Merry Christmas

Fabric Animals 101

I came across the pattern for these adorable fabric animals while hunting for Christmas gift ideas for Ellis and Théo. The last time I made a stuffed animal was in my 5th grade HomeEc class.  So while I felt slightly intimidated to venture away from the comfortable world of 2-D sewing projects, I thought if I could make one back then, then it was certainly worth a try now. After a little trial and error, and a mutant lamb or two, I think they came out pretty cute.

Winter Garden

This is the first year I committed to planting a winter garden. It took some effort at first to get excited about evergreens, but when I came across the charming miniature varieties I got a boost to follow through with my plan. It's still somewhat bare compared to our garden this past summer and could use something draping down, like ivy... but once the harsh days of February arrive I know we'll be thankful to see these little tufts of greenery against the snowcapped rooftops.

Apple Bottom

The lonely apples hanging around in my fridge from apple-picking back in October made perfect stamps for homemade wrapping paper. After a night of experimenting I was so happy with the results that I suddenly saw fruit in a whole new light. Passing through the greenmarket I felt compelled to pick up some new shapes-- a teeny tiny crab apple and a firm bosc pear. I learned my lesson with the pear: No matter how much I blotted the surface, the pear was just too juicy to get a sharp print.

But that's okay, I've already moved on from fruit and am now eyeing root vegetables...potatoes, turnips, carrots. I have a feeling that they'll work the best with their firm flesh and low moisture content. I just wish I had a little more time before Christmas.

T is for Telephone

...and for Théo.

Bon Voyage little man as you make your first journey to Paris.