Butter & Sugar

Christmas Stitching

2011-12-13T16:48:00.005-05:00

I've had to edit my Christmas stitching list down to only a very few items for lack of time, but I'm happy to say I finished three of them recently. The puppet scarf (pattern via Red Heart Yarns) is for my niece

...and the hat/scarf set is for her little brother.

I used my loom for the hat and made it in less than an hour. The coordinating scarf took a bit longer, but both were the products of a rare and wonderfully quiet Sunday parked in a rocking chair next to the heater.

The Miracle of the Knitting Loom

2011-11-18T08:45:00.007-05:00

I've been knitting. It tickles me to say that, because I'm not a knitter. My Nan taught me how to knit more than once, and I made a scarf a long time ago, but I just never reached the point of being comfortable with it.

Remembering how much I enjoyed spool knitting when I was little (mine was made with an actual spool and nails, but Lion Brand Yarn has an adorable modern version), I asked for a set of knitting looms for my birthday this year. Lo and behold, they're fun! And easy! And addicting! I can't say the same for pom-pom making (seems like they were a whole lot easier to make when I was a kid) but in any event, I've knitted up a scarf and a hat and trimmed them with big, goofy pom poms.

All hail the knitting loom! And, of course, Hank the Kitten. I've noticed a disappointing trend lately of bloggers apologizing for cat photos. As far as I'm concerned, cat photos are like cheese and chocolate--you can never have too much.

The Pom-Pom Scarf

2011-11-01T10:34:00.006-04:00

I placed an order for linen and pom-poms the minute I saw this scarf posted on The Purl Bee. I have mixed feelings about Purl. I adore their projects, but when I finally got to visit the shop in NYC one year, the staff wasn't as warm as I'd imagined they'd be. Maybe it was just the naivetee of a small-town girl in the big city, I don't know.

My finished scarf didn't earn the seal of approval around here ("Really, Mom? Pom-poms?") but those tiny red balls are just so dang cheerful, I'm finding it hard to resist.

For the Tuesday Afternoon Sewing Guild

2011-10-27T13:58:00.010-04:00

On most Tuesdays after school, my niece Rudie comes over and joins Olivia and me for a craft project. We started the tradition after Santa brought Rudie a sewing machine, but we've expanded from sewing into soap-making, candy-making, and other crafts. My aunt got wind of this and said she wanted to send the girls a "few little things" for their crafts. Today, a box arrived. I love that she named our little club and confirmed "Crafts & cooking OK too"!

Inside the box...bittersweet from her yard:

Cotton she picked. I've never seen "real" cotton on the stem. It's surprisingly soft and completely charming.

Feathers from the ducks, geese, birds, and peacocks she volunteers with.

And in case we weren't already Cloud 9 with all these goodies, she's sending us to...

I'm quite sure there's never been a luckier Tuesday Afternoon Sewing Guild. Thank you, Aunt Suzanne!

Slinky Success

2011-08-14T14:34:00.004-04:00

I'm always surprised by what catches Olivia's eye at the fabric store. Fabrics I don't even see, perhaps because I've automatically ruled them out without a second thought. But she was so in love with this funky, slinky knit that I picked up a set of ballpoint needles and agreed to give it a try. And what a happy surprise--smooth, quick sewing. I didn't have to finish the inside seams because the knit doesn't seem inclined to unravel, and I used a zig-zag stitch for a simple rolled hem on the legs. The pattern is Simplicity 3553 (same one we used for our sewing day last year), and the doll pants are from Simplicity 7069.

Crafts & Cupcakes

2011-07-31T10:34:00.005-04:00

My Brownie troop rallied yesterday to raise funds for the upcoming Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk by donating crafts, home-baked goods, their time, and their remarkable sales skills. Some of the girls made potholders, bird houses, and friendship bracelets; and the moms baked all sorts of goodies, including beignets and caramel cake.

Olivia and I made keychains using the weaving technique we learned at Girl Scout camp, cinnamon-scented soap, our favorite granola from Smitten Kitchen, and dark chocolate cupcakes with white chocolate frosting.

The day was gorgeous, the turnout was even better than expected, and the event was a great success.

A Fab Mag and a Cute Cozy

2011-07-03T13:13:00.003-04:00

I found myself with a few precious extra minutes at the local Joann store recently and happened upon a treasure of a magazine. It was a bit more expensive than others, but the dear little kit on the front (yes! it came with a kit!) put it over the top as far as I was concerned. I took the magazine to bed with me and marked page after page of fabulous ideas, but only after stitching up the gadget cozy last night.

Four Months' Worth of Posts...All Rolled into One

2011-05-21T10:47:00.019-04:00

I came here to find those old Airstream links (still in love with Loobylu's afghans in campers photo set), and it hit me that I haven't posted in ages. Here's what I've been busy with...

Crocheted fingerless gloves for Susan:

Stitched an "RB" monogram onto a linen towel for Gina:

Made a hat for Deuce's trip to Latvia:

Finally turned my HomeSweet fabric into a pillow for the living room:

Hosted a 40th Anniversary dinner for Mom and Dad:

Made a happy discovery:

Adopted a handsome betta fish:

Got my own baby chicks!

