3 Zip Pouches

This trio just showed up in the Simply June Etsy Shop... I recently ordered a bunch of oilcloth retro prints and couldn't wait to have some fun with them. I've made a set for myself to help organize my tote and I might whip up a few oilcloth totes for trips to the beach this summer... Keep an eye on the shop for those too!

Etsy Shop & Oven Mitts

I'm working on some new projects in the studio including this cute oven mitt. I love this leaf and ladybug fabric. It is a Japanese import and has almost a twill weight to it. The mitt is lined with pre-quilted Insul-brite . I made my own 1" seam binding with some bias cut polka dotty fabric and added a little tab as well. I have a few things I would change the next time around as the mitt is a bit wonky in areas. But, I know the changes I want to make and hopefully I will add a few to the shop soon. Speaking of the shop... It is really in need of a total overhaul and I think that might be on the plate for this evening. I have recently opened an Etsy Shop and am planning on linking that to my original site. I'd like to at least see how this works for me. I also plan on redesigning the look of the site...you know - in my spare time... :)

I really think I should break this pot holder in with cookies...

Anthro Tea Towel

Lookie what came in the mail for me!!!!!!!! My Oprah sent me this gorgeous tea towel from my beloved Anthropologie. I love every detail and color in it. When I opened it up, I happened to put it down on my table right next to a paint swatch I had been pondering over for the dining room and that wonderful antiqued, mustard yellow popped out at me. Check out that cute pom pom trim too! It reminds me of a little hobnail glass lamp from when I was a child. It had a white shade with pom pom trim and if I remember correctly sat in a guest room with green carpeting that reminded me of a bed of moss...

P.S. Thank you O!

My Black Apple Doll

I finally got a few minutes to whip up my Black Apple Doll last week... She is looking sweet in her polka dot duds and blue crocheted scarf. Emily Martin of the Black Apple shared this cutie pattern on Martha a few weeks back.

Happy Monday everyone! I'm in the studio this afternoon needle felting some flowers for Spring and sourcing purse handles for some Summer accessories...

Stitched Portfolio

I have been busy in the studio putting together my portfolio for an upcoming juried show deadline. I actually need to have it in the mail tomorrow and the show is not until November! I'm used to having to think ahead, but this one is really keeping me on my toes. I have been working on tear sheets for my portfolio that I can mix and match for different applications, but I wanted something unique to present my work in. Z came up with the idea of sewing a cover for my portfolio and then it sort of evolved from there. I love how it turned out and I think I might need to whip up a cute cover for my day planner now.

I have many other little projects in the works and I am so thankful to be back to sewing now. I also had the treat of getting to listen to an interview with my ultimate crafting icon over a Craft Sanity this week. It is so inspiring to listen to the thoughts of a like minded crafty soul...someone who really recognizes the NEED to make...to design...to create. Pop over for a listen if your so inclined...

Happy Gotcha Day Kolya!



















Kolya, Jason and I became a family two years ago today... Happy Gotcha Day Kolya! We are so happy that we get to experience life with you.

Ahhh, Back to my Creative Life...




















All of my time and creative energy has been going into the Multicultural Fair that I have been Co-Chairing this year. The event finally arrived this past Saturday! It was really a great day and we had a very nice turnout. So many of our friends came to celebrate too and that made the day even more special to me. I was able to try out a little of my gourmet creativity on Friday by baking for the fair. I made Vietnamese Almond Cookies, Chinese Egg Tarts, Russian Tea Cookies and Guatemalan Cookies featuring a creative mix of chocolate and cayenne pepper!

I have so many ideas for the coming months and hopefully some juried shows coming up this summer. I have been stockpiling new fabrics and ideas all anxiously waiting to be realized. Stay tuned for some fun needle felted flowers, appliqued dish towels and embroidered patchwork pouches!

I have have also been doing a little bit of painting to relax. I am not particularly good at it, but gosh do I really enjoy it and my little wonky "masterpieces." :)