Look What I Made!

I've been wanting to make a bright and busy duvet cover ever since I saw this photo 2 years ago...

Courtesy of the wildly creative and talented Scrumdillydilly

After a whirlwind weekend of crafting I finally got around to stitching up a fabulous duvet cover using an Amy Butler layer cake and a few yards of her pods fabric for some contrast. I was so taken with the finished results that I decided to whip up a couple pairs of pillow cases from some vintage sheets I've been hanging on to with that purpose in mind.

more photos at my flickr

It feels good to cross a few things off the crafty list. Now what's next? Stay tuned... xoxo jenni

ps: scrumdillydilly, I'm totally stealing your making the bed set idea! Love it. You're my idol.

For the Birds

I just finished the final touches on a hand-sewn bird mobile for Elkey's sweet little nursery. I'm thrilled with how it turned out, so I'm here to brag and show off the results. I have already made a list of 3 more versions I want to create, so I'm thinking I'll put these up on Etsy.

more photos at my flickr

I was inspired by the bird mobile project posted on the Spool Sewing blog. You can check out their version here: Spool Sewing

PS: I just finished a wonderful Amy Butler patchwork duvet cover that I'll be posting pictures of later. xoxo - jenni

When things are the saddest, try to find a little happy.

Dear friends of mine are losing a loved one to cancer and it's been very sad. I know that sadness is just one of many emotions they are experiencing, but it's the one that has me thinking tonight.

It's made me think about sadness in general. How many precious memories are tinged with sadness, but it's just that emotion that makes them stand out in mind. The bittersweet moments alongside the happy ones are equal in weight and just as welcome.

I wouldn't want a blissfully happy life. I wouldn't want everyday to be sunny. Not just because I look forward to the occasional gray day, but because too much of a good thing can be bad. Sadness and pain are parts of life just like comfort and joy. They coexist and occasionally commingle. The important thing is to focus on the ride and when things are at their saddest, try to find a little happy.

Here are some of my "happys". xoxo — jenni

1. IMG_0169, 2. وأنا أعشقك عشق المَطر للصّحاري, 3. 2009:12:29__13:40:11, 4. My Golden Boy, 5. Monkey Madness IX, 6. Untitled, 7. sock yarn salad, 8. Freaky Eyed Vulture, 9. san francisco twins... by request :), 10. Transfer, 11. swoon worthy, 12. HELP!!, 13. Me + Mister at City Museum, 14. Knitted hat by Aunt Nancy, 15. Sweet Schwinn, 16. June Carter-Cash Votes for Obama, 17. Blessed Buddah at a Rock-Bottom Price, 18. Anniversary Souvenir , 19. Untitled, 20. to spookydaddy love, tom :)(brad's tattoo), 21. flower2, 22. sugar skull couple, 23. wednesday: orange, 24. Vintage Scene, 25. Aaron and Angels wedding cake!

It's been a little over week since natural disaster struck Haiti and thousands of people are still without food, drinking water, shelter or medical care. Don't let them lose hope too. Please donate to the Haiti Relief fund or organization of your choice.

Not sure which one to give to? Click here for a list of charities benefiting the survivors of this terrible tragedy. You can also text "Haiti" to 90999, to automatically donate $10 to Red Cross. You will receive a "thank you" confirmation text.

please remember, if you can't afford to send money, prayers are always free.

Polyvore!

It's hard to put into words what makes Polyvore so totally addictive, but I am going to try.

First I'll try to explain what Polyvore is, for those of you that may not be familiar. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Polyvore:

"Polyvore Is The Greatest Website Ever. Polyvore is a very easy-to-use web-based application that allows its users to mix and match pictures from all over the web to create very creative, unique, stylish and artistic sets. It is a lively community for creative people".

The sets can be in fashion, interior design or artistic expression. You gather 'your items' by searching through the well-categorized database of images. Since user submissions are encouraged, it's kind of like flickr, in that the database is constantly being updated with new images. Your items are saved in a library so you can use them to create new sets.

Above is an example of my fashion items.

Another thing I really like about Polyvore is that my design ideas aren't limited by time or budget. This is online daydreaming. Like designing your engagement ring online or shopping for rims at tirerack.com. (yes, I day dream about rims) I am creating source material, so I can dream big. However, if the day ever does come when I find myself with an excess of time and funds, I can go back to my sets and find out exactly where to purchase any of the items in my library. So it also works like an interactive catalog as well. Are you beginning to see the evil genius of Polyvore?

So while the snow is falling outside, I sit in my office, with the lights dimmed, flipping through page after page of mid-century inspired housewares and smoky topaz jewelry. I'm comforted by the knowledge that the holidays are behind us and a New Year lies ahead.

Now please to enjoy my dreamy outfits. xoxo - jenni

Knotty Girl by Ms Atomic

Boho Chic by Ms Atomic

Michigan & State by Ms Atomic

Modern Day Love Child by Ms Atomic

Organizing for Change

"A place for everything and everything in it's place." I don't know how old I was when I heard that saying for the first time, but I know I liked it right away. The idea that a well-organized life means less clutter emotionally as well as physically. This appeals to the OCD side of my personality. Unfortunately, the ADD side would prefer not to empty the dish washer or fold laundry, so I struggle with the task of organizing.

About 4 months ago I decided to convert a little-used guest room into a multi-purposed art room. A place where I could have all my fabric on bolts and displayed on long shelves. A spot for all of my yarn. A nook for all my paper goods... you get the point. "A place for everything and everything in it's place."

There's still a lot of painting and refining to be done and I have yet to find the perfect drapes, but I wanted to show off the progress so far and get some thoughts and feedback on the overall look. I operate in a bubble, so some outside ideas would be a refreshing change. xoxo- jenn

Before

After

Birthday Week :: Day One

Happy Birthday to Me! It's my birthday week and the fun began early today. I went to yoga and had an awesome class with a new instructor named Lynn. To add to the treat, studio owner, #1 yogi and friend Marlene was also in the class, student-side.

I have taken an shamefully long hiatus from yoga and my muscles and joints are punishing me for my laziness. I am feeling every bit of my age these last few weeks. I'm sure Mister is tired of hearing me say "My fill in the blank hurts"

After yoga, I headed a few blocks east for a cup of coffee when I stumbled upon a vintage resale shop. There it was...poof...a totally adorable vintage boutique with amazing everything right in the middle of Barrington. Who knew?

It's a not-so-secret dream of mine to own a little vintage shop one day and this little boutique is just the kind of place I could happily spend my days. The proprietor, Laura, was as nice as can be and in no time we had struck up friendship based on a mutual love of bartering. I ran home to gather up an arm load of vintage that I've been trying to sell in my esty store and I headed back to Redefined to do some good 'ol fashioned trading. Here's a little peek-a-loo at my score... xoxo jenn

clockwise from upper left: upcycled barkcloth skirt, barkcloth & bakelight handbag,
barkcloth knitting needle case, black taffeta and brown lace party dress