And grew a corgi. Zeke will be 1 year old next week.

Napkins for Karen

2011-01-31T09:54:00.004-05:00

I found this fantastic vintage '70s fabric on clearance during a ladies' weekend in St. Michaels, Md., a few years ago. Couldn't make myself cut into for the longest time, but when dinner napkins showed up on my SIL's birthday wish list, I knew what I had to do. They'll be perfect with Karen's famous homemade bread and broccoli-cheese soup. Which, by the way, is one of my favorite meals. Karen. If you're reading this.

A Sewing Lesson

2011-01-22T19:10:00.003-05:00

During Christmas break, we invited three girls over for a sewing lesson. My niece received a sewing machine for Christmas and was eager to break it in, and two of my daughter's best friends are also interested in sewing. We used Simplicity pattern 3553 (Learn to Sew series) and some fun flannel from JoAnn Fabrics. Four hours (and one glass of wine) later, they modeled the result:

Every single one of us was tickled with those pants. I'm not sure I'd do it again with so many girls at once (four little lead feet on those pedals had me kinda stressed), but it was a wonderful feeling to see them so excited about sewing.

Car Caddy, Part II

2010-11-26T04:47:00.005-05:00

My SIL read my last post(!) and sweetly sent a photo of Milo's car caddy.

The Missing Car Caddy and a Pillowcase

2010-11-24T05:54:00.006-05:00

I was just enjoying Homemade by Jill's latest post, when I realized I never posted pictures of the Cozy Car Caddy I made from her
tutorial. Apparently I didn't photograph it, which is a bummer because I was tickled with how it turned out. I carried it around the house for a couple of days and forced everyone to admire before surrendering it to Milo at his birthday party. Anyway, check the tutorial out if you're so inclined; this would make a great Christmas gift for a little guy or gal who loves small cars.

Instead of Milo's car caddy, I leave you with a pillowcase I embroidered.

Doll Clothes: I'm Hooked

2010-10-21T17:58:00.005-04:00

Well, I held out for two years. Those tiny patterns for 18" doll clothes struck me as awfully tedious and a little intimidating. Last Christmas, Mom surprised each of her older granddaughters with a full wardrobe of adorable, homemade clothes for their American Girl dolls, and I gratefully thought "Better her than me!" But after seeing the pre-printed fabric pattern kits on Spoonflower today, I finally got the urge to give it a try. Of course I'd picked up a few Simplicity doll clothes patterns years ago during one of JoAnn's $1 pattern sales, so all we had to do was select the fabric from my stash, and an hour later, a dress was born.

Totally gratifying. I see many more of these in my future.

A couple of towels

2010-10-05T01:00:00.005-04:00

I embroidered these towels and sent them out as gifts for friends recently. This one used Sublime Stitching's Camp Out Transfers and went to some fellow Airstream enthusiasts who've just welcomed twins to their family.

And the other is from one of Wild Olive's many cute patterns. I packed it up with a set of the new chocolate-color Fiesta ware for talented photographer (and fellow Fiesta collector) Elizabeth.

Too bad I don't share her photo skills...

Hooking

2010-09-27T18:32:00.005-04:00

If you're on my Christmas list, be prepared to receive a scarf this year. I've been turning them out like crazy. I love the Stitch & Bitch Crochet One-Skein Scarf pattern and found some other great patterns on Ravelry.

This cowl is the Martha Cowl Scarf by Little Thingies.

Here's one of many One-Skein Scarves piling up in my sewing room.

And I love-love-love this soft wool yarn from Italy.

Welcoming Baby Boys

2010-09-18T11:00:00.005-04:00

We've been busy welcoming baby boys to the world. I made the Beatles outfit for baby Julien, and Snoopy for baby Jordan. The crocheted cotton caps are another pattern from Polka Dot Posh, and the pants are Made by Rae's Big Butt Baby Pants.

Booties

2010-09-11T02:34:00.003-04:00

I'm in love with every single pattern at Polka Dot Posh. Fortunately I've needed gift ideas for several babies lately. These little green booties were my first PDP project.

The covered buttons match the fabric in the onesie.

Pilot's leash

2010-09-05T12:50:00.003-04:00

I made this leash for a friend's dog, Pilot, using Anna Maria Horner's tutorial. The "Play Ball!" ribbon came from our local Michael's craft store.

Animal House

2010-09-01T22:58:00.008-04:00

It's been a crazy-busy summer. Too much to do, never enough time. I went on a simplification kick and spent weeks decluttering. One of the last things on the decluttering to-do list was to donate some cat food (flavors our three cats won't eat) to the local animal shelter. I'm still not sure exactly how it happened...but we dropped off the cat food and came home with our second puppy in four months.

So much for simplifying.

