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{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.
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Surely, I've talked about my love for the trickle down effect of redecorating a room, yes? I love it - how moving around one room inevitably leads to some sort of rearrange or addition to another room. Such was the case when we moved this sofa - oh, this sofa that has traveled everywhere in this house (and barn) - out of the space we are creating for Annabel. I had thought - with the removal of her things from our bedroom - that this sofa would fit in our room. But I (once again) didn't remember the doorways and corners of this old house of ours. While surely it would fit IN the room, it wouldn't fit THROUGH the door. And so I found myself on a Tuesday afternoon moving things around with my little miss Annabel, with the sofa firmly stuck in the doorway. Push, shove, pull...I was sure I could make it work. Until this little one looked up from the dolls she was playing with in her sister's room and said nonchalantly "It not fit, Mama".
Right.
And so it sat until my boys came home after a long day on the mountain and were greeted with a request to move some furniture. (Oh, they're good boys, they are.) As we brought the sofa down the stairs and got it headed out the front door, sadly resigning myself to putting it back in the barn...I stopped them. Wait! The library!
I don't know why I never thought of that before. But this room could certainly use a super comfy spot on which to sit, and all it really required was moving out one of the tables. It is rare that all five are working at the table at once, we can certainly make do with just one. Especially if that means we gain a cozier spot for reading, writing....and handquilting comfortably while multiplication tables are practised.
Ah...cheers to that wonderful trickle down effect, and making progress. Today, this quilt goes into the wash - a most exciting moment in the life of a quilt, don't you think? It might only be trumped by the very first time a quilt is used. Soon, soon. Almost there.
A very dear friend of mine is about to have a baby boy after a string of girls. Naturally when I heard the news, the needles started clacking (wooden needles don't really clack, do they? But still...). I have hopes of finishing a few things for this little one, but the reality is that might just be these two - one just came off the needles and the other is so very close. Soon, seeds need to go in the ground and before I know it this little one will be in his mama's arms.
Finished, is a Pebble Vest with some unlabeled fingering weight yarn held double, and a set of vintage buttons. And almost finished is a Baby Surprise Jacket, in Manos Serena, an alpaca/cotton blend that I'm knitting with for the first time and really enjoying.
It's got me thinking - the knitting for this baby - about what a dream layette for a newborn baby would be. Surely it'll be a while before my days really lend themselves to creating such a thing - a big pile of hand knit essentials for a little one. Dare I dream of doing so someday (many many years from now) for a grandchild should I be so lucky? Month spent knitting little things, culminating in a big pile of warm woolie goodness. Ah, yes. That hand knit newborn layette, should it ever happen, might just have to include one of each of these favorites -
Baby Surprise Jacket - Oh, this pattern. It's no wonder it's stood the test of time - it's a brilliant design with so many possibilities for variation (ever checked out the wiki page?).
Pebble Vest - for boy and or girl, this wee vest is so tiny knit in the DK weight. There's hardly anything as heart melty as such a tiny little thing wearing...a vest. Yes, an essential.
Kicking Bag - I have to confess that I wasn't certain about this kicking bag when I made the first one. The adorableness of it was no question, but would I actually use it? Yes. My last two babies spent a better part of their first weeks in these kicking bags. It kept them cozy and warm at naps without having to worry about blankets, and made diaper changes all the easier by just wearing a diaper onesie and kicking bag. An essential.
Pinwheel Blanket - Of all the baby blankets I've knit (okay, five), this one really is my favorite. With a beautiful yarn, this pattern has such a great drape, weight and size too. And while it got a little enormous on the needles towards the end, it really was a fun knit. Annabel's is still snuggled up with her often.
Stay-On Baby Booties - I've tried several bootie patterns, and these are hands down my favorite - because they really do stay on!
Oh, I could go on. There are February Longies, and a Cassia dress, and oh - what about hats and bonnets? Yes, I can see this list is not complete. Thankfully, it will be a good deal of time before my days lend themselves to creating such a hand knit layette. I'll wait for it. And until that day, when I learn of a new little one coming into our world of friends and family, I happily pick and choose what I can manage to make with the time I have from my list of favorites.
I have found that now - this time of year - is when we need handwork most of all. Not just me, as evidenced by the finished knits piling up this February. In hands both big and small, handwork projects are the way we love to get through the days with peace and ease. In the early days of winter, just the shift to inside is enough to uncover latent projects, or forgotten books, puzzles and games. Artwork happens with a flurry in the months that begin winter. But eventually, at just about this point, we all get a little stuck. A little tired of looking at the same pens and paper, bookshelves, and projects in progress. And as a result, I see more unrest, feel more unsettled kids around me, and hear more bickering. The days are getting longer, and warmer, and it's becoming easier already to be out of doors more. We are close! But still...some "new" handworking projects are just the thing for keeping little (and big) hands busy, heads satisfied and hearts happy. They keep the peace, these things. After all, you can't swat at your brother when you're hands are both deep in felt. And you can't call your sister a name when you're counting stitches.
I thought today I'd show you some of the kid handwork we're up to these days, on the chance that it might be helpful in your own hands and homes too.
