March 25, 2008

Comfy Literature!

Happy Birthday Nattie!

I whipped up this Reading Pillow using a Montessori by Hand pattern (sold here on Etsy) and some wonderful batik fabric from G-Street! Nattie seemed too happy to have a comfy place to rest her book! I think she may have even taken it with her to Rome! A well-traveled pillow!

Here is all that you need to make this WONDERFUL reading pillow (except for the polyfil)! The pattern provides instructions for making your own piping but my usual crisis sewing situation ruled out making my own piping so I opted for some bright yellow "prepared" piping!

The pattern instructions are well written and easy to follow. And I love the photo!

Here is the finished pillow with my copy of Tim Gunn's "A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style" held securely in place! Two ribbons hold the pages open so you can read hands-free and a bright yellow bookmark saves your place.

And sans the book!


The pattern includes a strap that holds the book in place.


One of the two pockets - one to hold your glasses and one to hold your pen! I changed the pattern a tad - instead of sewing the tab/loop that holds the ribbon onto the front of the pillow I sewed the tab/loop into the side seam - I think it makes for a cleaner finish.

One of my favorite lines in Tim's book....


Thanks for having a birthday Nattie - I hope Rome was FUN!!!

March 24, 2008

Knock your socks off!!

My nephew Matt is amazing! No gift for Nattie? Gotta an old sock? Got Aunt Laura's studio stuff? Got 60 minutes? Ya gotta gift!!

March 11, 2008

Project PEEPWAY

I have a NASTY habit - I LOVE peeps!!! And just when I didn't think I could love them anymore --- this came along!! Click on the peeps to see the perfect marriage of both my NASTY habits!

March 9, 2008

Happy Birthday Martha!

The big FIVE OH!.......
The new 30........
You're not getting older, you're getting better and better........

But just in case she has one of those "less than better days" - I made my friend Martha a comfort kit (inspired by a tutorial on Sew Mama Sew)!!!


The comfort pad is filled with lime scented rice - just heat it up in the microwave for 1-3 minutes and apply it to where it hurts! The lime scent is terrific! When the birthday girl passed the kit around the table one reveler took a deep sniff and asked: "Where's the margarita?" - too funny!


The eye pillow is filled with eucalyptus-scented flax. Keep it in the freezer and pull it out for headaches and congestion. The eucalyptus scent is so soothing!


Enjoy!

March 5, 2008

WOW!!! What an apron!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Wendy! I love, love, love my sassy new Emmeline apron sent to me for the Sassy Apron Swap! I will let the pictures tell the story! Oh well, maybe not just yet - just a few words!! The design is magnificent (the pattern is by Montessori By Hand), the workmanship is impeccable, and the fabric choices inspired! Okay, now for the pictures (I hope Wendy doesn't mind that I used the images she has of the apron on her blog!) ----

A wonderful vintage cherry print on the "front".
I love the gathers on the top of the apron!


And a great vintage kitchen print with wonderful black contrast on the "back"!

I am one lucky swap girl!!

Thanks again, Wendy!

P.S. The quilts on Wendy's website are definitely worth a look!