Ibidem

Inspiration: NYC quilt

2012-02-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

Love the look of this white on white quilt. Effortless and elegant.

2012-02-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

1.24.12. Izzy has crazy hair.

Happy Halloween!

2012-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

11.12.11. Nico kept hitting the pumpkin with his hands and threatening to roll right out and bonk his head. Izzy just stood there frozen. Would have liked to change or take off their clothes, but it was right before dinner/bedtime, the night before a transcontinental flight, and literally 5 minutes from meltdowns. Snap, snap, snap. And it had to be over.

I want: storage carts

2012-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

No way that I'd be able to justify paying so much for these underbed storage carts from Serena&Lily (via Remodelista), especially when they seem so easy to make! But still... they would be really cute for our bedroom.

Project: Quick Winter Hats

2012-01-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

12.18.11. It got cold, cold, cold. I used fleece and cotton twill tape from my stash. The kids got a kick out of these super-easy-and-quick hats!

I Want... Vintage Swiss Army Blanket!

2012-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

I unconsciously scour flea markets and vendor stalls abroad for woolen textiles. I never mean to buy them, but somehow, the fuzzy wool always pulls me in. So now I'm finally admitting it. I'm a blanket addict. The most coveted of them all: the vintage Swiss Army blanket! How I wish I had one of these!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T13:33:00.001-08:00

A busy day making baby food. Banana, peas, zucchini and spinach. All organic! Really loving the new hand blender!

Project: Sleepsacks

2012-01-01T13:31:00.001-08:00

Fleece has been on sale for a while now. Bought a whole bunch for various projects around the house, including two more sleepsacks for the babies. I was surprised that each one took almost a yard of fabric. The babies are getting tall!

The new rug

2011-12-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

I keep calling it the new rug. We've had it for 3 months and I'm only now getting around to posting a photo. It's a beautiful felt rug from Peace Industry. It's the Norooz, in nutmeg, with camel, ochre, peach, and plum. I LOVE it. It's scratchier than I remembered. I thought maybe due to Peace Industry's change from Iranian rugs to Turkish rugs, but it's probably just my own faulty memory. That is my cute daughter, wondering why I plopped her down on the ground.

Downward dog

2011-12-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

Nico's favorite antic lately.

He would stand on his head if he could.

A Christmas Story

2011-12-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

It got really cold last week so I bundled them up to stroll outside with the dog. I thought they would protest, but they didn't seem to mind. I didn't push my luck with the booties or mittens though. The snowsuits are still big on them, but we have many cold months ahead of us!

Good Bread

2011-11-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

T makes really good bread. And very good looking bread too.

Inspiration images for nursery

2011-11-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

Random photos I collected that made me ooh and aah. I think all of them from Ohdeedoh.

Mirrors in kitchens

2011-11-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

I love mirrors. I think every room should have a mirror. Even unusual spaces like kitchens. Here's a photo from House Beautiful with just that. A bit formal, but still neat. I'd place it lower, though, closer to the countertop.

I want... flowered leather cushions

2011-11-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

Love these cushions. Was this from Emma's design blog? I'm finally catching up with posting, but unfortunately I've lost the references to all these photos I've been saving! Garhg. Must clean up computer.

I want... Vintage Flower Frogs!

2011-11-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

There's something very beautiful about this picture. I wish I'd written down its source. Was it Martha Stewart? It got me thinking that I need some frogs. But it's been 2 years, and I still haven't found any in flea markets/garage sales...

Hanging Art

2011-11-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Gathering ideas for hanging art quickly and cheaply. I mean, if your art costs $5, hanging it shouldn't cost $50! . I like the clean look of wire and metal clips.

There was a neat post on AT a while ago where a couple hung their paper art using wooden trouser hangers! I really wish I could find that post again...

Project: Baptism outfit

2011-11-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

Baptism outfit for my nephew (last year).

Made the night/morning of the baptism. Yes... typical.

Turned out kinda wonky, but he looked sweet in it.

Project: Tooth Fairy Bags

2011-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Project idea and instructions from the purlbee.
I made a bunch of these last year for friends and family. They made nice little thank you gifts for my baby shower too. For those with kids, I tucked one or two in with my thank you note.

Dream To-Do-List

2011-11-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Read Anna Karenina

Sew a couple of quilts

Sew beautiful clothes for the twins
Nothing complicated here, right?