Zeke and Honey

Tramping, stitching, and going home again

2010-06-03T12:00:00.001-04:00

While we were trailer camping ("tramping") over the Memorial Day weekend, I spent one lazy afternoon in the shade, working on this linen pillow cover. The pattern caught my eye last month as I prepared a stitching project to take to an out-of-state conference for work. It reads "East or West, home is best."

The free vintage pattern is available on Flickr from Doe-C-Doe.

A quilt for Robbie

2010-05-27T09:28:00.004-04:00

I'm sending this little quilt off today for a friend's baby boy. Have I mentioned that I'm in love with my walking foot? The tutorial for the Crazy Nine Patch blocks is from Oh, Fransson!

Have a happy holiday weekend!

Onesie Winner and Silly Berries

2010-05-23T20:51:00.004-04:00

Our May Giveaway Day winner is Stella from The Golden Adventures of A Very Dark Horse. I'm delighted to make a custom onesie for her adorable baby Eleanor. Congratulations, Stella! Thanks again to everyone who dropped by and left such sweet comments--and a heartfelt welcome to those who are now following the blog!

The strawberry patch at a nearby farm was loaded with beautiful berries this weekend. While Olivia and I picked two flats' worth, she got such a kick out of finding some "silly" ones and insisted that we take a picture when we got them home.

I froze most of the berries for green smoothies, but it wouldn't be berry season without a pound cake.

Monogramming everything in sight

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Great May Giveaway ends today! If you're here from Sew, Mama, Sew! and you'd like to enter my drawing, please click down to the previous post and leave a comment there. It's been fabulous hearing from so many people and discovering all sorts of delightful new blogs to admire.

I posted quite a while ago about the coffee cozies I was working on. Typically, they ended up being set aside for a just bit (okay, it's been almost a year!)...but I finally finished two as gifts for some friends. I packaged each one with a Starbucks card and sent them off yesterday, along with a custom order for a baby named Eleanor.

Onesie Giveaway

2010-05-16T21:10:00.011-04:00

Happy May Giveaway Day! I'm delighted to participate in another of Sew, Mama, Sew's fabulous events. The Butter & Sugar giveaway prize is a free customized onesie like these in my Etsy shop. One randomly selected winner will choose their own monogram initial, onesie size, and style (long or short sleeves).

To enter, just comment here between now and 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, May 20. And you'll receive an extra entry by becoming a Follower. International entries are welcome. Thanks for visiting!

Towels for Mom

2010-05-09T22:03:00.004-04:00

My mother requested more towels for Mothers Day. Here's what I gave her yesterday, hot off the sewing machine just before she arrived for our dinner out.

I'm spending my MD evening in a hotel on a business trip but received lots of pampering and love before leaving home this afternoon.

I hope all moms had a wonderful day!

Etsy shop and a bit of Honey

2010-04-01T11:19:00.006-04:00

Seems like everyone's having babies lately! Onesies have been on my mind, and I've reopened the shop. Here's one I made yesteday for a baby with the lovely name "Sophia."

And just for the fun of it, here's a photo of our new puppy, Honey Bee.

Thanks, Mother Nature!

2010-02-07T16:49:00.005-05:00

We've been walloped with snow here in Virginia, leading to one cancellation after another. The happy result: more time to sew. I finished our kitchen curtains yesterday and did a commissioned onesie this morning.

Daniela's bulletin boards

2010-02-01T13:15:00.005-05:00

After e-mailing me from Chile with a question about my bulletin board tutorial, Daniela sent me these pictures of her finished products. Fabulous!

What happened?

2010-01-27T11:55:00.009-05:00

It appears I needed all of January to get my blogging act back together after the holidays and a trip to Disney World. I don't know how an entire month flew by just like that, but so it did.

Last night I finished a quilt for my nephew. I've also spent the past few weeks crocheting a couple hats; starting and then unravelling a pair of crocheted socks (I've yet to find the perfect pattern for that); and making crock after crock of homemade soup--one of my favorite comfort foods for the winter months.

Here's Milo's quilt. It's quite late (he'll be 2 in June) but hopefully he won't hold it against me.

Signs of the season

2009-12-19T16:42:00.007-05:00

Bad Bird gift tags.

Cookie, soup, and brownie mixes; and some strawberry preserves.

I ordered a pile of these books to share. I love them so!

Dryer sachets, one of the projects in "Make Your Place."

And a bucket of gifts.

Crocheted kaleidoscope

2009-12-01T23:33:00.004-05:00

These little potholders have been making me so happy. I bought this pattern last summer and have been carrying a bag of cotton yarn around with me ever since.

Also I've completed three more caps and will finally be shipping them all off to Bean tomorrow.

Neglectful

2009-11-24T13:39:00.006-05:00

Yeesh, three weeks since my last post. No excuses for the blog neglect, but I can say I've been busy in the sewing room. Lots to show soon...

For now, here's a work in progress. This was my first time using a walking foot and I'm already in love with that little contraption.

And these little pouches are going to become dryer sachets.

