Away We Go

Zach told me that this movie reminds him of us-now. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has always reminded both of us of our relationship for many reasons:
Zach draws- similar to Joel- Zach can be very introverted, like Joel, he also can say things in a sarcastic tone and they end up sounding mean, just like Joel. I have had my hair a million colors of the rainbow, just like Clementine. I worked at Barnes & Noble, when we met, just like Clem. Finally, there was a time when perhaps I was the weird girl people dated to see what it was like to date someone who wasn't average- like all the other girls in high school. Not to mention we both just love this movie on so many levels. The actors- the screenplay- which I read often- the soundtrack(amazing) which is always in complete heavy circulation.

So tomorrow I am going to see this with one of my oldest friends- possible two of my girls. Zach got to see an advance screening a few weeks back. He came home with a FOCUS reusable tote- which has dissappeared ( Ahem I have no idea why you are looking at me!) a t-shirt, which he grabbed- the soundtrack which is awesome and the screenplay.

The last movie I saw in a theater was Hellboy 2. I was about 6 1/2 months pregnant. The volume was turned ultra loud and I didn't enjoy it- wondering if the noise was bothering Hazel. I look forward to seeing a non- Hellboy movie where there shouldn't be any loud explosions, I will miss the little fluttering in my tummy though!

BACK By Popular Demand..

About 2 years ago in June, I joined Wardrobe Refashion. I'll admit I didn't do as well as I hoped. But now- becoming a mother as well as 1/2 of a family trying to save for a house- I think this shine s new light on being creative, thrifty and using my noggin. So with out further ado...

The Rules

1.No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.

2.In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!

3.You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.

4.You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

So with that said- I've been looking at my wardrobe, Zach's and Hazel's with shiny new inventor's glasses. Here is to an inspiring day. I hope my inspiration and drive for sewing can push me up the hill of boxes and bags waiting to be moved!
xo

Random Weekend Ramblings

Since this post is random- I searched through out archived photos for some more randomness.



I've talked about our impending move for a while now and it has finally arrived! Today Zach, Hazel and I, along with my parents headed to the old place for some much needed moving. Tub cleaning-clothing packing-baby wrangling was just how I spent a good part of the day. In between we watched the several different kitties enjoy the cat chow we poured into a bowl in the grass.

Thursday I go for my colonoscapy. Maybe this will shed some light on my 1 year (this July 2nd- the day I'll actually have my test)battle with tummy troubles. Zach and I briefly spoke about gratitude this morning- here are some of what we shared:
Gratitude for
my health daughter and beautiful,understanding wife (Z)

my family and the sunshine- me

With that I say enjoy the rest of your weekend- I am so very beat from he day- maybe this means it was a full day of doing and living.

simple

Zach has been taking the white wonder mac to work with him. So I haven't really been plugged in- which isn't such a bad thing. I've reworked the blog a bit and I'm happy with the little transformation.

We are in the midst of summer here- and that means it is time again to move. Z is at the apartment right now loading the car and this weekend will be filled with deciding what to take- what to sell- what to giveaway and what to toss (the toss pile is always the smallest). But with all that I have a serious need- more than an urge.. to simplify. I have always been a slight pack-rat- a daughter of collectors, my parents enjoy their yard sales- thrift shops and so on. It was in my cards. But with a little one here and on the verge of crawling- I want less. I want more space for her and for my thoughts- more space on the wall than items on the wall. So this will mean that first, I'll need to break it to my husband that I want to detoxify our life of many of the items we've thrifted together and then I will need to actually follow my own lead. I'll let you know how it goes.

All I can say is I'm so happy tomorrow is Friday- because this week has been especially emotionally tiring. Enjoy your weekend- get outside and have fun!

Ode To a Man and His Magic

No, I'm not referring to Walt Disney. When I met Zach, 6 years in February- I had no idea he was really crafty- nor did I know how funny he was. I did think he was quite handsome and wanted to really never leave his side. We talked about our hopes & dreams as most young-new couples do and quickly put into motion our ideas about starting a handmade business. Named from a show we were both currently obsessed with at the time- Hobocamp has evolved into a family business.

When I look back at the short time we've both been parents- then I look at the detail Zach has put into our business and his art- it is no wonder he is such a loving papa to Hazel. Here are some of Zach's designs and handiwork. He sews,paints, screenprints, draws and he did knit (briefly- it was to make a hat that looked like armor, of course) but he helps to keep me motivated and inspired while I drive the Hobo train.

This is the original sweater card inspiration- basically a cardigan's CD Mix... he drew the cover art for me. um hello I think this is brilliant and wish Nina Persson would let him print these for their next tour!








His patience with sewing these button bag treasures- surpasses that of a saint. I have no patience for it. He is my rock and my best friend. I wouldn't want to be raising our child with anyone else (well Paul Giamatti doesn't count) But really folks through the thick of it all he comforts me,rocks our daughter to sleep and feeds the cats when I forget. Enjoy your first official Father's Day Zach- We love you!

