Set List

(picture source)

This is where we were Thursday night. I don't even... I can't. 

So I was in the news for participating in this bizarre new trend called sewing

This is actually a really great feature on the shop I work in, Sewn Studio. It just opened in February, so people in the community are still finding out about it all the time and press like this is great. 

But it's just so funny to me that they make sewing sound like this weird, archaic lost art form that's just now becoming trendy. I mean, I know the whole handmade movement has been huge in recent years, but haven't people always sewn? My mom and grandmothers did it, but now I do to, so there was no generation skipped. Maybe I just have a different perception of it now that it's such a big part of my life. And I tend to be pretty un-self aware about some things, so maybe people my age do think it's really very weird that I sew. But I would still like to think that it's one of those skills that has always been around and always will be. We think we are such modern and trendy sewists with our modern fabrics, but won't the things our daughters make look completely different? Will they think of us as traditional old fart sewers? Of course they will, because that is the cycle of things. The point is, people will always be sewing and making things for themselves and their loved ones. Even when it is easier or sometimes cheaper to just buy something.  

Someone came in the other day to sign up for a beginners class and we actually had to tell her to wait until the September schedule came out because all of the beginning classes for August are already full. She made a remark about sewing being such a great thing in this economy or whatever. But I don't really think people want to learn how to sew because gas prices are high so they have to put the squeeze on their clothing budget. (You guys know that fabric can be a much more expensive addiction!) I think they just want to put their hands to good use. How many people actually make a living manufacturing anything anymore? Not a high percentage. We all have great minds that we put to great use behind computer screens, which is all great and necessary. But hands want to make something, something that can be touched and used and called good. Sewing is just one way that hands get put to good use, but it's my way. 

Geez, I really didn't mean to get all philosophizy on you. I mostly wanted us all to admit that we are dorky grandmas, apparently. (And I also wanted us all to laugh at the weird camera angle they put on my friend Sarah. Heehee.)

Completely unrelated... we are going to see Sir Paul McCartney tonight in the Reds' ballpark. I don't know if this makes me cool, or even more like an old person. I think maybe the correct answer is that I'm like a really cool old person. Either way, I'M SO EXCITED!

Help my Friends, Help Yourself

....to this excellent album.

So, if you are not a big music fan, you can tune out this post, but if you are a person who loves to discover new music, then you should definitely check out Damion Suomi & the Minor Prophets. 

I know, I know, everyone has a friend who is in some band, but I promise, these guys are for real. Yes, I tend to love them because I've known a lot of them forever and they played at our wedding reception (mostly same guys, different band.) But I would love their music even if I didn't know them. Or if I knew them to be a bunch of bastards. Good thing they aren't. (p.s. My husband sings background on a couple of the songs on the album.)

The album was just released today and it is already #8 on iTunes singer/songwriter chart. It's inevitable that they will move higher than that, but I'm doing my part by spreading the word here. Plus, I really want them to at least move above that silly Steve Martin bluegrass album. (WTH Steve?)

You can also buy it and listen to samples on Amazon. Which is very cool, it just doesn't help my Steve Martin mission. 

Also, if you really like music, particularly live music, you should catch them on the tour they are currently on-

Actually, first watch how much fun they are live on this video, then see the tour dates here to see if they are coming near you. 

3 Things to Look Forward To.

We are going to see the Civil Wars tomorrow night. If you don't know them, you should probably listen to this song. Then you should probably love it.





Reds Opening Day is tomorrow. I would love to take Hendrix downtown for the parade, but it's going to be pretty cold and dreary, and Nick is working lunch anyway. But I can't wait to take him to a game soon. We took him a lot 2 years ago, when he was tiny (he was born on opening day), but not at all last season when he just would have been a pain to look after in the ballpark. I'm thinking this year he will be able to appreciate at least a few innings. He is really obsessed with "bee-boo bats" lately.

And finally, these perfect baby shoes are on their way from this shop. I spotted them a few days ago and caved last night. How could I not?  Per. Fect. 

A Dress a Week #3 (Plus some extras)

I finally got to use some Innocent Crush! I think I have wanted to make a dress out of that particular fabric on the left, probably since I was small enough to wear this dress. Yes, I know that doesn't make any sense, but I also know it in my soul to be true. Got them both at Sewn, of course.

I used this great tutorial on how to make any dress pattern reversible. But I drew the actual pattern myself, which I've never tried before, so I hope it actually fits her at some point in her life. It looks like it should though.

And here's a peek at some of the pillowcases dresses I made for the sew-along. The deadline is this Wednesday to be entered into the drawing for prizes, but the charity is always accepting dresses. I'll keep the button in my sidebar so you can find the info, it's a great idea and a great cause. Plus Vanessa's tutorial and pattern is fantastic anytime you just want to whip up something cute for a girl in your life.



So yeah, a lot of dresses here this week. Poor Hendrix needs me to sew him something manly. But he and I had a great weekend together, including several dance parties to this song:
(and yes, we do like to wear tribal scrappy-fur vests like this, it really enhances the dancing.)




Really, any song with a double-clap is just irresistible.

Epic Date Night (Jonsi!!!)

Nick and I are headed to Columbus tonight to see this incredibleness-




I could not be more excited. We have loved Sigur Ros for years and used a lot of their music in our wedding. We saw them at Bonnaroo a couple of years ago, and that was hands down the most amazing live show I've ever seen. I'm gonna go ahead and say it's kind of a magical experience... and I hate when people use that word, but it is appropriate. I'm thinking tonight's stage show will even top that. And besides all that, I'm feeling somewhat like my old self and I am actually wearing real clothes and makeup. Very exciting.


Here's more about the uber-creative stage and video production if you're interested:

Childhood in the Suburbs

I've already told you I think the new Arcade Fire album is amazing.


But I just had an experience that takes it to another level.


Artist Chris Milk created an interactive film that is a customizable music video to "We Used to Wait." It actually uses Google maps images to take you down your childhood street, to the very house you grew up in.


It is brilliant.


I tried it, not knowing what would happen. I had a very good childhood in Florida with lots of running and playing outside and memories with family. But I haven't been to that house in years. Just seeing it during the song made me a little emotional. There is something sad about the fact that you can never be a child again, I guess. The experience ends with a chance to write your childhood self a letter while the song  and experience is still going on. You don't have time to think, you just write and draw. Then you can choose to send the postcard in and it might be used in Arcade Fire's tour.


Here is mine:

I think I'm going to go do it again....right here.