SouleMama

For The Table (part two)

 

More table talk today. I wanted to share with you the recent 'completion' of a little family set we have - our set of dinner napkin rings. This simple little collection means so very much to me. It's something so utilitarian - something we use every single day in the here and now. And yet, each one is steeped in history, with a story if it's own. Some of that history we know, and some we can only imagine.

 

 

They've come from all over. Steve's and mine (with "Mother" and "Father" engraved on them - you'd see it better if I polished them) came from family. Calvin's and Adelaide's (each with dogs and cats, though a little different from each other) came from a trip to London, and Piccadilly Circus, I took before they were even born. Ezra's - a frog - from a thrift trip years ago. Each somehow found their way here, and perfectly into the hands, or on the plates, of those who suit them best.

Except that Harper has been without for a while. We have a few for guests that he's been using, but nothing that was quite 'him' until this recent find. A squirrel, acorns and fall leaves. Just the right thing for my autumn babe! A set complete. 

I know you might very well think I'm foolish for not only bothering with napkin rings, but for using white napkins at that. But, I'm telling you...it actually all simplifies things enormously. White napkins - of all sizes, fabrics, and textures - are easy to find affordably (at least, in my experience) at flea markets and such. So they're matchy, but not all identical...and easy to add more to the stash as needed. And white? Well, a day in the sun, hanging on a line, removes most any stains I know.

The napkin rings themselves are helpful in keeping our napkins from meal to meal without having to unnecessarily wash six napkins (times three meals!) a day. We simply put them back in our own rings at the end of a meal, until they need to be washed. For some of us, that's sooner than others.

Blessings on your meal!

For The Table (part one)

 

{I know, that cake photo is just plain teasing, I'm sorry. I didn't make it. I just ate it. A lot of it.}

Dinner is my favorite, most treasured time of day. It's such an everyday celebration of family life - a moment when we are all together, in one space, and of one mind. I like putting a little bit of energy into that daily celebration - creating a space in which I know we will want to all gather and linger. In recent years, that job has been completely taken over by my boys, who love creating the 'scene' now themselves (complete with a daily rock-paper-scissors for who lights the candles). I love thinking about how our evening meal has changed and will continue to change as our family grows. From the early days of just trying to get through it without someone crawling on top of the table, to today's gatherings that include conversation and crawling on the table, to gatherings way into the future - who knows what they might hold.

I recently finishing these placemats for our spring table. All made from one vintage print (formerly a curtain, I do believe). But I mixed them up a little bit with embellishment - some have a bit of doily love, some have freezer paper stencils, and others have fabric appliqued pieces (with help from a few of the books on my shelves: the squirrel is from Sew Liberated, the birds and chick from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby). There's a layer of quilt batting in the middle, and a piece of linen for the back. Easy, peasy. Ready for spring (and hopefully a whole lot of fresh green on that table soon!).

There are, of course, days where it feels laborious to make such a fuss about an everyday thing such as setting the table for an evening meal. And there are also, of course, days when a box of pizza is plopped down in the center of that table (or more accurately, a bowl of popcorn). But even on those days, we try to keep some elements of our daily ritual. Our breath, a blessing, the place settings. The effort is always worth it in the end, as the flurry of our day settles down for a few minutes...or an hour. Stories from the day are told. Dreams are shared. And family plans are made. All over the yumminess of the meal we've prepared. My favorite time of day, for certain.

 

starting simply

It was a good and busy weekend here. My little boy had a performance in a local ballet that kept us all on the run and full of exciting events and energies all weekend long. Such a treat to watch them shine with pride at their successes, isn't it? One of the most amazing parts of being a parent, I do believe. My heart is still quite melty this morning, honestly.

After a busy weekend, we are all in much need of starting this week slowly, in all regards. I will be looking to the flowers around me right now (many for my sweet boy) for reminders to do just that. Keep it slow and remember to breathe deeply. I find flowers good for that - the beautiful reminders of simple beauty and wonder that they are.

Here's hoping you find a moment of simple peace and beauty in your Monday too, my friends.

 

 

 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ RHYTHM OF THE HOME ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I am pleased to tell you about our sponsor Rhythm of the Home. Rhythm of the Home was created by Heather and Bernadette. In their words:

"Rhythm of The Home is a  free quarterly magazine based on the seasonal rhythms of the Waldorf and Montessori philosophies.  It is our goal to bring this wonderful community of artists, educators, writers, photographers and parents together to share ideas, projects, recipes and traditions that help to enhance each of the seasons."

Rhythm of the Home also maintains a blog, found here.

SouleMama: How long has Rhythm of the Home been around?

