Housework Rules

I hoard even the smallest scraps

2009-03-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine is about to have a baby girl and so I've been churning through knitting ideas. I could make a blanket, but they always take too long. I could make a cute hat because I love making hats. But I haven't made a baby sweater. Ever. I've started baby sweaters -- I have two nieces that have the beginnings of sweaters stuffed in a basket in my closet -- but never finished baby sweaters. What it really comes down to is the yarn, I tried to branch out to other fiber types and new brands. But what I really want to do is knit with wool. Hot. Pink. Wool.

In my mind there is no other yarn but #47 Cerise by Manos del Uruguay.

nobleknits.com

Bright and Clean and Ready for Spring

2009-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before and after:

I didn't think our deck had weathered very much until I look at this photo. The left side of the deck is gray and dull. The right side is bright with rich tans and reds. We scrubbed it this weekend using Messmer's Wood and Deck Cleaner. The cleaner was easy to use, and all that's needed is a garden sprayer, hose and scrub brush. (A little sunshine doesn't hurt either.) Best of all, the cleaner is biodegradable and it does a great job.

messmers.com

Homemade Gyros

2009-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last week we bought a boneless leg of lamb just because it sounded good. We stuck it in the oven and had a fabulous roast dinner on Thursday night. It wasn't until I was cleaning up and stowing away the leftovers that I realized we bought a giant hunk of meat for two people. So instead of having regular repeat leftover dinners, Thomas came up with gyros! Gyros are sort of a Greek "lamb sandwich" and whenever we have them they're hot, quick and fabulous. So we gave them a try.

It was simple. Shave thin slices from the leftover lamb and warm. Chop a tomato. Stuff it all in a warm pita and top with a simple yogurt sauce. We used this one from cooks.com.

Gyros Sauce
1/2 c grated cucumbers
1 c plain yogurt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Squeeze cucumbers after grating. Blend with yogurt and garlic powder. Refrigerate to cool.

They were so delicious we made them for lunch on Saturday and Sunday in between busy backyard projects. I hope there's enough in the fridge for another round for lunch today!

How To: Coordinating Needle Cases

2009-03-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Are you knitting needles shoved in baskets in your closet? Are your crochet hooks hiding at the bottom of tote bags? Then follow this tutorial on how to make a set of these Coordinating Needle Cases. They're fast, easy and can be made from scraps of fabric. Give them as a gift with a pair of needles tucked inside or keep them all for yourself.

Supplies
1/2 yard of cotton fabric in solid color (A)
1/2 yard of cotton fabric in coordinating print (B)
1.5 yards 1" velvet ribbon
1 spool thread
Scissors
Tape measure
Sewing gauge ruler
Pins
Needle
Iron and ironing board

You can choose to work on the cases individually or in tandem. Be sure all fabric is washed and ironed before you begin.

1. Cut - From Fabric A, cut two 16.5 x 15.75 inch pieces for exterior of knitting needle case and one 11 x 5.25 inch piece for crochet hook pocket. From Fabric B, cut one 16.5 x 9.25 inch piece for knitting needle pocket and two 11 x 9.5 inch pieces for exterior of crochet hook case. Cut ribbon into two 18" pieces for knitting needle case and two 9" pieces for crochet hook case.

2. Make Pockets - Fold and pin 1/2 along one long edge of pocket pieces. Iron flat.

Match the cut edges of the pocket to the matching edges of one of the exterior pieces with right sides facing you. Mark for pockets, with stitch gauge measure and pin 1.5" from left raw edge. For next pocket and following two pockets measure and pin 1" to the right from previous pin. Continue measuring and pinning increasing the measurement by 1/2" for larger pockets. If you have mostly small needles then make mostly 1" pockets, for a collection of larger needles create 1.5 to 2" pockets. Stitch at each pin from folded pocket edge to raw edge back-stitching at each end.

4. Attach ribbon - Match ribbon edge to right edge of exterior piece with top edge of ribbon. The top edge of the ribbon can be visually centered on the needle case. Pin with wrong side showing. Pin the second piece of ribbon, right side showing, with bottom edge 1/8" from the top edge of the first piece of ribbon. Stitch 1/4" seam back-stitching at both ends.

5. Sew case together - Pin exterior pieces with right sides together making sure not to catch ribbon in pins or stitching. Stitch 1/2" seam around perimeter leaving a 2" opening on left side being sure to pivot at corners and back-stitching at each end.

