fleur

Our boy is here!!

2010-08-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Nile Zanin Clarke McGurk was born at 1 :54 monday 8/9/10. He weighed 71b 15 oz and 19 inches long. Jean at St. Francis was our midwife and she was the best!!

My contractions started at 3am on sunday morning i had 1 every hr until 8pm then they kicked up to 5 mins apart til 11:30. We drove to the hospital around 12 which was not a fun drive, I crawled thur the parking lot and was greeted by a patient in the emergency room with a wheel chair!! A very nice police officer wheeled me up stairs as the all the people in the waiting room cheered and wished me luck!!

I checked at 5 cent. 100% effaced and station 1 when I arrived in my room. After they montoried the baby for 20 mins Jean checked me at 7 cent. station 2!! I labored on my feet with my elbows on the bed my husband across from me with our hands locked in a sort of arm wrestling lock. He would hold me up with every contraction. Jean suggested I go in the birthing tub, which we did for about 30 mins, this was the best the water cooled me off and took the weight off my legs it felt so good to splash water on my face! This defiantly the best way to labor. I started to feel like I wanted to push so we got out of the bath and Jean checked me at 10 cent!! With my 1 st push my water broke, 3 pushes later Nile was born!! Happy & healthy, we stayed the min. 24hrs and came home early tuesday!
He nurses like a champ and has been sleeping in 4/5 hrs stretches!

Mama is a little weird about posting picures but Im sure I will in a few weeks!

New Nursing Covers

2010-07-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

I just added some nursing covers to my Franklin Goose page. They are getting ready for Breast Feeding awareness month in August! (something I will be doing alot of, I only have 3 more weeks til my little one arrives!)

FRONT recycled from an old velour track suit

BACK includes a soaker made from the same velour

I am also working on posting reusable snack bags made from PUL ( same fabric that makes diapers water proof) and a few diapers made from recycled fabrics

Bento give away and more...

2010-07-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

There is a great bento giveaway going on at Another Lunch and it benefits a child in need!

What did you wear?

2010-06-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

So Im taking a casual poll as to what most women choose to wear to labor in. With my 1st son I wore a poly cotton blk mid thigh length tank night gown. Know I know 99.9 % of most woman end up in the buff when hard labor and delivery starts ( as I did too!).And those hospital gowns are not an option for me, I even but it in my birth plan! dont ask me to but that on its not going to happen..haha! But I think its important to have a special gown or shirt that you don't wear until that moment you know your laboring. I choose not to wash the gown I wore when I was in labor with Brix, I still have it unwashed in a special "baby" box along with a large piece of hair that I cut before I washed that day out of my hair.

Im am thinking with this baby I am going to opt for a tank cami with a built in bra, what did you wear when you labored??

Amy Butler organic towels!

2010-06-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

These arrived today (thanks mom!)Lime and Orange 1st and 3rd from left to right!! They look great in my newly painted bathrooms....err uh ... well one down one to go. Im also finished with my Franklin Goose swim diaper orders!!! all in all I think I made close to 50. Although I wasn't able to attend the Tiffany open house at The VMFA I did receive this..

7 more weeks to go, Im hoping he waits until the end of the 1st week of August to arrive, I stop working the 2nd week of July so that will give mw a nice two weeks to relax and sew some diapers for him!! I really like this newborn pattern..

I cheated on you!!

2010-06-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

Im not going to even comment on my lack of blog post in months, all I can say is Im busy! Ive been busy helping my husband move his restaurant, busy making a recreation of a Loie Fuller dress for the VMFA, busy making over 80 back ordered swim diapers for Franklin Goose and oh yeah busy growing a baby!!!

I did cheat a little and was asked to write a blog for Franklin Goose about homemade beauty products you can check it out here

I have been documenting my work and when this little guy comes in aug. and things slow down I'm sure I will be making a few late nite nursing post!

Things Ive been working are more cloth diapers, fitted hemp crib sheets, cloth baby wipes made from organic 14 oz terry cloth ( heaven!!) a new diaper bag of my own design no pattern thank you very much!!

cheers Jenny

2010-03-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

I want to make this, sans the oilcloth to toxic for my new baby boy, I'll use this instead arriving soon here.

And this, for Brixton's, Oh and this to match my wallet.

OH well back to "work" making these

Vegan Stuff

2010-03-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

No I'm not vegan,( right now I was for 4 yrs) but given the choice I will always choose vegan food. I eat a very small amount of cheese, and usually only goat cheese. I have not drank cows milk in over 6 years, but I do eat eggs, local free range, and organic if I'm feeling like the splurge ( my neighbour down the street has 3 new chickens I'm dying to ask for some eggs)

One thing I always, always eat vegan is dessert, whether I make it my self or buy it. Mostly because I feel if I'm going to indulge I want it to be as healthy as possible and vegan ingredients are usually of a higher standard.

So I was delighted while grocery shopping today I stumbled upon a new ( or new to me) line of vegan gummy candy! Usually something that is totally off limits to vegetarian and vegan due to the gelatin.

I am also trying my hand at vegan goat cheese.

And after 5 yrs, 4 films, countless shifts at 821, 1 1/2 pregnancies my Danskos have bit the dust, and since they don't make non leather Mary Janes any more I have my eye on these solely for just working in!

Designer baby consignment sale

2010-03-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

image courtesy Tots on the GO

Spring is coming and new batch of babies are on their way, if your a second or third or fourth.. time mom, you know those 1st few months you only need the basics, and since babies change and grow so fast they hardly have time wear anything out! So best way to restock your onesie drawer, or if your searching for a double stroller ( like me) your best bet is to by second hand!!
Join me this weekend for a Designer Baby Consignment Sale! I will be there as a vendor ( sunday only ) and a customer, Ive been working on a new line of diapers made totally from recycled materials, old sweatshirts, concert tees, flannel sheets ..etc!!

The sale this weekend will be held at Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, 3421 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lewis+Ginter+Recreation+Association&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=61.023673,80.595703&ie=UTF8&hq=Lewis+Ginter+Recreation+Association&hnear=&ll=37.575841,-77.437091&spn=0.019931,0.045362&z=15&iwloc=A

The sale hours are Saturday, March 6th, 10am-6pm and Sunday, March 7th, 10am-6pm!

NEW & gently worn baby clothes, newborn -4t, boys and girls, Ralph Lauren, Gymboree, The Children's Place, Janie & Jack, Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Banana Republic Baby Luxe, Baby Gap!

Also, carseats, bassinets, changing tables, nursery decor, handmade diaper bags, cloth diapers and covers and more!

Also participating in this sale is Bliss Stationery, GG Cole Designs, Patience Salgado, Nature's Way Labor and Birth Support, Ninny's Nappies, Birth Talk and Dog Talk!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

My Valentines Day

2010-02-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

Brix and I made Valentines for his friends and teachers. His were Lightning McQueen store bought Valentines that he decided to cut into teeny tiny pieces with his new scissors, so we coll aged them on to stock paper and cut them into hearts!

I made reusable heart hand warmers filled with rice for his teachers, with fabric that came from a fabric swap!

We all chilled out today, I made sesame seed bread and pumpkin seed brownies both from my favorite cook book La Dolce Vegan.

We did do a massive cleaning of the front of the house, you know the kind on your hands and knees scrubing the base boards kind of cleaning, there was also a trip up to the attic to look at baby equipment, which has now prompted me to completely clean out the attic, a nice sunday in April I think will get a baby sitter and tackle it. Baby kicks and thuds are becoming more frequent soon we will out if its a boy or girl! stay tuned!

Thats Why We Don't Eat Animals reason #2

2010-02-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

"It should be a compliment to be called a pig! Pigs are some of the smartest , cleanest and most sensitive animals on planet Earth.

Free pigs live with their families and friends. Snorting and whistling they recognize each other's voices from far away. They root for food, wrestle and play ball in the sun, but they don't sweat like we do to keep cool when they play. They take mud baths to cool off instead. A muddy pig is a wise pig.

A factory farm pig may spend her whole life alone, fattened in a pen so tiny that she won't even be able to turn around. A free pig never poops where she eats or sleeps, but on a factory farm she has no choice.

Pigs need the sight, sound and touch of one another. Sometimes they snuggle so close its hard to get them apart. LOVE is part of their nature." Ruby Ross

New at Ellwoods

2010-02-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Ninny's Nappies organic nursing pads are now available at Ellwood Thompson's! in plan and cheeky prints. As well as re stocked diapers, including the popular Hello Kitty pattern.

Ellwood's has moved all their baby related items over the "grocery" section of the store where the baby food, formulas, and flush able diapers are. Now moms only need to make one stop while stocking up on baby supplies!

Little Treasures

2010-02-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

I found this blog while browsing in the photo section on Burda Style, which is full of the most creative crafty people!!