Rhythm of the Home: We began Rhythm of The Home in August of 2009, and our first edition went live on December 1st, 2009. Our Spring edition recently went live on March 1st, 2010.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start this work?

Rhythm of the Home: We were inspired by our own love of bringing the wonder of nature and seasonal celebrations to our children. We also feel that there is an incredible online community of crafters, artists, writers and parents who would enjoy a place to showcase the amazing work that they create every day.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Rhythm of the Home: Our children are the primary inspiration behind so much of what we do.  They are the sparks that ignite us to learn more, create more, share more.  They are constantly bringing to us challenges that require us to be flexible, and to be in the present moment.  We are also so inspired by the amazing online community that has grown even deeper for us since the magazine's inception.  It is fabulous to contemplate what we all have at our fingertips each day - the connections, the stories, and the craft.

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

Rhythm of the Home: Well motherhood, and family, lies at the root of the work that we do.  In many ways motherhood was what brought us to this work.  But when you have young children, it can be hard to find a moment to nurture your creative spirit in some way that is separate from your identity as a mother.  Motherhood became the catalyst for us to find the balance between the work of writing and creating that we had been doing for so many years, and the joys or raising a beautiful family that brings us so much joy.

 

For today's giveaway, Rhythm of the Home is offering THREE gifts, from contributors to the Spring edition:

~ Shannon Honeybloom offers a copy of her book, Making a Family Home. 

~ Larissa Bass offers two sets of fabric bundles for her project (one for a boy and girl each), Stashing Treasures Play Apron.

~ Nicole Spring offers a set of three felted eggs from her article on welcoming the Root Children.

In addition, Rhythm of the Home is offering a 15% discount on sponsorship for the Summer issue of the magazine. Simply email them at [email protected], with the line Soulemama in the title.  Offer expires on April 5th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Rhythm of the Home!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winners are:

For the book:

love it! ~Lauren
Posted by: yogaseed

For the fabric bundles:

That insect fabric is fantastic!
Posted by: Laurelin

For the felted eggs:

Would love to win this....I enter and enter so maybe one day I'll win.
Posted by: Nikki

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soulemama Sponsor ~ LITTLE FISH in a BIG POND ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I am pleased to tell you about one of our new March sponsors, Little Fish in a Big Pond. In shopkeeper Linda's words:

"Little Fish in a Big Pond was created out of necessity when I started littlefish a couple summers ago, kind of as a treat for a break from my succesful jewelry business, Linda Trent Jewelry, I really wanted to work with fabrics again, I have a degree in fashion design, but I got too busy and voila the kits were the perfect alternative. I still got to design kids clothes, play with fabric but I didn't have to sew a ton of pieces."

Follow the Little Fish Big Pond Facebook page for bi-monthly giveaways and sewing tips.

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Linda: Two years.

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs/ideas?

Linda: I'm mostly inspired by the fabrics.

SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?

Linda: My studio is situated on a mountain meadow at 7500', where I have to ski in and out of almost 6 months of the year, along next to our home. It is magical, silent, majestic and perfect.

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

Linda: scheduling, lots and lots of to do lists to keep me organized and pure joy.

  

 

  

For today's giveaway, Little Fish in a Big Pond is offering the following to THREE winners:

A kit of your choice, from the Little Fish Big Pond shop!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Little Fish in a Big Pond!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Comments closed! The winners are:

Soo adorable! Sign me up! Tricia
Posted by: The Orchard

Gorgeous dresses! Crossing my fingers that I win:)
Posted by: Alicia

I'm just learning to sew... and I'd love to win one of these darling kits. The dresses are so very sweet!
Posted by: MamaBird

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(this moment)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

*** *** ***

here comes the sun

It snowed here yesterday. Snow, mixing into the rain that's been falling for days. It went back and forth between feeling quite cozy and rather dreary. Just as I was making dinner, the sun came out and shined right through from one end of the house to the other. My little ones left their mud boots from earlier in the day by the wood stove and rushed back out in sneakers and onto their bikes.

I do love March. You must expect a bit of everything, but it in the end and by the end, it always seems to be warm, bright, and peaceful. (That's how I spin it, anyway.) It's a lovely month in Maine.

And it appears as though my crafting, too, is a bit under the influence of that sweet sunshine.

 

 

 

 

fingers and toes

Well, today I could tell you about the "summer" knitting project I just started for myself, or the tulips I bought to counteract the rain falling outside our windows all week, or about the latest thrifting find for Harper that 'completes' a family set.

