Making + Listening

April 25, 2014 by Summer

MAKING: Projects in the works… the first being Ellie’s Busy Book that I should have started a year ago (because it looks like its going to be a LOT of work) and I’d planned to have it finished by her second birthday (which is four months away). I’m really hoping I can work and work and work and get it done in time. Here’s what I have so far.

And I’m being super ambitious and I joined a Facebook sew-along group. One pattern was chosen and we are all making the same pinafore dress. I’m hoping this will help me start sewing clothes (which I’ve always wanted to do but never felt I could). I’m hoping with the online support of other ladies around the country working on the same pattern and giving tips and help along the way, I may be able to pull off my first dress for myself. We shall see.

I bought a sheet at the flea market to practice with. I didn’t want to buy any fancy fabric just yet in case I completely botch it up. If all goes well, I will try my hand at it again with some nicer linen.

I just love the picture of it. It makes me want to buy a farm and feed the chickens and pick flowers in it.

LISTENING: Our music repertoire is consisting mostly of this record (and c.d. in the car) and lots of this song and this song over and over. Oh and we borrowed this on tape at the library. Ellie is loving it!

-joining Dawn for Making and Listening!

Making + Listening

June 20, 2013 by Summer

Making : I’m almost done with a bunny for a special little girl who’s turning one very soon. Her Mama and I have been friends for ages and our babies are exactly six weeks apart. I’m loving this purple fabric and can’t wait to do more with it. That first picture is my nursing/napping station for afternoon naps these days. I outfit myself with books, sewing and of course the computer. Ellie naps and I get to unwind a bit from the day.

I also finally got the peacock framed and up on the wall.

I’m really digging the colors of the whole thing. It has a Hawaiian, summertime kind of feel and it really looks lovely next to Amanda’s First Day print. I love art and consider myself a collector of sorts, but it is also really neat to outfit your home with pieces you have created as well. Putting up your own art or in this case, crafts, brings a tender, well-loved feeling to your home. Seeing this on the wall inspires me to make more!

Listening: We haven’t been listening to much this past week. But I am starting to rotate in some summertime tunes like this one while doing dishes and cleaning and a little of this too while we play.

What are you Making + Listening?

Joining Dawn today!

Hand Sewn

February 28, 2013 by Summer

Eloise is going through some sort of growth spurt these days and is needing to nurse more and more frequently. This however is a good thing, because my hand sewing abilities are getting lots of practice. I was inspired by this lovely lady’s embroidery and this always inspirational lady’s mini quilts and finally finished my own little wall hanging. It was my first time ever free hand embroidering. I’m kind of hooked. It’s like drawing with thread and needle. I think I will iron it, frame it and get it hung on the wall this weekend. It gives me a spring time feeling and reminds me of the little birds who come visit our feeder outside. I have also made a couple new springtime coasters and there are some other hand sewn projects in the works as well. The basket you see in the last picture, comes with me while I nurse, as well as to the park and in the car (when I’m not driving of course). Since sewing on a machine is not in the cards yet while baby girl is still needing my every moment, these hand sewing projects give me some creative time but also allow me to be right there when Ellie needs me. The best of both worlds if I do say so myself. What are you working on?

Gramma Sews!

January 7, 2013 by Summer

I wanted to share the most wonderful of handmade gifts from Ellie’s first Christmas. Ellie is very lucky to have a Gramma who sews. She sews mostly quilts but since Ellie has come along, her sewing is certainly branching out. She always amazes me with the things she can make! While we were away in Boston this year for the holidays, Gramma was sewing up a storm for her little grand daughter.

These wonderful fabric boxes were the highlight. Made from A Walk In The Woods fabric, the same fabric used in her Gramma made quilt before she was born. They are soft and squishable, and stackable in two ways.

And as you can see, Ellie loves her Gramma made boxes!

Gramma also made a set of lovely quilted bibs to catch all of that drool my little teether is producing.

And this last gift was not entirely made by Gramma. She put it together and then sent it off to be made. But, it was so darling to not include.

A little board book, just for Ellie with all the names and faces of the people she has come to know so far (on the west coast. East coast will need a book of their own too I think).

My Mom is such a wonderful presence in Ellie’s life. I hope Ellie learns a lot from this incredible person. I know I certainly have and I’m still learning every day from her. Thank you Gramma for all the lovely Christmas handmades! Ellie loves them and I will treasure them!