I picked up this burda pattern at Joann's the other day burda patterns are always 40% off there ALWAYS! I swear I have never seen them full price. I still need fabric for it though, I'm thinking a double gauze like these, or maybe a teal suiting!

I really like Burda Patterns because they usually only have one style per pattern, so once you cut it out your not left 2 or 3 styles you dont want and have to wad up and stuff back into the envelope, what ever happened to those great pattern sleeves you could put in 3 ring binders??? I feel a pattern reorganization coming on!

Thats Why We Don't Eat Animals reason #1

2010-02-03T17:44:00.000-08:00

image taken fromhere

My husband and I stumbled upon this book at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago on a rainy Sunday with nothing else to do, we usually hit the book store, coffee/tea, a glance at magazines, while the boy plays at the train set, and looks at books.
It is important to us to raise our son as a vegetarian and to live a cruelty free life, and I realize some day that he will probably be curious and try meat, but our main goal is to instill in him the purpose, the value, the meaning and the cause and effect our life styles have.
When I read this book I was amazed at the honesty it carries, it is truthful and real, it does not dump down factory farm life for these animals, but in the same way it is not scary or gruesome for a 3 year, old it is in perfect balance!

I was 7 or 8 when I declared my vegetarianism in a family of 5 meat eaters with no vegetarian role model or teacher. I cant really explain what prompted me to want to live this way at such an early age, (although the book Charlotte's Web had some influence) I can say that even at that age I knew it had more to do with not wanting cute animals to be killed and eaten, I had an impression of a bigger picture, (maybe an impression from a previous life) it was, at that time a protest to me. I will not take part in this process! I am young but I will make a stand, I can be heard.

It was something that I never questioned not once in 25 years. It is my strongest belief and faith.

Another book that helped me to understand my views and beliefs was Ismael by Daniel Quinn, it is a story about a highly intelligent talking Gorilla that teaches a young man the story of how things came to be the way they are. How Mother Culture dictates to us how we live and why we do the things we do even if they make no sense at all. It is an amazing book and a must read for any teenager it deals with more then just animal rights it teaches us to question our cultural rules and habits and how every person has the ability to change anything they set their thoughts upon.

Here an excerpt from the book I will be posting one each week

" When a Turkey dances, jumps, gobbles and flaps its wings, other join in celebration. Turkeys also mourn together, sharing each other sadness. They're so sensitive that they even blush. Their snoods change color depending on their mood.
When the moon rises, wild turkeys fly to the tree tops to roost for the night, gathering together beneath each others wings.
A factory farmed turkey will never get to use her wings at all. Turkeys raised for meat are fattened until they become too heavy to fly" author - Ruby Roth

And yes turkeys CAN fly, wild turkeys are able to fly at low heights, their flight ability is directly related to their weight. It is only because mother culture has taught and shown you that the turkey that is fattened for you plate can not fly that you have believed it as true.

On SALE this week

2010-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ninny's reusable mama pads and over nite inserts are on SALE at Ellwoods this week 20% off original prices! 9.99 for a maxi pad, 6.00 for a 2 pack of over nite inserts! Check out what else is onsale, I also picked up a Mambo Sprouts coupon book at the register.

2010-01-26T17:11:00.000-08:00

This is my dream crafty space, a glass cottage to see and hear every bird, a sitting area to take a tea break out on, OH! the plants, herbs, and sun light! I could get lost out there for hours

image taken fromcraftzine.com blog

Ninny's Nappies Review & Give away!

2010-01-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

Check out my 1st Ninny's Nappies diaper review at Coupon Mom of 2...Now 3. You can also enter to win a give away at Franklin Goose.

2010-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

I want to do this and this. BUT first I need to follow this advise the studio is a reck and I feel like rearranging the entire house..I guess that nesting thing is kicking in!

Number Two is on the way

2010-01-20T19:18:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce.... that I am PREGNANT, happy and healthy! Due in the sign of Leo and in the year of the Tiger.
A really horrible dose of all day/morning sickness is partly to blame for the almost complete lack of post in the last 2 months, but since Mercury left retrograde he seems to have taken my nausea with him, returning my appetite and some energy!

Quilting Adventures LOOT

2010-01-17T17:56:00.000-08:00

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Im so happy that Quilting Adventures has moved closer to me, its new store is located next to the Ben Franklin at Willow Lawn a symbiotic relationship that seems to be a wise choice! Even though QA has a pretty specific product base, high end quilting fabrics and patterns, they have really great selection of embroidery threads and notions, as well as natural and hard to find fabric dyes. When ever I venture out to the fabric store its usually for a pretty specific item, for an alteration or something for a customer. I try to stop in to QA to see if they carry it before I head the the fabric super stores, and to pick up a few fat quarters here and there. Every single time I have gone in looking for that odd notion they always seem to have it and usually just one left, just waiting for me to come in and snatch it up. I had not been to the new store since they moved and was in need of a 9 inch invisible zipper in a curious shade of navy/ royal blue for a bridesmaid alteration..yup sure enough they had it! I also picked up a Sublime Stitching transfer pattern of Chihuahuas, a transfer for days of the week floral tea towels, and few fat quarters.

Now that Mercury is out of retrograde, and we have had a few days of nice weather, I'm feeling a lot more creative and have started a few projects for my self.Amy came over today to have an embroidery party, we ended up playing with her daughter Merit more then sewing but I showed her a few simple stitches and she borrowed a great book, that helped me alot when I 1st dove into the craft. I feel a sewing circle in the works especially now that Blair has a new machine!

Beauty regime and other such sundries..

2010-01-16T20:24:00.001-08:00

Seems the last few days I have been involved in sereval conversations about, what type of beauty products I use or make so I thought it would make a good post.
I make our shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and lotion. We use Dr Bronners castile soap for bathing, I just heard about KIRKS too. Toms oF Maine tooth paste or Trader Joes brand ( same ingredients less cost). Kielhs lip balm with spf 15 on my lips and Kielhs Silk Groom in my hair, I also only wash my hair every 3 days or so, this keeps may hair from drying out. Occasionally we will use lavender scented Vaseline for extra dry skin or on my sons nose when its runny. Epsom salts are used in every bath, as well as sprayed on our dogs bellys ( for hot spots) ( thanks AMY for the suggestion!)

For cleaning products it Mrs. Meyers all purpose cleaning for most everything, Clear Choice for stains, and Borax in the laundry. Baking soda and salt for any thing that needs to be scrubbed and vinegar wiped with newspaper for the windows.

During the winter we have 2 humidifier that are in each bedroom that run at nite with water and eucalyptus oil to hydrate the skin and open the lungs. If someone starts feeling under the weather or has a sore throat, lots of zinc and castor oil hot packs on the throat in the morning ( you may think I'm crazy but this really works), and gargling with warm salt water, something that my son thinks is the funniest thing his mom has ever done

I have really bad dry skin, even in the summer! After a shower and before I dry off I spray baby oil on my skin then towel off this helps trap in moisture to the skin. Every other day ( just in the winter) I make a scrub from sea salt, olive oil and lemon juice, there are no measurements just a nice consistency, like wet sand and the juice of a half lemon. I use this as a face scrub as well as on my neck, hands and arm. I usually dont need any lotion on my face when I do this and no the olive oil does not make my skin break out.

One of the best techniques I have used for almost 5 years now is body brushing, use a soft bristle body brush ( you can find them where they sell loofahs) and you brush your skin in short strokes all over you body ALWAYS brushing towards your heart. This helps exfoliate dry skin and helps with circulations!

I usually have a Mrs. Meyers Lavender candle burning when Im working, It was the same scented candle that I burned when I was in labor with Brix, this smell instantly makes happy, strong and joyful! I have a constant supply of lavender oil and put it in all my homemade products as well as on my wrist pretty much every day.

I also ...try... to do a combo or yoga/pilates at least 4 days a week and mediated for an hr each week ( 10 mins here, 20 mins there) Its good to stop and silence your self and just listen to the Universe , it has some amazing things to tell you....

In addition to all of this my family lives a vegetarian life style, we do not consume cows milk, we do eat cows cheese and yogurt but its always organic, I only drink, water & tea, occasionally we will get juices ( carrot, cran or pom) Dru drinks espresso a habit I just recently kicked! I truly believe our food choices contribute to our good health!

Also I am completely ANTI, anti bacterial soaps, I believe that they do us harm by never allowing our body's/ immune systems to be exposed to everyday bacteria thus actually weakening our immune systems so when it does come in contact with say ... oh the flu or a cold our immune system is not strong enough to fight it. Do I have a medial degree NO do I have research or websites to back up my beliefs, NO ( but Im sure they are out there) I just have my common sense to go on! We use plan ol' soap to wash our hands Dr Bronners tea tree!

What your favorite homemade beauty tricks?

And now for something completely different...