But all I can think about today is someone I met yesterday. And now I'm smitten in-love with my newest little niece Myloh, born on the first day of spring. My goodness, there is nothing - nothing - like the smell of a fresh new baby, is there? Or the sight of those wrinkled up fingers and toes. And elfish little unfolding ears. I soaked up as much of her as I possibly could. Later, at home, I looked at the growing nine year old, six year old, four year old and one year old fingers, toes and ears I know so well. I remembered those first days with them, in the very same moment realizing just how long ago that was and how very little they still are.

Yeah, my babes suffered through a few extra Mama snuggles last night. (No one complained.)

And now that she's on the outside, Myloh is slowly getting used to that big black thing attached to her Auntie Amanda's nose.

{oh goodness...just to clarify. That first photo is Myloh on the inside, and the second photo is Myloh on the outside of her Mama, my sweet sister. Not me!}

draw!

 

 

 

 

 

Someone has recently 'joined the table'. He thinks he's just about the bees knees for doing so. And if the number of photographs I have like the ones above are any indication, I also think he's just about the bees knees for doing so. I mean, really now. Those chubby little fingers wrapped around a pencil? Or  his pride at showing his brothers and sister what he's done? Stinking cute.

It caught me a little off guard when a couple of months ago, he started reaching for the crayons and paper. But it really shouldn't have surprised me. With the flurry of projects around these parts from those bigger than him....well, he just wants to keep up. Often times during the course of a day right now, he'll wander over to the project boxes, where he has his own notebook, pull it out...and then stand at the shelf of writing utensils, calling until someone comes to help him out (he's got a lot of helpers). With a grin, he heads with notebook under arm to the nearest clear spot on the floor to draw - or up to the table to join the big kids.

I know there's lots of expert advice out there - and different educational theories - about drawing with little ones (I wrote quite a bit about drawing with kids in The Creative Family), but while it's fresh on my mind, I thought I'd share a few simple thoughts on what I've found really helpful for the littlest of artists. 

(As for the age of the child at which to start, certainly this is so individual! I look for interest, as well as the likelihood that they can understand not eating them. For Harper, that's been around 15 months, but for other kids I know it's earlier or later.)

1. Use safe, quality tools. While there's still a likely chance that something will end up in the mouth of a toddler, I especially pay attention to the ingredients used. You may pay a tiny bit more in price, but know that not only are you getting a safer, higher quality tool (so enjoyable to work with), but they'll often last longer (I've had the same set of Stockmar crayons since Calvin was 6 months old!). Some of our favorites, seen in the photos:

Stockmar Beeswax Block Crayons
Lyra Ferby Colored Pencils (which also come in a shorter size)
Soy Crayon Rocks
Big Pencils for Small Hands

2. Keep it simple. Don't overwhelm them (or you) with materials. You don't need all of the above - start with one! Make it easy on yourself by keeping the materials accessible to you, and pull out just one jar of crayons at a time (some suggest just a crayon or two to get started). I'm a big fan of blank notebooks for drawing in, rather than loose paper. It's a lot easier to manage at clean up time, I always know whose art I'm looking at, and I think it ends up creating less waste. I love the Cheap Pad (yes, that's the official name) made and sold by my local Artist & Craftsman Supply. 

3. Draw with them. Of course! They're watching you! Sit down and draw beside them. Never force it, but rather make it an open invitation. In those early days, no instruction is needed (I think it's better without). But modeling is where it's at. Let them see you draw. Have a Family Draw! And most of all, have fun with it (how could you not?).

Spring has sprung!

{Thank you to Gibson's Bookstore and all of you who came out on a beautiful SPRING day for a lovely book event in Concord this weekend!}

 

 

 

 

It's here!

And it's official. Everywhere we went this weekend - in Maine and New Hampshire both - we saw and rejoiced in the first signs of SPRING: short-sleeves, mud, sunshine, bicycles, sandals, baseball, ice cream, maple syrup in-progress, robins, first flowers poking through, open windows....and so much more.

I often hear myself repeating the words from Lois' Lenski's Spring is Here (as one apparently does when one reads the same simple sweet children's book for ten years straight): "Spring is here today! Open the door, come out and play - Spring has come to stay!"

Did you see it too? Happy Equinox to you!

{this moment}

A reminder for anyone near Concord, New Hampshire  ~
I'll be at Gibson's BookStore at 1pm on Saturday. I hope to see some of you there! 
While we do some traveling and visiting, the blog space here will be quiet over the weekend (though who knows, you might see me on Twitter). Have a lovely weekend, friends!

*** *** ***

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

*** *** ***

 

corners of my home

 

 

A simple little corner in action.

Old favorite toys make an appearance for the fourth time. The worn board books and the duct tape holding things together this time around just make them all that much more loved. Infused with our family history, so to speak. And the little boy discovering it all? So very pleased with it all.

current happenings

{click to enlarge for details}

:::: I'll be at Gibson's Bookstore in Concord, New Hampshire this coming Saturday the 20th at 1pm, for a signing and meet & greet. I hope I'll see some of you there! It's the first day of Spring!