Cheer Up With Smika

Lately on the east coast we've been dealing with weeks of rain. The kind of weather- you want to wear super bright colors to feel better about getting out of bed. Maybe that is why I am sooo smitten with Smika.

She uses thoughtful color schemes, that I am totally loving!


Her handmade wool beads are the perfect item to brighten a dull day. The photography just pops off the page with cheerfulness.

"It makes me happy when a tuft of wool turns into a lovely toy in a child's hands, a gorgeous brooch on a woman's coat....when yarns become to gloves which give you warmth in chilly autumn morning"- Smika
Please check out her gorgeous shop.

Weekend Sewing

I've been saying I wanted to sew some sort of jumper for Hazel,well since before she arrived in December. I did make her a small frock- but wanted to make a little sundress. Renegade was very inspiring for children's clothing and just crafts in general. I've had the dress in my head and used Amy Butler's Little Stitches to get an idea for construction, but ended up not using the pattern, well because I don't do well with patterns. Here is the finished project:



It took me about an hour to construct and sew. I took Hazey's measurements and winged it. Right now I am loving the unfinished hem, but I will probably sew & shorten it a bit. It is very much a handmade dress and very free-form- I eyeballed most of it. Sorry I didn't have the hub take any closeups. I'd love to make a more funky, vibrant one. I chose these soft fabrics to start with, just yardage I had around for a long time. Next I'll try to make my own pattern from a recycled paper bag and go from there with different fabrics. She could wear this to a spring wedding! Too bad we don't have any to attend!
Happy week- happy sewing!
xo

Dirty, Spilling Rooftop-Saturday

This weekend came and went so fast. The rain stopped a little bit in order for a group of strangers to get to meet one of their favorite people, stretch on the grass at Sunset Park and make art on a rooftop in Brooklyn.

Without going through every detail, I invite you to see my Flickr account. But I will share a few of my favorites.

messy painted hands- i love them


our folded canvas drying


miss sabrina


my journal page- from DR Seuss SLeep Book- very appropriate for the last few weeks- my theme was sleep

The idea was for all of us to paint on a huge canvas, let it dry, cut it up and we would each have a page to collage. Due to time and weather restraints- we painted and had a glorious time in the rain on the roof- but didn't get to get a piece of the canvas paper. Sabrina was amazing- not at all what I had imagined- in fact I didn't know what to expect. She's much more colorful in her clothing and dress that I thought, which I loved. She's very down-to-earth and silly. But she is also very passionate about art, poetry and the beauty in everyday things. Unfortunately, since there was such a big group, I didn't get to connect with her the way, I may have wanted to- but then again- I am very shy by default- so even if it had been a smaller group- I would have probably remained mostly quiet and just observing.Either way it was an experience I will not soon forget. I met her, got an autograph and a picture! and she gave me a tile that she affectionately hand wrote Hazel on. I will shellac to preserve it and cherish it always.

She inspired me in many ways after this day. Although I was so tired and my body still aches from carrying my heavy bags around the city, clinging tight to the ladder on the roof and just from being a little scared- they are good aches- like exercising. I exercised parts of me- I haven't exercised in years. I urge you to get a book of hers,if even from the library. Sit with a cup of tea,coffee whatever you love and carve out 10 minutes an hour- a moment and feel this book.
xo

Lazy Friday

New Cuff in the shop later today!
I can honestly say not much was accomplished today. H woke about 3-4 times last night and I'm sure her papa was passed out on the train ride in to work. I was willing the little bugger to sleep ( and it worked!) so mama got a little nap on the couch. I did manage to drop into a thrift store I've seen a million times and exit with a cloth Holly Hobbie doll for $4.00- I wiggled down from 5- which I never haggle- but did and it worked!

Some laundry was done- diapers are currently on the line- babe asleep and I have an urgent craving for hot cocoa. In the last two days we've been featured on two blogs:
First my good friend Allegra, Awesomeasaone featured her little snugly, Sunny in one of our Snuggle Bunny, sustainable t-shirts on her Awesomeasaone blog.

Then we were a part of a "Guess the Theme for Thursday" over on ,
Dorset Hill Bead's Blog. So although we were sort of lazy today, our friends were obviously not!

Tomorrow is Spilling Day! So I need to rest up for the adventure of it all. I did start getting my ribbon scraps, photos & other inspirational pieces together- now I need the comfiest and cutest of outfits... pajamas?! We'll see what the weather brings- Back on Monday with pictures to share!

Spilling Class

I first heard of Sabrina Ward Harrison through Sark's Books. It was pretty much a super artsy crush after that.


Spilling Open was her first book. I brought it everywhere when I first acquired it- I read it so often the spine detached from the cover.
I was just amazed that someone else felt awkward in their body sometimes- and that I too could strive to make my collages as true art pieces. The way Sabrina conveys her shy feelings for lovers, excitement for her friends is just beautiful and inspiring. Not to mention the books are just gorgeous.


Brave on the Rocks is her second of the four (which you should get all of them- now!) The charcoal drawings, her photography all has a sweet sadness to it, but something that inspires. She talks about her favorite authors,music ( who some have then become my favorites) all in a journally dream scape.

