and I'm planning some more. I raided my Mom's fabric while home and found some super cute wool for coats or winter dresses, and I really need to get busy on the quilt I've been working on. Maybe I'm developing ADD in my old age, or maybe I'm just avoiding the rest of my life by hiding in the sewing room...yeah, now that I mention it, it's more likely that I'm hiding than late onset ADD. Oh well, there are worse things I could be doing than sewing!

go figure

I've made clothing in the past. It's never really been something I've been super into, but for some reason I've decided to make some clothing for Estella. I'm starting out with a pair of pants from this issue of Ottobre.
I also have two more issues coming with more wintery clothing in them so maybe I can make lots of clothing this winter while we're buried under snow. We'll see how long this kick lasts, but for now...let the sewing begin!


Estella spent a long time playing with water the other day. She poured it back and forth from cup to cup while I worked around the house...whatever entertains her, right?

We received a box of goodies in the mail today, and went to Ben Franklin/Creative Habitat yesterday (cuz they're going out of business...looking for a bargain!), and we seem to have ended up with a couple of Matryoshka items...kind of an odd coincidence, but colorful and fun nonetheless!

So, obviously I'm planning some clothing to sew, I have a quilt in the works for some friends, and I'm continually working on projects for the two shows (one is most likely postponed though so that gives me a little break on my deadlines), and I have a list started for Christmas gifts...I've got a lot of plans, and not much time...isn't that the way it usually works?!

This year Waterbury had their Fourth of July parade and festivities the week before the actual holiday, so by the time the Fourth rolled around we weren't feeling very festive.

We went for a drive and ended up going strawberry picking which we decided seemed all American enough to count as a holiday festivity...
I wish I had remembered my camera...Estella was so sweet picking berries! I'll try to remember it for blueberry picking...

Having pounds of berries with no idea what to do with them has made me look into learning the art of canning. I'm only referring to it as an "art" because there are so many things to keep in mind to can...equipment, acid levels, altitude, BOTULISM! Reading up on the subject has me thinking that canning is best left to those who have been taught by someone but I'm thinking of trying...any tips? How scared should I be about killing my family with bacterial infused canned goods? I guess as long as I'm careful ( and I buy a pressure canner) I should be able to can just about anything, right?

The first house is still on the market...we're resorting to odd religious practices and good ol'fashioned prayer. St. Joseph will be buried in the front yard tonight!
I was managing to remain fairly Zen about the whole thing...feeling like it'll all work out, even if we loose the house we're in...figuring there must be some reason for whatever happens...remaining upbeat and optimistic...not so much anymore! I'm now in full on panic and constant anxiety mode. I know it won't help the situation, but it is who I am and I can't help it. I love this house and the property, and we've been living in it for almost a year with the feeling and understanding that this is our home...I don't know if I can make it through another move. I guess there's not much to do now but sit and wait...and PRAY!

I've been continuing to try to get some work done everyday. I'm making progress on my projects, but not managing to actually finish any of them. I'm kind of getting close to my deadline for one of the shows so I guess I'll have to actually finish a few of them soon.

Walter is currently studying like a mad man...he has his NCLEX exam tomorrow afternoon, so everyone think happy, passing grade thoughts for him!

Hope you all had lots of Fourth of July fun!

long haired freaky people

Today is day number one of four days of fore casted rain and she's already going nuts!
I'm not thrilled with the rain, but maybe it'll help my gardens. I haven't been having very much luck with my veggie gardens. Everything is alive, just not growing...and very pale. I have really nice soil, bought organic plants, and have tried watering and not watering per suggestions...still not doing very well. Oh, and we tried fish emulsion too...nada. Any thoughts?

I've been getting some work done everyday even if it's only half an hour...I think I'm on my final pieces now (there are four in the works) as long as I'm happy with the results.

It's kind of amazing that I get anything done with Estella trying to take over my work space! I guess I've kind of gotten used to working with one hand and taking dangerous scissors, pins, markers, etc. out of her hands with the other. I'm always amazed to read the blogs of other crafty moms who have more than one child and manage to get so much accomplished.