(Mama and her old bed sheet as a floor surface wasn't around at the start of this particular carving session. Ahem.) Everyone (excepting Annabel) has been doing quite a bit of carving these days. There are spoons, and wands, and spatulas in progress - rustic and unidentifiable as they may be (I'm speaking of my own work here). The kids - and Steve and I - have picked up most of our carving instruction from our friends at Koviashuvik Local Living School. I don't have a great book resource to give you about carving, but can promise that some good information is soon coming to the pages of Taproot!
Harper is having a great time with embroidery these days. I wrote a bit about the earliest of embroidery with children both in my first book, The Creative Family, and in this blog post. Harper has moved past that first burlap goodness and is now fully into linen and the like. He likes to draw directly onto the fabric with a light pencil, then stitch over that with a tapestry needle and embroidery floss (using all the strands). He just finished working on a collection of Valentine's - with his friends' name and accompanying hearts which were turned into "dream pillows". Sweet, sweet.
He - and Annabel too - are also spending a lot of time with the hand drill right now. It's a Fiskar's Hand Drill (like this one), recommended a few years back by Amy, it's become a huge hit here. We have a second now, just because it was in such frequent demand. They do some specific making of things with it, but mostly, with the littlest especially, they just really like making holes in wood. And I think that's just fabulous.
Adelaide has been spending a bit of time this month with her potholder loom - a little different from the classic metal one (which we also have, but that she got a little bored with in years past). This one requires a bit more work - more weaving - but it's perfect for where she's at. When it comes time for weaving (a hobby I am half-jokingly saving for my forties), I think she'll be able to lead the way, after using this.
She's also been playing around with a lot of wet felting, using Artfelt to be specific. It's an interesting process - a bit faster than a traditional wet felting, which I think makes it more appealing to her at the age of eight. I think she's just tapped into the things she could make with this - she really wants to 'draw' with felt, and she thinks this will be a good method for doing so.
And then there is knitting. A lot of knitting. I have taught my children to knit at various points each, sometimes with it sticking and sometimes not. It comes in fits and spurts for some, and with a passion for others. Ezra has been quite content to work on the same hat for about a year now - a few stitches here, a few stitches there. Sometimes ripping most of it out to trade out a stripe for a different color. Oh, he loves the process! And doesn't think much about the product. Adelaide started a cowl last week, cleverly devising a basket she could hook over her arm so that she could walk and knit at the same time, determined to be wearing the cowl by this weekend. Oh, my girl. (For kids knitting instruction - if you're looking for a visual reference for them or you - I really do like Kids Knitting a whole lot for that purpose.)
And you? Is there handworking keeping you and yours busy these days?
There is one (literally) tiny but (fundamentally) huge project we want to finish around here before spring arrives. And while the falling (again) snow outside may fool us into believing we still have a great deal of time before that happens...the coming lambs, and the soon-to-be-tapped trees, and the seed order placed yesterday all tell us that spring really is just right around the corner. So we're getting right to work on this family priority - and that is making a special space for Annabel. A space all her own, in well enough time before her third birthday (I know, I can't believe it either). We don't have any hard and fast rules about it, and certainly it is never the 'plan', but it always seems to be that 'round about the third birthday, it feels time - in the experience of our five little ones, at least - for a little bit of space of one's own. Even if that little one doesn't spend the whole night there, or much of the day. There's something really special for them in saying that this room, or this corner of the room, or just this bed, is 'mine'. And so, that's precisely what we're creating for the little miss right now. She seems ready.
Trouble is, we've kind of run out of rooms in this rambly old farmhouse of ours! And we've run out of shared room options too. But we've been thinking....and measuring...and strategizing...and I think we may be onto something in creating a room for her out of a little nook - just big enough for a bed, a dresser, her dolls, and everything that is all her own. We've got our work cut our for us before it's done - flooring, trim, paint, a new bed, a quilt to be finished, curtains, oh, and a door. Little (big) details. But we're on it, and excited to be doing so. So is the director, who is moving things along at a rather rapid pace with her charming demands. Pink, please. Pink, it will be.
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Quince & Company. In Pam's words:
"We work with US mills and fiber, especially wool, to make knitting yarns. We have a 100% American wool line of five different yarns, each in 48 colors. We also have a wool/silk blend and this year we added a wool/alpaca blend. Very soon we'll introduce a lovely mohair/merino yarn that we sourced in Texas, once--did you know?--mohair capitol of the world.
Our blog can be found on our website."
SouleMama: Tell us what you envision and dream for the future of your business.
Pam: I started Quince & Co because I wanted to make yarns sourced and spun in the US. I'd met the owner of a mill in Biddeford and loved that he was making yarn 25 minutes away, spinning it on equipment that was state of the art in 1900, equipment that still makes the nicest yarn I've ever worked with.
We're not a cottage industry. My goal is to be a commercial company large enough to compete with imports, large enough to create a few jobs and a demand, however small, for fleece, spinning, and dyeing in this country. I find it no less than heartbreaking that we've lost our textile industry. I hate seeing old mills torn down or converted into call centers. I used to mourn the equipment that was shipped overseas or dumped. These days I regret more the loss of expertise that isn't being replaced. That said, I love what remains of the industry here. The people who've spent their lives working with fiber, who understand the structure of yarns, and can detect, with accuracy, the micron count of a clump of fleece by running it over a lip.