Cleaning and Crocheting

2009-11-02T08:19:00.003-05:00

This may not look like much to you, but believe me when I say it makes me want to dance a happy jig. My sewing room has been such an overwhelming mess that I had to close the door on it for the past few weeks. Finally I got to spend a couple hours of cleaning and organizing last night. Now I can't wait to get back in there and mess it up again!

Since there was no room to sew in the sewing room, I've been crocheting all over the rest of the house. Here's a wool scarf for my little brother, who’s turning 38 this week.

Fun with yarn

2009-10-20T16:30:00.008-04:00

Bean is planning her second annual "Warm Heads, Happy Hearts" hat distribution, so I've been crocheting hats to send her way.

This one is the Basic Bucket Hat from Angel's Crochet.

And these are the Woman's Granny Hat from Suzie's Stuff.

I'm pleased to say I learned a new stitch for the edging on those last two: the reverse single crochet, or crab stitch. Who knew crocheting backwards could be so much fun? Next up: a couple of Boy Beanies.

Diggy Dogs

2009-10-12T09:21:00.009-04:00

Gina convinced me to add a "Dogs" label to my blog for what she calls "diggy dog" projects and photos, and she sent me this photo to share. I made the tiny punch-needle piece a few years ago and stuffed it with dried lavendar buds for a sachet. The pattern is "Dog with Red Flowers" from the Margo White Collection.

And while we're on the subject of diggy dogs, I can't resist posting another bandana model (especially since I'm crazy for pugs). This is sweet Julie, a longtime member of our county Democratic committee.

Our pets lean to the left

2009-10-08T14:07:00.010-04:00

Every member of our family believes that healthcare should be a fundamental right for all citizens, not just a privilege for the few who can afford it. Our Savannah is modeling one of ten bandanas I sewed last night for a local fundraiser.

And Violet, our "Democat," offers her endorsement as well.

Another BBW shirt

2009-10-06T09:26:00.003-04:00

I used the Built By Wendy pattern to make another shirt, this one a birthday gift for a friend. The Liberty of London fabric is no longer available where I found it, but many other lovely options are. I tried French seams for the first time and found them to be much simpler than I'd expected.

Given my sizing experience with this pattern, I went up two sizes for this gift, but alas the shoulders/underams were still a bit snug.

Waiting for Chilly Weather

2009-09-25T19:03:00.006-04:00

I crocheted this raspberry beret and ruffle scarf last month, but Mavis is the only one willing to wear them in our 90-degree September weather. The beret is from Get Lucky Designs (the pattern is available here), and the scarf is a modified version of one in Funky Chunky Crocheted Accessories.

Thanks, Gina, for the styling tip!

Sunflower Potholder

2009-09-21T23:24:00.005-04:00

I started this on a camping trip and finished it in bed one night. Last week I sent it off to North Carolina, along with a tangerine Fiesta Ware baking dish, for my friend Eliz's birthday. The vintage pattern is from Denise Crochets.

Olivia skirt

2009-08-29T03:17:00.003-04:00

For the first day of first grade, I made this super-easy skirt for "my" Olivia using the free Lazy Day Skirt pattern at oliver + s and Olivia (the Pig) fabrics from Andover, purchased a few years ago. Here are some newer fabrics in the line.

Monogrammed Pillowcases

2009-08-24T17:09:00.006-04:00

I've just completed this half of a set of commissioned pillowcases. The monogram is from Aunt Martha's Three Alphabets, and the peacock fabric used for the pillowcase is Hoffman Challenge 2008.

A blink or two and it's almost gone.

2009-08-19T12:41:00.009-04:00

A crazy-busy, glorious summer just flew past. Here are a few crafty things that have been going on...

I finally made a new pillowcase for Sadie.

My loyal onesie client base (a.k.a. Gina) continues to place orders.

O is now a skilled weaver of potholders.

No matter how hot it is, happiness is a new skein of yarn.

Such a handy little bag

2009-07-28T18:57:00.002-04:00

I saw this pattern on the Sew Spoiled blog and had to make my own Ladybug Mini Purse. My iPod and earbuds fit inside perfectly.

Hostess gift

2009-07-22T10:50:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow morning we're flying out to the Midwest to spend a long weekend with some friends. For the hostess gift, I made another set of bird towels and crocheted some cotton washcloths to match.

I'd hoped that Olivia and I would get a chance to make our own soap for the package, but you know how that goes...so I substituted a set from Colonial Williamsburg.

Tiny embroidery

2009-07-17T14:50:00.005-04:00

This little monogram took about 5 minutes to stitch but makes me very happy. The square will be appliqued onto a onesie for a baby named Jenna. The pattern is from "Six Alphabets for Monograms" by Aunt Martha's.

A Generous Craftsman

2009-07-12T19:54:00.005-04:00

My parents moved into their dream house just as I was going through a divorce. For my dad, the highlight of his new house was going to be a basement woodworking shop. He generously postponed that dream so that I could move back home (“home” being where my parents were) for several months until I got my life back on track.