I want... Hable Construction storage hideaway, bushel and hamper

2011-11-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Drooling after these for several years now. Ridiculously expensive, but if money were no object.. I'd get me several of these for toys, firewood, laundry, did I mention toys?

(Almost) Naked babies

2011-11-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

10.24.11. Um... It might be improper to post almost naked photos. But I think they are just so cute on the changing table, and they really like being on it. Having a dry bum must feel pretty good.

The mobile is up

2011-11-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

10.29.11. I finally got around to properly hanging that mobile. No more weird contraption hanging off the lamp. Ha! I love it. Baby animals from IKEA. Metal clip mobile by Kikkerland.

Sleepyheads

2011-10-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

9.23.11. Running about a month behind in photos. The babies sleep in separate cribs (and rooms), but they look so cute rolling together. Izzy woke up first, and I set her down next to Nico while trying to tidy up their room and get food ready. Cute sleeping gowns from my MIL.

2011-10-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, fine. A rare picture of both laughing. It's just hard to photograph both babies well. I need to learn how to use photoshop or something... 9.16.11

My boy is growing up

2011-10-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

He is actually a very smiley and happy boy, but he often gets super serious when the camera is out in front of him.

9.25.11

2011-10-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Out about town. We sat them up for the photo, but they couldn't keep themselves upright just yet. And they would not look at the camera! Actually, this is the only photo without at least one of them crying. Matching "It's A Small World" Disney outfits from Debbie, Trumpette socks from Cheryl (on Nico) and Joyce (on Izzy).

9.10.11

She didn't like the bath

2011-10-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Entirely our fault for not bathing her more frequently, I'm sure.

9.18.11

Flying with twins

2011-10-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

This recent trip across the country was a good trial run for future travel. I read this blog avidly and repeatedly in anticipatory preparation, and found it to be VERY helpful (and funny). We also lucked out in that we had one empty seat next to us on the way there (next to me, T. and I were separated by the aisle) and on the way back (we were kindly placed in the same row with an empty seat in the middle). Unfortunately, my kids are not easy-sleepy-happy-baby-travelers, and alas, there's absolutely no way that I can manage the trip by myself!

Winter is coming (and Finland is amazing)

2011-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

So with the crisp fall air, I'm getting nervous about the upcoming winter. Now in Ohio with two little babies, I wonder, how cold DOES it really get? I mean, I'm cold already, in September! I need baby snowsuits, right? How thick? What if they don't come with booties? Does one (can one) buy booties and mittens separately? Will I be able to find two used suits at some garage sale in time? I saw this post on Ohdeedoh about the care package that expectant moms receive in Finland. How awesome is that?? Everything is so cute! And look at the cute snowsuit! I wouldn't be worrying like I am now!

Missoni for Target Craze

2011-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

How are people finding out about these designer Target exclusives? Apparently the world went mad yesterday when Target released its Missoni for Target collection (think Pamplona, bulls, you get the picture). Well, in spite of being a clueless mom, here's the score for my little girl. But only thanks to her namesake auntie. And the picture is from her too!

Vintage swim cap

2011-09-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest idea ever.
Would love to make this for Izzy.

Maybe for next summer?

Instructions and original post here.

My honeybees

2011-08-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

7/31/2011. I bought these sheets a year or two ago and was recently lying in bed staring at them when I realized that it was the honeycomb pattern that I love so much. I didn't even realize that when I bought them! The kids had yellow onesies already, a little left over black felt, a bit of recycled tissue paper, and my honeybees appeared!

Los Gemelitos

2011-08-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

8/13/2011. As a lone photographer with no assistant, it's awfully hard to get the kids to look at the camera! Last week, I was sorting their clothes and found two onesies of different brands, from different people that were very similar and in just the right sizes (0-3M for Izzy, 3-6M for Nico). I couldn't wait to put them on the kids. I'll admit it. I never thought I'd dress them in matching clothes, but I'm actually really into it.

Nico & Sophie

2011-08-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

17 weeks old. Nico likes to hold Sophie and tries to chew the giraffe. But he's working on his hand grasp and finding his mouth!
Aperture mode f/2, ISO 800, auto 1/50. Spot meter.

Isabelita has grey eyes

2011-08-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

8/8/2011. 16 weeks old. I thought they might have turned brown by now, but they are still like her father's eyes. Our doctor tells me the color is not set till after 6 months, even up to a year!

Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens

Aperture mode f/2.2, ISO800, auto 1/1000s
Aperture mode f/1.8, ISO800, auto 1/80s

Slingin'

2011-08-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

A precious moment of peace and quiet.

