SouleMama

holiday & bathrobe nostalgia

Shhhhh, don't tell her, but this is a little Solstice present for my babe. (I figure she's the only one who can't read the blog. The rest of the gift-making will have to remain hush-hush!). We have a little tradition of mama-made pajamas each year, and this year - hers will come with a bathrobe. She highly covets the boys', made by their Nana last year. I might have to send this one with Steve to work until gift-giving time though, because I know I am going to be oh-so-tempted to give her the bathrobe every single morning and every single after-bath moment for the next two weeks. The temptation to put her in it NOW and squeeze up the adorableness is very, very difficult to ignore. Sigh. I shall try my best. This is not my strength - I nearly always give presents away too early because I'm terrible at waiting to give them.

I remember tucking this pattern away when she was just a little tiny thing. I'm so glad to have found it in time to fit this year. The fabric is a flannel by Michael Miller. I used rickrack instead of the called-for lace, because, well, it was 11pm and there was no lace to be found in my studio. Rick-rack - yes. Always plenty of that around. The fox print under the pattern -  an old Munki Munki print - will be the pajamas.

Growing up, we always had the tradition of new (usually matching) pajamas on Christmas Eve. I remember getting a new bathrobe to be a pretty big deal. I adored the one above - it was quilted and likely polyester, with tiny flower prints all over. Funny the tactile memories we have, isn't it?

While looking for the one above, I found this one too, which makes me so happy. There are so many photos of all of us in our matching clothes posed in front of the tree. But these seemingly random ones are my favorites and I'm so grateful to whoever decided to keep them. So much for me to love in here - my grandmother's apron (oh, what I wouldn't give to walk into her house to see her in that - I can still smell it), the matching red velvet clothes, my dad's crazy pants, and me - being the bossy little one that I was. We put on a Christmas pageant every year at my grandmothers big holiday party, and I was the director. Every. year. My cousins and sisters are just about now forgiving me.

Continuing my little trip down holiday memory lane, I'm very honored to be included in the Winter '07 issue of Small Magazine - the beautiful and inspiring online children's design magazine. In this issue, you'll find my Mama's recipe for the not-super-healthy, but oh-so-yummy ambrosia. Canned fruit and marshmallows? Good stuff. Like polyester bathrobes and plaid pants.

Holiday Shop 2007

The Shop is Open!!

(Remember that The Shop has moved from Etsy to it's new location at Big Cartel. I'm getting lots of questions about this move, and I must say, I love Etsy! I just think the switch is going to be easier for the way I update and keep my shop. On the buyers end, there should be no difference - you can pay easily via Paypal, or even with a plain old credit card. Fancy that.)

You've already seen the quilts that are in the shop - "Dancing Leaves" and "Winter Drops."

Also in the shop are a small handful of cozy Linen Tote Bags. I say cozy because for some reason, this particular batch of linen that I bought is so buttery soft. These are just the size that I'm such a fan of - not huge, but big enough to carry what I really want to have with me all the time. There's a little bit of vintage goodness or embroidery on each.

And my new project - one that's been in the works forever (really. forever.), but finally coming to fruition - greeting cards from some of my photographs. In choosing what photographs to make a set of, I really had all my dear crafty friends in mind. Those special people who get as much pleasure looking at a pile of yarn as I do, but are sometimes a little tricky to buy for. These cards are for them. Or you. Each of the four cards in the set is a different needlework project (therefore, titled, "Needle Work" - I'm not so clever in the naming department) - knitting, embroidery or sewing. Blank on the inside, with envelopes.

In addition to the straight-up set of four cards, there is another option in The Shop. The Cards & Wrap - which is the "Needle Work" card set together with a linen, lined pouch. I wanted to design a holder for the cards that could then be used for so very many other things - as a notions bag, a wallet, etc.

There are a limited number of 15 of these Cards & Wrap sets available. They're all red linen and lined with a grey cotton. The embroidery on each is one-of-a-kind, but all in the same colorway of grey, red, brown, and light blue.

I had a really wonderful time dreaming up, making and photographing this collection of things for The Shop. I hope you enjoy seeing it!

Winter Drops

{Top and bottom photos by Steve}

This quilt has been such a fun sewing project for me the past few weeks. I fell in love with that one amazing little doily in the center while out antiquing recently, and the rest of the quilt grew from there. The quilt is grey linen on one side, and white swiss dots on the other. The circles of fabric - some new, and some feedsack - are all hand or machine appliqued, with some embroidery in there as well. And with a layer of cotton batting on the inside, it's very cozy. I could get attached to this one...

The beach was the only place I could imagine photographing this one, so that's where we headed this weekend. The beach was empty, and it was cold, cold, cold. But despite the cold (I knew it was time to stop photographing when I couldn't feel my fingers anymore!) and the early setting sun (really? 4:00?), it was beautiful there and I do believe the quilt got a little Maine beach blessing in the breeze before it will head out into the world somewhere else.

