Splendor in the Grass

Memorial Day is undeniably the kick-off to summer and lazy picnics in the park. I made these picnic napkins a little while back, but have only just started getting some use out of them. The patterned napkins are from Simrane, one of my favorite shops in Paris. (If only they had a website!) All the linens in the store are made from Indian printed cotton with unique color combinations that make me crazy. From napkins to place mats, pillow covers to tablecloths (my next purchase), it's almost impossible for me to make a decision in just one visit.

I lined each of these napkins with light-weight cotton fabric and added pockets for bamboo utensils, which are also reusable. Honestly, I might actually enjoy looking at them more than using them the way napkins are meant to be used... That being said, paper napkins still find their way into my picnic basket.

Crochet Heyday

It's been a little while since I picked up a crochet hook or knitting needles. I guess the warmer weather has driven me outdoors and away from my usual indoor projects.

I made for this market bag for Anna Bella two years ago at a time when I was focusing my attention on crocheting. Seeing how well it's held up, I'm feeling inspired to make more. Hers is made from an unbleached cotton, but I've made others using colored hemp twine which is extra sturdy. Because gauge is not really a concern with this pattern, it's easy to experiment with different materials and yarn weights... and since they roll up to nearly nothing, there's always room for one more bag.

24 Stories Above Sea Level

Not long ago Ron's balcony, which faces south on the 24th floor of a building in the Flat Iron district, was just a 5 x 8 foot block of cement. The view is breathtaking from this height with water towers galore and the Woolworth building in the distance. But aside from the occasional rooftop garden, there is an overwhelming amount of concrete on the horizon. As soon as the threat of frost had past, I brought over my planters and raided the greenmarket to fill them. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this space! For the past six years I've made the most of my fire escape in Brooklyn, but this almost feels like I've gained an extra room and a backyard.
























I started with the window boxes, filling them with fuchsia geraniums and sweet potato vines, a tried and true combination. By mid-summer the vines should drop down and cover most of the steely window boxes. In one corner I arranged pots of herbs: sage, lemon thyme, basil, chamomile, lavender, nasturtium, peppermint and rosemary. On the other side I planted an heirloom cherry tomato plant surrounded by more herbs: oregano, purple basil and orange mint. It's exciting to have so many herbs on hand and to limit our runs to the grocery store (where they only sell herbs in big bundles that eventually wilt from neglect in the fridge).






























































My original idea was to have a garden consisting completely of succulents. Not only do succulents come in a variety of colors and textures, but they are incredibly forgiving and thrive off neglect... and another perk, they're perennials so they'll come back on their own next year!

When we're on the balcony looking out towards the left, we have a feeling of being alone, floating above the surrounding buildings with a fantastic bird's eye view... however, just to the right of the balcony is a panel of windows-- or eyes, if you will. To somewhat obscure the view from both sides, I planted morning glories along the base of the balcony. I chose the variety Sunrise Serenade which is known for dense coverage and magenta double flowers. At the rate that they are growing, we should have a little more privacy (or at least the sense of it) in a few weeks.

With the addition of the cafe table & chairs and new cushions for Ron's trusty wooden chair, all of a sudden we have more than a balcony, we have a garden oasis.

Mother Nature

Terrariums seem to be popping up all over. These encapsulated woodland landscapes are so alluring. I was surprised to see how few components are actually needed to create one: a glass vessel, horticultural charcoal, a bit of soil, a miniature humidity-loving plant, and a spritz of water. I gave this one to my mom yesterday for Mother's Day. It's kind of an experimental gift as I didn't know the answers to "how often do you water it?" and "how long will it stay lush and green?" As I learn more about making terrariums I'll definitely make a point to learn how to maintain them as well.

A New Brew

Just about a month ago I fortuitously met Sufi, the owner of MyWayCup Coffee, on 23rd and Park. He and his partner Halo were perusing through Fishs Eddy, selecting vintage cups when the hand-painted Alice in Wonderland sign caught Sufi's eye. He asked how much it was but was promptly informed by a sales associate that "it's not for sale." In attempts to keep this customer happy, when I returned from lunch I was summoned over and introduced to Sufi & Halo as "the girl who painted the sign." Within moments they were describing their cafe to me and the creative visions they had for the bare walls.

After a few late nights and numerous cups of cappuccino, the cafe is now open but decidely incomplete. (There is talk of me coming back to paint a few more graphics) MyWayCup is a place that certainly brings a bit of charm to the otherwise commercial 23rd street and the coffee is so good that it's actually worth going out of MyWay to get it.

(Not So) Teenie Beanie

I just finished knitting this beanie hat for Baby Janus and was a little nervous about the size in the end. I followed a pattern for a 6-12 month year old, but since I can practically fit it on my own head I thought something must be off. Seeing the hat on Ellis reassured me that it's just the right size, and that in reality, babies just have pretty big heads.

To-Go Bag

In between making baby gifts I've been making a few parent gifts as well. I adapted this simple tote design from a Lotta Jansdotter pattern by adding a cotton lining with additional pockets for stowing baby essentials. While it doesn't hold enough to function as an everyday diaper bag, I think it's a perfect bag to hang on the back of the stroller for short outings. My mom had scrounged up this playful wooden button for me from her button stash. I love it, it looks like it fell out of a Miró painting.

The changing pad is a total parental necessity and will come in handy on Rachel & Fab's many outings. I coordinated the pad with the tote and used a steely gray grosgrain ribbon to finish it off. This was my first experience with quilting and I must say I got a little thrill as each square puffed up to provide just the right amount of cushioning.