Yeah!

I managed to finally get everything done for Plush You and I even managed to get them in the mail on time...though I did cut it kind of close. These three are on their way to Washington:
Now it's time for me to get going on the quilt I've been avoiding. I still have about half of the quilting to do and the entire binding...yuck! I'm sure I'll get it done, I like to have something to work on at night and the binding is a perfect chill-on-the-couch kind of project.

And yet another reason my daughter is spoiled rotten and sure to turn into the world's biggest brat...I serve her lunches like this.

No...not everyday, but when I do this, she eats most of it and asks for more. If I don't have to convince her to eat her food, I'm more than happy to break out the cookie cutters and slice up her grapes!

Terrible picture I know...but it's our first carrot so I had to document it! I pulled one out just to see how they're doing and Estella ate it for dessert.

I've had pretty rotten luck with my gardens this year, and I'm pleased to have something edible come out of it...even if it is a 4 inch long carrot. I'll take just about anything I can get...I've lost most of my beets, all of my zucchini and summer squash, and my tomatoes are dwarfs. I shouldn't make it seem all bad though - we've had a ton of herbs and lettuce, and it looks like we'll have a decent crop of beans. I know I'm not the only one with a difficult garden this year so I'm trying not to take it too personally!

It has been a gorgeous day today...sunny and warm with a nice breeze...perfect for mowing the lawn and playing in the sand box! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for the rain to hold of since I'd love to get to the local farmer's market tonight. We shall see...

stuff(ed) & things

Yeah, that's right...I'm famous! Okay, maybe not famous, but I am in print!

I didn't know that one of my creatures was chosen to be in the most recent issue of Stuffed. I sent in to be considered, but I didn't know until I received my free copy in the mail...a very nice surprise!
I don't think that this issue is out for sale yet, but when it is you should all check it out...a magazine devoted to Plush-geeks like myself. What could be better?

I've heard of birds in sand dollars, but I'd never seen it myself...broken sand dollar birds brought to you by Estella...

Really very cool...at least if you break something as pretty as a sand dollar, you get something else equally as interesting. I looked it up...apparently they're supposed to be doves.

I'm working a bit here and there. I took this morning to do some major cleaning and rearranging upstairs but maybe I'll get some sewing in later. If I'm totally honest, I was cleaning to cover up my procrastination, but who's counting? I'll work when the mood strikes me...

I'm happy to report a successful loaf of bread! My first three loaves were bread disguised as bricks, but I took my time on the fourth one and paid close attention to the dough and I actually managed a normal loaf of bread...there's hope for me as a baker yet! Thanks for all of the tips!

Grand Re-Opening!

The studio is back open! I know it wasn't closed for very long, but it was enough time for me to relax a little and not feel so pressured to get work done.

Today I did a little organizing and tidying and sewing. I made this little velvety bunny and put together all of the squares for their first sewing.
I figured I'd better get started on the quilt...I think I'm going to try to get one stage/step done a week, and maybe I'll be done by August! The bunny was just an experiment, but Estella is completely in love with her!

I also tried a little something with some fur.

I'm so excited with how it has turned out so far, and not quite as excited with how much fur there is all over everything in the studio! I'll post pics of this one when it's all stuffed and ready to go.

As for Estella...well, she's sad.

She makes a point to tell us multiple times during the day if something is making her sad, and she often informs us that other items in the house are sad as well. Her sadness requires many hugs and much discussion about why the TV, heater, dog, toy, etc is sad. Above she is crying full on tears while watching The Little Mermaid, which should be considered a happy, special time to be watching a movie, but at each song, she started crying saying "sad".

I'm not sure if her emotions are normal or I should be concerned, but I can't help but get a kick out of her hugging the heater because it's sad...I guess we'll see how long this carries on before getting too worried. Maybe she's just getting in touch with her sensitive side!

Not much else is going on here. We're enjoying the return of natural light during the days, and looking forward to enjoying the back yard when the rest of the snow melts away and the mud dries up. Right now our driveway is un-drivable...there are some fairly impressive tire ruts already and mud season has just begun!

Sorry...

I guess I've kind of been a slacker-blogger this week. I've had some bad days and some good days, and blogging just wasn't a part of them. Anyways, moving on...