So why am I writing about this, when I have mentioned her before? Well because of this:
Saturday, June 13Th. This Saturday I am going to an all-day retreat, led by Miss Sabrina Fancy pants herself! In Brooklyn, wearing comfy pants ( said requirements) I'll get to meet a person I've admired and followed for a while now. How exciting! I am hoping it is a more intimate occasion. I do know the one draw back is 6 or so hours away from Hazel,which is the longest I've ever gone. So it will be a challenge for me- pumping in a park? and for Zach- Help this kid is hungry! But it is something we both agreed is a once in a lifetime happening.Thanks Zach- I can't wait! So little windows of time today and tomorrow will be spent gathering trinkets and treasures to work with on Saturday.

Blog Fancy and the Adventures of O'Henry

Many times I just use titles I like the sound of with no real rhyme or reason, I'm sorry.

However, I did meet an interesting fellow, who I am now calling O'Henry. O'Henry stands about 1 1/2 feet tall and is kind of a loud character. It all started when Hazel woke around 3am last night. Finally around 4, I got her down and heard a rooster howling-cooing-crooing? very close to our window. I made a joke to Zach and thought nothing of it. Fast forward 5 + hours. My mother and I go to investigate and indeed there is a rooster in our yard. Perched on our fence- he jumped- I jumped (and shrieked) and the rest is history.

We spent the rest of the morning watching O'Henry make his rounds, visiting the neighbor's yards and picking at their grass.

In HOBOLAND



Some New Cuffs... my best friend Maureen had a bike pretty similar when we were kids. Nice.
Something a little cute and cuddly too:


New Cuffs in the shop today and all this week- along with Pregnant Tanks for the cute snuggle bunny mamas in your life! Plus some more exciting treasures to share!

Full Weekend

Saturday we saw some of Zach's family in Connecticut. I dressed Hazel in her finest vintage and a pair of shoes from Auntie Suzi. When we got home, after putting Hazel to bed- we worked feverishly. He on his book, me on my custom Scraparella. We watched a little repeat of SNL and off to bed.
This morning- we went to Renegade. Sporting our Snuggle Bunnies.


2009


2006- Our Honeymoon to Chicago
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Getting Our Shop On!
Although I got some serious inspiration and awesome vibes from the whole fair- I didn't see anything screaming to be taken home.. But we did find an awesome onesie for Hazel, our little peanut and a hysterical shirt for papa. Both from the lovely shop- Bit & Little Bit



A day filled with friends and sun, babies and handmade heaven. I am so beat. I can't believe Monday is here already. I hate Mondays!

Hope you had a full weekend and a bright Monday!

Hobocamp Crafts Does Renegade Craft Fair 2005

Hobocamp Crafts Does Renegade Craft Fair 2006, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Ahh the good old days. This was the first year it was in Brookyn, I believe. We had no idea how much we would sell. Our table was almost empty. That night we went home and I sewed till 4 am- just so we had enough to fill the table on Sunday. The following year we did it again about a week before we got married! Kinda insane.

Now we'll visit 3 years later, baby in tow- knowing so much more than when we first started Hobocamp. Still getting those butterflies in our bellies at the inspiration and hope of this awesome movement. I'm excited to be a part of it all.
xo

Don't Look Now, There's A Baby On Your Back.

Hazel has just turned 6 months old. I really can't believe she is that old already. I've watched her go from a tiny little babe to a silly,little person. However she isn't sleeping through the night and it is making me insane! We know she can it is just a matter of will she? Well to insure she does, I've grabbed a copy of "The Sleep Easy Solution" with the hope it will help me get some sleep and teach little Hazel to self soothe a little bit.

In other news, she rode on my back in the ergo the other day. I have to tell you- getting her in there wasn't the easiest thing- but like anything, I'm sure practice is in order.


Thursday Hazel and I met up with Allegra from Awesomeasaone an her cutie,Sunny. We're so happy we met them! We visited the Farmer's Market and then a quick stop at my favorite thrift store, Grace's. I found some great stuff for Hazel for $3.00. Pictures to come.

This weekend we have a family outing to Connecticut and maybe a trip to Renegade. A book needs finishing on Zach's list, a Scraparella on mine oh yeah and trying to get the babe to sleep through the night. Hope your weekend is full of excitement xo!

Summer Skirt Collection #1

on sale from Target- super comfy- I even wore it while preggers.

Two Things I Love

As the days get longer and my list of to-do gets even loonger- my blog postings, may get shorter. Sprinkled with what we are doing,making and seeing- the summer is a time to fill yourself up with sun- enough to last through the shorter,darker days. With that said- here are a few things I am loving right now.
This fabric, it is available at Fabric Farmers Market on Etsy I kind of want some.

Skirt Weather is Here! This is one of my first ever skirts that I made. I plan to make a few more this summer as well as some for Hazel and a couple of cover-ups for her.


Inspired by the awesome Soulemama Summer Skirt Collection- I am going to try an photograph my summer skirts, get a count and have fun with them.
Much to do- Have a great one!