pidge pidge

New Valentine's Scarves

2012-01-28T18:30:00.001-05:00

Here are 8 new scarves freshly added to the shop!

Ithaca 2012

2012-01-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

The sound of geese at night was like a cocktail party. This inspired a viewing of an awesome movie- Sneakers. Please add this to you netflix queue now.

Last week, Albert and I went on a spontaneous trip to Ithaca to visit our friends, Dan and Erin. We have loved Ithaca from afar for years but have had limited exposure to the awesome city.

After a snowy night, we awoke to find giant patches of ice in the lake.

Dan and Erin gave us a whirlwind tour, complete with beautiful landscapes and delicious food. We ate at College Town Bagels three times during our stay, the Moosewood, and had the tastiest butternut squash risotto at the beautiful lake house we stayed. We had cozy visits with Dan's family (mmm.. warm banana bread and tea with Tom and Debbie) and yet another delicious dinner (thank you Heather and Bruce!) We also got lazy by the fire and obsessed over of season one of Downton Abbey.

Hundreds of geese and ducks float by as far as the eye can see at the tip of Cayuga Lake.

We took a nature walk around the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that inspired this happy (maybe a little cheesy but fun) photo shoot. It was brisk and beautiful!

Albert and I all bundled up for our walk around the pond.

Dan and Erin pose in Sapsucker Woods.

stay tuned..

2012-01-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

I had 9 new scarves to add to the shop. This little beauty I realized I can't part with.. So I have 8 new scarves to add to the shop later today.

Fog

2012-01-15T16:41:00.002-05:00

The juice cleanse has come to an end.. Above a fruit and veggie blend with beets making that beautiful magenta. Below a tropical mix of pineapple and mango with carrot, apple and ginger.

The eery view of the flood plain in "our backyard" the other night while I tried my hand at avocado and carrot sushi. (Thank you Paisley for the kit!) There is no photo. There is a learning curve to rolling sushi and our meals, though delicious, were a bit misshapen and messy.

No knead bread..

2012-01-10T18:23:00.005-05:00

My first no-knead bread made in my first cast iron dutch oven. I've been making no-knead pizza dough and no-knead challah for a while now and love both recipes.

Baking this bread was a pretty easy, hands-off experience- I used the original recipe from the NY Times way back when that I'd been wanting to make for several years. Just had to acquire the dutch oven (thanks Mom!).

I think with warmer weather the bread will rise more.. I had to let the initial dough sit almost 2 days (as compared to the recommended 12-18 hours at 70 degrees/room temp) because our room temp is closer to 50 and double all the other waiting times as well.

Albert and I spent the most of the day on a juice fast to boost our 2012 resolutions of good health and exercise. Without really following any strict "cleanse" rules, we started our morning with hot water, lemon, honey and a pinch of cayenne. Then twice this morning and twice this afternoon we had pints of freshly juiced veggies and fruits. (A.M.- carrot, apple, ginger, parsley P.M.- carrot, celery, apple, parsley, beet greens plus a shot of an odwalla green smoothie packed full of spirulina, wheatgrass, etc.)

Around 5pm, I was experiencing crankiness and absolutely needed to try the bread. Really good with a little olive oil and rosemary to dip! Prior to juice cleanse day 1, we had decided to just drink a lot all day and eat a healthy light dinner like kale salad or sushi. Upon tasting the bread we decided to have beans with homemade canned tomato sauce and kale for dinner. With the rest of the bread.

show and tell

2012-01-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

Here are more handmade gifts I made this Christmas..

Art for my sister inspired by this site

Taken from my cache of preserved goodies I made this fall.. Cinnamon applesauce, tomato sauce, pickled garlic, earthy spiced tomato jam, hot pepper jelly and pickled hot peppers!

A bird bath for the garden made from an impression of a banana leaf. This was really fun- a different medium for me and I felt a little like a sculptor patting down the hand mixed cement :)

check out that detail!

Braided scarves with a tutorial here

happy new year!

2012-01-10T12:48:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! We've been hard at work on a new stop motion music video and they has simply been no time for weaving.. I do want to share some of the gifts I'd crafted for family and friends this Christmas. Here are cotton produce bags I made with a stamp carved out of an eraser for the pattern. I am looking forward to using them at the veggie stand this summer and quit plastic altogether at the local grocery store. For years we have been on the reusable bag bandwagon, and happy to place our broccoli or lemons on the conveyor belt when checking out. And I use small paper bags (often available by the pears to encourage ripening) to hold loose mushrooms (they keep in the fridge better than plastic) and later the compost. But how do you corral brussel sprouts? And lentils from the bulk department? I made an extra set for myself and am excited to use them!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T16:44:00.001-05:00

Just finished wrapping gifts, found a cool last minute gift to make for a teenage boy and went
outside to get some fresh air and experience this beautiful sunset. Happy holidays!

New Loom!

2011-12-22T12:40:00.002-05:00

A new addition to the studio! This little lady is about half the size as my tried and true herald loom. I am hoping I love this one even more and can then downsize (for space) and sell my original. Come January I will start weaving on the new one and see how it goes. Either way, I only have space for one- I am thinking of including a lesson with the sale..
It's nearly 60 degrees here and it doesn't feel like Christmas except for the living room mess of wrapping paper and half finished projects (conveniently cropped out of the above photo. Pics of these projects after the holidays!

Baby Pidge Bjorn

2011-12-16T12:32:00.001-05:00

Off to NYC to visit the family.. Couldn't resist stuffing Pidge in my vest and making Albert snap a photo. She didn't actually protest until the camera came out. Is this gross? Probably. I'm sorry.

Will be away from my scarves this weekend which means any orders placed today, Saturday and Sunday won't be mailed until Monday. But that's ok because you are finished with your holiday shopping, right?

Bonus Scarf

2011-12-15T09:51:00.003-05:00

One last scarf is going up in the shop before the holidays...

I worked on Christmas projects for the past few days. It has been nice to work on something other than weaving simply because I am on my comfy sofa instead of at the loom. I can't wait to post photos of this year's gifts after the holidays!

Holiday Scarves...

