SouleMama

snapshots

 

Yesterday was one of those days. If you're a parent, or even if you remember having a parent, I bet you know just how those kinds of days can go down. Some days there are a few bumps and then other days, for no apparent reason, the road is so bumpy with challenging moments that you just can't quite catch your breath.

There are lots of great writers - of blogs and books - for whom those kinds of days can spark a creative flurry. I totally get that for some writers, sometimes, that's where their Mama-writing-inspiration strikes, and the writing is what gets them through those very moments. I read their often-hysterical, usually-comforting words of the darker underbelly of parenting, and am grateful for the intimate stories they tell in the spirit of motherhood.

But for me, that's just never been what I'm inspired to write about. It's really as simple as that. It's not how or why I write. 

There are so many things that get us through the days of parenting (because sometimes it's about soaring and some days it's truly about 'getting through'). A reassuring phone call to a spouse or a friend. The arrival of the sun at just the right time in the day. The sweet teachers we have in our children. The promise of an evening of creating in peace. The mindful mantras taped to a mirror and repeated as necessary (while ignoring the dirty mirror around it). And yes, sometimes by eating a pint of ice cream, locked alone in the bathroom at 9 o'clock in the morning, breathing deeply and trying to restore some sanity with which to continue the day mindfully, and with patience. (What? You've never done that?)

This blog, you see, is one of those things for me. It's a meditation of sorts. It's one of the ways in which I remind myself of the joys, the beauty and the blessings around me each and every day. Writing here helps me to remember. And it helps me to see and look for those things, people and moments which do bring me joy. Writing about them helps me hold onto those moments. And I find myself wanting and making more space and opportunity for these kinds of moments to enter our days...and my heart. You see how that works? It's a silly little ridiculous joy-addiction that feeds itself.

I rather like it. It's one of the ways I get through my days.

I think I've tried to say all of this in many different ways over the years, and I still don't know as though I've been successful at doing so. I know the consequence to the particular 'style' of my writing could lead one to think there is nothing buy joy, and peace, love and knitting needles in my life - if you choose to read/see it that way.

What you see and read here are snapshots. Real, honest, true and sometimes deeply personal snapshots that capture parts of my life and how I see it.  But a snapshot is never complete or 'whole' of anything. I've never thought of my blog as a journal - this isn't the locked up diary at my bedside. Of course there are days when I'm just trying to get through. Of course. The thought that anyone could think/say that what I've got going on here isn't real or honest, or that what I write makes them feel inadequate - well, that just about breaks my heart. Because that's the last thing I've ever wanted from this space. My goodness...quite the opposite, my friends. I write for me, but I hit "publish" each day in the hopes that somehow - someway - these little ramblings of mine could inspire you to look for, to follow, to perhaps even create a moment of joy and beauty in your own day.

So what I was saying (I'm going for the record of Longest Blog Post ever here today)....Yesterday - one of those long and nutty days of mess and chaos - never really let up. It grew and snowballed all day long until bedtime, when I found myself slinging Harper and reading to the boys. Rocking back and forth amidst the mess on the floor that hadn't been cleaned up from the day, my mind was racing with discouraging thoughts of how the day had gone...and overwhelming lists of things I still had yet to do.  And just about then...well, just then I tripped on one of Ezra's colored pencils - banana peel style - and landed squarely on my butt on the floor.

And just as I was deciding whether I was going to cry (and give up) or laugh (and give in), Harper stopped crying. And the boys started laughing.

And then Calvin said this to me:

"Mom. Can you even believe he's here? Like, before he was born, we went more places and stuff. But now? Now we have the coolest person in the world right here! With us! Every day!"

I've never heard anything more true in my life. Except that it's multiplied times four. 

My days (and hands) are full in the truest sense of that word.

Thank you, friends, for joining me on this ride.

sewing with help

There's been a wonderful little pocket of time that's emerged in the rhythm of our afternoons lately. With Harper down for his long nap of the day, and the boys outside making Flip videos of each other crashing off their handmade jumps and into mud with their bikes (good times)...Adelaide and I have found ourselves "alone" together. Wanting that time to be special one-on-one connection with her, and doing my very best to ignore the clean up I could be doing (or the laundry, or the dinner that could be started), I ask her what she'd like to do.

"Mama, I want to sew."

Well, twist my arm, sweet baby girl. We can do that.

 

 

"Sewing" for Adelaide means any number of things. She's a big fan of moving pins from one pincushion to another. Sorting through buttons is always a favorite (as is just sticking your face in a bowl full of them. It's cool. I get it.). Measuring - with every single ruler and tape measure I have - is super fun. Lately, she's been digging tracing her own patterns onto tracing paper. And of course, there's always sorting safety pins by size into vintage teacups (ah, now there's my fellow Virgo girl).There's plenty to do in Mama's little sewing space.

