SouleMama

Making me happy...

Really, it doesn't take much to make me happy. A front row seat at the in-house jousting performance. Ending the day with some Green and Blacks. Making it through an entire day without anyone breaking a glass or dish (which I really only mind because it means i need to vacuum. ugh.).  But there was even more yesterday that has me in good spirits:

This vintage dress. Thrifted yesterday for $2. A vintage 'Alice In Wonderland Frock', with the adorably illustrated tag still attached, and the crisp tissue paper and pins on the inside. It will fit Adelaide this spring and I can hardly wait. I think we might need some patent leather shoes. And ruffle-bum tights? Alright, alright. I'll stop at that.

You. Not only did the shop sell out, but more importantly, you showered me with kind words. It feels *so* amazing to put yourself out there, sometimes a bit vulnerably, and to be met in return with kindness, and generosity. Really now, that's just wonderful. Thank you.

Baby Steps. And giving cause for one more celebratory dinner, a title for the book was finalized yesterday. I'm slowly beginning to believe that at the end of all of this (January '08!), there's going to be a book - MY book - that I can actually see, and hold, and read (well, I'll probably be too freaked out to actually read it - I'm anticipating it to be like hearing your voice on an answering machine.oy). So, without further adieu -
The Creative Family:
Simple projects and activities for you and your children that encourage imagination and nurture family connections
A title! Hooray!

Who knew that such a random Tuesday in January could be full of such goodness.

sewing for the shop!

Finally. I had grand plans of keeping the shop stocked this year, and here we are on the last day of January with only my first update. Part of the stall was that I got myself stuck in a bit of an over-thinking cycle, worrying about things like whether or not I really want to make things to sell, and what that all means and looks like for me, worrying about whether or not my stuff has a 'look' or is good enough, how to price things and value my time and energy, whether I want this blog connected with something 'for sale', and on and on and on. But thanks to the dear friends around me for shaking me out of my head and making it clear. It really can be as simple as making the things I want, and offering them for sale for those who might want them. Can't it?  I think it can. So I've let go of all the ideas I had about how I should sell things, and I'm just making the things that I love. Which means that I have no idea what will be in the shop next week. But I can tell you that it will be something I love, and something I loved making. Quite freeing, I'll tell you.

And true to that, the things that are up in the shop today are all things that I've also been making, loving, and enjoying of late. There are some patchwork scarves, all backed with the vintage chenille (also used on Adelaide's pants). I've had such fun pouring through my gigantic basket of scraps to put the fabrics together for these - it's been a great way to play with color. And the scarves are of the weight that I love most - not too heavy. And pretty. Because that's important. In addition to the scarves are some bags. The simplicity of these is so enjoyable to me - I'm loving having several of them around to be used for anything and everything from groceries, a diaper stash, or knitting. Multipurpose, easy, and pretty (all vintage fabrics) - just what I need right now.

And then the smocks! You knew those were coming, right? I know I've made a few for Adelaide in more modern prints, but I'm feeling a little sentimental about the original - the thrifted vintage one I found that is so soft, and so lightweight in it's 40's fabric, and simple, practical, and well constructed. It evokes such feelings for me of so many things - a connection to women before me, handcraft for necessity and beauty, and a strength and heart of home. So to keep that special feeling with each smock that leaves my hands, I think I'll sell smocks when I find bits of that soft, vintage fabrics that is just right. (alright, really it's also part of my master plan to have us all wearing 40's and 50's vintage clothing. That would be swell).

That was all probably far more than you wanted to hear, when this probably would have sufficed:
New treats in the shop!

Thanks for reading and for your support, friends. Really, Thanks.

while she's still letting me dress her

You'll have to forgive all the photos in this post - Adelaide and I were home alone (boys out skiing - hooray for snow finally!), she was having fun, I was having fun, and I got a bit carried away with the camera. Going from 110 photos (no, really) down to two would be just too painful for this mama this morning. So you get more than that today.

I did some fabric stash cleaning after the holidays, which meant that everything that didn't fit on the shelving I have was sent (back, in most cases) to the thrift shop. Except for this one eensy pile that I couldn't find a place for, but I didn't want to part with. I've been tripping over that pile for the last month, which was just the motivation and reminder I needed to actually *use* it so I could stop the annoying cluttering, tripping cycle before I injured myself tripping over a pile of fabric. How ironic would that be?

