city mouse

For Baby

2010-08-08T12:04:00.005-04:00

This week I finally cleaned off my sewing table and got down to business! Created from Anna Maria Horner's lovely 'Handmade Beginnings' book, the above is the Patchwork Sleeping Sack. Except I didn't use a patchwork front. Other random mods include adding 3" to the bottom of the pattern and placing the velcro as I saw fit once most of the assembly was done.

The little toy plays music and is made by Miyim - a great little gift as it is non-toxic and has organic fabrics.

Lullaby

2010-06-07T22:27:00.003-04:00

Some nights, sleep escapes us here, and these are the songs that help us slow down and rest...

twilight – bella’s song ::: lullaby – dixie chicks ::: brahms lullaby – jewel ::: didn’t leave nobody but the baby – krauss & harris ::: sigur ros - untitled 3 ::: samuel barber – adagio for strings ::: cape breton lullaby - ? kenneth leslie ::: any other name – thomas newman ::: goodspeed – dixie chicks ::: lullaby – billy joel ::: acadian lullaby - ?? ::: Christopher robin – kenny rogers?

*pic taken on the Change Islands, Nfld.

Which songs lead you to a sweet slumber?

A little bit of Fabulous

2010-06-06T08:21:00.003-04:00

Way behind on blogging, I have lots of posts ready to go! Lots about food, the garden and work/design.

Fun first tho!

Here I am with Little Mouse's godmother at a really fantastic event: the POGO Gala 2010. The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario helps many families and I urge you to donate here. My very fun feather dress is from Marika Brose, a Canadian designer. She has a killer bio. Buy her fabulous stuff here.

Dresden Plate Quilt

2010-06-05T19:06:00.002-04:00

Just a slow little something I'm working on...

Banner Day

2010-04-18T09:08:00.003-04:00

I have writers block lately, thankfully it hasn't stopped me from sewing!

This year I volunteered to be in charge of decorating for Little Mouse's school 'gala' evening fundraiser. The evening had a carnival theme - bright colours, fun games, the works. Held at a local yacht club, we used many many strands of twinkle lights, a disco ball and Ikea lanterns to create a magical atmosphere to enjoy as the sun went down. I also sewed over 20m of banners, something that the school will be able to reuse for years to come. Using mostly fabric from my stash, I created a triangle template and even bothered to make my own bias tape. And, while not complicated, this project was strangely satisfying.

To Bed!

2010-03-29T22:50:00.004-04:00

Some new bedding purchased here. The mustard is really quite vibrant and I've even managed to make a couple of lovely pillows which I will post at a later time.

Cowl

2010-03-06T09:14:00.002-05:00

Made using two balls of Rowan Big Wool (100% merino in shade 59) using Jane Richmond's Marian pattern with a few adaptations. This cowl (or infinity scarf) was super quick to knit and feels great on. Raveled here.

By Design...

2010-01-28T19:58:00.003-05:00

I've been busy. Less crafting and more work is usually a bad thing but when work is about design.. who can complain? Certainly not I.

So, in the spirit of sharing some aspects of design here is the "fun" side of my new business cards.. Design credit goes to the creative coolios at rhed & focus ad inc..

Hopeful

2010-01-18T19:27:00.002-05:00

Craft Hope for Haiti, benefitting Doctors Without Borders (MSF mes amis francophones). Do take a peek at the craft-along projects on the main site, so inspiring.

Mosey on over to their Etsy shop by clicking here. It's all being done by two inspiring mamas with lots of little ones underfoot!

(Little Mouse and I have donated to MSF but I'm kinda partial to picking up something from the store ;)

Twenty10

2010-01-02T15:21:00.002-05:00

I keep day book. One where I write appointments and detail the day's events. I slip in ticket stubs, pictures, flower petals, cards, drawings, etc (you get the idea). These ones are made by paperblanks and quite lovely, not to mention durable. A new journal to start a new decade.

Happy New Year! May it bring good health, joyful adventures and love to you and yours.

How I wish...

2009-12-03T17:17:00.003-05:00

Something about this new month has me wistful.. So much seems to be changing around me, beyond my control. Change has been long coming and yet much of it is happening in an abrupt manner.