SouleMama: If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule, what would it be?
Pam: Email.
SouleMama: How has your business changed over time?
Pam: Our business changes all the time. We've moved our office and/or warehouse no less than five times in four years. We've added people to our staff and lost a few. Our dye house closed about two years ago and we had to help get another one up and running. Our biggest challenge is to find a way to stay small in the way we work and relate to each other, to stay as hands-on as we'd like, but still to grow and expand so that we can help, in whatever way we can, to create a market for US fleece, mills, and dye houses. Everyday is effort to keep a tight focus and think beyond the present as well.
For today's giveaway, Quince & Company is generously offering the following gifts to ONE winner:
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00 am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winner is...
Beautiful fiber! Crossing my fingers for a cowl to warm up a slowing-coming Wisconsin spring.
Posted by: Leslie
Thank you, Quince & Company!
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Conscious Clothing. In Rose's words:
"Hand made, hand dyed, organic clothing for women and children. Specializing in hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and organic wool.
Visit our children’s shop too!"
SouleMama: What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Rose: A typical work day for me begins at 6:30 am. I get up with the girls to help get them ready for school.
I love the early quiet morning hours the best- I can really focus on what needs to get done that day.
I answer emails and look over what orders need to filled, what fabrics need to be dyed, etc. If I have helper coming, I get things ready for them. I cut and sew and answer questions all day in my studio. Then I package and print shipping labels. I head to the post office, usually in a rush, when I pick the kids up from school.
I try to let that be the end of my work day, but often there are loose ends and emails to tie up and a mess of a studio to clean. I like going to bed with a clean house.
SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?
Rose: I was inspired to start my business when I looked for organic baby items as a new mom and could not find any. I realized there was a need for a product that at the time was relatively new and unheard of.
SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?
Rose: A lot of my designs are customer driven- I make what people want, what is hard to find or unique. So many people had asked me to make overalls, and so now they are a part of my collection! Basically I just design what I want to wear; clothing that is practical, comfortable and flattering on us women who aren’t supermodels!
SouleMama: How do you keep yourself motivated, and avoid burnout?
Rose: I get burned out like any one else with a full time job. I try to plan a lot of short vacations with the family to keep things fresh. A weekend in northern Michigan can do wonders for the soul!
SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you are most excited about in your shop/class right now? Tell us about it.
Rose: I am most excited about the printed fabrics that I have been working on for spring! Lately I have printed a lot of scarves, blankets and kids tshirts, which will find their way into the shop soon. We have been working on having the capacity to print yardage and I have some fun ideas for prints on my organic linen and hemp. I also have some great yoga gear in the works, my Warrior series, which will hopefully be posted this week!
SouleMama: What advice do you have to a new artist/crafter/maker looking to make a business out of their passion?
Rose: My advice is always to keep at it. Sometimes we listen to the wrong voices which can be discouraging. Always trust your hopes and not your fears! If you’re passionate about something, your time and energy will naturally go there. Just don’t get discouraged, and don’t give up.
SouleMama: In your mind, what is that one thing which makes your business different?
Rose: For me, I always want the highest quality garment to reach the customer. There are a lot of other handmade organic clothing shops popping up especially on Etsy, so I just try to focus on quality, attention to details, and a top notch finished product.
For today's giveaway, Conscious Clothing is generously offering the following gifts to TWO winners:
~ Winner #2: Hemp Harvest Tunic: Stretch hemp/organic cotton cowl neck tunic dress in the color of your choice.
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...
Beautifully made and lovely to wear... thank you!
Posted by: Schirin
What beautiful clothing! And a great giveaway.
Posted by: mary
Thank you, Conscious Clothing!
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{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.
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Just when we think we can't take Winter another minute longer....we wake up to a morning like this. All is forgiven and we fall in love all over again.
The last of Peach's yogurt is gone from the refrigerator, we're averaging just one to two eggs a day from our twenty five hens (we didn't put a light on them this winter), and I don't know about you, but fresh greens - or fresh anything - from my garden is feeling an awfully long ways off. I haven't even ordered the seeds yet. The snow is so deep.
I find this time of year in the kitchen to be the most challenging of the whole year. The novelty is gone from all those wintry soups and stews, roast chickens, pulled pork, and root vegetables. I don't want to bake another potato. And if I put chicken soup with dumplings (really, a favorite) in front of my eat-everything family one more time? I just might have a walk out (I'll be leading it).
So, what to do? Did deep, I suppose. Deep into the archives of favorites beyond the familiar and frequent - for those forgotten things we made once upon a time or haven't made in a while, or always wanted to try. Back to the place where I can feel the good kitchen energy I really do love.
Maybe, just maybe, you're feeling the same way too. So I thought I'd share some of the things I unearthed from my recipe cards and bookmarks, things that piqued my interest and might just keep the inspiration going in the kitchen. Coming up this week, I'm thinking about...
Curried Apple Couscous - a most yummy dish we love, especially for lunch, but haven't had in quite some time.
Our Carrot Tomato Soup - I usually make this in the summer with fresh tomatoes, but I did freeze a bit of roasted tomatoes and it would be a welcome treat this time of year.
