blossom pins

I've always liked big puffy flowers- dahlias, hydrangea, peonies and so that is what inspired me to make the blossom (puff) flower pins. The first ones I made looked like mini pincushions and so I've decided to add a wool felt leaf and less wrapping of the embroidery from now on. They are made just like the pincushions but are approximately half the size. I'm working on some polka dot ones now but in the meantime I've added the one above to my shop.
Speaking of blossoms, I can't wait for this.

pom pom bunny

I feel compelled to show you another bunny that I made today. This time from a Jennifer Murphy pattern.

I want to carry her around in my pocket because she is so cute!

The Easter Bunny

The Easter bunny has been busy making all his baskets....so busy that he passed out on the floor but I've now safely put him to bed to rest up for his big day tomorrow.

May all your baskets be filled with goodies of the best kind!

xx
M M & N

*Thanks to Jess for sharing this great bunny pattern.

this is a happy house!

Today is the day, the day of days - our Mini Swap party!

I will begin by quoting Little M - WOW!

The lovely Patricia spoiled us to no end. Not 1 but, 2 APRONS= a art smock + a personalized kitchen helper apron. And, let's not forget tons of goodies and the most awesome recipes. Also, everything was packaged so nicely.








Goodies included: bubbles, playdoh, 2 pinwheels, mini baking stuff- tart pan, bundt pan, loaf pan, a rolling pin, 3 cookie cutters. And for Mama- a Green and Black Organic Dark Chocolate bar (how did she know I love Green and Black's chocolate? + I just finished off one last night and there was no chocolate in the house..the perfect in-between to get me through to Sunday). Then, the lovely tea bag coasters that she sewed for me with lavender inside.




Now, let's talk about the recipes. I would never have thought of these but, making these with Little M is going to be so much fun. I think he will be really excited about these...Kool Aid Playdoh, Butter and Ice Cream (yum).





Thank you so much Patricia, Stephen, Marley and Madyson! You really made our day.



Now, just as fun as receiving these gifts was making an apron and sending goodies to Hanna and Ann. I made Hanna a butterfly apron that I designed. It ties with ribbon on both sides with the intention of it being able to fit her over several years. I themed the recipes around butterfly's as well. I also sent along lollipops, ric-rac sewing trim and mini flowers for Ann to craft with, wooden H's, a sticker and make your own photo magnets.

rainy day pouch

I finished up this rainy day pouch yesterday on a seriously rainy day. It was a longer process than usual because I had my Mom felt it and she didn't realize it can take a long time to felt and so she only worked on felting it once in a while over several months. Me...I would just do it in one day until it felted. She was funny though because she really doesn't get these sort of things and would keep bringing it to me to see if it was done. I would have felted it a little more but I didn't have the heart to tell her to do it again. It's pretty sturdy and I put a light blue flannel lining in after I embroidered. The embroidery which is done with my crewel embroidery yarn stash and wool felt was totally taken from this book.
I'm actually feeling really inspired by embroidering on top of yarn and currently have mittens on the mind and yes, I know it's Spring but, there were snow flurries this morning.
Lux - our overly needy boy cat decided he wanted in on the action with the above photo but here is a non-kitty cat photo for you too.

balloonatic

Around here there is a lot of talk about balloons. The last time I bought Little M a balloon and told the salesgirl how much he loves balloons she said we call them balloonatics.

Of course, there is the balloon in the classic favorite Good Night Moon and then there are balloons in his Curious George books and one in Angus and the Cat. If you look around, there are balloons everywhere: outside barbershops, new shops, stoops. It's amazing how many balloons you will see on your average day.

His all-time favorite balloon book though and mine too is this one below. The story is so endearing and a great all ages book.

home sweet home

On and off, I've had houses on my mind for awhile now. What kind of home do I want next? Another condo here, a house in another city, the burbs, a country house, a European house. Okay, I'm not serious with that last one but, there is nothing wrong with dreaming about it, right?

These types of decision make my head spin. In reality, we are limited by commuting as M works in Manhattan. Plus, we love the city. The reason I think about this mostly has to do with the desire for a yard, more space, and less noise.

Anyway, houses aren't happening here at the moment. For now, sewing up houses seems like the perfect diversion.