2011-12-11T15:50:00.004-05:00

You may be noticing a new model for these new scarves... I had big plans of weaving lots this week and getting them online before it was too late for last minute online holiday shopping. Finished my goal and forgot that my trusty dressform is currently residing at my new local bank. I've been hating my current bank for YEARS and have had nothing but issues. Customer service is on my speed dial. So... we've opened accounts at our neighborhood bank and pidge pidge is small business of the month there :)

So... you will have to excuse these photos as substitutes..

Ooo! One last thing- a coupon code for my blog and newsletter readers: HOLIDAYS100 for free shipping at my etsy shop anywhere in the US from now through Friday, Dec 16th. Enter the code at checkout!

Craft Show #2 this weekend :)

2011-11-29T09:54:00.002-05:00

It's raining this morning and therefore the perfect day for hunkering down with netflix and weaving all day! I had planned on focusing on other projects today but cyber Monday gave me a shot of motivation.. and the need to restock for the holiday show weekend! If you miss out on Holiday Heap or just can't get enough- say hi at Merry Mart this Sunday! Too many exclamations- sorry.

Craft Show #1 this weekend :)

2011-11-28T22:33:00.002-05:00

Holiday season is upon us! I can't believe I was outside without a coat on today. Cyber Monday was a success! Thanks to anyone who helped spread the word or purchased a scarf this weekend :) If you're in the Baltimore area this weekend, come and say hi! Lots of awesome crafters and gift ideas...

New Scarves for Cyber Monday

2011-11-27T10:49:00.003-05:00

17 new scarves are being added to the shop today in anticipation of cyber Monday! I have started my Christmas list and ordered some materials for my family presents- excited to start and will of course post photos after the holidays.

Here are several scarves going up in the shop now.. To take advantage of my Thanksgiving weekend sale (free shipping in the U.S on any order) use coupon code TURKEYDAY100 at checkout.

Black Friday Cyber Monday!

2011-11-22T20:08:00.002-05:00

99 sales on etsy! To hopefully celebrate the 100th sale in my shop and celebrate Thanksgiving weekend, I'll be taking part in etsy's free shipping sale this weekend :)

Free shipping from Friday, Nov 25th through Monday, Nov 28th!

Consider it a virtual craft show experience! Though I'm sad we won't be making the trip up to Rochester this Thanksgiving for the second storie holiday show (it isn't being held this year), I am super psyched we don't have to travel out of town for a holiday.

New Clutches!

2011-11-14T16:54:00.002-05:00

Wow- 3 posts in one day! I realized I had forgotten to share my new collection of purses last month. Here is a selection of clutches I made this September to premiere at the Crafty Bastards show.
This was my first time sewing my woven fabric and I'm happy with how they turned out. Each clutch has a different contrasting fabric lining.

the yarn lottery.

2011-11-14T16:34:00.002-05:00

I have won the yarn lottery. Check out this huge and beautiful pile of yarn- over 100 skeins! Most of it is handspun by various etsy crafters and other fiber artisans along with a healthy dose of Japanese, Italian and Swedish yarn. This selection might be an entire wall at a yarn store.

At the last second I decided to accompany Albert into the goodwill while he searched for a music video prop today. I couldn't risk missing out on some fabulous kitchen find. As I walked to the back of the store, an employee dropped a waist tall bag of yarn onto the floor, mentioning to another customer that it contained alpaca yarn. I bee-lined to it, watching a lady glance at the bag and move on. Yarn is almost never for sale at goodwill (and when it is, it's almost always itchy acrylic). Immediately I had a death grip on the bag, repeating in my head to stay calm as I noticed the Noro tag on one of the skeins. I brought the bag to Albert and whispered to him that I was trying desperately not to freak out. I paid for the yarn hiding my excitement and walked quickly outside- afraid someone was going to notice the amazing steal this was. At less than 25 cents each, I was dizzy upon opening the bag in the parking lot and pulling out a skein with the original tag: $48. For one skein. I paid $25 for the entire bag.

Unfortunately, I have wasted most of my daylight weaving time today pawing through my new palette and calling my mom to share my exciting news. This was worth it though.

Here's a pic of my booth at Handmade Arcade on Saturday. Pleased to say the new clutches were a big hit!

Thank you Pittsburgh!

2011-11-14T11:12:00.004-05:00

Handwoven Paprika Scarf

Handwoven Rebecca Scarf

Handwoven Keila Scarf

Handwoven Skylar Scarf

Handmade Arcade was a wonderful show. I was so impressed with the convention center- lots of room for lots of people. We were able to spread out a bit, creating 8ft x 8ft booths instead of just the usual simple table. Here are some photos from new scarves up in the shop today!

I have a busy 2 weeks ahead of me getting ready for Holiday Heap and Merry Mart in Baltimore Dec 3 and 4. I will be weaving like crazy while streaming netflix. Any great movie recommendations?

Handmade Arcade

2011-11-10T17:04:00.002-05:00

Winding down after a busy few weeks getting ready for this weekend's craft show- Handmade Arcade.. excited to be there and even more excited to visit with friends! Here is a sneak peak of new scarves I'll be bringing to Pittsburgh and adding to etsy next week.

Extrava-can-za

2011-10-14T10:39:00.004-04:00

The blogging hiatus has been longer than anticipated.. but I have been busy busy. I have pushed my weaving productivity to its limits these past few months! Netflix has ironically made me much more productive- allowing me to weave for much longer stretches without a need for life's other distractions (mainly finding Pidge to annoy, fixing a snack or needing to clean/organize something I've been putting off for months).

Also- while winding bobbins last night, I glanced over at the loom and suddenly realized my warp wasn't on the loom correctly! The warp wasn't stretched over the back beam and hadn't been since I put the loom back together when we moved in May. Realizing this solved the tension problem I had been having this whole time.