And as promised-a picture of my finished forest creature:

I only took this one picture since the light in the studio is so bad today. I'll try to get more when the weather changes...

I've been working more with (mostly) recycled wool, fur and felt. This guy is a wool blend felt that was really great to work with, but I'm looking forward to trying some 100%wool felt. A friend suggested some places to order some from and this place is local. I spoke to someone on the phone that said I could order by phone and pick it up at the warehouse so I won't have to wait (or pay) for shipping! Plus, I'm always up for trying some new materials...I'm already getting inspired by all of the great colors!

dreary days

It's June in Vermont and I find myself wondering when summer plans on coming this way...the days have been dreary here...very windy too, and though we've been able to be outside most days, it's not sunny and warm like I wish it was...oh well, I live in Vermont and moody weather is to be expected. Vermont's lucky it's so pretty...that's all I have to say!

We went on a little outing this weekend to the Quechee Balloon Festival. It was the Festival's 30th year and I may (?) have been at the first one. I grew up quite literally across the street from the Festival and have fond memories of the event. I was disappointed to find that it wasn't nearly as great as I'd remembered. I have memories of tons of balloons laid out on the ground and watching the people blow them up, watching them take off...just lots of general fun.

The only balloon we saw was the above one that was old and dirty...but it was blown up with huge fans and Estella got to run around inside of it. We weren't there for any of the launch times so I suppose that's why we didn't see any balloons but really the whole event felt more like a craft fair with carnival food vendors. Considering that we don't really eat fried-meaty-carnival foods, we couldn't even enjoy that...luckily, The Skinny Pancake had a stand there so we got to eat some good, yummy food...and of course some french fries too!

Estella was able to go on a train ride and a bouncy, blown up slide and we saw some parachuting men...so she was satisfied. I think I was mostly disappointed because I had such great memories of the Festival...I have to wonder, was it really ever that great or is it just my memory of it?

My monster:
This is not the smile of a well behaved little girl sitting nicely at the table enjoying her snack...oh no, no, no...this is the smile I get when I catch the little girl making soupy piles of pretzels soaked in water...but she is cute.

More progress on my current project:

I've actually finished this one since I've taken the photo. Once it's sewn shut, I'll share some more photos. This particular creature is not really my usual style, but it is the direction I've been heading in. It was a ton of hand sewing...definitely many hours of work, but I'm very pleased with the outcome. Sometimes I need to head in a different direction to take a break from what's becoming boring...being bored with your work doesn't exactly breed creativity. Maybe that's why I always have a million projects going at once...

Well, I'm off to narrow down my Amazon Wish List...I have a very long list going and since my counterfeiting skills leave something to be desired, I'll have to narrow it down...not that I can really afford to be buying books right now but I have a little bit of an addiction and it must be fed!

stuff(ed) & things

Yeah, that's right...I'm famous! Okay, maybe not famous, but I am in print!

I didn't know that one of my creatures was chosen to be in the most recent issue of Stuffed. I sent in to be considered, but I didn't know until I received my free copy in the mail...a very nice surprise!
I don't think that this issue is out for sale yet, but when it is you should all check it out...a magazine devoted to Plush-geeks like myself. What could be better?

I've heard of birds in sand dollars, but I'd never seen it myself...broken sand dollar birds brought to you by Estella...

Really very cool...at least if you break something as pretty as a sand dollar, you get something else equally as interesting. I looked it up...apparently they're supposed to be doves.

I'm working a bit here and there. I took this morning to do some major cleaning and rearranging upstairs but maybe I'll get some sewing in later. If I'm totally honest, I was cleaning to cover up my procrastination, but who's counting? I'll work when the mood strikes me...

I'm happy to report a successful loaf of bread! My first three loaves were bread disguised as bricks, but I took my time on the fourth one and paid close attention to the dough and I actually managed a normal loaf of bread...there's hope for me as a baker yet! Thanks for all of the tips!

improvement

Things are looking up around here a bit. I found out last week that I have pretty severe anemia which could explain my general lack of energy. I'm being treated...taking iron and being aware of resting and relaxing, and I'm feeling a bit better. So, maybe my blogging energy will improve.

