from the other side of the sewing machine...

autumn, maybe.

2009-09-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today: discovering that printing yards and yards of cotton by hand takes intense upper body strength: and, beginning to handstitch a small Autumn quilt with that hand stamped fabric. See it up there? On my rocking chair?

Also...Listening to this. Later, reading this.

Hoping your Saturday is just a lovely.

xo,
genevieve

FYI:

2009-09-12T13:49:00.001-07:00

Good Morning, Lake M-i-c-h-i-g-a-n

2009-04-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

I have begun scrupulously narrating to myself. Cradling strangers and vicissitude in third person, tracking and storing basal verses: synapse cornfields: moot navigation: an earmark of kindling wood, gathered close, fastened and neat.

This is not blog post fodder (especially in the arduous light of cyber neglect suffered here throughout my cross-country adventures to the Midwest. And when pictures have been requested. And re-requested.) but it seems disingenuous to report anything further, when blank pages, abstractly, voice greater hope.

All of this to say: I am happy, we are happy. Thank you, wonderful friends.

...To The (My) Seashells of Milwaukee, you started this, and I will make you proud.

on the open sea.

2009-02-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

sailboat.
I owe you all a good post, and it is coming soon. For today, I'll let my inky hands do the talking. (Speaking of, I can't decide what those two fish up there are talking about...)

dreaming of april,
genevieve

valentine's day remembered

2009-02-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

My earliest Valentine's Day memory involved this...in the young ballet days...

Thank you Mom, I love you.

(poster print of Harvey Edwards' lovely and famous photograph Leg Warmers)

What are some of your best Valentine's Day memories?

I hope your day is magical-and brings more than imagined.

Love and fifth position!

Genevieve

sunday morning

2009-02-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love February already.

nature walks

2009-02-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Desert life is never short on beautiful, scary things.

modern+fresh+custom=silhouettes

2009-01-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

It has been a fun day.

This is the beginning of a simple silhouette of my son, Les. The painted concrete hosting his silhouette is my children's backyard studio floor. (And our favorite place in the world.)

These custom pieces will be available to order in dozens of color, matting and framing options in the Ginger Hotel shop fairly soon! Family arrangements, bridal, wedding and pet silhouettes will be available as well. (How fun is that?)

Cheers!
Genevieve

(P.S.) If you just can't wait until next month to order-please let me know and we can set up your listing early!

Inauguration 2009

2009-01-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

That poster could have alternately stated, "My baby sister and I=the real reason Mommy is so excited about tomorrow."

I love those paint covered fingers.

Happiness (and hope!),
Genevieve

lavender travel pillows...and harold pinter

2009-01-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Brought in a bowl of flaming crocuses

In an ebon mirrorless age,

Let fall to her face

Till her cheeks lit in tongues.

-Harold Pinter

(While applying the decorative edge, I turned away to laugh with my son and bounced the needle a bit. This one isn't going up in the shop-which is an honest personal delight...I'm keeping it to cherish.)

Hope your Sunday is lovely and full of dreams,

Absurdist poetry dreams, that is.

Genevieve

yesterday

2009-01-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Amanda: "What are you reading?"

Genevieve: "Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Interpreter of Maladies'.

...which made me weep about 39 pages in-when I found the bookseller's slip and remembered I bought it the last time I was in Boston...which was 10 years ago...and that I am not only ten years older now than when I had the spirit of freedom enough to stomp around the US buying up fine literature and lavishing myself with standby flights on a student pass, but that I also haven't really been buying new, exciting books in almost ten years and I'm afraid of who I'll become if I don't run as far away from this moment of existential doubt as I possibly can. Or maybe just run until it doesn't matter anymore? My day has been odd since I put the book down.

How are you?"

queen of hearts

2009-01-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up, and I'm getting a few sweet squeezable plush things ready to post in the shop this Friday. In preparation for sewing and stuffing, I cut and hand washed a dozen or so pretty hearts and hung them on the back line to dry in the afternoon breeze. This fact, and the fact I get to tell you about it, has charmed the pants off of me.

Now I'm going to get personal, are you ready? Not too much white fluff in this post, I'm not much in the mood for daisy chains and campfire songs...and I hope you enjoy it all the same.

Just about any old holiday anticipation period has the ability to send me into jubilant giggling sprees, cause me to shuffle 'seasonal' alcohol into my daily happy hour and prompt 'party!' themed wardrobe choices. There is no denying the compulsive nature of the holidays-and that the traditions surrounding them appeal to me.

That said, Valentine's Day has been the biggest loser from the holiday line up in my life thus far and can pretty much go kick rocks for all I care. Are you asking yourself why? Have you already assumed the same sad backstory for my romantic sensibilities as all those bitter grumps who spend V-day on a barstool huddled over a lonely beer, chain smoking and boozing their woes away? Eh, you wouldn't be all wrong.

For me, it all comes down to this: I really don't want to be swept off my feet. I want more.

Here's to poetry everyday.

Cheers,

Genevieve

portrait in chartreuse

2009-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Me taking a picture of my silhouette portrait of my love, Marley.
It was a good day.
More portraits and silhouettes to follow...

good heavens, susan

2009-01-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just drawing a grumpy bird made me feel a little better...

If it was heavy or sharp, it fell on my foot this morning...and if it could jam and spew thread or massacre innocent fabric, it did. The collective eleven hours of sleep I've had since Sunday apparently turned me over to folly in full cuffs and ankle chains.

