SouleMama

we're outta here

We are off! After some wedding festivities this weekend, we'll be headed to our much anticipated annual summer week at camp, my parents' delightful little log cabin deep in the woods. There will be little to no crafting (there's embroidery packed, just in case I get twitchy), and definitely no blogging (or electricity, for that matter). On our family 'to do' list?

swim till we're 'pruney'
catch a fish or two or three (and let them go)
pick wild raspberries
kayak
eat s'mores
do nothing
swim at night
drink mint juleps
sleep outside
play, play, play
laugh a lot

Ah.....

I'll be back here on August 7th! Be well, my friends!

Corners of My Home

One of my favorite mama moments. The bringing in of flowers. I can't remember ever prompting them to do this, is it possible that it's intuitive for sweet little ones to bring in flowers to Mama? Hmn. I wonder. The flowers come to me slowly throughout the day as an offering with a sweet smile. Calvin brings in the big, obvious 'flowers,' and Ezra brings in the tiniest of delicate flowers, leaves and stems. So perfectly each of them. And no matter how many times they do it, it makes my heart swell each time.

More Corners of my Home here. And did you know that someone started a Corners of my Yard? Very cool.

for the beach

Can you handle a few more beach photos from me? How about a craft on the beach? Here's our new beach blanket quilt thingy (Is it a quilt if it's 'quilted', even without batting?). We tested it out yesterday for the first time at the beach with some friends, and so far it's passing the test.

It's backed with a vintage bedspread that's got that heavy, but soft worn cotton feel. I love that feeling. I cut the edges of the spread to make it smaller (it measures 62x70), and to use for the binding. For the top, I used quite a bit of the munki munki I had kicking around (those prints scream out "fun' and 'beach' to me), which I thought was going to make it terribly overstimulating to look at, and it did- in my studio room, but once we got it on the beach it was fine, and I liked it so much more (of course, I like everything more at the beach). I like the weight of it - it's not so light that it will blow away (that makes me batty), but it's not so heavy that it's cumbersome to carry. I added some ties to the corners to make for easy rolling and attaching to the beach bag (because a mama of three has only so many extra hands at the beach). I was desperate to try out the freehand Stitch Regulator on my machine for quilting, which was the motivation for cranking this out (that, and that summer is half over) at the ungodly hour that I did. I tried to use a sort of random pattern of swirls (ha!), but it was my first time doing so on this machine (test swatches? huh?), and it shows. There's quite a bit of puckering on the back, and the swirls are less than swirly in some spots. Whatever. It's for the beach. And at the beach it's just fine.

implements of inspiration

A mate-less sock, a baby clothes hanger, duct tape, and cardboard.

Found sticks, hemp twine, and cram cream tape. (With a pink tulle apron.)

We have a 'no gun' rule at our home that started as a 'no weapon' rule. But you can see that my little negotiator worked swords, knives, bows, and hooks into the deal ("it's part of the costume! I can make it myself!" How could I argue with that?). I'm glad (most of the time) that we negotiated that one -I can't believe the creativity he's poured into making things (of the weapon and non-weapon sort--no need to worry). As a parent, I am totally stretched out of my comfort zone over and over again. I never could have imagined or believed that I'd be inspired by um, weaponry. But I am inspired by his ingenuity. I really, really am.

wedding sewing and a shop update

This weekend was all about the sewing. Except for a brief break for wedding #1 of the season, for which there was a babysitter (or rather two babysitters--the chances of success are greater with two! Thanks Uncle Greg and Carey!), which meant that Steve and I attended a wedding together--without children--for the first time in six years. You can be sure there was dancing. YMCA or not--we were thrilled. And naturally, the event required a new handbag, made just an hour before leaving for the wedding. In green. Naturally. To match the shoes and dress (I've been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for six years now. Do you know how rare it is that a baby doesn't need easy access their eats/my breasts, therefore eliminating the possibility of wearing a dress? I was happy to be shopping for, and then wearing a dress, I tell you.)

