have a heart

Everything's turning up hearts, have you noticed? Valentine's Day is just 2 weeks away! I thought I'd haul out some goodies (albeit oldies) for you.

First up, my heart scarf design that Martha demo'd on her show last February. What a treat that was! She even gave away copies of Warm Fuzzies to all of her audience members that day. Such a thrill! My instructions for it are still on her website plus she's got all kinds or new V-day goodies going on.

Next is my crazy rosette-y wreath, also from last year. This could be done on a smaller form (way smaller if you value your sanity) following my floral brooch technique or update it using my rosette technique from the Felted Pomander tutorial.

If you're feeling like knitting for your sweeties this Valentines Day, I've got some suggestions! My pal Susan B Anderson (yes, she really is my pal back in WI) has some super cute knitting patterns available for a heart shaped wash cloth and adorable little baby heart hat! Clever girl, that Susan. :)

Thanks again to those of you who purchased my Lil' Sweetheart Purse pattern. Mine are hanging on various doorknobs waiting to be filled with goodies! Please send me photos of yours if you've made any yet.

Have a great weekend. Stay warm, be crafty!

fast & felted scarflette

I must be getting wimpy now that I've moved *down south* (to Maryland from Wisconsin). I've been feeling chilly this winter! Late at night I've been getting sucked into the knitting vortex that is Ravelry searching for the perfect cowl, neck wrap or scarflette. I've got a few in mind to knit up, but in the meantime I thought I'd try a felted wool one that I could make now. (I'm a slow knitter!)

I grabbed a felted wool sweater out of my stash and cut a rectangle across the body of the sweater, measuring about 5.5" x 24". This included part of the front, back and side seam. Because I avoid making button holes at all costs, I borrowed part of the placket from a cardigan and zigzagged it to one end of the rectangle.

Then I took the buttons and sewed them at the other end of the rectangle (at the side) so that it wraps around and aligns like so! I made sure I chose a nice soft wool since this is right on my neck.
I think I might try this again with slightly smaller dimensions so that it fits more snuggly, like maybe 4.5" x 22". And out of cashmere....mmmmm. Sometimes when the house feels chilly, I've been wearing a scarf inside, but the tails get in my way! Yes, an indoor cashmere neck cozy sounds just right.
And not to let the rest of the sweater go to waste, I made up a pair of matching mittens! The pattern for these is in Warm Fuzzies and they go together super fast. My mom has been whipping them up for charity this winter. I'll have to find out where she's donating them...I like that idea.

Stay warm...my kids have already had one snow day this week and tomorrow may be another!

"More Stuff" Monday

Another week, another shop update...that has to be a record for me! I gave it some thought and decided to offer the Cupcake Tape Measure design as a PDF pattern. As you may have noticed, the Cupcake Tape Measure *kits* sell out in a snap. Nice problem to have, but a problem none-the-less. I hate to disappoint anyone and I always do, each time I offer the kits and they sell out. Now before you say "but I gotta have a kit!", hear me out. The beauty of buying the pattern vs. the kit is that the pattern costs less than the kit, there's no shipping fee, and you'll receive the PDF pattern (via email) in 24 hours or less! Plus I won't ever run out. :)

The original Cupcake Tape Measure is made out of felted wool sweater scraps (left in photo). If you don't have any felted wool laying around, I've added instructions for a craft felt version as well. (right side of photo) Click on over to this item in my shop to view the materials list. I recommend a wool blend craft felt and as far as the actual round tape measure mechanism, I get mine at Joann's.

Now, who are those odd birds lurking about? I finally got back to making some of these zippered bird pouches.

I designed and perfected the pattern for these years ago. I usually make them for craft fairs because they show well in person. I like to mix and match the felted wool for the sides, tummy and wings, then coordinate with a print lining on the inside. They are a lot of work so I can only make a few at a time! I thought they'd be super cute as a valentine gift for somebody's sweetie.

Hope you're all having a nice Monday so far. Cold and snowy here. Brr.

bird whispers

Sew Hip-Hooray!

I finally got my copy of Sew Hip! Sew Hip is a new UK sewing magazine that I've been involved with recently.


This issue #2 and it has an interview in it with *yours truly* plus Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane. (I'd have told you about it sooner but I just got my copy!) Issue #3 is already out and has an interview with Hillary Lang of Wee Wonderfuls.

In addition to crafter interviews there are book reviews, sewing pattern reviews and projects. One thing I think is super cool is that the magazine also has a pull out pattern sheet in the back at actual size! In a magazine!

Issue #4, coming out in a week or so, has a special *new* project from me as well. When I get my copies from the publisher I will be giving away a copy of issue #2 and #4 here on the blog to a lucky US reader (since I'm not sure how available these are to folks in the US). I'll let you know more about that next month.

