over-the-top cuteness from bend-the-rules sewing

Way back when (eons in internet years), in early 2005, I befriended a certain not-so-Angry Chicken, when we began our blogs in the very same week. Our conversations revolved around babies, breastfeeding, homeschooling, homebirthing and a little bit of interfacing and fabric thrown in for good measure. Very good stuff. Over time, our conversations grew to include books and publishers and literary agents, as first she began her book, and then I followed. It felt much like being pregnant at the same time as a dear friend, except of course, Amy actually was pregnant too. It's a tricky balance - finding the time to write (or work or play or do anything else, for that matter) while still maintaining the most important role of all - Mama - but Amy does it beautifully. I watched my sweet friend closely in her own process, and learned so very much. I'm incredibly inspired and also incredibly proud of her.

So you know, I truly loved Bend-the-Rules Sewing before it was published. But a few days after it's arrival here - when I was still carrying it with me everywhere I went to look at the amazing photography and Amy's super-cute illustrations - I realized I loved the book for more than just being my friend's book, but also because it just happens to be a fabulous sewing book (that's my completely unbiased opinion). So many people ask me for a good beginner's everything-you-need-to-know-but-stylish-too (really, that's just what they ask for), and until now, I've had nothing to offer them for a suggestion. I'm so pleased that Amy's book fills those shoes and more. Amy's fun, light, smart and quirky voice shines in this book and makes reading patterns a blast. And the sewing tips in the beginning of the book are full of info for beginners and more experienced sewers alike. That girl knows her stuff.

Adelaide adores this book too (loving all the cute babies right up), so I let her pick the first project (sort of...maybe I encouraged her a little). It was kind of a tough choice - there are some really great kids patterns in there, which I think is really lacking in sewing books in general right now. Ultimately, we went for the Woodland Elf Hat - oh, so good. The pattern was super easy and fun to follow. It's generously sized so that I know it will fit Adelaide all winter. I used a felted wool blanket, and it's just the right thickness to not be too heavy. You know, for those July days when I convince her to wear it all day. Thank goodness she loves hats.

Thank you, Amy, and congratulations on yet another birth this month! Yay!

Comments

[Bex]

Love, love , love it! Mei HAS to have one of those. Hang on, Poppy too. I'm gunna get me a copy of that book right now!

[bellablue]

Wonderful book and the elf hat is by far my FAVORITE!!!!

[Anna]

But, from a little girl's point of view, isn't it itchy when made of felted wool? Just wondering. But it really looks absolutely adorable!

[SOULEMAMA]

Hi Anna! It's actually really fuzzy and soft - not all wool is scratchy. She didn't seem bothered by it. And I'm VERY sure she'd let me know if she was. :)

[Hope]

I love that hat. It's probably my favorite thing in the whole book, and your little one looks darling in it.

[Heather]

Adelaide is beautiful as is the hat! I've been chomping at the bit to see this book. Fun to see it through your eyes. How lucky you've been to have a friend like that for inspiration!

[kristin]

what a wonderful use for pink felted wool!
she looks so very sweet as a woodland elf.

[Mama Urchin]

Over-the-top cuteness for sure.

[heather]

there could be no cuter combination than miss a and that hat! even though it is july... ;) what an accomodating babe.

[Julia]

aaackk! so adorable. i'm buying the book right now (not sure what I was waiting for anyways).

[Madeline R]

What timing! I just bought this book and the Crafter's Companion book twice in the last few weeks for my sister and for a friend as a result of following your book links. I didn't know about the author and will now pass on that great info. to both recipients. I might have to buy it yet again now for myself!

[annette]

I got this book, too, just as it came out. Haven't done anything yet but gaze wistfully at the photos! But I agree that it a definite keeper.

[brandie]

such a great hat! and she is cuter than ever in it!

[erin]

amanda, i agree - amy's book rocks! i really love it and am having a hard time not making everything right away.

i love miss a in her woodland hat! it really is cute - just wish my girls were smaller so i could make some for them.

