Self Portrait Tuesday

The theme this month is "all of me." (Edited to say, "oopps!" I guess I just wanted January to be over with. Either way I think my photo works. It's personal history too.) And it's not supposed to be pretty--it's supposed to be about facing the parts of yourself you don't like. I'm pretty lucky, I suppose, in that I like the way I look for the most part. But I do take some horrible photographs--usually when I'm in mid-sentence. I have a fairly animated face when I'm around good friends and that can make for some unflattering photos. but in the age of digital cameras, I can just make George delete those bad photos.
But in the spirit of the theme I'm going to post a naked photo of myself--as a baby! (Ugh, let's see what kind of google seraches my blog turns up in now!)
We've all got them, those baby in the bathtub photos. And they're the only photos of unclothed bodies that are acceptable to ohh and ahh over in polite comapny. Then we get all uptight over the body and its connotations and the consequences involved. But wasn't it nice to be so free, so uninhibited? If you can even remember the time.

My brothers are also in the photo, but I cut them out because I didn't ask their permission to post their naked bath photos on the internet. But you can tell even without seeing much of them that we are having a ball, and I'm something of a plaything to them. I love how I look like a perplezed rubber doll. Look at that belly! So round and cute. Something that is now not prized by mainstream society. But soft bellies are nice. Six pack abs are just over kill if you ask me.
So that's the only naked photo you'll ever see of me on the internet!

"Big wow!"

The other night George was watching some of the original Bad News Bears. There's always one line by Tatum O'Neal which gets me every time. She sarcastically retorts to Buttermaker, "Big wow!" every time I see it I think that the saying should be brought back. It's so great. So I'm spreading the word.

In other news, I ended up ordering a pair of super cute Mary Jane Slippers from My Sweet Loveable Goods. They arrived yesterday and I put them right on after slipping of my work shoes. I like them over socks because that keeps my toes ultra cozy. Then I put them on this morning before going to work. It's a shame they don't have thick soles. They matched my outfit perfectly. Check 'em:

But soon I'm going to have twice as many Mary Jane slippers. The wonderful Jen of Piddeloop is knitting me some customized slipper with my logo colors, pink and brown. And we came up with something special for these slippers--but she's not telling yet so neither am I! And no it does not involve mustaches on any slippers. (But that's not bad...)
I'm excited about this weekend because I'm going to be digging into new/old fabric and new bag designs now that I'm done with the biggie order. I already felted two sweaters and both are such pretty light spring colors. I think the felt is going to look spectacular with these new wooded handles I got too. When I cut up the sweaters after I felt them I normally have some scraps, for example seams and the neck hole. Often I tie the scraps together to make impromptu kitty toys. But tonight, I made a kitty collar. Mr. Pink was too sleepy to notice his new accessory (Big wow, he might have said). Moco, however, showed uncharacteristic vigor in attacking his unfortunate accoutrement.

Self Portrait Tuesday

When I was thinking about this month's theme, personal history, I thought about how we record and recall personal history. There's family and family photos, geographical spots like where you grow up and where you are now, there are memories associated with certain houses, songs, smells, and objects. But I've only lived in my current apartment for three years and before that I was in another state for just two and before that a different state for four. I haven't lived in the house I grew up in for about 10 years but I don't really have roots of my own yet.
So I feel like all my memories and history are part of me, literally. I feel like it's recorded on my body, in small scars from summer camp, new moles, old scars.
Below is a picture of my hands (it's hard to take a picture of your right hand when you're a rightie!). You can't see it all, but I've got a fresh little scar on my right hand near by thumb. It's from making candy cane bake for my family over the holidays. There are some scratches from my cats. On my right hand I have a writing callus on my middle finger. It used to be much bigger when I wrote everything by hand. And more recently I've developed a new callus on my pointer finger knuckle from cutting so much fabric. On my hand there are also three flesh colored scars from a cat bite. In middle school my friend's cat got outside and a neighbors dog started after it. I managed to pick up the cat but he bite me. That leads to other memories about the friends I was with. One is dead and I believe the other one is still living in my hometown. My point is, all these memories emerge just from looking at my hands. I carry my personal history around on my body.

Oh, and for a freak show element. You can kinda tell that my right hand pinkie is shorter than normal. There's a shorter bone lower in the hand so when I make a fist it looks like I don't have a pinkie knuckle!