I have also been working at a fruit and veggie stand (right next door to our place) part time and been allowed to take home any produce deemed unsellable and headed for the compost heap. Wasting food is perhaps my biggest pet peeve and has proved to make me more resourceful in the kitchen, more creative with recipes and created a time struggle between cooking and everything else! When I first started working and got permission to take home the "compost" I had several 5 gallon buckets of food every day- mostly tomatoes but also: lemons and limes (mmm lemon curd), extra ripe avocados (guacamole), eggplant, zucchini, peppers (veggie parmesan and ratatouille), cheese and bread past its sell by date (pizzas, bread crumbs and great sandwiches), beans, greens, broccoli (stirfries galore), bruised apples, peaches, pumpkin (apple butter, peach butter and pumpkin butter all make the house smell like a bakery) and CORN (tons of the sweetest corn for freezing, snacking, everything).

Here are the results of 2 months of my canning extravaganza! Crushed tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomato jam, hot pepper jelly and applesauce. 68 jars of free food! (minus the apples- we picked those at Highland Orchard) I still have a case of quart jars to can if I can figure out what to make. Perhaps veggie stock? Any ideas? Next year I think I will experiment with pickled green tomatoes, carrots and beans.

The stand is open until Halloween and then we will survive on the frozen peppers, corn, sauce, lemon/lime juice and bread as well all the cans I put up. I will definitely miss all the fresh stuff. Not to mention the relief from our grocery store budget!

Hello again!

2011-09-25T07:40:00.003-04:00

Hi there, long lost pals! It's been a long while since I've written here- weaving

busily for next week's Crafty Bastard craft show. Hope to post more about this later..

just wanted to share this link today :) pidge pidge got a mention on one of my favorite blogs!

New Summer Scarves

2011-05-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

I've finally gotten a break from peony season to add a whole slew of summer scarves to the shop! It will hit 90 this week which baffles my former upstate New York mind. I didn't think summer started until mid-June! If I had an office job right now, I'm sure the air conditioning would be pumping and one of these bad boys would warm my chilly shoulders.

Happy Memorial Day!

Handmade Mart

2011-05-23T17:47:00.003-04:00

Just got back from this past Sunday's Handmade Mart in Silver Spring. What a whirlwind weekend! Saturday night was a beautiful Fleet Foxes show near Philly with our friend Elanor, visiting from Rochester. We got home super late and left super early Sunday morning for a lovely show in Maryland. Albert's first Jubadaba show- we shared a tent. A huge success and smiles all around.

Now that I'm officially finished shows until the fall I can focus on weaving and filling the shop with goodies- about 35 new scarves to add in the next few weeks :)

The peony fields last week, just starting to bloom. I've been enjoying the outdoors the past few weeks working with new and old friends for our neighbor, Richard picking peonies and getting them ready for shipment all over the world. What a dream job... I agreed with my friend Jon that 100 million people wish they could be out in the fields all day instead of an office. Even when we enduring rolling thunderstorms and heavy rain all day on Friday- 70 million people still wish they could be outside with us. I haven't been to the field since Saturday afternoon, but I saw the cooler waist high with flowers from the weekend so I know everything will be exploding with color tomorrow morning when I head out to pick again.

Art Star Philly this weekend!

2011-05-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

It's been the most busy few weeks. We've moved our caravan of three to the green countryside of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania to live in an old stone train station near friends and family (our wonderful friends, Jon and Nogeeshik (and chickens, Badger the pup and Maebe the kitten), live across the street). Amidst all the boxes, we are finally starting to see an end in sight and will have pictures to post soon. Last step are the 6 boxes of framed art and photos to put up (icing on the cake!) Next step is to finish unpacking the kitchen, tackle the ant and stink bug dilemma (peppermint oil seems to be helping with the ants.. stink bugs are spraying their cilantro stink to no avail), and finish unpacking period.

I'm really excited to have a big table for my sewing/business area in our office and lots of room to make a mess. The weaving studio resides in the living room and was assembled yesterday. We've also been working some hours debudding and picking peonies for our downstairs neighbor's business- a great way to breathe in some fresh air and nab what hopefully will be gorgeous photos.

Here's what I've been working on for this weekend's craft show and next weekend's craft show (where I'll be sharing a tent with Albert!) Excited for Art Star's two day show- fingers crossed for big crowds and only enough rain (if there must be rain) to desire a cozy scarf around the neck or head!

Testing a window for light.. still working on the studio setup but have a few ideas yet to try...

That's 34 new scarves (half summer, half winter) to paw through if you're in Philadelphia this weekend!

Pet Portrait SALE!

2011-04-04T14:19:00.002-04:00

Doing some more spring cleaning and have decided to put all of the embroidered pet portraits on mega sale! That's 40% off! There are a few other sales hiding in the shop- check them out here :)

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-03T16:29:00.002-04:00

What a treat to not be freezing in my apartment! The sun is even almost out. I have a window defiantly open. I'm trying to weave an unprecedented amount of scarves in a short amount of time.. all for Art Star- the Philly art bazaar coming up in May! I'm also trying to do a clean sweep of the apartment in anticipation for our big move to Pennsylvania at the end of this month.. I'm getting overwhelming just typing that.

I've uncovered a few weaving related gems that I need to part with in order to move into a smaller apartment.. got the craigslist ad up here if you know anyone in the area that would love to add to their crafting collection.

More on the craft show later! Took a quick break from weaving to rest my hands/wrists and need to get back.

New Display!

2011-03-21T13:49:00.003-04:00

It was great to be in Buffalo for the weekend with Albert. We spent time with family, had a successful show at the Small Press Expo and had sunny weather to run around on the front lawn and play frisbee. Also happily (a fun surprise Saturday morning) shared a table with my friend Amy and old coworker from greengirlpress (she helped design/mentored/everythinged my letterpress business cards).

Last week I spent 2 hours at Home Depot trying to design a new table display. I imagined a swing set I could hang the scarves on and got the necessary dowels and wood plus a chain to keep the legs from kicking out too far. Thursday night Albert and I assembled the thing only to have it immediately tip over. Luckily, Bill came to the rescue at home in Buffalo and rebuilt my mess. Not satisfied with my (shoddy) design, he made a second stand (pictured above) which worked great!

I'm happy shoppers can now paw through the scarves and see them entirely (as opposed to folded neatly on the tabletop)...