With Christmas just around the corner, wishing seems to be a popular pass time. Little hands writing notes to Santa, hearts harboring hope, shared sentiments wishing joy and happiness.

Here, I am wishing for time to slow just a bit. For a moment to sit quietly and reflect. To watch my ever growing girl, to give thanks for the good that has been in my life and the good that is to come, and I'm wishing for that magical first snow fall.

Wishing leads to hope, and quiet hope seems to be abundant this time of year.

(N.B., since I'm in a wishful mood, were I able to stop time and curl up to savor these last moments before everything changes I would wish to curl up in this Poppa Bear Chair available with other great things here.) (Oh and for your wishful design geeks if you'd like to read about the very creative Mr. Hans Wegner and his designs this website is one of my absolute favorites.)

zEn

2009-11-16T16:58:00.002-05:00

Yoga bag, sewn in Ikea Stockholm Blad. Pattern is called Nigella and is free from the lovely Amy Butler. I decided to leave the top edge of the bag raw (I did finish it somewhat with a decorative stitch) so that the bag looked homemade rather than store bought.

Let me just go right on out and say it.

2009-11-11T14:25:00.003-05:00

I covet this desk. Even though, yes, I have a great antique desk with the perfect little drawer that I've had forever..

I just do.

(Picture and desk are from the mecca of goodly things, here.)

Quiche!

2009-11-06T18:43:00.002-05:00

A quick recipe for some delish comfort food that, like most of my recipes, is mostly about what veggies you have in your fridge that are about to go bad. All brainless substitutions (read: what's going bad in your veggie crisper) are possible (mushrooms, baby spinach, leek, the list goes on).

Ingredients:

-1 deep dish Tenderflake frozen pie crust

-1/2 cup shredded cheese - I like sharp cheddar

-herbs de provence

-3 thick slices of red onion, diced

-1/2 a red pepper, diced

-1/2 a zucchini, diced

-handful of broccoli fleurettes

-3 eggs (I use organic)

-1/2 cup of milk (I use organic)

-1 tbsp of vegetable or olive oil

-salt/pepper to taste

Thaw the Tenderflake crust by letting it stand once out of the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425F. While the crust is thawing and the oven preheating, dice the veggies and saute them for 5 minutes over medium heat. (I like them still crunchy.) Coarsely grate your cheese and put half of it at the bottom of the pie crust. Then add sauteed veggies and top those with remaining cheese. Whisk eggs thoroughly with milk. Add egg mixture to the pie and sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs de provence. Bake on lower rack at 425F for 10 minutes then lower to 350F for 30 minutes or until pie seems firmed up. Enjoy!

(ps, yes, yes, no quiche pic. my camera is on vacay with my mama so I'm showing you some fresh zucchini with its tasty blossoms growing on the vine at the farm this summer.)

bOo!

2009-10-31T19:06:00.004-04:00

Trick or Treat!

Our pumpkins, covered in two coats of white acrylic paint and glowing... despite the crazy winds. Not quite as fancy as last year's but definitely a fun effect! I'm writing this as I'm shelling out candy and am starting to develop a nervous twitch every time the doorbell rings. Or maybe it's all the candy I've eaten? Happy Hallowe'en y'all!

NORO

2009-10-28T20:47:00.003-04:00

Hooray for another FO! (Ahem, finished object for you non-crafties.) A simple Noro scarf for Little Mouse, about 5' long.

I may have to steal it when she's not wearing it ;)

cake walk

2009-10-24T11:15:00.005-04:00

Little Mouse's school is having a Hallowe'en bake sale as part of their party extravaganza today. This year, like last, I've baked a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing from scratch. This recipe is quite a bit of work but makes an awesome cake. The finished cake is quite tall - so tall my glass cake plate dome top won't fit on.

Boo!

Lust

2009-10-16T20:41:00.003-04:00

Months. That's how long it's been since I've bought a new pair of shoes. I've been searching high and low for the perfect pair to wear both for business and with jeans (or leggings). I also wanted shoes that had a little gather to them and were not black or brown. Further complicating issues: I have major feet. As in long. But they're also very thin, so many flats are too wide. The 1/2" heel is perfect. They've got a sensible rubber bottom (so klutzy me has a better chance of staying vertical). They are budget conscious. Heel Boy. (Great store.)