:::: I recently had the pleasure of a conversation with Allegra of Petite Purls. You can read that interview in the latest issue - Spring 2010 - of their online magazine. And while I might be biased, I must say that this current issue is wonderful - chock full of crafty goodness and patterns you should check out. (Look - a February DOLL Sweater!)

:::::::::::::::::

Right now, the sun is shining, breakfast is over and I see four (yes, four) kids with bike helmets in hand, running for the door. I think it's going to be a good day. Enjoy yours, too!

in my kitchen

This week, in my kitchen, I have...

:: found comfort in familiar rhythms (our standby Tassajara bread loaves)

:: signed up for this year's CSA share. (Find your local farm!)

:: tried to convince my people that eating a bowl full of onions was fun. (Nobody believed me. Oh well. Maybe we'll learn to love onion soup later.)

:: admitted that my cuisinart mixer - used almost each day, and a serious thrifting score - has a dead motor. (It's a good thing another thrifting season is nearly upon us - good luck such as that can strike twice, right?)

:: used, and very much enjoyed, the very last jar of canned tomatoes from the (small) 2009 harvest. 

:: ordered seeds for a new season.

:: watched my fourth babe discover the joy of hanging out and helping in the kitchen, via the Learning Tower.

:: cleaned a lot of oatmeal off the floor.

 

 

:: made bagels, much to everyone's delight (recipe from Artisan Breads Every Day). I think we'll make them again today.

It's a busy place, this kitchen of ours.

What's been going on in your kitchen this week?

my zimmermann year ~ a february GIRL sweater ~

 

 

It's done! My "I am so in love with Elizabeth Zimmermann" sweater. Also known as the Baby Sweater on Two Needles (February) from Knitters Almanac.

I've been admiring a friend's February Lady Sweater for the better part of a year, pretty much drooling on it each time I see it on her (thanks for tolerating that, B!). And I really, really wanted to make one for Ms. Adelaide. The only trouble, of course, being that she's not a Baby nor a Lady. She's a Girl. A big four-and-a-half year old Girl ("don't forget the half, Mama!"). 

So, I went for it. Modifying a pattern likely more than I've ever done before (I really wanted to use this sportweight yarn, rather than just upsizing with bigger yarn and bigger needles). It It took a bit of math...but you know, with a deep breath and a calculator, it wasn't that awful (oh, the things we learn on the way to doing what we love!). 

With both my Adelaide and the coming seasons in mind, I decided on short sleeves (All of my notes and modifications are on the Ravelry page for this project. And the hat in the photos below is her Felicity).

We're both so pleased with the results - It seems to be just right for all the running - jumping - dancing - climbing - hugging - loving action this Girl of mine is up to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ TOT TOPPERS ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I am pleased to tell you about a new sponsor Tot Toppers. In Kate's words:

"Tot Toppers - custom knits and patterns for your little tot. I got started by designing hats in particular, and now enjoy working on all kinds of garments for all ages. My projects often reflect a whimsical spirit and construction is seamless as much possible. I strive to add specifically to the body of knitting patterns for boys as I have two of my own!"

(There is a free pattern of Kate's - Cheery Scrap Cap - available in the Winter issue of Petite Purls.)

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Kate: As the mom of two boys, I've been disappointed with the selection offered in boy stuff, especially once my oldest son was out of the newborn/baby stage.  Not just in knitting patterns, but just clothing in general! I started designing when I wanted to sell handknits.  It was hard to keep up with the demand though and I found myself more interested in working on new projects, then repeating the same ones over and over.  So I started designing and fell in love with the whole process.

SouleMama: What were you doing before this work?

Kate: I was working on my PhD at the University of Florida, in political science. I am almost finished!

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs/ideas?

Kate: Flipping through catalogs that come to my home, walking through stores and seeing different elements.  Playing with them in my head to incorporate them in a new way!

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work you do?

Kate: I do the work I do because of motherhood! I was a knitter before I had children, but my process was so inspired by my children that I doubt I would have ever begun were it not for them.