In said pile was this vintage chenille bedspread, which i thought would make some fun pants for the babe. Naturally, the pants needed a top, and since I'm not yet sick of making the smocks, another smock it was, and in the print and colorway I seem to be (happily) stuck in this week.

Since that was only an eensy corner of the bedspread, I spent the rest of my studio time sewing up the rest of it. You'll see the results in the shop tomorrow.

(Seven photos, if you're counting. That's just absurd.) Oh, her shoes (oh, I'm on to you! I know you'd ask!). They're wool, and by Primigi. And everytime she wears them I wish I had a pair too. Is it so wrong to covet my toddler daughters shoes? They're green and have pom poms on them, for crying out loud. Pom Poms, people! I need those shoes. In fact, I think I'd mama-size the whole outfit if I could. For now I'll just adore it on her and take 110 photos of her cuteness.

Meet Margaret

I've received several emails asking about the doll in this post's photo, which has reminded me that I have yet to introduce you to Margaret, Adelaide's doll, and to tell you about the fabulous place she came from. Margaret came from Peru, via The Qewar Project, a 'social work initiative' in the Andes Mountains. Using their words, The Qewar Project works with "the indigenous women of the village community of Andahuaylillas, the Project is engaged in creating and atmosphere which fosters self-esteem, personal growth, and a way to gain economic independence through learning skills in a humane and respectful working environment."

Rock on. (You can read a lot more about the organization's history and doll-making process on thier website). The Qewar Project is also where we found Ezra's doll Stanley a few years ago. And having seen that one dragged *everywhere* and anywhere for two years now, I can say that in addition to being beautiful, these dolls are made so well and thoughtfully, and that Stanley is in as good shape as when he first arrived to us. (The same cannot be said about the other commercially-bought and Waldorf dolls in our home, I have to say.) I thought (for about five minutes) about making Adelaide her doll (this is a wonderful resource if you're interested), but there's no way I could have matched the quality, and quite honestly, I'm thrilled to be able to support this Project in the little ways I can.

Margaret's still a little big yet for Adelaide to be toting her everywhere, but surely it's only a matter of time before Margaret will be along for the ride too. For now, she does a lot of eating.

last minute gifting

Okay, so I'm totally not digging on the vibe of these last two posts. Rush, rush, busy, busy. And here I am with another. This will be my last, I promise. But I do find comfort in knowing I'm not the only one this week scrambling with the two hour gifts. I made this little baby gift set last night, hoping it would take just two hours. The smock and the quilting did, but then the binding took an additional two hours of their own (I'm a s-l-o-w handsewer). Thankfully, it was spent in front of the television (a place I haven't visited at nighttime in months - it's too far away from my sewing machine!), where I was happily distracted from the dreaded (by me) handsewing by a program on John and Abigail Adams. I was riveted. No, really, I was. Completely absorbed, which is why I can only handle very slow television. Steve thinks my TV watching is freakish, because then after dreaming about them last night, I'm now slightly obsessed with finding out more about dear John and Abigail. This is why I don't watch television. I am a freak.

But anyway. Back to the sewing. Calvin chose the fabrics, which I think are perfectly matched for the sweet, young, hippy family that it's headed to. And I must say that I love the way he wanted the flowers on the bottom, then the gnomes, and then the stars up top - "just like a picture, and on the Earth!" he said.

The timing on this was so close on this that I was literally walking to the washing machine as I was finishing the handsewing. And on the other end, waiting at the dryer with camera (because I had to blog it, right? crappy photos and all?), wrapping paper, tape and car keys in hand. But I made it in time. Two hour gifting. Phew.