Swoon..

Hip Chick

2009-10-15T19:22:00.003-04:00

And by chick, I mean chickpea! This is my new favorite staple dish (ie great almost anytime). It was conceived one evening when there was not too much in the fridge other than a little of this and a little of that. It has lots of crunch and is pretty versatile (love the cilantro in it!). I've thought of adding some chilies or balsamic vinegar.

You'll need:

-1 can of chickpeas (rinse them well)

-Coriander

-Red Pepper

-Green Onion

-Cucumber

-Carrot

-Celery

-2 tbsp of mustard (dill, dijon, something interesting)

-1 tbsp of EVOO

-Juice of a lemon or lime

-Salt/pepper to taste.

I like to finely chop everything and then mix with a large spoon. A few geeky facts: the chickpeas have about 10g of protein, 2g of fat and 170 calories per half cup. The only endorsement I can truly offer for this recipe is that my mom likes it. That would be my mom who eats lamb and lobster, loves butter and eating out. Should you try it, do let me know how it turns out and any and all modifications you make. :) Bon apétit!

lOvE is something if you give it away...

2009-10-08T21:22:00.003-04:00

Noro goodness, colorways 252 and 268. Two skeins of each, slipped the edge stitches purlwise. Definitely more of these to come! <3

think PINK

2009-10-05T18:04:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the CIBC Run for the Cure.. This year was one of the first years that I did not participate as a team captain. I did however do the run - and as always, it felt great.

So ladies, don't wait!! Click here and learn how to do your breast self exam.

Happy World Vegetarian Day

2009-10-01T18:14:00.003-04:00

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh k. So I rarely use my blog for self-serving messages. Just a little nudge to say: "try it!". It being a week without meat or fish. You might be surprised, it's a fun challenge and a great lifestyle choice. No preaching here. :)

Check it out at here!

Spotted

2009-09-28T22:12:00.003-04:00

Lots of knitting going on this September.. loving the crisp Fall air and the adventures that it brings. A big hug to Sam, who was thoughtful enough to take this picture and hang out with me on Saturday. Oh and if you're looking at this image and thinking my fingers look long and freakish to you, it's because they are.

no, not i

2009-09-20T14:00:00.005-04:00

Here is little mouse, donning her very newly knit 'little cables hat'.. I used Zara by Filatura di Crosa in a very vibrant orange. People actually stopped me on the subway to tell me how much they liked this project, color, cables, etc.

Does it look like she's a bit moody in this pic? That may be because she tried the hat on and said:

"I'm not wearing this hat mama, I don't care if my head freezes and falls off." She also asked me as I was taking the picture not to show it to any of my friends, she's apparently mortified that it makes her head look big. So keep this blog post a secret if you happen to be speaking with her, k?

Sheesh. 7 going on 17.

kusudama flowers

2009-09-17T20:19:00.003-04:00

Because I couldn't resist making these.. Like, at all. Of course I decided to up the novice anti by using the smallest origami paper I could find. The tutorial is here. (FYI they become addictive and I spent quite some time using recycled paper at the office to make them until my boss finally gave me a "don't you have better things to do with your time" look. And in general, he's a really great guy.)

Hands

2009-09-15T22:52:00.005-04:00

This evening as I sat knitting, Little Mouse came up and put her hands on mine. I stopped what I was doing, completely in awe at how my little love's hands looked on top of mine. They are no longer chubby little girl's hands, but big girl hands. After she ran off (and I had snapped this pic) I found this Jewel song on my ipod and played it - a beautiful melody with powerful words. I like the thought of my daughter knowing that she will always have my hands to help her, to knit for her, to hold her and to give thanks with her.

"Hands"/If I could tell the world just one thing/It would be that we're all OK/And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful/And useless in times like these/I won't be made useless/I won't be idle with despair/I will gather myself around my faith/For light does the darkness most fear/My hands are small, I know/But they're not yours, they are my own/But they're not yours, they are my own/And I am never broken

..of cars and streetcars...