Meanwhile, thanks to those that have purchased my Lil' Sweetheart Purse PDF. I had a lot of fun with it and I hope you'll send me photos of any that you make. My Cupcake Tapemeasure Kits sold out so quickly in my last shop update that I know some of you were disappointed that you missed them. I'm thinking about offering that as a PDF pattern for purchase since I can't seem to make enough kits. Hmmm, good idea or not so much? Maybe I'll try them out next week with another shop update. I do have a few other things to list that weren't ready last time. :)

ok, 'nuff for now...happy weekend!

at your service

There's a fence alongside a busy road near us. On one side of the fence is a picturesque field and farmhouse. On the road side of the fence is a bunch of little trees and bushes and a disturbing amount of garbage and plastic bags that get caught up in them. Every time we drive past, the kids and I wonder how people can be so thoughtless. Our sons say, "Don't people care about the environment!?" So one day last week the four of us decided to do something about it. We decided we'd wait for a nice day to walk along the fence and pick up the garbage.

A few days later, I got an email about the Renew America Together: National Day of Service. I clicked the link to find out about events to participate in our area. Lo and behold, the local Go Green group had planned a Clean Up event at that VERY spot we so often look upon with disgust.

So that's what we did on MLK Day as our family contribution towards the community. It was not the "nice day" weather I had imagined, but rather the only snowy day we've had all winter! The snow made it more fun but also was a bit of a challenge as it began to cover some of the trash we were trying to gather. The kids had a blast, especially when they got to use the grippy-robot-hand thingy to pick up stuff. Lots of other families showed up, despite the weather, which made it all the more wonderful.

It was amazing how much the four of us collected (3 bags of garbage, 1 bag of recyclables) on just one side of the road. Afterward we treated ourselves with some hot chocolate and a trip to the bookstore.

Today the kids are off school and we are watching the inauguration and parade here at home. These are exciting times and there is much to feel good about. One way or another we're all in this together. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves again sometime soon.

Special Shop Update!

Just a quick shout today about my newly updated etsy shop! I'm so happy to present a new sewing pattern PDF for the Lil' Sweetheart Purse.

I had so much fun making these and I hope you will too. Each PDF (emailed to you after purchase, so you can get started right away!) includes instructions for making 2 different versions.

The ivory purse is straightforward and fast using a nice thick felted fisherman sweater with an easy applique and blanket stitch edging.

The red purse has rickrack-a-plenty so a few extra pinning and stitching steps are needed for this cutie. It is also made from a lighter weight felted sweater, so I fused a sweet little print lining inside for stability and adorability. (And good news: you can make this with wool craft felt or a woven wool instead of a felted sweater, if desired!)

So fun for a Valentine's gift. You can make up a few and fill them with goodies for the lil' (or big!) sweethearts in your life. (oh and incidentally, that Hello Kitty compact and comb are mine. You'll have to find your own.)

Also in the shop, ready for gifting are a fresh batch of my original Cupcake Pincushions as well as some Cupcake Tape Measure Kits and Cup O' Joe Pincushion Kits.


And do you remember why I offer you the Cup O' Joes? Because "I Love You a Latte!" I do. I really really do.

advance copy & sneak peek!

Oh boy oh boy! I've been keeping this to myself (almost) all week. I got an advance copy of my upcoming book, Sewing Green!

Words cannot describe how it felt to rip open the envelope that arrived unexpectedly in the mail last week. It was sort of like reconnecting with an old friend. You see, this book and I have spent so much time together in the past. Long hours and late nights designing the projects, writing the copy, and editing editing editing. It was an intense relationship. So intense, that after the final manuscript deadline, I took a complete (almost) mental separation from it. But oh boy, let me tell you, it's good to be reunited. I feel really happy with it. And Stewart Tabori & Chang knows how to treat a book, too. It feels great to hold and the cover couldn't be more beautiful, even if it is my own sweet niece smiling back at me. :)

Ok, now for the SNEAK PEEK! Click on over the Melanie Falick's blog to get glimpses of the projects that Ive been keeping under wraps for over a year now. Go Look!

Pre-order it from your local bookstore, or online retailers including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble; Booksense member stores; and Borders.

work in progress

Busy working away on things for my shop update on Monday 1/19/09! Some favorites along with some new ideas. :)

Thank you to Sarah, Cindy and Carrie! All three gave me blog awards this week, yippee! I really appreciate it and will work next week on passing them along.

Happy weekend and I hope to see you in the shop Monday!

glue gun fun

After gettin' jiggy with the glue gun last week, nothing around here is safe from being ribbon-ized or trim-ificated. How 'bout clothes pins?!

I've mentioned this before, but I love having a clothes line in my studio space over my sewing machine and/or drawing table. I clip all kinds of things up there like magazine pages, swatches, parts of projects I'm working on, etc. When I was tidying up the space last week I got to thinking about jazzing up those clothes pins with ribbon scraps.

Super-cinchy: Just apply a line of hot glue to a wooden clothes pin then press a length of trim on top. I trimmed the ribbon ends with sharp scissors then applied a smidge of Fray-Check to the ends. Nobody likes a raveling ribbon.

Fun! These are as handy as paper clips but with much more style. Use them to mark a page, organize your papers, hold your coupons, hold your nose, whatever! :)

Thanks for the lovely comments regarding my studio make-over sneak peeks. It's already looking a little more...um, lived in...since it's photo shoot, but that's ok. I work here, I gotta be able to mess it up, right?