While she's busy with her sewing, she stops periodically to give instruction on exactly what I should be doing. Namely, telling me what to make her and what, exactly, to make it with. Ahem. (The girl knows what she wants, I tell you.) On this day, she had found the newly arrived Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross on the coffee table and requested the Flower Girl Dress. A quick and easy pattern, it was perfect for one of our little sewing sessions. (Though, a word of warning: check the sizing/measurements on this one if you're going to make it! It runs quite small - I made the largest size for Adelaide, who's an average sized 3 and a half year old). She was quite clear about the fabric choice too - this print from Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks line (she has good taste - I loooove that fabric too!).

 

We both worked together, with a constant stream of fabulous chatter the whole time (oh, I do love the way three year olds think...and talk). And when her dress was finished, it was deemed quite suitable for twirling and dancing, which, of course, we all know is what dresses are all about. I still think so, anyway.

(Later that night, this Mama snuck out for a little peaceful sewing of my own and made this second dress - repurposed from an old dress of mine. And yes...she's wearing a headband from the same book and same fabric in one of the photos above - I just cut an inch off everything in the pattern to make it fit her head.)

Like any rhythm in a family of six, I fully expect that this special little pocket of time of ours might shift soon: Harper will soon be awake more; the weather will be warmer and we'll want to be outside then too; the boys might tire of the mud (what?) and want to join us; she might actually want to do something else. Whatever it may be, eventually this little afternoon sewing session with my girl will shift into something else. And that's okay too.

But for now...well, for now, I'm loving it (and her) up. And treasuring our little afternoon sewing sessions dearly.

Hausfrau!

Forgive the regional focus today, but I want to spread the word to the locals about a new work by fellow Maine writer-mama Nicole Chaison. The Passion of the Hausfrau - a solo comedy adapted from Hausfrau mutha-zine is on stage now at Portland Stage Company. 

I saw a performance this weekend and was blown away by the dynamic energy of the actress (Bess Welden), and how perfectly the familiar tales (some from the pages of Hausfrau) adapted to the stage. It so brilliantly illustrates both the craziness and the amazing-ness of the roller coaster ride of parenting. Not to mention the discovery and pursuit of one's own creative passions while being a Mama. It's good stuff. Really good, inspiring, funny stuff. My cheeks still hurt from laughing...and okay, my eyes were welling up a few times too. In Nicole's own words:

"There is a hausfrau amnesia - some magical mind-eraser that blots out the struggles we experience on a daily basis. I believe it's the only way we can get out of bed in the morning and do it all over again. It is also why our species survives. But those struggles are precisely what we need to keep in mind, because our voices are lost when we don't tell the stories that make up our days. Hausfrau is about these stories."

Be sure to check it out if you can! The show runs through April 11th, check out the website for tickets and more info.

And wherever you live...check out Hausfrau - the zine (along with her awesome description of what that word "Hausfrau" means to her here), and keep your eye out for Nicole Chaison's forthcoming book, The Passion of The Hausfrau. I can't wait to read it!

Enjoy what's left of your weekend, friends!

Sponsor Giveaway :: Baby Bear Shop

This weekend's Sponsor Giveaway comes from BABYBEARSHOP - makers of organic goods for Mama and baby (and everyone else, too! the cheeky baby butter has become a Soule family favorite this winter.)

From BABYBEARSHOP:

"BABYBEARSHOP® organic cotton tote bag includes:
- Organic Cheeky Baby Butter®
- Organic Mama Belly Oil
- All The Better To Kiss You With® Organic Eco Kiss Kit (lip balm in vintage tins)
- Hand-poured Lavender Vanilla soy wax candle (made with recycled glass) and teensy matchbook set
-Organic cotton fruit toy (not shown)
-Organic dark chocolate (not shown)"

Baby Bear Shop is offering three of the above featured tote bags full of goodness. Just leave a comment in today's post, and I'll randomly choose the winners at 11am EST on Sunday.

In addition, BABYBEARSHOP is offering free shipping in the USA for all orders over $35. Just enter "springsoule09" as a coupon code. Remember that they plant a tree for every order made? I love that.

Thanks, BABYBEARSHOP! Good luck, everyone!

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Coments Closed. And the winners are...

Wow, what a treat! I have a dear friend who I would love to gift this to... thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by : Boatbaby

so adorable! what a treat!
Posted by : Katy U

Sounds wonderful - I'd love to be entered. Jamie 
Posted by : Steadymom.com

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transitional

Yesterday, my children spent their day from morning till night outside. In sneakers and mud boots and short sleeves and hat-less. In the mud, in the snow, in the slush, in the sun.

Today, they'll spend one last day with skis on a mountain still covered in white.

They have both feet firmly planted in this time of seasonal transition. It's as if they're seeing it all for the very first time each day, and yet - at the very same time - it's as familiar to them as anything they know.

With bright, shining spirits, these little ones of ours seem to greet each day in the world full of sheer joy, true excitement, and genuine glory at the beauty of it all.