2009-09-11T11:34:00.007-04:00

I am an urbanite.. who lives in the suburbs. I have always gone to school and worked in the downtown core and I love the city. I was raised in the West end of the city in a lovely little hamlet, where I still reside, where are huge trees, no sidewalks and you need to take a bus to get to the subway...

Two weeks ago, my beloved old car finally retired. Pause to shed a tear. Since then, I have been happily walking, biking and taking public transit. With winter and the cold weather approaching, I'm likely going to buy a new (used) car, but until then I'm having an adventurous time in my own city. I've interacted with my fellow commuters, put lots of kms on my shoes walking about and also learned to carry around less stuff with me. Taking public transit has allowed me to knit (hat/mittens for the growing girl on the needles presently), read and blackberry/work. My bike has gotten tons of use, and best of all I have finally mastered the art of bicycling whilst carrying my morning coffee.. here's to those early morning moments shared just between me and my city.

Tomato, to-mah-to

2009-09-07T20:58:00.003-04:00

Whoa, yet another post about something other than crafts! I spent this weekend at the family farm enjoying the last days of summer. My cousin's wife has an amazing garden with all sorts of neat delights such as okra, artichokes, zucchini and eggplant. The main event, however, is the commercial aspect of the farm: hundreds of acres of melons, corn, cucumbers (in greenhouses) and.. TOMATOES. Did I mention the farm is in the tomato capital of Canada? :)

Design

2009-08-26T18:54:00.004-04:00

Sunny (crazy hot) day in NYC, Frank Gehry designed IAC building - Chelsea neighbourhood. For those of you who don't know I'm a construction geek, now you do. I find it fascinating - www.iacbuilding.com if you want to geek it up with me...

Go Fly A Kite!

2009-08-20T07:18:00.005-04:00

Delinquent blogger, I am. (I've been reading my usual favorite's, you're all very dedicated writers!) Summer has been such a blessing this year with time outside and shared with loved ones. While I have been doing a bit of crafting (new pencil case for Little Mouse, a pair of warm mittens for me, some very cool origami kudusama flowers), mostly I've been on hiatus. Back to school promises a return to blogging normalcy with my craft shelf stocked with some beautiful fabric. I've also been working out of a new space in the city which has been really fun and inspirational. More on that soon!

This picture is taken on my family's farm, where on a wonderful windy summer day, the kids decided to go fly a kite in the field...

July, baby!

2009-07-12T21:29:00.022-04:00

July, thus far, has been an exciting month with lots of fun day trips and adventures.While still working on some new exciting projects (I mean work, not crafting) I have been having a great month. My collection of images includes: little mouse's latest art projects, a few nods to my birthday gifts (the La Mer cream is not a gift rather a daily regimen as I get older), a new sewing foot (blind hem!), and my July '09 reading list.

Craft wise, I've bought some gorgeous material and a dress pattern from Oliver + S (both from the workroom) and I'm hoping that will be in my next post! What's on your July hit list?

I'm getting excited

2009-07-08T07:23:00.011-04:00

15 days until moi + 3 great friends (see pic!) head to the northwesternly tip of Algonquin to do a little back country camping. Did I mention that I'm really excited?

Shopping Tote

2009-07-05T17:33:00.004-04:00

Made in 30 minutes (lining is same fabric) as a gift for my friends Amanda and Stephanie, here visiting from Germany. Fabric is more from the discounted stuff in my stash bought at Ikea.

Black and white and 30 all over..

2009-06-30T22:28:00.006-04:00

Yes! The year of my friends becoming 30-somethings continues and so does the sewing. Currently working on Amy Butler's 'Birdie Sling' pattern for the lovely Patrizia who turned 30 yesterday - she will be receiving her gift Thursday night when we have our annual birthday dinner, happening this year at Nota Bene. The fabric is some great heavy-weight cotton in geometric prints (Patrizia wears a ton of black) from Ikea and my snail-like pace is due to my schedule (hectic at the moment). I followed the pattern with a few mods - I did not use any interfacing as the cotton I chose was nice and heavy, and I omitted the gussets on the corners of the bag largely because I was not entirely sure how to do them. (Help is welcome if you know how...) I love the size (keep in mind I'm a giant and this bag seems large with my proportions), the pleats, as well as the two great pockets inside (lining is same as handle/band fabric).

