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!