2010-01-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

Flys! just because this makes me happy, we had a horrible fly problem this past summer due to a compost bin to close to the house and well yes being a little lazy about turning it twice a week... we had many fly corpses in our window sills, it was quite humors after a while, said compost has since been moved to the other end of the yard!

There was also a brief interest in starting a flea circus, but thats a whole another can of worms

images take from here original artist can be found here

Evovle with me?

2009-12-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

"Here's to the ghosts of Christmas pasts, when love and family are all they had.
No Iphones or Ipods, just hugs and laughs, shopping is fun but cannot last.
Stressing for the dollar tends to control us all, but I have a proposal to share with you all.
Lets take back control of our life's passion, and celebrate these holidays in an uncorporate fashion.
I hope this idea will gain much traction, because our love is not in these gifts, but it is in our actions.

I wish you all not just Happy Hollidays but a sense of peace through everyday to come." -
Sofarsogud

The Winner is......

2009-12-14T05:50:00.000-08:00

The winner of my first give away is # 3 Shelly, if you would email me your address I will send it out right away! Congrats

The BOSS LADY Calendar and give away!

2009-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Boss Lady Pinup Calendar featuring female business owners of Richmond, VA. On Sale NOW! $10 online pre-sale until December 15th or $12 in the stores!

Featuring the owners of Gallery 5, Ecologic, Vamps & Vixens Makeup Studio, Ninny’s Nappies (formerly Fleur Fabrics), Sprout (formerly AllStar Market & Deli), Cafe Gutenberg, Sweetest Thing Bakery, Halcyon, Rumors, Nicola Flora, House of Lukaya, and Scoot!

Guess which legs are mine and win a free start up cloth menstrual pack or one ALL in One organic cloth diaper!! Leave your guess plus you choice in the comment section ( if choosing the diaper specify boy/girl or unisex!)

Thank you Universe!

2009-12-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

Just when I was having those feelings of why/what am I doing this all for? The Universe sends me a message. Its really nice to know that your community values you and has taken note of what you are trying to accomplice!

A Promise to Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

2009-11-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

Bizarre Market
is here again this year! From Nov 27th -Dec 24th you can shop upstairs at Chop Suey, for Richmond's finest handmade gifts! Get all your shopping done at one place, browse the book store for great used book finds, head across the street for coffee and a treat at Capitol Coffee then pop into the Byrd Theater for a matinee! Sounds like a great way to spend BLACK FRIDAY!

Thank YOU

Crystal Caves

2009-11-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

Our Earth is quite amazing, I am completely awed and humbled by this

Our love/ hate with Martha

2009-11-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

AHHH Martha sometimes I love ya some times I hate ya, today you get my gold star.

Times they are a chang'n.

Oh my pretty thing!

2009-11-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

Great new blogOne Pretty Thing. I could spend hours on it...I dare saw its better then Facebook! YUP I said it, and far more productive

Art 180 preview

2009-11-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago I organized my fabric stash and realized I have bags and bags of fabric scraps. So one late late night I started sewing them together in long strips... I had no idea what I was doing but it felt so good. So for the last few weeks when ever I would get stressed, stuck, or needed a creative release I would sew these strips together, cut them in squares and re sew them in to a patch work of colors... yes I was making a quilt. I finally under stood what the draw was, why so many people are so into quilting. It was liberating, freeing, relaxing and fun. I still did not know what I was going to become of this patchwork. Then I cat sat for Karen and she left me the application for ART Karma! BINGO. I just finished tonite. Introducing my 1st quilted baby blanket, trimmed with suede cloth and backed with organic bamboo fleece.

I used shades of pink embroidery thread to "hold" the layers together, Im not sure if I like it, what do you think?

New Oil Cloth Ideas

2009-10-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

OH! how my head is spinning with ideas I see diaper bags,wetbags,changing pads...awhh. I hope that these are not the vinyl PVC oilcloth but the enviro- friendly cotton laminated kind! Thank You Anna

Mac Laptop Stickers

2009-10-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

I want one please!

Franklin Goose

2009-10-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ninny's Nappies products are now available at a great new website Franklin Goose, they specialize in natural and organic baby products! More Ninny's products being added each week!

whats inside??

2009-10-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

1st bento
Originally uploaded by fleurfabrics

black beans and peas, pita & sunflower butter sammy, cinnimon ceral squares, pears and grapes!

panda bento

2009-10-21T18:24:00.001-07:00

panda bento
Originally uploaded by fleurfabrics

I just made my 1st bento box lunch for Brixton. He is the only kid in his class who brings his lunch, 1. because he is the only vegetarian, 2. because we eat 80 to 90 % organic, so I feel that it is my responsibility to provide a lunch that is up to my standards. I never want him to fell different, weird or the odd man out because of this, so I try to make his lunches fun, exciting and something to be envied! probably because way back in 1983/84 when I was 7 or 8 ish and I declared my vegetarianism I was completely ridiculed by my fellow peer for years.

Any way I have always been aware of the world of bento boxes but it wasnt until I found this that I really got excited about doing my own! so here is my 1st. You can find tons of info on where to by them, recipes, and other blogs devoted to bento. I bought mine at J-Box, I really tried to buy one locally, I searched everywhere, Tan A market, World Of Mirth,Mongrels, no luck. The only place I found them was at Tokyo Market, but the ones that the wonderful owner had where very grown up or too big, she did share with me a few stores of the bento boxes she had while growing, and if I ever buy one for my self I will surely get there! I did buy some child size chopsticks with lions on them! Enjoy! and hope my little guy enjoys his surprise tomorrow

Vegan Lightning McQueen Cake

2009-10-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

I made a vegan strawberry Lightning McQueen Cake for Brix for his 3rd birthday!
I used 100% organic ingredients and organic vegetable dyes here is how I did it!

I used a vegan icing recipe from La Dolce Vegan it is really easy

Earth Balance vegan butter
Powdered Sugar
Soy milk
Vanilla extract

I don't usually follow measurements so i just mixed in all together until I got a glaze like consistency, the cake recipe I got here. I left out the liqueur part and added extra jam I also added small pieces of strawberries.2 days before I made the cake I made the dye, it was pretty simple except the red, here goes

Yellow= turmeric about 1/2 a teaspoon

blue= blueberries( must be fresh or the dye will come out more purple) I brought them to boil with water and corn starch then simmered until they thicked up, then pureed it in my Magic Bullet which is may favorite kitchen gadget! cooled it off then added a table spoon to the glaze

brown=coco I melted 1 table spoon vegan chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons coco, cooled and mixed it into the glaze

red= beets, chop 3 large beets and cook in water to a boil, then cook for 45 mins on med heat then simmer for an hour. Then puree beet "sauce" return to pot and cook for another 30 mins. The trick here is to cook out most of the liquid so you get a paste, cool it off and mix 1 tablespoon it into glaze. You will never get a red red with beets its always going to be a little on the raspberry side unless you cook a dozen beets down for 2 days! For cake pan my mother in law bought me one from Michael's!
Also I feel its important todo everything in stages, make the dye 3 days in advance, then the cake the second day, then ice it the day of. That way you don't spend 10hrs in the kitchen and everything gets 24hrs to set up in the fridge

Where the Wild Things Are...

2009-10-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

there at my kitchen table!!!

It is only half complete in this picture. I will post more after we go see the movie on the Wild Things birthday this saturday.

Its all things Halloween here, Day of the Dead alters, sugar skull making, pumpkin pancakes, such a good idea I made walnut, blueberry, banana, pumpkin and chocolate batchs on Sunday morning and we have been enjoying them allweek haunted hay rides!

every year our mantel gets transferred in to an alter to honor Jonny, and now Kevin Kat

An IKEA nursery

2009-09-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished another nursery! 4 sets of IKEA crib sheets, a pillow and cushion for a rocking/nursing chair! This is the second rocking chair I have done for moms that are re purposing there grandmothers or moms chairs for them selves, instead of buy new expensive gliders!! Great reuse ladies!!

Here are a few of my favorite things from IKEA

Burda Style sewing contest

2009-09-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

So on a whim I entered a sewing contest at Burda Style, some thing I'm thinking I might be doing more often these days....cause it was really fun! Thanks Burda

Great New Blog

2009-09-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hazel Nut Girl offers great projects,PUL ideas, and she is an archaeologist! What more do I need to be interested.

enjoy Cheers Jenny

BTW today was a really great day

"energy flows were attention goes" -M. Beckwith

Tots on the GO

2009-09-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ninny's Nappies and an assortment of Ninny's baby accessories are now available at Tots on the Go! A great on line store for everything moms, dads and babies need to get out and about! Ellie the owner also has a really great show room here in Richmond, its always so much nicer to see and feel products before you buy them!

this is pure genius! perfect for farmers market and shopping trips!