When I'm quiet and still enough to follow their lead, I see it too.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

a jacket for my babe

In all the piles of three older sibling's worth of baby clothes in this house, I can't seem to find a spring jacket that fits Harper. Granted, I haven't looked that hard. Because I couldn't get the idea of making him this jacket out of my head. And, you see, if I didn't find a jacket for him...well, then it became necessary for me to make this one for him. (Oh...the mind games we play with ourselves.)

A few years ago, I used to make and sell a similar style jacket, but I think I got a little burned out on them. I found my pattern pieces this winter, and was re-inspired by them to create something a little different - not to sell again (if only there were just one more hour in the day!) - but for my little guy. With overlapping front panels, buttons, and a bit more flare to the whole thing.

The elephant fabric is fun, isn't it? (It's from good-ness - she has it in a few colorways - and happens to be having a 30% off sale right now. rock on.), with some really soft organic cotton fleece (that I think I got to make diapers with at Very Baby) for the lining.

Soft, sweet, cozy and oh-so-cute, if you ask me. Oh, and I like the jacket an awful lot, too.

A Homemade Life

First up...about comments. Oh, there's so much goodness in there - always and everyday I read them all and am so grateful for what you share there. And now it's going to get even better - as Typepad has enabled threaded comments (and userpics if you so choose!). Yay! So now we can reply directly to individual comments, making the 'discussion' of blogging feel a bit more like a 'discussion' as it should be. Yes! So please feel free to chat amongst yourself (nicely, of course), and jump in if you think you can help someone else out with a reply!

Okay. Moving onto today's regular programming...

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By now, you've heard tell of the beautiful new book A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg, of Orangette. But I can't resist telling you of my own love for it too. Because it's really one of those very special books. Part cookbook, part memoir, Molly weaves her recipes seamlessly into the stories of her life. Stories of love, loss, friendship and laughter. (I did lots of laughing while reading Molly's stories.)

You know how there are those people who you meet (or in this case, "meet," as we've only laid emails - not eyes - on each other), who seem so in sync with what they should be doing in their lives? Those people who have clearly landed themselves in their 'thing', and therefore...their passion, their talent and their energy just shines and radiates and seems, well, catchy?

It's a silly way to describe it, but that's what I think of when I think of Molly and the way she can tell a story. Her passion for food, for friends, for love and life...well, it's catchy. Reading her words always inspires me to do something - whether it be head to the kitchen to try out one of her recipes (so many of the ones she's shared over the years have been added to our regular repertoire), or into my studio to make something I'm excited about, or just to run and tell my husband how much I love him. Her blog posts have always done that for me (I save them for last just for that reason!), but her style just feels so very right in a book I can hold in my hands and snuggle up to read.

Molly's been on a bit of a tour with the book release, and I saw that she made macaroons (recipe in her book) to share at one of her signings. (Um, how nice is that?) Since I couldn't attend, I figured I'd make some myself - to celebrate in spirit. Alright, so maybe it was just an excuse to drizzle chocolate over some coconut and sugar. Whatever the motivation...I think Molly would get it. (and the results were delicious.)

Cheers to you, Molly! And cheers to us, for now being able to hold these treasured tales and treats in our hands (and mouths)!

keeping it all together :: the family board

With the addition of The Family Board - our newest family craft project - this little corner in our dining room just got a little more cluttered with the "stuff" of our days. But hopefully, this is clutter of the peace-making, flow-producing kind. I think it is. 

It's a basic cork board, with linen fabric stapled tautly over it. I used a sweet bird fabric from good-ness for the pockets, and included some button tacks I made inspired by Button It Up.

It's purpose is...well, to help us keep a little more organized about our weekly tasks, goals and activities. We began by all talking about and writing up index cards with the household tasks that need attention and care on an everyday/weekly basis. The kids drew pictures and wrote the task, and then laminated the cards. (I have one of these for laminating. Certainly not a life necessity, but ridiculously fun.)

The pockets - one for each babe - are where the cards go. The fifth pocket is for "extra" chores - those above and beyond the everyday and weekly chores, than can be done to earn money if there's interest from the kids (and oh, is there interest in that). Above the pockets is space for tacking the weekly dinner plans and a grocery list - all things the kids really, really like to be a part of knowing and planning. It also seems to be a good place for putting our goals and hopes for the week. Cleaning the shed, going to the skate park - you know, priorities like that - all of equal importance when you put them on pen and paper.

Talking about it like this makes it sound a bit more structured and rigid than it really is. It actually flows quite nicely - starting with our Sunday dinner at which we switch the tasks around for the coming week, and talk about what might be happening in the week to come. This little board - so far - has eliminated a lot of confusion and discord by giving us all a bit of clarity and a visual reminder of what needs to be done to make the house run smoothly. It's resulted in a bit more peace, and rhythm to our work. And somehow - it makes it all just a little bit more fun.

in Mothering

I'm super honored to be in the most recent issue of Mothering magazine, in an article by the lovely Jean Van't Hul, alongside four fabulously crafty mamas - Amy Karol, Sally Shim, Stephanie Congdon Barnes and Eren San Pedro.