Do check back in for a picture of the birthday girl with her bag! (These are temporary pics until I can get one with some natural light.)

It's that time of year...

2009-06-21T21:25:00.004-04:00

The time of year when school ends and camp starts! This year, my little camper will be attending both tennis and art camp. To send her off in style, I made her a new tote! For the fabric I headed off to Ikea (I live blissfully close) and found some great heavy weight cotton on sale for $1.49 per meter - it doesn't get any less expensive than that. I used the following pattern as inspiration and it was quick and easy. I may use the remaining fabric as well as some other great sale fabric I purchased for my stash to make some shopping bags to keep in the car. I like that the fabric is washable and bright.

It is also the time of year when my favorite flower is in bloom. Here are some peonies that I have sitting in a vase in my bedroom; the color is lush and saturated with pigment. Ah-mazing.

Teacher gift

2009-06-14T14:08:00.008-04:00

The 'Buttercup' bag (pattern here) for Rebekah, little mouse's very gifted Suzuki violin teacher. Now off to the year end recital!

Starry Night

2009-06-14T08:45:00.005-04:00

As the school year draws to a close, I am reminded that little mouse got to learn about some great artists this year: Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Mondrian.. the list goes on. Here she is (looking way older than her years) with her good friend in the Starry Night Muskoka Chair created by the students in her class (all six of them) and auctioned off last Friday night. I can't officially tell you to whom the chair went but can say that I do know a father who will be pretty pleased come next Sunday! :)

Eyelet stuffy skirt

2009-06-13T16:59:00.006-04:00

One designer (mini tyrant boss), one skirt/dress, one sewer (moi, the obliging mama) worn by three different stuffies. My first attempt at making a ruffle on anything - and it worked! The broadcloth was on sale for $2.50/m and the eyelet for $0.65/m. What fun! The mini tyrant is just dying to add more embellishments and has her eye on some hot pink tulle. Eeeps..

High Park Fun

2009-06-12T16:44:00.004-04:00

Last Friday I took a much needed day off and headed out to High Park with little mouse and her classmates. We first went to the nature center (the kids have visited once each season) and then headed out to the savannah to plant tall grasses before picnicking. It was a wonderful day outside and the kids were all sweet and very well behaved. They are a wonderful group of socially conscious munchkins who I'm sure will be excellent custodians of our planet!

Blossoms

2009-06-03T19:07:00.002-04:00

In gardens all over the neighbourhood there are lovely blossoms. Here, we have planted some lovely pale pink begonias which make me smile each and every day.

R is for Rhubarb

2009-05-30T20:22:00.005-04:00

Yummm, rhubarb is in season. A lovely friend of mine just happened to bring me some from his farm and this is what I made: one strawberry/rhubarb pie and some rhubarb compote.

K is for Kaitlyn

2009-05-23T14:31:00.004-04:00

Big sister to Lily.. This was sent along with the blanket below (made for Lily). Pattern is non existent as I made it up!

OH Canada!

2009-05-22T20:33:00.008-04:00

I don't often take to the blog to write about work.. I am a real estate development consultant and while I am passionate about my job I'm not one to go on and on about it. One of the perks of my job is that I get invited to some fun art events hosted by Sotheby's. Last night I attended a preview party sponsored by the real estate arm of the brand for the Important Canadian Art Auction (held twice annually).

Did I mention there was champagne?

The gallery space was divided between the traditional art and the m

odern. Here are a few of my f

avorites: Lot 114, Harold Barling Town 'Viking', Lot 128 Takao Tanabe 'Inside Passage: Mor

ning, Grenville Channel', Lot 137, A. Y. Jackson 'Sunset, Algoma' and Lot 50, Harold Barling Town 'Stretch'. In

terested? You can check out the catalogue here and trek down to King St. E. and attend the auction on 5/25.

30 candles on a deep 'n delicious cake!

2009-05-18T21:00:00.004-04:00

Today my friend Sue turns 30... And before the fireworks start tonight we had a bbq to celebrate this grand occasion. She is heading off to Italy in a week or so and I'm so pleased she'll be taking her homemade birthday gift along with her! Cheers Sue, hope this next year brings good health, happiness and lots of adventure!