Ellie is hosting a family fun day to benefit ASK with an incredible gifts to be auctioned, a moon bounce and a certified car seat inspector, how cool!!!

oH martha!

2009-09-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

I just picked this up at the Library... oh Im am having a summer love affair with the library!

My 1st ( sort of) quilting project

2009-09-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

this is the only pic I took I really need to document my work more!!

I did some custom nursery work for a soon to be mom. I made a cushion,pillow and soft ottoman all out from great fabric from Quilting Adventures. She also wanted me to make a "foe quit" that could be used as a back cushion and a play mat. My 1st reactions was QUILT? Ive never done real deal quilting but then she showed me the fabric, and that she just wanted the blocks stitched to "look" like it was quilted with out all those squares and shapes that frankly make my head spin, add some piping and it really turn out nice, I enjoyed it so much that I have since bought some more " cheater prints" fabric and have been designing some play mats with it.

Coincidentally I am now making another rocking chair cover and sheet set out of IKEA fabric for another soon to be mom. And some play mats that are backed with PUL for a certain little niece of mine that likes to roll around on the floor nakie!

Reading Lists

2009-08-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of what I have been reading lately, probably a good insights as to why I have not posted in a while. I am a total history geek, especially religious history I watch the History Channel like most people what American Idol, or some Vampires I keep hearing about.

I stumbled upon a reference to this book while I was watching a story about the pyramid of Cheops. I finished the book in two days and needed more info on the subject so we all headed downtown to the library and with only 20 mins until they closed (poor planning on my part, but those Mimosas at 821 were just too good!) I found a book about this, and this.

The family is taking a week long vacation in Sept something that has not happened since before Brix was born, we will heading to Sand bridge in Va Beach home of the Edgar Cayce Inst. where I will be attending these

I once read a few years ago that Cayce was 99% actuate and that 1% that he was "wrong" is a matter of opinion. I never paid much attention to who he was or want he did, but when I dug a little deeper it kinda made my head spin.

Yeah this has nothing to do with fabric or crafts but life's not all about studio time!!

Retail Therapy & Vietri

2009-08-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

It was a rough week around here so I needed some retail therapy, my kind of therapy is thrift store scores!! Brix I only went to two place and we discovered some great finds.

Brown and cream sugar and creamer set ( Anthropologie eat your heart out!)

The plate in the middle matches 2 plates and 2 bowls that I have been collecting for a few years, the lettuce plates are vietri and are for my mom, she has been collecting veggie plates and dishes since I can remember.So when I saw the acorn and apple dishes I thought maybe I'll start my own veggie themed dish collection, prints above are Jim Callahan.

This her collection,the avocados and squash pitchers are my favorite

She and my dad have a pretty intense vietri obsession. The company is Italian and located in N.C. just like them.

I have few pieces to this one is my favorite

Oh don't worry Brix sourced some treats too, a dinosaur excavating kit, and frog galoshes ( not pictured because he slept with them on for 3 days!) Total cost for our finds=$21.49( the vietri pieces were only 1$ each!) spending time together and forgetting our woes for a few hour= priceless!

Great New Blog

2009-07-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Not much to time for new posts but here are some new blogs I have been stalking!

Cheers Jenny

kismet
veggies in DC
green kids
reuse

ENJOY!

Volcanos & Tigers

2009-07-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Free summer activities, make a paper mache volcano, paint it, then watch it explode.

Materials need=
1/2 cup flour+ 3 cups water= homemade paste
ripped up newspaper
some sort of frame, we used left over wire bunny keep out fencing
plastic cup
card board box
tin foil
baking soda and vinegar

line a card board box with tin foil

make a frame from wire, and place a plastic cup at the top

make paste from flour and water

rip strips of newspaper dip in paste and shape a volcano

pretend to be a tiger while the paste dries

add baking soda, vinegar and some food coloring and sit back and watch it explode!!

"Do it again MOMMY!" buy lots of baking soda you will be asked to repeat!!!

In the Bag

2009-07-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

I just finished up these 5 clutch bags for bride to be Cate to give to her bridesmaids as gifts ( and one for her self too)! All the fabrics are Amy Butler, have a small pocket inside and where embroidered with he recipients initials inside ( I did not do the embroidery)

We got FIOs today so Im back on the interweb!! I was only able to check my email twice in 4 days...ugh does anyone ever catch up on their emails?? I swear i have read it,it just might take me a few days to get back to you!!

New services

2009-07-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

No Internet for a few days, bummer, but we will be getting a better, faster service with more channels, Martha, DIY Channel, but what I'm most excited about it is the Military History Channel and... National Geographic Channel!! Im a total history geek. So in the mean time you can find me twice a day at Crossroads on the the South Side!! Brix also has tonsillitis, so work has been pushed aside til he is feeling better, plus Im workin on something really amazing that I will give you sneak peak at when the time is ready.......ahhhhh

Its nice to be home alone....

2009-07-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

After dropping Brix at school, stopping at the Vita course to walk 2 laps and listen to some Michael Jackson. I came home to a quiet house and made some zucchini muffins half with walnuts and half without ( so Brix can take them to school)

I used this great pumpkin tin that I got for Brix 1st birthday party, it was a halloween costume party! The recipe is vegan of course! from my favorite cook book! Here's a great tip when your baking, I always have a great big bowl of cut up fruit out that I can munch on instead of eating the raw dough! But the good/bad/good thing about baking vegan is that there is never any raw egg so its totally safe to eat the raw dough!

Home Studio Stage 2

2009-06-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

The store is emptied and cleaned, despite my landlord not showing up for the walk though , several people not returning to pick up large pieces or furniture they had bought, and several customers project that didn't get picked up either= me having to move all of this to my house. the move went smoothly and very fast.

done and done!

Setting up the studio seems to be alot easier then i had projected, there is a lot to be said for organizing everything while you pack. I believe I learned this from watching my mom pack, as an army wife I think she has packed and moved her family a total of 18 times!!! I'm still in awe of how she does it when all 10 of us plus the 8 grand babies head to Corolla every summer.

This move did open a few can of worms, moving the desk from the studio room out into the dining room= cleaning out the entire desk, which Dru did while I took a 3 hour nap. What to do with the furniture that wasn't picked up or didn't sell that I cant bear to just donate to Diversity= sitting on my front porch until I post it all on craigslist

my front porch

Another dilemma, I have so many custom orders to fill i have to start sewing now, even though the room is only half set up. Shelves need to be hung, fabric needs to be put away, and the books have been a wee bit neglected. It will all get done maybe not today or this weekend, but eventually.

I think she looks good with the pink!

...and the bride wore organic silk

2009-06-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Sarah and Doug who were married last weekend! I'm so glad to that I was able to make your dream dress a reality!

Home Studio Stage 1

2009-06-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, mentally I have closed the store and have been planning how to arrange my home studio in my mind. Small steps have been taken already, certain pieces of furniture have been allocated to stay in the studio, aka the sewing room or the cats room ( thats where Kevin Gene spent most of him time before passing this winter). Ive got all the key players, cutting table, swivel chair, bookcases and storage bins, cute Ikea draws to hold knick knacks, etc... if you have been in my store you feel my aesthetic, lots of wood simple design Its gonna be a tight fit! So Im going to share with the process with you !

STAGE ONE = CLEANING AND CLEARING OUT WHATS IN THERE NOW

Its your typical "catch all" room, its an office,music room, storage, ironing room.Its always been kept clean and tidy and everything is up against the walls so the middle of the room is bare. Oh ! and there is a great walk though closet with 2 doors. Right now its full JZ's music equipement! Most of what is in the pictures has already or will be put in the attic. and yes yes its pink, I know I wanted to do a whole Parisian pink, black and white thing in there, I was 5 months pregnant when I choose the paint colors in the house, needless to say each room is being re painted one by one. Unfortunately I probably wont repaint this room, its actually not that bad!

Anyone have some great studio organizing tips? send them to me with pics and I will post em up!

Cheers Jenny

Ninny's products now available at Ellwoods!

2009-06-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Oh I'm so excited!! You can now purchase Ninny's Naturals women's pads and liners at Ellwood Thompson's. Saturday the family and to visit my products and how happy were to find them on an end cap displayed really lovely next to Diva Cups with lots of great info posted about the sustainability of bamboo fibers!

Brix and I sampled some Acai juice then went off to get some dinner. Brix loved his coconut rice, curry tofu and mashed sweet potatoes! He was so full he even refused the last bite of vegan chocolate cake!!

Swim Diapers are HERE!!

2009-06-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

My 1st batch of swim diapers are here. Nicky and Mary Helen were nice enough to test them out at Emmy's Pool this weekend. They past the test!! Good fit, "contained" well, easy to remove, and did not soak up pool water. They come in small, med, and large 16.99 each, right now I have 1 large and 3 med. I will be taking special orders just shoot me an email....speaking of orders soon very soon there will be a new etsy site up just for Ninny products!! I have dreams of a website but they might happen for a while a girl can dream right?

