changed my mind

i started the simple sewing (lotta jansdotter) book and decided that the simple tote was a better birthday choice.

i whipped up a little zippered purse that was a bit off since it was eyeballed rather than measured (plus i tried to press the rayonesque fabric on the cotton setting and had to fix that so...)

i kept the wonky tote for my own unbirthday self. i hope to be able to sew the all day tote from lotta's book in time for my birthday in september so luckily i have time to learn. and momo, i'll post pictures from this book this weekend. take care.

the doting tote

so last week i had high hopes that this project would be quick especially since sebastian was out of my hair, i mean, visiting with my folks for two nights. it's not that i forgot that nico would still need my services but rather i mistakenly thought needlecrafts and wee ones could be balanced within the respectable hours of the day. of course, i complicated matters. i could have skipped the tea dying but i wanted the canvas to be a little darker so it wouldn't get too grimy too quick.

i could have used fusible interfacing instead of hand basting the applique or i could have done a freezer paper stencil and skipped the applique.

or at least constructed the applique more like a seamstress and less like mother nature. the upper limbs don't show but for some reason i tackled this organically and let the tree come into bloom.

in the end (i hand sew slow enough to remember the camera but once the sewing machine is on, i become too absorded to consider taking photographs of the process) it turned out fine. a simple sturdy tote for a friend's 28th birthday. (happy b-day a! 28 is super great!)

i didn't originally intend to include lining but the bobbin got wonky during the applique so i needed to cover that up. the pocket i am happy with except the tiny little wonky part with the bias tape. that was when sebastian got into the fingerpaints so i was distracted. it is good to have little mistakes that serve to document where my head was when i made this but i will strive to have the next one wonky-free.

next, printing the postcards (and um, finishing the block).

then some shorts for the boys and some appliqued and freezer paper stencil tee shirts. i'm hoping it is something sebastian will help me on.

now, to clean up. maybe sebastian will help with that as well. take care.

top priority

maternity clothes + the need to keep the sun off= sebastian's new reversible hat

working

today i am staying home to clean clean clean. no swimming or trips to the library. just me, a mop and broom, a bottle of vinegar, and two monkeys climbing on me. i am motivated by the glorious weather outside and by my growing list of projects that need to be worked on soon. very soon. birthdays and mother's day and spring equinox drive me on, making me reach for another cuppa.
here is a little preview of my works in progress:

march's block print for the monthly postcard project. i'm flying solo on this for the time being but i am determined it will be done soon so those on my mailing list, please check your postbox next week.

a test strip of tea dyed canvas drying in the sun. can't reveal the purpose yet as it would be the ruin of many a surprise.


and thanks for the kind words about the placemat. i am not satisfied though and am in the process of redesigning the project. yet another layer in my pile of things to do.
anyway, hope march is marchy for everyone. take care.
p.s. if you care to be added to the postcard mailing list, just send an email my way.

table for four

in an effort to teach sebastian how to set the table, i thought i would whip up some placemats. i made the bias tape from an old skirt. i am still learning the lesson of sewing with bias tape as it requires undivided attention and that is hard to come by in a house with two under four. it's all about the process right now. every mistake is a learning opportunity, right? (said post-swearing quite a few words not intended for small ears) the foundation is canvas and i made the cloth napkins from a thrifted sheet and the pocket for the napkins are from another "learning opportunity". placemat number four should be terrific and guest-worthy where as this first attempt will be enough for a humble bowl of morning oats.

It's only a...

Welcome to my new digs! Just a note to say that I have established this space as a place dedicated to my crafts and I will try to keep family and other daily matters on my other blog.
XOXO