I have to confess that this particular piece of press was silly-exciting to me for reasons that go back, oh, about 9 years now. Learning that I was pregnant - at a relatively young 23 - with no one else around me with children, let alone parenting in a style that jived with how I was a wishin' and hopin' things were going to go for us...well, it was leaning towards a lonely start. Mothering magazine - both in print and the online forum - was an invaluable resource for me. One summer yard sale day - while first pregnant with my oldest - I found a huge box of Mothering magazine past issues - dating back to the early 1980's. I devoured them - pages and pages full of words that resonated with me so strongly. It gave me just the encouraging fuel I needed for my soon-to-be-parenting heart, and has continued to do so ever since.

So anyway...sparing you further sleepy-morning ramblings (we have a tooth coming in...nights are restless!), I just mean to say that the full-circle-ness of this particular issue fills me with much joy and gratitude. It's fun to see us on those pages.

In addition to the print article, Mothering has just released the first online sneak peak of my book Handmade Home! You can find the downloadable PDF instructions for making your own Family Portrait Bookmarks over on the Mothering website now.

They're such a simple little things, but the bookmarks have become so adored around here - with drawings that the kids made of each other and us embroidered on them and used everyday. I'm quite proud of my potato-spud figure that Adelaide drew last year, too. Waistlines are sooo overrated.

Happy Monday to you!

Sponsor Giveaway :: Bayan Hippo

This weekend's Sponsor giveaway comes from Bayan Hippo Handmade, maker of colorful, fun, unique and affordable goods for both Mama and children.

 

From Bayan Hippo:
"The Bayan Hippo's products are made from the finest and very carefully selected eco-friendly materials using colorful design, durable construction and fun unique features. For the giveaway...

(first photograph) Fora Handbag - double pleats, double straps. This new purse design has an extra secure double snaps closure with a pleasantly casual look. Two inside pockets, all stress points on the bag are manifold stitched. Made from a high quality cotton canvas and lined with a natural unbleached cotton. 

(second photograph) Girls Half-Sleeve Kimono Dress (in cuddly green cows) - no zipper! no button! Nothing to make her skin uncomfortable. Available in sizes 1-6T."

Bayan Hippo is offering one of each of the items above as a giveaway here this weekend. To enter, leave a comment in this post. Comments will close at 10am, EST on Sunday, with the winners announced shortly after. The fun, bright colors and prints of today's giveaway seem so fitting for the spring weekend we're celebrating here. In the comments, I'd love to hear how you're celebrating or noticing the season's change this weekend (whichever season that may be for you!)!

In addition to the giveaway, Bayan Hippo is offering a 10% discount until the end of March for SouleMama readers. Just enter 'soulemama' in the Etsy checkout form.

Thanks, Bayan Hippo...and good luck, everyone!

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Comments Closed! And the winners are...

for the dress:

I've been searching for a new bag for spring...this one would beperfect!
AND my 5 year old would love to sport that dress with her green apple mud boots!

We are soaking in the sun and spending lots of time bringing the yard/garden back from winter's grip. Our chickens are so happy to scratch in the grass rather than snow!
posted by katrina | March 21st, 2:13pm

for the bag:

These are both so beautiful. The lighter evenings are making me very happy here in the UK.
posted by clare | March 21st, 8:18pm

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SoulePapa Blogs :: Here and There

 

They stare with a thick air of skepticism out over an expanse of ocean.  The wind bites, faces wince and burrow deeper into clothing.  The trail has melted, been blown smooth and frozen again and we tread with some care after a dozen or so swift crashes into its hard and unwelcoming surface.  Shaking it off, they push themselves back into an upright position and carry on.  Soon they are laughing and shouting defiantly as they get a running start to slide down the icy expanse.  The resulting tumble, while still bone jarring, is of their own accord.  Resilient.

 

They are not discouraged for long by a landscape which shifts beneath them.  Change presents possibility as old ideas are left behind or rendered impractical for the current conditions.  With so much to accomplish, failure is delegated a small seat in the back of the room.  Inspiring.

 

They're tuning into the frequency of a season that approaches while changing speeds and swerving.  Yet they are innately in tune.  Instinctual.

And still, freeze or thaw, you can always count on Mama to have the proper footwear.  Practical?

Wishing you all the best of weekends...whichever season you may be experiencing in your part of the world.

i love...

 

 

I love...

solo dates with my kids
our art museum
big quiet open rooms full of light and art
hearing his thoughts
his art
his heart
that boy.

Pushing spring

Yesterday it was brought to my attention by more than a few people around me that all my chattering on about 'spring' was a bit laughable. Maybe not so reality-based. Perhaps not a true reflection of the layers of capilene-wool-down still required out there in the elements. What? You don't call 40 degrees spring-like weather?