 

For today's giveaway, Tot Toppers is offering two kits:

Safari Sun Baby Hat pattern with Debbie Bliss Rialto in Dark Grey

Ruffled Stripe Hat pattern with Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in orchid, honeydew and bone

In addition, Tot Toppers is offering "buy 1 pattern, get 1 free!" to SouleMama readers.  On checkout, enter "soulemarch," and the name of your desired free pattern in message to buyer. Offer expires March 31 and includes patterns only purchased through the Tot Toppers website.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Tot Toppers!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 9am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winners are:

For the Safari Sun Baby Hat:

So cute!!
Posted by: n8cherluver

For the Ruffled Stripe Hat:

Adorable!
Posted by: Bree

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SouleMama Sponsor ~ IMAGINE CHILDHOOD ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I'm happy to be talking with and about our longtime sponsor, Imagine Childhood. In their words:

"... a little nature... a little imagination... a lot of play. Toys, tools and activities for growing minds. Imagine Childhood is a family owned and operated company offering high quality environmentally conscious toys and activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and open-ended unstructured play."

Imagine Childhood also maintains a blog, which can be found here.

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Imagine Childhood: In it’s current iteration Imagine Childhood is going into its 3rd year, but as a family we have been selling children’s goods in one way or another for the past 20 years including a storefront in Denver Colorado that we ran for many of them.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Imagine Childhood: It had been a number of years since the shop closed and often we found ourselves drifting into discussions about the importance of good, quality gifts for kids.  This of course, easily segued into “when I was a kid” conversations about each of our favorite toys and memories from childhood. 

After a while we realized that there was a recurring theme.   All of our fondest memories, whether from growing up in the 50s or thirty years later in the 80s, were of time spent exploring and imagining... of believing in the power of a stick, a piece of string, a sunny afternoon and a good sense of adventure.

That's why we started imaginechildhood.com, a place where we could share stories, toys and activities that encourage a kid to be a kid... to get out in nature and explore... to dream... to imagine.

SouleMama: What were you doing before this work?

Imagine Childhood: After completing my degree in art, I spent some time as a freelance children’s furniture designer/fabricator which eventually led me to the Field Museum of Natural History.  There I spent a number of years working in Exhibit Design developing interactive educational activities for permanent and traveling exhibitions before I moved on to Imagine Childhood.

SouleMama: What's your most treasured 'thing' in your home?

Imagine Childhood: I have a simple plastic Fresnel lens that I love.  It’s meant to stick on the back window of a cargo van to improve visibility for the driver (by magnifying/expanding the viewable area), but I keep mine on a window in the house.  There’s just something about the way it changes the landscape in the midst of landscape that I could look at for hours... parallel and diverse perspectives all in the same frame.

 

 

For today's giveaway, Imagine Childhood is offering to one winner:

a $100 Gift Certificate to Imagine Childhood!

In addition, Imagine Childhood is offering 10% of all orders placed between now and March 17th, as well as free shipping for all orders over $100. Use code "soulemama" at checkout. Discount expires 3/17/10.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Imagine Childhood! Comments closed! The winner is...

You share the best things... blog-wise and sponsor-wise.
Posted by: Natalie VV

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Happy Friday, friends!

*** *** ***

a confession

crafting confession: I have more sweaters-in-progress right now than I have people in my (relatively big, I do declare) family. Hmn.

one view :: lots o' joy

In the busyness of our days - full of activity, energy and a flurry that is sometimes nothing short of chaotic - I'm grateful for my camera. The way that a photograph can take a piece of life and bring it all into a sharp focus so clearly for me. I find myself 'taking pictures' in my mind even when the camera is not in hand. Those snapshots (both real and imagined) - paused little moments from our days - carry with them so much. Reminders of where I want to focus my energy, reminders of our time together, and reminders of the very many things I am so grateful for. In one rectangular little frame, there is always so much to be found when we remember to look for it.

I love...

~hand-me-downs
~babies in overalls
~(and stripes)
~chubby, dimpled baby fingers
~sunshine
~friends who rescue vinyl from the dump
~(and share their finds with us)
~stevie wonder

the pillows of the year

After five years of this gig, I sometimes get a funny perspective about the nature of blogging. Of course, there are so many things that never even make it onto the blog. But then, given the nature of what I do write about, sometimes some very silly things that do get blogged about. And blogged about often.

I got that familiar, funny feeling a few days ago when I was taking photos of my new pillows. It was an odd sense of deja vu...a "I think I've photographed pillows just like that, at just that angle, with just that background before." kind of feeling. Because I have, of course. For five years now.

Shall I demonstrate?

There were the very first - the Pillows of 2005. The first...and still going strong. Currently at home on Adelaide's bed.

And then the Pillows 2006. Um, I don't even remember these. I remember those buttons, but I do not remember those pillows. What does this mean?

These were the pillows of 2007. Ah, sweet Merrimekko. These got cut up and hacked to bits when I decided that fabric was absolutely needed on my summer quilt. Where I still enjoy them - spring, summer, autumn and winter.

The Pillows of 2008 featured yellow and doilies. Favorite things, indeed. (But sadly, those hand stitched doilies couldn't stand up to the jumping and tossing that my babes love so much.)

