floral top and cradle blanket

In between working in little bits of time on my cathedral quilt and some other projects I made this little top for Ms. S to wear down the road. It's a size 3. I really can't justify making her any more summer clothes although the Fall projects have begun and will continue.

I also made her a matching cradle blanket that would fit a doll cradle that used to belong to me as a wee one.

















In other news:

This weekend I made a trip into the city to meet up with my cousin and we paid a visit to Habu Textiles. I could have stayed for days looking and dreaming up ideas. My consolation: it is only a 40 minute train ride and a bit of walking away. I left with a few cones of silk mohair 32B in color 26 Madder and one that was on sale N 58-29 Merino in a gorgeous shade of red. I was so overwhelmed- silk crepe, paper, fine silver, silk stainless steel, romney fiber... so much goodness. I also had a lovely Indian meal and was gone from the house for 7 hours! I don't think I've ever left the house alone for 7 hours. Seriously, it's been a long time...years. The most is 2 maybe 3.

walking in the garden

On Tuesday night Scarlet surprised us with walking. At first I wasn't sure if this was real because a few weeks ago she had taken 8 then 13 steps but, then stopped only taking maybe 4 somedays. But, Tuesday she was ready. I had blown up some balloons and was throwing them across the room and asked her if she would get one and bring it to me. Normally, when I suggest her to walk she turns her head to one side and says 'no' pretty defiantly. So, I was surprised when she did walk and then she just kept going back and forth in the room. We quickly grabbed the camera and made a little video.

She is now walking all over the house and it is so unbelievably sweet. I forgot what babies look like when they start walking and how proud they feel. She has been grinning and giggling as she goes.

I took some photos of her outside today. She took a walk along the flowers stopping to admire them.



I recently knit this sweater for her. It is so incredibly soft and I love this color on her. It's Malabrigo Yarn in Damask Rose. I have another sweater on the needles for her right now. Little sweaters are so satisfying and I may have to do one or two more. I also have plans to start a new one for me soon and if I ever find the pattern with my notes to finish one I started last Fall.

the birds

During the school year, Matty learned a lot about birds. There was a volunteer who would come and teach the kids about different types of birds. Each child would get to hold a stuffed animal that made it's bird call or a card that showed the name of the bird with a picture. Then the children would match them up.

There is also a bird feeder right outside the window and M's teacher told me how much my little guy loves to sit in the rocking chair looking at books and watching them come to eat.

I also love birds so it's been nice to have something to discuss besides trucks;) I think it would be nice to go on one of those nature bird walks with him someday.

A few months ago I made a whole armload of birds. These have buttons on the front and loops on the back for hanging.

cathedral window

I've become obsessed with cathedral window quilting this past week and when I was up for it this is what I found myself wanting to work on. There was quite a bit of laying low and knitting and embroidery as I was hit with a cold for a few days.

I was surprised at how simple the process is. I love the folding and way it layers and builds up.
I used this tutorial which is excellent. And, I just realized that Valerie is making one too.

I am going to turn this into a quilt for our bed. Perhaps it will be done by this Winter. Maybe?

---I had been wanting to do this tutorial when I first saw it about a year ago. At the time I was a little nervous/scared about quilting but, no longer.

I am trying to decide whether to leave some windows blank or fill them all in. Hmm.

ribbon dress

Ms. S you are such a sweet and funny little one....

I love how you bounce up and down to music you like even when you are sitting down.
I love how you always hold my hand and make sure it is set just the way you like and lead me wherever you want to go making sure that you are understood by yelling and tugging if I go in a direction you don't want me to.
I love the sound of your laugh when I tickle your side or the middle of your neck.
I love how sometimes when I try to sneak in a tiny bit of knitting or read something you lean over bringing your face to my view and say Mama looking at me with your big blue eyes.
I love how you used to know where your tummy is but now you always point to your toes instead.
I love how you say Mama all the time but rarely Dada which is nice because your brother said Dada forever before he said Mama.
I love how you insist on feeding yourself although when you have mastered the spoon consistently it will open up so much more for you.
I love your tiny wisps of hair. I still can't believe you are blond.

I love so many things about you my sweet baby girl and I am addicted to making you clothes.



Scarlet is wearing Atelier Akiko fabric in Ribbon Stripe from here. Sundress pattern by Habitual. Made by me.

parcel

Walking into Parcel for the first time is just as good walking into for the 100th time for you are never bored at this store. Everywhere you look is delightful. It is like the cliche that you want 'someone to pinch you because you can't imagine that it is real.' Yes, it is and this is truly a wonderful magical alternative universe that you just wandered into.

The shop is a gorgeous paperie filled with unique treasures, papers, ribbons, trims, 1930's-1970's children's party decoration, favors and toys, vintage ephemera, game pieces, tiny treasures, candles, stationary and a sweet shoppe with old fashioned and difficult to find candies. I asked the owner what her oldest item in the store was and she said late 1800's ledgers and some photos from that time period.

She offers custom invitations, stationary and unique gift wrapping choices. Trust me they are all amazing. Also, many beautiful cards for every occasion.

Parcel is located in Montclair, NJ. The owner, also a Nancy, is one of the nicest, most creative and unique shop owners I've come across. The store is a visual splendor with little vignettes and displays covering every inch of shelf and tabletop.

I can not leave the store without a bag in hand. Today I brought home some sweet treats, two glass cloches and some bits and bobs.

The window display is always a beautiful work of art. Today was no exception.





Oh, Nancy told me that the website is going through an upgrade and is going to be amazing. Please take a look and if you are close enough for a day trip by all means... go. Also, I got into a lovely discussion with a gal who works there who graduated from the same high school as I did although she was a decade and a half later then me. We had some of the same teachers and a mirror experience with the art teacher! Loved what we hated, hated what we loved etc. Very funny.

embroidered baby dress

Who made it?
When?
For whom?

So many questions.....

My Mom has been cleaning out her attic and found this gorgeous dress in a box of old linens.
She is going through the linens and washing everything carefully.
I haven't taken a peek at those yet.

Tucked between the layers, this lovely handmade and stitched baby dress. Most likely was made by a relative of ours -a grandmother, great aunt or great grandmother. I am in awe of all the detailed tiny stitches and the time spent on making this dress.

The embroidery and cross stitching is so pretty. It does show sign of wear and age but is in decent condition.

Here are some detail images.







I think this will fit Scarlet although I haven't tried it on yet.