Little Denim

May 10, At It Again

little denim — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:49:23 +0000

I’m sewing tiny hexagons. Randomly. I have no idea what I’ll do with it yet. It’s the random order and process that I find so calming – since most of my life and projects involve a lot of order.

I haven’t had much time to work on the black/white/grey and blue log cabin quilt. It’s now lower priority than the double-wedding ring quilt I’m about to learn how to make at The Workroom which will be for my Dad for his 65th. Not typically the fabrics I’d use but I do love them for their traditional quality.

Lately, it’s been freezing cold here. Bad enough that it snowed the other day while I was in Lindsay. The poor tulips were just drooping and covered in snow. Lucky their tough.

I want this kind of day back again…

That is all. Get into it!

May One, Lots of Fun

little denim — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:03:22 +0000

Trying my hand at english paper piecing. I can see how this could be addictive. Such a great way to use up fabric scraps. I have no idea yet what I’ll make with all of them but I guess I have a while to figure that out!

Eggs and Fibs and Happy Libs

little denim — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:21:06 +0000

Although I had the entire Easter weekend to myself, I woke up on Sunday morning feeling pretty lonely. Turned out my best friend was driving to Lindsay for the day so I hitched a ride to surprise my family. It was great to get home, even for a few hours. There’s nothing more comforting. And the day was beautiful.

My sister made these fantastic easter eggs with food colouring and thread:

While doing an easter egg hunt with Declan in the back yard, I couldn’t resist hiding a few on this. It’s a funny little ‘house’ my Mom bought from someone last year. I always tell Declan there’s a little elf who lives inside so you have to be really quiet. Oh sure, it’s a fib. Or is it?

And here’s a sample of some of the work I actually managed to get done. I really do love these new Little Denim dresses. I can definitely sense an evolution in the style of Little Denim:

Dress Mess

little denim — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:29:30 +0000

So I’ve got the entire Easter weekend to myself. The boys have gone to Ottawa and I’m determined to just sew, sew and sew some more. Several things I’ve noticed: 1) It’s exceptionally quiet without anyone else here which means I talk a lot to the dog. 2) It’s very difficult to focus on just sewing when one could also easily do some major Spring cleaning. Oh well, the cleaning can wait!

Here’s a pic of me in one of my two work areas. This area is the room formerly known as ‘dining room’.

Featured in this picture are some of the tools I can’t live without: Janome Sewist 525S sewing machine, Heritage tailor’s shears, Philips cordless iron, various crafting rulers and, of course, my Moleskin notebook.

Also in this pic is one of our pieces by our good friend Joshua Davis. Because it’s imperative to surround yourself with people and things that inspire you.

Happy Spring!

little denim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:11:46 +0000

Ah, Spring…when everything is fresh and new. I’ve finally taken Little Denim to the next level and designed some items that really reflect what I’m all about. Modern, simple and a little punk rock.

Happy February!

little denim — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:15:00 +0000

I know. For those of us in colder climates, it’s hard to be happy about February. But it’s my birthday month so I have to embrace it! Above is the vintage Poole bowl my parents surprised me with as my birthday gift. I had actually noticed it at a local antique shop but didn’t buy it. I just love the colours in it.

On another note, I’m almost done the top of my quilt that I’ve been making as part of The Workroom sampler quilt class. I’ll post a pic tomorrow when it’s complete. Can’t start sewing until the small person is in bed.

Best thing I did all day – reorganize our linen closet and sort out all my fabrics and denim. Unfortunately, I’m not a neat freak but once in a while I just can’t do work until I get myself organized.

Spoons in June

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:20:00 +0000

Today was one of those rare days at work when you actually have almost no meetings and think you can get a lot done but distraction abounds so you end up lugging the laptop home. I’m procrastinating here, folks.

On a good note, Hugh was offered a speaker slot at the Flashbelt conference in Minneapolis in June. On the downside, it also happens to be on our first wedding anniversary. But in the grand scheme of things, our 10th anniversary is actually December 2010…so I’ll hold out for celebrations and gifts until then. (ahemdiamondsahem)

Speaking of marriage, on our wedding day, my parents gave me the most beautiful pair of silver serving spoons made in London in 1836. The spoons that my dad gave to my mother on their wedding day 40 years ago. “…We know that you love silver and that you will treasure them for their sense of continuity.” The note written by my dad brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. That sums it up.

Okay, enough procrastinating. Back to work.

Hello 2010

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:27:00 +0000

Okay, quick blog update as I’ve got mommy duties to attend to. So far 2010 has been super busy. I started a quilting class at The Workroom. which is exceptionally fun and I’m learning a great deal. So far we’ve learned the Churn Dash, Log Cabin and a spin on the Nine Patch. Our instructor Johanna Masko is fantastic and her work is incredible.

One of the things Johanna talks about is finding inspiration for colour palettes in everyday life – whether it’s in a magazine, or in nature…your surroundings in general. When I was home at my parents’ over Christmas, they had these amazing dried hydrangea in the livingroom. This could be the palette for one of my future projects. Not the best pic, but you get the idea…

Last Post of 2009

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:30:00 +0000

First thing I need to improve upon is updating my blog. Maybe that will be my New Year’s resolution.

Speaking of self-improvement, I’ve signed up for two great courses at The Workroom. A zipper clinic and a sampler quilt course. I’m so looking forward to the sampler quilt! It’s going to be very hard to decide on fabrics what with all the beautiful ones in the shop. I did just put an order in at www.superbuzzy.com for some Echino fabrics. I love them.

I’ve had a busy month at work which makes it hard to have any energy for doing the things I really enjoy. But so far I’ve made a baby quilt for a work fundraiser and I’ve been making a lot of really soft organic terrycloth washcloths for the Etsy shop.

Best of Luck in 2010 everyone!

Buttons & Gloves

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:26:00 +0000

This is possibly one of the last really nice Fall days we’ll have. In an attempt to make the most of my weekend without spending all of it indoors, I’ve completed two mini-projects. First – a set of Little Denim embroidered covered buttons. I started by reading the Purl Bee tutorial and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. All the supplies I used were picked up at my local favourite shop The Workroom. Here’s how they turned out:

Next, I finally finished off a pair of fingerless gloves for myself. I’ve been making these as gifts for friends and family for the last few years. They’re luxurious, being made from Alchemy Silk Purse yarn, and really quick to make. The pattern comes from (another Purl creation) the book Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

That’s all for now – get outside!