Nine years later, the basement I once shared with my three cats looks like this:

Dad creates some stunning furniture and treasures in his shop. Recently he focused on box-making and treated me to this:

Notice the dove-tail joints, felt lining, and secret bottom compartment.

I love it. Thank you, Dad. For all you do.

Saving the Earth, one coffee cozy at a time

2009-07-01T13:26:00.007-04:00

Inspired by Bean's genius chemistry, I thought I'd whip up two or three little coffee cozies last weekend. But as usual, I was way too optimistic; this is the first and only one so far. After stitching the monogram and sewing the cozy together, I was disappointed and bored with it. So I copied some floral designs on each side, and that's when my weekend ended.

When the stitching is complete, the finished project (and a Starbucks gift card) will be a thank-you gift for a friend who loves coffee as much as I do.

Peas in a pod

2009-06-27T20:00:00.003-04:00

Amazing discovery: Olivia will eat peas! They just have to be (1) raw and (2) in the pod. Yay, summertime!

Nine months later...a ruffled skirt

2009-06-21T09:18:00.004-04:00

My niece requested a ruffled skirt last September. Instead of the back-to-school gift she envisioned, she'll finally receive it today, for her 9th birthday. Once I buckled down with it, this project went fairly smoothly (considering that I never found a pattern I liked), but it reminded me why non-clothing projects are so much more gratifying. I'm keeping fingers crossed that this will fit the birthday girl!

Pillow Plans

2009-06-13T22:06:00.007-04:00

It's been eight years since we bought our sofa and loveseat, but we're still using the throw pillows that came with them. Result: a total overdose of green. In an effort to give the living room a teensy bit more character, I've been making plans for new pillows.

This fabulous block-printed fabric is from HomeSweet. I'm picturing a simple pillow that highlights the lovely print, like this one.

A few months ago I fell head over heels for this faux bois crochet pattern from Crochet Today. I had great fun making it, but the result is pretty wonky. I'm hoping I can block the heck out of it and finish it up one day soon.

Finally, I have some pretty brown linen that's been waiting patiently for the addition of an embroidered Mountain Bluebird (courtesy of an old Martha magazine).

And our winner is...

2009-06-08T20:31:00.006-04:00

...Mel G, with comment 23. Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and left a comment, including special guest EllynAnne Geisel, author of the scrumptiously lovely The Kitchen Linens Book!

Here's a peek at one of my favorites in my own linen collection, a vintage embroidered table scarf from Trina.

One hundred

2009-06-06T20:49:00.014-04:00

Well, now, here I am at 100 posts. Have I mentioned that I adore the online community of sewing bloggers, and I cherish the kind, encouraging, and inspiring comments you--my dear readers--leave for me? Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts!

In the spirit of sharing, I have a like-new copy of The Kitchen Linens Book to give away. If you're interested, leave a comment and O will randomly select a winner on Monday night, 7:30 p.m. EST, just before her bedtime.

P.S. A shout out to my mother, whose birthday is tomorrow. I made her this tote bag from Last-Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts. Happy birthday, Mom!

Whooo can't stop embroidering towels?

2009-05-19T22:30:00.003-04:00

I just finished another owl towel, this one in the nick of time to give to a special teacher at tomorrow's kindergarten graduation. (Owls are the school mascot.)

Tree of Life

2009-05-10T08:58:00.008-04:00

My mother made me this "Tree of Life" afghan for Easter. The photos don't adequately show the color; it's a lovely, soft tone of yellow (my favorite color). I'm amazed by the intricacy and the fact that Mom knitted this challenging pattern in about a month.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom, and thank you for teaching me how to create beautiful things.

A dress for O

2009-05-06T20:17:00.005-04:00

I took this photo at the end of the schoolday, and I'm afraid my little diva isn't as enthralled with Mama's creations as she used to be. After I made this dress, she said, "I actually don't need any more clothes, Mom." But it was fun to work with the darling fabric--a Japanese interpretation of the Wizard of Oz, featuring a blonde Dorothy.

I finally built one!

2009-04-26T17:36:00.005-04:00

After drooling over the Spring Boden catalog this morning, I was inspired to make my own "Built by Wendy" top. I used the size 10 pattern, expecting it to be large enough to shrink nicely...but it's actually a little tight, even after I narrowed the seams to 3/8 inch. Still I'm quite pleased; it's been years since I've sewn clothing for myself. I figure I can wear it as long as I'm not going out for a big dinner.

My Happiest Tax Day Ever

2009-04-15T15:28:00.009-04:00

No, I’m not getting a refund. In fact, I had to use that other IRS label…the one for the payment voucher…but let’s not talk about that. What made today so wonderful is the package that arrived from Jessica, my partner in Lindamade’s Patchwork Swap.

Jess sent a happy orange box filled with so much color and wonder that I can hardly stand it!

Vintage and other gorgeous fabrics, ribbons, lace, ric-rac, trims, an embroidery pattern, a darling deer pin, colorful labels, and a charming little box of lovelies from her button collection.