Isabelita in the Moby wrap on Mommy.

July 27, 2011

Manual mode, 1/60s f/1.8 autoISO 640
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens

I want... VIPP diaper pail

2011-06-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

If money were no object... How I wish I had one of these... Stainless steel instead of yucky plastic.

Comes in white, red, or blue. I love them all.
Available online here.

Amazing photos

2011-04-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Amazing photos of spiders taking over trees in the village of Sindh, Pakistan, after the 2010 floods.

This is incredible,

like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Read the story here

Baby Bunny Caps

2011-04-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

On my to do list.

Sweet Lulu

2010-09-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Found this web store Sweet Lulu via Far Out Brussel Sprout. Love. I'm bookmarking it for the next time that I need some cute paper party supplies!

Project: vinyl banner shopping bags

2010-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

My best friend bought some bags that I just LOVED, made from recycled vinyl banners. I remembered that my parents had some banners at home (don't ask why), so I was able to make these for me! Yippee! I love them. I ran out of vinyl for the handles so I used the material from an old roller shade. Unfortunately, the shade material was too old and brittle to last very long, and one of the handles broke after several months of use. Good to know... Fixing it is now on my to-do list.

Project: Recycled sweater sheepdog

2010-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, it is supposed to be a dog, but everyone thinks it's a lamb... He's made from an old Banana Republic sweater, a little felt for the ears, some recycled cord from shopping bags, and bits of leftover yarn from my knitting.

Project: poplar pet gates

2010-08-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

dining room/kitchen gate

BEFORE: hallway barricade

When puppy Jack first came home, a couple of wastebaskets in the doorway were enough to keep him in the kitchen. Very quickly though, two serious barricades of random stuff were necessary to keep Jack penned in. Yuck. I considered buying baby gates, but the options out there were so horrible (or they looked passable, but were too expensive to buy two), I decided to make my own. We had leftover poplar from our window sashes project and while searching online, I serendipitously found this. Perfect(!), although my gates would be much smaller in scale to fit the doorways. I also had constraints with the direction in which the gates could swing. I decided to forgo the caster (as much as I love casters) because my floors are fairly uneven. It was a bit hard to find hinges that would work for me (thanks finally to OSH!), and a latch that I could attach to the outside. Then I had to meet T's perfectionist-engineer requirements. But all in all, I'm very happy with the results. And having a clear hallway again, PRICELESS!

AFTER: hallway/kitchen gate

interfering with the work

yum, let me chew on this!

Home made toy planters

2010-06-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

This made me smile.
Make funny flower pots
with random house/garage junk.

It could be a good rainy day project with the kids.
Via Instructables.

Vincent van Duysen

2010-04-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a big admirer of Vincent van Duysen's ceramic containers. I love the organic combination of wood and earthware. Maybe someday the budget will allow. For now, it's just nice to see them when they do pop up in magazines and blogs.

Nerdy Knitting Project

2010-03-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

My friend L. found this hilarious dissected rat on Etsy by CraftyHedgehog. It totally cracked us up and I found it so clever and adorable that I just had to re-share.

wall decor

2010-01-26T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm adding this to my reference portfolio of cool wall ideas. From AT. I only like the paint job, not the whole burlap/plaster business. The raindrops would be so cute in a kid's room.

Cycle Chic

2010-01-21T16:59:00.000-08:00

Found this new (to me) blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic. It's full of cool pictures of commuters on bikes in Copenhagen. In the snow. In the cold. Whatever. Makes me want to use my bike a little bit more but alas, I'm just not that coordinated. BUT if SF provided this:

I would DEFINITELY bike more.

Why are clever things like this only found in Europe?

More from PB

2010-01-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Do we like this, the Calhoun pendant? I'm trying to imagine it in my kitchen, over the breakfast table... Hmm, it's not too expensive...

I like the general look of this flatware too. I guess it's time to stop into a store and feel their weight in my hands.

Accordion light

2010-01-21T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not usually a fan of Pottery Barn, but they have a couple cool things in their new catalog. For my ever-so-slow bathroom remodel, I've been looking for new lighting. This accordion sconce would look neat over a mirror. But I'll keep looking until I find something a bit more affordable! 