Happily Working and the Giveaway

Ok, well maybe I'm not completely happy working hard today. I've been working on a big order for an online shop that wants lots of my O and Ovals bags. I'm excited about it because I think they are really fun bags and I got some great new fabric. I'm mostly done with them. They're all in a big stack waiting for the cut out handles to be done.
For some reason I'm super sleepy today. I already took a nap and I feel like I could lie down and fall right to sleep again. I slept well, except I had some funky dreams, which I'll spare you. Let's just say one of the dreams involved an ex-high school crush doing a song and dance routine for me, but then it wasn't really him. And the words of wisdom shared in my dream were, "To find a boyfriend you should be nice to ugly guys and things will happen from there." I then tried to follow this adive and by ding so it lead me to the most disgusting breakfast buffet ever. Anyway.

Also wanted to let people know about the Happily Handmade Giveaway!


I'm one of the participating shops. Starting in the beginning of February you can hop around to different indie online shops and sign up for the giveaway. All the shops are donating items for gift baskets. You can enter until March 27th. Check out their site!

Thrifting and Swapping

I made a trip to the thrift store the other day. I dropped off a big bag and only came out with a small bag. There are a few things I just had to get. I couldn't leave these beauts languishing on the cold shelves under the flourescent lighting. But at the same time, I'm not sure if I have room for them or what I would use them for.
That's where swapping comes in. So here are the goods:

Cute little ceramic daisy cups. Awww. They were just looking at me. They would make super cute bathroom cups (if I didn't have a cat who would push them into the sink where they might break). They could also be used as little paintbrush or pencil olders.


Florida hankies! They've never even been used. They still have the little "Made in" sticker. I was thinking one might make a cute tote bag panel inset. Or you could just go ahead an blow your nose in 'em.


This last thing I got at the same thrift store but quite awhile ago. It's a vintage polaroid camera case. It's in great condition--viynl, not leather. I tried to use it as a cute bag and I was even going to embellish it with some felt trees or something. But then I just couldn't pull it off. I just don't have what it takes for a bigger boxy bag. It fits CDs really well.

Please find it in yor heart to offer a home to these lovely goods. They're looking for a forever home!

Self Portrait Tuesday

It's my first self portrait Tuesday. But I really wanted to give this a try. While reading other people's blog I've come across a number of contributors. It's an interesting project and gives people a little time for self-reflection. I was once fascinated with photography. In high school I lived in the community arts center darkroom on weekend mornings. I've never been as deeply involved with photography as I was for about three years there. At times I miss it. And at times I feel like whatever talent and eye I had then is long gone.
But I still love photos, especially family photos. I think this is because my family doesn't talk a lot. And gowing up we didn't have pictures all over the place. We sometimes had slide shows which were lots of fun. I need to try to get my dad to give a slide show the next time I'm at home. I rummage for photos at my parent's house. Photos I have never seen before that tell me a little about my parents. Like my dad sticking his tongue out at my mom on their honeymoon. It just conveys so much about him that I never knew, or lost sight of when I went through horrible teen years. My dad takes his photos pretty seriously too. He's a quiet kind of guy and isn't sloppy with "I love you" and hugs. But when each of his kids turned 21 he put together an entire photo album of family photos--ones I had never seen before unearthed from old slides. He wanted us to see all the joy we had brought into his and my mom's lives. So I have plenty of good fodder for these projects.
This month theme for self portrait Tuesday is Personal History. I'm late in joining this month, but I thought I'd start at the beginning with this photo of my mom very pregnant with me:

She's posed in the living room of the house I grew up in. I love the smile. It's so real. It's bordering on laughing. And yet, my dad on the other side of the camera, and my mom both know what's coming because I was their third kid. It feels like proof that I was wanted and loved before I even got out. That's certainly not where my whole history beings, but it is a good starting point.

SALE in the Shop!

The Bake Sale Designs Shop finally has some items in the Sale section. There are some great one-of-a-kind bags up, including this beauty:

There are only two Pumpkin Swirl totes available. This fabric was such a find. It's actually from vintage pillow shams, but it's a nice thick linen. I even have a clutch made from this material.
Things have to go to make room for new spring bags. Like this Tulip bag:

This one it's just a prototype. But more will be coming to this shop in spring colors.

Weekend in Review

We rented Mad Hot Ballroom last night. It was really enjoyable and I admit that I squealed and clapped at the end. All those 5th graders can dance a whole lot better than me. The movie brought back memories of 4th grade when for some reason we had to learn how to square dance. I imagine that this was actually a disguised way to introduce appropriate social relations between girls and boys. Cause why would I really know how to dosie doe? I also remember having to do some sort of dancing on a 5th grade camping trip. I wouldn't be surprised if it was more square dancing. I was one of those girls who never had a boy to dance with. Sometimes a father chaperoning would end up dancing with me. Or in middle school when I was again forced to go to this dancing lesson thing and there were never enough boys forced to go by their parents, I danced with other girls. So I don't remember any dance steps. And if I did, they would probably be the male steps.