getting my fix, in small doses

When there are days at a time that I know I won't be getting to my sewing machine, or have much of a chance on the needles, or in a sketchbook, or *some* kind of creative outlet, I start to get a little twitchy. These are the days when I'll grab at any little thing to get my fix on. Such was the case with this tea tray. It starts innocent enough...I was drawing with Ezra, and spotting Adelaide out of the corner of my eye as she unloaded dishes from 'her' kitchen dishwasher to 'my' dishwasher. I saw her pick up this thrifted wooden tray and was reminded of the ugly cornucopia painted on it - and just like that, the creative synapses started jumping at the bit. I looked at Ezra drawing his animals. I looked back at the ugly tray. Starting to get a bit excited, I survey the scene. Can I do it? is there time? Calvin's in the other room with what appears to be several more stacks of construction paper to go before his cannon is complete. Sweet. And Adelaide has a basket full of dishes to go. "So Ezra....," I say, sidling up with probably crazy eyes, "wanna draw me some animals and I'll make them into a new tea tray for you? huh? huh? wanna?". Thankfully, the answer is an enthusiastic yes, and it's less than a minute before the mod podge is out, brush and scissors in hand, and I'm moving with a mission. Ezra and I chat about his animals (the horse in a cradle being my favorite) as I slap the glue on and paste them into the tray, layered on top of one another rather hastily. Moving with speed and fervor, the tray is complete, the brush makes it's way into the sink, the paper scraps into the trash, and the Mod Podge back in the cabinet just as the entertainment value of the dishwasher has run it's course, and a marble comes shooting out of the cannon towards my head. 

Granted, it's not the slow, thoughtful and detailed creative work that is so enjoyable. But sometimes, the rushed little fixes are all I can get. And I'll gladly take them.

And Ezra loves his tea tray just the same.

on Don Quixote

Sir Calvin thanks you all for your very kind Birthday wishes - they were such a treat. Here he sits by candlelight (at 2 o'clock in the afternoon), composing a letter to his 'dear mother' about his grand travels through the forests of England, where he is doing good deeds as a knight errant, much like his new hero, Don Quixote. And oh my, the similarities between Calvin and dear Don! Or, better yet, Squire Ezra and Sancho? I can barely contain my giggles as I read this story to them. Cardboard visor? Got that! Dry wit and sarcasm from the squire? Got that too! Thank you, Lizette, for pointing out how perfect this tale is for my boys! And for me, who is amused to no end by it all.

And this. After years now of stumbling upon sights such as this, it still continues to startle me from time to time. Especially now that he's planning ahead by laying out the first outfit of the day (brave knight) followed by the second (a woodcutter, of course). Thinking ahead, you know. A planner, and a lover of the details. (A boy after my own heart...which I suppose is why we make each other completely crazy, all at the same time as completely 'getting' each other like no one else).

There's something about all this imaginative play that seems to affect all of us in a very good way. Besides being a natural way to learn about so much (it's been my perfect 'homeschooling' foundation), it's also a natural way to connect with each other. And to create with each other. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up the mudane moments of the minute-to-minute, day-to-day aspects of parenting. I know that feeling very well. But I am ever so grateful for those other moments, the ones when we're in the midst of connection and play: I'm in the "manor" preparing a feast for my tired and very brave knight and his squire, who come riding in on their 'horses' with their hysterical 'accents', and a little princess trailing behind on her own horse (the cat). And I'm laughing. And they're all laughing. And I have that amazing moment where I think, is this real? is this really what I get to do with my day, with my life?

It really is.

and now we are six

This week my babe turns six.  He's an amazingly creative, passionate, and fun person who stretches, challenges, and inspires me each and every day. I feel such a mix of being so excitedly curious to see how he grows and what he does and how he lives his life; while at the same time, longing for and hanging onto the early days when he was so wee. I suppose that puts me right in the middle - where we are now - loving, learning, and enjoying each and every step of the way on this journey that I'm so blessed to share with him.

Today was a wonderful medieval party with some very special queens, knaves, knights, and princesses in attendance. There was questing (in the BITTER cold wind), handmade capes for all, a bit of 'medieval' henna, and much feasting. We had *such* fun, and most of all, the Knight of honor was quite pleased. Thanks again to all of you for the *amazing* medieval party suggestions. We were so inspired by them, and incorporated many of them into our day.

Right now, I've got some cleaning up to do. And then some more celebrating to do in the next couple of days. Because, really, as far as I'm concerned, there's hardly anything more magical or important than a child's birthday. And, six? Well six is feeling very special.