In the corner of this photo.. Albert and Jon's Beast Pageant DVD to promote the screening at the Market Arcade in Buffalo, April 8th. It will be playing at the Buffalo Niagara Film Fest!

Random

2011-03-16T16:32:00.002-04:00

Pidge demanding to be the center of attention the one afternoon I'm not seeking her out to snuggle with.
Found the photo below cleaning up my digital camera. This was Albert and my Christmas Eve dinner this year. Our first holiday meal just the two of us and we decided to feast on everything fun we could think of.. 1st course: (not pictured) arugula salad with goat cheese, toasted walnuts, pear and balsamic . Main course: homemade pasta vodka, onion rings, twice baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese, veggie chicken seasoned with lemon and garlic and something unidentified.. what on earth is that mushy mashed thing on the plate? Dessert: Coconut ice cream bars. It was a delicious feast!

Buffalo!

2011-03-15T09:59:00.002-04:00

Getting ready for this weekend's Buffalo Small Press Expo.. if you're in the area- it's well worth the trip! I said farewell to the day job for now (to give pidgepidge another kickstart) and have a full week of weaving ahead of me. It's strange to be home on a Tuesday morning.. made no-knead challah yesterday and had some toasted with butter and honey for breakfast. Okay.. off to work before I get sucked into internetland.

Scarf Preview...

2011-02-24T11:51:00.002-05:00

After too many weeks, I finally have the next batch of scarves. Stay tuned over the next few days for each to get their close up in the shop.

Part 3

2011-02-19T20:11:00.004-05:00

The only place we ate at twice- Crepevine. Breakfast above: soy chorizo and egg wrapped in a flour tortilla on a bed of black bean chili topped with fresh salsa, avocado and sour cream with rosemary roasted potatoes. (We photographed every meal- each completely memorable. I might have also grabbed take out menus everywhere)

Me in front of the Van Ness Ave Cable car.

Albert, Jon, Cheston and I at the musee mechanique.

Dancing boys in a 25 cent arcade at the waterfront (Alcatraz in the distance!)

Albert and the best cup of coffee he's ever had (Philz Coffee in Berkeley)

Part 2

2011-02-19T20:08:00.002-05:00

Best Taqueria I've ever eaten in (maybe the first, but definitely the best!)

The SF MOMA had a great photo exhibit on voyeurism and surveillance.. The lobby had a spotlight that picked its victims and followed their every step, seemingly at random.

The view from the top floor at the museum. Where's Waldo?

Still from the Beast Pageant in our screening room.. this theater had love seats in every row!

The theater!

A Walking Tour of San Francisco

2011-02-19T19:48:00.002-05:00

We're back from San Francisco and I'm left wondering why I wasn't born in California. I try to dissuade my thoughts of a move out west with earthquakes and mudslides and fires. But what a beautiful place! A gorgeous area filled with wonderful people, warming sunshine, delicious food (multiple vegetarian restaurants per block!!), exotic trees and plants..

We had 2 really positive screenings of the Beast Pageant at SF Indiefest- perhaps the best audience response yet! Here are some photos from the trip:

The walk to Dolores Park in the Mission. We had blue skies every day except for the last day.

Dolores Park.

The biggest echeveria I've ever seen. The 6 plants I've been growing for 3 years in electrical boxes are 3 inches wide...

Mystery tree.. any ideas?

Park City, Utah

2011-02-19T19:31:00.003-05:00

Slamdance was awesome! Our first festival experience... surrounded by inspiring filmmakers, lots of great films, all you can eat snacks from the sponsors (I had enough pom wonderful juice and hummus chips for a lifetime), beautiful scenery and great people. The festival headquarters was just down the road from Sundance. We didn't see anything from that fest, mostly because Slamdance was so accessible.. no 3 hour lines and pricey tickets all over town.

There's a ton of photos from the festival on Slamdance's facebook page to check out.. Here are a few taken from the plane. Luckily the noseprints didn't smear the images!

Out west!

2011-01-15T11:58:00.004-05:00

Boy, I've been delinquent. Got over a nasty sinus infection over the new year and have guiltily let the laziness continue. The next few weeks are gonna be exciting though... Albert, Jon and I head to Utah for the Slamdance Film Festival next Thursday! We will watch great movies until our eyes bleed, schmooze with all the fancy folk, maybe walk down the street to see something at Sundance, bask in the mountains, etc. Then 2 weeks later we head to San Francisco for Indiefest! I have always always wanted to visit California and this seems like a dream.. we actually bought tickets. we are actually going!

pidge pidge has been on a spontaneous hiatus.. but I did a much needed clean up in the studio and am ready to weave! The winter months are a little slower- perfect for building inventory. Possible craft show in the future? Buffalo Small Press Expo is in March.. working on the application and timing and will keep you updated!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-31T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hopkins Forest, Williamstown MA

Our treasured mobile!

2010-12-10T20:57:00.003-05:00

Our favorite (and only) Holiday Heap splurge.. So many tiny details- I love this little guy!

The best part of craft shows- meeting fellow artists and crafters! Check out Hillary's beautiful mobiles, dolls, sewn work etc..

Here's the latest scarf for the shop.. inspired by a city gal in the rain with black galoshes and a pink sweater dress!

Anastasia Scarf

2010-12-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 pics from Holiday Heap last weekend. There are tons more photos at this flickr site, taken for Charm City Craft Mafia by our friend Ashley. That's Albert and Phil donning the two headed Craft Fair shirt!

Here's a new scarf for the shop.. love the bold contrasting colors (and bits of handspun purple yarn I found in my stash I'd made a few years back). Check out the etsy shop for more photos!

Thanks!

2010-12-08T20:04:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful to all of the organizers at holiday heap and second storie. 2 successful shows (I wish I had more this month.. goal for next year).. Here's the new batch of scarves I had to bring to Baltimore. Unfortunately (but fortunately) there are only 2 new left to add to the shop this week. We've had spotty internet and will post this quickly.. hope to share more soon!

Holiday Heap!

