Ransacked Goods

Handmade Pillow Cases

Here's something I've wanted to try making for a long time, handmade pillow cases. It seemed like an easy way to use up some large scraps of fabric that were too small for a full project. I'm really happy with the results and they were super easy to put together - what with straight lines and all. They washed up beautifully and I've love to make more or even some shams. I think they would make for a nice gift in a pinch too.

Cherry Kuchen

I made a cherry kuchen from the Joy today. Couldn't have been an easier recipe to make with a little left over fruit hanging around. I also threw in the few strawberries we had saved from the blasted squirrels in the yard. Next time I'd love to make it with just strawberries and put a little whipped cream on top. It would be like the simplest strawberry shortcake ever made - one of my favorites.

Finished Blanket

I finished this little blanket up last week but finally got around to washing it and blocking it. I had been disappointed that it came out like more of a diamond than a square when knit on the bias but it worked itself into a square when all was said and done. I think I'll try to crochet some flowers to put on one of the corners but I kind of suck at making flowers. Again, another one of those - the process of learning is more important than the results - kind of endeavor.

Sparkle Toes

via www.morganandmilo.com

Can I just say how much I would have loved these shoes as a little girl. I remember having red sparkle mary janes that I wouldn't take off no matter how much they hurt my toes. I saw a little girl at Peet's wearing these the other day and they were obviously well loved. We've had a few pairs of Morgan & Milo shoes and they have been excellent. They've got killer sales going on now, perhaps it's time to stock up.

TV Worth Savoring

I have been slowly savoring the first season of Man Shops Globe. Oh how I wish this were my job! My second wish would be that we had enough cable for me to watch the upcoming second season. I popped into Anthropologie the other day and noticed for the first time how most of the fixtures do have price tags. And there were a few pieces in limited editions - never noticed that. It's amazing that they really do support individual artists and create some of their careers but it's eye opening to see how individual items are solely purchased just to be put into mass production. Check it out.

Quilt Glimps

So here is a sneak peek at the quilt I'm furiously making for Apple. I fell in love with the little retro flower print in the center of the blocks. And again I'm not using any pink like I didn't for Chickpea's quilt. It seems more grown-up and perhaps it will age better with her. The pattern is from this book: Quilts, Baby!: 20 Cuddly Designs to Piece, Patch & Embroider, which has some adorable ideas despite the cover. What I liked about this pattern is that it's really not a pattern. Everything is just cut free form with rough measurements. I had the whole top pieced in just  about a day. I bet a larger version would be a snap to put together. Fingers crossed I'll have it done this week!

Handmade Kitty Dolls

 
I wanted to make my girls something to mark the point when they became sisters and to also give them both something special to snuggle made especially for them by Mommy. I looked at a bunch of patterns some of which I love below and decided to settle on a kitty pattern that I already had from this book (which is excellent in every way). I could have spent more time deciding on a pattern than actually sewing it! I tried using linen for the first time because it is so durable and classic. It was difficult to work with but I think it looks very sweet and highlights the details.

 

Chickpea's has rhinestone button eyes from an Anthropology sweater that I finally admitted I'd never wear again. I can sew some on Apple's kitty once she is old enough. Overall I'm happy with them. We'll see how well they are received or if they end up in the bottom of the stuffie basket. But I'm hoping they hold on to them for a long time.

via www.weewonderfuls.com

via bird & little bird

Maternity Leave

My maternity leave has officially begun and I'm a week in. It has taken a while to decompress and wind my way down into the transition much like going on a long vacation out of the country. It just takes time to settle into a groove and unplug your brain from another lifestyle. My body is grateful for the break but my brain is still having a hard time slowing down. All in good time. There is nothing like a newborn baby to change your pace to a near stop. My pre-baby  to-do list seems a mile long and growing but I do realize that it's all fairly unnecessary things that can always wait. I started knitting this blanket a few days ago as a way to force myself to quiet my brain and sit still. It's a lovely organic cotton I bought on a whim several months ago. Not like we really need another blanket in the house but that's not a reason not to make one.

I've been indulging in a few restaurants that have been on my must try list for far too long, like Bake Sale Betty and Ici. We are so lucky to have a pool of talented chefs who have worked at Chez Panssie opening up shop around here. Not to mention trying new found restaurants like Gather with friends.

 

Then of course there is sewing in between all of the house cleaning, organizing and prepping. I made this vinyl tablecloth from an Anna Maria Horner oilcloth, simply trimmed with some carrot bias tape. And while I originally bought it for easy clean up from kid art projects we use it all the time. We wondered why we didn't do something like this sooner to protect our table at meal time instead of messing around with place mats.

Chalkboard Wall Sticker

via www.wallcandyarts.com

I'd love to have one of these in our house but alas, no space. Let me think about it....

Lemon Simple Syrup

With a huge surplus of lemons I made this lemon simple syrup which is truly simple. I've been enjoying it with my mineral water for some sparkling lemonade, what a treat. Why haven't I done this before?

And have you seen this recipe card generator from Skip to My Lou? I'm totally going to use this when the holidays hit.

Want-Me-Give-Me's

I was checking out the latest Serena & Lily catalog and of course the "want-me-give-me's" hit. I love this diaper bag collection that I seriously don't need. I could see it going with just about everything and giving off that not so mom vibe.

And would you believe they have this beautiful sling, too matchy for me but I love it.

And what about one of these leather poofs. I could see this getting a lot of use in our house, resting feet, rolling around the house, propping up forts... I may have to scour ebay for an affordable version.

This one is really cute from Zid Zid Kids which I always love too. Maybe I'm just into a Moroccan inspired thing now.