wip: medieval faire

Everyone's quite busy around here preparing for this weekend's big happening. A little glimpse of our works in progress:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

corners of my home: this rug

Oh, this rug. In my grand New Years cleaning-the-basement goals (which I've actually been following through on, thank you very much), I unearthed this last week from a pile of forgotten-about linens, blankets and curtains. I put it away two years ago when our sweet Mow, had, well, 'issues' with rugs.  It's incredibly old, and just as incredibly shabby. The edges are curled, and it's faded in some spots. But I love this rug - the colors are so bright and just lovely. It's been in every apartment and house I've had since I've been on my own, since my college dorm room. I found it at an antique mall when I first got to college. I think I was the only one I knew who would rage with the best of them on Friday nights, and still manage to get up bright and early on Saturday morning for, um, yard sales and antiquing. I'd evenly split my precious cash (or, worse, my precious credit) between Friday night tequila shots and Saturday morning vintage quilts. It's a little twisted when I think about it now, but that's how it was. Anyway. That's where this rug came from. I'm happy to have it back to see every day, and apparently, I'm not the only one who's happy about it's return. Do you think Luka is remembering it from her own puppyhood? Perhaps. And Ezra says, "it feels sooooo good on my toes, mama." Yup. It does.

I just noticed this post, marking the beginning of Corners of My Home was almost exactly one year ago. The Flickr group is still going strong, with almost 10,000 photos! Wow!

green hat

Did I really just name this post the most uninspired title of 'green hat'?  And did I really just actually post that photo for all the world (okay, just the few people who read this blog) to see? I think I did. Apparently, there is no end to the humiliation I will put myself through to bring you new! fresh! content! every! weekday! (Okay, so maybe I'm a little sleep deprived - two year molars; birthday prep; 2 am grocery lists running through my head - you know how it is. Sometimes life makes you sleepy. Oh, and I swear that I am leaning on that door not for some lame attempt at an artsy shot, but rather to hold myself up. From falling over in sleepiness.)

As I was saying. This is my new hat. (And THAT is the mess on my studio floor.) The yarn is from Lizette that I showed you yesterday (just a reminder that the package arrived a month ago. Just so you don't go thinking I'm some Super Knitter.) It was an unmarked skein (she bought it on her travels), so I can't tell you what the yarn is - except to describe it as 'yummy' - definitely a wool blend. I used the Elf Caps pattern from Melanie Falick's Handknit Holidays (no, I still haven't gotten the courage to try those fabulous socks). Big chunky yarn + small project + my favorite color in yummy yarn = happy (and warm) me.

Now if we could just get some snow so I could actually wear it. This crusty hard 1 inch that we have is just no good for sleeping. Puts a crink in yer neck.

across the country

I'm pretty sure that my love of Lizette Greco's work came before I even started blogging. The way she is inspired by and collaborates with her children is amazing and inspiring to me, and has influenced the things that I do as well. And how fabulous that once I got to 'know' Lizette a bit, I found her to be just as kindhearted, creative, and fun as I imagined her to be. And her kids, I've discovered, are just as creative, fun, and kind as their Mama. Being that our children are all homeschooled and similarly aged, we've been talking for some time of doing a family, kid-focused swap. Our exchange began last month with the arrival of this package.

We were thrilled to see these little bits of nature, a peek at what it's like on the other side of the country. I love this - how bits of the earth are similar and so different geographically all at the same time. That amazing nest they found fallen? Oh my. It sat perched delicately on our holiday tree for most of the month, where the babes pondered it's past many times.

Definitely the highlight of the package for us, were these handmade bits by the Greco kids. A game created for us by Sophia (complete with instruction book - perfect!), and a Robot Book (an inventory of his robots, actually) by Enzo. We love these, and the kids have devoured the work that comes from fellow creative little ones.

Also included were the handwork of the Greco's in the form of these wrist cuffs! I have one of my own from Lizette, so it was a treat for the boys to get some just like mine, but from the kids!

This silver suit (really a robot suit) was found in the box and instantly became a HUGE hit (yes, as the TinMan, Lizette! Just as you guessed!). And will you look at what she sent along for Miss Adelaide? Mo! Mo the elephant! Who is very much adored already. Very much.

And she didn't forget the Mama, with these yummy treats. Craft, which I hadn't read yet, but promptly gobbled up. And those buttons and yarn from a trip of hers. (The yarn is already on needles!).

Thank you Lizette, Sophia and Enzo! Here's to many more cross country homeschooling exchanges!

quiet

I don't have a lot to say here today (a rare occurrence, indeed!). The snow and sleet is falling and it's so cold outside. Inside the fire is going and bread is rising. I can already tell it's a day when the apron and pajamas will stay on all day long. We'll read some words and think about a remarkable man. And even though it's all relative with three little ones, I think today is going to be a slow, quiet kind of a day. I couldn't be happier about that.

in and out

{in} :: new fabric. Very sweet floral from Heather Bailey's Freshcut. And new (I think) prints from Heather Ross. Couldn't resist the VW vans - that was my first car, after all.