Side snap!! 100 % organic Hemp knit lining
Yes they're twins, and red heads just like their mommy.

The Bare Necessities of Life

2009-06-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Don't spend your time lookin' around
For something you want that can't be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin' about it
I'll tell you something true

The bare necessities of life will come to you- PH

I'm feel'n a bit like a phoenix today, its all going going out the door and I couldn't feel more like Ive made the right decision even when my landlord offered me half what I am paying in rent WOW!

Burn it down till the embers smoke on the ground
And start new when your heart is an empty room
With walls of the deepest blue -DCFC

Lighten the Load

2009-06-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ok people its time to get move 'n literally! I need to sell as much stuff as possible in the next 3 weeks. I dont have room for a quarter of this stuff in my house.

Heres the deal all the fixtures that are for sale are priced at what I bough them for . Im just trying to break even not a profit! Deals can be made if you purchase multiple items.

All merchandise is 20% off if you buy the whole bolt 40% off!

You have until the 30th to pick up you items but you must pay for them to hold them. Emailing me is not enough to hold it!

Go to my flickr page to see some of what is for sale but there is a ton more. I will also be selling all my samples and displays.

Who whats 50 sugars skulls????

THREAD THERAPY starts July 23rd at Rumors 7-9pm sign up details coming soon....

Cheers Jenny

Closing up shop

2009-06-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have been dreading this post, but the time has come to let all of you know that I be will closing my store front June 30th. It was a really tough decision, & those of you that have helped and supported me this past year know how hard it was to make. I went back and forth about it ( sometimes minute to minute!)

I want to be clear though, I am closing my store NOT going out of business. I will simply be working out of a studio in my house. My etsy store will remain up and running and I will continue to teach sewing classes starting in July at Rumors Boutique. My diapers and womens pads will be available at Ellwoods in 2 weeks, and at Alchemy Boutique, ( hopefully Wholefoods soon!!) I will also continue to do custom work and alterations. Plus you can come see me every tuesday at the Bryan Park Farmers market and occasionally at the South of the James Market.

EVERYTHING in the store is 20% except diapers and accessories. Most of the store fixtures are for sale as well, including my much coveted custom designed cutting table. Fixtures will be posted on craigslist next week, so if you want something come in this week to put it on hold! Email me to find out about pricing.

Having my store has been such an amazing positive experience I have meet so many incredible people. I have enjoyed teaching you to sew, and seeing /hearing about the things you have made with my fabric. I have learned though this last crazy year that my passion truly is creating, I need to create to be happy healthy and alive, while the store gave me an opportunity to do this, the 'extras' involved in running a retail business steered me away from my passion. This time last year I new very little about cloth diapering, I never dreamed that I would love making them and talking about them.

I want to thank Katie and Rupa for getting me organized and keeping me company I don't think you will ever know how much you both have helped me and kept me sane. Thank you Lia for all your advice and being truthful even if it hurt a little, I am so glad to see you so happy. Thank you Tom for our long,long talks and stories, and my awesome business cards. Thank you Sarah for all the design work you have been doing, your not off the hook yet though!!

I have some really great ideas for my blog its going to get better and a bigger!!

Cheers Jenny

PS as I was typing this blog to you a huge fly flew in my wine I took a sip , noticed something chunky and spit it out. I am traumatized, the only thing that can make it better...more wine ( in a clean glass)

SALE SALE SALE

2009-05-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

20% off all fabric ( includes organics DOEST NOT include all ready on sale items) this Saturday May 30th only to celebrate my birthday/mothers day/wedding anniversary month! Just mention my BLOG when you check out!!

FABRIC SWAP

2009-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

fleur is hosting another fabulous FABRIC SWAP this Saturday from 2-4pm. Again this is a casual bring something to take some swap. If you would like to participate but do not have any items to donate we have a 2 dollar collection box for Art on Wheels. All left over materials will be donated to Richmond Stuff.
Cheers Jenny

Upcycling plastic bottles tutorial with Rupa

2009-05-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Rupa and I made coin purses from recycled soda bottles. Enjoy....

what you need to get started
exacto knife, pen, thick sharp needle, thread we used silamide, zipper

cut the bottoms off

you need 2 bottles per coin purse

mark you holes 1/2 inch apart

use your needle to puncture the plastic we used a curve hopolstery needle

sew your zipper on the inside of the bottle bottom

trim off the zipper ends to make sure there is no space where the zipper meets itself

sew the zipper to the other bottle bottom

voila! all done, now you have new coin purse!

What do with the rest of the bottle? We made ours into trumpets

If would like to make these come by and pick up some bottles we have lot!

London Calling

2009-05-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

the dress on the right

I had a customer a few weeks ago come in and show me a dress in a Lucky magazine. Asking if I had ever seen fabric that was similar to the dress. I had seen it...somewhere... but I could not remember where. I searched though my wholesalers to see if I could find it. But I did not,I was bummed that i could not locate it for her. I love the thrill of the hunt, Im a total scavenger hunt addict. I was browsing though the Roberkaufman site today when I spotted it! JACKPOT! the first time I had seen it was in an teaser email the company had sent about new lines that where coming this spring. I did not get that customers name or contact info. So if you out there and read my simple little blog... here you go.

p.s. if you want me to order it, no problem just give me a call 612-9198 ( I wouldn't mind getting my hands on it either!!)

Cheers Jenny

Don't pet a snake backwards and other life lessons

2009-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

After the spending the better part of the last 5 years working on films I have learned a few things about getting along with people. You see when you work in the film industry you are forced to work very closely with different types of people from different backgrounds, nationalities, ages and vocations, and in very intense and stressful situations ( I once had Terrance Malick stare me in the eye while screaming for more armoured hats ). You make fast friends and can make even faster enemies.

Movie productions an be very causal places, no one hardly ever wears a suit or dresses. The costume designer or the producer can look just like a set dresser or hair and makeup. That person you snarked at in the craft service table for not recycling their coffee cup, could be the director!

My point is people aren't always who you perceive them to be, you know the old phase don't judge a book by is cover.

The other funny thing about films is that the person who is dressing background actors or making fake plies of horse poop on one film could be your supervisor or gang boss on the next film. Positions aren't locked from film to film. The lesson here, treat everyone with the same amount of respect. The same people you step on to succeed in life WILL be the same people you see on the way down.

The last lesson that working in the film bz has taught me is if you make a mistake, own up to it. Its called accountability and I think its greatly lacking in most of the professional world. If you screw up own up to it, most issues can be fixed, an apology goes a long way.

This may seem like a random post, the few of you that were at the VAC this afternoon probably understand, why I am posting this. I dont feel the need to re-hash or bash anyone or another business so I will leave it at this.

Don't judge me on how I look, don't assume that I'm not an important member of my community because I am tattooed, when you speak to someone look them in the eye and if you know you have done any of these things, an apology goes a long way!
Thanks for the vent, I feel much better.

Cheers Jenny

Jonny Z

2009-05-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

yes he is peeing...

Two years ago today a good friend of mine and Drus unexpectedly died when he fell off the Nickel Bridge. Jonny and I had our ups and downs but he was a great friend and we miss him. His life and his death deeply changed how I view life and how I treat others. Our relationship with people, friend and family are all that really matter, material possessions truly mean nothing.

He was a great inspiration for me to open my store and is part of the reason I named it fleur. There is a tiny alter tucked away in a corner of my store for him, next time you come take a look and I will tell the store about the name.

I believe that Jonny comes and visits me every once an while and looks over Brix (I'll tell those stories too). Where ever he is I know he is taking care my Kevin kat, Casius the snake and the little one we just lost.

love u Jonny

Alabama Chanin

2009-05-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

After the down pour yesterday I have dried off, and decided to take it easy today. My sister, her husband and their 6 month old twins Nicky and Mary Helen paid me a visit on there drive from Alexandria to Chapel Hill. Nothing like smiling cooing babies to eaze the stress Jackie stopped by to pick up her oilcloth order, and dropped off fliers for Art 24 with Natalie Chanin at the Visual Art Center and then i spent my last hour in the shop flipping thur her website. So in the sprit of sustainable living fleur was so excited when I was asked to be there as a vendor selling Ninny's Nappies .

Market Emporium

2009-05-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Come check out Ninnys Nappies at the Market Emporium at Bryan Park today May 5th from 3-7. The shop is still open Katie will be slinging fabric!

Cheers

Miss'n My Blog

2009-04-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Almost 2 weeks and no posts, and I have been miss'n my blog. Between finishing up a wedding a dress, 5 box cushions seat recovers, multiple alterations,sewing classes and working on two committees for the new Patrick Henry Charter School I've been a busy bee.