I'm not quite sure if a nap or happy hour is the best mend for my wounded day, but I'm going to try both. If those don't work out, I'm going to annex a fast boat and leave civilization for the mystery and intrigue of the sea.

Kisses,
genevieve

building a frame

2009-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Super saturated fabric paint and thousands of stitches on un-primed organic cotton canvas.

Last night I started hand carving stamps and stencils with no real plan, and ended up with an orange tree inhabited by birds. With a bit more stitching, this will be a fresh and customizable (and framable) heirloom family tree. (Names and all!)

Yes, you will see more of this in the Ginger Hotel shop this Spring!

OK, you will probably see it sooner than that. Hurray!

love,

genevieve

today I am,

2009-01-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

2009-01-05T16:37:00.001-08:00

2009-01-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

ginger hotel

2009-01-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello 2009. I'm a bit behind my own timeline already. A few commissioned quilts ran over, but with happy results. Ginger Hotel will hopefully be well stocked by the end of the month. (Yes, I know you are waiting patiently, and I'm very thankful for the great response. Keep those emails coming my wonderful friends!)

Back to work...

kisses!

Genevieve

celestial gifts and just gifts to send in the new year

2008-12-31T15:48:00.000-08:00

I'm more excited about sunset and the twilight magic happening with the moon, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury than about the big New Year's Eve midnight frenzy. I'll be drinking with friends, and toasting in the cold night air, with great hope for the year(s) to come.

Hope your night is a delight.

Love,

Genevieve

two adverbs

2008-12-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

One goal. Happy day, and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate. See you in the New Year!

Kisses,
Genevieve

love birds

2008-12-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

Simple, rustic romance in shades of blue: a commissioned quilted wall hanging, speckled with lovebirds!

why you didn't get a christmas card from me this year...

2008-12-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy working that I completely lost my mind.

Alternate titles for this post could include, (but are not necessarily limited to):

Why I Didn't Call You Back in a Timely Manner,

Why I Didn't Email You Back in a Timely Manner,

Well, I Don't Have Time for Silly Things Like Hairbrushes,

I Thought Today WAS Saturday,

and

But I Thought My Compulsions Were Just Part of My Charm.

Thank you for being amazing, and patient, and for making me laugh when the days are long.

It is going to be a great New Year.

Kisses,

genevieve

snow, baby.

2008-12-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

I'm so giggly about the snow, and there isn't quite enough to make snow angels yet...so I whipped up a batch of icy fleur-de-lis snow cookies instead.

Wintertime made me do it.

kisses,

genevieve

snow and globes

2008-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

I am back from Milwaukee. (Insert dreamy sigh here...)
There is so much to be said for great friends, I couldn't begin to put it all here.
(Um, not to mention the 40 Santas on bicycles, Marla's Party for Jesus, awesomely bad but well dressed cookies, Eric and Robyn!, Hot Pop, The Faint show and after-show,...so much fun!)
Thank you Milwaukee, once again.

the bottom of a box of band-aids, and Kath Bloom.

2008-12-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is late, and I am still working. No pictures for this post, just soft words and thoughts. The hours after midnight always seem to draw the best from me, and tonight, the moon is so bright I've decided to bundle up and sit on the back porch to finish a few things by old-fashioned hand. I'm happily listening to this.

Tomorrow night at this time, I'll be waiting at a gate for a plane to fly me away to Milwaukee, great friends, and snow.
Can't wait.
Love,
genevieve

14 oranges

2008-12-09T11:14:00.001-08:00

So, no matter how busy the shop gets, I can't help but put everything aside when the kids want to play. We have been counting oranges! Les can now count to 14, which happens to be the exact number of oranges Lorelei has tried to eat today...

I bet you can't say Edward Ruscha ten times fast...

2008-12-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

Frida's surrealism, nouveau florals and detail from a vintage huipil.

This is one of three projects for today, so I'm going to run off and put another pot of coffee on...

Be a dear, please, and come over to listen to 'Holidays on Ice' and make me giggle on this intensely busy Tuesday.

Love,

Genevieve

Dear Practicality,

2008-12-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I haven't been returning your calls. Yes, of course I will bring shoes without suede or peep-toe action to the snowy streets of my beloved Milwaukee this weekend. But how well you know me-thank you for reminding me to keep my feet from freezing off and in turn, saving me from a long life as a double amputee. Yeah, I love you too.

morning in pictures

2008-12-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

blue

2008-12-03T11:29:00.001-08:00

after dinner

2008-12-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

The top one was opened by Les. I'm pretty sure he ate both cookies.

busy day

2008-12-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

needlepoint for the future!

2008-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you are going to cross-stitch, why not do a bit of Banksy?

You can get the free pattern here.

Great Aunt Ethel NEVER made anything like this...can you picture a Banksy pillow or potholder?

I need to learn how to cross-stitch.

Cheers!

genevieve

let's talk about wish lists...

2008-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is that time of year.

I discarded the idea of purpose or practicality this time around, and went with completely frivolous choices. I don't have to have anything on this list, but should anyone decide to dress me like the pin-up doll I really am (deep inside, behind the glasses), please start with these...(click on the pic and it will take you there!)

Or just anything from this compilation.

Or from whichgoose.

Or send me here.

And hurry up please, there are only 25 days until Christmas.

I can't wait to see what goodies you have on your wish lists!