A second set for 2008, repurposed from vintage wool blankets. (I was pregnant. I was writing a book. I had energy that year.)

Apparently there were no sofa pillows in 2009. (I had four children. I was writing a book. I was tired that year.)

Looking back, I'm often made aware of something. Like how my taste has changed. (Or not.) Or how I must have an internal Sofa Pillow clock that tells me it's been a year and it's time for new ones. That must be true, because the alarm went off recently.  So without any further adieu, I present to you....

(drumroll,please....)

 

 

 

The Pillows of 2010! Featuring the fabulous voile fabric from Anna Maria, with  envelope backs (for easy washing) and quilted log cabin squares (using the method described in Patchwork Style). I love them. My little ones love them. And they are totally perfect for the most important pillow function of all - naps. Even pretend ones.

warm like spring

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend was so very beautiful. It's unlike any early March weather I've seen here before. I don't know if spring is truly upon us - snow could quite definitely still come down (which will be welcome here!). And I am saddened by the larger implications of this warm weather so early in our New England season.

But. In spite of all of that, I'm just going to think of these days right now, as they are, as a gift. The gift of sunshine and warmth and reacquainting with the springtime world around us.

Yesterday, Adelaide told me, "Mama, I know I have to but, I just can't come inside at all. I just can't. The sun feels too good on my skin." Indeed, it does.

I've been reading Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore this week (full disclosure: we share a publisher). I've been so moved by it's words - it's a wonderful collection of essays - and the following in particular struck me this weekend as it echoed what I was feeling in the air. It's from a larger essay which has me thinking as I've never thought before about - of all things - snakes. Anyway, this part here:

"Do not be surprised that the return of the light lifts your spirits. Do not be surprised that warmth on your back calms you and makes you glad. Feel your spirits lift as the sun rises higher in the sky: this is part of you, this snaky gladness, part of who you have been for a million years. Find the warm places; do not expect them to come to you. When you find them, stay there and be still. Be still and watchful. In this quiet, taste the air. Lick up the taste of it. Listen. Listen with the full length of your body against the ground."
{From Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore}

Isn't that lovely? 

As we begin another week, I wish us all some warm moments in which to be still and listen.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ SUNDARA YARN ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I am pleased to tell you about our sponsor Sundara Yarn. In the words of Sundara herself:

"Sundara Yarn hand-dyes a wide range of luxury fibers for knitting, crochet and weaving.  The majority of our yarns our one of a kind, "Limited Edition" colorways at are inspired in the moment and can't be repeated.  We also have a range of "Permanent Collection" colorways that can be dyed in larger quantities.  These colorways have all been carefully crafted by Sundara and are often inspired by the beauty of the natural world.  Sundara Yarn was started by Sundara just 4 short years ago and now is a family business that includes her Mom, Dad, two sisters and two brothers."

Sundara keeps a blog as well, which can be found at Sundara Stitches.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Sundara: I tell anyone who asks or anyone who is looking for what to do with their life this same story, but I haven't heard any reports that it worked for anyone but me.  I was in a not so great point in my life and my therapist asked me to make 3 lists.  One of things I like, one of things I am good at, and one of things I don't like.  I dutifully made my lists and included all kinds of crazy things like "making fun of how celebrities dress" and "I heart knitting" and after a few weeks, I looked at them and I said to myself "I'm going to dye yarn and sell it on the internet" and so I did.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Sundara: I'm nearly always inspired by nature.  It's a cliche, but there you have it.  I love paying close attention to how the seasons change and how the same trees or park or water will look at different times of the year.  I love noticing how many of the same color combinations are repeated over and over and yet they never seem old or boring.  The combination of pinkish-orange with a bright yellow always seems fresh, no matter how many times I see a flower that color.  I like having the perfection of nature to strive towards, even while knowing I'll never reach that sort of perfection.

SouleMama: What artists/crafters/teachers have inspired your work?

Sundara: I've been lucky enough to see many Monet paintings in person and that man was an absolute genius when it comes to color.  His color combinations, when broken down, can seem downright garish, yet he managed to make them all work in the context of the painting.  I feel his paintings have an inner glow to them that I don't see in many other painter's work.  I'd like each batch of yarn we create to have that same inner glow.

SouleMama: What's your most treasured 'thing' in your home?

Sundara: While my mother was pregnant with me, she crocheted me a panda bear.  Because I was a thoroughly original child, I named him Panda Bear.  He's made out of black and white wool and has held up remarkably well for his 36 years.  I keep him in my office to remind me of all the love I have in my life and how grateful I am to be the person I am.