6. Turn, sew and iron - Trim corners. Turn work right side out. Stitch opening closed by hand with needle and thread. Press seams and edges flat.

7. Fill and enjoy!

I'd love to see yours, email me photos today!

Recipe Review

2009-03-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Lobster Pot Pie
by Ina Garten

My husband and I saw this recipe on tv a few weeks ago and he's been talking about it ever since. We stumbled across some lump lobster meat at Costco and the rest is history. Watching a recipe come together on television always makes me think I could do that. And this time it was true. The ingredient list seems long and a little overwhelming but everything is easily prepped ahead of time and most of it you'll already have in your kitchen. Making the filling is easy and straight forward. The dough comes together quickly in a food processor and turns into an incredibly flaky crust when baked. I can't wait to make it again, until then I'm heading to the kitchen for leftovers.

Rating: 5 out of 5. Dreamy.

foodnetwork.com

Fiber Fun

2009-03-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

I love this new scarf kit over at NobleKnits. I am a knitter through and through but I think I want to try felting. Feverishly jabbing needles into an inanimate object to create wearable art sounds pretty fun! I love the colors in this kit and I think the interlocking rings give it a cool dimension. Great for a Saturday afternoon project. Me, a margarita and this scarf kit!

nobleknits.com

A Little Motivation

2009-03-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

I love these little sticky notes from CB2, Crate & Barrel's urban store. As I might have mentioned once or twice before, I love notes. Sticky notes are an added bonus, and these notes with their perfunctory instructions are sure to keep me on task.

cb2.com

Friday Finds: Etsy

2009-02-27T14:37:00.000-08:00

Are you a list hound? I am definitely unable to function without a list. I usually have lists that have lists. That's why I love lined note and little pads full of adorable illustrations. My favorite is this Shopping List by boygirlparty. That little tweety-bird just keeps me going.

etsy.com

Now it's even better

2009-02-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

If you've been pondering a new purse then now's the time to start one. One of my favorite fabric designers, Anna Maria Horner has just launched a new line of oil cloth fabrics. Oil cloth is just your favorite cotton coated with polyurethane which makes it incredibly durable and a little shiny. It's the perfect fabric to use when making a handbag or other tote that needs to be stain-resistant and fabulous.

annamariahorner.com

What am I working on?

2009-02-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

Out of all the hobbies and crafts I do knitting is by far my favorite. I love looking through patterns, touching yarn and and sorting my needles. I spend almost as much time admiring my knitting as I do actually knitting. I love to knit big, fast projects but I also take the time to knit more delicate and dramatic projects. That's what I would consider what's currently on my needles, socks. Small needles and a pretty lace pattern give me comfort during these waning winter nights. This pattern is Monkey from Knitty, Winter 2006.

Having a fun stitch pattern really helps me move more quickly through a pair of socks and so does having a yarn I love. I'm using Maizy by Crystal Palace. It's a corn fiber yarn! Yep, you read that right. Corn. It's soft, bouncy and hypo-allergenic. Go get some. Make socks with me!

knitty.com
yarnmarket.com

Is it a Shawl, a Cardigan or a Scarf?

2009-02-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's all of those things, plus it's a shrug and it's fabulous. That's why this knitted garment is aptly named Versatility. Knit on big needles with a bobble lace stitch this big scarf can be worn many ways with the simple addition of buttons.

knitty.com

Get Organized and Stay Organized

2009-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tax time is just around the corner and nothing gets me more frustrated than looking for all my paperwork. Every year I vow to be more organized for next year. Ha! That never happens. Until now. This Financial Organizer from See Jane Work is so simple in concept but so brilliant in execution. Inside is a pocket for every month so you don't have to sort anything ahead of time, just shove it in and forget it until that evil tax season rolls around next year.

seejanework.com

Waiting and Waiting

2009-02-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

I can feel that it's almost Spring. Even though we're only in February this winter has been so cold all I can do is hope for the warmer sun-filled days of Spring. And when I think of those sunny days I imagine myself surrounded by bright, blooming flowers. Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply has a huge selection of organic bulbs and seeds. Order now so you can start planting when the first crocus peeks it head out of the earth.

groworganic.com

Grommetted Gift Tags

2008-10-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

The holidays are going to be here before we know it and it's never too late to start planning how cute your packages are going to look. I love these gift tags from Hable Construction. They're peppy, preppy and snazzy.

hableconstruction.com

Fabulous Fabric Site

2008-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to a brand new website with the hippest and most chic fabrics available. My friend Jamie Christina is behind the coolness that is Phat Fabric. You can find fabric by Alexander Henry and Amy Butler along with inspiring sewing patterns to get you inspired. Go check it out!

phatfabric.com

Terrific Terrarium

2008-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

As we head into winter and the days become shorter there will be less time to spend outside in the garden. But your gardening doesn't have to stop, bring it inside. This steel terrarium will provide the green your missing.

smithandhawken.com

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

My girl Jamie, the hotness that is behind Pretty Ditty, tagged me!