So, Happy Holiday season babies, have you put your decorations up yet?

how long does it take to defrost a 20lb turkey?

2008-11-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

Three freakin' days, google tells me! With hope of defrosting it in time for the big thing tomorrow, I have the turkey trapped in my sink right now, bobbing around in cold water.

Half of that giant plastic covered body is jutting up above the counter line...it looks like a meat glacier.

Alright, I'm going to get in gear: meaning, poke at my turkey and get the house ready for company. I think I may use some of the table setting ideas seen here! What time will you be getting here?

Happy Thanksgiving Darlings.

kisses,
genevieve

dancing, dancing!

2008-11-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

Look what I just found in my inbox via the bride herself??!!

Photos by Kat Berger. http://www.ellagraph.com/

See the rest of the amazing Zori wedding photos here.

Cheers!

genevieve

art before the weekend

2008-11-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Edina Tokodi (Mosstika) rocks. Read the interview from Wooster Collective here. AWESOME.

is it really friday?

2008-11-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

I'm taking the rest of the afternoon off. I haven't taken a day off working on shop custom orders for two weeks now. Eh, I'm about due. (And my fingers hurt!)
Though I DO have some interesting news for you in the Etsy department...I'll unveil that yummy, juicy info a bit later however, when it is complete!

Naptime, here I come.
love,
genevieve

(P.S.) I'm dreaming about snow today, the kind in the picture above, though I don't forsee southern CA having a blizzard anytime soon...Anyone else expecting heaps of snow? So I can be jealous?

unbutton my buttons, let fall what falls

2008-11-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

There is an ache in my life I'm having an intense time rationalizing.

But on another note, a dear friend called this morning to ask what I was doing today, so I snapped a few shots of my project prepwork. (I savor the promises held in fabric folds and unloosed spools of thread: this is my favorite part of the workday.)

(P.S.) Have you seen this and this? It will turn a gray sky blue!

love,

genevieve

two weeks...

2008-11-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

and the excitement hasn't faded! Yipee!

(P.S.) LOVE my shirt from Satisfactory: based in my rockin' hometown of Athens, GA. Check out their shop and blog!

Love!

genevieve

change the thought and the feeling must go

2008-11-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

Since my head was threatening to explode, I sat down with my morning cup of coffee, (Ok, truthfully, the cup of coffee was my third or fourth. The kids wake up with the sun, and I was up working well past midnight. So...yeah, three cups of coffee.) and browsed a few favorite blogs to settle my anxious exhaustion. Design blogs are especially calming and inspiring: something about seeing other people's beautiful and immaculately organized homes and work spaces reminds me the ideal is not entirely misplaced for my own life. (Great hopes for the year my children start school. Or can, at the very least, successfully put on their own clothing. Right? Right-O.) My current state of domestic affairs is a long way from our graceful, old, pre-children gardenview apartment in Western Germany...

At any rate, while therapeutically blog hopping-I came across this. I LOVE the tribute to R. Buckminster Fuller.

"Does humanity have a chance to survive lastingly and successfully on planet Earth, and if so, how?" -Buckminster Fuller

The other poster quotes sort of bucked up my raw day too. Thank you to the people at Change The Thought!

holiday ornament: pachyderm

2008-11-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

Ordered, made and sold today. Ornaments are SO fun to make.

silk, lace, midnight...

2008-11-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't a sex story. (Though it is intensely sexy. Mmm, and rustic, romantic, and luxuriously soft...) This is a new scarf I'll be adding to the shop this evening! Yummy.

in a spare moment

2008-11-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Um, my holiday baking gifts needed adorable tags!

new romance tote in linen

2008-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

A sneak peek before I post this in the shop later today! (SOLD)

bird in hand

2008-11-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

Today has been a blur of work. I was feeling a bit stressed and anxious about the direction of the day until the lovely afternoon sunshine crept in through the windows and warmed us all up. We donned socks and shoes and spent a soft, quiet, impromptu hour in the backyard-digging, racing, running and giggling. When the kids were content to play on their own, I watched them from the canopy swing and hand-stitched a few logo plates of wool felt and muslin. "Why don't you slow down?", the warm air said. All I could do was concede.

Thank you Fall, for already being the best ever.

a smidge of sex appeal

2008-11-08T09:42:00.001-08:00

New Romance! SOLD

fat pachyderm on the loose!

2008-11-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

The world needs more chubby elephants!

You can see him for sale in the shop right now!

Love!

new romance

2008-11-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

Isn't that pretty?

It will be up in the shop tomorrow. (!!!)

Cheers!

VOTE TODAY

2008-11-04T06:46:00.001-08:00

wedding fun

2008-11-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the Zori wedding!

The bride (Dori) and groom (Milan)...

The cake (was seriously amazing, and it was DEE-licious. Who can argue with a full inch of cream cheese frosting? And I want to make a big poofy couture dress with alternating tiers like that! And a crown of autumn leaves...sigh! Just in my daydreams :-)

Sweet girly poses with Felicity and Robyn...possibly the greatest partners on the dancefloor EVER. (P.S.) I wore a refurbished raw silk dress (circa 1950's) I found in Ruby Bandicoot's vintage shop. It held up through it all-drinks! dancing! everything! Ruby's work is outstanding. (Oh yeah, I am the one on the right :-)

I have to take this moment to say: it was inspiring to see two of the world's most beautiful people (I mean really, really beautiful) share a little bit of their love with us-in party style! I'll never forget it. (I LOVE YOU!)