{out} :: capes, crowns, and tunics to clothe a kingdom. Well, really just for the five incredibly creative kids in Calvin's homeschool cooperative.

{in} :: A new / old storage for toys. A vintage (and broken) hair dryer removed, and wooden trees and cars put in.

{out} :: out of an afternoon of soapy water, lots of thinking and much chatting with Ezra, we get five felt balls. Definitely worth it.

A very very happy weekend to you!

randomly thrifted

I found this teapot while thrifting a few weeks ago. It's not something that I'd normally be attracted to, and I don't think it really fits with the style (if you can call it that) of anything else in my house. Nor do I need a(nother) teapot. But for whatever reason, it grabbed me that day, and so I grabbed it. Bizarrely enough, it fit just right on this kitchen shelf, in front of my cookbooks, where even more oddly - it matches the bindings (who knew all my cookbooks were green and orange?!). Sometimes these things just come home and there really is no 'reason.' It just is.

Example #2. This, um, ashtray. That I brought home last week, and simply adore. The Mama deer? And all those babes? Pink and brown? C'mon now, who doesn't need an ashtray like this? (It's since found a new home as our soap dish. A soap dish! A little gross if you think about it, but I'm just not going to think about it).

There's usually a safe bet that in my thrifting bags you'll find some books, maybe some kids clothes, vintage fabric or linens (if I'm lucky), and maybe a dish or two. But sometimes these random little odd treasures are the best surprise of all.

a very good day

A very good Day of Rest, indeed. Though, perhaps 'rest' is not the right word when you're talking about three kids. But it did contain many of my favorite little things - baking with my babes (carrot soup, yum), hours on the couch with a pile of storybooks beside us, a wee thrifting adventure, and a long soak in the tub to end the day. So very very good. Oh, and how could I forget our big adventure through the forest? The one where we braved all sorts of dragons and beasts and swamps to make it to the castle. The guard and knight then promptly took their place, protecting their fair lady (who can protect herself quite well, thank you very much).

I mean, really, now, who would dare mess with the likes of these kinds of guards?

Oh! - and thanks for all the super great smock love! I wore my shirt all day yesterday and love, love, love it. There will definitely be more smocks for this mama very soon. I have no qualms with wearing many versions of the very same shirt every single day (my mom did this with leggings and pumps in the 80's - the VERY same article of clothing in a full rainbow of colors. that she still has. and we tease her relentlessly for it. Hi, mom!)

And my goodness- there's so much great stuff going on out there in blog world inspiration right now, isn't there? Did you see Melissa's new rockin' outfit? and how about dear Amy's exciting and fabulous news? oh, and what about Angela's incredibly child-focused and sweet rag curtain? (must make). Good stuff, I tell you. Ah, it's the new year, and the inspiration is everywhere!

and just like that, it multiplied

Well, it's done. For now, at least, the manuscript is out of my hands. Gosh, that was hard to let go of this time around. Thanks so much to those of you who sent such kind words yesterday. I wrote that post yesterday with the intention of taking a break and remembering to breathe. And the byproduct was a wonderful, much needed pep talk from you lovelies. So I thank you. Just what I needed.

And I also needed to do this. After the marathon work session was done, and the babes were asleep, my head was still buzzing. I headed to my studio to 'work it out' on these, based on yesterday's vintage smock - the red one in the front of this photo. (You can see the back of the smock here, if you're wondering how it's put together).

And then when those were done (I told you my head was buzzing), I made an even bigger one.

And then I felt much better.

And today? Today I will play "Castle," and "Doggie Piano" and "Peekaboo".  And then tonight - Oh, right. Tonight I will SLEEP.

breathe

The edited manuscript is due today (sort of my 'last chance'). And the perfectionist in me (ugh) is having a minor freak-out, stomping her feet and whining those dreaded, evil words, "it's not good enough yet!".  I do think my kind and very gentle editor is going to need to come and pry this thing out of my hands, against my pleas for More Time (which I've already had). Either that, or I'm going to get a quick lesson in letting go. Um, Today.