Rules:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 4 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 facts about me:

1. I learned to knit six months before opening a yarn store. I didn't know how to purl.

2. I work as a freelance graphic designer.

3. I always meet deadlines for work but I am awful at finishing craft projects.

4. My mom taught me how to sew at a very young age. I've always enjoyed it but I like it more and more each year.

5. I don't listen to music, I read the news and the rest of the internet.

6. Cooking is my therapy.

7. I am obsessed with the colors in my garden, I never think there is enough. There could never be too much!

I tag:
@ny Price
The Simple Wife
Lesley Vance
Nancy Queen Studio

Be Back Soon!

2008-10-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Boston for a couple days. Posting will be back to normal on Monday!

Quick Inspiration

2008-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you sit down and you're all ready to scrap a project. You have all your supplies set out in front of you, but suddenly you just don't know what to do with them. That's where Becky Fleck's Page Maps come in handy. Becky has multiple page layout ideas for just about any project you can dream up. Need a half page idea? What about some cute gift tags? It's all there, so get inspired.

pagemaps.com

Congratulations!

2008-10-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

The winners of the Giveaway! are:

1. Samantha from Gauge Before Beauty

2. Addicted To Knitting

I will be emailing you with the details of your prize.

Thank you for participating in our first giveaway. We had a lot of fun and we hope you did too! Check back at Housework Rules for daily posts about your favorite hobbies, and who knows, maybe more giveaways!

Giveaway! It's Knitting Season

2008-09-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Housework Rules, get ready to get knitting! As our first giveaway we'd like you to have the chance to win one of two $25US gift certificates to NobleKnits.com.

So here's the deal. Go to NobleKnits.com, find your favorite item -- it could be a wool yarn, a new purse pattern or bamboo circular knitting needles -- and come back to this blog post and tell us that item in the comments. It's that simple!

I'll choose a winner at 12PM PST on Friday, October 3, 2008 by using the fancy Random Integer Generator. Don't forget to leave your email address or website in the comment.

What better way to kick off your holiday knitting than with free yarn money? Go!

THIS GIVEAWAY CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Roundup: Autumn

2008-09-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

The weather's changing, it's time to warm yourself up with cozy autumn reds.

1. Rio samba journal with pocket from Henry Road.
2. Leaftree fabric made from hemp and organic cotton at Volksfaden.
3. Copper plant markers from the National Gardening Association shop.
4. Malabrigo kettle dyed merino wool from Fabulous Yarn.
5. Rustic pasta bowl set from Italian Cooking Supply.
6. Enjoy the Journey scrapbook album from Two Peas in a Bucket.

Defying Gravity

2008-09-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

A reader named Kelly sent me a link to these awesome floating shelves by Umbra. She said, "I know these don't fit in a specific Housework Rules category but I think they're so cool you should post them anyway." Well, I think they will find a very comfortable home in the paper category. Books are made from paper, lots of it, and you need a stylish place to put all that paper! The shelves have a hidden bracket that neatly attaches to the wall. The bottom book is held in place by a tiny clip and you can stack up to a total of 15 pounds. Now where can I put these in my house?

barnesandnoble.com

Relax Dramatically

2008-09-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

Enough gardening for now. Lay down and relax in this gorgeous piece of lawn art. The hammock stand is made from heavy steal then wrapped in synthetic wicker to soothe the senses. Curl up with a book and enjoy your afternoon!

ballarddesigns.com

An Office Picnic

2008-09-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Sue sent me this adorable tip. She is the coolest girl in the office lunch room with this Tiffin Food Box by Vivo. Sue told me the bright combination of melamine containers lifts her spirits after a long training meeting. The metal clip secures the layers and adds an easy-carry handle. Chow down girlfriend!

vivodirect.com