Cheers my loves!

the elephant

2008-10-29T11:26:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love an elephant pincushion? I made this silly little mister as a gift for my Mother, to accompany her new sewing machine. Kisses mister elephant!

(P.S.) Um, I love making little plushies and snugglers...projects that end with a sweet face looking back at you are so charming...maybe I'll add a few to the shop soon :-) What do you think?

LOVE!

milwaukee

2008-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sigh...I am completely in LOVE with the entire city...one day Milwaukee, you will be mine.

(The Zori wedding was amazing in every possible sense too.) This is the view from the Zori house, and the steps that lead to their door. My heart has been stolen! I wanted to lay down in the leaves and daydream and plan how best to make Autumn last forever...actually, I'm still thinking about that.

Aaaaaaaah.

Lorelei turned one!

2008-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mmm, CAKE and a party hat...what more does a little girl need?

new haircut...

2008-10-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

the BEFORE and AFTER.

by the fabulous Dee Dee. She is a master, and I LOVE it. I feel like a whole new person, and fresh as flowers with this gorgeous cut. Hurray for rejuvenation!! (Oh, man I needed this vacation.)

that was a long trip

2008-10-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

We are back!
Three weeks later, here I am telling you that I have loads of pictures and giggles (and a crush on the entire city of Milwaukee) to share with you...um, later on today when I actually start unpacking and can find my camera. Oh yeah, and after I sleep a little-Yay sleep!

Be back soon,
LOVE & HUGS!

yummy!

2008-10-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Also...I made a double layer carrot cake today to celebrate! (autumn! vacations! making the deadline with my absentee ballot request form!) SO yummy...cream cheese with cinnamon and almonds on top-Oooooh, I can't wait for dessert...

Cheers!

today, tomorrow, and vacation time

2008-10-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day I'll be working in the shop until Oct. 13th. Tomorrow night we will be packing up and heading to the airport!

This upcoming weekend, my best friend Felicity and I will be attending Milan and Dori's Milwaukee, WI wedding, (the event of the season!) while the kids stay with their Meme in Steubenville, OH (just over the state line from Pittsburgh, PA) I've never gone anywhere without my kids before! I'm a little sad Mike can't come with us, but he will be on a desert field rotation the whole time we will be away, so the time should fly for him. After the wedding, the kiddos and I will be visiting Meme until Oct. 28th! Why all the details? Um, I'm just excited and wanted to share!

I can't WAIT to see all those autumn leaves!

So, today I will be finishing up the last Deco at Midnight bags for Olivia and Samantha. (See that picture up there? SO excited about finishing these. They are in the new, improved form-with fully serged seams and triple reinforced stress points. I love this bag-and even more-I love making it stronger and more durable.)

There are a few more orders I'll be working on next week, (yes, I'm taking my sewing machine and a giant box of fabric on vacation...!) then I'll be working exclusively on the new Fall line. It has worked out very well that I will have the opportunity to work in a place that offers lots of inspiration. Three weeks of crisp days, and peaceful evenings....aaah.

Kisses!

Genevieve

our first crisp fall morning

2008-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sweaters and all! Mike and I bundled up the kids, pulled a down blanket from the hall closet and had our family breakfast from the porch swing. HELLO AUTUMN-stay awhile!

new: for Nikole

2008-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

A custom order (well, just part of it!) for the dear Nikole...don't you just love all that color? Parts of these bags are new designer fabric, parts were her daughter's childhood clothes (awesome!), other parts (like the straps) are upcycled belts!

Ok, now back to work!

Kisses,

Genevieve

flu season, already?

2008-09-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Good morning my darlings.

Remember last week when the entire family was getting over a tough cold? Well it seems as soon as we were back to feeling like ourselves...we came down with the flu!! (WAAAH! The flu is SO much worse than a cold!)

It all happened at once-um, in the backseat of the car-as we drove to the coast for a dear friends wedding (which we missed!) and escalated over the weekend until Les, Lorelei and myself were all in bed and miserable. My husband was the only one who wasn't frequenting the bathroom every hour or so-and very selflessly nursed us back to health-one and all. (He did his best 'me' routine: spoon fed soup to the babies, rotated laundry, and stood over me and my trusty snuggle blanket last night saying, "Here is your medicine-now finish drinking that whole glass, you need to drink more water...I'll stand here as long as it takes..." What a man!)

The good news is that we are all slowly feeling better, and the bad news is that where I was one full day ahead on shop orders, I am now two full days behind.

The panicky feeling of being behind on orders is no fun, no matter the reason...I sure hope to catch up before the weekend. (That means burning the midnight oil!) For the moment, I'm going to make another cup of tea and hit the hay for an hour or so (while the kids do the same) to recharge, and with any good luck, successfully take on the day!

I hope your weekend was much lovelier than ours, and that the flu doesn't find you this season!
Hugs,
Genevieve

for earmark

2008-09-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek at Earmark's {Writer's Gift Set} pencil pouches! Have you seen the pencils those guys make? This one is my favorite. Er, or maybe this one...they are all awesome!

action!

2008-09-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is sort of a follow-up to the new Portfolio blog below. Here are a few action shots to show size and drape. (Taken by my very patient husband-Mike, thank you!)

Giggles,

Genevieve

the scarflette of my dreams

2008-09-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

I found my Autumn scarf!! Aaaah, isn't it beautiful?