Well....maybe I'm pushing spring just a little bit. But look! There really are peeks of green happening out there. It's still mostly white. But oh, those peeks of green - I do love them.

The bits of warm weather - and the thought of spring to come - was just what I had in mind as I finished up this knitting project for Miss Adelaide. The pattern is the Girls Cap Sleeved Spring Top (available for free here). I used a glorious skein of DK merino from Shivaya Naturals. Such a pleasure to knit and beautiful in the way the hand dyed color knit up, I think. (it's laying on a piece of oilcloth from Anna Maria's Good Folks fabric collection.)

Adelaide likes it too, she says. For now, it's for wearing on the inside. But soon. Soon we'll be out there in the spring weather and this will be just the thing to have on amidst all that green out there. Green!

simple spring sewing

Some amazingly spring-like weather has come our way! We've found ourselves outside at each moment possible - standing in the warmth, soaking in the sun, and breathing in the fresh, fresh air of a soon-to-be spring. It feels so good to begin to stretch our legs - and our lungs - in the new way that spring asks of us.

With the sun sticking around a bit longer these days, my window of warmth on the sun porch (where I moved everything after moving out of my studio last fall) is opening up enough for me to get out there. And, oh, it feels so good. I'm starting in baby steps - making some gifts (above - working outside on a birthday crown, based on my pattern in The Creative Family), airing out some (2 year old) quilt tops-in-progress (seen in the background up there), and just generally reacquainting with it all. In small, simple, happy spring sewing projects.

With the bigger kids (Papa included) running in and out of the house on a recent sunny afternoon, Harper and I did a little bit of sewing. He's happy to play along in the sling or on a sheepskin at my feet - as long as I keep singing. (Because only a newborn baby can love a scratchy Mama's voice, right?)  I used the Buttercup Bag pattern - found for free on Made by Rae. It's such a great pattern - easy to follow and quick to whip up. (I thought about making a prettier photo of it than the one above....but perhaps it's best left photographed just where it will spend most of it's time in my house - atop my desk and a huge pile of knitting patterns and notebooks. And likely some important tax documents strewn in there ever-so-neglectfully, too. Oops.)

For the happy cooing and sitting and chatting that he did while I made my bag (and for not telling me that my singing is scary), I whipped up these elastic waist pants for the little guy (once again, using the "pattern" I outline in The Creative Family.) The fabric - sooo good, isn't it? It came from good-ness (it's this one, in a lighter color).

One more photo - with baby toes and deer on linen fabric. Just because.

Have I told you that my new sewing space - albeit much smaller and colder and funkier than my old studio (she says with great restraint in those slightly selfish moments)- has cardinals building a nest right outside - inches outside - my window, so that I can watch and listen to them as I make things?

Life really is quite sweet. In beautifully small and simple ways.

Sponsor Giveaway :: Little Alouette

This weekend's giveaway comes from Little Alouette - makers of "wood for wee ones." Based in Ohio, Little Alouette is a Mama & Papa shop (mama Amy blogs at doobleh-vay), started after the birth of their own wee ones. They use Ohio Maple and organic seed oil to create one-of-a-kind handcrafted goodness.

From Little Alouette:
"Harper the Hippo Maple Wood Teether - Harper is toy meets art! It is so smooth that you will not be able to control yrself from rubbing it across yr cheek. It is sanded silk.
Pine Play Blocks - 12 all natural unfinished wood 1.5 inch blocks. Blocks to build and learn with that were handcrafted with love in our backyard. Stack em/Love em/Don't worry if teething babes pick them up and explore!"

For the giveaway, Little Alouette is offering the set photographed above - Harper (yes, Harper!) the teether, and a set of wood blocks. To be entered, simply leave a comment in this post. Comments will be closed, with the winner announced at 10am EST on Sunday. 

In addition, SouleMama readers can receive free shipping on teethers through Sunday evening. (Enter soule in your 'message to seller', and your shipping will be refunded.)

Thanks, Little Alouette...and Good Luck, everyone!

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Comments closed! And the winner (chosen by random number generator) is...

Oooh, I hope I win!!! Baby #4 arrives in August and he NEEDS these!! LOL
Posted by: Laurel Sauls

Congrats to the winner! Thanks to Little Alouette for the giveaway. And don't forget that the offer on free shipping for teethers continues through today!

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SoulePapa Blogs :: The Roll

As the thaw gains momentum, we roll.  The mercury ventures above freezing by a few degrees and the people rejoice and sit in silent revelry, faces trained on the nearing Sun.  A Sun to which we hold no grudge.  All is forgiven as the warmth circles. 