Lively Up Yourself Lentil Soup - another old time favorite that for whatever reason, fell out of habit. Oh, that safron yogurt, yum!
Chili - another dish that hasn't been on our table in a good long while. I like Martha's 30-minute chili recipe, but we also love the Moosewood chili too (I usually use the one from the original Moosewood, but it isn't far off from this Red, Gold Black and Green Chili of theirs).
Leek, Bacon and Pea Risotto - Adding bacon to anything guarantees success on my family dinner table (thank goodness for a freezer full of it).
Okay. Now I'm getting excited again...back to the kitchen I go.
And you? What's keeping you inspired in your kitchen these days?
I have one son who is a mere two inches away from being taller than his mother, the next one I can share shoes with, and apparently a daughter right behind them to wear my clothes! Well, not exactly, but nearly. Because this sweater I knit for her is an adult extra small, with only a few adjustments, and it fits her to a tee. I was shocked really, when I took the measurements, looked at the pattern, and took the measurement again. And then shocked again when it actually really fit her - not 'a little big, but it'll fit her well next year' kind of fit, but really truly fit her. Oh, my babies! (But what fun this growing up is. And man, you should see my hip and trendy shoe options now! I'm as cool as a thirteen year old boy. Well, maybe not that cool.)
The pattern is Annabel by Carrie Hoge for Quince & Co. It's knit in Osprey, Goldfinch (just the same yarn I knit Annabel's sweater in last week. Originally purchased to make an afghan, I have a lot of that yarn.) I've knit an Annabel before, and it's a favorite go-to cardigan for me. Adelaide is not a fan of fussy or frilly - she wants something simple, easy and comfortable to wear from sheep pasture to goat pasture to horseback riding to the library with a kitten in your arms. That kind of sweater, and I think this one does just that for her. What makes this extra special to her is not just that her Mama knit it for her (she's one who really appreciates such things as that), but the buttons. From Wooly Moss Roots, they're made from found deer antlers! Her eyes got even brighter and shinier when I gave her that news about her new sweater. An extra special treat for this animal lover of mine.
As an aside, did you know that a knitting notions bag - with the ultra sharp bits removed - can hold a two year old's attention for at least twenty minutes, maybe even half an hour? Which is just enough time to weave ends in and put six buttons on. Here and there, one row at a time, this is how the knitting happens in between everything else in my home and likely in yours too. And for anyone keeping track, yes, this is the third (albeit, child's) sweater in this month of February. With only one week left to go, it would be a shame to not make it an even four, don't you think? Hmn. We'll see.
Another six to ten inches was called for this weekend (though I don't think that's what we got). It's late February in Maine, and we're all quite a bit used to this gig by now, I'd say. Ready - we hope - for whatever may come our way at any given time. But nevertheless, there were some preparations to be made this weekend before the storm arrived. First, a quick trip to the yarn store for new project supplies. And secondly, but equally important, was steeping some rosemary in simple syrup for our Rosemary Gin Fizz. Essential storm preparations for this late in the season.
Hoping you're enjoying your weekend - hunkered down or otherwise!
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Sarah's Silks. In Sarah's words:
"Sarah’s Silks offers quality playsilks, toys and dress-ups for boys and girls that ignite the imagination, and capture the magical soul that lives in young children."
SouleMama: How long have you been in business?
Sarah: February 15, 2014 is the 20th anniversary of Sarah's Silks!
Our first workshop was our kitchen sink. I dyed playsilks there with my ( now 20 year old) son Noah in a sling, and my (now 24 year old) son, Josh on a chair beside me helping. The first color we dyed was an emerald green, as Josh wanted to dress up like Peter Pan. He, Noah, Morgan (now 13) and their friends have been my inspiration for all of these years.
My husband, Mike, came on board in the first year. He runs the business and production side; while I do design, product development, sales and customer service.
We are still a small, home based business and feel very lucky to be able to do work that is important to us and fits our values.
Mike and I have did many other things over the years: we met in Peace Corps Guatemala, I have been an RN, La Leche league Leader, Crisis Counselor, Doula, and knitter. Mike grows exotic fruits in a greenhouse he built, he also studies Chinese and plays tennis.
Our local Waldorf school, Summerfield, in Santa Rosa,CA has been an important part of our lives and our 3 sons have had an amazing education there. The beauty of the kindergartens, the simple toys, fairy tales, and the free open ended playtime was what first drew us to Waldorf education and led us to start Sarah's Silks. Many of the teachers, parents and children have contributed ideas, product testing (play!) and feedback.
Please tell me in the comments what is the most interesting thing your child has done with a playsilk, or another open ended toy.
For today's giveaway, Sarah's Silks is generously offering the following gifts to THREE winners:
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...
I love silks!
Posted by: Erin
What a great giveaway!! My daughter has played with her silks every day since Christmas!
Posted by: Kathryn
I love that you remind us of these great companies. I really need to do some shopping here (at Sarah's Silks)!
Posted by: Sarah G.
Thank you, Sarah's Silks!
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{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.