 

For today's giveaway, Sundara Yarn is offering gifts for FIVE winners.  All from the "Cherry Blossom" collection colorway:

to three winners:

3 skeins of sock yarn

to two winners:

3 skeins of Fingering Silky Merino

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Sundara Yarn!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winners are:

For the sock yarn:

yummy stuff!
Posted by: Erin

what a great interview - I love how she started her business! I also share her love for Monet! I have espaliered tree fences at my house just like those in Monet's garden! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Posted by: Ginger & Pickle

beautiful colors.
Posted by: My Year in Haiku

For the Fingering Silky Merino:

a totally awesome givaway, this yarn is amazing!
Posted by: Open Roads Mama

Gorgeous colors!
Posted by: Tina @ Squirrel Acorns

SouleMama Sponsor ~ LIVING CRAFTS MAGAZINE ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I'd love to tell you about our Sponsor Living Crafts Magazine. In editor Pardis' words:

"Living Crafts is a magazine devoted to crafters who practice a natural lifestyle."

SouleMama: How do you avoid burnout and keep yourself motivated?

Pardis: Solitude.  I make time for getting things “out”.  I wake up at dawn, and spend time in reflection, in the dark, or writing in a journal, and even hand-stitching patchwork or knitting, any handwork that can be continuous without going back and forth to instructions or keeping track of steps.  I stay away from taking things “in”, including reading, watching, listening.

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

Pardis: Soon after I became a mother, to my own surprise I realized multi-tasking was not something I could do well, so I left Body+Soul magazine, although I loved my job and was able to work from home with flexible hours.    Thinking this would be a temporary situation, I ended up being a stay-at-home mother for five years, until my daughter started kindergarten.  Once I was ready to go back to work part-time, I ended up working for both Mothering and Natural Home magazines.  At that time Natural Home was owned by Interweave Press, and here I was, working for two accomplished, self-assured moms who were both my mentors as well as clients: Peggy O’Mara, and Linda Ligon, and whom both I adored and loved dearly.  However, as I started doing my “old job” I realized that becoming a mother had changed something in me, and my life purpose.  This work [independent publisher’s representative] did not seem as exciting and fulfilling as in the past.  This was a turning point in my life, and although a difficult decision, I left my work again, to risk, and to start a magazine that filled the need of mothers like me, who love crafting, but could not easily find sources for natural materials and patterns that fit a natural lifestyle and conscious parenting, for mothers who not just enjoyed doing crafts with their children, but wanted to sit down at the end of a hard day’s work and read, and create, within a community they belong to.  What I’ve learned is once you listen to your own motherly instincts and do what is right for your child, then somehow the universe leads you to your life purpose, so giving up a job or a lifestyle you are used to for the sake of motherhood is not a sacrifice, but a gift you give to your whole family.

For today's giveaway, Living Crafts is offering TWO winners:

All 10 back issues, in addition to a two-year subscription starting with the Summer 2010 issue (one year for international subscribers). If you are already a subscriber, this winning subscription will be added to the end of your existing. If you already have all the back issues (most subscribers do), you could give it away to a special friend!

In addition, Living Crafts is offering a free Spring 2008 back issue with a subscription purchase. Offer valid until April 30th. Enter code SP08SM in the Offer Code section of the Subscribe page.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Living Crafts!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Comments closed! The winners are:

I love this magazine!
Posted by: Jen Costigan

I love this magazine! I have been receiving their subscription for a year now, and have wanted to share them with friends. How perfect!
Posted by: Amber Payet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Happy Friday, friends!

*** *** ***

 

take good care

I love::
This hour once a week that's all mine. When no one calls me Mama...or SouleMama. An hour full of: scratched up dance floors; shuffle-ball-changin'; silliness; laughing alongside girls half my age and women twice it; dear friends; Broadway showtunes; oh yeah, and sweat too.

"...understand that to nurture and love others with the grace you desire means taking care of yourself and cultivating your own inner harmony. Inner harmony grows not by finding ways to get away from your child, but by giving yourself the gift of a hot bath at the end of a long day, reading a book of poetry, talking to a friend on the phone, taking a nap, crying, getting a massage, having a day off from cleaning and cooking, staying in your pajamas all day, swimming, going out to eat, or attending a conference. Do something for yourself as you give. Learn to laugh at yourself and not take yourself so seriously."
~ Peggy O'Mara, The Way Back Home

I remember reading these words, and the wonderful essay they come from, when Calvin was just a few months old. Though the words seem simple, they are so huge and true. I remember a light bulb going on  as I realized many of the struggles I was facing in being a mother at the time were simply that I wasn't mothering myself very well. It was one of the most important lessons I learned in those days, and it's one that stays at the center of how we do things around here. Which isn't to say that we all need reminders from time to time. I was happy to stumble upon this bookmarked page in this book recently (when I was removing it from the dog's mouth. Hmn).