Right, so back to the sewing. (Thanks to Steve for flying solo with the kids all weekend), I put together what we need for wedding #2, this weekend in which Calvin is a ring bearer. Those of you who tried to ease my fears Friday by saying that tafetta wasn't that bad--well, you're all obviously much more patient than I. Let's just say that the door needed to be closed when I was working on his vest and bowtie because the cursing and stomping that was happening was not cool. There isn't much sewing that I don't find fun. This was not fun. "How hard can it be to make a little bowtie?" is something I believe I might have actually uttered a few weeks ago. Um, yeah. The tafetta was finicky (who knew that with a wee bit of hot iron steam it would burn, and thus result in starting over? Hmpfh.) and the pattern was unclear (it couldn't possibly be my fault). The sewing on this thing is atrotious. I'll be crossing my fingers that it holds together until my little cutie walks down the aisle! Ack. Moving away from the tafetta (which took the better part of one day..can you tell I'm still not over it?), I also squeezed in a necktie for Ez (Ah! sooo much easier than a bowtie!), a dress for the Lady, and started the skirt for me. All of this requires a great deal of handsewing to finish, which will happen this week when I'm happily parked in front of the television catching up on a backlogged pile Netflix envelopes.

And believe it or not, I also whipped up some things for the shop. But the Damn Tafetta (and then complaining about the Damn Tafetta), has taken up too much time. I've got a few more details to pull together, and then I'll be listing them in the Etsy shop sometime in the next day. I'll post here when they're up! There are two baby blanket gift sets (blanket, bib, and fabric card), and six handbags, newly inspired by this combination I found lying around in my studio room last week (I can't remember what Japanese craft book that photo is from, and the dishtowel is from Anthropologie.).

They're in the shop now!

Summer Rain

Ezra, pointing so very excitedly: "Mama! The trees are getting a drink! The grass is getting a drink! The flowers are getting a drink! The swingset is getting a drink!," pause, "Mama, does the sun have a mouth?". Oh, my sweet.

There's something so cozy to me about a warm, summer rain. The bit of relief from the heat, the 'excuse' to reaquainte with the 'inside' life, the thunderstorm performance, and of course, the summertime romp out in the rain. I stayed home with Lady A today while the boys had such an outing in the River today. The reports came back of downpours, much singing and stomping and general merriment. Bliss.

works in progress

First up: big time thanks for showering me with all of your many generous and kind comments this week. I'm always so touched that people take the time to read this lil' blog, and even more touched when you take the precious time to say hello. The feedback is usually helpful, the comments full of kindness. I thank you for that. This week, I'm so glad you all liked the rug. It really was fun to make, and so far it seems to be 'working' just fine (it's been through the wash already too), and it's not too slippery, though I think next time I will follow Merideth's advice and use some of this stuff just to be sure. I think a few of you are making rugs too - I'd love to see them! Oh, and my shirt yesterday? Perhaps I wasn't clear (it's a wonder that you can make any sense of my sleepy-head confused ramblings sometimes), I adore the frilly cap sleeves too. So cute! On the hanger, that is, but, um, not on me. Notice that you don't see the sleeves in the photo of me? Um, yeah. The 1988 football shoulder padded image still stands. Snip Snip.

I have a rather ambitious crafting list this weekend. The three above piles are at the top of the list. From left to right: a second bathroom rug; a dress for Adelaide for a wedding next week; and most importantly, but most dreaded, is a bowtie and vest for Calvin, who's the ring bearer in the wedding. Tafetta. I've never sewn with it, but I can only imagine the cursing that might take place. Ugh. Thank goodness my new friend will be along for the ride.

And here's another Works in Progress sneak peek. These are the prototypes of a new design I've been playing with. If I get the above list complete, and then if I work out the kinks in the design, you'll be seeing a few of these in the shop on Monday morning. I'm excited about them, and hope you are too!

My weekend will be full of some sewing, some family wedding merriment (with a patriotic theme, I might add. Oh my.), a wee bit of thrifting, and most definitely a beach trip in there somewhere too.