Handmade by fellow Etsian iLe AiYe in London. (Her shop has lots of variety and is extremely affordable-take a look. Ok, yes, I took the last one in this color, but everything else is just as awesome.)

The button, incredible color, texture, and the angled edge that will fall just over my collarbone make this scarflette perfect to wear outside in the elements AND inside-say, during a casual dinner party-as this little scarflette is almost jewelry like in it's drape. Pair this little lovely with my mid weight scarlet jacket and the endless supply of silky, lacy tanks in my closet to triumphantly bring this season's style home.

HURRAY!

Now, I just need lipstick to match...

collaborations

2008-09-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

This little pencil pouch is one of six made for a mini-collaboration with my favorite Etsy shop, Earmark! Don't miss the Writer's Gift Set, which will feature this exact pouch and five other Sweet Grocery Bags original pencil pouches of various (and fabulous) fabrics.

(P.S.) I also wanted to show you the new and improved pouch design! See those double-stitched covers peeking at the ends of the zipper? They are small-but really lend a fresh, clean finish, and strengthen the pouch a lot! Also, the side tab makes for a super sturdy grip point during opening and closing (especially when the bag isn't super full of Earmark's yummy pencils yet!) and adds a bit of visual interest. This little pouch is made to last!

OK, I'm off to pour a second cup of coffee and roll the sewing machine outside this morning so I can watch the kids play and work a while in the delicious crisp air that comes with the onset of Fall...I get to wear a cozy sweater too-hurray!

Hugs!
Genevieve

new portfolio: a preview of the fall line

2008-09-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

A custom order for the very dear Nikole: AND the new Portfolio style for Fall! This particular Portfolio is up cycled linen, velvet, soft burlap, cotton and red leather. I took these pictures the moment it was finished, so it could use a bit of ironing, and a good run in with a sticky roller to pick up those little snippets of hitchhiking thread. (Also, my husband is away this week-and he takes far better pictures than I do! ...Mike, I need you!)

All in all, I love this makeover for the Portfolio. It will be available in either a zipper top or a snap closure (as pictured) and comes fit with two overlapping pockets (love that!) and a very handy swivel key clasp in just the right place. Ah, yes, soooo pretty! You know what I love most about this bag? It can be quite formal too. The ability for up to three fabrics really open up the possibilities. I imagine carrying my essentials, water bottle, notebook and pencils on a quiet, solitary afternoon at the museum, then throwing on some lipstick, flipping my hair down and heading straight to dinner with friends...no worries about a wardrobe change because my bag says, "fresh and classic..."

But that is just my version-you can have your own Portfolio with it's own perfect personality.

Look for more of this in the shop soon (say, October) and feel free to let me know what you would like to see: colors, textures-you name it. Although I won't be taking custom orders on an individual basis, please tell me what you want, and I'll work to put your suggestions first!

Cheers my loves.

achoo!

2008-09-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

It is official.

I have finally come to admit that I am sick. Les and Lorelei have been feeling under the weather most of this past week, and Mike has been in the throes of a cold since last Thursday. Positive thinking (and a strong disinfectant) has always been a Mother's tool for survival when the whole house is moaning for more blankets and hot tea, but my optimism evolved into just flat out denial. (Sigh!)

Working until the wee hours of the morning (which I love) will be on hold for a day or two. (Though I did manage to complete several custom orders and a new design this past week! I'll post pictures this afternoon when the kids, hopefully, are able to nap for a bit.)

So now, just out of a hot bath, with a second cup of peppermint tea in hand, soup on the stove, and a mound of fresh-cut oranges for the taking on the table: we may make it through another sneezy, sniffly, groggy, fall asleep on the living room floor day...

Wish us luck!

found!

2008-09-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Thrift Store day!! It really was my lucky day. We found corduroy, velvet, linen, and more linen. I can't wait to start work with these beauties. Now, on to hand washing each piece while the kids nap...hurray!

this morning

2008-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Oooh, the shop is busy this week. This morning, I'm working on one (of four!) custom Portfolio bags for the very dear Nikole. This is all supplied fabric, and the combinations are awesome. LOVE those fall colors!!

welcome

2008-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is part of the feather wreath on our front door. Standing on the porch to watch the unexpected rain showers this afternoon, I sortof fell in love with it all over again. Red always means 'Welcome', and weather always makes me nostalgic.

Welcome, you yummy thunderstorm.

playtime

2008-09-15T12:40:00.001-07:00

Les in Daddy's helmet!

afternoon updates

2008-09-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting down with a fresh cup of coffee to give an update on the ebb and tide of our lives this week. Mike and the babies have all fallen asleep following our sunshiny backyard BBQ adventures at lunchtime, (see Lorelei enjoying that roasted corn on the cob up there?) and aaaaah...the house is still. My Sunday afternoon staple: XMU is filling all the space between the scribbles in my shop notebook (full of plans for the busy work week to come) and tonight's much anticipated movie date with my husband and most likely, No Country For Old Men. (Have you seen it? The final scene: hearing about the dreams of his father going ahead and bringing light where there was none before...absolutely life changing. I can't stop thinking about it.)

Back to the updates...

1. We finally gave in and brought home a Dyson. Let me tell ya, I can't believe how clean my floors are. The machine is like a mini-space station. And best of all-it is undeterred by the millions of thread strands on the shop studio floor that were the death of our last vacuum.