Hawaiian quilt progress

2010-01-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe, but the huge applique is almost finished. After 3 months of intermittently stabbing at it. Just a few more "grapes" need to be sewn and I'll be ready to start quilting. Now the question is: to hand or machine quilt? I was always planning to use my vintage-industrial-3000-stitches-per-minute Singer, but suddenly, I want the softness of hand quilting... Will I EVER finish this then?

More inspiration from the Gladstone

2010-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Entry lobby chairs (forgot to check artist's name)

Wool felt mobile by Mylene Boisvert

The grand prize for the fibre contest: a suitcaseful of fabric money.

At first glance, we thought it was real!

Wool socks

2010-01-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Found this great fingering-weight washable wool at an estate sale for $0.50 a skein!! I snatched up all they had to make socks and decided to make it up as I went along, no pattern, no nothing. Everything was going well until I ran out of blue wool! Oops...

Was forced to improvise, but I think they came out alright...

Grant Heapes at the Gladstone Hotel Cafe

2010-01-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with the Gladstone Hotel during our recent trip to Toronto. This amazing wall hanging by artist Grant Heapes was hanging in their cafe, and I was awed. It's made of small square pieces of fabric that are stitched together through the middle. This was beyond fantastic. Really wish I'd thought of it!

MMMG

2010-01-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Just discovered this Korean company. I'm going to have to start a business just so that I have an excuse to buy their stuff. These are their "Face pockets". I also love, LOVE, their tiny gift cards.

Doggie hats

2009-12-30T14:05:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's been a while since I last posted. Super busy at work. But during thanksgiving, I made these hats for my brother (his dogs, that is) and he finally got around to taking a picture. They were a huge pain to size (try holding a hyper boston terrier still), but once I got the pattern down, the second hat took very little time. I used a washable acrylic yarn.

Project: Office Windows

2009-11-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

The old, leaky, southwest-facing office windows. And by leaky I don't mean just air, but also water! The paint job by the previous owner was seriously suffering and one of the panes was cracked from a too-vigorous fly-swatting incident. In a pinch, we caulked like crazy to ride out the winter and vowed that these would be the next to get replaced. Even the siding beneath the windows was cracking from all the sun and rain. When we took out the window we found incredibly shoddy carpentry beneath. We had to properly rebuild the rough opening, frame out the window, build the sashes, waterproof, put up new siding, trim, and paint, paint, paint.

Time to completion: about 4 full weeks spread out over several months.

The High Line

2009-11-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

I'd like my backyard to look like this.

Tissue paper pom-poms

2009-10-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've been seeing these really cute tissue paper pom- poms EVERYWHERE. They were originally featured in Martha Stewart Living 2006 (online instructions here), but 3 years later, I still want to make a bunch for no purpose at all.

Anthropologie felt pendant lamp

2009-10-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

When I saw this felt pendant lamp in the latest Anthropologie catalog I was super excited and seriously bummed at the same time. Don't you hate it when an idea that you've been toying with in the back of your mind materializes (in a mainstream catalog no less!) before you even have a chance to gather the rough materials? I'll probably go ahead and make my version of it anyway, since the $398 price tag is just too painful.

I want: Honeycomb Brackets

2009-09-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

I recently bought some jeans on sale at UO and while surfing their website, I ran into the honeycomb bracket in the apartment section. Love it! The problem? Well, I would need two for a shelf (that's $36, ouch!) AND they are on back order until 9/30! Hmm...

Project: Headboard

2009-09-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Total cost: $15 of thick batting (stapled down double layer of the thickest batting from Joann's). Reused old plywood from the garage. Free coffee sacks from my local shop. T built the headboard more or less to my specifications. Actually, he made it 5 inches shorter because he just wouldn't believe that a 60" tall headboard would look good. As opposed to our many other projects, this was up and ready in no time. A year later, it's getting a bit dusty, but I still love, love, love it.

Project: The Master Bedroom

2009-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

(Vintage dresser, Past Perfect; White vases, J. Mendocino; vintage Yugoslavian alarm clock from trip to Bosnia; Jewelry box from Morocco; Duvet cover and pillow cases, DwellStudio; Elephant cushion, childhood craft project)

Before...

What we actually did:
Removed painted-over and torn wallpaper.
Fixed and patched plaster walls.
Re-aligned tilted chair rail.
Added missing sections of picture rail.
New paint on ceiling, walls, bead board, trim, doors, everything!
Removed paint from all hinges and rosettes.
Window enlarged and moved 10 inches to the left.
New double-hung, double-paned window built from scratch. Except for the glass, of course. (Click here for story)
Exterior wall insulated and water-proofed.
Ceiling chandelier added.
Curtain rod and curtains.
Lined closets with cedar and added new rods and shelves. (Click here for story)
Made headboard for bed.

