a new sewing forum is launching

I just saw over on Hazelnuts that there is a beta version of a new forum that will be for sewers, what Ravelry is for knitters. It's called Woven.

And just like Hazelnuts, I sent them an e-mail immediately, sign me up, sign me up!! I've been wanting/hoping for something like this for some time, so exciting to see it come to fruition.

Thanc yu for Lumpi

you are most welcome, sweetheart!

I received the above letter all the way from Berlin, written and illustrated all by himself - I'm such a proud auntie! Lumpi is sewn using Anna Maria Horner's fabric with soft purple felt for the ears and pink buttons for the eyes. Lumpi is actually sitting on top of a quilt I recently made for Cade - photos to come soon...

The pattern comes from a book I'm loving these days called S.E.W from the Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp. She's such a cool lady, and the book is filled with really simple and very wearable designs (mainly clothing patterns with a sprinkling of other items such as bags, and the above cute elephant). Diana offers sewing classes, which I've taken and they are great! Which reminds me that I owe her a photo of the pencil skirt I made in her class. I also made a dress from her book recently in a soft, cottony green and pink plaid. Photos to come soon...promise!

places to refill your stash in NYC

I'm often asked for good places to buy wool, and as its my favorite way of spending my paycheck - what, you say it's meant to go towards food and rent?? But that would be the sensible plan, and what fun is sensible!

At any rate, here's a list of some of my favorite places to refill your stash in NYC:
Downtown Yarns - 45 Avenue A (betwn 3rd & 4th streets) 212-995-5991
Good prices, great selection of yarns, patterns and books, they're friendly and patient and have the cutest dog ever!

Purl Soho 137 Sullivan St. just below Houston 212-420-8796
Fantastic selection of yarns in every color, Joelle the owner has such a great eye and is also the author of "Last Minute Knitted Gifts". Of course I can't really mention the yarn store without also listing her newest store, Purl Patchwork (located just a few stores away from the yarn store). What can I say - it a pint-size dream for quilters or anyone who enjoys sewing! The fabrics are gorgeous, with lots of Amy Butler fabrics etc. As I live downtown, it's really exciting to have a store like this nearby. Joel recently published "Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts" which has so many cute projects that I can't wait to try.

The Yarn Company is another good place to check out 2274 B’dway (@ 82nd), 212-787-7878. It's not so convenient for me with my commute, but they have a really nice big space and will write custom patterns for you to fit with a yarn.

If you live in Brooklyn, I've heard this place is nice The Yarn Tree 718-384-8030 347 Bedford Avenue

Here is a nice website with many more stores listed, mine are just my personal preferences. http://www.jackie-blue.com/knit/index.php/nyc-yarn-stores/

If anyone has great places outside of New York, I'd love to hear about them! I really enjoy going to crafting and wool stores while on vacation. In fact...I'm currently heading to New Orleans, which has me thinking that I should start scouting around to see what's out there....

A few toys for Crumpet

Here's a few toys I put together for the pupster - not that she's exactly in dire need of any more, but they're so satisfyingly quick and besides, she's the world's most appreciative recipient of even incredibly misshapen lumpy objects.

Baby Blanket

Here's a blanket I whipped up quickly for a friend of mine. It's soft, snuggly fleece on one side and patchwork on the other with simple ties to bind.