2. Lorelei is walking full time, and Les can reach all the light switches in the house. (Oh, the hi jinks to follow these developments will be well documented here I'm sure.)

3. The shop will be doing a small collaboration with the amazingly talented Earmark. (WOOHOO!) I'll post pictures when the time comes, so stay tuned and be on the lookout!

4. There will be new items in the shop by Oct 1st!! (SO excited.)

Here is to a much needed Sunday to relax and recharge. I think I'll make a batch of brownies and watch the afternoon light move from window to window. At least until the kids wake up.

Les

2008-09-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

The last one sleeping in our bed after an unexpected family nap this morning! (I am so thankful for the opportunity to work at home...I don't have to miss a moment while the babies grow!)

for the new season

2008-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

I love fall. Crunchy leaves, overcast skies and wind with the smell of earth in it: those earthy changes are compulsory...and our own organic nature is not immune.

Every moment is exciting.

The shop will be making changes this season also. New designs are in process, as are new ideas about online commerce, and the most manageable ways to source truly inspired works. I am thankful for the opportunity to offer up my work in Etsy's esteemed arena of craftspeople. Everyday I am delighted!

Now, after much thought: I have decided to offer in-stock items only at Sweet Grocery Bags. This means no more made-to-order items will be listed. Aha! The good news is that each new item purchased will be available to ship right away, and you will receive your item much sooner! The bad news is that you may have to wait a bit now and then for your favorite items to be restocked.

I really savor the fresh, clean and happy work that inherently follows wider freedom and innovative personal time-and feel this change will permit an assortment of the highest quality items available for you to enjoy, and the most pleasant working environment for my tireless one woman operation.

The shop will still take custom orders, but on a very limited basis. Please always feel free email/convo any ideas or requests! For those of you waiting to place an order for October, please place them by or before Oct. 2nd. (This will be the last date the shop will accept custom orders before the shop closes Oct. 7th-28th for a brief vacation, and then to re-stock the shop with all new items.)

Thank you dearly for your encouragement and kind words and wishes! I have the best customers in the world...

Cheers!
Genevieve

frida: for Nikole

2008-09-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

I have been working tirelessly to complete the large order this little pretty belongs to...and it is all, at last, complete! I am taking the rest of the day off, and going to bed early! Tomorrow: Noemi's Deco at Midnight...

studio

2008-09-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

A moment in time! The busy shop studio over the weekend...

new kicks

2008-09-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

I am moving triple speed to finish orders today, but wanted to pop in for a second and share the sweetness of Lorelei's first pair of shoes. Aaaah, we are all goofy and giggly over those little feet...

awesome overtime day!

2008-09-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

...work, chase giggling babies, work, chase giggling babies...

saturday morning steady

2008-09-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ah, good morning! Have you had your coffee or tea yet? That is what we are doing at the moment. The sky is just the right color: the gentle blueish-white light streaming through the windows and the music on the house stereo are dancing this day right into lovely production.

Today the shop is working on part of a large order for patchwork market bags. (Have I told you how much I love to quilt? I love it.) Making these little pretties is all the fun of patchwork quilting, with none of the frustrations that usually come with rolling and stuffing a bulky, almost finished quilt with batting, etc. under my sewing machine and well, let's be honest-swearing a bit and very likely throwing an adult tantrum at the awkward fluff that regularly dares not to do my bidding. Oh, but today! I am free to love the whole task!

I planned to work on Noemi's Deco At Midnight this morning, but I have a few special plans for her bag (as she will be using it as a diaper bag) and am (im)patiently waiting for my order of mid-weight stabiliser to arrive in the post...

On an off-note: I am greatly looking forward to our move to a more metropolitan area next summer. Aaah, how I daydream about riding my bicycle up the street to a family owned fabric shop, happily hearing about how the clerk's kids have been doing in school/karate/Girl Scouts, and finding all my sewing needs in one welcoming place...sigh, one day it will happen!

Above is the beginning of the patchwork Market Bag in blue and yellow...only five more to go before Tuesday morning...reds and greens and oranges too!

I'll post more pictures as I finish this one and more!

What do you think?

victory

2008-09-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Lorelei only woke up one time to nurse last night! I felt like dancing around the house when we all woke up this morning... Does this mean I may sleep a regular 7 or 8 hours a night for the first time in two and a half years? What a foreign concept! What a victory!

(P.S.) Lorelei turns one year old in October. What on earth will I do with all that time I used to spend nursing? What did I do with her big brother...? Oh, right, chase her around the house!

Susanna's bag

2008-09-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Finished at last! This is for a delightful trade the shop is doing with the oh-so talented Susanna of AngoraKnitter. Natural twill, Amy Butler's Gothic Rose in Turquoise, Anna Marie Horner's Social Climber in Ice. Accents are machine embroidered yellow leaves, and-my favorite!-nubby arcs of thread covered jute twine. Hurray!

true riches

2008-08-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Mike has an extra long weekend and we decided to relax and celebrate a few recent personal and professional triumphs this evening. (As luck would have it, with the Democratic National Convention, drinks a' la Campbell, and some fantastic debate. Hurray!)

I've been thinking.

...All things put together over the past weeks: pushing to meet deadlines, surviving hardware setbacks, shifting family life/home workdays to a newer, more comfortable and fulfilling routine, experimenting with efficiency techniques, refining existing and readily learning new technical skills-um, and well, many, many other things could be added to this list...

I am still entirely inspired.