All the serious carpentry done by T (he can fix ANYTHING!) Dad helped with the chandelier, and best friend J helped early on with the wallpaper removal. All the plaster work, paint removal, and new painting (of everything) by yours truly.

Total time: one year to complete.

After...

(Felt rug, The Gardener; Wool/Rayon curtains, Bed Bath and Beyond; Art Deco bedside lamp, X21)

Project: Hawaiian Quilt

2009-08-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sometime during the year 2001, I decided to make a Queen sized quilt in the Hawaiian tradition. (For a step-by-step introduction to the beautiful art of Hawaiian quilting, check out this site and click on the individual pictures.) I only made it as far as purchasing the top fabric and cutting the large central applique before I put it away back in 2001. I've finally decided to resurrect this project (it's a now or never kind of thing) and since it'll likely take me years to finish, I'm writing about it now, way in advance of project completion. Right now, I'm sewing the large applique piece and only have about 1/4 done. It sure seems like it'll take forever... Does anybody like to sew?

Project: Boxwood Control

2009-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

OK, so this was an easy and not particularly glamorous project, but one that I was rather afraid of. Our boxwood was so overgrown it took over half the sidewalk. It required pretty severe pruning, about 18 inches off the front. What if it didn't grow back? You can see the different color of the concrete to get an idea of how far out the bush extended. This is what the bush looked like after the first attack with the pruners. To my relief, the boxwood managed to do quite well. Here it is again a year and a half later... It still has some filling to do, but it's almost fully recovered!

Project: Lion Sweater

2009-07-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

100% merino wool. Made for my cute little nephew last year. Unfortunately he outgrew it after just two weeks!

Rocky Mountain Elk

2009-07-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

From our recent road trip. It was amazing. We were standing just a few feet from these beautiful animals.

Letterpressed Invitations

2009-07-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Endless gorgeous possibilities.

Let's have cake!

2009-07-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

So many possibilities for wedding cakes! Here is a sampling of some great designs that keep things simple, modern, and still special.

Someday... Retro Knit Dress

2009-06-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

Now that we're entering summer, it's time to make sweaters in San Francisco. The foggy weather is perfect for cozy knitting. I'd like to make this gorgeous dress from the Vogue Knitting 25th anniversary (Fall 2007), but it requires so much yarn ($$), I probably won't get around to it till 2012!

Latest find: Vintage Portable Corona

2009-05-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Manual Corona. Fully functional and complete with case, extra ribbon, oil dispenser, and type brush.

I want... Imprintables

2009-05-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

Super cute! Get them online here

Project: Tomato Hat

2009-05-20T23:24:00.001-07:00

Rowan Aran Tweed

2009-05-20T23:08:00.001-07:00

New wool... ah, the possibilities...

First Aid Box

2009-05-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we did a little browsing, strolling, pie-eating, and of course, latte-sipping. I picked this up at The Curiosity Shoppe on Valencia. Steel construction, and red! Opening this box will be a little treat every time I cut myself (which, with all the remodeling and various projects, is quite often).

Flea market find

2009-05-03T17:22:00.001-07:00

Vintage globe circa 1953.

Simplicity in safety pins

2009-04-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I could remember where I found these...

The best food storage container EVER

2009-04-03T11:16:00.001-07:00

Glass, stainless steel lid, silicone perimeter seal under lid and air valve. No yucky plastic that gets all scratched up or that leaks God-knows-what-chemicals into your food... I have two of these but wish I had more. Originally from Williams-Sonoma but alas! they discontinued them a while back. I guess we'll have to go to Germany!

I want.... Eva Zeisel Classic Century Footed Bowl and Sauce Boat

2009-03-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

I would totally add these (and the matching place settings) to my wedding registry if I had one. Will have to wait till Christmas. Hopefully the line will still be available.

Project: The Bedroom Window

2009-03-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

We disagreed on almost everything about the window. The original sashes were pretty rotten and he wouldn't let me epoxy/sand/paint them. Instead, he built me a whole new window from scratch (I made him stay as historically accurate as possible), and moved the whole thing to the left by 10 inches to allow for better house siding installation and water-proofing. We bought fancy new pulleys and window hardware from houseofantiquehardware.
(Drumroll........)
TA-DAH!!