Back to the movie. The kids were fun to watch and for the most part they all took it seriously and wanted to win the competition. Teachers and principals praised the program for helping the kids focus and get involved. They were really hopeful that it would keep some kids on the right path. But the kids are only 5th graders. They have to navigate middle school and high school. I think it's naive to believe a program in 5th grade will carry a kid through the rest of their schooling and keep them out of trouble. It's said to think that some of the kids on the winning team will end up dropping out of school or pregnant on involved with drugs. Unfortunately the DVD didn't have any extras that updated viewers on where the kids were now. I recommend this movie. Another documentary that a lot of people have been talking about is Grizzly Man. We rented that and I couldn't even watch it all. I had no interest in the crazy guy and I didn't like the way the documentary was filmed and narrated and I swear some of the parts were scripted--and painfully so. I'm surprised that it won an award. I'm not sure Mad Hot Ballroom won any kind of award.

This weekend I ended up finding the perfect Valentine's card for my parents. We were wondering around this little boutique while waiting for a table at a yummy Mexican restaurant. And the card was just waiting for me. To understand why this card is so perfect for my parents I have to tell you that they are both chemists. They both teach now, but my Dad used to manage a big lab. Check it out!

Perfect! It has the periodic table and OSHA safety regulations posted! I just have to remember to send it to them. You can find lots of other cards with sock monkeys at Monkey Moments cards. Oh, the things those sock monkeys do for attention.

The balance of kitty pictures on here is leaning heavily towards Mr. Pink and this one won't help. But he's just too funny. He likes to sit on us while watching TV. When I got up right before this picture was taken he just kinda fell off and couldn't get up. Kinda like a turtle on his back.

A Mystery

I live in an old apartment. Well, the building itself is an old rowhouse. The apartment was gutted at one point, but there are still original elements, like the floor. It's not in the greatest shape. There are big gaps between the hardwood and parts are patched. I swear things just erupt forth from these floorboards. The other night Mr Pink was batting something around the floor. George went to investigate and he found this:

Is that a knitting needle? I'm actually not a knitter. This thing looks so big and industrial, I always think of smaller and prettier knitting needles. Here's the thing. I've never seen this thing before. I've never knitted, no one I've had over has knitted. Where the heck did this thing come from? I think Mr. Pink found it in the floorboards. I swear, it just came up from below. And knitting needles come in pairs right? So where's the other one? Hmmm.
This knitting needle, if indeed that's what it is, has gotten me thinking about knitting I admire. I think these knit Mary Janes are just the cutest! Supposedly the pattern is easy, but I don't think I'm up to learning knitting this year. I many other goals to accomplish. But if anyone is up for a trade, I'm open to suggestions. I can just see myself shuffling around the house in these darlings. I'll try not to step on any mysterious knitting needles.

Ahh, that was a relaxing post. I wanted to come on and rant about my lastest grocery store trip. I just got home from it about a half hour ago. The grocery store is expanding and remodeling and it is driving me crazy. There's no love lost between me and this grocery store even on its best days. But now every time we go things are in completely different places. Last week the shampoo was across from the OJ. Now it's two rows away. I finally found sandwich bags in a aisle labeled "Kosher Food" and "Iced Tea." I really need to find another place to go, but there's aren't that many options in the city. Sigh. I just need to keep thinking about those cute Mary Janes. Email me or leave a message is you want to arrange a trade!

Vintage for Me! From Pork Chop Girl

Sometimes I feel a little selfish after the holidays. It's probably the time I spend the most money on myself. Yesterday, I got a great big box from Pork Chop Girl, an online vintage shop. I ordered some stuff I just couldn't say "no" to. And it's all wonderful! Pork Chop Girl always has good stuff on her site. Her prices are good. And now that I've ordered from her I can say service and deliver was excellent. Plus, there were no surprises with the items. The photos and descriptions online really matched.
Below is the marvelous jacket I got. It has this built in scarf that buttons down.

And the jacket is great. I'll have to wait for warmer weather to really get some wear out of it. But really completes this look is a fantastic World Traveler bag.
Ready...

Wait for it...


I'm ready to go! Now I just need to plan a vacation.

