Happy February!

Posted: February 6th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

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

Posted: January 21st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

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

Posted: January 20th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

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

Posted: December 3rd, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

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

Posted: November 8th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

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!


Posted: November 4th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Haven’t been online in a while. Busy at my ‘day job’ and took our first family trip to NYC. Let me tell you, it’s VERY different to go there with a 3 year old than by one’s self. But it was fantastic nonetheless and I’d love to be there every Halloween.
We stayed at the very hip and comfy
ACE HOTEL Their service isn’t 100% but it was the most inviting hotel I’ve stayed at. And the staff were all cute and friendly. And they have Stumptown coffee next door which was a real saviour every morning.

On a completely different note, I’m obsessed with finding a good retro/industrial floor light for my workspace. Preferably something with a lamp that is hinged so i can move it closer or further from my table area. Found one on Etsy last night from
Hindsvik Vintage
but then it was snapped up by someone else today!
While looking at furniture online, I made the error of checking out the
Hardware Interiors website. Last time I walked by it was closed and my wallet thanked me. But I love EVERYTHING in that shop.

Okay, seriously, I’m going to get my workspace organized this weekend and start sewing again. I’ve been on hiatus too long and need to get back into gear. Just needed a little NYC inspiration…


Less Sew, More Blog

Posted: October 19th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

I was told by a colleague today that “two posts does not make a blog!”. Fair enough. I do need to improve on setting aside the time to post on a regular basis…

The Comrades in Craft show went well. Thanks to all who showed up! It was a good experience and now I’m kind of antsy to sign up for more shows. But, I think for now I should focus on getting my Etsy shop stocked up and my workspace in the office organized. Can’t stay in the dining room forever!

Here are some of the my favourite items I’ll be posting to Etsy:

Ruby Dresses

Scrappy the Owl

Henry Bloomers


Comrades in Craft – Oct. 17th

Posted: October 6th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Come visit me at the Comrades in Craft show on Saturday, October 17th!
Plenty of great vendors to check out. Click the banner for full details.


Posted: September 29th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

I’m doing the Comrades in Craft Show here in Toronto on October 17th. Very exciting!

I’ll be doing dresses, bloomers, blankets…not sure what else yet.

Lots of work to do and a sewing machine that is not co-operating means I’ve got another equipment investment to make. But boy, do I ever love my Elna serger. It’s a workhorse.

Drank too much coffee tonight so fingers crossed I can sleep!


Hello World

Posted: September 28th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Finally, Little Denim is up and running!