sunday drive

This morning we took a ride out to the New Jersey Botanical Gardens.

la la liberty

Singing in my hand when working with Liberty fabric.
Cotton that feels as soft as silk.
A pillow, quilted and backed with a olive green cotton.
A new pillow for the couch.
To dream and rest on and do a little knitting.
La La Liberty.

puppet show shorts

Thank you for all the nice comments on the picnic quilt.

Over the weekend I got some more sewing done and finished the puppet show shorts from Oliver + S. I bought this pattern a long time ago and bought it in the larger size. I made these a size 2 so Ms. S can wear them next summer. I'm debating what fabric to pair the shorts with to use for the tunic top but, I guess I have time. She is in 12-18 months now.

I love sewing Oliver + S patterns. The sizing is perfect. The directions are clear. And, the patterns are brilliant. Honestly, those pockets are the best. I think these shorts are adorable.

The fabric is Japanese from Yuwa Live Life collection.

picnic quilt done!

The picnic quilt was finished for Memorial Day. I set a goal and did what I said.

I went with the simple stitch in the ditch for quilting it which worked out perfectly since the squares were small enough to work with this method.

I used pink and yellow seam binding because I wanted a solid since there is so much pattern going on already and backed it with a yellow sheet.

It was used for the first time today when we walked down to the park for the duck races. It is sort of funny to see a crowd of people cheering on a bunch of bath toys.
The ducks:



This quilt is incredibly soft since the fabric used for the top has already been washed a lot. It reminds me of my childhood and reading books in bed on hot summer nights and the way light sparkles off a lake. All those bright flowers are sort of glowing. It's a happy quilt.

garage sale scores

We are in garage sale season once again. Last weekend I picked up this vintage red suitcase. I had been keeping an eye out for one for a while to store some fabric scraps. It was $4 so a good deal and no smell and lined. Also, there was this hand tied quilt for $10. There are some stains. I've gotten them out for the most part ( a few discolorations left) and I think after a few more washings they will be gone. Cross fingers. I don't think this one is too old but maybe a little old...

In other quilt news, I am very close to finishing the picnic quilt. I'm halfway done hand sewing the binding in place. I'm actually really loving this slow activity right now. It will surely be finished for Memorial Day so there will be a picnic this weekend and photos next week. I'm very excited about quilts right now and have started a list of ones I want to make. I'm thinking about sewing some clothes for me sometime soon as well.




Our peonies are blooming. I love peonies so very much.
Next up are the irises...

Hope you all have a beautiful springtime weekend. There will be the ocean air and sand this weekend at some point for us.

getting ready for summer!

bonnets, bloomers, smocks, appliqued onesies

O W L S

I first mentioned this sweater in January. Soon after
I purchased the yarn, started knitting it in March and then last week picked it up and finished it.
What can I say? I love this sweater. And, the past day it's been so cool out it's actually possible to wear it. It was not at all hard to knit and this was my first time cabling. So, if you have never tried cabling please do because it is much easier then you think. I kind of wish the sleeves were a tiny bit longer but other then that I have no issues with fit. I followed the pattern exactly. Hoot!

jumpsuit

A summer jumpsuit for Scarlet for next summer.
I wanted to try this vintage pattern out I had which also includes variations for a dress and romper.
It's Simplicity 9991 from 1981

This could look so cute in a tiny floral too like the one in the background here.
I think jumpsuits might be making a comeback. Here is one at Little Fashion Gallery. I kind of want to wear one too. I'm not sure I could pull it off but, maybe...

picnic quilt top

I finished piecing the top of my picnic quilt inspired by Leslie's.
It is all made from vintage sheets and the squares are 5 1/2" finished.
There are a total of 130 squares and it is about 4 1/2 x 6.
I hope to finish this by Memorial Day. I'm not sure yet how I will quilt it.
More photos on my flickr here and here
Were any of these designs on your bed growing up? There is one square from my yellow roses pillowcase. I could only cut into it because I have another.

ishbel

my new scarf. never mind that it is spring. this is perfect with a little breeze or in the evening.
finished yesterday morning in the quiet of my moss green chair in the bedroom while kids played with their dada.
a chance to breathe.

this morning after crepes and a sip of coffee i went up to the attic to retrieve it after being blocked and pinned out all night and put it on and fell in love.
it is so soft and the lace pattern so pretty and delicate. i love the little points that fan out like a web.
i almost want to curl up with it everyday.

I changed the photos after anonymous pointed out that a few of the others showed the reverse. Hopefully I can rephotograph it soon

hello may

images from the garden



hello may!

the sun is shining today, thank goodness!
it has been raining all week and this one has been a doozy. i am so tired.
i am more then happy to start the weekend today and mick is home to help with the kiddos.
this afternoon we will be heading to the plant sale to get more veggies, herbs and flowers.
soon all will be planted and we can sit back and relax and enjoy it. oh, there will still be work but, you know what i mean.
there are teeny tiny currants now and next month we will be drowning in strawberries.
i really want to put in a patio in the backyard and get some amazing lawn chairs and a grill but we will see.
first we really need to get a new income coming in since mick's job is ending at the end of the month. goodness!

have a great weekend and for all the mom's a happy mother's day!