and yes...

things are much improved around here today. phew. Here's what I'm doing this morning:
Sewing! It's been a while... it's amazing how much business there is in running a business.

today....

was kinda rough. By kinda I don't mean horrible breakdown and cry rough, I just mean it's been a little bit off since I woke up and I can't help but wonder why it is I seem to be struggling just to keep my head metaphorically above water. I've been sucking it in all day. Cough. Man Alive- it's been one of those days. Now that it's nearly over and my belly is full from a delicious dinner of take out (because cooking was just not going to happen), my boy is snug in bed, my house is quiet and I have a moment to- ummmmm well, to breath... perspective is setting in- tomorrow will be a new day.

Three Pin Cushion Pattern...

Finally!
I've been working on this pattern for over a week and it's finally all finished. I'm so pleased with how it turned out. The PDF is packed with info including, 10 pages of easy to follow instructions, tons of images, 3 video tutorials made just for these projects, detailed material list and shopping guides, tips and how-to secrets, and of course all Pattern Pieces and details you'll need to make three simple and timeless pin cushions.

Depending on the success of this pattern, perhaps more are to follow?!
Check out all the details and order your own here.

between-

Working on the finishing touches for the New Pin Cushion patterns and spending a little time with the fam I finished this bear today. Overalls in dots and stripes ... they seem a mandatory piece for any wardrobe.

new ceramic pieces...

are now up and available in my Etsy Shop....
among them is my first set of Foxes which I'm especially fond of. These pieces have been hanging out in my studio for almost a year. I'd been enjoying them so much I didn't see any reason to put them up- but I'm cleaning up and moving things out! Hope you like them as much as I do...

sailor goodness and a brilliant object...

I visited Michelle at Rose Mille a few days ago and came home with a few choice items (and left so many goodies in the shop- it's a treasure trove). First are these three lovely vintage ribbons. I have no idea what I'll use them for but I couldn't get enough of that sweet sailor. And this "survival kit" might just be my new favorite invention. Can I call it an invention? Anyway, it's loosely woven thread, so when you're out in the world and a mend is in order you're never without the perfect color for the job. Grab the strand you need and pull----> there you have it: beauty and utility woven together perfectly.

Update about Patterns: I'm working on them today so the first in the line of many will be available soon... like Monday??? maybe Monday.

Fido enjoyed this bear a little too much...

Poor old boy. I wish I could say this was a before and after- but this little bear, Kelsey was beyond repair when he made his way into the studio. A curious pup with good taste snatched him off a shelf and had a hay day. I would have been able to just replace his head and stitch up his arm, but he was made from hand dyed mohair and I didn't have any more of that dye lot left... So I started from scratch. Now Fido- leave this new little brother alone.

work work working... PATTERNS!

I'm working on all the instructions, detailed photos, and VIDEOS! for the new patterns. I think the first- a set of three wool pin cushions will be available by the end of the week. Hurraahhh!

I'm so excited about this process. Breaking down how and what I do- step by step has been really interesting for me. I realize I've been sewing and making these pieces for over well over 12 years now... so it's become second nature. Sharing my techniques and tips will breath new life into these objects and I can't wait to see what you all make- from my studio into yours... this is going to be fun.

over in my esty shop... it's a sale!

I've been cleaning out my studio to make room for new projects and clearing my mental space. Ohhh mental space..... Anyway, I moved some things around in my etsy shop and on my website and in the process decided to put some of my cake toppers "on sale". I've decided after a lot of thought that I won't be making any more of these... I took so many orders and even though I've really enjoyed making them it's been difficult to find time while trying to keep up with all my normal everyday work. So I'm moving them out... come and get them while the gettings good. While they're made to be cake toppers they're lovely as discrete little objects of love and devotion- who needs an "special occasion" for that?

back home and knit goods to share...

Back in March I started this little wool sweater for Claude... I figured I wouldn't have it finished for months so I made a bigger size and hoped for the best. Well after my little family getaway up north I not only finished this one (which fits but is just slightly too large= perfection!), but I also began a second. The long winter was still in full tilt here last March so logically I choose wool for that sweater - but who wants to knit on wool in the summer? I picked up a few scanes of cotton yarn at the Ben Franklin in Grand Marais (quite possibly my favorite store in all the world) and started to work. This ones coming together quite quickly. It's hard to tell just yet, but I think it's going to need a couple pockets. ohhh knit pockets that sounds really good looken to me.



Want the Pattern? Here's the link to the PDF - Child's Placket-Neck Pullover by Joelle Hoverson of Purl Soho.