2010-12-01T20:02:00.002-05:00

Once again, the gals who organize second storie have amazed me! What a wonderful show this past weekend. I was so excited to see familar faces and get to know some new crafters. There was so much energy and support in the room! It was a bit chilly- perfect for shoppers in coats (there's nothing worse than overheating in a million layers) .. and perfect for me to model scarves (experimented this year with a half table and didn't have my trusty dressform).

Sunday morning all of the vendors shared in a delicious brunch with cider, coffee and lots of homemade goodies (hello lemon tart with fresh blueberries!). I love this breakfast because we have 2 hours before the doors open to shoppers to visit with each other. I always want to walk around during shows, but find it difficult to leave my table. In the hubbub of packing, I forgot to bring a camera to the show- but hope to find some photos posted online and will share here. I'll also try to post some links to my favorite folks at second storie.

I think I've got just enough scarves for the next show this weekend! Here are some photos from the new collection..

I'm psyched to be on another road trip with Albert this weekend. We'll get to spend lots of time with family, friends and fellow crafters at Holiday Heap! This will be only second craft show I've done during the holiday season besides second storie. I'm curious and excited to see how it fares :)

Gado-Gado

2010-11-20T16:32:00.002-05:00

A photo straight from an 80's cookbook.. yellow and grotesque, complete with weird goop! Bad image aside, one of the most tasty Moosewood recipes I've had! Please go to your bookshelf or library and look this up. Then make it. Then eat it.

Upcoming Craft Shows!

2010-11-17T20:15:00.002-05:00

I had a great time in Baltimore over the summer at Pile of Craft. I am even more excited for the holiday version of this show- Holiday Heap!- namely because the weather will be under 90 degrees.. much more appropriate for scarves!

Carpet

2010-11-10T23:13:00.004-05:00

This is a pretty amazing process- video was found on my google reader this week. All this work so people can stand on something beautiful..

Check out the huge looms...

New Palette

2010-11-02T20:13:00.003-04:00

Spent the better part of an afternoon organizing my yarn stash a few weeks ago.. I usually spend about an hour before every scarf preparing my palette- winding bobbins and choosing colors. By winding a bobbin in every fiber I have, I've found set up to be so stream lined! I choose inspiration (from a scribbled lists of color combos or photos in my journal), collect my bobbins and can begin weaving in 10 minutes or less. Still working on storage for the bobbins- for now I have empty cardboard beer boxes stapled together to form little cubby holes. Must remember to return empty bottles soon before Pidge bowls any over in our back hallway...

Voted on my way home from work- there was no bake sale this year (our polling place is an elementary school down the street) and no voting booth with little hand levers to push. Those were the days. I had a dream last night you could vote with your iphone. One day!

Fall Cleaning

2010-10-21T20:39:00.002-04:00

Some damn tasty apple beet carrot juice!

Any inspired weavers, knitters, crochet folks looking for some finer weight yarns to buy? My first ebay listing :)

Spent last weekend trying to organize my studio space. Found all this to clear out in order to make room for the 10 pounds of warping cotton I just bought. So inspired to have a new selection of color for this season's scarves.. chimney, toffee, teal, danube blue, olive green and saffron!

Handwoven Blythe Scarf

2010-10-09T18:55:00.002-04:00

This scarf sat reluctantly in my studio for a few weeks. It nearly ended up in my closet instead of the shop! After much debate, I decided to share it instead.. for fear I'd begin a bad habit of keeping every scarf I love!

New Meg Scarf

2010-10-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

New scarf!

I do admit this Saturday has been spent online and not in the beautiful and serene fall day. After this post, I'll head out for a walk, maybe say hi to Albert at work and pick up my giant stock pot (last week held yummy homemade sangria for the premiere party) to cook up a big ol batch of applesauce.

Handwoven Cordelia Scarf

2010-10-02T11:52:00.003-04:00

New scarf in the shop!

Met some neat folks last night at first Friday- a bunch of open studios at the Hungerford Building (including Sam's vintage button accessories and beautiful handsewn bags- check out her etsy shop here), had a delicious wood fired pizza and hung out with friends at the Gatehouse.

New Greta Scarf

2010-09-30T12:21:00.001-04:00

Today's new scarf was inspired by a gorgeous photo I found in my inspiration stash of Indonesia.

Handwoven Coastal Summer Scarf

2010-09-29T14:14:00.002-04:00

Off to the market soon- had an unusual Wednesday off and will get there early this week. Planning on canning applesauce and making lentil soup with fresh parsley, potatoes, carrots, celery and canned tomato juice. Yum!

New scarf!

Handwoven Natalie Scarf

2010-09-29T11:07:00.002-04:00

Leaves are starting to change and yesterday I'm ashamed to say I had donuts and apple cider for 2 meals. Fat fall has begun! Pidge went to the vet and has re-plumped to a hefty weight. She's officially back on a diet.
Here are 3 pics from the newest scarf in the shop. Alpaca in a rich sweet potato shade and my favorite peacock blue wool..

Happy Tuesday!

2010-09-28T19:20:00.000-04:00

A blurry photo from the question and answer part of Sunday's fabulous Beast Pageant premiere! I didn't notice the blur- probably because I was too happy crying (so proud!) and shaking (nervous excitement!)- until now. It was an overwhelmingly wonderful night.. so many family, friends and community- 400 people! I've only seen the theater that packed when celebs come to town. And only the big time celebs. I spent the hour beforehand bouncing off the walls, helping people in line, bear hugging everyone I could get my hands on.

Here are a few scarves which will have a premiere of their own at the new gallery opening at RIT this Thursday, Shop One2.

New Scarf and Film Review!

2010-09-22T21:51:00.003-04:00

Some photos from the newest scarf in the shop! Though I try not to, most of my scarf designs are just a tad more on the softer, feminine side. I just love it when a guy buys a scarf for himself- they always look really great with a pea coat or mens overcoat. I'd happily wear this scarf and I saw quite a few men eyeing it at the Clothesline Fest as well..

Also... Albert and Jon's film, The Beast Pageant, is premiering this Sunday at the Dryden Theater! Check out this review in the Rochester alternative newspaper and this one in the Democrat and Chronicle.. so proud :) If you're in Rochester, come see it! (I'll try to hide in the corner and keep my giddy excitement and nervousness a touch quieter than the film)

New Tangerine and Coral Scarf!