(Before the final picture rail trim and the extensive painting that took place)
Total time: 1 year. Yes, 1 year with a gaping hole in the wall...

I want.... Orla Kiely at Target

2009-03-26T23:34:00.001-07:00

Orla Kiely's affordable new line at Target has finally convinced me to go and check their stores out. Soon. It's just hard to remember as I rush home everyday.

Project: Winter Hats

2009-03-26T22:44:00.001-07:00

Made with Paton's Classic Wool (100% merino wool), lined with no-pill fleece for extra warmth, and with the maker's label.

Total time: maybe 3 episodes of The Wire each.

Vintage Pyrex

2009-03-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share with you a few pictures of my vintage Pyrex collection. It started innocuously enough. From the late 60's, these gorgeous bowls were found at the Alameda Flea Market. I love these colors!

I want... Stig Lindberg porcelain!

2009-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Someday, someday, when I'm done cleaning up the clutter in my house, maybe T will let me buy some Stig Lindberg porcelain. Hmmm, it's a good incentive. My favorites? The Bersa (top) or Eva (bottom) lines.

Project: The Master Bedroom Closets

2009-03-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong. I love my San Francisco house. It's quaint and charming. Built in 1928, with old growth wood framing, plaster walls, and picture rails. The problem? Decades of use as a rental and little to no maintenance. Yes, I have a tight budget too, but it's so sad to see how this little old beauty has been run down.

The worst part of the house? The closets!
All were dank, nasty, and smelly. Shabby but not chic. They were so sad and depressing. Sure, I could have filled them with clothes and hid them. But where's the joy in that? The "master" bedroom had two closets. Both in serious need of repair. Closet 1 was the larger, main closet, original to the house, with peeling wallpaper everywhere. A long, sagging rod spanned the whole length of the closet, and there were 2 shelves on top. The ends of the shelves and the rod were impossible to reach and use.

Closet 2 was a smaller addition from the 50's or 60's. Less depressing, but also horrible.

After much "discussion" with the fiance, I opted for fragrant red cedar lining, ipe trim, and special-ordered metal hardware. An easy project in concept, it turned out to be painstakingly time-consuming. As anyone living in an older house would know, no two walls in my house are square, so each piece of cedar had to be measured and cut individually. After much work, here are the completed closets.

Closet 1 (above): Cedar lined and with cedar shelves. We put double bars on each side (his and hers) which increased our total hanging capacity and allowed us to "walk" in to reach the high shelves at the top. Even though the space in the middle is sort of wasted right now, it's much easier to get to the clothes and we actually can fit more in. Eventually, we'll either put a long mirror in the middle, or build a shallow system for purses, belts, shoes? We haven't decided on that part yet.

And Closet 2 (right): We put several 1" thick solid cedar shelves for sweaters and folded clothes, and a hanging bar for dresses/pants. The closet is wonderfully fragrant and keeps the moths away!

There are a couple more touches to be added still, like the full length mirror inside Closet 1, but overall, we're very pleased. It's now a joy to open those doors and put our clothes away!

Project: The Bathrobe

2009-03-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

After fruitlessly searching for a nice hooded bathrobe for years, one Christmas holiday, my fiance finally decided that he would make it for me. He bought me 3 plush red blankets which then sat in storage for a few more years. Finally, this winter, I decided to make it happen.

Here's one of the blankets laid out on the dining table as I worked up my nerve to cut into it...

There was a lot of deliberation, guessing, red fuzz all over the house, and finally, 3 butchered blankets later, the completed bathrobe! Two sizes too big, but super warm and cozy!

The perfect tea kettle

2009-03-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

No bells or whistles. Literally. Who would have thought that finding a classic tea kettle with simple and clean lines would be so difficult (or so expensive)? After searching and searching, I couldn't decide between the two finalists: the Sori Yanagi kettle and the Eva Zeisel kettle (not as good looking, but with a whistle for the forgetful-types like me). So I left it up to my Christmas gift-giver. After a long, long wait, I finally received the Sori Yanagi tea kettle this week. I love that there's nothing complicated about it. Just stainless steel in a design reminiscent of pre-WWII Japan. Boils water and looks extraordinarily good on the stove. It turns a mundane activity into simple pleasure. I will have to force myself to remember that the stove is on... Now if only I could make the rest of the kitchen match!

One step for mankind

2009-03-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well, hello world. Meet Ibidem. Born March 17, 2009, with much timidity. Follow along as she learns to fly the digital world. Will post pictures soon!