What a good day.
Cheers, my loves.

(P.S.) This is the most productive week the shop has ever had, and it is only Wednesday! Hurray!

Zoraida's quilt

2008-08-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

My sister in law and her husband welcomed their first child, Zoraida to the world early this morning, and we are all super excited about it! I stole a few minutes to try out my new Brother's (see post below) quilting functions and made a snugly soft (to match her nursery and Mommy's Sweetest Bag) lovey for our family's newest little blossom...

Isn't that a pretty thing? Filled with organic cotton and bamboo batting, and stitched to hold up to the washing machine! I took the sewing machine and table outside and put it together in the summer breeze while the kids played. Ahh, the most beautiful things are always made outside.

Cheers my dears!

oh brother, where art thou?

2008-08-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

My trusty old Singer, after groaning and sputtering (um, and suffering a regretful bit of verbal abuse from me) was officially resigned to the back shelf with a bum hook and will be out of commission until I receive the replacement part.

Sigh.

Now, it is fairly well known that I dislike relying on modern technology, (no iPod, no cell phone...you just gasped didn't you?...the computer I'm typing this on wasn't even my idea.) BUT TODAY...I brought home a computerized Brother...and love it!

Apparently, I have joined the new world. I feel so sassy.
Cheers!

peace, welcome home

2008-08-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

I dropped half a bar of chocolate in my morning cup of coffee and sleepily watched as it melted and dark swirls rose from the bottom...it looked very much like a Guinness. There have not been great amounts of time to sit still lately, and I savored this one.

Our October vacation plans are finalized, I am on schedule (once again!) with orders from the shop, and the usual overwhelming desert heat has taken it's own vacation today. We are peaceful.

This afternoon while Les and Lorelei nap, I'll be rolling up my sleeves to tackle the prep work for another large order: cutting, stamping, pressing, and finishing most of the smaller and hand stitched details. Ahh...the methods, the afternoon sun, and my thoughts...

What is it about silence that refreshes the soul?
Here's to silence, and hard work...and those rare, magical days when they happen together.
Cheers!

nouveau and green sprig

2008-08-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

A few spare minutes today resulted in this new little number! Here it is on my Etsy shop...

snap!

2008-08-15T17:31:00.001-07:00

The snap clutch!! For a first try, it turned out pretty well! Though I must say-I have a new dawn of understanding as to why these little beauties are so pricey-it takes a LOT of effort! (And a lot of practice to get really good at it.) I learned two big things from this project:

1. Don't have that third cup of coffee before attempting to glue and stuff the goods into that thin little frame...it takes calm and steady hands. That glue is fire and brimstone to get off fabric...

2. Start small. I was pretty ambitious to add pleats and a boxed bottom. Before I make mediocre clutches with high quality materials, I should practice, practice, practice with supplies I won't cry about the possibility of ruining later.

It takes more than one day to make a master, so I'll keep going for gold. Maybe after a dozen or so, I'll have the hang of it!! But for tonight, I'm back to what I do best-projects that involve skill with the sewing machine-not glue. Cheers!

fun press!

2008-08-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

StyleFeeder
WAHM
negocios-caseiros

cherry on top

2008-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've been looking to have the shop name stamped directly inside each bag, instead of a separate sew-in fabric tag. The change means a consistent, efficient, eco-friendly and just plain classy finish. Who can argue with classy?

...An appropriate cherry on top of the hours and hours of heart (um, and sometimes sweat and tears too!) put into each bag.

Here is a lovely peek of what will grace the lining our new bags until the brand new stamp (with the entire shop name included) arrives. The ink is Close To My Heart's archival black-a brilliant suggestion from the oh-so-very-talented Tiffany of iheartart (thank you Tiff! It came out fantastic!) and is entirely permanent and waterproof when dry. Great stuff.

Today I'm working on JJ's bags now that the hardware finally arrived! (Thank for your wonderful patience, your little pretties will be in the mail to you soon!)

(P.S) Have I told you the story of Les and the missing bag of two dozen key clips? I'm pretty sure you can guess the storyline :-)

Hurray for today!

social climber

2008-08-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

My Mike and Les arrived home with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and sparked my soul.

The shop has been working on a pretty little custom order tangerine snap clutch for Mindy, but whenever I make something new, or something I haven't done for a while, I really like to practice a bit first.

So here we are! This morning, I've been floating around, deciding on the dimensions of my pattern and arranging then rearranging the placement of those delicious yellow cling roses on the flanks of this bag-to-be...hurray!

(P.S.) This incredible fabric is Anna Marie Horner's Social Climber in Ice, and one of the freshest things in the shop at the moment. (Her beautiful fabric is also the fabric for The Portfolio Bag listed in the shop.) Look for a bit more of this in the shop come late November.

Oh! And a bit off subject, but this afternoon will be rather busy running about and getting things ready for Les to begin the Autumn class of Tiny Toes on Monday. (BUT that means more time for working on little lovelies for the shop next week.)

Happy day darlings!

above the workbench

2008-08-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

...reminding me why all the hard work is worth it. LIVE FREE!! Thank you Dwellephant baby.

autumn update

2008-08-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

What can I say, I'm an optimist.