So! Rather than talk about the ugliness that was me and the manuscript at 2 am this morning (oy), let's look at something pretty, shall we? Yes, let's.
My sweet, in her vintage smock I found this weekend while flea marketing with the lovely Meg and Brandie. The digging and rummaging and chatting with these two ladies was just the welcome break and escape I needed. And this smock on miss sweet cheeks makes me very happy, as do those sweet cheeks themselves, of course.

Ah. That's better. Return to the breath. Return to the breath. (Yeah, yeah.)

always

Since Ezra's been dressing himself, he's insisted on wearing his clothes backwards, and usually - inside out. Always. At first we thought the odds just weren't in his favor, but now we know that he prefers it this way. He says something about wanting the tag to be in the front so he can tell who it belongs to (no, there aren't names on the tags). It all makes sense, in an Ezra sort of way. I adore the way he thinks.

the wheels are turning

Oh my goodness! You guys all completely rock. Thank you for all the wonderfully creative, fun and authentic ideas that have been pouring in. Calvin and I read them together as they came in throughout the day yesterday, and we both got more and more excited with each one. Which is just what I needed, really, because this time of year is so hard for me to get motivated to do anything besides chill out and sloth (a verb, no?).  But no longer - I got all the inspiration and kick I needed now. And he - he who needs no extra, um, motivation - is bursting at the head with all these great ideas. We've got a list going of our favorites, and we're working on narrowing that down to a manageable few. But for sure, we know there will be some questing, plenty of pewter, an abundance of carbs, an absence of forks, and  yes, Betsy and Jessie - you can be sure that there will be mead on tap for the mamas and papas.

And you, dear readers, can be sure I will keep you posted and supplied with plenty a photo as we prepare the Round Table for the feast! Thanks again for all of your help!!

 

weapons will be checked at the castle gate

It's true. I've got my knight in shining armor back again. All it took was new knights tunic from a generous, costume-loving aunt, and he's off again. Back in the land of making armor, guarding the castle, and jousting with his brother (who, luckily, can hold his own with a wooden sword, I tell ya). And so my plans for a January SLEDDING birthday party (my theory with six six year olds was to keep them OUTSIDE), have been nixed with his pleas for a Medieval Festival. In two weeks.

I need your help. All I remember from Medieval history is the Wife of Bath (perhaps not such appropriate tale for the six year olds); and vague and fuzzy memories of a party at my Medieval Lit professor's home that involved far too much mead (again. perhaps not such an appropriate tale for the six year olds). So lay it on me my friends. I need some ideas! Food (hmn, suppose there weren't many vegetarians in those days?), things to do (he's begging to make chainmail. huh?), goodie bag ideas, and things for a crafty mama to make. We try to keep birthdays pretty mellow as a general rule, but since his last two birthday parties have been snowed out, we're kind of going for it this year. Working drawbridge and all (you'll have to check in with Papa to see how that's going. Nothing like a five year old who really believes you can make anything. Nope, no pressure there.)

I thank you. But really, our fair Lord Calvin will be the most pleased in all the land.

Handmade By Nana

This polaroid was included with my gift from my Nana this year. It's she and I, in the late 1980's (don't let the decor deceive you into thinking it was the 70s), in her "Rec Room" where her sewing machines and oodles of fabric lived, and where she spent a majority of her time. I don't think I've mentioned her much here before, which seems kind of silly, really, since she's the one who taught me to sew, and tried to teach me to knit, and many other things. As a child, I would spend the weekend with her, starting with a trip to the fabric store for a pattern and fabric. And then to her Rec Room we would go, where we would work away for the weekend, watching Lawrence Welk and Wheel of Fortune, and talking about many important things. All while learning, envying, watching, and sometimes dreading her very meticulous skills of sewing.  My grandfather, "Bumpa" would come in from time to time to stoke the woodstove, tell a colorful joke, and supervise the project for a few minutes before he'd head back out into his garage, or into the woods. And at the end of the weekend, I'd head back to my house with something I had made, and of course now I know - so very much more than that. On the back of this polaroid is Bumpa's shakey, but still perfect scrawl of "Nana and Amy in her newly made nightgown - 2/21/88". I vaguely remember this nightgown (I remember that lace and ribbon at the bodice driving me nuts. I'm as impatient of a seamstress as I ever was), but oh, how I'll now treasure this photo.

