A trio of baskets for a trio of friends

This weekend I enjoyed a wonderfully crafty weekend with three good friends. I made these baskets as a little token to take home of their visit. (Other than the trunk full of goodies we bought. And, yes, the four of us filled my trunk.)


What a great day of shopping we had! We started at the farmer's market where we loaded up on all sorts of yummy fresh veggies and fruit. Then we made stops at a fibre mill and fabric store, with a few good shops and lunch in between.

And we saw the just-born mohair goat kids! If ever there was an occasion for OMG! this was it. With their silky ringlets and sweet little faces, they are the cutest creatures ever. I wanted to slip one into my purse and take it home with me. Instead I had to settle for some fibre and mohair locks. I also got a whole whack of lovely fabric that really requires me to sew something a bit more advanced than a basket. Am I crazy to think a small quilt is a possibility?

Definitely this crafty road trip with good friends was great inspiration to get busy.

Basket case

So it might seem I'm going a little overboard with the fabric basket making. But until I get a little control behind the sewing machine, I'm gonna stick with a project I'm moderately capable of handling on my own. I made this little one for my mom cuz who can't use another cute doodad for organizing stuff?

Sunny, sunny day

It was so sunny the kitties couldn't help but squint looking out the patio door.


"What's going on out there?"

Walking on art

This isn't something I made, but I know all crafters out there will appreciate this rug designed by Amy Butler. It is so beautiful! I want to sit in my bedroom and admire it.


The pattern is of course amazing, but what really makes the rug special is that the wool is sculptured with the floral design. It's almost too nice to walk on. I sat all the pets down to give them a stern lecture on never, ever, under any circumstances walking on the rug, but I'm not sure if it sunk in. Maybe I could put a little fence around it, like people do with their gardens to keep rabbits out . . .

Giving my personal crafting consultant a break

I made this zippered pouch all on my own without making my mom field my endless stupid questions. My brain had a little trouble figuring out the zipper, but finally I got it in the right way. Thank you, seam ripper!


I know it's a very simple project, but I am just getting started with sewing.

Tasty treat

I made these bar cookies today. The recipe had a few steps, which usually I avoid because I like instant gratification when it comes to snacks, but this was worth the extra time.

http://bakingbites.com/2009/02/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas-bars/

Big, little and zippered

This weekend my ever-talented mom came to my place for a sewing lesson. She helped me make a little fabric basket and a zippered pouch. Today on my own I made a jumbo-sized version of the basket. Of course once I got started I completely forgot how to put it together. Call it a case of brain freeze. A quick consultation with my on-call crafting guru (aka mom) and suddenly the solution was obvious. Too bad the good sewing juju didn't last to my next attempt to recreate the zippered pouch. Sigh. I'm going to need another phone consultation and maybe a brain transplant.


I think they look pretty amazing. And at this magnification you can't see my wonky sewing. Ariel seem impressed and came in for a closer look - then climb into the big basket, of course. She also sat on the fabric being cut, sniffed the bobbin was it was winding, then practically sat on the sewing machine. So helpful.