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A sweater a week? Well I'd say that average sounds just about right for February, especially when you're talking about Purple! and Yellow! and well, the tiniest of my people that I could possibly knit for. Yes, one sweater a week is just the perfect thing for now. And this sweater? Oh goodness, it was quite seriously a fun knit - just enough variation to make it all interesting, and in an aran weight to make it fly off the needles. It's Springtime in Hollis knit in Goldfinch Osprey by Quince & Co. (I made it a little large in the size four.) Such a pleasure to knit, really - highly recommended. (Ravelry link.)
It was especially a pleasure to knit, since it was for this little miss, who instructed - whenever I walked in the room this week - to 'sit down and knit my sweater, mama!" or something to that effect, with hands on her hips or pointer finger pointing, lips pursed. Oh, this youngest child of ours. Oh, oh, oh. I think and read a lot about birth order, but no one makes me think about it more than this, our youngest of five. It is said of the youngest that they may "grow up expecting others to take responsibility". I wouldn't be exaggerating to say that, by default rather than intended indulgence, she's got a house full of us at her command. If one of us says 'not right now' to reading her a story, playing a game or dressing her doll? Well, she's got seven more people (including Gram now) to go through, and she's bound to get a yes eventually. Oh, this girl. And on the flip side of that, I do think all that love received equates to the love she gives, for I've never heard anyone say "I love you so, so, so, so much" to so very many people as often as she does. A character, a charmer, a confident, demanding little love of a girl, that's her. Miss Annabel Edrie (she calls herself that. Hands on hips, of course).
And Miss Annabel Edrie is quite pleased with her new sweater (and pleased with herself). Well, as you can plainly see.
The ninth issue of Taproot is currently in the process of being sent off to the printer. With this ninth issue, and the start of our third year, I'm starting to notice some patterns and rhythms that have evolved for me around the work that I do with the magazine. The quarterly nature makes it a most manageable flow - though the work to make the issues happens throughout the months, it never feels too rushed, and there's always a bit of breathing room between issues and from one task to the next. We are trying to work in the very way in which we write about living in the pages - and vice versa. But nevertheless, there are always a few weeks in the process of each issue that are packed full of heavy editing, proofing and layout time for us all. For me, that means a greater than usual amount of time is spent sitting still in front of the computer screen, or pouring over the printed pages and proofs in my hands. This is the time - I notice - that my hands get twitchy. That I have what feels like a million ideas for knitting or sewing or some other such crafting, but not the moments - just then anyway - to get to doing it.
But what I have been doing, I realized this time around, is stockpiling. Turning away from the screen long enough to pick out a pattern and some fabric, then leave it sitting out where I can see it. The next day - another is added to the pile. And so it goes like this, stockpiling projects for later and reminding me that soon enough I'll get to stitching them. And soon enough, I do. Soon enough the work of the pages is as done as it can be. Then, my restless fingers find their way to the piles - just as soon as I've reconnected fully with my babes, and caught up on the laundry (definitely the former, not so much the latter).
I woke up this morning to these three finished dresses for Annabel. I'm hardly sure when they were even made - it felt so lickety split. My studio floor looks like a tornado came though - and I think that's just what happened last night after everyone else in the house went to bed. There was no stopping to clean up as I went along, no pausing to determine the next fabric - just straight sewing. It felt good. Balance restored.
And as a result, my baby girl appears to now be just about ready for spring....
(From left to right - Sweet Little Dress by Leila & Ben, in an older Japanese print. Bubble Dress by Oliver + S in Anna Maria Horner's Field Study. And Suzanne by Citronille in Essex Linen.)
My favorite Sundays are spent at home, and with friends. A leisurely walk in the woods, soaking up the late winter sun, crunchy snow underfoot. Children here, there and everywhere. Some homemade music around the woodstove. A simple, hearty meal served early, with even this big long table busting at the seams to hold us all. We slow it down, we gather, we connect. And hopefully, if we've done it well, if we've really lived the day, we carry that spirit with us as we start another week.
Wishing you a gentle start to your week, friends!
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, OTTOBRE design. In Tuula's words:
"OTTOBRE design® is a fashion magazine specialising in children's fashion in sizes 62 cm-170 cm, and women's fashion in European sizes 34-52. Our magazine includes high-quality, full-scale pattern sheets and complete instructions on how to sew them.
Visit our blog and our Etsy shop."
SouleMama: What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Tuula: Here in the Ottobre office we hardly ever have exactly similar days following each other. Every day has new and different challenges depending on which step we are in making the magazine. If we are on "designing and sewing" we make the design drawings, draft the patterns, cut and sew the clothes. Then we meet our little (or sometimes bigger) models and fit the clothes for them. Then we discuss the photoshoots. We try to fit timetables so that each family can follow their own daily routines with naps and regular mealtimes and bring us kids with happy faces.
When we are on "photoshoot" the days tend to have little electricity in the air! We paint or hang wallpapers on the walls, pick up the needed props and furnitures and prepare everything for the FINAL day. The tension rises... Next days are full of hairdressing, powderpuffs and try-out posings. Our photographer Timo travels all the way from Helsinki to the Arctic circle (1000 kms is appr. 630 miles) and we have the final photoshootings.
