A Shop Update
Phew. I'm not very used to this sort of rushing about (kids are an entirely different kind of rushing about), so all of this makes me a little nervous. When you're done looking - if you're looking - come on back to settle in for a relaxed little chat, will you? I'd love that.
In the shop today:
Cards & Wrap - a set of four photo greeting cards with a 'needle work' theme, all together in a linen wrap, embroidered with bits of spring and lined with vintage cotton. While I'm not generally a fan of making lots of the same thing, these seem to be an exception - what with all the combinations of embroidery, bias binding (had to make my own - it's so addictive), and crispy vintage cotton prints. I made a big batch of these, so I hope that some of you that missed out on the holiday version will be able to find one today.
Linen Totes - because no shop update of mine is complete without at least a few of my favorite size bags.
Take-Along Spring Quilt - Oh, I do love making these. Linen, with embroidery, vintage doilies and patchwork on the back. (Though I do wish quilts were easier to photograph. Hmn.)
Ah....a little Early Spring shop update. I always have fun putting these updates together, but this time I especially loved dreaming about the spring season in which they'll likely be used. Spring - full of color, light, and picnics, beach trips and leisurely walks in the sun. That's what was on my mind as I put this collection of things together. The children have been preparing for tomorrow's first day of spring all week...and I guess, in my own way, this little shop update is one way that I do the same.
Thank you, friends, for looking ... and for your interest in and support of what I do!

























love what you've been up to. sooo pretty. and so fresh for spring! best of luck. your work is truly special.
Posted by: TD wool design | March 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Such pretty work! I'm completely amazed that you had time to create these while finishing a book *and* being a mama to three. Well done!
Posted by: m | March 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
lovely! i love all the soft yellows, including your phone. :>
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Everything is so pretty! I especially love the embroidered Spring blossoms.
Posted by: Carrie | March 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Love the color scheme for spring!The butter yellow and mocha is so lovely! Yeah! Spring is here!
Posted by: Heather, whatchabuildin | March 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
stunning - I love your choice in colors!
Posted by: Kim | March 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
It's all lovely Amanda. Isn't yellow such an inspiring colour. Wish I had some more money.
Posted by: helen | March 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
It's all lovely Amanda. Isn't yellow such an inspiring colour. Wish I had some more money.
Posted by: helen | March 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
congratulations! i had visions of everone in cyperspace poised over their computers as soulemama stopped time at 12pm est. mama, do you wash your linen and dry it first?
Posted by: elizabeth | March 19, 2008 at 12:21 PM
So lovely, love the choice of colors... off I go to the shop! ;o)
Posted by: Nancy | March 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
wow, what a beautiful shop update. congratulations on your sales!
Posted by: shannon | March 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
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Thank you, all! ;)
Elizabeth -
Yes, I do wash and dry it first, always. I do that with all fabrics, but especially with linen it changes so much in it's first washing - softens right up.
--amanda
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Posted by: SOULEMAMA | March 19, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Such wonderful things! I thoroughly love reading your site and am really looking forward to your book release! Quick question - where do you get your wonderful linen?
Posted by: Carrie | March 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM
inspiring as always, amanda. happy almost spring!
Posted by: beautythatmoves | March 19, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Your items make me all toasty inside! They are so beautiful. I wish I was able to get something... maybe next time! :)
Posted by: Laura Reaux | March 19, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Your items are like little bits of happiness to me. Full of goodness.
Posted by: Sandy | March 19, 2008 at 12:45 PM
These beautiful things make me long for spring all the more...
What wonderful work you do!
Posted by: Kat | March 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM
you are such an inspiration, amanda.
everything is just so lovely...
the colours so warm and inviting...
calling out for a springtime full of play...
after a long, long winter.
happy spring to you and yours.
xo
Posted by: Kirsten Michelle | March 19, 2008 at 12:54 PM
* * * *
lovely creations as always,Amanda.
Here comes spring!!!!
* * * *
Posted by: natasha s | March 19, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Oh, these are all so lovely. It is so cloudy outside here today, with gusts of cold air, and looking at your new little treasures makes me want to curl up in a big chair with some embroidery to create my own spring.
Posted by: Beetlegirl | March 19, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Those tote bags are gorgeous, I love the colour combination. I bought some of your cards at the last shop update and I am very choosy about who gets them.
Posted by: Katherine | March 19, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Gorgeous stuff! And almost all sold out already! I can only hope to have my treasures sell as quickly as yours do, someday. :)
Posted by: Ula | March 19, 2008 at 01:36 PM
It's all very beautiful. Maybe you will be able to relax now. Sit down with a nice cup of coffee. xoxo ~ Samantha
Posted by: Samantha | March 19, 2008 at 01:38 PM
They're beautiful! But I arrived too late!
