Sewing for Knitting

The sewing kick continues. And, in wanting to purge the jar of knitting needles from off my desk, I decided to make a needle wrap? a needle holder? You get the idea, even though I don't know what to call the creation... I was inspired by a great wrap/holder for circular needles that I have from Della Q. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and have a few ideas for the next version!

Pincushions...

I love collecting things. Demitasse tea cups, vintage tablecloths, Fire King Jadite, ribbon and vintage buttons and most recently, pincushions. The obsession really kicked off when discovering Betz White's cupcake pincushions. That is the moment, in my head anyway, when my assortment of pincushions evolved into a "collection."

Its great when someone else gifts you a stellar something you collect. And even better when you find the perfect addition to someone else's collection to gift to them. I love the quest, the foraging of collecting... Pincushions have added a new dimension to my collecting in that I can make them thereby increasing the collection exponentially. Simply marvelous. And because of all of my recent inspiration, I've been on quite the sewing kick lately.

Anna Maria's flower pincushion pattern is featured in Quilts and More, Spring 2008... I've had the magazine for awhile but just recently got down to business making a few. It is larger than any of my other pincushions, but is a great addition to the growing collection.

I was so enchanted by Valori's tomato pincushion pattern (as you know because it has come up in each of my posts for the past few weeks--sorry!) that I've dedicated all of my recent craft time to making a jar-full in all different colors and sizes. I just love them. Now I need a larger jar! (I'm thinking one of those footed, fluted ones like this--sans silver--would be sweet!) If you come visit, I'll let you pick one out for a party favor... or custom make you one over a cup of tea!

Next in line is one from Heather Bailey, the pattern of which I found in Better Homes & Gardens.

Quilt Market

Last weekend, I had the incredibly wonderful but slightly overwhelming privilege to attend Quilt Market. What Fairy Godmother is waving her magic wand around me right? Well, remember how I finally met Valori? We talked about her new fabric line, Olive Rose, and about Market being in Portland this spring... and she invited me along to help out in her booth. I still can't really believe it—how nice!

I can't even imagine all the details and work that goes into making those booths come alive. Remember dioramas for third-grade book reports? It was like seeing a bunch of those little vignettes and mini-wonderlands—all with a different theme and flair... hard to know where to look and what to touch! Val's booth was divine and you should check her blog for more pictures and details. I just loved being around her and soaking it all in.

You already know about my affection for her tomato pincushions, and another new pattern of Val's is Animal Friends. I love them!

Jamie, Valori and Carolyn

Valori and Carolyn co-authored a fabulous book together that just came out in March called Life Style. It is a must-have for any sewing collection!

Another favorite was Amy's booth. She had covered canvases with fabric (some plain, some patch-worked) out of Midwest Modern and pieced them together, kind of like a wall quilt. Such a great idea for a large space! (I'm thinking I should re-create something like it over my couch...)

She has great new stuff on the horizon. Did you know she is coming out with a tabletop collection from Mikasa? Seriously... you couldn't combine two of my favorite things any better: fabric and dishes!

I could have moved-in to Anna Maria's Drawing Room. The chairs were great and she was so cute and energizing to talk with. I'm really looking forward to her new fabric collections, Drawing Room and Garden Party. And her book.

Also loved meeting Tina Givens. Remember my love for Za Zu? Her new collection, Chloé's Imagination, is equally as whimsical. Tina's blog is awesome too!

Wedding Photos

It's about time I organized our wedding photos. 13 months later, here they are. Beautiful photography by our friend Anna. Hope you enjoy.

Amy Butler

The much anticipated Amy Butler night at the Stitchin' Post is now a thing of the past. BUT, I know the inspiration from the event will carry on and multiply.

Amy and Jamie

The evening progressed in magical way. I left work with René, (we discovered our mutual affection for all things Amy Butler months ago when she recognized the prints from some of these on my desk) and we met up with a group of her girlfriends, who are this incredible group of women. I just loved absorbing their energy and experience. Anyway, I sat in the front row...I swear she was sprinkling pixie dust on me... I was so enchanted. I had really high expectations of what she would be like—after all, her fabrics and patterns, books and paper products are some of my absolute favorites...and then she just blew me away. I mean really. I was expecting the adorable outfit and eloquent presentation, but what I wasn't prepared for was the genuine interest in all 60 something women present.

