For mom

A few months back I sent my Mom a collection of candid shots of my kids, as I do every-so-often, just to keep her updated on the grandkids. Pictures like these...I think the actual picture I sent was of the kids having sword fights in their undies, and I didn't really want to post it.
My Mom is an amazing decorator. See pictures of her beautiful home here. And here. So when she saw a picture similar to the one above, she didn't say, "Cute kids!" or "They look so happy!" but, "You still have no cushion for that rocking chair?" But really, who will tell you those things if your own mother will not? (Never been a problem for me).

And so the rocking chair, which was mine as a child, remained cushionless because the kids still play in it all the time and it was never a priority to make a mini pillow for the chair. I have Christmas cards to finish, and presents to make, not to mention laundry, diapers, and general day-to-day stuff. (As a side note, my Mom also suggested I open a Cupcake Shop in my spare time. What, between 10:15-10:30pm?)

But all that changed yesterday when I followed some sage advice by another wise older woman, and drank a cup of coffee and had quite a good many ounces of dark chocolate in order to speed through some projects. I finished a big project and while in the midst of making a pillow Cooper asked if he could have the cushion for his rocking chair. "I'll just make you one right now", I said in a Chip and Dale voice. And in 25 minutes the little cushion-that-never-was-to-be, was! I'm pleased, and in the end I must say (as I often do), that Mom was right and I should have done it ages ago.
If I drink more coffee and eat more chocolate (which means I'd have to go out and buy more because I emptied the supply yesterday) I think I could make all our stockings today.

ETA: If you'd like to make a project out of this lovely quilted fabric there's more in the shop!

Just like dad

I'm grateful to have a husband who lets his children be with him as much as possible. It's not always fun and sometimes it takes twice as long to get anything done (spoken from experience) but I know it's the best for them. And occasionally, we get some cute pictures out of the experience.

And the winners are...

Before I announce the winners, can I just say WOW to all the responses and the other great giveaways organized by SewMamaSew?!? I had so much fun visiting your blogs and finding new ideas- there are so many creative people all over the world! Sometimes my view of the world is limited to the 1500 square feet which is my house and what a great reminder of all the women near and far who are working to make the world a more beautiful place!

On to what you really want to know:

Winner of any repurposed pillow in my shop... #226 Lil Bean. She also has an Etsy shop and sells baby wraps and other fun items for children. And, she's international winner!

2nd Prize winner gets any two yards of fabric from the shop...#17 (and early winner!) Gretamargreta. I read some of her blog entries on gardening, cooking with whole grains, and crafting and it looks like we have a lot in common.

Thanks for all the visits to the shop! Our own winter illnesses have slowed down production so I don't anticipate adding many new things between now and Christmas, but there are still plenty of gifts to choose from. Happy Handmade Holidays!