Undeterred by the earthy remnants of soil and leaf that are exposed as winter recedes, we stand and let our feet sink in.  Fists raised and arms bare we welcome this time of transition and all its' messy glory. The mess extends inside as children feel the shift and their minds race with all of the possibilities.  Books are opened, pictures drawn and dry clothes garnered as they head back outside for another dose of inspiration.  Disjointed branches lay strewn, lost in battle, across the landscape amidst the rotten leaves and stubborn snow.  We poke our noses from our holes and hold them high in the air to catch the shifting scent of transformation as the land prepares to usher in a time of unparalleled growth.  Evolving.

The same temps that had us running for wool hats and sweaters back in the fall, have us happily shedding them in the downhill race through March toward a season of rapid change.  Chilly winds that foreshadowed the coming of winter are diluted by the gentle warmth of encroaching spring.  A seasons worth of stored energy with all of its' potential is now transformed and kinetic and we roll.  The reflections of winters' calm solitude make way for the future and a time for life.  For being in the midst of it all.  And toward that, we happily roll.

the colors of a march day

outside ::

 

inside ::

 

What's that they say about making your own sunshine?

You could say that's what we've got going on here these days: enjoying the stark grey beauty of outside, but loving the color we can make on the inside...until our part of the world turns green again.

Button It Up

Yesterday was a work day for me. I was supposed to be writing. Or cleaning up my studio so that I could make things. Or answering one of the many emails I owe people. Or any number of other 'productive' things. But what did I do for the better part of a day?

I played with buttons and industrial strength glue.

Good times, I tell you. Good times.

Susan Beal's newly released book Button It Up was the source of my obsession inspiration. The book is full of projects for putting beautiful buttons to use - everything from jewelry to home decor and clothing. My copy of the book has been tempting me since it's arrival. Because while the array of projects is diverse, so is the time and skill level needed to complete them. Perfect for just a quick little crafty button-love fix. (Okay...except that quick little fix turned into a whole afternoon affair as I kept making just one more thing!)

And before I go on, I should tell you that I may have a slight personal attachment to this book. See that page right there? With the fabric cuff? That's mine! It was great fun to contribute a project to Susan's book. (And amidst some very fine crafty company too, I might add.)

So yesterday, as I was clearing off my studio table trying to work, this book just wouldn't stop staring at me. It wouldn't stop! I caved. And before I knew it, a jar of buttons was dumped out on my table and demanding attention.  My first project were the earrings photographed above. Um, I love them.

And then...onto some magnets.(And that is Adelaide's fabulous zebra...in the 6:30am kitchen lighting that is not so fabulous.)

There's some great stuff - projects, button resources and giveaways - happening on the Button it Up website, so check it out.

A word of warning. All this buttony goodness is contagious (who doesn't love playing with buttons?). It's 7am in the morning (on another snowy day) and the kids have a jar of buttons waiting for me on the table. They want in on the action, naturally.

everyday treasures

The way his four tiny fingers rest ever-so-gently atop his nose, while his thumb is securely and sweetly inside his mouth. Like this, he watches the world of home around him. I want to remember this.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
--Thornton Wilder

What's an everyday treasure in your life right now? Say it outloud. Write it down. Draw it. Photograph it - even if only in your mind. Live it.

oh-so-many-hats

Today's post comes to you with a disclaimer (lest you think I'm a crazy knitting fool - ha! me?!). Hats - as many knitters will tell you, are a quick fix. And hats for small heads? In big yarn? Well, they're an even quicker fix. Perfect for the instant gratification crafter - as I will admit to sometimes being. Also note: This is one full month of hat knitting - the photos only just discovered in my February photo folder as I attempted to clean it out and back it up this weekend, as I do when the computer starts humming and making noises like it might seize up on me (that can't be good).

So with that in mind, we shall proceed. To the parade of hats-knit-in-February.

{Photo by SoulePapa}

I knit this one for Ezra, in pretty much a reverse of Papa's winter hat (found here). Calvin tells me that this semi-matchiness makes spotting them on the mountain, "after I've skiied past them!" a lot easier. So that's good. Manos del Uruguay can never steer you wrong. 

 

This beautiful handspun yarn (whose source I can no longer remember - sorry!) has been giving me such trouble for a while now. I just couldn't get any kind of consistent gauge enough to make a hat I liked the fit of well enough. This hat - attempt #3 - finally got it right. I used the Elf Hat pattern from Handknit Holidays (love that book). The hat is now headed (ha! get it? headed?) to my dearest and oldest friend, who also happens to be the skilled one who makes my hair all silky and shiny and free of any grey every six weeks or so. There are very few people besides my own five peeps for whom I knit hats for. She's one of them. For her crazy-mad magic skills.

 

Another Elf Hat from Handknit Holidays. This one for Calvin, knit in Magnum by Cascade Yarns. (Which, yes, means that it matches my Urchin. He's cool with that, though.)

 

This one, which Harper is kindly modeling, was sent across the country to a sweet, fresh little one. Because if I can't squish them and kiss them and hold them in person, the next best thing is to send handknits, right? The pattern is the Baby Hat in One Skein. I knit one for Adelaide a few years ago (look at those baby cheeks of hers!). It's such a sweet pattern.

