Things to hold.

Used my favorite vintage fabrics to make some darling little "things to hold" this weekend. It's an odd pairing, but I think the colors work. I love the ballerinas - they remind me of a Degas painting.

First, a "Grab-it-and-Go Wallet" from the Bernina website.

There is also a vinyl pocket on the back (I reused one of those vinyl baggies that new sheets come in), and instead of a clasp I fastened it with a button from Grandma's button box.

Second, a cute little Pyramid Purse. My favorite blog, One Pretty Thing, pointed me in the direction of this tutorial.

Until next week, happy crafting!

Baked Goods.

This was a very bake-y week. So much deliciousness happening at my house!

It started off with some banana muffins. Yum!

And then on Thursday my AmeriCorps team came over to bake lots of goodies for our volunteers. This week is school vacation week, and hence our craziest week of the year at the museum. Today we had about 1500 visitors...lots, but not the most I've seen. Still, the baked goods are totally going to help us survive this nutty week! They were baked with love, dancing, hootie, and mia goodness. (Liz, this is your cue to start rapping).

More baking! An especially crazy pie to add to my repertoire: Pumpple Pie. I found the recipe on the kitchn blog. If pumpkin pie and apple pie had a baby, this would be it. I was hesitant at first - if pumpkin plus apple was such a stellar idea, surely it would be everywhere. I've discovered it's a well-kept secret. All kinds of awesome. A perfect Valentine's Day treat!

Then I finally got back to my beloved sewing machine (his name is Silas, and yes, he told me he missed me). I finished the jumper that I started with mom. For the record, patterns are a little scary, but I did okay. Except when I felt like I was on a roll and I sewed the strap right into the bodice...oops! (See sad face above). A few hours later, I was set in the finished product. (See happy face below).

A very tall person took this photo.

Even his camera angles are adorable.

Not sure if I'll actually wear the jumper...it kind of looks like a big bubble. But I'm proud nonetheless. I conquered my fear of patterns and clothing!

...what's next?

Happy crafting!

QT with Mom

Momma came to visit this week, so I was out of the usual routine. We made lots of delicious food, went to the farmer's market, and most importantly went to Lorraine's for some essential crafting supplies.

We made some "cold-busting chicken soup" that almost made me wish that I was sick so that I could instantly be cured.

Had some of the gorgeous blooming tea that I got for my birthday.

And now I'm finally getting around to trying to make some clothing. I bought a pattern for a jumper...patterns are super confusing! Online tutorials are so much better! Even so, I'm learning a lot. I'm hoping to finish it this week.

But making that jumper reminded me that I made one a while ago out of a t-shirt. I found the tutorial on cut out and keep. I should wear it more often!

Crafty Monday

Had a crazy/exciting weekend, and I didn't get done nearly what I wanted to. Luckily, I'm working super long days tues/wed, so I took the day today to get some more things done.

Steffi and E and I made dinner together this week. Eggplant ragu. Delicious! Then Steffi asked me to make her a camera case. Sooo...

A day later I gave her this. She chose the button (we call it big blue). I got to use my bias tape maker, so that was exciting. The bias tape took a lot of work, but I think it was worth it.

I also got a little hooked on the fabric flowers. Aren't they yummy? I made some for Erin and Emily who came and did a training with my AmeriCorps team last week.

I finished up that ruffly cardigan this week. Plain t-shirt transformed = so cute. I want to add ruffles to everything now. Found this tutorial at craftystylish.

Had to post a photo of my delicious button collection. At Christmas, my Grandma passed her Button Box down to me. So many generations of buttons. So many projects to make!

Of course, I couldn't completely not think about work today...I worked on my ramp box exhibit inspired by children's book illustrator Lois Ehlert. Her book Hands: Growing Up to Be an Artist is so inspiring. Yay creativity!

Busy week ahead! Mom is coming to visit so there will hopefully be tea and relaxing and lots of crafting happening.

Happy crafting!