I also decided to take off Sundays to spend more time with my family, and to avoid a total burn out so absolutely no work is allowed.

I was also excepted to the new Bryan Park Market every tues 3-7 at Bryan Park as well as subbing in here and there for a few vendors at the South of the James Market. I will be selling my Cloth Diapers and accessories as well as fat quarters and pre-cut rolls of Oil Cloth!

There are a some really exciting changes happening at fleur, too soon to let the cat out of the bag, but Im really happy about a new direction I will be headed in.

Ninny's Nappies & all things baby

2009-04-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know fleur makes custom baby bedding?? Bumpers,curtains, pillows, and crib skirts. Check out this moses basket I just recovered for Amy

Moms to be can now register for cloth diapers, choose your style, color combos and let your baby shower guest know you are registered here! Diapers are made as orders are placed. Discounts are given to large orders.

FITTED WITH POCKET AND SOAKER

PREFOLD

COVERS

CLASSIC "ALL IN ONE"

Next time your in Carytown stop in Alchemy and Its Hip to Round, both now have samples, info and swatches about Ninny's Nappies.

We also make wet bags, diaper liners, and nursing covers, we're pretty baby crazy over here!!

WET BAGS ( will hold 3 diapers)

Amy Butler outter fabric PUL inner fabric

NURSING COVERS ( made from 100% organic bamboo)
( photo credit Katie Hadlock)

Plastic Crafts and more interviews

2009-04-13T10:50:00.001-07:00

Rupa is also in the store almost every week helping me get organized. Cataloging my patterns and the secret fabric stash I keep hidden behind the curtain.

Both Rupa and I are very passionate about recycling, reducing waste, and DIY. We found two crafts that recycle plastic on craftzine and decided to test them out. Stay tuned for tutorials on both projects!

I asked Rupa a few questions so you can get to know her better.

Where are you from?
I was born in Chennai, India - moved to the USA when I was 6 and have been living in MD/NOVA area since. Nothin really exciting there!

Where do you live now?
After getting married last August, I moved to Richmond to live with my hubby in the museum district.

When and why did you start sewing?
Ahm, first time I really started sewing was about 2 months ago when I took a lesson with Jenny! I love making things and sewing was one thing I hadn't tried ...well since home-economics in high school where I hand stitched my elephant pillow to my skirt!

What project are you working on right now?
Let's see I am working on a collection of bibs for family and friends. Now the bibs will never get done unless I can figure out how to put the snaps on without smooshing the snap! Also working on different types of binding for books, a 2nd pillow cover for my couch and my brain is thinking up a recycled postcards w/sewn design work type thing.

What is your favorite sewing playlist? ( this could be an album, soundtrack, or random playlist)
Okie so I have become obsessed with soap net since I am currently unemployed so the TV will be tuned to watch the original Beverly Hills 90210....and sometimes I just like the sound of the sewing machine.
What is your favorite sewing/craft blog?
Since the sewing world is new to me, I am just getting into the sewing blogs...but I really look into anything that is green and crafty so at the moment I am reading...crafting green world

If you could make anything no matter how intricate or " difficult" what would it be?
Ah...after cleaning/organizing Jenny's patterns I would love love love to make an dress from a vintage pattern...that is after I learn how to read patterns!

What are you other interests besides sewing/crafting?
oh gosh...dance + books + saving the planet + photography and laughing/sharing memories in beautiful weather with freinds + family.

What is your life" motto"?
Never be content with your life, you can and should always do more.

DIY beauty day

2009-04-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Katie and I spent Wednesday afternoon, playing alchemy! We made deodorant & bug spray.
I have been dying to make my own deodorant, Ive long been an opponent to the store bought stuff, but could never find a substitute that worked!

Here is what you need, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup baking soda, 2 tablespoons coconut shortening, tea tree & lavender oil, and an empty deodorant container.

mix all the ingredients in a bowl, until it forms a sticky ball
the coconut will start to melt from the heat of your hands so work fast, twist the deodorant tube all the way down and fill it up with your concoction

put the lid on top and let it sit over night to set up.

we also covered out recycled deodorant tube with oil cloth and chalk cloth.
1st we measured the length and diameter of the tube

marked and cut using pinking shears
Next we used glue dots to secure the oilcloth the to the tube, Katie made chalk cloth labels

I have terrible handwriting so we had Katie's sister write the labels, she was there hand sewing appliques on a quilt she is making.

We also made 2 batches of bug spray which just consists of combining a combo of citronella oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil and put it in a spray bottle
ALL DONE!! And let me tell you all this stuff smells incredible coconut and tea tree are an amazing combo! and the bug spray works Ive used natural oils to keep buggys away for years.
Stop by the store if you would like to check out the finished product, next weds we will be making our own shampoo!!

Introducing....

2009-04-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

Kate one of my fabulous assistants who is currently helping me get my etsy site bumping and we have a really exciting project/ tutorial in the works, DIY deodorant, bug spray and face cleanser. We will be posting a step by step tutorial of each , including hits and tips on DIY skin care and over all beauty and health care, like body brushing.

What does this have to do with sewing you ask?? Well that's the beauty of owning your own business you get to go with flow and follow what ever mood strikes you, we were both stoked ( I've been hanging out the with the cooks at 821 to much!) on DIY beauty care Kate even had a whole book on it, and you didn't have to twist my arm to make a trip to Ellwoods to stock up on supplies like tea tree oil and sweet almond oil.

Maybe we will even start teaching classes on it!!...

so I asked Kate a few questions, and yes I based them on the questions that Burda and Skirt Magazine use, yeah there good questions, and Im no journalist.

Where are you from?
- I was born in Glen Rose, Tx and lived in the small town for 12 years. It's true, I'm a southern bell....of sorts. But then I moved to Phoenix, Az for a year and then Boston, and finally Virginia.
Where do you live now?
- I live in the amazing museum district of Richmond, Va!

When and why did you start sewing?
- I starting sewing at a young age, probably 8 or 9. My mom bought a package of felt ornaments, you know the kind where the pattern is printed on the felt and then you add beads and sequins. This was the beginning of a life long love affair with all things sparkly and resulted in my purchase of a bedazzler last year. I would sew small things like that with my mom, but then stopped sewing for almost 10 years because I didn't have much of an interest and school was crazy/etc. Then my mom gave me a sewing machine for my 18th birthday and I've been crafting since.
- The reason I started sewing was obviously because my mom and I started a fun project, but also because her and my grandmother were amazing seamstresses. They were always whipping up something for the grandkids like easter dresses.......I wonder if my nanny would make one for me now, haha.

What project are you working on right now?
-Currently I have a few projects on the table, most important is the veil for my best friends wedding! I am really excited for this project, but I'm also nervous! I also have some hankies to finish and a dress. Unfortunately I like to start a project and leave it mid way, then begin something new.

What is your favorite sewing playlist?
-This is tuff!!!! Yes, tuff, kind of like the ridiculous cat posters from elementary school. I go in phases with my music, some times I really need some pop punk, sometimes I need some good folk, but I'll say the end all be all is anything by Owen. His real name is Mike Kinsella, one of the orignial members of Joan of Arc and a zillion other bands.

What is your favorite sewing/craft blog?
-Again, this is hard I read about 20 daily. Ok, I lied it's not that difficult. I LOVE wedding blogs at the moment and Snippet and Ink has an amazing blog that has DIY's and inspiration for weddings. . I also love Design Dig, she has a great taste for design, although she just appreciates other people's work. She's the featured blog on the bulletin board so check her out!

If you could make anything no matter how intricate or "difficult" what would it be?
-Ugh, what wouldn't I make. I'm an experimenter so I'll try anything once, but I dream about making my own beautiful gown! (wedding or not)

What are your other interests besides sewing/crafting?
- Well I do love a good nap in the sun at maymont! I also love to read and hang with my gal pals.

What is your life "motto" or favorite quote?
- I'll try anything once!
- And Try to learn something new every day!

Easter Eggs

2009-03-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Come join us April 11th from 2-4 at fleur to make fabric easter eggs!
These are a great project from Retro Mama featured on Craft Zine

Bring your own fabric at least 2 different pieces of 10"x5" or chooce from our selection of charm packs and fat quarters!We will supply the pattern and all other materials.

This project is suitable for 10 yrs and up!!! 5 dollars per person =2 eggs

Crocs rock

2009-03-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tattoo by Jeff Eden, image by Klimt

I want these too

My dear sweet husband bought me a brand new pair of leopard print crocs this weekend, and today was the 1st nice day I could sport them! I am so in love with the company because they do not use leather, and make really cute simple shoes, that are beyond comfortable, inexpensive and last for ever. You can even recycle them when your kids grow out of them, how cool is that!

I have been hearing rumors that they may go out business, so if you need new shoes this summer, support Crocs they make so many different styles now for women and kids.

She's a fox!