I received a very nice present last week...thanks Santa! I've been trying to learn to use it and bake all at the same time. I've had a very successful batch of cookies, one semi successful loaf of bread and one more is currently rising.

I've also acquired one very enthusiastic kitchen helper:
When I asked her what she thought she was doing, she replied, "planting seeds for a garden." Duh, Mama...

I would love any recipes for bread that you've all tried and liked. I'd also love to know how I'm supposed to let bread rise in a kitchen that is freezing cold...I've been trying the oven method. You turn on the oven for a minute and then let the dough rise in the warm oven...doesn't seem to be working. But if I'm totally honest, I think my yeast isn't any good anymore...oh well, lots to figure out and perfect, but I'm not giving up yet!

I've also started sprouting. I know a few people who sprout all of the time and I've finally managed to give it a go. So far, so good.
I've been working on my projects. I've hit a little slump, but I'm hoping I'll be able to get back in the swing of things since I'm kind of working with a time restraint.

I have ideas, I'm just having a hard time finding the motivation to get started...maybe I need to start drinking coffee!

Vacation Cont.

I really want to apologize for the lack of enthusiasm in my posts recently...and this one will be no exception. I've been feeling a little run down and I just don't have the energy to put into it. My lack of energy is by no means a reflection of our last week in California. We had a great time - very relaxing in fact. I just wanted to get up some pictures from that last week so that I could get back to more recent events in my next post!

Baking with Grandma Chase (don't worry, they were dog biscuits!)
The Discovery Museum:

Mission Pie...a great pie shop and business...search this place out if you're in San Francisco!

A childhood dream come true...we went to the Mrs. Grossman's factory...when I was younger, I had every intention of owning a sticker store when I grew up, and just seeing all those rolls of stickers was enough to rekindle that old flame! :)

We did go on outings most days, but really we spent a lot of time at Chase and Brian's. They have a great house, and a nice closed in yard with lots of garden beds and chickens! It was nice to relax in the sun, pet the chickens and poke around the gardens...not to mention that a closed in yard takes a lot of stress off of keeping track of a two year old!

It was a really great visit, and we're hoping we'll be able to make the trip again soon...thanks for everything!

I will try to find some enthusiasm for my next blog...actually it's not so much enthusiasm I'm lacking-it's energy. Either way, I've been working on my projects, so I should hopefully have something new to share soon!

The Coast

There really isn't much to say about the drive up the coast except that there was a lot of driving involved.
It was also very cold...cold enough that we didn't have enough clothing with us to stay warm...which made all outdoor activities miserable.

We did get to visit with Claude and Maggie (I guess they're Walter's step Grandparents) for a day and Estella got to see all kinds of animals and torment their sweet dog, Puppers.

We also spent a few chilly minutes at Denis the Menace Park in Monterrey...a really great park for kids to climb and slide and swing but it was just so cold that we didn't stay long.
Next up, San Francisco, Novato and Grandma Chase!

Sorry for the lack of enthusiasm in posting today...it's rainy and cold and Estella has been asking all morning, "Estella go on airplane to California." and I'm sort feeling like asking for the same thing! We're all kind of missing California...we've come home to some harsh realities here and it'd be nice if we could escape back to vacation mode...

Los Angeles & Uncle Mark

We had a really great visit with my brother, Mark (and Attie, too), in LA. He lives in a great house in Los Feliz in LA...not the kind of architecture you'd find in Vermont...so big and roomy!

The weather was gorgeous the whole time we were there...hot and sunny all day! We did a few fun touristy things-using Estella as our excuse...a trip to Travel Town:

And the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum:

The tar pits and the museum we so cool! The museum has a ton of skeletons found in the pits and there were also tar pits all around the property...actual bubbling tar that you could walk right up to and touch! Very cool!

We also went for a visit to Vacation:

And right around the corner...we had some frozen yogurt:

I had to include a picture of the yogurt shop, only because it was so not Vermont!

Estella and Attie loved each other! Estella tormented Attie and Attie kept Estella with a face full of dog licks the entire time!

We had a really great couple of days...hopefully it won't be another four years before we make it out again!

Thanks for a great visit, Mark! Hope to see you soon!