Hell-loooo good lookin'

2009-05-17T21:58:00.007-04:00

There are a few things I like to collect.

Shoes (needs to just be a stand alone sentence).

Then there are my favorite magazines - I keep all of my issues of both Vogue and National Geographic. I am also partial to the LCBO's Food & Drink mag for the recipes and have been known to also pick up issues of InStyle, Martha Stewart LIVING and Real Simple.

I have quite a stash of yarn. And yes, now fabric (growing).

But here's the thing - there is nothing better than a book! I love love love love love books. I like how they feel, how they smell and obviously, I love to read them. I was pretty tickled when I picked up my last book, a really arty cover on To Kill a Mockingbird (it's on this blog somewhere).. However yesterday, when spending quality book time with my girl at the local Chapters (hello independent bookstores, you must open earlier and have a comfy seat to keep the mommies coming in with their tots), I came across the most amazing display of Penguin Fine Books - in hardcover no less - designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. It took all of my self-restraint to not buy them all. (And I would never read Madame Bovary in English anyway.) They are reasonably priced. They are a necessity. A must. I covet them!! I quickly settled on Sense and Sensibility (save it all of you who don't like Jane Austen) as the little mouse was becoming impatient. So lovely.

I will now stop drooling and commence reading.

Whoa mama!

2009-05-10T19:56:00.006-04:00

It's Mother's Day! The day where I feel blessed to be both a daughter and a mother. After a scrumptious three-generation breakfast I had a great day. Little mouse made me a flower pot and card, so we headed out to buy some seeds and did a little planting. Mr. Mouse generously gifted me with Coldplay tickets. Ahem. *Floor seats*.

As my mother thoroughly wouldn't appreciate her picture appearing on this blog, I've instead posted one of the munchkin and myself. God Bless all the mothers out there and the wonderful work they do each and every day.

Apron

2009-05-07T21:23:00.004-04:00

Here is the first pic of my finished apron.. Although I've made a few mistakes on this project it is done in time for Tina and I promise to have a better pic when daylight returns!

Oh to make an apron

2009-05-03T16:49:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I took time out of a longish day to buy some fabric from which I'm going to make my first apron. The pattern is from Amy Butler's fun book 'In Stitches' and most of the fabrics shown are also Amy Butler.

Usually, procrastination or inertia sets in whenever I embark on a new project, however right now I'm just plain busy with work and home life to start. So enough excuses, time to find a cup of tea and sew!

Baby Love

2009-04-28T21:38:00.007-04:00

After a late night of sewing (ahem that would mean past 10pm) I finally started Lily's baby blanket. This evening after getting the munchkin to bed I finished it! And, while I'm not totally sure it couldn't be better, it does have a wicked homemade feel and the flannel is super soft. For directions check out the smarties at purlbee here. (Note that the picture of all the pins is the 'in progress' pic.. and yep, that's a lot of pins!!) Now to whip up something quick and cute for Lily's big sister Kaitlyn and head to the post office. :)

Spring blooms here!

2009-04-26T21:38:00.006-04:00

Finally Spring seems to be happening in Toronto. Yes, we've had hot weather and rain but the trees are still struggling and at times it has seemed if Spring will never come. So... to welcome the warm weather, I snapped a few blooms from my garden and one of a recently finished pair of mittens that hopefully won't resurface until the Fall!

A new baby...

2009-04-17T20:11:00.005-04:00

This morning I learned that my friend Merilee and her husband Phil had welcomed a sweet bundle of joy to their family, baby Lily. Mer and her family no longer live nearby (several provinces over in fact). In lieu of sending a gift, I thought I'd whip up something for the new baby and her big sister Kaitlyn. Little mouse and I headed to Fabricland this afternoon and picked up some wonderfully soft flannel. Now to peruse the books and favorite websites (www.purlbee.com has a gorgeous simple 'blankie') for a quick project to send asap. Wish me luck! (Did I mention that work is crazy? Or that I have a charity gala I'm helping organize this weekend? Or that I probably should do some gardening?)

Gray.. hooray!

