nani IRO curtain

The prints of nani IRO by Naomi Ito are always so unique and beautiful. I don't really know what to compare them too. If you are a lover of textiles it is really hard not to fall for these designs.

When in possession of such beautiful fabrics many seamstresses tend to hold onto it dreaming of all the possibilities one could make with them. I tend to choose garments most often and when I have enough yardage.

This print (Fuccra Rakuen) with it's blossoms and birds is so pretty and I thought would make a rather nice curtain. I had just enough to make 2 panels for this window which is on the stair landing on the way to the second floor. At the moment it's a nice place to stop and marvel at the foot of snow on the ground and, it's still falling.

parents magazine

One of my baby smocks is featured in the March issue of Parents Magazine.

Thanks to Rene of Sonny Boutique for bringing it along on a photo shoot.


-Photo by Jenny Risher for Parents Magazine.

jane market bag

I wanted a more pretty bag to take to the market so I decided to sew up one of Alicia's Jane Market bags.
I really love how this bag is constructed particularly on the sides and that the optional cardboard is something that you put in after it's sewn up so the bag is washable.

It is lined in a light lavender pindot fabric and feels pretty sturdy though I don't think too many heavy items would work unless you sew it up in home decorator weight. It is quite roomy and has a front pocket which can carry a few essentials.

I'm envisioning this summers farmer market trips carrying this which played a part in my color/pattern choices.

My Mom has already admired this and mentioned Mother's day in the same sentence. I agree this makes a great gift idea.
And, it easily folds up for storage...always a good thing in my book.

200 circles

A few weeks back I got a bee in my bonnet to make the New Year's Day Garland as featured on the Purl Bee.
This is the first time I've made one with wool felt and the bright colors were a lot of fun to use. I also really enjoyed cutting all the circles (200) as I was sick at the time and it required the right amount of brain power.

It's really long at 11 feet so it can be draped back and forth across a room.

I have enjoyed making garlands for about 5 years now and make all different kinds using various materials- paper, wool and lace trims, cotton, pom poms and thread spools, vintage bits and bobs. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever tire of them. It makes the everyday a little celebration.

emily capelet

I finished the aforementioned capelet Sunday morning. That would be after eating delicious crepes and sipping cappuccino. And, after my son delivered me a french chocolate bar and beautiful card both with victorian looking illustrations. I'm not sure about the buttons and might switch to some vintage ones. That's the nice thing about buttons. They can easily be swapped out and create very different looks.



And, I've started on the a sweater in a creamy vanilla shade. I'm feeling attracted to tan, green and a certain pinkish red these days. I'm thinking of knitting tights still and a nice pleated skirt. It would be a bit of an undertaking for me so maybe I'll knit it for Ms. S.

-Thinking on how to improve my Etsy shop and maybe splitting off the kids stuff to a different store. Also, thinking of starting a vintage shop (have wanted to do this for some time) and maybe big cartel. Would love to know your thoughts.

strawberry shortcake

We had a garden party for S on Saturday.

I made strawberry shortcake.My Mom made lemon cupcakes with lemon icing. I decorated them with butterflies.
There was a ladybug, a bumblebee, some birds and mushrooms in attendance. There were tissue paper pom poms and yummy middle eastern food and pastas.

She opened all of her gifts herself and kept looking around to see if there were more.

All the kids got seeds in a plantable container and a ladybug chocolate.

She wore a vintage white eyelet dress from France with ribbons, pink tights and ballet shoes and a little bird in her hair.

puppet show dress

Sometime early in January I had taken some of my fabrics down to pre-wash. Scarlet saw this fabric, took it from me and hugged it. So, planning on making her a puppet show tunic or dress I decided I would use this fabric since it was love at first sight.
I decided to go with the dress length and it turned out really nice. It will be wonderful this spring and summer.

I used 'candy buttons' all down the back and little pink ones at the sleeves. The candy buttons I've been hoarding for a while and are from Superbuzzy.



I also made another pair of the puppet shorts in red and plan to make a few more as well a tunic to match them. The first pair of shorts I made last year to be worn this summer.

I've said before how much I like Liesl's patterns and I continue to stand by them. They are creative and fun to make. Recently, she posted a discussion on using prints like these (juvenile prints) and when they work. She included one of my dresses in this discussion which was nice to see.

-Another little girl pattern catching my eye is here. I think a top in a nice summer print for View B would look really sweet. Perhaps a gingham.

Have a nice weekend.