If you feel inclined to share, what's one thing you've done 'just for you' in recent days? And if you can't think of a thing, what's something you can do TODAY?

love in voile

I am so in love with Anna Maria Horner's new voile line of Little Folks fabric. (It's available in Anna Maria's shop, as well as in the shop of one of our sponsors - Alewives.) Of course her colors and designs are stunning as usual, but oh, this fabric feels so good! It's the kind of fabric that you just have to put next to your skin. Which is just what I did with this quick little scarf. It's two simple 7 x 54" pieces sewn together, turned right side out, pressed and hand stitched at the opening. So easy, quick, and satisfying. (And also fulfilling my sudden urge to wear totally impractical but absolutely cute scarves and dresses around the house with a gimlet in hand. I just rented season 1 of Mad Men. Oh my retro eye candy.)

 

And this is a little something in progress, though I'm not certain what it is yet. I had thought I'd make two log cabin pillows - a quick project fulfilling a need for 'fresh!' and 'spring!' that I have in my house right now. But now that the two squares are done, I'm thinking it would be so very lovely if I grew it into a quilt.  Hmn. Well. I think a quilt and pillows are really the only way to solve this dilemma, wouldn't you agree?

readying for spring with Sew Liberated

{Thank you for the sweet words in yesterday's post! You're all so kind. I'm so pleased with that cardigan - how can you go wrong with great yarn and a great design? And I know that was about as wintry as it gets, but today we're moving on to spring. That's what's happening outside my door, anyway, so I'm following...}

I have been so thrilled to see Sew Liberated come to be as a book. From the early days of it's creation, I knew it would be full of family-centered fun, fresh designs, and a clear guide for sewing - the things Meg does so well. And it is. In Sew Liberated, Meg masters the process of applique in a way that's accessible for today's sewists of all levels.

I have grand plans with a few of the projects in the book - a Mama/Daughter spring Blossom Blouse set (bottom photo, above) is definitely in order for spring. Before I did so - stitching onto two shirts of precious linen, I wanted to try out the applique on a quick little project.

{And not to shift the focus to the shoes. Ahem. But I know y'all like to talk about shoes. The're by Miz Mooz. Those pants are hemp vagabonds from Sweetgrass - a new favorite. I think I might just live in them all spring long.}

I used the instructions for the blossom blouses to applique a spring-like handbag (the fabric is Anna Maria's voile).  Meg's instructions for the circles were a totally new technique for me - using heat resistant template plastic. The directions were so clear, and look - the circles ended up ROUND! A miraculous feat, really. With all that hand stitching and embroidery, I love the way they look.

Next Up: Blossom Blouses. And SPRING! 

tea leaves

My tea leaves is done (available here)! I cast on for this sweater in November, though a lot of things have come and gone off the needles since then. Holiday gifts, baby knits...you know how it goes. But I did finally just get my new sweater and am so, so very happy about it. (That snow, by the way, lasted about an hour yesterday and now we're back to brown. Hmn.)

{photos by Steve}

This is my second pattern of Melissa's - the first was my garter stitch cardi- and I love them both so much. Her pattern writing is so clear and concise, and the designs so comfortable and well, just right. And truly, kind of fast knits. I'm so glad I used the madelinetosh merino, too - good gracious. That's some dreamy yarn to work with.

Many of you have seen this photo in progress in recent posts and thought it was The Big One (aka Steve's sweater). I assure you that I truly do not move that fast, and that sweater is all of 1/4 of an inch at the moment. I decided this one could jump ahead in the queue for finishing. (So glad I did. Sorry, Steve.)

The only bummer about this sweater for me is that I think it's just a tad too big. I was between sizes, and should have done the math to figure it out...or gone with the smaller size. Instead, I went with the larger of the sizes, making it not quite the fitted sweater I envisioned it to be. Nevermind, though, because who can complain about a hand knit, super cozy, super soft, fabulously comfortable GREY cardigan just in the nick of time for late winter and early spring everyday wear? Exactly. I'm not complaining. I love it.

March 1st

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy March 1st to you! And Welcome to the newest Sponsors here on SouleMama:

Rhythm of the Home - Second edition launches today

Sundara Yarn - The Cherry Blossom collection available in March

KnitCircus Magazine - Three rings of knitting, crafting and fun

Little Fish Big Pond - Home of the original boutique clothing kits

Tot Toppers - Custom knits and patterns for your little tot

Ottobre Design - children and youth sewing patterns from Finland

Check out their offerings! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~