 

Here we have Adelaide in her big-girl cheeks and Felicity hat (link to the free PDF pattern from Knitology). I've been loving every version of this slouchy hat that I've seen on Ravelry...so I gave it a go in a smaller version. Knit in Debbie Bliss cotton, I think it's going to be her favorite spring hat.

 

A little something (else) I knit up for Harper. I made this one using the leftover yarn from Calvin's fall hat (found in this post). I love this handspun yarn so much - I do think I will use up every last inch of it on something or other (it's from Ram in the Thicket - who now has an Etsy shop, found here). There was no pattern for this one - just a really wide garter stitch brim and simple decreases after that.

 

And lastly, a little number for miss Ada. It was originally intended for a small-headed recipient, but since I didn't pay attention to the gauge (what? gauge?), it ended up a bit big. No matter - she was happy for yet another hat (she hopes/asks/believes that all things I make are for her anyway). It's the buzzbee pattern from the Wee Woolly Wormhead pattern booklet, found here. And knit up in some Peace Fleece (leftover from my sweater, yes!).

(Are you still there? Oh my goodness, that's a lot of hats - and one big, long blog post.)

If winter is to go on - as it appears to be doing this morning as more snow falls out there - I'm so glad we have some fresh new hats to enjoy it with.

Sponsor Giveaway :: MixTape Maga(ZINE)

This weekend's giveaway comes from mixtape - a maga(ZINE) about making time for the small things! Mixtape - created in Melbourne, Australia,  has gone full-color with this latest issue, and it's beautiful! It's full of the creative energy I've come to love in past issues of Mixtape - whether it be an article about art, craft, blogs, books, or food. Always fun and inspiring.

From mixtape:
"Mixtape is totally DIY. We produce, design, pack and promote it all from our home. mixtapezine is a collision of craft, eco-cool and pop culture kitsch! Issue's 1-7 are available on demand (we print them from home) and Issue 8 is being professionally printed and once it's sold out that's it! Issue 8 will be released on March 11, 2009. "

For the giveaway, Mixtape is offering a copy of the latest issue (Issue 8) to twenty lucky readers! Since Mixtape is all about helping us all make time for the small thing we love, leave a comment telling us one way you make time for the small things that matter to you in your days. (Of course, you can just say hello, too!). Comments will be closed and the winners announced here on Sunday at 12pm EST.

In addition, SouleMama readers can receive a 10% discount on all orders placed in the month of March. Enter the code SOULE at checkout.

Thanks, Mixtape...and Good Luck, everyone!

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Comments closed! The 20 winners will be hearing from from Mixtape shortly! Thanks to everyone else for playing along, and don't forget that the 10% discount (see above for details) applies through the month of March.

SoulePapa Blogs :: Swift Delivery

I glimpsed the delivery driver through the upstairs window, long rectangular box tucked under one arm, other arm out wide for balance as he teetered along the icy unwelcome mat that is our driveway.

"A package!" came the joyous cry from the housebound winter hostages.

"Thanks!" they chant in unison as our hero descends back down the steps and skates to his rig with both hands free and a purposeful glide.

"What is it Mama?  Do you know what it is Mama?  Is it for me Mama?"

"Oooooh...This...is. for. Me!"  Mama says happily and with a quick apology to the other hopefuls.

The crowd senses something is up as she hurriedly searches for an implement to crack through the thick fortress of packing tape that reminds me of the presents I used to receive from my Nana when she was still alive.  No crack is left un-taped but the Mama is resolved to get in as the onlookers watch in an increasingly curious manner.  Everyone takes a few guesses as to what may be inside the unusually shaped confine.  

A baseball bat!  Tap shoes!  A doggie!

With admirable but waning patience we wait.  Mama breathes with relief as an end is wrestled apart. A silence falls over the room as she slides out a wooden cylinder which, when released from its' cage, unfolds into what appears to be a lampshade made out of popsicle sticks.

"What in the heck is that!!"  exclaims Calvin.

"THIS.  Is a swift!"

In general, I don't get too excited about deliveries...particularly, ones that aren't for me.  But the swift is a marvel of engineering brilliance and practicality AND it rescues me from a lifetime of being the two handed stiff while Mama winds her yarn. 

The result.

Happiness is...

The Creative Family turns One!

...well, almost. In just a few weeks, it will have been one year since The Creative Family was published. And do you see what Adelaide is reading above? The Creative Family....in Korean! How fun is that? So very fun for us (especially for my boys, who now insist they can read and write Korean by putting the two books side by side. Ahem). I'm told by the sweet publisher that the direct translation of the Korean title is "The great days for your child". I really love that.
{Edited: I'm hearing that the translation is a bit more like: "A day my child will not forget". Just as sweet. Thanks for letting me know!}

I can't believe it's been a year! I continue to be completely inspired and in awe whenever visiting The Creative Family Flickr group and seeing things in action. Or when I hear from you about how it's fit into your days with your child. Thank you. For receiving it so warmly. And for welcoming the book into your lives with children.