Happy Weekend to you!!

just in time for the buttonholes

Look who's here! I'm sooooo excited. A lot of you emailed me to ask about my choice of machines. The truth is that I wasn't overly scientific about it. I narrowed it down to a few, really good, reputable names, and then I looked at the machines for each in my price range and compared a bit. I did visit a couple of shops that carried each, and ultimately went with Bernina. After hearing the way Bernina owners talked about their machines (and let me tell ya, they can TALK about their machines!) both online and in the shop, I was hooked. It probably helped that my aunt and uncle are Bernina dealers, which means that I have their home phone number and can call them at 11pm when I need help, right? And so, the Bernina Aurora 430 it is.

It arrived just in time to put the buttonholes on the shirt I was insisting on wearing out that very evening. And so, fresh out of the box, I put it to work immediately. Dude. The buttonholes! Automatic! As in, it remembers the size of the first one, so they're all exactly the same size. Apparently my sewing machine ignorance worked in my favor for years as I had no idea what I was missing. And it also means I have no idea what this machine can do. But, I'm telling you...a sewing machine that threads the needle for me? Buttonhole memory? Hands free foot release? Is this for real?

Oh, right. The shirt. It's Simplicity 4179, and I think I like it. I don't love the frilly cap sleeves that make me feel like it's 1988 and I'm in middle school wearing shoulder pads. BUT...I love everything else about it, and so I think the sleeves might just need to disappear (snip, snip). I love the bottom 'band' that conveniently covers, well, what's underneath. And I think I like the vintage blue/green buttons. I tried it with white or orange, but it just felt a little too stale.

Alrighty then. I'm going to go stare at the new love in my life some more.

summer vacation

As I may have said before (oh, how I repeat myself), I adore summer. Love it. I could not be happier with the season and it's HOT days, I tell you. So I apologize for my mild disappearancing act around here, but we've been busy. Busy playing. And eating blueberries, corn on the cob and watermelon; and making iced coffee all day long. We've got the beach bag permanently packed by the door; have been heading to the beach nearly every day; are learning to swim without floaties; and oh yeah, standing up and trying to walk, and being quite proud of such endeavors (see above). Such fun, I tell you.

So I'm warning you that for the next month you'll likely see as many photos of my babes in the water as you will of any sewing projects. It's summer. Oh, but wait! There is that very exciting new arrival to the house that I must share with you all. Hmnn...but that will have to wait until tomorrow. Because right now, I've got a beach lunch to pack!

(edited: You're all too sweet. But no, I didn't make the dress. It's thrifted and I have every intention of using the shape as a pattern for another, I love it so. There's even a matching sunhat. Oy.)

for standing on

It occured to me last week that I could solve my never-ending quest for perfectly sized, affordable, washable, and fun rugs by...making my own, of course! And so was the mission this weekend, using a thrifted towel for the backing, some thrifted terry for the front, and some cotton for the panels and binding (with ric rack, lace, and blanket stitch for 'embelishment'). I've been loving this vintage terry since I found it thrifting this spring, but couldn't come up with the right project for it until the rugs came to mind.

I need to make one more for the bathroom, and I'll still have 4 yards left of the terry. I was thinking of using it to make a new shower curtain, since I'm all about the over-the-top matching thing. Why not. And then...the rug-making is moving onto the kitchen. So fun, I tell you. Rugs! Who knew?!

Guess the latest musical!

Can you guess? Scroll your mouse over the photo (and then away) for the second character clue. Despite my struggles with it's cultural and relationship issues (I'm trying to tell myself it's all a learning opportunity!), it appears as though this one's sticking around for a bit. We've read the book, seen a live performance, and are now 'memorizing' the soundtrack. All while running through the cast of characters in costume...Calvin's attention to detail amazes, sometimes tires, but most often inspires me.

(Photo trick found via Little Birds via Knitting Iris via Nona Knits).

Happy Weekend, All!

i still knit...