2009-04-11T10:15:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I headed across the lake shopping with my mom and bought a lovely spring dress (Banana Republic dress sale) and a pair of Coach wedges (Lord and Taylor shoe sale). I really like wearing dresses. They look pretty and feminine and require almost no thought when rushing around in the morning getting dressed. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that my fashion sensibility is very in line with my home décor. Maybe it's just the lighting? Oh well.. Gray is such a great neutral!

What's in your book bag?

2009-04-07T19:20:00.004-04:00

Whilst little mouse had her group Suzuki violin lesson this evening, I wandered along Bloor Street to the Book Mark. After browsing through there quaint and thoughtful selection I walked out with three classics: for little mouse, Matilda by Roald Dahl with the whimsical Quentin Blake illustrations, for me, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and a new classic by an imaginative québécoise writer, Mélanie Watt... Scaredy Squirrel ! I also admit to having practiced the quilt binding last night and should cut, press and assemble the fabric tonight amidst other domestic endeavours (hello laundry, no I have not forgotten you).

Going to the Book Mark always makes me wish I was independently wealthy and could have my very own huge library. It also has me to wondering what's on your reading list this week?

Oh to be 7...

2009-04-05T22:45:00.007-04:00

Oh to be 7 again and wake up at 6.45 yelling "it's my birthday! i'm 7!"... A few pics of the sweet, tall girl on her special day. She was most pleased with her Magic Treehouse books (all 30 of them), her Barbie Diamond castle and of course her quilt. She even said a big thank you that was heartfelt and sincere after cake was served. And, speaking of cake, the little monster blissfully wanted an ice cream cake (chocolate, natch) which meant a little less baking for this mama.

... done!

2009-04-04T15:18:00.005-04:00

I am elated to share a peak at the finished quilt (binding yet to come) before the birthday girl herself gets to see it. I am so pleased to have it finished on time and in such a short time - one week. A big thank you to those who helped from Mac Fab and the Quilter's Palette, to the numerous blogs I referenced (see blogs I read) and to those who thoughtfully gave their encouragement and love.

Birthday Brownies

2009-04-03T18:28:00.003-04:00

For her little class of six, a little tray of brownies quickly decorated and photographed before school today ;)

The top is done!

2009-04-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Tee hee!!! Sometime around 10pm I finished the top of the quilt I'm making. It looks strikingly similar to pics below it, I know I know. I'm absurdly proud of the fact that the squares are straightish and happy that it means I get to head to Mac Fab tomorrow and pic out fabric for the back and the binding.

New project.

2009-03-30T07:57:00.000-04:00

Little mouse will turn seven next Sunday, eeps! Lots of thought has gone into what to get her for her birthday and I've decided to make her a quilt. I've never made a quilt before and am not sure exactly how to do it, but the learning curve is fun and I can't wait for her to have something that will be an heirloom. After much cutting and sewing I finally have my 144 quilt squares laid out and ready to sew (they are in pairs already). More pictures to come when I'm not rushing off to work (as I am this morning). I'm not decided if I'm going to put sashing around the squares and am open to any all critiques and suggestions. Wish me luck!

Doll patchwork blanket

2009-03-28T20:47:00.001-04:00

A quick little project done completely by little Mouse (I fed the cloth into the sewing machine). She is so pleased with herself. I'm beaming...

Homemade Headboard

2009-03-26T22:54:00.002-04:00

It's done! I have finally completed my homemade headboard. Materials used were two sheets of 4' x 8' 3/8" thick plywood (one sheet cut into 8 squares), some very low maintenance ultra suede, quilting batting, my trust staple gun and a bunch of 1" nails. I have yet to be home in daylight to take a decent picture, so this will have to make do for now! I hope to shop this weekend for some lovely fabric to sew a duvet cover, aka my ambitious new sewer sewing project.

Shalom is done!

2009-03-22T14:24:00.002-04:00

Shalom, my perfect spring cardigan is done! (All of the details are on Ravelry.) I am super pleased with this project and loving how I think this little number will go well with jeans and a pair of Club Monaco light gray wool pants that I have. I may even wear it to the the office tomorrow! Oh la la...

Shalom Cardigan

2009-03-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

I have been steadily working on a new project, the 'Shalom Cardigan'.. Here is a little sneak peek! I'm quite taken by the wool, the pattern and of course the process. Hopefully I've estimated the yardage right. Soon time to start looking for a wooden button. Next post will have the finished product. (Fingers crossed!)

