Jitters

I've had more coffee than usual this weekend, which has its pros and cons. On one hand, I haven't slept well and I've been a little shaky; but on the other hand, I've been sewing like mad.

Gina designed this pillow when she was here many months ago, and I cut the pieces quite a while back. I finally sat down to sew them together Friday night in two hours flat, handmade piping and back zipper included.

Phil, you let me down again

Does the groundhog ever *not* see his shadow? I'm up for about one more week of winter, then I'll have had it.

Speaking of groundhogs, this painting by Amber Alexander always makes me smile because it hits close to home. My hair is too short for groundhog hair, but I definitely have my share of chipmonk hair days.

Spending too much time on Facebook

Projects I've been dabbling with:

1. Crocheted table runner
2. Crocheted washcloth
3. Embroidered owl towel
4. Embroidered camping towel
5. Snuggie for Karen
6. Pillow for Gina

Projects I've finished and photographed for the blog: none.

How about a kitty picture instead? These are the sweet sisters Sunshine and Violet.

Butterfly Kisses

I discovered Nini Makes over the Christmas break. She has some fantastic embroidery ideas and patterns to share, like this one, which I embroidered onto a pillowcase for Olivia.










Here's a close-up.

Girls, dolls, and aprons

We went to a doll/tea party on Saturday. Here are Olivia and "Tulip" (O names her dolls after flowers) modeling our gifts to the birthday girl--matching ruffly aprons featuring two Heather Ross prints.


















P.S. Thank you, Grandma Mel, for the Photoshop inspiration. I'm pleased to say I removed a yellow extension cord from this photo!

Baby Gifts and Good News

Theresa ordered this onesie from my Etsy Shop. The taggie is a bonus for being my very first customer (as well as a dear friend).

The good news is that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering exemptions to the upcoming Consumer Safety Improvement Act. The exemptions would include "Clothing, toys and other goods made of natural materials such as cotton and wood," thus allowing small sewing businesses like mine to stay afloat.

More Mitts and Towels

I made tea towels and coordinating oven mitts for most of my girlfriends this Christmas. These were for Elizabeth, Theresa, and Susan.

Happy new year!

I have big hopes for 2009...flatter abs--yes, but also a gradual move toward a simpler lifestyle.

Some friends and I were talking recently about the potential lifestyle to be gained by cutting back on the hours in our work-week. We'd have more time to exercise, eat well, and rest; grow and preserve fruits and vegetables; maybe bake our own breads. Our stress would begin to dissipate, our children would be happier, and we'd be better citizens of the world.

Of course, this would mean I'd have to stay away from Target. And I know there would be greater hardships and sacrifices, but for the most part it sounds almost idyllic to me. I've been thinking "simple" more and more lately.










Here's to a year of peace, joy, and creativity.