Happy Friday! The other day K looked at me and said, "I don't know why, Mama, but I think your spirit animal is a donkey." At first, I was thrown off because Eeyore came immediately to mind. Later, I did a little research and I think I'm in love with donkeys. Did you know that contrary to common perception, donkeys are extremely intelligent? And that they're not easily startled and are super strong? They have a well-developed sense of self-preservation (which accounts for their stubbornness) ... Read more
6 Lindens + A Toaster
Well, well, well, what do we have here? Clearly, a pile of knits that have seen better days. A few weeks (months?) ago, I hinted at having sewn a bunch of Linden sweatshirts and not only did I sew six of them, I have worn them to death. From a distance, they don't look too bad. I even got a little bit creative with a striped back for the black version: Alas, these have been so well-loved (that Jen of Grainline Studio knows how to draft a good pattern) three out of the six ... Read more
Happy Friday + SVE Wrap-up
Happy Friday! This is but a small sampling of the 800+ posts when you search the #2017sve hashtag on Instagram. !!!!!! Friends, this year's Secret Valentine Exchange exceeded our expectations on every level. The creative energy, the kindness, the patience (we know that quite a few of you are still waiting...we're doing our best to help loose ends get tied up, so keep us posted at secret.valentine.exchange@gmail.com). Ute and I are experiencing a lot of jaw-hanging and ... Read more
My next book! Chibi Samurai Wants a Pet
Hello, my friends! I know that updates here have been sporadic and unpredictable these days, but I have a pretty good reason. I've been deeply involved in book-making fun and my hours are spent dreaming up stories and images for the printed page. When I startle back into "real life", I'm amazed to realize that days and weeks have passed. I'm SUPER excited to share the next book in what is now the Little Kunoichi series!!!!!!! Chibi Samurai Wants a Pet is already available for preorder but ... Read more
Dopp Kit with Lining – Tutorial by Ute
Hello my friends! Today, I'm excited to share a tutorial that my dear friend Ute created. When she posted her beautifully made dopp kit as part of the Sewing Happiness Winter Tour, I noticed that she added a lining (the pattern in my book is sans lining to make it extra easy for beginners). I loved that and casually asked her if she'd want to do a little tutorial. She agreed and as usual, she went above and beyond and whipped one up in a jiffy, complete with gorgeous photos (that ... Read more