As they do, things have changed much since then. Sadly, my Bumpa has passed away. My Nana is no longer working out of her Rec Room, but out of a small condo. And at 80something, her eyesight is not what it used to be. But none of that has slowed her down a bit, as far as I can see. She spends most of her day working on sewing and knitting projects for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. And this Christmas, just like every other Christmas I've ever known, was full of handmade goods from Nana. There's always been a hat, mittens, new sweater, or quilt for everyone under her tree.

The boys got these matching bathrobes from her this year. With their names embroidered on the chest (because she's all about her embroidery machine - she's a Bernina lover too). They, of course, adore the fabric.

And a new pair of mittens for each babe. I wonder how many pairs of mittens she's made in her lifetime. Like so many women before her, and so many after her - creating them out of need for the ones she loves. But a whole lifetime of them? That's a lot of mittens, a lot of (acrylic) yarn. And a lot of love, too.

Thanks, Nana.

Handmade Holiday Rewind: By Others

Holiday shopping is soooo much fun when it's done in the right places, don't you think? Between Etsy, mav's art for the holiday's guide, and our local Edith & Edna, I spent most of my holiday shopping in a fabulous handmade heaven.  Jewelry, artwork, textiles. Heaven, I tell you. (There were those couple of trips to Targette, but I'm trying to block those out.) And of course, as there was handmade shopping for others, I couldn't stop myself from a wee bit of shopping for um, me, (thinly disquised as gifts for my husband and kids). My favorites:

Take Care of a Piece of the Earth, from Shanna at Two Trees. I adore this pillow so very much - the sentiment, the embroidery, the fabric, and especially the heart and hands that made it. It's holiday recipient (Steve) loved it too. I thought the sentiment fit him just right.

A vest for the lover of all clothing. Made by Martha at Uniform Studio. I had such a hard time not snatching up something for the whole family when Martha opened her shop up last month - I adore it all. But this vest is just right - soft, great fit, and according to Calvin, it's "got style". I love how he styled it over a pink rolling stones tee. Perfect.

And a little something for me, made by Lisa at Underdog Ink. I actually ordered these early in December. When the package arrived, I handed it to Steve, unopened, and said, "here. wrap these up.". Silly, I know. But a fun 'surprise' in my stocking. I love how perfectly delicate they are - and the color is just wonderful.

Now, to continue the handmade holiday love, don't forget that today is the first day of the Kim Family Auction. I'm just in awe at the amazing pieces that are for bid - so much greatness there (at the top of my list? this this and this. swoon.)  And so very many reasons in this case to feel good about buying something.

Handmade Holiday Rewind, Part One

I know, I know. You're over it. Me too. I called my sisters and mother by 9am on the 26th, and we had all removed our holiday trees (ours now resides in the new banner above. Well, there, and in the middle of the yard where the kids continue to decorate it with bits they find). After the fabulously busy and fun holidays, then a week of 'nothing' (also known as 'slothing' around here), we're ready to move onto the cleaning, purging, organizing that January brings. I think I love it almost as much as the holidays themselves. BUT before I close up on the holidays, I want to bring you a wee bit more of the crafting that came with it this year, both by me and others. In three parts. Because it's January and I'm organized like that.

So, back to the crafted holidays for a minute. There was a bit of crafting for others - scarves, placemats, and other bits and bobs. But only a little, and none of it was photographed. The most important pieces on my crafting list were these capes, which alongside skis, were the only requested item for Solstice from my babes.

"Superhero Six" - a 'character' Calvin has been working on for a few months. He's been dictating exactly what kind of a cape Superhero Six would need - color, style, what should be on the back, etc. And being the critical lover of details that he is, I was hugely relieved when this was just what he envisioned. The best kind of crafting success.

"Jack Frost" - based on the version from one of our all-time favorite books, Ollie's Ski Trip by Elsa Beskow. My grandmother gave me a large bag of this fake fur this fall which I quickly regretted taking on (seriously. a large garbage bag. Um, where am I supposed to put that?), until Ez asked for a Jack Frost costume, thereby relieving me of my burdensome bag of fur. This cape is so cozy, I think I want one myself. And Ezra is pleased, as now he has full powers when wearing it to turn everything he touches to frost simply by breathing on it. Quite magic.

Adelaide's Red Riding Hood cape was the byproduct of one of those last minute 'letting go' of expectations, and didn't make it in time for the Solstice celebration. Onto the January list it goes!