And then there are the sweet handmade coasters (!) and another package of the most wonderful fabric scraps for my crumb quilt...pieces she cut from favorites in her collection of vintage fabrics. And these aren't just scraps tossed willy-nilly into an envelope, either. They're carefully trimmed, artfully arranged little gems!

I couldn't have asked for a more thoughtful (and generous!) swap partner. Big thanks, Jessica, for making my day!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T09:40:00.003-04:00

One of the last eggs to be found in the hunt.

Spoils from the lambie cake.

Taxes due? Make a potholder!

2009-04-11T10:31:00.007-04:00

I couldn't sleep last night from worrying about the fact that I haven't yet done my taxes. So I got up at 4:30 a.m. and sewed a potholder. I feel much better now. Maybe I'll go back to bed...

It's all about the cats.

2009-03-30T10:59:00.007-04:00

This post was going to be about a new afghan I've started, but Sunshine (Violet's sister) was determined to steal the show.

36 squares

2009-03-23T16:24:00.006-04:00

I fit in quite a bit of pleasant sewing time this weekend...and finished all 36 squares for the Mod Sampler quilt. Now I can't move forward until I select a sashing color, and I'm having a heck of a time with that decision. Jeff votes strongly for white, but as far as I'm concerned, more color equals more happiness. I'm leaning slightly toward a subdued yellow like the one in the print that's paired with the orange solid. Thoughts, anyone?

Therapy

2009-03-18T19:28:00.009-04:00

What with the gloomy weather and a school decision weighing heavily on my mind, I've been down in the dumps. Today provided just what I needed...some warm sunshine and young pansies outside and new Mod Sampler quilt blocks inside.

And a sweet little kitty always helps too.

So do pep talks from loved ones. Thanks, Mom and Gina.

Plan B

2009-03-08T14:08:00.006-04:00

The solids weren't quite working for me. There's a gorgeous quilt made of mostly solids in Denyse Schmidt Quilts that I've always wanted to make, so I checked it out again the other night and realized I didn't have the right color tones.

Yesterday on the way to Costco I told Olivia I needed to go to JoAnn and get some more colors and she retorted, "You don't need any more fabric, Mom. You want it. What are you going to do when all the shelves in your sewing room are full?" My suggestion that I add a fabric shelf to her room was met with disgust. What a little teenager, and she's only six. But I guess she had a point, so I came home and started fresh. Here's the result, and I'm much happier with it.

The prints are from last year's vintage sheet swap, which Elizabeth also hosted.

Colors for the Mod Quilt and an Afghan from Mom

2009-03-06T17:12:00.007-05:00

I was thinking I'd use all solids for the Mod Sampler quilt, but now that I've photographed them I'm not so sure. I was toying with the idea of orange, red, or pale yellow for the sashing. Now I'm rethinking the entire palette. I have to admit it's a pleasant dilemma....

And I wish I could take credit for this lovely creation, but alas I'm not much of a knitter. My mother, on the other hand, can do it all. When I was little, she sewed clothes for my Barbies and me; knitted and crocheted afghans, hats, and mittens; embroidered at least one glorious picture for the wall; and made various holiday decorations. Then she grew tired of stitching for many years until she was inspired to get her knitting needles out of the attic last month...and promptly whipped up this delightfully soft afghan for Olivia.

Back in the sewing room

2009-03-04T11:25:00.006-05:00

Just when I needed some inspiration for a new sewing project, Elizabeth at Oh, Fransson has begun a quilt-along. I'm thinking my lovely stack of Kona solids, a recent treat from Pink Chalk Fabrics, is going to be perfect for the Mod Sampler Quilt.

Cookies, and a Onesie for Baby "B"

2009-03-01T10:47:00.009-05:00

I'm getting back into the swing of things, thanks to the big pink Amoxicillin pills that are knocking out my two-week sinus infection. Yesterday we made thumbprint cookies. Really Olivia made them; all I did was read the recipe and help with measuring. I'm so pleased that she likes to bake. And oooh, they were tasty! Between us we must have eaten 12 last night.

Also I finished and packaged (but alas have not yet mailed) this onesie for Doreen, who won the December giveaway and is expecting a baby girl in May.

Working on...nothing

2009-02-21T20:24:00.004-05:00

I'm in a slump. I've had a cold for a week. I recently finished everything on my "to-make" list and as I sit around on the sofa with a stuffy nose and empty hands, I'm frustrated to be lacking the energy to decide what to make next. Sure hope this doesn't last much longer; I'm bored!

Here are photos of the Valentine gifts we gave O's teachers. Crocheted cotton washcloths and homemade glycerine soaps.

A snuggle robe, not a Snuggie

2009-02-16T10:59:00.006-05:00

My sister-in-law requested a Snuggie for her birthday, so I placed an order and forgot about it. When her birthday rolled around two weeks later and no Snuggie had arrived, I decided that the order must not have gone through...so I bought a fleece blanket at Target and made my own. The result is much thicker than the "real" Snuggie (which of course arrived the day after I started sewing), and I think the zipper makes it more useful.

Here's the birthday girl (headless, per request) modeling the homemade "snuggle robe."