All our little modelling kids are very nice and smart and behave well. Those days are full of excitement and joy for kids, but also for us all here in our design studio. - Do the clothes fit well? Did we remember to lenghten his sleeves? How are the colors matching? And almost every time it happens that we sew few final stitches on the morning of the photoshoot.
"Instructions and layout" days follow the photoshooting days. Those days are rather quiet, because everyone is working so intensively at her or his own desk. We meet on coffee breaks and discuss about the themes and details. Our graphic designer chooses the best photos and starts making the rought drafts of each page and theme. She draws all the needed illustrations and prepares the selected photos. While the colour pages are in the works, our sewing department is writing the instructions. Then the Finnish instruction texts are sent to all our lovely translators around the world to be translated in English, German, Dutch, Swedish, French and Russian languages.
We digitize the patterns and grade them to several sizes. We print the graded patterns, inspect the grading with size charts very carefully and make trial versions of the biggest and smallest pattern sizes. Then after everything is checked, corrected and double-checked, we transfer the patterns to pattern sheets.
Finally, in the end all the threads are ties together -color photo pages, instructions, pattern sheets and editorial... And TA-DA! Like a miracle happens and again one magazine is ready to be sent to printers. A few days later we start the same carousel again. So as you see - we are working in an office far away from boring, where every morning brings fresh new ideas and creativity.
SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?
Tuula: My working days are a rather hectic time, so my favourite place is my home and there, our living room, where my drawing table is. We have a huge river right in our back yard and a high hill with spruce forest just across the river. When I look out from my window I'm in the heart of the nature. The view looks different every day. The river is changing all the time. In winter it is covered with ice and snow and on sunny days we can see people skiing over the river. In summer we swim on the river and when the autumn nights begin to darken it slithers like a glow-worm in star light. This scenery makes me calm and peaceful every day.
For today's giveaway, OTTOBRE design is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00 am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winner is...
With a grand baby making his appearance in September I have a lot of stitching to do and these fabrics would be put to use right away. Thank you for the chance
Posted by: Betsy
Thank you, OTTOBRE design!
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Grizzlie. In Tracey's words:
"Grizzlie is a shop that sells cozy, simple hand made knits. It is a shop filled with winter accessories such as cowls, hats, leg and hand warmers. Each piece is offered in a variety of beautiful colours with a rustic, natural feel.
Another project that I am working on is my charity Tracey's Hats for Hope Initiative:Toronto. I knit and collect hats and winter accessories for the homeless and working poor of Toronto. Visit my page for more info.
Grizzlie is also on facebook."
SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What path led you to the work you do today?
Tracey: I fell in love with the art of knitting in University as a way to deal with stress. Later it became a wonderful creative outlet that merged well with my choice to stay home and look after my children. Three years ago I decided to open my Etsy shop. Grizzlie has grown in ways I could have never imagined. The wonderful part is all the amazing connections I have made with knitters who share my passion for the craft and customers who appreciate my work from all over the globe.
SouleMama: What inspires you?
Tracey: I am inspired by my customers. I love being able to take what colours they choose and design they prefer, and creating something both beautiful and functional. Rustic nature and the simplicity of natural elements such as wood, snow, a walk in the forest, wind rustling through trees comes into play in my pieces also. The wood button has become a popular detail on a Grizzlie piece.
SouleMama: What role does 'handmade' play in our society?
Tracey: I am proud that every aspect of my business is done by me. From choosing the yarn and the designs, to knitting or crocheting the item, to modeling and photographing, and finally packaging and mailing is all done with my own mind, hands and heart. I think in this mass produced world people still cherish handmade and personal touches. They know that a Grizzlie piece took a positive and loving 'journey' to get to them.
For today's giveaway, Grizzlie is generously offering the following gift to TWO winners:
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...
Your items are beautiful!
Posted by: Holly Hoover
I'm a Valentine, so I've always loved hearty things. Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Casey
Thank you, Grizzlie!
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{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.
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Years ago, I wrote ourselves a little Winter's Manifesto. It was enormously helpful at the time, in reminding myself of all the things that mattered, and that helped me find joy in the darker days of winter. I don't know if it's busier days, or our move to this farm, or just plain age and time, but February doesn't carry the same weight on my mind that it once did. Lambing season and tapping trees for syrup are right around the corner. I know that our seed orders are being packed, and I've chosen the new trees we'll plant in the spring. I know that it will only be a matter of short weeks before the flurry of springtime activity keeps us busy from the moment we wake up until we fall exhausted into bed at night. I'm excited and ready for those days, but a part of me is quite glad to sit for just a moment longer. February gives us that. The fire going, puzzles and games, yarn in my hands, and all the layers of comfort.
Still, I could use with a bit of color around me these days, I really could. And I've made it a point to do just that - not only with the yarn on my needles (oh, but that is colorful!), but in my work, and in the little bits and pieces around us in the house too. The sight of such color most certainly helps to remind me about what's around the corner, and what's here right now. And I think I'll be able to enjoy winter for as long as she decides to stick around. Judging by this morning's snowfall....well, it might just be a while.
