Jack Sprat & Friends

Harvest Time

2011-06-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

I love when little scarlet globes are practically leaping from the earth to become our salad.

Animal House

2010-09-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Cowboy tries to bring the pony into the house.

Back to Working...

2010-03-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

Working slowly but steadily on the new (old) house. The work leaves little time for other projects, but is so rewarding...having thousands of square feet of blank canvas and total freedom. Also, new garments for Jack Sprat soon--I'm loving being back at the machine and hope to fill up the shop soon. The finished staircase.

Pre-furnishing

2009-11-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Since we're almost in the new place, it's easy to buy things to put in it...even if I don't know where they'll be going, or if they'll fit with anything else. I found these vintage shades at a secondhand shop and figured they'd just hang around until I found lamps to go with. After looking on ebay for about 2 minutes, these lamps popped up, sans shades.

Rainy Day Pants

2009-10-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Trying to get some Jack Sprat trousers and shirts underway...but so many half-finished projects keep me from it. Not to mention I'm still working out of teeny-tiny space. Wanting so badly to sew, I managed to squeeze out one pair of slim corduroy overalls. They need a little tweaking, but are passable for this kid.

Tree Climbing

2009-10-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

She's always been a spectacular jumper, but Maisie seems to have an extra spring in her step lately. She is now climbing into the upper branches of trees, whether there are squirrels present or not.

Pumpkin

2009-10-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin painting, pumpkin lattes...

Limbo

2009-09-13T05:07:00.000-07:00

Back and forth from place to place...in limbo for a couple of months. It's funny how everything is suspended and there are bits of things everywhere--not living in either place, really. No place to sew for my etsy shop, to lay out my drawings, no work spaces for husband or permanent play areas. Piles of clothes and papers with no home. But it's BEAUTIFUL here and we're happy. Just can't wait for the new digs.

What a Pro.

2009-05-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

For his first modeling job in a while, he was a professional. Of course, his contract promises one lollipop per photo shoot.

Dress

2009-04-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

I made this dress for EJ before she was born and thought it would stay in the dresser for a few months...but since she seems to be doubling in size by the day, I'm happy I pulled it out. I love the swiss dot cotton. I guess it's contemporary dotted swiss since it's woven, because traditional dotted swiss fabric isn't manufactured anymore. Apparently, the flocking process was incredibly hazardous to workers and caused serious and chronic health (lung) issues. So I don't lament the disappearance of the traditional swiss dot...so pretty, but not at all worth it.

Eleanor meets Eleanor

2009-03-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

One is 92, the other 2 weeks...both have beautiful, calm demeanors and sparkling eyes.

The New One

2009-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

EJ's birth was a completely different experience from N's, and so is the recovery...but these two kids are pretty entertaining. It makes the discomfort much more bearable.

Grammy enjoys the morning with E.

Little EJ

2009-02-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

Our newest addition.

Afternoon Barn Project

2009-01-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

With so many horses, we needed to expand the farm...and on such a cold day, we found the perfect project. Here it is, the shoebox barn. A lovely bi-level barn complete with windows and one stall. In his excitement, N tried putting in a few horses but came up with red arms and some splotched animals...so we were patient.

Horsin' Around

2008-12-29T15:30:00.000-08:00

The boy's love of horses hasn't waned a bit--we'll take any chance we get to see, ride, or pet them. It was a beautiful winter day and a lovely ride, I'm sure he'll be talking about it for weeks...

2008-12-05T22:40:00.000-08:00

As a husband and father, i've had to practice discretion, but not in front of family. My son will appreciate this one day.

I hope that my hinged jaw never fails me.

A Weekend Away

2008-12-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

A much-needed weekend out of the city...the Catskills were clear and brisk, perfect for exploring and relaxing.

Two!

2008-11-25T15:16:00.001-08:00

Flyin' and Splashin'

2008-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

A rainy day turns out to be a blast.

What I miss...

2008-11-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

...'stuff a bag' church sales and flea market finds. Over the summer, we had the opportunity to dig through countless rummage sales around southwestern Michigan. My favorites were the vintage leather children's boots at a junk shop for 99 cents, and a pristine vintage wool coat with fur collar at a church's Stuff-a-Bag.

Favorite Things

2008-10-26T08:38:00.001-07:00

N's favorite things. We just added this to his room, which is now the most lively place in the apartment.

Back to the City

2008-10-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Although it's difficult to leave behind the horses, raspberry patch, sandbox, and all the other country toys...we're getting back into the swing of things in the city. But hopefully not for too long...

and the new hat is by the pink armadillo, we LOVE it. It has a horse, after all.

Bounce, Bounce

2008-09-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know what we'll do when we have to leave the trampoline. It has become an everyday activity. We've even gotten the dog and cat to willingly bounce on it with us. We need to find an apartment with no interior walls, like in the movie Big. Where's that Zoltar machine?

County Fair, again

2008-09-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is what you see if you have a basket of carrots.

Birthday.

2008-09-12T16:29:00.001-07:00

Although my birthday is not today (but close enough), I was more than happy to accept a gift...especially one that I have been coveting for months. Whenever I'd list one of my dad's pieces in acrossthegrain, I'd avoid listing them. I'm sure it was obvious that my constant gushing was related to these beauties never making it into his shop. Thanks, Papa.

Funnel Neck Brown Checks

2008-09-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Some bumps along the way for this shirt...just when I thought I had thought the collar through, the thick wooly fabric tripped me up. This is one of my favorite fabrics and I was full of anxiety about wasting any of it, but it eventually came together. I love that this is a wool blend but not itchy at all. N was surprisingly still for the photos, and when I asked him to move a little he rotated at 90 degree intervals, saying "Turn", "Turn"...stopping for a few seconds while I snapped a picture. Like a little robot.

2008-08-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Late season raspberries drew N to the garden, where we found a huge garden spider wrapping up her snacks.

A Coat and Hat.

2008-08-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to fall in the country, at least for a little while...it probably won't get cool enough for N to wear this before we're back to NY, so we got up on a brisk morning and tried it out. This coat was a joy to make, from start to finish. The pattern came out perfectly the first time around, no tweaking required. I love the fabric, and the quilted lining is so cozy. The hood/hat is separate and fits over the collar. I'll have this one as a made-to-order piece in the shop.

Fall Overalls

2008-08-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Just finishing up a batch of denim overalls that have taken much more time than I thought...It was difficult to get good pictures of them because the denim is so dark, but they have many more details than last year's design. Pleats in the front, a wide leg that can be gathered at the ankle, and extra long straps. I'm really happy with the design and love the versatility.

There's a Toad in the Boat.

2008-08-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

4-H County Fair

2008-08-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

The animal barns at the 4-H fair...it's impossible not to think of Charlotte's Web. The animals are so tame after being raised by kids and, I guess, used to being poked and petted. All the sheep wanted attention, the cows were aloof, the horses snobbish, the rabbits indifferent, and every pig was asleep. We laughed that the local paper had highlighted the cows as being the cleanest they'd ever seen at a 4-H fair, but it turned out to be amusingly true--the cows' and horses' shower area was constantly busy, and we even saw little chicken bubble baths.

Across the Grain

2008-07-28T18:02:00.001-07:00

I've been working with Papa A since April to set up his new Etsy shop, Across the Grain. There are now two gorgeous pieces in it, a set of maple nesting bowls and a stunning walnut platter with turquoise inlay. Below is a sneak preview of work yet to come. The pieces I have of my dad's are my favorite possessions, hands down. And they have been some of the most treasured gifts I've ever given.

His shop: Across the Grain

2008-07-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

I recently had a one-day show of some of my recent work here in Michigan. I showed fourteen pieces, all small images that (clearly) heavily drew from my Jack Sprat projects by incorporating so much stitching. Below is one of my favorites, which sold...but I may put the remaining in my shop. Or...

Setting up the display.

Brooklyn Aquarium & the SI Ferry

2008-07-02T10:39:00.001-07:00

Scarf weather?

2008-06-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

This beautiful cowl is by Fringe--it was the first purchase I ever made on Etsy and I love it. Apparently, N loves it, too...even when it's 85 degrees.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2008-06-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

Finally, Spring

2008-05-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

Coney Island

2008-05-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Despite the lovely day, Coney Island was pretty quiet. Perfect, lots of space.

Custom Collection

2008-05-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

It can be inspiring to work on custom orders--this collection is for a little girl for fall/winter. The jumper was requested in gray corduroy, which I love. I found the cream pinstripe velvet later, it turned out to be a perfect compliment.

DumDeeDumDeeDum....

2008-05-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Exactly how we feel today, thanks guys!

Tornado Slide

2008-05-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

There's no way the equipment at this playground would pass any kind of safety inspection in NYC. Hooray for the rural Midwest!

Wooly day

2008-04-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

We stopped by a friend's place today to see a newly born lamb. His mother had no interest in him after the birthing, so he was coated in dried afterbirth and being bottle-fed. Our friend said he would be a fine (farm) pet, but I didn't hear the farm part and began daydreaming ways to have a sheep in Brooklyn.

Hello, Cats.

2008-04-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

There is a stray cat problem in our neighborhood, and when the weather is nice, the population seems to double. Both the dogs and N love this, and have found that this window provides a spectacular view of a favorite cat meeting place. N tells each cat "hi."

A walk to FHP

2008-04-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

On our way to the little park, here are the highlights...

Laundry hanging from window grates or gates is common around the neighborhood. Fish drying is not. This is a first.

N just wanted to walk around with his bowl of goldfish. He wouldn't give them up for anything--not the slide, or the bridge, or the swings...he just held them and let any passing kid help themselves.

Handball.

Flags! For no particular reason...

A Perfect Toy.

2008-03-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

We picked up this toy from the Post Office today, sent from a new etsy shop, The Countree Toy Shoppe. Rub a Dub Dub 3 Men in a Tub. It's beautiful and engaging, the waves move back and forth, a little boat with 3 peg men and a fish can be taken off to play with...it's made of gorgeous Michigan hardwoods. The shop is at www.countreetoyshoppe.etsy.com.

The FHP

2008-02-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Another trip to FHP. Runny noses all around.

A Snowy Day, The Brooklyn Museum

2008-02-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

New Tunic

2008-02-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I didn't buy a lot of any particular fabric for spring shirts. This leaves me with a dilemma. Make each as ordered (which can get backed up), or sew random sizes with the fabrics I have and hope whoever likes the fabric also has a size appropriate child to wear it... I've just finished a new tunic design and I love how it turned out. Love the fabric, too, but I only have enough for *maybe* two more. Bummer. Now, what to name it?

Ahhh!!!

2008-02-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Milk and Cheerios, when was life this good?

Huh? What's that?

Oh yeah, when this happened:

It just keeps gettin better.

Simple Shorts

2008-02-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

Been working on these wear-with -anything shorts. Too plain? I'm happy with the shape. The cotton is unbleached and really light for summer.

Jack Sprat Spring Preview

2008-02-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

I've been working like a turtle on the Jack Sprat spring clothes. I'm currently finishing a super soft pale blue 3/4 sleeve cotton tunic and a linen-blend striped ankle trouser that I love. The outfit gets slightly rumpled as it's worn, which I think only increases the charm. I'm happy with the simplicity of the tunic and trousers, but I'm struggling a bit to be creative with the new things because February is such a dud month.

New Hat

2008-02-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Jack Sprat and Love, September (another Etsy shop) traded some goods and N got this brown wool cap. Grammy, this post is really for you since there hasn't been a recent picture up in some time.

Michigan

2007-12-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

Grampy tried to build a snowman with N, but couldn't get the snow to pack into spheres, so they made a snow pillar.

is it me fatherin'?

2007-12-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone (my wife and maybe O) should know that since my wife and son's absence I've been busy chasing down contractors to take on the task of lead abating and renovating our kitchen. That hasn't left much time for being a good doggy daddy.

I've loved the dogs since they were this big. And will continue to love them but, our neglected hounds have endured cabin fever in a not so understanding manner. They've had even less tolerance and understanding for C-'s disappearance.

After a week and a half, there was this message.

It was pretty loud and clear.
I wish I could say that a brisk walk to the park for some much needed running cured all ails.
but our routine was not so routine.
Benny, in his overzealous exuberance, managed to tear a gash in his side that required a quick trip to the vet.

He's fine. But his ego is diminished and his energy calmed. Drugs will do that to you. He now truly resembles my favorite extant yet quiet bands. Since he was brought home from the vet, he would not raise his head higher than his shoulder.

Maybe he was repentent?
did he understand?
Since he's back home, separated even further from his sister and me, for fear the stitches get chewed on, I'm sure his body will heal, and only hope his lovable childlike affection and boundless energy will return. Two weeks. Just in time for Mi.
(for my W-)
S-

Favorite Toy

2007-12-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

N has loved dustbusting since he first laid eyes on the Black & Decker. I never knew that the company makes a child-sized version--it even picks up bits of stuff and has little attachments. Unlike the toy versions of car key sets and cellphones, this one passes his test for acceptable playthings. Now he can dustbust his little heart out. -C.

He'll make a fine wife,

one day.

Watch out.

Birthday Boy

2007-12-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

The boy's first birthday happened recently, the lucky boy got to have two cakes--one at home and one at the grandparents'. Grammy and Grandpa designed and built an 'activity box'. It's ingenious, with latches and doors and drawers...it's endlessly entertaining.

Blog feature

2007-11-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

Jack Sprat has been featured in 'Swag and Cradle', a fantastic blog that spotlights unique finds for both parent and child. We love it and are honored to be there!
http://swagandcradle.blogspot.com/

For Grammy

2007-11-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here he is hamming it up for ya' Gram.

Where's the boy?

2007-11-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

C and I looked around for the little man. He wasn't by the dog bowl.

We looked up. . .

New design

2007-11-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

I take so many pictures of N when he's modeling for me. He tests everything out, and this is one of my favorites for Jack Sprat so far. I had the idea for this one for a while, I think it came out well. -C.

Etsy Halloween Party

2007-10-28T06:06:00.001-07:00

We went to the Etsy Halloween Party at the Etsy Labs.
The boy was Charlie Brown.

He was a wee overwhelmed.
People in costumes,
Music, art and dim lights,
all a bit much.

Until he met Elizabeth, the pink leopard.
A giggly, smiling cute wisp of a girl,
who crawled up and down the indoor half pipe.

The smiles didn't last long.
Attention was stolen from the good times as fantasy met reality.

Along came the Unicorn.
Eager to please and quick with a smile.

None of which charmed our little Brown.
He would have no part of the frolicking with mythical beasts.

The unicorn was not dismayed.
She continued to charm
our poor little Brown.
Whose only reply was his little frown.

Dinosaur

2007-10-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

N kept walking up to this dinosaur and talking to it with such interest that we figured he would be over-the-moon about riding it. Not so. We took him off of it, but not before capturing his brief ride on the devil-dino. -C.

Ruth

2007-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

My grandma passed away recently and I remembered I had a bunch of paintings that I had done of her probably 8 years ago. I like this one because it's a random moment where she was talking. I was asking her about her cross stitch pieces. She made hundreds, and gave them all away with the exception of only a few. I started to paint one of them in the background, of robins, but never really finished. -C.

Friends

2007-10-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Buttons

2007-10-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

I've recently acquired an amazing collection of vintage buttons. Very unique. They are perfect for some of my Jack Sprat garments, but admittedly, I'm feeling greedy about them. I love looking at them. A few favorites are the Question Mark Button, the Piece of Chocolate Button, The Lattice Button. Can you find them? -C.

The Park

2007-10-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Today the boy and I took a walk to the park with our friends Dann and Sloane.

It should be enough that we have a beautiful son and that as a father I am fortunate enough to see him for more hours than most fathers on a daily basis, but leave it to my gifted wife to capture moments that melt my heart and bring out a warm smile of pride. -S.

3 Generations

2007-10-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

When my wife posted this photo, I knew that the only way my father would see it was if we printed it and brought it to him. So much for technology bringing me and my dad closer. At least I have the picture. It is a wonderful shot. -S.