A herd of elephants

2009-02-08T20:05:00.007-05:00

My new sewing buddy, Mary Clare, came over this morning and we collaborated on a baby quilt for a colleague. We'd agreed beforehand to embroider elephants on bleached muslin using a cadet-bluish color with a little splash of other colors here and there. Today we framed the five embroidered (plus four simpler) squares with red prints.

One of Mary Clare's elephants (I wish you could see her perfect, tiny stitches here!)...

And one of mine--with, I just noticed--quite a bit of "disappearing" ink remaining...

That last one was a free pattern from Andrea Zuill.

Another Pillow

2009-02-04T19:33:00.003-05:00

This one is for Gina too. She had a bedskirt made from this luscious dupioni silk, and we collaborated on this little pillow with the leftovers.

I got a big kick out of covering the buttons. So easy! I see many covered buttons in my future.

Jitters

2009-01-31T14:23:00.007-05:00

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

2009-01-26T21:08:00.009-05:00

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

2009-01-25T20:34:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-18T12:07:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-12T12:45:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-09T11:05:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-03T10:02:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-01-02T13:55:00.007-05:00

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.

Squirrel Apron

2008-12-31T11:16:00.007-05:00

This is the apron I made for my sister-in-law, who struck a pose but made me promise not to post her head. (Thanks again for the pot roast!)

I think the Japanese squirrel fabric came from Superbuzzy last year. I don't see it online now, but here's a similar one.

The List

2008-12-29T10:15:00.006-05:00

I just corrected my last post...turns out I made 20 Christmas gifts this year. (No wonder my sewing room is such a disaster!) Here's the list:

6 tea towels
4 potholders/oven mitts
4 crocheted caps
3 pillowcases
1 afghan
1 apron
1 taggie

In my haste to finish and wrap gifts, I forgot to photograph the apron and one of the pillowcases, but there are still some embroidery pics in the queue. This is a cowboy snowman towel I made for some friends who are Texans at heart.

Mountain Streams

2008-12-27T09:40:00.008-05:00

I made 20 Christmas gifts this year. I enjoyed every project, but this was my favorite: an afghan for my mother, who has had a rough year. When I'm feeling blue, my favorite thing to do is snuggle under a homemade afghan or quilt and nap or read a book. I'm hoping this afghan brings some comfort to my Mom, who takes such good care of her family. I named it "Mountain Streams" because it reminds me of the beautiful property on my parents' farm here in the Blue Ridge.

The pattern is Lion Brand Yarn's Motif Afghan. I increased the width and length by a couple of rows/columns.

Meet Mavis, Deirdre, and Tom

2008-12-25T21:08:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I commented that I'd like to get my hands on a styrofoam head for modeling hats. Turns out Santa was listening.

Poor Mavis is still a little chilly. Deirdre is modeling my latest Urban Chunky Newsboy Cap. And Tom is wearing the Boy Beanie I tucked into Jeff's Christmas stocking.

Thanks so much, John and Deuce! And a merry Christmas to all.

Handmade Christmas

2008-12-21T20:33:00.010-05:00

By Thursday, if all goes well, I'll have made 15 Christmas gifts. (Hopefully I won't be sewing all night on Christmas Eve!) Now that my girlfriends and I have had our gift exchange, I can post a few of my projects. These are the towel and oven mitt I made for Gina.

Cookie Time

2008-12-19T06:06:00.005-05:00

Olivia amazed me by going to bed early (!) last night, so I was on my own with our favorite sugar cookie recipe for today's class party. But Harry Connick Jr. kept me company. Yum.

Also on my Christmas baking list are these two, blogged by Elizabeth at Oh, Fransson. Can you say "Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies" and "Praline Cookies" without your mouth watering? Neither can I.

Our Projects

2008-12-17T12:07:00.007-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at what I've been working on. (That's supposed to be a Juniper berry in her beak.)

And here are Olivia's projects. She's been sick with the flu and double ear infections, but she perked up yesterday and built a "movie quilt."

Then she treated Mama Kitty to a makeover.

I am sitting! I am drinking!

2008-12-13T16:24:00.004-05:00

This cotton tape is so doggone cute.

I ordered it from A Little Goodness and was saving it for coasters, but the sentiments seemed just right for Milo's Christmas taggie. Milo, my 6-month-old nephew, is the happiest, chubbiest little guy you ever saw. Sitting and drinking are right up his alley.

Special Order

2008-12-10T09:07:00.009-05:00

Gina sent me an airplane-themed standard pillowcase from The Company Store and asked me to create a tot-sized pillow and blanket from it. Finally, the fleece I stockpiled three years ago came in handy! I tailored the pillowcase to fit a small (12x16) pillow form and used the rest to bind and applique a square of blue fleece.

The package wasn't complete without a Butter & Sugar onesie; this one features a patchwork airplane.