Posted by: Claudia | March 19, 2008 at 01:44 PM
you are amazing! love everything...yay!
Posted by: brandie | March 19, 2008 at 01:45 PM
SO beautiful--gosh darnit if your embroidery isn't just about the cutest thing since cupcakes!
Posted by: Sarah m | March 19, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Thank you, Amanda, for the link to the Good News network. There's a story with video there about the Yanks going to play a game in Blacksburg. I went to Virginia Tech and I'm a lifelong Yankee fan, so it was really special for me to see that. And I wouldn't have without you!
Beautiful stuff in the shop, too. Happy Spring, Happy Rebirth & Renewal, especially in Blacksburg.
xo
Sioux
Posted by: sioux | March 19, 2008 at 02:49 PM
this is simply lovely. i am new to this world and i can't believe how fast your stuff went. thank you for all of the beauty that you put into the world. sachi
Posted by: Sachi | March 19, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Oh I just love to see all the things you come up with...very inspiring :o)
**and most of your things were sold out before I even knew you were open...how cool is that?
go mama go!
~simply~
Posted by: simply | March 19, 2008 at 03:22 PM
inspiration. thank you.
Posted by: aujah | March 19, 2008 at 03:43 PM
everything is absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Veronica TM | March 19, 2008 at 04:34 PM
absolutely lovely. loving that buttery yellow and the chocolatey brown...so yummy!
Posted by: coronita | March 19, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Wow...almost everything is already gone! Gorgeous work, my dear.
Posted by: Sarah | March 19, 2008 at 06:00 PM
What beautiful things you make and what an inspirational blog! Have only just found you and rest assured shall be back again to absorb the gorgeous images and warm words. Thanks. x
Posted by: Plumsource | March 19, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Yay!-I'm so happy I got to purchase the notecards & keeper-I was one of those who missed out at the last shop update. I love the buttery yellows, vintage material & lovely embroidery!
Posted by: cheryl | March 19, 2008 at 06:40 PM
WOW... Everything looks gorgeous... I'm sure it will all sell like hotcakes... :)
Posted by: Jodie | March 19, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I keep coming back and looking again and again. Beautiful and inspiring as always. :)I have been working with yellow the last few weeks as well. It helps me believe Spring is really on its way.
Posted by: Regina | March 19, 2008 at 08:15 PM
so pretty! what a woman!
Posted by: Stacy | March 19, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Yes, it is all lovely. That chocolate brown makes me want to wrap up in a favorite chair somewhere and just... be.
Posted by: margaret | March 19, 2008 at 09:24 PM
So so beautiful!
Posted by: Fer | March 19, 2008 at 10:54 PM
it sure does look like fun! I absolutely LOVE your creativity, by the way.
I have a book review blog, and two small children...I am going to be reviewing your book soon (and by reviewing I mean: we are going to get down to work!). I just need to get it. It was sent out today! Can't wait!
Posted by: bethany canfield | March 19, 2008 at 11:08 PM
beautiful. congrats.
Posted by: dig this chick | March 20, 2008 at 01:00 AM
I love the vintage doilies where did you find them? I am also quite fond of the free quilting. My french knots never turn out so good for you!
http://theyellowdoorpaperie.blogspot.com/2008/03/learning-to-embroider.html
Posted by: Mary- The Yellow Door Paperie | March 20, 2008 at 01:10 AM
beautiful work!!!!! too bad i came late! would you mind telling what weight of linen you use? i'm trying to buy some for a curtain project and i have no idea what weight to get. i will appreciate any help!
Posted by: nathalie | March 20, 2008 at 01:50 AM
Everything looks beautiful, Amanda! Congratulations.
Posted by: Cath | March 20, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Lovely -- buttery yellow -- such inspiration! And, oh, do I love that phone!
Posted by: Pamela | March 20, 2008 at 08:53 AM
It seems so expensive , looking over from France...
Posted by: nicole | March 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Amanda,
This is all so lovely. But I have a question; what is the method/program/company that you use to turn your lovely photos into cards? I have some photos that I would love to give as cards to friends and just thought I'd ask an expert first.
Thanks, and thanks for ALL the inspiration.
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | March 20, 2008 at 11:56 AM
The shop looks so nice, I think the quilt photo is great. Really enjoy the blog!
Posted by: jen | March 20, 2008 at 01:18 PM
These are so pretty! I can't wait for mother nature to cooperate!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 20, 2008 at 04:22 PM