[Jane]

Amanda,

I'm a little late, but I wanted to say I think your book cover is just perfect - absolutely spot-on. No wonder you are delighted. It's great to read about the book, too, and I'm really looking forward to having my own copy.

Jane

[Amanda]

I love the book too! I already wish there was a second volume out. I think all you awesome craft/sewing blogging ladies should all submit a project and do a collaboration book. Can't wait for yours as well. March seems like such a longggg way off, hope time flies!

[melody]

Adorable!

[amanda]

I was hoping I would see your interpretation of that wonderful hat :) It looks absolutely adorable.
I am waiting for my copy of Amy's book to arrive any day now.

[Siri]

Is that the woodland elf hat, as in Oscar's hat? No wonder she never shared the pattern when she made it back when!
There's a bit of a Christmas-in-July thing happening around here for some reason with lots of pictures of Santa and his sleigh and Christmas trees being drawn. E has requested red and white striped knee high socks which are in progress, red knickers and red coat, and "pretend white beard." He loves wearing the elf hat that I knit last fall but, you know, you can never have too many cute elfin hats in one's household....at least while they're still willing to wear such cuteness.
Oh, man, I'm nearly falling over from the sweetness that is A and that pink fuzziness!

[Yelrah]

OMG.
That is so adorable, I nearly hyperventalated when I saw is xD
I must make one of those for me, and I'm 14.

I've been lurking your blog for a while and finally got the courage to post. I'm yelrah/yel. Nice to meet you.

[kate]

oh adorable!! she looks so cute! you did a great job, can't wait to get my hands on that book as well!

[Yelrah]

OMG.
That is so adorable, I nearly hyperventalated when I saw is xD
I must make one of those for me, and I'm 14.

I've been lurking your blog for a while and finally got the courage to post. I'm yelrah/yel. Nice to meet you.

[Lorien]

I agree completely about the book. As a someone new to sewing, I have found the patterns to be super easy, and leave lots of room for creativity. I have done the elf hat, Heidi headbands galore, the charming purse, and a smock. I have used lots of linen and thought of some of the beautiful things you have made for your wee ones as well.

[erinb]

omg! that is the cutest thing i've ever seen!

[amy k.]

oh man!! thank you so much for the sweet post! *sniff*!!

your girl looks amazing in the hat, and it should last a long time, this hat will stretch being on the bias and all-

you words mean so much to me-and I can't wait for your book!!

hugs-and thanks for being out there-
a.

[Heather]

That hat (and your daughter) are so cute.

[Tiffany]

That is THE BEST hat on earth! OMG, Adelaide is just so darn adorable in it...but she needs a fairy dress and wings to go with the woodland elf hat.

[Blair]

I have been scouting the neighborhood for small children to make that hat for, Adelaide looks so freaking cute in it I can hardly stand it. I can't base having a third child on a hat, can I?

[leilalu]

too cute!

[Margot]

Can't wait for your book to come out! Such soft wool and yummy colors.

[Veronica TM]

i got the book and love it too! your hat is beautiful. {fiona also loves hats, lucky!}

[tamara in melbourne, australia]

Falling off my chair with the cuteness factor of lady A in that hat!

I'm off to Amazon to pre-order your book, and see if they're still doing a 'buy them together deal' on it with Bend the Rules Sewing...can't see winter out down here without one of those for each of the kidlets!

[kiwi]

http://apakstudio.blogspot.com/

She looks like an Apak painting. Very cute

[Amber]

My sentiments exactly! I knew I would enjoy the book because of who made it, but it is frankly an awesome sewing book! I would highly reccommend it for anyone who is starting out with sewing, and seasoned sewers, too!

[homemakerang]

she looks to have sprouted out of a flower or something magical!

[Sofia]

Hi, lovely hat :o))
already bought the book to, but i'm still waiting for it :o(
Cheers
Sofi

[Molly]

Well, now, I don't know if I've seen anything cuter. :) I got the book too and cannot wait to start making things.

[chosha]

That hat is pixie cute! I want one and I don't even have a kid to put it on.

[Renee Kyweriga]

Oh your little one is adorable in her new hat! I love it!