I'm very excited to share with you the rest of what I've made for The Shop - I've had a lot of fun putting this collection together. And no worries - there will be much more than quilts - with prices starting at $18 on up. So, yes...11 am EST tomorrow - (Tuesday) in this location. I'll post here when it's all up and live!

falling now, coming soon

If the wood toy post from yesterday was of interest to you, be sure to read through the comments - there are some wonderful resources that you all shared, and answers to many of the questions that were asked in comments and emails yesterday. Thank you!

The colors outside are amazing right now - so rich and lush. Ezra says the leaves are dancing in the sky. Yes, that's just what they're doing. I've been hanging on to these last bits of fall - trying to soak them up and absorb them for the winter to come. Snow might come as early as this weekend. A holiday next week. And then, well...it's December. I'm seeing inspiring, creative and beautiful holiday work all over the internet, and admiring the Holiday Shop updates from all the crafty folk. A new season approaches...

This blanket is as child's size 'take-along' quilt. I thought very much of Ezra's 'dancing leaves' when making this. And I need look no further than out my studio window for the color inspiration I needed. This one is made with a very soft washable wool, and like my others - has ties on the end for rolling and carrying along.

I'll have this quilt, a few others, and maybe some other little treats - in the shop on Tuesday, November 27th. I'll remind you when we get a little closer. For now, though, those leaves are certainly calling to play, and I'm doing my best to stay present in this season while also looking forward to the next.

easy like sunday morning

Yup. That's how I feel about these pants I made on Friday night. They ARE Sunday mornings.

It's the Wide-Leg Lounge Pant pattern from Amy Butler's In Stitches. The pattern was smooth and clear - I paired it with some vintage sheeting - and it came together much faster than I expected.  And then I put my new pants on and fell in love. I thought the pattern was cute - love the cut and the wide leg. But I had no idea how comfortable they'd be. Oh, so good. And I had no idea how good it would feel to wear sheets as clothes. I mean -think about it - it's like lying in bed while you're walking around. Or something like that. It's good, I tell you. These are going to be my winter uniform. Paired with my plethora of ultra-comfy, ultra worn-in, and ultra-stained ribbed maternity tank tops (not pregnant. just still wearing maternity leftovers from seven years ago. Come on, Mamas - admit it - you've got some comfy leftovers too. Don't you?).

Ah, comfy jammies - or, lounge pants, if that's what you prefer. Is there much more one needs in life than that? I'm not so sure. Chocolate? Yes, chocolate and comfy jammies. Maybe some wine. These are the important things. Oh! And bubble bath. Anyway. I wore them all weekend. Except when I was forced to leave the house and dress warmer in which cases I seriously whined and moaned, because I do not want to take them off. Ever! I was beginning to get a little panicky about the inevitable washing they would need.

Ah, Problem solved. Oh, Sunday morning pants - I love you. This pair, and that pair, and all the pairs to come.

not even close

I know that "simple" in a beautiful minimalist kind of way is really hard to do right. Martha so rocks it. And Sally, too. I had both of them in mind with the making of this shirt. It's Built By Wendy's Simplicity 3835, which I do love very much (and which, for the record, has brought me success in the past - here and here). This crisp grey cotton I purchased for it was a direct result of channeling said ladies at the fabric store. And changing out the sleeves on the shirt pattern with the sleeves on the dress pattern - that was all good (and Sally's idea, if I remember correctly). I added a little length to the shirt too. Really - all was good at that point and I should have stopped right there.  But I was on a roll with all my little modifications and couldn't leave well enough alone. So I forged ahead with the addition of the pockets. And you know - the pockets may be fine, I don't know. But all I can see when I look at those pockets is Barber Bill. Barber Bill - from the old-school neighborhood barbershop where Steve's grandfather had his hair cut, and where we took Calvin for his first hair cut at 2 years old. The hair cut which made me cry for two subsequent weeks because it was way too short, and well, just way too wrong. Oh, Barber Bill.

But I'm not getting rid of the shirt just yet. Because if this gig as a writer doesn't work out, I'll be halfway to my uniform as a barber. Whether or not I could cut hair - well, who really knows about that. My guess is no. But at least I'll have a sweet barber shirt.

Buzz cut, anyone?

fresh corners

 
As we leave a season in which so much of our time is spent out - with our selves and our things scattered and in the open - we enter a new one in which we are quite literally closer together, our space tighter and our things nearer. We've been feeling the pull inside for a bit, and last week, there was a bit of rearranging to reflect that. The kind of living - play and work - that we do changes so very much from year to year and season to season at this point in our family life, and so, therefore, does our space.   

I carved out a little space for the playthings that are just now coming off the summer porch, where it's far too chilly now to play. The baskets will be pulled aside off the hearth once the wood stove really gets going for the season. Soon, I imagine.

So much watching and daydreaming happens right in front of those windows. Waiting for the birds, watching the leaves fall, and being surprised by visitors. With two little guys on the edge of reading by themselves (and one little girl who THINKS she can read All.By.Herself.) there's a lot more cozy, on the floor, snuggled up, solo reading happening here than we've ever had before.