After a bit of a baby-break from my Shop, I've just reopened it with (signed) copies of The Creative Family for those interested. {International shipping rates in included on the shop page!}

Thanks, friends!

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Oh! How have I been remiss in wishing you a happy March? One of my favorite months to greet, I might add. In like a lion, out like a lamb. So far, we've got the 'lion' part down (oh, the pile of snow out there) and I'm hoping the 'lamb' holds true too. We shall see. In the meantime, a warm welcome to March's new sponsors! Check out their handmade, crafty, fun goodness when you have some time. Welcome to...

MixTape Zine

The Paper Princess

Little Alouette

Bayan Hippo

Happy March! and Cheers to creative families everywhere!

for my girl

My baby girl ("I'm always gonna be your baby, Momma!") was the recipient of my first real sewing foray in months. Anna Maria Horner's beautiful book Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing arrived here just a little before Harper did. It's been on the coffee table or on my bedside table ever since. Because if I'm not sewing, I might as well be dreaming about some fun projects for when the time comes, right? And her book is, indeed, full of some very fun projects.

Adelaide flipped through it too, and asked for the Prairie Blouse. Well, actually she asked for the horse that Anna Maria's daughter is riding while wearing the Prairie Blouse. But she was happy with the blouse itself for a close second. (The horse? Maybe later.) 

In the past week, in approximately ten increments of five minutes at a time (I'll take my crafting time however I can get it), she got her Prairie Blouse. It was super easy to sew up - Anna Maria's pattern writing is super clear. I love the lofty fit for many reasons, not the least of which being that I'm sure it will fit for a few years.

The aqua fabric is linen from Robert Kaufman's Essex line.  The bias is some I made from Joelle Hoverson's Cake Rock Beach. The pattern actually calls for a wider bias than I used, which would have been a bit better, I think. But that would have required a trip to the fabric store and that takes a lot more than five minutes. So I'll try the extra wide bias on the second shirt (I know there will be one). 

 

It is so true that she will always be my baby girl. But will someone please explain to me how it is that my baby girl is looking like a kid these days? Oh my. Why do they do that so fast?

in the morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, the wonderfulness of a blank piece of paper.

Every so often, I remember to do this little thing that we love - laying out a simple project at night, after the kids have gone to bed so that it's there - waiting and ready - when we wake. It may be something new or rare, or it may just be something that we do in the everyday. Like watercolors. Either way, I think it's a nice way to wake up. And it seems my little ones agree. Without mention of it's presence, I watch them ever so slowly  make their way to the table one at a time. And slowly - just as they themselves are waking up - the white of the paper fills with color and life.

There's something about that morning energy that's - dare I say - calmer. And with the open dreaminess of watercolors, well...it's a nice way to start a day.

Have you seen this? It will send you to the paint brushes, I promise.

36,799* stitches, one at a time

 

 

 

 

(*um, according to my math. don't quote me on it.)

It was a very exciting knitty kind of weekend here. I cast off, blocked, and put the buttons on what I now declare my very favorite sweater. I've knit sweaters for myself before...and all three of them reside in the back of the closet where I wear them out of guilt every once in a while. Something about each of them is just not quite right, which is a bummer, and has made me steer clear of knitting myself sweaters for a while. But this one? I don't think this handknit will ever even see the closet. Nope - it will stay on my shoulders, perhaps on the arm of a favorite sofa, or in the heap on the floor beside my bed (isn't that where the most loved of clothes belongs?).

The pattern is the Garter Yoke Cardigan from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of Knit.1 Magazine. I used Peace Fleece wool (the color is Chickie Masala - how great is that name?), which makes it a bit of a heavy, warm sweater - just what I wanted for spring and fall wear (okay, and a few cool Maine summer nights, too).

I love this sweater. Have I mentioned that?

I snapped this picture of Ezra yesterday. On the same day I boycotted the laundry to finish my sweater, I found him walking around the house with his precious knitting tower (from Nova Naturals) making a crazy-long i-cord, with the skein of yarn clipped to his shirt. When I asked him what was up with the clothespinned ball o' yarn, he replied, "Well, my legs were tired of sitting so I had to get up and walk around, but I didn't want to stop making it, so I clipped it to me to keep going!"

Find a way to keep doing what you love. I think he gets it.

Sometimes these things - our passions and our projects - get done in simple, yet miraculous ways: in the two-minute increments of time that may appear at a time; with the help of a sweet husband who carries a little extra weight for a moment so I can do something as silly as knit a sleeve in silence; or as the chosen priority for a day over a pile of laundry/bathroom cleaning/bill paying. Sometimes we go to extreme/comical/ridiculous measures to make our passions happen in the everyday. Because the way it makes me feel - the way it feeds my soul - well, that fuels me to be a better person. And a better mom.

One little stitch at a time.