The Liberty Book of Home Sewing

I purchased The Liberty Book of Home Sewing recently and am pretty in love with many designs in the book.



I chose the Rose Corsage first because I had all the materials on hand and thought it was pretty. Though I have made quite a few fabric flowers over the years what I liked about this one was that it involved fusing two Liberty prints together so that although it is not reversible there is another print on the backside. This provided it with a sculptural quality which allows for moving the petals a bit and giving them more shape and structure.

Hand sewing this was fun though a bit difficult because although I did use a strong needle getting it to push through all of the fabrics required some leverage a few times. Still, I want to make more. I think I might try the book covers next.

Here a few of my favorites in the book:






Another review here.

felt bead necklaces

I love the simplicity and the dash of color that these wool felt bead necklaces bring to any outfit.
More color choices are available if you have one in mind let me know.
These two shown are in my Big Cartel shop.

Happy Thanksgiving

chocolate bar coasters

The cold weather is arriving and drinking warm beverages is one of the best things about this time of year. I recently remembered seeing a tutorial on the Purl Bee last year for chocolate bar coasters and decided to knit some up. The pattern drew me in because it is a nice textured pattern, one that is easy to wind down with at the end of the night and it included the magic word - chocolate - in the title.

Hot Chocolate is a treat I indulge in a few times a week and believe it or not I don't take mine with marshmallows. I like it most rich like drinking chocolate or chocolate soup but sometimes a good old fashioned milk chocolate cocoa or one with spices or mint is what I crave. I really like the Jacques Torres and MarieBelle blends. Do you have any favorites? I'd love to hear about them.

I think these coasters would make an excellent resting spot and they are made from machine washable wool so no worries and since I made more then my fair share I think it would be safe to say someone will be seeing these under their tree this year.

Odds and Ends:

*We had a birthday last week- Matthew is SIX.
*I opened up a Big Cartel store and the link is on the right. I will be adding more items (only two right now) soon so please check back.
*My childhood desk made it's way to my home over the weekend. This desk was also my Mom's as a child so it's pretty special and I really needed extra storage for all my crafty odds and ends. It makes me happy to have this piece in my home. I remember all my Little Women dolls lined up on one shelf and a little Native American doll on the other but, I can't remember who was next to her. I remember writing in my diary and doing my homework here.
*I am working away on my quilt.

black halter top

I realize it is November but, I made up this top in the summer. It actually started off as a romper but then something went wrong and I turned it into a top. She didn't actually wind up wearing it but it is roomy and long enough that it will be worn next year and it is super soft and comfortable. The pattern is a vintage one but I needed to adjust it because it was too small. So, a lot of alterations on this one and a completely different beginning from ending but, as it winds up I think it is just perfect and super cute which is why I mention it at all here in the first place because when this happens it really is exciting and like a little sewing miracle. I can not recommend the organic cotton jersey from Alabama Chanin enough. She loves to 'play sew' on this great wooden one I bought a few years back.

meow mitts

This pattern is one I wanted to knit for at least a year and I decided to give it a shot. They were pretty simple to make. I didn't budge from the wool choices or pattern instructions because I think they are pretty perfect. I liked knitting these and making the kitty come to life by adding the eyes was the most fun.

The design is by Tiny Owl Knits. And, she has a pretty sweet video of the last step with the features. Her patterns are really creative and magical. The beekeepers quilt is pretty amazing.

christopher and kelly's wedding

My youngest brother, Chris and his girl, Kelly got married on Saturday in Mountain Lakes, NJ. The ceremony was very sweet and was followed by a really fun reception. The kids attended the ceremony but stayed home for the evening reception. I didn't have the opportunity to take photos of the couple together outside but, I think this photo above is pretty sweet.

I like this one of M, S and I. And, the flowers from the wedding were gorgeous and are still looking beautiful on my dining room table.

Hooray for the happy couple!

windows and triangles

I'm working on quilts again. Here are a few I have been inspired to work on lately and hopefully finish especially the cathedral windows which has been lingering a few years now. The other one is one I have wanted to start for a while and is made with embroidered handkerchiefs from my collection and will be a small quilt. The light in the attic is pretty bad which is it's biggest downfall but I am so thankful to have such a big room to spread out in and trust me I do.

rippled

I felt compelled to make another of these necklaces. I was looking for a project I could start and finish quickly since I have been consciously trying to work on some of the bigger projects that I have going on but needed something done. I like that feeling but, I also like seeing something I've worked on for weeks or even years get done as well. This necklace in particular is so nice because of the feeling of the yarn and the pretty beads that you get to add.

What have you been working on lately?

dress with quilted bodice

A dream dress from Carefree Clothes for Girls.
The details in this dress and fabrics play off the design so nicely and are so well designed.
It came together over a few evenings being finished off yesterday.
The bodice is made with three layers like a quilt - nani iro double gauze in ivory dot, batting and muslin. After the bodice is pieced it is then hand quilted and the little ruffle sleeves are added. The skirt is two layers - the nano iro gauze and muslin underneath with a ruffle being added to the muslin. Gold thread around the neckline and buttons up the back of the bodice are extra special touches.
Of all the princess dresses in the world this is the one that steals my heart. Also, good for playing 'married.'

halloween

Top two images by Chad Hunt Photography.

We had a Happy Halloween and had fun trick or treating. The day started with Ms. S's preschool Halloween performance. We went to our village for trick or treating and then hit the houses nearby.




We found another family dressed like us. The two Little Reds checked each other out and tried to remember how they knew each other - swim lessons over the summer.





The hunter made an appearance to rescue us from the Big Bad Wolves tummy.




We did not hand out candy when we got back because it was too dark but, after 84 hours without power I am happy to report we are back. I no longer have to sleep with all those quilts and blankets, hat and leg warmers but judging by these two photos I think we can all agree it could have been worse.




My heart goes out to those of you still without power and those who the danger of seemingly innocent snow affected much worse.