2009-03-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sheila Fox from She She the Home Magician, ( use sheshe as the password) bought the rest of my Ikea fabric and made a fabulous pillow and stool cover! Love the orange piping.

I think fleur might have to have its 1st customer contest soon......

Done and Done!

2009-03-20T06:36:00.001-07:00

Here is the Muslim Wedding dress I finished, it is being mailed to the bride in Las Vegas today! Hopefully it will not need any alterations!

I also had an order for 3 All In One cloth diapers, I really like this style, the pattern would also make great training pants!

One more wedding dress to go along with, many bridesmaids alterations, another bed skirt for Larissa ( one of my best customers!), turning a set of vintage Alice in Wonderland sheets in to curtains, and a prom dress!!! I love my job

Breathing a little easier

2009-03-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today I am a little more relaxed, I have finished one of my wedding dresses. A dress for a traditional Muslim wedding, made out of many layers of white silk georgette and lots of ruching. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever made, not just because it was difficult fabric to work with, with many layers of baby rolled hems ( you know the ones on Project Runway that they always leave unfinished then get kicked of for), but because it was someones wedding dress, a dress that she will always remember and has probably been thinking about her whole life and it should be pretty near perfect. Done and Done ( until the next one...)

One of my Interns( yes I have 2 ) started today as well, and i have decided that I don't like that word I much prefer assistant. So very soon they both will be introducing themselves here and contributing to blog posts. Rupa has started cleaning and organizing my back room and did more in 2 hrs then I have managed to do back there in 6 months. So a BIG BIG thanks.

I have some big things planned here at fleur, and with both of these ladies help I feel that soon these big things will start happening!!

sorry no pretty pics today.... soon very soon

Maps and Sundresses

2009-03-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

The fabric this dress is made from is my most asked about fabric... the problem is that its a dress made from an old pillow case bought many years ago at a second hand store

Until today!!! I searched and searched my sources and I found it!! Well not the exact fabric but its pretty close. I love it some much I almost don't want to sell it...I have this problem alot. But I will its now available here at fleur for 9.99 per yd 45 inch wide 100% cotton

My 1st customer

2009-03-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

Mary Louise McGurk Robertshaw, born March 4th 7 pounds

wearing CD's made by her aunt, mom had a successful, and safe VBAC ! We are so proud of her!

She will be called Mary Lou, the third double named Mary in our family. Mary Alice her grandmother and Mary Helen her cousin

Skirt Magazine loves me!

2009-03-05T09:54:00.001-08:00

Skirt Magazine was one of my 1st supporter back in Sept when I opened, and they were nice enough to do a 24/7 on me!

.
Its a wonderful FREE magazine, and its always available here at fleur.

Interns wanted

2009-02-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

After a crazy 2 weeks and the busiest day since we opened, I am in need of an intern.

Someone who has some sewing background,is responsible and willing to sew/clean/ and do paper and computer work. Preferably someone I know or have meet, possibly only 2 days a week

I can pay you in free sewing lessons and a 20 % off on all purchases, call me or email if any one is interested

New Classes

2009-02-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

With the over whelming trend to DIY, in the past few months. So many people have been asking me to teach a class on home decor. So starting NOW! fleur is offering a intro to curtains and intro to pillows class. Both are separate 2hr classes @ 40$ each!!

I am also offering a class on theMEI TAI baby sling. If you have children you know that a new mom needs several different types of baby slings, depending on the age of the baby and where you are carrying them. The MEI TAi is one of the most popular "pack" style carriers and one of the most expensive retails between 90 to 120 dollars!! for 40 dollars plus the cost of your fabric you can make you own!!
If you don't want to learn you just WANT one custom orders are available call or email for details

dads like to baby carry too!!

Frogs and Tad Poles

2009-02-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Heather Ross has landed at fleur and I'm totally in love not only are her prints adorable, cute, they are not juvenile. The quality of the fabric is like butter!!

I taught a class last week where we made a pattern from a store bought pair of little boys pants. I think this fabric would be great to make a second pair.

New Amy Butler is trickling in also..

Just arrived

2009-02-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

NEW OILCLOTH

and a little something from IKEA

2009-02-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

I've been stack about posting, I know. Its been a hectic week. Late night sewing parties,
charter school meetings, 1st Fridays, Metro space Craft Markets!

My Style IN/OUT box, outside Ghost Print Gallery friday night

It will be permitly be placed inside the Children's Museum!!

And who wants to sit in front of a computer with this gorgeous weather outside!!! I'm a total
GEOCACH geek to, we hit up Huguenot Park on Monday and found two. Ive been doing a ton of research for my orders and new fabric will be hitting my shelves soon!!

Be My Fabric Buyer receive 15% discount

2009-02-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

fleur will be placing 2 orders this week for new spring fabric. I would love to hear your feed back.

Im really inspired by the colors of the ocean, teals, sea foams, and sandy browns, as well as underwater prints of fish and squirmy mermaids.

Amy Butler's Daisy Chains has great blue and grey tones.

I am also inspired by EESOMES squid fabric on one of her back pack that sits right in front of my computer. Heather Ross has some really fun clever aquarium prints.

Its also time for some new oilcloth!.
Poka dots are always a favorite and they have a new cherry print that I think needs find its way here.

So if you see some you like leave a comment and receive a 15% discount when the fabric arrives!!

this is for AMY

EESOME is AWESOME

2009-02-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

Holly the designer behind EESOME is the 1st local artist/craft artisan that is now available for sale at fleur.

Her back packs are unbelievably cute,

they are the perfect size to pack a picnic to the park ( and what a perfect day to do it) or for a teenager to carry.

She also has a variety of Ipod cases!

Her choice of fabrics are fabulous , I need to find which designers she uses to I can carry them in the store!

Check out her etsy store, I love her coin purses.

CPSIA News

2009-01-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

The CPSIA grants a one year stay for lead testing!!

The Beat

2009-01-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

Im going to see the English Beat tomorrow!! Yeah!!!
I spent most of my high school years riding in my boyfriends 1977 Landcrusier going to SKA shows in DC at the old 9:30 Club, The Black Cat ( I played pool with( at the time) an unknown Gwen Stefani), and Club Asylum ( before the 2nd floor fell though the ceiling.

I had a short short bob shaved in the back and wore my fishnets with white bobby socks in my 3 hole Doc Martins,my Fred Perrys were tight and my Bomber jacket was covered with band patches!

I will not be wear that to show tomorrow, but I'll sing every word to every song and remember my youth! Thanks Tom for getting us tickets.

Polaroid Fix

2009-01-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

I have a Polaroid film addiction, and it needs to be feed!!

My camera of choice is yes a huge clunky out of date Polaroid.

But I love them so.

Problem is they don't make the film any more.

If any one has film they would like to sell, barter or trade. I can offer a ridiculous discount on fabric, books, pattern supplies, or sewing classes!
Shoot me an email or come by the store

Style in/out box

2009-01-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited to
Unboxed:

Style Weekly’s Arts Party

Please join us for a preview of our special First Fridays exhibit, featuring work by

Christina Stratman
Noah Scalin
Thea Duskin
HOPE
Jenny McGurk
Heide Trepanier
Mickael Broth
Ed Trask
Chris Milk Hulburt
Art 180

They’ve transformed 10 Style Weekly outboxes into public art.

When: Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 · 7-9 p.m.

Where: Ghostprint Gallery, 220 W. Broad St.

For More Information: (804) 358-0825

public exhibit to f from 7 to 10 p.m..

I was so excited when Style asked me to be apart this show. Luckily I didn't know the who the other artist were until I was done!! I would have been so nervous, to be in a show along side these amazing accomplished artist! I think my box turnout really great! I was inspired by the dreary, weather and dreary state of our nation and wanted to something fun, bright, happy and child like!

This will be my 1st official 1st Friday, baby with stay with his grandparents, and Dru will be my date

Space Available

2009-01-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

fleur is looking to share its space with a like minded retailer. Someone looking for a space to teach sewing lessons, sewing machine repair,or scissor sharpening. Artist or designers looking for studio space, internet stores looking to expand to a brick and mortar space or any business that would mess well with a fabric store.400 to 500 sq feet is available at 1.50/15 per sq foot. Please email, or come by the store to discuss details.

Bamboo Fleece is here!!

2009-01-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Bamboo fleece just arrived this morning, and what a more perfect day!! Its so cold out ! just want to wrap my self in all 20 yds and call it a day!! Its the most soft, silky, heavy fleece I've ever seen.

Inaddtion to making more cloth diapers I think Im going to make some of these.

I've had several people ask me about them, Ive never made them but Im going to give'm a try! They totally make sense, if any one makes and uses them I'd love to hear some feed back. I am truly on my way to becomimg a total earth momma.

PUL Prints

2009-01-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

Pul Prints have arrived!! these are 19x 20 diaper cuts of 2 mil pul 5.75 each.The first shipment includes....