...not often, but sometimes. Especially when my lovely knitting group of women get together. And so the last time we gathered, I dug around my pattern and yarn stash for the makings of this hat. It's been months since I've completed any knitting project, and there are about 4 projects in progress that I have no desire to work on--all on size 2's and 3's. Ick. So a simple - but not boring - baby hat was the perfect fix.

The pattern is the aptly named Baby Hat from One Skein. I knit it up (in the larger size) with a yummy white Classic Elite Miracle, and threw in some leftover pink Rowan Kidsilk from the stash (again, thank you blog for providing a record of these things! How else would I ever know what that random ball of fuzzy pink yarn was?). It knit up quite nicely, and though the umbrella pattern prevented me from actually knitting it AT my knitting group, it did make for an interesting knit once I was at home. And since this is the third pattern I've completed from the book (the others being the felted bowl, and the baby bolero), that officially makes it a 'successful knitting book purchase' in my mind.

Speaking of knitting books and wanting to make another 'successful knitting book purchase' (ha!), does anyone recommend Knitting Nature? It sounds lovely, but I haven't seen it yet, and since a trip to the yarn store is not in my immediate future, I thought I'd ask you before buying it. Anyone?

So I guess it wasn't very nice of me to ask her to model this on an 80 degree day? Let's hope she forgets about this in the fall when I actually want her to keep it on her head (I'm dreadfully afraid that she's turning into one of those babies that doesn't like hats. So very very sad.)

Go ask Alice. I think she'll know.

Me: Um, what are you guys doing?
Calvin: Whoooo Aaaaaare Youuuu?
Ezra (checking the book illustration for reference): We're smoking hookahs!

Ah, yes...the hookah smoking astronaut caterpillar, and pajama half-clad Alice. Of course.

a bit of sewing

There was a bit of sewing around here this weekend. A bunch of children's aprons, mostly headed to Edith & Edna, but a few to my Shop. And then two more circle bags, which I'm having such fun making--I love searching for the little bits of fabric to put together. Those two bags are now in the Etsy Shop too.

I'm being a bit of a whine at the moment with my sewing machine and am hereby 'on strike' until the new one arrives (soon, I do hope). You know that feeling once you've decided to get something new- a car, a house, a toaster (okay, maybe not a toaster), whatever - and suddenly you can never see the 'old' thing in the same way again? And I'm convinced she (the machine, naturally) knows that I'm leaving her too. Everything about my machine is annoying me right now--the sounds (something's broken in there, I'm sure), it's little quirks (the face plate/bobbin cover that sliiiiides off mid-sewing), and all the things it can't do. So, I've got a pile of projects 'waiting' for the new machine. Ridiculous, I do know...

the perfect beach accessory

We've been jaunting to the beach lots with the whole family, which actually leaves me sometimes with my hands free for a few moments. Amazing. And the perfect beach accessory for those moments? Well, embroidery, of course. I've been toting along small projects that can just be picked up here and there, and can be easily worked on a beach blanket. I used to bring knitting to the beach, which was always such a mess--the sand, the water, the wool in heat, ick. But this seems just about right...and adding my favorite sound of the needle poking through the fabric to the sounds and sights of my babes at the beach, and well, I'm one very happy Mama.

These are the results of our weekend outings. Linen bibs for the babe, who looks like this by the time we get around to the nightly coin toss for who's on cleanup. Perhaps the bibs will help.

Oh, and the photo above? My beach blanket sight: baby toes, my current food obsession (Kettle Foods Krinkle Cut Salt and Black Pepper. Oh, yum.), and embroidery in a recently thrifted tin. And beyond the camera's view...sand, swimming babes, and sun. Can I say it one more time? I love summer!

Yum.