I made lasagna the other night, and while preparing it, Walter let Estella have a piece of basil to smell (neither of us said it was basil) and she sniffed it and announced "basil"! Pretty crazy that she hasn't smelled fresh basil since her basil picking days this summer and she remembered...we both looked at each other in shock for a minute...she continually shocks me every day with her constant learning.
My part of a swap is on its way to the Netherlands:

And I received my swap items this week...so many fun and great items! Thanks Corry!

I'm not sure what'll become of my new fabric, but I think it'll be something that'll stay in the house...I want to horde it!

And as if I needed more things to do...another work in progress:

This one is made of linen, organic and regular cotton, and will have recycled clothing. I just started on her outfit today, but I don't have any pictures to share yet.

And finally, my little tea drinker:

Whether it's hot or not, all tea must be blown on! She's very into tea lately...and is working very hard to master the word "chamomile". Not really the easiest term to get but it's so cute to listen to her try!

Well, I'm going away overnight this weekend. Kristy and I are going to Quechee for some chill time away...which we both really need. It's my first ever (more than a couple of hours) time away from Estella. I'm sure I'll be a nervous wreck, but that's what cell phones are for...constant contact. I'll be able to let my anxiety rest for the day and relax a little though, right? Well, think relaxing thoughts for me...maybe I'll come back rejuvenated and ready to conquer all of my works in progress!

Looking up

Finally a ray of hope...things with the CPSIA are looking up! Thanks to everyone who voted, petitioned and wrote letters...we have another year! I guess this means I have to actually start putting more products in the shop and making more of an effort...

Speaking of effort...two more toy bags in the works:

They're actually done now, you can see pics of them here. I'm hoping to get them in the shop soon, but I'm so lazy about updating, so who knows when they'll actually get there.

Another work in progress:

I don't want to post full pics of this one yet because it's part of a big elaborate plan that will probably take forever, so I want a big fancy "drum roll, please" kind of finale when I'm done. I'll try to give some sneak peaks along the way...

I've also got another project that will (hopefully) be started soon. Some old friends are getting married this summer and (I think) they're the type of people who will appreciate a handmade gift. I know I swore after Estella's throw that I would never make another one, but I'm doing it...at least I get to take a trip to my favorite little fabric store to buy some fabric for it! I figured I'd get started early so I'll have lots of time to ignore it when I get sick of sewing straight lines.

I also have some birthday gifts for this little one that need some work.

My dad brought the play stove over yesterday and I have to do some painting and accessorizing. I have burners and knobs to paint and I'm thinking about colors for the stove itself...wait till you see this thing...it is so cute. Thanks Dad!

I can't believe my little girl is turning two in a month! She talks constantly and throws tantrums regularly, she torments the dog and laughs when she gets yelled at...yep, she's a two year old...time really does fly!

More progress

I'm done with outfit number three for Estella's doll. A lined wool coat and a lined wrap dress...I'm very pleased with the outcome.
I've just started a kimono shirt for Estella. It was a free pattern online and it looks cute...we'll see how it comes out. I usually try to avoid people clothing, but I need a little break from tiny clothing for a day or two, so I'm trying the shirt.

I also wanted to make some cloth storage boxes. I've seen boxes/bags made of cloth or felted sweaters that are sort of stiff, and a good storage option. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about and where i can find instructions?

My little monster mid tumble on the studio floor:
Kind of looks like she's up to no good, right?


We had a really nice play date on Monday. Estella enjoyed the kids and I enjoyed the moms. It was really nice to talk to other grown ups! Estella really loved playing with the little play kitchen at our friend's house, which is perfect because my dad is helping make one for her for her birthday, and I'm collecting some items to go with it. I'm sure she'll be very excited to have one of her own, and I'll be excited for her to be entertained for long periods of time!


Hopefully all of you in winter zones are staying warm! It's currently 3 degrees here and apparently it's supposed to get even colder the next couple of days. I guess I should at least be thankful that I don't live in Minnesota! I always find myself a little surprised when I read an Australian blog that they're talking about how hot it is...and I'm freezing my butt off her in Verm-Arctic! Maybe I should split my time between Australia and Vermont...I wish!


Stay toasty everyone!

back to life

Well, back to life tomorrow...I guess I have to go back to work someday. But before that, a quick recap of the holidays.


Christmas Eve it snowed and snowed and snowed. We took Estella out for her first ride in her new sled.
She was so bundled up that she could barely move, but she loved it. She even did a face plant in the snow and continued smiling. Leave it to me to produce a winter loving baby!

