makeshift studio

We've spent the past couple of weekends cleaning, organizing and rearranging.  It all started with a need to sort through all the boxes and bags of too large or too small kid clothes that have been accumulating in the basement. As we worked, I realized that with a little rearranging I could make much better use of the limited space we have in the basement, and give it another use.  Because laundry, storage and food pantry just isn't enough for one little room! 

I accepted the reality some time ago that very little, if any, sewing or crafting would be possible with the current location of my sewing table. Right in the living room, where little hands can reach everything! Now that I've relocated my crafting space to the basement, I've at least got a good chance of actually accomplishing something every now and then. Provided I can steal a few moments to myself.

Last night I was lucky enough to spend a couple of blissful hours alone, locked in the basement.  Yes, locked! On my way down I asked Robert to *please* lock the door behind me so that no one would follow me. (Otherwise, the sound of that door opening is like a magnet pulling my children from any corner of the house to come a see who's going downstairs, and what they're doing.  And of course, once they get down there, what treasures can they rummage for to bring back up.) I spent the time sorting through my sweater scraps and planning a new project. I feels so nice to be able to leave a project out and be ready to pick up right where I left off.  I think I'm very much going to like my new makeshift studio. What it lacks in aesthetic, it certainly makes up for in functionality. And for now that's just right. 

It's a HOOT! Quilt

My second ever quilt is finally done! Only took me three and a half years, and that's ok.  What started out as a baby quilt is really more appropriately sized for a toddler anyway.  And she does love it so.  Several weeks ago I pulled it out in it's quilted but unbound state to show a friend that was visiting, and Lydia was so excited that it was for her and wanted to keep and use it right away. Now that I've actually done the binding, and see how easy it was, I feel a bit silly that this quilt has been sitting for over a year awaiting this final step.  

Getting the top put together was the easy part. In my pre-baby fabric purchasing frenzy I also selected a couple of charm packs from the It's a HOOT! collection by MoMo for Moda.  Hours were spent sitting on the nursery floor, arranging and rearranging each little square until I had just the right combination and balance of color.  All the while dreaming of the new baby, so long awaited, that would soon join our family.  What would she look like? What would sort of personality would she have? What fun it will be to raise a daughter! Just as this quilt has come together bit by bit, so too is my dear Lydia growing to be such a fine little lady.  

It melts my heart each time I hear her say "Mama, this is my special quilt that you made for me",  and to hear in her voice that she knows it was an act of love. That's what mama crafting is really all about, isn't it? A tangible, snuggly bit of love, crafted specially for those we hold most dear.

Wee Folk

My first attempt at doll making started last Christmas with the 'dollie' in the green dress.  Inspired by scraps from this little outfit I made for Lydia, that doll is made entirely from bits of wool sweaters.  Next came the knitted gnome.  So easy and fast to knit that I completed it in a day.  I started working on the big dolls early in December with hopes to have one ready as a Christmas gift for my dear girl.  Though I didn't quite make the deadline (poor dolls still need some clothes!) they were well loved by my sweet little nieces as we all gathered to celebrate.

*more to come on the 'making of' the big dolls*

Simple Toy Sack