After pouring over Midwest Modern each time I sit on my couch, you would have thought I would have been prepared for her to share of herself (to me, it is such a personal book and window into her lifestyle, interests and inspiration)—but, I was amazed at just how real and personal she was and how freely she would share about her own creative process. I am so inspired. Something that really resonated with me is when she spoke about her sense of responsibility in putting product into the world responsibly. I didn't even know there were things like soy ink available—how cool is that? I loved it all.

Amy and René

One of the best parts of the night for me was finally meeting Val and Jean of the Stitchin' Post. I've been on the lookout for them since my first visit to the store. So, when I saw them, I marched right up to each of them to introduce myself... Again, high expectations (the Stitchin Post is a mecca of a fabric/yarn shop so the creators must be equally as fantastic right?) totally surpassed by these warm and friendly, creativity oozing women. I've been stalking Valori for quite awhile on her blog so of course felt like old chums upon meeting her for real. I picked up one of her tomato pincushion patterns and promptly came home and made one. It is too cute. I think it is my new favorite.

Its these kind of moments and people that make you feel like your dreams are so obtainable... or at least dream-able.

Happy Mother's Day

Not exactly sure when I penned this window into my well-loved childhood... Perhaps 7 years old? Earlier than that, maybe at age 3, I told my Mom, "We're best friends, hun Mom." Some things just never change...

I still feel so loved. I love you too Mama. And as I get older, I find myself becoming more and more like you... and I love that too! I feel so lucky to have such a Mother, and such a friend. XO.

For some fun glimpses into other Mama relationships, check out Postcards From Yo Momma...

The Celebration

One of my best girls was married April 26th in Chico, CA... And what a wonderful celebration it was! Congrats to Kara and Brandon!

This is when Brandon got to kiss the Bride. She was really pretty.

The cupCAKEs

The honorable Bri and Kami-maids. Check out their gorgeous flowers!

The place settings

The table settings

The Lemonade Stand was one of my favorite details of an amazingly detailed day.
Love you Mr. and Mrs. Leen!

Bring on the Baby!

I have much to catch up on... A wedding, some projects and random findings that must be shared! But, yesterday we celebrated a mama-to-be and the anticipation of a new baby in Central Oregon - and had a lovely time doing it! Since Sarah is such an amazing photographer, I had so many favorite pictures to illustrate such a fun celebration...

Marshmellows in Astier de Villatte

Harvested by Brett the morning of...

Hot Cocoa

Yummy!

Loved making these...

No party is complete without cupcakes!

The Belly

Tea Cups

Lemon Tart

Lots of Love...
(Sarah, Jessamy, Jamie, Chelsea)

Rita's Lemon Tart

Mama Rita (as I call her) shared this recipe with me after a visit to their house last January. Since then, it has become a staple in my "company" repetoire due to the divine taste and easy process. Don't look to closely at the blemish on the surface... just remember to always bake it for longer than you think it deserves!

For the crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and flufy. Beat in the vanilla and salt. On low speed, gradually beat in the flour.

Divide the dough in half (it is enough for two large tarts). Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm enough to roll.

For the filling, mix the ingredients below:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg at room temperature, beaten
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup + lemon curd

Roll out the crust, place it in the tart pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Pour the filling into the baked crust and continue to bake for 25 minutes.

Cool and top with lemon curd.

What a Hoot!

A little shout out to our friend, Marshall, who's comment on the last post was too funny. Marsh, we appreciate your readership and candid feedback. :) Here's a picture from Audi's booth at November's LA Car Show just for you--it's a child's car and about as manly as we get!

And for the rest of you, it's time for another book review--this one is a must on your next stop to the library or book store. Especially if you like owls and/or general cleverness.