Yesterday, on a walk in the woods with Greta, Annabel and I - and Piper, the cat that always escorts us into the woods - I broke my own no nap rule. We are in that stretch of toddler hood when a daytime nap is no longer a part of the regular rhythm - and where the occassional inclination to do so is best avoided, if possible. All too often, it makes for a funky afternoon wake up and a bedtime far too late for these two tired parents, anyway. But oh, the woods were quiet, the sun was warm - it felt so good on our faces. There are exceptions to every rule. Thank goodness.
"I tired, Mama" she declared from her cozy spot in the sled, halfway into our intended journey to the back of our land. "Close your eyes, baby girl," I replied. She squeezed her eyes tight in silliness, "I sleepin!". But then, just a minute later she really had fallen asleep. I stopped the sled. I sat myself right next to her, and leaned against a maple tree. Dog and cat hovered nearby - both playing but keeping a watchful eye on where we were. And then, well, I may have just closed my eyes for a moment there in those woods, in that sunshine, right next to my baby girl. And I have to say, it really was the perfect nap.
We say goodbye to Peach this week, sending her back home to Broadturn. She has been a dream of a trial cow - gentle, affectionate and full of personality. We will miss her - and we will most definitely miss her milk. For weeks now I've been making and freezing mozzarella (the easiest to make and most versatile for us here), and storing as much yogurt in the fridge as I think we can reasonably eat before too long. I'm a little nervous of the sticker shock I'll have when I go back to buy our local raw milk at the grocery store. It is, without a doubt - even more, I now know - worth every cent of that sticker price (and then some), but still. We'll miss Peach and what she gave us! And we find ourselves once again, grateful for the opportunity given to us by friends to 'try it out'. Certainly, we didn't experience it all, we didn't handle birth (or death) in the life a dairy cow, we didn't see a lot of things, or even all the seasons. But for three months, we did get to feel out just how a cow does (and does not) fit into our days - which has been our biggest question and worry of all. How feeding, caring for and milking a cow affects our daily family rhythm, my kitchen groove, and our budget. We have a much clearer answer to those questions now. We know now that we want a dairy cow at some point in the future, just finding the right time to do so is all that's left to figure out. We know that for us, in order to make the most of our time with both our children and our cow - that we need to make the whole process a bit more efficient - electricity and water in our barn (which we don't have currently), would save us an enormous amount of time (twenty-five gallons of drinking water for just the cow alone, filled up in five gallon buckets from our kitchen sink one at a time makes for many trips back and forth across icy pathways!). We know that just one milker a week would be helpful so that we get a night off, or even a night out. We really do like milking once a day, in the morning, should we be able to make that work for the cow. And we think we prefer handmilking. Little, but important things we've learned.
All of those things are doable, and we'll get to checking them off the list so that we're eventually ready. But there's not a lot of time for thinking about that or planning them right now. Because, as is the way things seem to go around here, just as soon as we finish one thing and take a deep breath, the next thing on the horizon, on the to do list, jumps out at us in flashing lights, beckoning our attention right now. And that is those four (likely) pregnant sheep in the pasture. I am confident about the state of two of them, and almost certain that the other two are as well. And that means that we've got a bit of work to do, transforming the barn from a cow shelter and milking stanchion to a full-on sheep birthing center! Emily birthed here without a bit of trouble, and hardly a notion from us, two years ago, so we've got just one (wonderful) sheep birth under our new farmers belt. But this time there are four - three of whom are first time birthers, and oh, of course we want to do everything we can to be prepared for what may come. We're reading all the books and websites, the vet numbers and their backups are all in the phones, a birthing kit is being put together, and now we work on their lambing pens - securing up all the drafty spots in the barn, making it tight and cozy, giving each of the mamas a bit of their own space for when their time comes. We've got a few weeks yet before Official Lamb Watch begins, but our eyes are turned that way, for certain. And when I feel that pang of nerves, I remind myself - that the same with a cow, and the goats and the garden and even parenting for that matter - that all the books in the world are wonderful, and the tools most essential, but in the end...the learning really happens when we just dive in. When we actually begin doing, and living the experience, figuring it out as we go.
And so...as one animal leaves the barn, we make way for new life to join us here - grateful for not only what they give us - the yarn, meat and milk is delightful, of course - but all the life and learning that comes with them too.
Recently, while consulting with the kids about what I should knit next, this little guy quietly sidled up next to me, shined his sparkly blue eyes my way, and said in a soft voice (this is how he gets things done, this one), "You could make me a sweater, Mama."
"But Harper", I replied as gently as I could, "you have a few sweaters I've made for you and you don't seem to wear them very much. That's okay - really. But I don't want to spend a lot of time making another one if I don't think you'll wear it."
He paused for a moment, and I could see him thinking hard, trying to phrase what came next in way that I could understand.
"Mom." he said quite seriously, "They're not purple."
But of course! What was I thinking? Clearly not, for - more and more - this Purple Working Man prefers everything to be as such. Tool boxes (thank goodness they make such a thing), the tools within, ski helmets and everything else imaginable. Purple.
I cast on with vigor about a week ago, with Quince and Co. Osprey in Petunia (such a great name, yes?). And here's where I must pause to give props to local yarn stores and specifically my favorite local(ish) one, Knitwit, and the shopkeeper herself, Suzie. For I do remember picking up some lovely DK, and even some fingering in those aisles, before she ever so gently led me on the straight and narrow back to the Aran aisle, saying something like 'Purple Working Man is going to want that sweater sooner rather than later, yes?". And again I found myself saying, But of course! What was I thinking?
