birthday quilt

This apple quilt was started in Autumn I believe and finished last Thursday. It is a birthday present for my little girl. I had a lot of fun making her presents and planning her party as you will see in future posts.



I mentioned in this post that I would be hand quilting this and even though it was a lot of work I did enjoy it. I stitched around each and every letter and apple. My stitch length did get a bit bigger then what I started though I don't mind that too much. I don't usually go for bold graphics so this was a bit different for me. I think I am still trying to accustom myself to it.

The front fabric is Trefle by Kokka and I backed it with Amy Butler Lotus.

It is a perfect crib/lap/snuggle quilt. I used a yard of each fabric so after quilting, squaring off and binding it came to a few inches less then that.

kerchief girl

A half yard of fabric saved and now turned into a sweet summer dress with elastic at the bottom giving it a bubble shape. Wrapped and waiting for her birthday. Almost 2.

Summer clothes made in winter. Dreaming of days filled with sun outside having spent too much time inside already. Imagining her running in this little dress with sandals and those sweet blonde curls that wisp out around her head.

-Oh, and Happy Birthday Sara. Thank you again for making me come meet you in the city and treating me to a cocktail and dinner.

lollipops and daisies

Yesterday, the boy and I made lollipops. The flavor is lemonade and we used daisy candy molds. I planned on them being yellow but, since Matty was in charge of the food coloring they are orange. He loved watching the mixture bubble up and change color. Very exciting for both of us really and easy project to do with kids.




Here is a daisy flower applique t-shirt I made for Scarlet. Her birthday is coming up and the theme is a garden party. So, this fits right in.

collections

I've always liked seeing other people's collections.
When Juliana recently posted about her brooch collection it spurred me to show you mine.
I didn't include the metal flowers here and I'm sure there are a few others pinned on clothing in that unruly closet of mine.

Some of these belonged to my grandmothers, others I bought over the years or were given to me.

A few other things I collect: bell jars, old salt and pepper shakers, vintage hats, antique clear bottles, pretty teacups, old linens and lace.

What do you collect?

hearts

Two tiny hearts appeared in my cappuccino foam this morning.
It made me so happy. And, I'm starting to feel better finally.

damson

I finished the shawl yesterday. It turned out just right this time.
I love the lace detailing and the color variegation. The color reminds me of a silk shirt I received as a holiday gift in a color called violet stone.

I've spent much time this past week on the bed and couch and with thousands of stitches flying through my fingers.

-I have a small pile of handmade clothes done for a certain someone's birthday next month and am now working on hand stitching a quilt for her. It's going to be a challenge to finish in time.

I forgot to mention that the pattern is by Ysolda. In case you were interested in giving it a try

sweet doll clothes

My Mom made another trip to the attic and found some more handmade vintage doll clothes.



This sweet embroidered dress fits Scarlet's new baby doll, Emma, from Aunt Sue very nicely. I love the detailing and the little pink deer.



This pink blouse is also so nicely hand stitched and very pretty.




little pants



a skirt that needs it's elastic fixed



an apron



There was also a few crocheted hats and a vest though those looked to be from the 70's by different hands and these here seem to be from the 1940's or early 1950's

There is cold/flu in this house and I wish it to be gone.

2 x 2 + 1 + 1.....

The equation above refers to the amount of times I have knitted two items.

2
We have Meret (Mystery Beret).
I knitted this almost all the way to the end before realizing that my gauge was off because the circulars were too long and when the crown decreases were beginning my mind was reading the directions in a way other then they were written.
This beret is now done. It's in Malabrigo worsted and the color name is Cabernet. Oh, that sounds good right now. MMM....
I love this pattern. If I were to knit it again I think I would go for another repeat to give it a little slouch.

x




2 + 1 + 1....
We have Damson. Oh my! I knit this all the way through from Christmas night until January 4th with such determination.
A lot of trauma with this as I ran out of yarn and had to remove stitches in pattern (over 300 on sock yarn mind you), place them back on, purchase another skein and then finally finish it only to realize I had done something wrong early on. That's right. I even kind of knew in the back of my mind something was wrong. So, then I started again, made another mistake and then started again yesterday. I am one determined girl and I will get this shawl right and finished.

My cappuccino is now almost done so I will end this post. Thank you for all the nice comments on my blouse. I really love it and am wearing it. The fit, style, everything is just perfect. I am so happy with it.

orange enid

I have a new blouse and I love it. Orange Enid is the name of the print from Liberty of London. The fabric was purchased with a gift certificate from almost 2 years ago. The idea came from this post of Amy's. I fell in love with her top when I saw it and decided to do the same.





I would definitely make this blouse again. It's such an easy pattern and the result is so pretty. I agree with Amy that only lightweight fabrics work with this blouse and I think a polka dot would be very sweet. I really love the ruffle.



The pattern is Simplicity 2599. I made my own button loop from the fabric because I didn't like the instructions. I simply folded both sides to the center pressed, folded in half and then sewed it shut.

Up, Up and Away

Happy New Year!
Wow, 2010.

Isn't this coin purse so cute? It's from Zakka Sewing and I cut out the pattern this summer. One of my goals for 2010 is to try to finish off the projects started in 2009.

The construction of this involved hand sewing and applique. A lot of fun to make.

Today is also my 3 year Blog Anniversary. I really love writing this blog and all the people who I've met through it. Thanks for reading along. Best Wishes to all of you in the new year.

2009 in pictures

I looked over my photos from 2009 last night and thought I'd share a picture or two from every month of some of my favorite projects and photos.

January: antique teacups and plates jewelry drawer




February: tea party sundress




March: Bubble Dress




April: flower girl dress



peach blossoms



May: picnic quilt top



June

princess and the pea skirt



July: cathedral quilt (in progress)



cherry branches skirt



August: yo yo pillow




September : plaid dress




October: baby surprise jacket



November: patchwork scarf



December

shibui sweater



christmas card photo (m is wearing the sledding sweater- another favorite project from feb.)



Looking over this I see I included a lot more sewing then knitting. There were a lot of good knits too.