Christmas Day was really nice and low key. We opened presents at home with Estella and then went to visit my mom. Estella had lots of fun opening her presents and collecting bows. She definitely seemed to be more interested in the unwrapping process than the gifts, but once they were all opened, she made sure to test out all of the new goodies! She received so many nice presents, and has been enjoying them all weekend...thanks everyone! And in case you're wondering, her name book was a big hit! I've randomly caught her sitting and looking through it, playing with the parts...I'm so glad she likes it! Phew!

I'm back in the studios working...see full picture of this little ballerina here.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I'll still be able to sell them after February...

Well, I'm off to the Kingdom later in the week for some car repairs so if I don't post by then,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Finito!

Well, it only took me a month, but these two girls are done! I will hopefully be putting them in the shop soon..as long as it's not illegal by then! Thanks to everyone for your responses to my last blog and the emails I'm harassing everyone with...SAVE HANDMADE!! See full pics of these two ladies here.
I have many weaknesses, but hot chocolate with LOTS of whipped cream is by far one of the hardest to withstand - especially when it's -4 degrees! I've got to stay warm somehow, right?

One little girl who definitely does not need the sugar in a hot chocolate:

This is the monster face I was treated to when I asked her to smile for a picture.

And the blur o'baby that is Estella 24/7. And this is without sugar! Can you even begin to imagine what my days would be like if she got sweets? Or soda? And you all wonder why I'm such a mean mama by not letting her eat candy!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am the proud new owner of a pair of glasses! They are clean and unscratched and kept in their case in my bag. They (hopefully) will never feel the wrath of a two year old! So, THANK YOU to all of you who took pity on my very sad glasses situation and sent very generous birthday gifts! It is very much appreciated!

is your house on fire clark?

No Aunt Bethany, those are Christmas lights...
Our Christmas lights are no where near as plentiful as the Griswold's, but it's our first year ever decorating our house for the holidays and I'm really psyched to be able to look out of the window and see pretty Christmas lights.

We dressed up Estella like a girl for Thanksgiving...she looks so damn cute in a little dress that I took about a thousand pictures...clearly her tolerance was running out.

Walter and Estella had a little daddy/daughter DJ time also.

Walter was on vacation, and has just headed out to work for the first night this week. I've been spoiled having lots of help with Estella and not having to cook dinner. I've also been able to sneak away a couple of times to get some work done. Estella's book is almost done, and I just finished up a custom Fritter earlier today.

All good things must come to an end and it's back to reality for me now...is it too early to start the countdown until Christmas break?

And something extra today...just 'cuz she's cute!

Umm, yeah

My aunt took this picture when we were in NJ last month and I had to share it...this basically sums up Estella - a nut job! Is that mean to say about your child? Well, either way, it's true.
Estella has been a force to be reckoned with this week. Non-stop whining, screaming, clinging, holding...and now today a fever of 103. I'm not sure if it's just her age, or not feeling well, but this week has me thinking that maybe I'm seriously in for it when the "terrible twos" thing hits.

Some holiday themed work in progress...trying out something different...so far successful.

This picture basically sums up where I'd like to be right now.

Peanut gets very excited for hot laundry, runs to the couch for it to be dumped on her and then burrows her way in...such a sweet Nut.

I would love to bury myself in some hot laundry right about now. First off, I'm cold. Second, life has decided to make me stressed and a bit beat down this week. It's just one of those times that will eventually pass like all of the others have, but I'd much rather hide in a pile of hot clothes than stay out here in the cold and have to face it.

On a lighter note...check out my (famous) brother here.

I breed maids!

I should be paid millions of dollars to breed little children who love to clean. Not only does she vacuum, but she does the dishes too! She loves to do the dishes so much that we have huge temper tantrums when she's asked to get down off of the chair she's dragged all the way into the kitchen to do said dishes...And I wonder why my glasses are mangled...
So, these three girls are completed and (hopefully) will be in the shop soon.

There are individual pictures of them here.

I've been spending so much time experimenting with these three, that I'm a bit tired of Fritters at the moment. I have lots of new ideas in my head, but I'm going to take a mini break so as to not get frustrated if my ideas meet with failure. Instead, I'm back to work on Estella's name book for Christmas. I had the brilliant (add eye roll and heavy sarcastic tone to that one) idea of adding quilted borders to each page, so what could have been nearly done, has become the bane of my existence. Luckily, I have no social life so I've got lots of time to get it done...and it'll look all pretty-like when I'm done.

what can i say...