By the way, I'm planning an etsy shop update 1/19 and will have kits and other goodies available.

no forest, just trees

In the spirit of sharing but not giving it away, I thought I'd post a few tightly cropped pics of my newly styled studio. (I'll share the whole enchilada when the mag comes out in March!)

Since my space is just a carpeted spare bedroom without any inherent detail, I have to add a lot of bells and whistles to bring color and inspiration into my creative world...

The crash-pad futon couch remains. The kids love it and if I cover it with pillows and squint, I forget that it was our first new piece of furniture as a married couple 13+ years ago.

*edit: yes, I made these pillows! A little peek at my new applique technique I've been developing. Hope to have these in my etsy shop soon!*

Yesterday I got the hot glue gun out and "trimmed" all of my boring shelves. What? I like ball fringe. By the way, I recommend taking the shelves down if you try this. Hot glue and gravity don't play nice together.

Oooh, and those 3 colorful magazine holders? Found 'em in the $1 bins at Target!

I'm feeling so refreshed with a tidy studio. Some how it makes me feel like I don't have any work to do. That's dangerous. I actually have a lot more behind-the-scenes organizing to do. The closet, armoire, and hallway have all suffered for the beauty of the studio. Ah, the phenomena of the traveling clutter. Want to see another pretty studio re-do? Check out Melissa's!

Have a great weekend!

nuthin to see here

It ain't pretty, but it had to be done. With the help of my handy hub, I am re-doing my studio! Everything is pulled away from the walls for painting. You can barely see the color back in the corner on the left. Green of course, by the name of "seedling". (less yellowy in real life)

I decided to show you it as a WIP since "during" always looks worse than "before". Then someday when you see "after", you'll be oh so impressed. :) If I manage to pull this off, it'll be featured as a small vignette in a magazine this spring. Regardless, I will have a revamped crafty place to create in. I'll give you a heads up when I know more.

Meanwhile, I am striving to finish the make-over and a few other deadlines so I can get on to some Valentine projects I have rolling around in my head for you!

bees knees in my tea

My Jersey City brother and sister-in-law gave us some honey for Christmas...homemade from their own backyard! How cool is that? I'm having some right now in my tea on this very gray morning. We are experiencing a "wintry mix". Love that term. Sounds like a holiday beverage. "Please drop by for some wintry mix!"

Do you like my mug? Also a handmade gift from the same couple back in '94. Can you tell what the imprint is on the side? A little challenge for you. :) That pretty little tea towel is a gift from my MN brother via PataPri.

Last post I mentioned scheduling workshops for 2009. I just got news this morning that I am free to tell you about the amazing Squam Art Workshops! Their website is all up to date and classes are posted, so if you live near New Hampshire or want to visit there in June, please do check it out. Having vacationed near Squam almost every summer of my life, I can tell you it's like heaven on earth. I'm honored to be teaching Recycled felting and MYOB (Make your own bag) alongside many talented teachers. More details to come...

2009. Feels like 2008.

When my little guy woke up a year older last week, we asked him, "How does it feels to be 7?"

"It feels like 6. I just feel like me.", he said.

(He's him alright. His second favorite birthday present is this cuddly bathrobe. Ever since he got it he's been wearing all day and to bed. Even when we finally get him to take his jammies off and get dressed, he puts the robe right back on over his clothes! Eek, I hope he doesn't want to wear it to school tomorrow)

Just like he still feels like 6, so far 2009 still feels like 2008 to me. I'm already over committed and under organized. I think 'clean slate' but I don't follow through on my intentions. A few weeks ago I listened to a motivational podcast called "Get your New Year in Gear". It was a little fluffy/new*agey for me, but it made some great points. One thing I already took action on was making a calendar for the whole year so I could see it all at once. Seems simple enough, but I typically just type things into my iCal calendar and neglect to stand back and look at the BIG picture. I'm not seeing the forest for the trees. For some reason any time an opportunity comes along, I just add it to iCal without looking at how that new commitment might interfere with some of my long term goals that keep sliding out....further and further away. If I keep planting every tree that comes my way, I will be lost in my own forest!

Well, I can't do much about January besides tackle the deadlines I've already agreed to! Meanwhile I've printed out a calendar and wrote down all of the school holidays for the rest of the year, when we'd like to go on vacation, and other commitments I've already made for 2009. The tough part will be carving out the time for my long term goals.

And what might those be? Oh this and that. I need to refresh the ol' website and blog. I'm currently lining up some workshops to teach and will fill you in as they become solid plans. I've got lots of new ideas for my etsy shop, including offering some more PDF patterns and hopefully some online workshops. And I've also had a loooong term goal of designing a line of print fabrics. I've spent some time on it but it's not even close to where I'd like it to be. On the flip side, in a few short months my second book, Sewing Green, will be released! (April 1st...I put a big fat star on the calendar for that! ) Wrapping that up was probably my biggest accomplishment for 2008 and I can't wait to share it wth you. Sneak peeks to come...keep your eyes open! :)