Cake

2008-12-08T10:05:00.005-05:00

Olivia just had a birthday, which we've celebrated twice so far (cupcakes at school, Christmas pageant party with friends) and will celebrate once more tonight (family party). Excessive? Definitely. Shameful, really; we're determined to figure out how to consolidate next year. But oh, the cakes have been grand.

I ordered these precious ballerinas (and other lovely cake toppers) from the delightful cyber-shop Bake It Pretty.

And the winner is...

2008-12-04T18:06:00.010-05:00

Huge, heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited yesterday and left a comment. You truly made my day.

Congratulations to "Mommy's Home," who won the random drawing for a onesie from my shop. In fact, extra-special congratulations are in order...she wrote that she's expecting a baby!

Good luck to all who entered other Give-Away Day contests!

Etsy Shop Give-Away

2008-12-02T12:37:00.011-05:00

Hooray! My Etsy shop has just been launched, and it's Give-Away Day. For starters, the featured items in my new shop are patchwork monogrammed onesies, now available for customization.

In celebration, I'm giving away a customized onesie. Just leave a comment today and I'll randomly select a winner.

If you haven't done so already, check out Sew, Mama, Sew's list of other Give-Away Day contests!

Settling down for a long winter's nap

2008-12-02T10:10:00.017-05:00

Warning: Christmas spoiler...Rudie, no peeking!

To me there's nothing cozier than putting on a pair of warm pajamas and curling up in bed to read a good book. Hence the inspiration for my gifts to several of the children on my list this year:

* A handmade pillowcase,
* A pair of PJs,
* And a book.

These are for my niece. I'm keeping fingers crossed that she'll love The Boxcar Children as much as I did when I was her age.

P.S. December is "Holidays at Home" month at Sew, Mama, Sew!. Visit them for more gift compilation and handmade holiday ideas.

One-Trick Pony

2008-11-24T21:19:00.008-05:00

Honestly I'm making other things too, but I can't post my Christmas surprises. And so here are yet more embroidered towels. These were thank-you gifts.

I mailed the Nevada towel off to the inspirational Bean; and the Arizona towel went to Trina, whose fabulously lovely antiques will be featured in an upcoming post.

Give-Away Day: December 3

2008-11-18T20:46:00.004-05:00

I just signed up to participate in the Sew, Mama, Sew! Give-Away Day...which means one lucky commenter on December 3 will win one of my custom monogrammed onesies like these.

Two Onesies

2008-11-12T12:14:00.005-05:00

Gina commissioned these latest onesies for her cousins' babies, Meghan and Riley, born within a day of each other. I'm pleased with the improved monograms...chain stitch stands out much better than the backstitch I usually use.

Hat Joy

2008-11-09T16:50:00.006-05:00

I've discovered an amazingly gratifying project: crocheting hats. I made these two recently for Bean's Winter Warm-Up Drive. The pattern is the "Boy Beanie," originally published in Stitch & Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker (an awesome book!) but also available for free on the Open Source Crochet Project. I added a couple of extra rows to make it warmer.

And this one came together while we watched the delightful Kit Kittredge movie this afternoon. The pattern is the Crazy Easy Urban Chunky Newsboy Cap by Nutella Dreams Late Night Crafts.

I really need one of those styrofoam hat models!

Words of Wisdom

2008-11-07T18:50:00.004-05:00

Courtesy of tonight's cup of tea.

Turkey Placecards

2008-11-02T15:22:00.009-05:00

Olivia and I were feeling crafty this afternoon, but we couldn't decide what to make so we went outside to swing. That's where the gorgeous autumn leaves caught our attention, and she saw them as turkey tail-feathers. Ah-ha! Together we hot-glued sweet-gum balls, leaves, and helio-seeds to make placecards for our Thanksgiving dinner guests.

Sugar Rush

2008-10-31T09:56:00.007-04:00

These are our first attempt at "Fairy Cakes," which I've long admired at Yarnstorm. We used the glossy, lemony icing recipe in The Gentle Art of Domesticity.

Wishing you a sweet and happy Halloween.

P.S. Heartfelt thanks to all who left comments in response to Monday's post. I really appreciate your kind and caring thoughts.

In loving memory

2008-10-27T11:25:00.008-04:00

My sweet Sula passed away this morning. We were together for almost 18 years. Olivia says I'll see him in Heaven, but until then I'm going to miss my little man dearly.

Coyote Kindness

2008-10-20T11:19:00.010-04:00

I've been a long-time admirer of Bean's Coyote Craft blog, not just for her inspiring projects (her crochet hook/knitting needle organizers are my favorites), but also her focus on charity, kindness, and tolerance.

I'm working on a hat for her Winter Warm-Up Drive, and I'm also working on a thank-you gift for the awesome package she recently sent. To celebrate her Patchwork Hot Pads tutorial on Sew, Mama, Sew, she held a give-away for the completed set of hot pads. Although I didn't win them, Bean sent me a surprise package featuring a sweet note, a handmade pincushion, vintage embroidery and sewing patterns, some luscious skeins of embroidery floss, and an embroidery hoop.

Hooray for the online crafting community and the generosity of bloggers. Bean, you rock!