...the girl loves to vacuum! Someday, when I assign vacuuming as a chore, she may not find it quite as much fun. We need a new vacuum...ours is super loud and whiny, the wheel-caster-roller-thing on the bottom is broken so it's hard to push, and since we only have one rug in the house, we don't really need such a ginormous piece of household machinery. I want one of those little, lightweight ones, or even better, one that'll vacuum for me!

This is Estella's own composition...

I guess she's a typical child...she "talks" all day long on her phones, saying "hi" and all sorts of names, and when she gets a real phone up to her ear, she's suddenly mute. Lately, she's been talking to "Gamma" on her phone...the newest name in her repertoire.

And now for my own composition I'd like to present "I Have a Headache":

I need new glasses. The money that was supposed to buy me new glasses is resting peacefully in the Atlantic. My glasses have reached a new level of pathetic, and fall off if I turn my head too quickly. I have a headache because I don't wear my glasses, because if I lean over, they fall off. Basically what it comes down to is that if anyone was toying with the notion of buying me a gift for my birthday or Christmas, I need money for glasses and an eye exam. I know...I'm using my blog as a shameless request for gifts...sorry.

And, just to prove I'm not full of it, some legs in progress.

Making a come back...

I feel like maybe my crafting urge and inspiration has returned. I was in a bit of a slump for a while, but as of today I feel pretty un-slumped. I suppose with a 20 month old, personal time, and the urge to do anything with it, is rare.

This is Samuel and Elaine. They will hopefully make it to the shop at some point soon. They're lounging on Estella's quilt which is now at 41/54 done! I've been sewing the binding at night while I relax on the couch, and it's coming along quite nicely. I think I'll be done before Estella leaves for college after all.

All ready for the snow:
We bought Estella this coat over the weekend. In the store she was at first very enamored with it, insisting that she wear it out...then of course, later that day, she refused to put it on. She's since come around again and has fallen back in love ...so much in love that we have to keep it hidden in the house. She caught a glimpse of it yesterday and ended up wearing it around while she played. Wacky child! I guess it's better that she love it than hate it.

So, we sign the Purchase Option for the new house on Monday. Once that's done, we figure we'll start making it a bit more ours. We bought a couple of colors of a no VOC paint this weekend to get started. We've never used that type of paint, but you're supposed to be able to paint and not have to leave the house for days afterwards. We're starting with Estella's room and the upstairs bath...it'll be nice to not see white walls everywhere you turn!

I'm off to NJ on Wednesday, so if I don't post before then,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Oh happy day

Estella has a cold. I feel like it's a bit early in the year to start being sick but as it turns out, there's not a whole heck of a lot I can do about it.
On a lighter note, she has taken a liking to my new purple shoes. You can sort of see in the above picture that she has them on over her sneakers. She's actually gotten quite good at walking around in them...I think she looks like she's snowshoeing... very funny!

I've been doing some experimenting lately, and therefore have had multiple crafting disasters. I decided that I'd better make something that will come out as planned to boost my crafting-esteem...body parts in process.

This week I started Estella's name book for a Christmas present. It's slow going since I have very little Estella-free time, so it's a good thing I started it months ahead!

I'm excited about it, but I've also had the sinking feeling that by Christmas time when she gets the book, she may not be all that in to little kid books. I don't know. I'm trying to make it fun and sort of interactive so she will have parts to touch and play with. I'll post full pics when I'm totally done, but for now, a sneak peek...

I guess that's it around here...tomorrow is the big house appraisal day and stress levels are running high. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for good news in the next week or so...

we're back!

Estella and I are back from our New Jersey adventure! It was nice to have a few days away and to visit some relatives...
Estella handled this trip much better than the last time we were there. Last year, she was getting her first teeth and wouldn't let me out of her sight for a minute...not so relaxing. This year she was more than happy to hang out with her Great-Grandpa and share her Pirate Booty.
She also had tons of fun while vising her Great-Grandma...there was a playhouse on the walking path near the nursing home and it was just her size...
My mom and I also went on daily adventures in search of fabric. No luck at this particular store, but you have to appreciate how old and cool the signage is.
Finally on the last day, we had some luck, but all in all, we were not fabrically satisfied. I already plan to do research for next years trip so that we know where the (crafting) fabric stores are!

I have finished another Fritter. That's Lini to the left. She's very cute in person, and all tagged and ready to go into the shop. My intention, time and energy willing, is to have a small update tonight or tomorrow, so be sure to check them out in the shop so you can see other views of them and their accessories!