Aug 6th...Four custom Market Bags for JJ
Aug 7th... continued...
Aug 8th... Alexandra's Market Bag ...
Aug 9th... Mindy's Tangerine Clutch...
*Aug 10th*...shop day to rest...
Aug 11th...Nikole's Market Bag+{pending arrangement}
Aug 12th... Nikole's Portfolio+{pending arrangement}
Aug 13th... Nikole's Sweetest Bag+{pending arrangement}
Aug 14th... Nikole's 2nd Sweetest Bag+{pending arrangement}
Aug 15th... Four custom Market Bags for JJ
Aug 16th... continued
*Aug 17th*... shop day to rest...
Aug 18th... Nikole's 2nd custom Portfolio+{pending arrangement}
Aug 19th...Nikole's 3rd custom Portfolio+{pending arrangement}
Aug 20th... Nikole's 4th custom Portfolio+{pending arrangement}
Aug 21st... Four custom Market Bags for Jodie
Aug 22nd... continued
Aug 23rd... continued
*Aug 24th*... shop day to rest...
Aug 25th... Lynn's custom Market Bag
Aug 26th... Susanna's custom Market Bag
Aug 27th... continued
Aug 28th... Britni's Deco at Midnight
Aug 29th... final installment of JJ's custom Market Bags
Aug 30th... continued
*Aug 31st*... shop day to rest...
Sept 1st... Ruth's coasters
Sept 2nd... Noemi's Deco at Midnight
Sept 3rd... Stephanie's Deco at Midnight
Sept 4th... continued
Sept 5th... Sarah's Oleander Wristlet
Sept 6th... working on Autumn Line...
*Sept 7th*... shop day to rest...
Sept 8th... working on Autumn Line...
Sept 9th... continued
Sept 10th... Danielle's custom Sweetest Bag
Sept 11th... continued
Sept 12th... Brenda's gift!
Sept 13th... continued
*Sept 14th*...shop day to rest...
Sept 15th... Brittany's gift!
Sept 16th... continued
Sept 17th... working on Autumn Line...
Sept 18th... continued
Sept 19th... continued
Sept 20th... Dori's custom bags
Sept 21st... shop day to rest...
Sept 22nd... Dori's custom bags
Sept 23rd... continued
Sept 24th... this is as far as I have been able to plan...crazy!

If you do not see your order on the list yet, don't worry-more coming soon!!

in the queue

2008-08-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

ninotchka

2008-08-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

Les and Lorelei are fast asleep, and Mike is away on business for a few days. The eager desert sunset offers a promise and a gift of uninterupted work tonight. I predict the soft hum of the sewing machine until the early hours of the morning...

Tonight-I'm taking a little break from orders, (don't worry, I worked all morning on them!) flipping on a good old movie (it is Greta Garbo night on TCM!) and making a funky new Sweetest Bag to give as a gift for a dear friend and new Mommy.

Hello Ninotchka.

all done and fantastic

2008-08-07T12:09:00.001-07:00

This is the custom Kawaii elephant print Sweetest Bag I've been stressing over and waiting impatiently for the inspiration to strike (after waiting forever for the fabric to arrive from Singapore)...and I finished it this morning!! So much personality-and super fun!! Finished and in the post at last!! (Thank you, lovely Jill for completely understanding the artistic plight.) I know Bella's Mommy is going to love it. Hurray!!

the plan

2008-08-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is going to be an extremely busy week for the shop...which means me. Here is the tentative schedule and order of events for the next few weeks:

Aug 6th...Four custom Market Bags for JJ
Aug 7th... continued
Aug 8th... Alexandra's Market Bag
Aug 9th... Mindy's Tangerine Clutch
*Aug 10th*...Nikole's custom Market Bag
Aug 11th... Nikole's custom Portfolio (If the fabric arrives!)
Aug 12th... Nikole's custom tri-color Sweetest Bag
Aug 13th... Nikole's other custom tri-color Sweetest Bag
Aug 14th... Four custom Market Bags for JJ
Aug 15th... continued
Aug 16th... Nikole's custom Portfolio
*Aug 17th*...Nikole's second custom Portfolio
Aug 18th... Nikole's third custom Portfolio
Aug 19th... Four custom Market Bags for Jodie
Aug 20th... continued
Aug 21st... I haven't thought that far ahead yet...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dunkin' Donuts for making such delicious coffee, my local market for carrying it, and my husband Mike for loving my busy little heart even when I come to bed at midnight.

WOOHOO!

work where your hands matter

2008-08-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

A re-discovered gift...

This book sparked a quiet meditation-then a much needed conversation to do with our family's short and long term goals. We are working so hard to provide an alternative way of thinking for our children, to teach them the fulfillment that comes from simple, relevant work-to make a quiet path of our own, without modern American stresses-and to take pride in our ability to learn above all. Mike and I aligned our thinking and started making real decisions and plans for the future!

Isn't it just wonderful when things fall into place and perspective at the same time? Nikki McClure's 'collect raindrops' echoes some of my hearts most honest desires.

It's going to be a great day.

the other genevieve

2008-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

The shop is featured in a treasury today!

Because I quit my job... (Thank you GenevieveGail!)

Yay!!

bugsy

2008-08-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our family adopted this snuggly tuxedo cat, and named him Bugsy. (Meow, shee?) The simple comforts brought into our home by this big beautiful animal were immediate and astounding. (Bugsy even takes the kids' jumping around and squealing in stride!) Mike and I smiled in our sleep all night to know he was curled at our feet, and it felt as though he had been part of the family for years.

I guess this means I need to go change my shop listings and remove the 'pet free home' announcement!

Go here: ADOPT