Art Camp

2009-03-19T18:19:00.001-04:00

It's March Break here and one very lucky little mouse has been busy at work taking a morning and afternoon session at ArtWorks art camp. Her afternoon session is focused on cubism and Picasso (all very advanced for 6-year olds, oh my!). I'm quite enamored with her pastel creation, but then again I am quite biased...

Vacation..

2009-03-01T20:11:00.002-05:00

Back in the cold after a lovely sojourn. Crafting was limited but little (big) H did get to some pottery painting as well as some shell collecting!

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

The blog is back after a brief hiatus punctuated by a lack of a camera. A special girl spent today doing ballet and off with her grandmother to get her nails painted at the salon (oh my!). Do note the hearts and the hot pink co-ordinating that's going on.

For baby Penelope

2009-01-05T17:38:00.001-05:00

Over the month of December I had the chance to work on my very first baby sweater.. And, to my surprise I not only completed it but I kinda like it! The pattern is from Debbie Bliss and the wool is Filatura di Crosa Zara Plus, 100% Merino. Now all I need is her mum and dad to send me a pic of her wearing it and I'll be thrilled...

Winter fun

2008-12-31T10:42:00.000-05:00

So very behind on updating this blog.. What with a vacation South, a pesky cough and few days off before Christmas my usual crafty season didn't happen. I did make some cookies with the wee one and some homemade tree decorations!

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

2008-11-17T20:41:00.001-05:00

With the cold weather comes cold fingers! Fresh off of the knitting needles are a pair of mittens for my girl (who's hands are growing)! I used the 'Warmest Mittens' pattern by Kris Percival knit up using Magic Garden Buttons, color chosen by my girl!

Cupcakes!!

2008-11-04T21:31:00.002-05:00

Today Mr. City Mouse turned 30something. To celebrate, mini mouse and I made 30-something cupcakes (lemon) with cream cheese icing and topped with a white chocolate wafer and some silver beads. Winning reviews all around although I admit to tasting nothing with this pesky cold I have! PS, not to get super political but GO OBAMA! (Blue cupcakes y'all!)

The camera, she breaks

2008-11-01T19:06:00.000-04:00

A spooky night for all goblins and ghouls, we were blessed with balmy weather. After leaving the office early I made it home in time to get my little black cat dressed and to put on my witches hat. As we scurried out the door the only downer last evening was my digital camera acting up.. Thank goodness for grandma's camera!

Hallowe'en is upon us...

2008-10-30T21:51:00.001-04:00

And tonight was the chosen eve for pumpkin carving.. The extra spooky one was achieved with a drill bit and a hot glue gun. Thankfully even though this was a time-consuming adventure Lulu finished her violin practice and her homework. This pumpkin was a little more special than the other two in the background as it was picked right from the pumpkin patch on Thanksgiving and has a very gnarly and long peduncle!

A warm hat for Tyler

2008-10-30T07:12:00.001-04:00

This is the first time I knit this hat and I have to say not only was it easy but a lot of fun! The little cables are the perfect accent and it decreases well at the top. I used Zara Plus (to give it some weight) from Filatura Di Crosa. This is buttery soft lovely merino that is machine washable, which will make Tyler's mum Kelly very happy once he gets it dirty! The pattern in both baby and adult sizes is available on a lovely Australian blog ici (that's here in French!).. It knits up in no time and I will be making a few of these for Christmas gifts.

Tasty Apples for Trick-or-Treat

2008-10-27T20:45:00.001-04:00

One night before bed, I had my little munchkin help make some very yummy caramel apples. We used Golden Delicious and Mitsu apples, peeled small caramels and melted them with two tablespoons of milk. After placing them on some parchment paper sprayed with 'Pam' we melted some Decadent chocolate chips and drizzled the chocolate over the apples to make cobwebs!

For little toes..

2008-10-27T12:29:00.001-04:00

I finished these little booties just last night for baby Caterina. I used Rowan 4-Ply Soft which is 100% merino wool and got the pattern here. As it was my first time using this pattern it took me a little longer than expected and I will make them again despite my poor seaming abilities...