I've been taking a slight break from sewing. Getting ready for the BUST show was really back breaking. Every free minute, every night I was sewing or cutting or ironing. Now I'm spending a little time coming up with new patterns. I just finished a prototype today. I think I'll be calling the bag the Tulip bag. No photos yet. Hopefully it will be a big spring push.

Lovely Links for Lovely Ladies

It's all about links out here on the internet. I'm always on the prowl for great indie and craft shops to swap links with. But I also feel that links in the shop should be to other shops with products that I actually like and professional products. I recently added three new links to my shop and I'm really excited about all of them.

There's Anti-Factory where Stephanie makes amazing one-of-a-kind garments, mostly tops, from old clothes. Her things go fast! She's posted that she may be updating her shop this weekend. Maybe we'll get lucky.

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Becky Lee at the BUST Holiday Craftacular. And when I say meet, I mean a hasty run by. But I got her card. She creates some gorgeous jewelry. And I consider myself picky when it comes to jewelry.

made with love by hannah also makes an appearance on my shop's link page. Hannah is another clothing making. I really admire those who can do that. I just find it a tad intimidating--especially sizing and fitting someone else. What just makes her clothing cooler is that she screen prints her own patterns.

Anyone have any shops to recommend? Leave a note!

I also got all my new scarves up in the shop. And it is cold out today, at least in Baltimore. I've never had the pleasure of wintering in say, Tempe, AZ. If you don't have to good fortune of living in the warmer climes, check out the button scarves in the Bake Sale Designs shop.

Some cute to balance out the necessary evil

You've heard it by now. The postage rate is increasing yet again. And since I do lots of mail order, this affects my biz. While the rate increase for the Priority mail I use is only going up .20, it adds up. And I think I keep my prices fair and low. But my shipping rates are going to have to go up. I've decided I'm going to raise each increment I have by .25. The increase goes into effect on Jan. 8th, so that's when my increase will have to begin as well.
I'm thinking off having a mini blowout with free shipping up until the new rates go into effect. A "Going Postal" sale if you will. I have to get my new scarves up before that could happen. Just two more scarves need buttons. Then there's gotta be a photo shoot. If I really push it I could probably get them up tomorrow. Sometimes it's the timing and planning that I don't get quite right. I think "Going Postal" is a good idea, but I also feel like I need the new inventory of scarves to make it worth while. And then I'd need to get word out about the special sale anyway. Sigh.
In order to balance all of this out I have photos of the kitties again.
There's all three boys on the couch. I am so out numbered in this apartment. It's a good thing they're all so cute and cuddly. And below is documentation of the new emerging morning routine. When I go to work I blow dry my hair. Poor Moco has always run when he sees my little hair dyer, but Mr. Pink runs to the bathroom to catch the show. He sits in the basket there and watches with intent interest as my hair goes flying about. He considers it a bonus if he can play in the sink as well. He's one of those water cats. Sometimes he just pops out from behind the shower curtain because he's been hanging out in there licking the tub.

Tasty Find: Lip Balm Addiction

I recently had the pleasure of unduldging my own slight lip balm addiction by trying the Mint Chocolate Chip Lip Balm from
Lip Balm Addiction. It smells yummy and it has a great consistency. Not too light that it disappears right away and not too waxy. Plus, the site is hilarious. The tag line for Lip Balm addiction is "no fixes--only cures." The front page also lists 10 signs you're addicted. I myself am not addicted, really, I'm not! But I have a friend who is in deep. Even in high school I remember her waltzing into our first period class late, plunking down in her seat and hefting out a makeup bag devoted exclusively to her lip balm collection. She perused her collection during the morning annoucements and then finally made her choice, slathering it on her lips--and I swear, the remains on the bottom of the desk.
Yuck!

But back to Lip Balm Addiction. I thought of this friend of mine when I read #7 on the list "It's 11 p.m. You don't know where your children are, but you do know the exact location of all 30 lip balms you own.." So telling of her future.
Shipping is always free from them, which is cool because who wants to pay shipping on something inexpensive like lip balm. So go check them out! Lip Balm Addiction

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all. George and I declared today New Year's cleaning day after we treated ourselves to a homemade brunch. So now the place is clean and relatively cat hair free. That will never last. I also did some clutter culling. That always feels good. We have no storage space. And just a few measley closets so everything is out in the open.
Tomorrow I have to get back to sewing. I have scarf peices already to go. So hopefully I'll have lots of new scarves up in the shop this week.
Up next, I want to discuss the rising postage rates. I think I'm going to have to raise my shipping rates in accordance. Poo.