Butterflies and Home Town (my favorite)

Lady Bugs, Frogs and a blue with white stars( no pic yet)
I have an order to make 15 custom diapers so come and get these prints while they last!

Swap Success!

2009-01-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

WOW! I was blown away by the turn out at the Fabric Swap this Saturday! Thank you to everyone that came out, I hope you all found some great treasures.

I intended on donating ALL that was left to the Craft Room and the Children's Museum, well when I told them I had 7 bags, they were grateful but only asked for 2. So I sent some with Karen to the Craft Mafia's swap on Sunday. But I still have alot left over.

Instead of dropping it all off at the thrift store I have decided to have bin in the store of the free fabric for any one to dig though. One catch though... take piece leave a piece. This is a great concept, Chop Suey does it and both Nordstrom
( with shoes ) and Urban Outfitters ( with used jeans) were founded on this idea. So starting next week the fabric will be available for "trade" in the store. In addition there will be a small white pail for donations to a group that make bereavement dolls with children. More info about the group will be available in the store or contact ,Suzanne

this is Suzanne's cute shopping basket!

Sorry about the lack of post, the next few weeks might be a bit lean here. I will be wearing my seamstress hat till mid April. I have been commissioned to make, 4 different home decor projects, a mother of the bride dress, and wedding dress for July!! I know its crazy.

44 for Obama

2009-01-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

fleur is having a 44% of SALE on all Amy Butler Fabric and Patterns

As well as all Robert Kaufman Fabric in honor of The USA's 44th President

just mention my blog to get the discount

DIAPER COST CORRECTION

2009-01-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

upon more cloth diaper making the last few days ( can you tell I want another baby really bad!!) I have discovered that you can actually get 6 diapers out 1 yd of fabric so I have recalculated my costs

ORGANIC BAMBOO FLEECE DIAPERS= 10.77 EACH X 20=215.40

ORGANIC COTTON FLEECE=10.35 EACH x =207.40

NON ORGANIC= 7.37 EACH x 20=147.74

Now thats what Im talkin about !!!

I spend 40 dollars a month on diapers 40x12 = 480.00 dollars a year on diapers my son is 2 1/2 x 480.00=1,200 that a rough estimate because babies use more when they are smaller. But still I could have saved 984.60 dollars or more!!

Letter to my congress man

2009-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

From: Jenny McGurk
4901 Basset Richmond va 23225

To: Robert C.Scott

Re: Changes needed to the Consumer Product Improvement Act (CPSIA) to Save Handmade Toys in the USA

Dear Mr.Scott,

Like many people, I was deeply concerned by the dangerous and poisonous toys that large Chinese toy manufacturers have been selling to our nations families. And, I was very pleased that Congress acted quickly to protect America's children by enacting the CPSIA.

However, I am very concerned that the CPSIA's mandates for third party testing and labeling will have a dramatic and negative effect on small toymakers and in the USA, Canada, and Europe, whose toy safety record has always been exemplary. It will also devastate small manufacturers of children's clothes and other handmade goods for children.

Because of the fees charged by Third Party testing companies, many manufacturers, especially makers of beautiful wooden toys and unique children's clothes from Maine to Oregon will be driven out of business. Their cottage workshops simply do not make enough money to afford the $4,000 price tag per toy that Third Party testers are charging.

I urge you to quickly request the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make some very reasonable exclusions in their interpretation of the law as they continue their rulemaking process. For example, manufacturers should be able to rely on testing done by their materials suppliers instead of paying for redundant unit-based testing. I would also like to see an exemption to third party testing requirements for micro-businesses similar to the exemptions granted by the FDA for small producers under the food labeling laws.

If you feel that testing should still be required, then the CPSC should be made to offer free testing services for small manufacturers.

These toy makers and crafters have earned and kept the public's trust. They provide jobs for hundreds and quality playthings for thousands. Their unique businesses should be protected. Please visit www.handmadetoyalliance.org to learn more about this issue.

In addition I own a small fabric store in the city of Richmond, many of my customers make and sell baby clothes, and toys as well as my myself. If these laws are passed I will most likely lose many of these customers, including the revenue I earn from making and selling cloth diapers, and children's clothes. With the current state of our nations economy this could be devastating to my business, and potentially cause me to close my doors
Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Jenny McGurk Owner fleur fabrics 119 N Robinson St RVA 23220 612 9198

go to this site. to find your congress man and send your letter TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!!!

Do the Math

2009-01-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

So I've spent my morning making cloth diapers, and I can't tell you how quick and easy they are! I wanted to "Do the Math" on the cost of making them. Most of the time it is cost effective to make things your self, but sometimes it is not.

So I wanted to prove to my self and to my customers the price of making your own Cloth Diapers ...here goes

I calculated in terms of 5 diapers because you can get 5 diapers very nicely out 1 1/8 yard of 60 inch wide PUL.
These prices are based on the fabrics and supplies that I carry and average price of non organic fleece and terry so it can vary up or down depending where you purchase, if its on sale etc...
This is for an All in One/ pocket, adjustable diaper YES !! I said adjustable this diaper will go from 7 pounds to 30 pounds( I combined the best parts of 2 diapers styles) similar to the Bum Genius diaper which retails for $24.95

1 1/8 PUL =12.64
1 1/8 organic bamboo fleece= 17.83
3/4 orangic terry cloth=10.13
10 yard FOE elastic= 10.00
90 snap sets =18.00
total= 68.60 X 5 = 13.72 each diaper

if you use organic cotton fleece
1 1/8 = 14.95
total= 65.72x 5= 13.14 each diaper

if you use non organic fleece and terry cloth
1 1/8= 6.90
3/4=5.25
totals= 52.79x5=10.56 each diaper

Experts estimate that one baby needs roughly 20 diapers so times each diaper by 20 and you get...

organic bamboo fleece=274.40 + tax= 288.12
organic cotton fleece= 262.80 + tax= 275.94
reg. fleece= 211.16 + tax=221.71

The average organic cloth diaper ranges in price from $ 18 to $ 36 each, non organics range from $16 to $24. These usually do not come with soaker pads, these range about 3.50 each.Soakers are included in my calculation's ( thats what the terry cloth is for).

I found a great site called Diaper Decisions. That breaks down the cost of disposables and cloth diapers and what people spent on average each year on both.

So by making your own, you will save an average of $10 to $20 each on organic cloth diapers and $9 to $15 each on non organic cloth diapers.WOW!!
Even though my son is 2 1/2 and hopefully will be totally potty trained soon. I am switching over. Because its a one time cost, if I make them now I can use them for my next baby.... and when I done having babies I can give them to a new mom what a great gift to give some one.

black & white

2009-01-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

While I was at my parents house in N.C for the holiday , I took some photos of the collections my mom has in her house. She has quite a bit of art, her father was an artist.( I think that little girl in the white dress is my mom) and teacher in New York during theNew Deal and the W.P.A.. And was friends with the likes of Thomas Hart Benton. Who has Jackson Pollack's mentor and teacher.

My grandfather Lawrence Adams or Poppy as I knew him passed away when I was very young 6 or 7. I remember very clearly the day mom got the phone call. It was a sunny day in our kitchen on base in Ft. Benning Georgia. I remember her crying as she slowly slid her back down the wall and I sat with her on kitchen floor not understanding why.

I have only a hand full of memories of Poppy, I used to sit in his lap at his desk and he would draw pictures for me with big a grease pencil, I still love the smell of them and peeling them down is so satisfying. I even have a tattoo on my arm of a secret he told me. Once I showed the smallest spark of creativity my mom, encouraged me, to paint, sculpt, sew, and draw. Though I didn't know him very well, I feel like he has always been along side me.

I took some pictures of his wood block prints, the picture aren't great I need a better camera.

I'm not sure about the titles for these but this one always reminded me of some one swimming in a lake

this is a lino cut I did when I was 12, strange how the compositions are similar

I think we have all felt like this at sometime or another, being stuck in a slump!

These are two Christmas cards that Thomas Hart Benton send my moms family, I believe they are lithograph prints that he did only for his Christmas card, they may be the only one that still exist. I have urged my mom to have the them appraised and insured! She used to keep them in her tee- shirt draw, thankfully a few years ago my dad had them professionally sealed and framed. I wanted to photocopy the hand written note on the inside of the card, but she would not let me break the seal.

This is a self portrait, at age 14. I am wearing my moms wedding veil. I remember the assignment in Mrs. Hammond's 10th grade art class was to do a self portrait showing your heritage. The wedding veil is a traditional Italian wedding veil, similar to what the virgin Mary wears. I made an exact replica of this veil for my sister Meg when she got married.

I'm a quarter Italian on my dad's side. Rocco grew up in the North End of Boston, thats a whole another post, well no thats could be a whole book!