Ridgeside Farm, organic pick/eat your own. Tasty bliss.

mixing it up

So it's 1am and I'm blog tweaking. Can you tell? (Well not if you're still in Bloglines, you silly). I have no idea if the banner above sucks or not, because, well, it's 1am (not that I would really know anyway). But it's staying because, like I may have mentioned, it's 1am. And probably not the best time to be blog-tweaking. I feel slightly silly having a photo of myself in the banner, but I keep looking at that one and it seems so perfectly summer and maine and babes and mama and peace to me, and so I love it and want to see it up there for a bit. All the sidebars are moved around and changed too (the books need updating next), and the photo albums are gone (I was terrible at updating them, and Flickr is just too easy). And there's a new category--"Inspiring", which I hope to be a changing catch-all of sites that are inspiring me at the moment-- blogs, shops, photographers, whatever. There's so much amazing stuff out there, and it's all so very beautiful, so that'll be my virtual inspiration board.

And the photo above? Well, I couldn't very well post without one, so this sweet one it is. I barely caught Ezra in the frame in time for this, but am so glad I did. It was such a sweet moment between them--with her splashing and playing in the sand and getting so very excited to see her brothers swimming, and Ezra in a moment of adoration and play with her-from a safe distance.

Oh, I love summer!

a little shopping

So I did a little shopping today. At a fabric store. One of the bummers/blessings of selling things I've made is that I can always justify buying fabric...even when it's intended for ME and not a shop. Hmn. Interesting justification. But less dangerous in this store where everything blissfully runs $1 to $3 a yard (Marden's, in Lewiston, for you local folks).

First up: fabric for some new quilted couch pillows. My living room feels like it needs a lift, so some green it is.

And pants for my boys. Blue terry on the left...so great for the beach.

Mmnn. That yellow will be a skirt for me. I've been wanting to try a tiered skirt, and this is just the fabric I want to do it with. The pink and grey (love that combination) will be a dress for Adelaide. Because you know, I'm SURE she NEEDS another dress.

And last. This yummy beach print. Which will be the start of a beach blanket quilt that I'm determined to make this summer. I got halfway to a completed beach blanket last summer, but aborted it when I realized that the hand embroidered work I'd done would surely make me twitchy and all  "don't spill the juice on the blanket!" which is just so not cool at the beach. And so I'll start anew this year.

Oh, and did I mention the sewing machine shop I stopped by too? Yeah, after a few minutes with the shop owner (okay, she's also my aunt), I was completely SOLD and drooling over the Bernina Aurora 430 (with the Bernina Stitch Regulator. Swoon.). And so I bought it. Well, I actually ordered it because they were out of stock, but I'm pretty sure that means I bought it, even though I was only in there for an 'investigative visit". I'm slightly giddy. Okay, I'm really giddy. I'm super appreciative of all of your advice, and if you're ever looking for an entertaining read, you should totally check out the comments on that post: "Bernina!", "Janome!", "Bernina!", "Pfaff!", "Janome!". I do hope you Janome lovers will forgive me for the Bernina purchase...and hey, in the interest of keeping the peace, I will remind you that my serger's a Janome. All cool? I'm very excited.

Is it really over?

I'm still stuck in vacation mind. With no committments or schedules for four days it felt a bit like a vacation at home. We wandered beaches, swam like fish, rendevouzed with the wildlife (alright, alright, the bear was at the Maine Wildlife Park), did a little bicentennial crafting (for a fellow bicentenial baby turning 30, on the 4th no less!), waited (and waited) for the shuttle to launch, and awed at the fireworks. And besides all the fun, there was just the 'vacation' of having both parents home, which I daydream about happening all the time. Happy children. Happy parents. Ah....long weekends!

**and thanks for all your support and enthusiasm about the Etsy shop. Now I'm going to stop talking about selling things and just leave a quiet little button to the shop over on the right sidebar (I know, it's getting crowded and cluttered over there and I fully intend to do something about it soon).**

Shop Update

I've set up shop over at Etsy, so head on over there if you'd like a peek! Please forgive my boring item names and descriptions, I was feeling decidedly uncreative in the head this morning (and the babe nursing on my lap didn't help). I listed a dozen bags and one baby kimono set. I hope to update again soon with some circle bags, but I don't know exactly when 'soon' will be yet, so stay tuned in the coming weeks.

Shop SouleMama at Etsy

Thank You!!