2010-09-20T20:24:00.003-04:00

Scarf of the day... That beautiful coral red stripe is my all time favorite yarn (and also the most extravagant- an alpaca/silk/merino wool blend). I definitely have rationed it to a select few scarves.. almost out!

Handwoven Cecelia Summer Scarf

2010-09-19T15:58:00.002-04:00

This scarf was inspired by a shopper's outfit at Baltimore's Pile of Craft! I always keep a notebook with more (or dig in my bag for a receipt or scrap) to jot down color combinations. My favorite places to spot ideas-- craft shows!

New Morgan Scarf

2010-09-19T15:33:00.002-04:00

An earthy combination inspired by autumn. Today I spied a row of trees changing leaves to bright saffron and green.. so soon!

New Aspen Scarf

2010-09-19T14:30:00.003-04:00

A gorgeous Sunday! Albert and I are both trying to beat a cold- drinking "breath easy" tea, munching on banana blueberry bread and listening to the radio. This morning we stopped by the market to see our farmer, Jeffrey, and pick up: broccoli and green beans (for green curry stir fry), heirloom roma tomatoes (to slow roast), red and green peppers (for feta and pine nut stuffed peppers, 6 ears of corn (to freeze), a quart of apple cider (mmm, hot with cinnamon!) and eggs.

On our way home, we stopped at a neighborhood yard sale... so excited about my new cross country skis and knitting machine!! Photos on the way- trying to fix one small broken bit on the knitter.

Here are photos of the first of 3 scarves I'm updating online today. Perfect for a fashionista ski bunny!

New Cassia Scarf

2010-09-17T21:48:00.002-04:00

A true fall day! Chilly and damp- I wish I wore this scarf on my walk to the post office today during my lunch break. I nursed my cold with hot water and lemon with honey.. the homemade pea soup I made was forgotten in my bag until hours later :(

New Emily and Sophie Scarves!

2010-09-16T16:46:00.002-04:00

2 super soft lightweight scarves- perfect this fall when it's still too warm for wool, but there's definitely a nip in the air...

Clothesline!

2010-09-16T12:00:00.003-04:00

A few images from last weekend! Gorgeous weather- Saturday was almost toasty in my tent! Rain for 20 minutes on Saturday made for chilly perfect scarf temperatures..

We were allowed to set up on Friday- Albert and I pitched the tent together. I admit I

was nervous the tent would blow away in the night (a few years back I helped my friend, Rachel, at Chicago Renegade and there was general tent devastation over night), but Albert assured me all would be fine. We staked the 4 corners into the grass and put cinder blocks on top. Display worked great- we hung dowels with embroidery hoops for scarves on one side and borrowed a table from mom for the dressform, more scarves and business cards on the other.

The show was a success- so nice to weave outside instead of holed up in the attic studio (I brought a mini table loom to work on a Christmas present for Albert) and see so many smiling faces! I love meeting other artists- definitely my favorite part of the show.

End of Summer

2010-09-16T11:45:00.003-04:00

I was hanging on to the last thread of summer- but I think it's officially gone. And though winter is too tough- I am excited for lentil soup and squash. And apples! Might try canning applesauce this year. I made a second batch of tomatoes in my tiny kitchen- not as easy as the double canner operation my mom and I had at her house last month.. an all day production, but totally worth it.

Getting ready for the Clothesline festival was the real event of this summer. I don't know if I've ever been so busy! There's nothing like a show (the biggest one I've attended so far) to kick a giant beachball of motivation and inspiration your way. Thirty new scarves came with me to the festival! Below 2 photos from Ellison Park.

This is one warp unrolled- 12 yards of weaving- about 6 scarves. Each scarf takes about 8 hours from start to finish.

I tied fringe on a picnic blanket (the t-shirt blanket I made Albert last year).

This Weekend!

2010-09-10T01:08:00.002-04:00

Up past my bedtime getting last minute details straightened for my first big big craft show! This one promises 400 artists from NYS, lots of food, entertainment and other goodies..

The past 2 months have been spent weaving 30 new scarves, printing fun mini business cards, getting sewn labels custom screen printed and figuring out a display with tons of room (a 10 foot tent to fill).. Here are a few sneak peaks for the show-

In Rochester this weekend? Come find me :) Hint: I'm booth 295...

Saturday, September 11, 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, September 12, 10 am to 5 pm

Buggy Hunt.

2010-08-26T19:24:00.002-04:00

Super silly. I know. But Pidge was meowing incessantly trying to catch this moth. And so I did what any (crazy) cat mom would do. Fly her through the air after the moth until she caught it.

Tomatoes!

2010-08-26T18:34:00.002-04:00

An August full of tomatoes! 21 quarts of the most delicious tomato juice put up in Buffalo with my mom..

Albert's delicious tomato "sushi" with the pesto cucumber relish and mozzarella..

I recommend making this for dinner... fresh baquette, lively run goat cheese and local tomatoes (thanks mom!), roasted green pepper and garlic, grilled zucchini and yellow squash and corn. YUM!
A pan of cherry tomatoes and tucked garlic for roasting.

This Sunday we're buying another 1/2 bushel of tomatoes from our favorite farmer, Jeffrey. I'll hot pack chopped tomatoes, roast another pan or so.. maybe make some tomato sauce to freeze.

links

2010-08-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

A few quick links- wow what a busy month!

an interview at floppy cats!

a big craft show coming up to get excited for (if you're in Rochester or visiting..)

a trailer for Albert and Jon's film premiere in Rochester!

Almost there!

2010-07-11T18:37:00.002-04:00

The Beast Pageant is 85% funded with only 11 days to go! So close! Here are some behind the scenes photos from production. The best way for the guys to reach their goal is by spreading the word- email to friends and fam :)

Summer Greenwich Scarf

2010-07-11T18:28:00.001-04:00

Color!

Summer!

2010-07-11T18:06:00.003-04:00

A beautiful and bountiful Sunday with my sister and pals. We went to the farmer's market (onions, green and yellow beans, eggs, beets and carrots) and then off to Hurd Orchards to eat ourselves sick with berries. Every year I go a little overboard- picking pounds and pounds of black and raspberries, sour cherries and blueberries- enough for a year of jam, scones and smoothies.
Another summery scarf- mini stripes of yellow pima cotton and silk yarn with creme.

Genevieve Summer Scarf

2010-07-08T13:46:00.003-04:00

Boy, it is hot. Pidge is semi-conscious next to me, lazily eating bits of sugar snap peas. I feel sorry for her- fur coat and all. Living in a third floor apartment with no air conditioning is brutal during the day- at least our bedroom gets surprisingly cool in the evenings, box fan a-blowing.

How can you think of wearing a summer scarf in such heat? I wouldn't recommend it outside right now.. unless you work in an air conditioned office all day or plan on getting some relief in a darkened theater tonight. A sweater is still unthinkable, but a light little something? Perfect- and stylish to boot!

wow!

2010-07-08T12:58:00.002-04:00

coolest thing ever.

BIG BANG BIG BOOM - the new wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Orchid Summer Scarf

2010-07-08T11:24:00.002-04:00

Vibrant stripes! lavender, periwinkle and forest green! like a vacation to Hawaii but in non-travelling scarf form... :)

Topper and Portland Scarf

2010-07-08T10:54:00.003-04:00

I've never been to Portland but have wanted to visit since high school, when, in my government class, we watched a film about city beautification and urban landscaping. This scarf was inspired by daydreams of the city- streets smelling like fresh coffee (don't drink it but love the smell) , bakeries and produce, everything lush and misty.

Saw a great movie last night at the Dryden last night starring Cary Grant and Constance Bennett- Topper. Put it on your netflix queue whydontcha! In the Rochester area this summer? Every Wednesday the theater is showing Cary Grant comedies!

Tangerine Scarf

2010-07-01T23:51:00.001-04:00

A bright summer scarf in bright citrus-y colors!

Handwoven Tokyo Scarf

2010-07-01T14:16:00.002-04:00

I've never been to Toyko, but this color combo reminded me of bright night city lights and the bold contrasting fashions in Japan. Love it and almost want to keep it for myself :)

Hidden Scarf

2010-07-01T13:48:00.003-04:00

Went through my inventory of scarves today and found this poor gal, while on the road with me to craft shows, never made it on the etsy shop!

Pile of Fun

2010-07-01T12:49:00.002-04:00

A great jam packed weekend! Pile of Craft was a steamy success (despite the 90+ heat). I met lots of inspiring vendors, handed out business cards hot off the presses and had my first photo booth experience. Couldn't resist sharing these photos of Pippin, the quail, and Dr. Holly Pooper, the cute and patient little pup in Baltimore where we got to stay with friends and family.

Pile of Craft

2010-06-24T13:03:00.002-04:00

I can hardly wait! I want to hug every single one of these guys on Saturday...

summer days ahead!

2010-06-24T12:55:00.002-04:00

Pidge cleaning herself after a refreshing wetdown (I feel so bad when she lays on the carpet semi-conscious in a 90 degree apartment- plus it's funny to see her fur all spiky).

Beautiful sunlight on our back porch where we enjoyed homemade spanokopita and spying on the squirrels and neighbors.

Freshly boiled eggs nestled in a berry bowl (thanks mom!)

The next warp for summer scarves- sky blue, avocado and creamy white.

Montauk Summer Scarf

2010-06-14T22:00:00.001-04:00

New summer scarf!

Olympia Scarf

2010-06-12T17:18:00.002-04:00

This weeks photo shoot went overtime! Here's the first of the new series (all now several inches longer!)...

A link to my constant source of crafting inspiration, especially in her blogging abilities.. this is what I wish I wrote about the Beast Pageant!

Summer Scarves

2010-06-12T15:41:00.001-04:00

Stay tuned this week for 6 new summer scarves! Above, a last minute photo taken at dusk (hence the blurriness) of the scarves fresh from the loom. They haven't been cut apart or fringed yet.

Quick mystery link!

2010-06-10T12:17:00.001-04:00

Love this!

The Beast Pageant!

2010-06-07T19:31:00.001-04:00

So excited to share Albert and Jon's trailer for their film! Click the link to view the trailer!

Sunday

2010-06-06T17:19:00.002-04:00

A lazy Sunday that should have been more productive... above is a fun little map with pins in all the cities I've sold scarves to (not including Singapore and Alaska).. below a shot from our 3rd floor porch of the barbeque/Buster Keaton screening we had for Memorial Day last week.

New Nantucket Scarf

2010-05-31T14:55:00.002-04:00

Last day off.. it is going to be tough tough heading back to the day job. I've had 5 productive days- woven 4 more scarves, almost finished winding another warp (which I made on our back porch) and just finished making a variety of tasty picnic fare (guacamole, hummus, german potato salad, veggie skewers for grilling and spicy green garlic pesto). The guys are working on post production- sound effects for their film- munching cheese puffs, glopping canned dog food, popping balloons and making countless other howls, squeaks, whines and rustles (soon I can share their newly launched website!)

Here are a few shots of the last summer scarf in this current series.

Brighton Market!

2010-05-30T13:43:00.003-04:00

Thrilled to go to the first Brighton Farmer's market this morning! I've been saving all winter to budget myself $25 of produce a week every Sunday. Should've nabbed some photos, but I was so excited I forgot the camera. In our no-longer-condiment-only-fridge we've now got: a bunch of green garlic (to make pesto), beets with gorgeous greens, a hefty bunch of scallions, 2 bunches of radish, curly russian kale, fresh eggs, 2 bunches rhubarb, baby spinach and one splurge- a precious quart of strawberries! I had to fight the urge to eat them all in the car. Maybe making jam or strawberry rhubarb something. (Well maybe a few more splurges- a chocolate croissant for Albert and raspberry cheese croissant for myself from the Little Bakery)

Here are a few extra pics of the most recent scarf in the shop.

New Charlotte Summer Scarf

2010-05-29T14:30:00.003-04:00

The olive, navy blue and magenta stripe in the center of this scarf was a bit of a happy accident. Unexpected, but I love the combo!

I'm on day 3 of an unexpected 5 days off in a row. Getting lots of research done for future scarves- including exactly how long it takes to create one of these guys- from winding a warp, tying it on to the old warp on the loom, dressing the loom, researching and preparing my palette, weaving, tying fringe, photographing/editing/color correcting, and finally putting the completed garment on etsy.

That's 51!

2010-05-28T12:19:00.002-04:00

Here are new photos from a scarf inspired by a scrap of paper on which I'd written a color combo found on a clearance sweater in the basement of a department store.. I can't remember the last time I was in a mall- so the idea has been waiting patiently for a long time!

New Sophia Summer Scarf

2010-05-28T10:12:00.002-04:00

Just added another scarf to the shop and realized I've had 50 sales on etsy since I began in Sept. 2008. The 50th scarf took pidgepidge's longest voyage yet- to Singapore!

Here are a few pictures from the newest scarf I added. I had troubles last week with the photoshoot- was extra motivated and took photos after my day job around 6pm. I thought it was still sunny out, but the blurry quality meant it was just a touch too dark to take great photos. It's amazing what a redo shoot in good lighting does!

Hearts and Crafts Show II

2010-05-25T19:43:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pics of my friend, Sam's, beautiful button creations (etsy shop coming soon!) from this Sunday's craft show. She let me model a bobby pin to rule my unruly hair and I was so excited to see them sell sell sell!

What a beautiful weekend! Though the forecast promised rain (and I was glued to weather.com- my first outdoor craft show experience), it turned out to be a breezy sunny Sunday. I've definitely realized I need a bigger table setup- certainly larger than my 3 foot card table. I'd love to get a few tables to create an L shape. I always debate what I should display- pet portraits or jewelry with the scarves- I want to show it all! This is my goal for the June show in Baltimore.

Getting ready to put up 6 more scarves this week- 5 of them summer scarves!

Mendon Ponds

2010-05-15T19:59:00.003-04:00

Woke up this morning and got my hair cut. That's 14 inches to give to locks of love :)

Then went with buddies to Mendon Ponds to lay in the grass and take a deliciously long walk in the woods (complete with chickadee landing on my hand looking for birdseed) and squirrels coming too close for comfort for the same. A lazy day ending with guilty pleasure- broccoli with garlic sauce eaten on the living room floor with Albert.

Here's the last scarf from the warp- loving the nautical theme this time around. I think the next series will play a bit more with magentas, pinks and purples...

Bethany Scarf

2010-05-13T17:35:00.003-04:00

This scarf is the second version I've woven inspired by a vintage circus poster. Thought about naming it Barnum or Bailey... another non-wool lady for the summer!

Seafoam and Moss

2010-05-13T17:28:00.003-04:00

Here are a few more pics of the next scarf in the shop- no wool in this extra soft number! I'm still trying to find thicker fibers that aren't wool to work with- so far my favorite is the olive shade of organic nubby cotton.

New Summer Scarf

2010-05-10T22:07:00.002-04:00

A new summer scarf just in time for the snow this morning :) I read recently that every May has a light frost- every year shocks me like the first time!

This scarf was inspired by a shopper's knit cap at the Buffalo Small Press Expo. I stared at his hat until I was sure I had it memorized. I love silvery gray with bright sky blue. I also love this page of colors.. how's that for a reference guide?

This last batch of scarves includes 4 without (or very little) wool. It was a bit more challenging to weave without all the weight of the wool to keep my pace moving. skinny fibers = more time weaving (but that's ok- the scarves are delightfully lightweight and soft).

Midnight Purple Scarf

2010-05-06T18:16:00.002-04:00

What a delightfully lazy Thursday morning. Had breakfast at our absolute favorite breakfast spot, Jim's... best egg and cheese wham with a mix of home fries and hash browns.

I downloaded a David Byrne album to listen to while editing photos and added the first scarf post MayDay show to the shop. Etsy has finally made some great time-saving improvements to their site- I can now upload all 5 photos at once and rearrange them in one easy step! Exciting, huh?

The next warp was tied on to the old and I am ready to weave again. I've recently expanded the warps to 12 and a half yards long- that's 6 scarves with a little wiggle room (maybe for smaller projects in the future?). Still at 144 warp ends with creates a scarf 11 inches wide.

Lazy Sunday

2010-05-02T18:27:00.004-04:00

A lazy Sunday after yesterday's MayDay Craft show. Pidge and Albert dozed a bit, I made blueberry scones and mystery dinner (a yummy casserole with brown rice, broccoli, sauteed mushrooms, onions and peas with cayenne pepper, nutmeg and lots of cheese).

Here's a photo from the show- the venue was slightly underground- making for a cool shopping experience (compared to the muggy summer heat outside). I was happy to meet many new vendors and visit with my booth neighbor, Elizabeth from The Fuzzy Bunny all day. I bought several of her lip balms back in November (peppermint and tea tree oil- so good) and have coveted her beautiful handspun yarns since then. She entertained all of my spinning wheel questions- one step closer to buying my own wheel!

Stay tuned this week for 6 new scarves (4 of which are no wool choices for warmer weather!)

MayDay Tomorrow!

2010-04-30T20:36:00.002-04:00

I realize I didn't give much notice about this craft show.. but it will be the perfect thing to attend tomorrow when the awesome weather threatens thunderstorms!

The first 30 shoppers receive a free swag bag- too bad I don't count... including 10 mini matchbook notebooks :)

Everything is packed up and ready to go- borrowed a pretty green linen from my pal Amy, a card table from my pal Sam and dressform from Rachel. Thank you!

Baltimore in June

2010-04-18T11:15:00.002-04:00

I am super duper excited to have yet another reason to visit Baltimore!

Kickstart spring!

2010-04-14T20:46:00.003-04:00

Totally enjoying the spring weather and loving the open windows! I have to admit I've been less productive than I should be weaving- have 2 warps wound but want to have 4 - 24 new scarves by the end of may to get me ahead of the game for the next 3 craft shows!

Side note- check out our friends Dan and Erin's kickstarter page! They're raising funds for what looks like a truly inspiring trip to Africa.