Anyway, a sweater was finished in less than a week, which is in equal parts owed to his persistent asking about it, along with my staying up far too late each night working my way through two seasons of Girls in just five days, and of course, the fact that it's Aran weight yarn and he's still a little guy, really. (Other important details for you knitterly types - the pattern is TAMA by Kelly Brooker, which was fabulous, really. Versatile in yarn choices, easy to read, and resulting in a great knit. The buttons are from Wooly Moss Roots, and oh - I love them so.)
It was just right, the timing, the color - everything - for Harper who anxiously awaited this sweater. Twenty four hours of blocking by the woodstove was almost more than he could bear, checking it nearly on the hour. But at last, it was dry and ready, and so was he. True to his word, the purpleness of it made all the difference. He's worn it for at least a part of every day since I gave it to him, giving sparkly-eyed and wholehearted words of thanks here and there to me. And well, I'm not sure what makes a knitting Mama happier than that.
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Aurora Shoe Company. In Alyssa's words:
"The Aurora Shoe Company was founded on the idea that a good pair of shoes should be made well and fit comfortably. We use American made materials and create all of our shoes in house and by hand. Assembled organically, using simple cuts of leather and minimal stitching, our shoes mold to their owners’ feet the way that only natural materials and careful design can.
We enjoy using our blog to feature the travels and adventures our shoes have been on. Close to home, or around the world, we love them all. We invite you to submit a photo by email along with a description. Of course, photos are also always welcome on our Facebook page as well."
SouleMama: How long have you been in business?
Alyssa: Many of our newer customers are surprised to hear that we've been making shoes in the same small town for over 20 years. Our shop opened on Main Street, Aurora in 1991. We moved up the road a few years later and have been here, cutting and stitching the same patterns ever since. It's great to hear from people who wore our shoes in the '90s and, through the magic of the internet, found us again. It is such a pleasure to see people wearing the same pair of shoes they bought from us in the early years. We're all about quality over quantity around here!
SouleMama: What aspect of your business would you like people to know more about?
Alyssa: I don't think many people know about the steps we take to keep our environmental impact as small as possible. We talk a lot about the value of buying local products, manufactured with local materials and we're passionate about that idea because it bolsters our local economy and it makes environmental sense. On a smaller scale, we're dedicated to recycling and save our leather scraps to donate or sell locally (Dave is hatching a plan to put them to use ourselves, but we'll save that for next time). Through the colder months we heat our shop with a high efficiency wood boiler and for the past couple of years, we've been able to source wood that fell as storm damage in addition to tops and limbs left behind by a local forest management company. We feel good about doing what we can and find that what's good for the environment is often good for the budget as well.
For today's giveaway, Aurora Shoe Company is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00 am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winner is...
What a nice company! I would be delighted to wear a pair of Aurora shoes.
Posted by: Deb
Thank you, Aurora Shoe Company!
Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, The Vintage Pearl. In Erin's words:
"We create handstamped jewelry and keepsakes in our Tulsa, OK studio using sterling silver and freshwater pearls. Our designs are simple, yet unique, and our pieces make fabulous gifts.
Be sure to like our facebook page for behind the scenes fun and exclusive sales."
SouleMama: Tell us about the beginnings of your business.
Erin: I began learning how to make jewelry in 2007 to match my sister-in-law's custom little girls clothing on eBay. The Christmas of 2008 I became overwhelmed with Christmas orders and thankfully a friend jumped in to help me! We continued to grow, and we now have a small but talented team helping us. In the beginning, jewelry making was just a fun creative outlet for me to have while staying home and raising our 4 small children. It has developed into a business and I feel incredibly blessed to have a "job" that I love so much!
For today's giveaway, The Vintage Pearl is generously offering the following gift to THREE winners:
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:30 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...
What a beautiful gift these would make!
Posted by: Kim
Gorgeous! A fantastic Valentine full of beauty AND meaning.
Posted by: Lindsey
I got a necklace from here for Christmas (I miiiiight have sent a link to my husband with very specific instructions....), would love to get something for my MIL!
Posted by: Meredith
Thank you, The Vintage Pearl!
Hello, February!
Welcome (and Welcome back!), to the newest Sponsors here at SouleMama. I'm so pleased to introduce them to you this morning...
produces small-batch wool throws in classic plaited twill and herringbone patterns. their flock of sixteen sheep grow full, radiant fleeces on hillside pastures in Vermont where the wool is then processed without chemicals and woven into soft, enduring throws.
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Check out all of their handmade, natural, and creative offerings - and those of our other Sponsors - in the days and weeks to come. I thank them and you both for your presence and support here. And if Sponsorship is something you're interested in for your own business, do be in touch.
Greetings! I'm Amanda Blake Soule - mother of five, author of four books on family creativity, editor & owner of Taproot Magazine. I live with my family in an old farmhouse in Western Maine where we raise animals, grow vegetables and make lots of things. I write about it all here on the blog. Thank you for visiting!
