And the Pursuit of Happiness

Maira Kalman is one of my all time favorite illustrators. Her work for the New Yorker is so gorgeous and I've always just loved her style. In her blog for the NY Times, she released a series of images documenting the inaguration. Take a moment to read through her post and enjoy her stunning work. What a talent she is! I would love to have this collection bound into a book.


Images by Maira Kalman

2009 is off to a great start

I am totally inspired and invigorated after this morning's ceremony. I should find something profound to say but am a loss for words to accurately convey how I feel. So, instead of being profound, I'll just blather on a bit and update you on how things are going here in Austin. A quick run down:

It's been almost 6 months since I left NY. It's gone really, really fast.

I miss NY like crazy but I'm insanely happy to be here in Austin.

I started a new exercise regime in an effort to get stronger and healthier. And if I shed a few pounds I wouldn't be too sad.

I haven't been sewing very much yet this year. I have a bunch of half finished projects staring at me but am loving the ability to complete them at my leisure.

Am exploring some new options for ways to produce my designs on a broader scale.

Clara-dog and Zoe-cat love having me work at home.

I've been day dreaming about a vacation a lot lately. I think I may need to use some of those miles from the days of being a road warrior. Maybe Greece?

I love my duvet cover. I made it last year while I was living in Brooklyn and Zoe acts like it belongs to her and she has simply loaned it to me. It looks pretty in my postage stamp sized bedroom.

Have a great Tuesday everyone! Get out there and do something. :)

Lookie...Sewing with Birdies!

Ashley, over at Film in the Fridge, is working on a quilt that features Birdies on Chairs. She makes GORGEOUS quilts and I'm so excited to see how she's using the fabric. Here's a peek at some of her quilt blocks. Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Best onion soup in the world

I was going to take a picture of the soup before I posted this pic but got all excited and ate my whole bowl before I remembered. But here's a recipe to my mom's French Onion Soup, which I think is the best in the world. Enjoy!

Mom's French Onion Soup

Sweet onions – 2-1/2 to 3 lbs (yes, that's alot of onion!)
3 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
3 heaping tablespoons flour
8 cans of beef broth
½ cup dry white wine
French bread
Garlic
Gruyere cheese
Swiss cheese

Slice onions.
Saute in a covered saucepan for 15 minutes over med/low heat with butter and oil.
Uncover sauce pan and add 1 tsp. salt and 2 tsp sugar. Raise heat to medium. Cook for 30-40 minutes stirring every few minutes to keep from burning.
Slowly add 3 heaping tablespoons flour, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture is thickened.
Turn off burner.
Heat beef broth in microwave/bring to a boil in another saucepan.
Turn burner back on and pour hot broth over onion mixture.
Add ½ cup dry white wine. Bring to a simmer and cook partially covered for 30-40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Thickly slice French bread. Butter lightly and add put some diced garlic on each slice. Toast under broiler until lightly browned.
Place bread in bottom of a soup bowl.
Add mixture of grated gruyere/swiss blend.
Pour hot soup into bowl.
Yummmmm......

Happy New Year and New Design

Hello everyone and happy 2009! I've been busy working on new designs and wanted to share one of my favorites. When I was growing up, my grandmother had this beautiful yellow flowered sofa that I just loved. This design reminds me of that piece. I've ordered a yard so I can check colors. I can't wait to see how it turns out. What do you think?
Here's the design in repeat at roughly 21" wide:

And birdies on chairs in yellow...