The Story of the Bodhi Tree

Completed

All wrapped up and on to the next one. I enjoyed putting the finnishing touches together. I was going to go with some of my red and white matroyshka fabric, but I am happy that I chose the dancers instead. I wish that I could try it on a little one (I considered it today when we went to the park but there were only older ones!). I feel torn as to whether I should keep it or give it away as a baby gift.

Strange occurence

We had a interesting and full day today. Bodhi locked himself into a bedroom at my mums place. He was in there for two hours. He was such a trooper! I sat on the other side of the door reading and singing, and feeling quite calm all the while. I suppose it was because Bodhi handled himself so well. It was unbelievable to get someone to come and get the door opened. Infact, we called many a locksmith before finally one agreed to come.

We continued our day with a play at the park with friends and and yummy meal at Go Fish.

Oh, and to my delight, another package arrived in the mail. I feel spoiled really. And ready to create with all this goodness.

Saving Grace

I have been knitting away at the wrap cardigan from 6.5 stitches, and slowly the yarn that I had chose was being used up. I had used a ball of fleece artist yarn from 2 years ago, and I started to have visions of frogging the whole damn thing! This weekend I made the trek to Main St. while Bodhi was napping, praying that they would still have a skein of the SAME dyelot! Fat chance, I know, but to my delight there it was as soon as I walked into the shop! I picked it up with a smile on my face and then... I bought some other yarn of course!

I am infact almost finnished the sweater (knitting that is) and then I can choose some yummy fabric. For all of my hard work I *think* that I will save this one for myself (wink).

This is the other delicious yarn I picked up for the next sweater that I am going to try to make for Bodhi (unless it turns out too girly). It is a 50% Alpaca and 50% Wool blend and it is so soft.

I also managed to pick up more fabric this weekend. How can one help themselves when they are in a quilting store? In truth, I never think that they have amazing fabrics, especially for how they are priced, but you can find some nice things and it is a shop I have been going to my whole life.

A most exciting package arrived today. It might not look like much but I love it. Linen tape. It is so beautiful. Now to do a major brainstorm to find a name for my handmade goods. Maybe I am thinking to hard? Anyhow I got the tape from here. I was unable to find a source in Canada (anyone?) but go figure right?

Fabric stacked

This past weekend I spent hours (literally) ironing my fabrics so that when we move, they will be ready to be placed neatly on the shelf. Is this strange? Probably not. I think it is all part of the process of being able to feel, see and get "reaquainted" with my fabrics.
I am very excited about my new crafting space. It is larger than the one I have now, and I will be able to put a BIG table for cutting and sewing, as well as a record shelf to fill with fabric and wool.

By the way, that stack of fabric is not even a slice of what I have! I am slightly rat-packish when it comes to fabric, wool and wool roving. That's normal right?

Raw edge

This is a smock style dress with a natural light cotton on the inside and a medium cotton on the outside. The inside part is larger and the edges have been left raw. I double stitched around the dress to reinforce because of the possibility of fraying. I enjoyed making this dress, but it was still time consuming despite the idea of raw edging! I will definetely be making more of these as I love the simplicity (lookwise)! This one is for Fredi but of course Bodhi insisted on trying it on.

Piles of handmade goods

Alright, so I found my camera, thank goodness. It was in the bottom of the stroller (I NEVER put it there). We did have Randy's rain jacket + pants stolen out of our car though. It is a major bummer, but such is the way.

Today my sister and I ventured out to Ikea to pick up some things. I mainly went to go and buy some more linen from there, and they have discontinued it!!! I was sad, very sad, but none the less I still purchased some other fabrics. My stash is growing and growing, but at least I have been sewing steadily these days.

I have been sewing with different materials lately, and of course combining fabrics (cotton, linen, prints, wool, cashmere + cordaroy) and doing patchwork. I feel as though my ideas and creations are all over the place. Some are simple, some are busy, and some are fun. I guess it all reflects myself and how I have always been, depending on how I am feeling in the moment! I know that in terms of design and product I would always choose classic/simple. However, I don't think that much of my creations reflect that side of me... only sometimes.

Here are some glimpses of the baby blankets/play mats. They are a combo of fabrics backed with natural flannel. With the next batch I am planning on incorporating some embroidery and stenciling:

Skirts + tops + apron dresses:

Anyone for tennis?

Bodhi's new favorite sport - it is always changing!

Here is an action shot:

Just chilling:

Fabric from Ikea:

New hat made out of a silk/cotton blend. It was originally going to be for Mr. B but I think it is going in the "to sell" pile:

And some MAJOR fabric love: