Loving these new prints from one of the sweetest people one is ever likely to meet... Jenean Morrison. Jenean typically rocks the surface design house, but I can't help but single these out - particularly the Sunday Paper print top right.
November 9, 2012
September 9, 2012
Cheese making with Caputo Brothers
There's this really amazing restaurant near us (and just a few blocks from my office) named A Toute Heure. They serve locally grown and raised foods and do it impeccably. Every now and then Andrew and I treat ourselves to lunch there - dinner reservations are rather elusive. A few months back I learned on Facebook that they offered a cheese making class and that there was sudden cancellation. I immediately jumped on it (completely blind to the specifics, but enraptured with the idea of making ANY cheese) but I was too late - someone had nabbed the seats before me.
But then, not too long ago, they announced another class, and not to be left out, I booked a spot for both Andrew and me within seconds of learning about it. Today was the class!
Rynn Caputo, of Caputo Brothers Creamery was a delight! I mean that in every sense: personable, informative, entertaining, talented, passionate and inspiring. As words flowed effortlessly she told us all about her cheese making adventures in Italy and informed us posthaste that most American mozzarella is not even cheese {not even the "good stuff" from Hoboken} as it's made with an introduced acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) and not fermented- and went on to say how it's technically illegal to call any cheese "mozzarella" if it in not made in a certain region of Italy from water buffalo milk. The elitist in me was thrilled with this knowledge! :)
She also spoke of her, along her husband David's, personal journey from business professionals to artisanal cheese makers, now residing in a 190 year old farm in Spring Grove PA. The story was inspiring to say the least. In a few short years, with some bold decisions and determination and a smidge of good fortune, essentially, they have become cheese makers to the stars: they teach chefs (including renowned top chefs) how to make cheese from their curd. Yet they are deeply rooted in their craft and their locality and offer farm house meals at their farm and classes to any enthusiast (like us!).
Recently their notoriety has exploded since a New York Times article featured thier business and more specifically, their fresh stracciatella, which we had the good fortune to learn how to make in this class. Honestly, we felt like this was a true privilege to take this class and have suddenly become dreamy about going on one of their tours, where they take you along on their cheese making activities around southern Italy.
Let me tell you. There is a WORLD of difference in the taste of true fermented cheese mozzarella (technically called fior di latte because it's made with milk from other than a water buffalo- and in this case, cow's milk from a farm hand chosen by them in a neighboring town in PA.) Another thing we learned is the shelf life, according to the Italian artisans who make this cheese and send it to us in the US (knowingly), is actually 4 hours. So, yeah, even the best of the "real cheese" mozzarella from Italy, is old by the standards of connoisseurs. And you know what? It's true! We've never had anything so fresh and so cheesy in all our lives.
You can bet we have placed our order for cheese curds and shall be having a few couples over for a soiree of cheese making and wine. Once thawed, it takes no longer than 15 minutes to pull beautiful little tufts of creamy fresh cheese. It's fun, magical, illuminating and delicious.
A little bonus to the day: I happened to be sitting behind an old school mate who pointed out her friend who was another old school mate and we had a little reunion! Nice!
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| Me getting a lesson from Rynn Caputo on how to stretch the cheese curds together in a bath of hot water. |
But then, not too long ago, they announced another class, and not to be left out, I booked a spot for both Andrew and me within seconds of learning about it. Today was the class!
Rynn Caputo, of Caputo Brothers Creamery was a delight! I mean that in every sense: personable, informative, entertaining, talented, passionate and inspiring. As words flowed effortlessly she told us all about her cheese making adventures in Italy and informed us posthaste that most American mozzarella is not even cheese {not even the "good stuff" from Hoboken} as it's made with an introduced acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) and not fermented- and went on to say how it's technically illegal to call any cheese "mozzarella" if it in not made in a certain region of Italy from water buffalo milk. The elitist in me was thrilled with this knowledge! :)
She also spoke of her, along her husband David's, personal journey from business professionals to artisanal cheese makers, now residing in a 190 year old farm in Spring Grove PA. The story was inspiring to say the least. In a few short years, with some bold decisions and determination and a smidge of good fortune, essentially, they have become cheese makers to the stars: they teach chefs (including renowned top chefs) how to make cheese from their curd. Yet they are deeply rooted in their craft and their locality and offer farm house meals at their farm and classes to any enthusiast (like us!).
Recently their notoriety has exploded since a New York Times article featured thier business and more specifically, their fresh stracciatella, which we had the good fortune to learn how to make in this class. Honestly, we felt like this was a true privilege to take this class and have suddenly become dreamy about going on one of their tours, where they take you along on their cheese making activities around southern Italy.
Let me tell you. There is a WORLD of difference in the taste of true fermented cheese mozzarella (technically called fior di latte because it's made with milk from other than a water buffalo- and in this case, cow's milk from a farm hand chosen by them in a neighboring town in PA.) Another thing we learned is the shelf life, according to the Italian artisans who make this cheese and send it to us in the US (knowingly), is actually 4 hours. So, yeah, even the best of the "real cheese" mozzarella from Italy, is old by the standards of connoisseurs. And you know what? It's true! We've never had anything so fresh and so cheesy in all our lives.
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| Fior de latte (mozzarella). Pure and simple. And delicious. |
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| Andrew puling stracciatella- mozzarella cheese strings soaked in cream and salt. Yes, CREAM. |
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| Rynn is about to cut into buratta. |
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| Ta da! Buratta - fresh stracciatella wrapped in a pocket of mozzarella. |
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| Andrew breaks pieces of curd in preparation for sfoglia. |
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| Sfoglia - a thinly rolled cheese smeared with a spread (in this case broccoli rabe pesto from the A Toute Heure kitchen) and rolled and then sliced into pinwheels. Rynn called this "cheese sushi". And it was AMAZING. |
A little bonus to the day: I happened to be sitting behind an old school mate who pointed out her friend who was another old school mate and we had a little reunion! Nice!
August 28, 2012
New Sofa!
More updates. Slowly but surely. The new sofa arrived and WE LOVE IT!
This is the Dane sofa by True Modern and though I had to take a leap of faith to order something so substantial online, working directly with designer Edgar Blazona was very reassuring, as were the good reviews.
We (more me, than Andrew) labored over the color of this perfectly-sized sofa for quite some time. The rug was a given, so the color had to work with it. My inclination was to go with a warm gray they offered, but the color just didn't feel "us" and so I couldn't bring myself to commit to it. Finally, even though Andrew originally said this was the color, I had to listen to my mom tell me that chartreuse was "my color" and point out how often I use it everywhere in my home.
Now for some window treatments and art on the walls.
This is the Dane sofa by True Modern and though I had to take a leap of faith to order something so substantial online, working directly with designer Edgar Blazona was very reassuring, as were the good reviews.
We (more me, than Andrew) labored over the color of this perfectly-sized sofa for quite some time. The rug was a given, so the color had to work with it. My inclination was to go with a warm gray they offered, but the color just didn't feel "us" and so I couldn't bring myself to commit to it. Finally, even though Andrew originally said this was the color, I had to listen to my mom tell me that chartreuse was "my color" and point out how often I use it everywhere in my home.
Sometimes you just need a slap in the head. Even really certain, really fast decision-makers like me!
Now for some window treatments and art on the walls.
July 7, 2012
Living room reno update
We're getting there! We are more jazzed up than ever about getting a new sofa now we've seen this transformation. Amazing what paint can do. I've sourced a maker who can do the curtains - just need to get the final pricing (gulp). The radiator will definitely need to be painted now. It's something I've avoided over the years because I was told once that it makes them less efficient, however my mind's logic has always been skeptical of this.
As with most updates, the line of the finished project can begin to blur and we've decided to not only paint the wall leading up the stairs white (you can't see it from these pictures but it's vast and goes to the upper floor balcony), we've also decided to paint the stair railings, rungs and get this... the treads! Yep. Black. We're going for it. But not right away.
I really did love the orange color but the white is so new and crisp it just gives the whole room a completely different feel. It took about 5 minutes to get used to and love it just as much!
As with most updates, the line of the finished project can begin to blur and we've decided to not only paint the wall leading up the stairs white (you can't see it from these pictures but it's vast and goes to the upper floor balcony), we've also decided to paint the stair railings, rungs and get this... the treads! Yep. Black. We're going for it. But not right away.
I really did love the orange color but the white is so new and crisp it just gives the whole room a completely different feel. It took about 5 minutes to get used to and love it just as much!
June 28, 2012
Out with the old, in with the new
First of all, a big THANK YOU to anyone who voted for Cloud9 Fabrics yesterday - we've met our goal and are on to the next level of the process!
Today we started a renovation! Thought I would share some before pictures of our living room. I had the room painted this beautiful terra cotta color about 7 years ago. I truly love the warmth and coziness of this color, but I am (and my husband is) ready for a change. We decided to go in a completely different direction: white! Yep. Sounds crazy I know. Especially with two boys in the house. But we wanted change, we're going to get change.
The unexpected thing we're going to do is to paint the woodwork black - but only around the windows- the floor trim will be white. This trend caught my eye on Pinterest and I must say I have high hopes for the effect in my little Cape Cod styled home. Regardless of the outcome, I'm just thrilled about the change. The old 1950's windows are sporting their deepened shellac tone with nasty scratches and splintery edges and I absolutely hate it. What saved them from a paintbrush up until this point has been pure laziness, but those days are behind us now. Eventually, I hope to hang pretty white pleated voile curtains and the whole room should really open up with brightness and airiness.
Most of the furniture will stay - so will the rug - so will most of the artwork (but hopefully the basketball and wire hanger I spy under the chair will be removed- at least for a time). The Skinny laMinx tea towels hanging on the wall will now be used in the kitchen. I'm finally ready to put them in use and replace a bunch of my old ones. So a little spruce up for the kitchen is a bonus. We're hoping to get a new sofa, but one thing at a time.
Today we started a renovation! Thought I would share some before pictures of our living room. I had the room painted this beautiful terra cotta color about 7 years ago. I truly love the warmth and coziness of this color, but I am (and my husband is) ready for a change. We decided to go in a completely different direction: white! Yep. Sounds crazy I know. Especially with two boys in the house. But we wanted change, we're going to get change.
The unexpected thing we're going to do is to paint the woodwork black - but only around the windows- the floor trim will be white. This trend caught my eye on Pinterest and I must say I have high hopes for the effect in my little Cape Cod styled home. Regardless of the outcome, I'm just thrilled about the change. The old 1950's windows are sporting their deepened shellac tone with nasty scratches and splintery edges and I absolutely hate it. What saved them from a paintbrush up until this point has been pure laziness, but those days are behind us now. Eventually, I hope to hang pretty white pleated voile curtains and the whole room should really open up with brightness and airiness.
Most of the furniture will stay - so will the rug - so will most of the artwork (but hopefully the basketball and wire hanger I spy under the chair will be removed- at least for a time). The Skinny laMinx tea towels hanging on the wall will now be used in the kitchen. I'm finally ready to put them in use and replace a bunch of my old ones. So a little spruce up for the kitchen is a bonus. We're hoping to get a new sofa, but one thing at a time.
June 27, 2012
Mission: Small Business
Hi there! I know I've been pretty silent on these pages - mainly because I'm so entrenched with business.. which brings me to today's post. If you would, please take a moment to give Cloud9 Fabrics a little push to qualify for a Chase Small Business grant. It takes only a moment and there's no commitment or spam or anything like this. All your votes do is get our proposal to the next level to be reviewed by their panel. It's a great opportunity for any small business and I encourage you to vote for as many small businesses that have applied as you can vote for as many as you like.
Thanks so much!
Here's the details.
We appreciate your taking the time to help us in this endeavor by reaching the 250 votes to qualify. Every vote is needed and there are only a few more days left to do so: voting ends June 30th.
Thanks so much!
Here's the details.
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Cloud9 Fabrics is asking for your support.
Thanks to a program sponsored by Chase and LivingSocial called Mission: Small Business℠, your support could translate into a $250,000 grant. But we need at least 250 votes to qualify for consideration.
You can vote for as many small business as you like, so please consider us as among your favorites.
You will not be committing to anything and you won't be spammed. The process is quite fast and easy.
You can vote for as many small business as you like, so please consider us as among your favorites.
You will not be committing to anything and you won't be spammed. The process is quite fast and easy.
To vote, click on this link,
- At bottom right click "Log in and Support"
- Log in (via Facebook)Search for Cloud9 Fabrics, Inc in the fields (we're located in NJ).
- Click to SUPPORT!
We appreciate your taking the time to help us in this endeavor by reaching the 250 votes to qualify. Every vote is needed and there are only a few more days left to do so: voting ends June 30th.
Thanks so much!
- Michelle and Gina
- Michelle and Gina
May 8, 2012
5 | 8 | 12
Thought I would share images from the beautiful book Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by the dear Maurice Sendak today. My treasured childhood copy is an affordable stapled paperback import from 1968. I can only imagine how lush the original must be.
These are the kind of illustrations that take you deep inside the story.
What little girl wouldn't be enchanted at the notion of a kind, chivalrous Mr. Rabbit to help her find the perfect gift for her mother. And what a clever and considerate Mr. Rabbit he is, too. He considers the colors her mother likes and together they go and seek them out in the lovely countryside. It's an adventure of a lifetime!
Just dreamy.
As one of my online friends tweeted today, "Maurice Sendak did it best". Yes, he certainly did.
April 11, 2012
4 | 11 | 12
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| Fabric :: Bouquet from Alegria by Geninne D Zlatkis for Cloud9 Fabrics |
Hooray for sewing! I now have a new bag to tote around. You can make one too.
Made from the Half Tote Bag tutorial that I created a while back ... only with some modifications: for this I cut the panels at 11" h instead of only 9" for a deeper tote. Also, for the handles I created a casing out of fabric and pulled cotton webbing through, then stitched it down. Inside I added a pocket, too.
I still need to add a pretty button. Should do that now, actually.
I still need to add a pretty button. Should do that now, actually.
April 4, 2012
Introducing GeoCentric
Hello! I have news!
If you've been with me for a while you might remember a group of patterns I called Mod Quad. They were quite popular in their way and I still get lots of request for them today. Happy to announce that Cloud9 Fabrics will finally make them (or at least similar).
Before Cloud9 existed, I struggled to get my fabrics made affordably. The original Mod Quad was digitally printed on a a lovely cotton/linen blend fabric. It was crazy expensive, though, and I barely made any profit on the project. Attempting to print these exact patterns is what led me to talk to my friend Gina who used to be the production manager at the company we both used to work at. But when we finally got together, we quickly formulated another idea entirely and Cloud9 Fabrics was born. Not complaining, though! I've never lost sight of this collection and I know many of you found me because of it.
Finally, at the start of our 4th year in business, we're back on the track that led us to this point and we're happy to introduce 100% cotton (GOTS certified organic) canvas prints in these fabulous bold designs- and what's even more new is I've even added more color ways! More details on the site.
If you've been with me for a while you might remember a group of patterns I called Mod Quad. They were quite popular in their way and I still get lots of request for them today. Happy to announce that Cloud9 Fabrics will finally make them (or at least similar).
Before Cloud9 existed, I struggled to get my fabrics made affordably. The original Mod Quad was digitally printed on a a lovely cotton/linen blend fabric. It was crazy expensive, though, and I barely made any profit on the project. Attempting to print these exact patterns is what led me to talk to my friend Gina who used to be the production manager at the company we both used to work at. But when we finally got together, we quickly formulated another idea entirely and Cloud9 Fabrics was born. Not complaining, though! I've never lost sight of this collection and I know many of you found me because of it.
Finally, at the start of our 4th year in business, we're back on the track that led us to this point and we're happy to introduce 100% cotton (GOTS certified organic) canvas prints in these fabulous bold designs- and what's even more new is I've even added more color ways! More details on the site.
March 12, 2012
3 | 12 | 12
Gina and I took a whirlwind trip to Boston this weekend to visit two wonderful fabric shops- JP Knit & Stitch and Gather Here. The experience of meeting the amazing women behind these shops- these dedicated and creative entrepreneurs- was really uplifting. A bonus of the trip was to see fabric (made by others) up close and personal and it really inspired both Gina and myself.
I finally found the fabric I will use to make my first Wiksten Tova top- something I've been meaning to do for months since I purchased it. I haven't really sewn a garment for myself in so long. Very excited. Wish me luck on the momentum I'll need to complete it!
This is a beautiful lawn/voile (I can never tell which is which!) is from Memoires a Paris from Lecien. Scrumptious.
I finally found the fabric I will use to make my first Wiksten Tova top- something I've been meaning to do for months since I purchased it. I haven't really sewn a garment for myself in so long. Very excited. Wish me luck on the momentum I'll need to complete it!
This is a beautiful lawn/voile (I can never tell which is which!) is from Memoires a Paris from Lecien. Scrumptious.
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