And with the new nook came a new blanket. My sewing-for-pleasure time is limited at the moment, so this simple tied quilt was perfect. One little evening project for what will hopefully be a winter of cozy reading.

leftovers and outtakes

I've been keeping my eye out this summer for vintage clothing pieces to use in my small quilts. I hadn't had much luck until one fine day out thrifting with Jen, and then - bingo. All in one bag labeled - amazingly enough - 'vintage clothing pieces'. Well, then. Inside, I found a beautiful collection of just that - nothing entirely in one piece - all cut up already, which made it far less guilt-inducing for me to cut them up some more. There are some old, old pieces in here - lace, lots of undergarments, nightshirts, christening gowns - oh, lots of good stuff. Perhaps it's silly how much I treasure these old, leftover and discarded bits of oldness. But I do. And I've been waiting for the opportunity to use them.

And then this weekend, I did a quick photo shoot for a quilt project in book two.  I had a very specific vintage sort of look in mind for Adelaide - my willing model (I pay my models in ice cream and kisses, by the way, and they haven't complained yet).

With only 20 minutes to spare before needing to rush out the door (that sunset light is creeping up on me these days!), I remembered these clothing pieces. I dug around for one leg of a woman's lace-edged undergarment (bloomers, I think, or maybe pantalettes) and with a quick snip and an elastic waistband added, I got just the look I was going for. (And yes, she's still wearing that vintage top - the one that sparked six months of smock making - now as a shirt).

In the end, I didn't end up even having Adelaide in the shot I got for the book (she still got paid - heavy on the kisses). But that didn't stop me from snapping away with her on the beach anyway. Babies. Beach. Vintage clothes. You know how I am. How could I stop myself?

interruptions

Now you all know how it is that I get so very much done. I have a lot of help. He's good, isn't he? He's an amazing Papa, fabulous creative thinker and sounding board, perfect morning bed-peeler, and so very much more. Thanks for hosting him for the week - I think he liked it (enough that he's promised me he'll return in a month for my final deadline push). In the meantime, while I continue to work away on this manuscript, how about some back to normal crafts and a lot of photos around here for the month? Good, good.

The Creative Family was written almost entirely out and about - coffee shops, libraries, and anywhere else I could bum free wifi. But this second book - being primarily a craft book - has me running from cutting table, to sewing machine to computer constantly. And so home is where I'm writing, a couple of days a week. It is a lovely place to work, I will say. Home is good, but home is not without it's interruptions. Bless the man outside the door who creatively engages, plays, feeds and acts as goalie. But sometimes - one slips by him. Three, actually:

Calvin's interruptions usually involve sitting down quietly with me for a minute (they each have an ongoing project in my room for just such visits). And then...in the quietness of the studio and with the handwork of his embroidery, we have some really amazing chats about, well, life. Six year olds know a lot about life. Oh, yes they do. But then...sometimes he's also the bearer of the 'staff-splitting' questions (as we call them), such as, "Can I ride my bike without my helmet if I'm just going on the grass? I think Papa said I could." Uh-huh. Right.

Ezra - in the perfectly middle child way - first peeks through the keyhole of the door, then sneaks in (not so sneakily), standing in this little corner with a grin on his face until I acknowledge that he's there. At that point I'm usually met with a wonderful Ezra story, or a puzzle, or a question to ponder with much debate. Such as, "Mama. Would you rather be a pirate, or have a really really really big foot" Hmn...I'll think on that one.

Adelaide's specialty is a strong and fast push of the door open, a thundering of her usually naked body across the room to me, followed by a sweet, coy and hopeful (I swear those eyelashes are batting at me), "Milkey, Mama? Milkey? Now?" O-kay. If that doesn't work for her, she usually settles for a swipe on her way out the door of the size 50 knitting needles (really), chanting the pirate 'arghhh!' all the way.

Sometimes, I will admit, these little interruptions are frustrating, and working at home can be really, really hard on all of us. And I am eternally grateful for those moments when everyone is whisked away to the skate park, the woods, or to visit the grandparents and I can work in solitude. But sometimes? Working at home and all of it's many interruptions - is amazing. Amazing and full of good little unexpected moments that inspire me, make me laugh, and give me energy to keep going.

It's true. I've got a lot of help.

a shop update!

The Shop is stocked! Phew (and my apologies again for yesterday's miss)! This will be my last update until a holiday one in late November. But today, you'll find corduroy smocks in two sizes - Small (18 mos to 3 yrs) and Large (3 to 6 yrs). Each is embroidered with a bit of autumn on linen - no two are alike, of course. 

And you'll also find a new project for me - linen quilts! One in a child's take-along size, and one bigger - 'grownup' if you will - version. I can't tell you the fun I've had putting these together - the embroidery and quilting on each was really a delight. And I must say it was fun to work on a project to sell that spanned many days of work, during which time I let my imagination run wild dreaming up where they would be and where they would go on their adventure once made. Seaside picnics, mountain hikes, cozy winter couch snuggles, and so very much more. Me? I think a good fall morning cup of coffee and read with one would be just heavenly. Well, it was. Quite heavenly.