A Lucky Baby Bunny

Our dear friends had been trying for a baby and when they came to visit the baby bunny at only 10 days old - my friend held her and said 'perhaps you will be my good luck charm'. And her baby magic dust must have been powerful ... this weekend was their baby shower.

Baby Ella is due in December and I'm so thrilled for them and utterly thrilled that my baby bunny was their lucky charm. I inquired about a little pressie and a Rachael Rabbit play mat/picnic mat was requested.

I don't often say this (so it must be true) but my photos do not really do this justice. I haven't really done any sewing pieces since the baby bunny arrived. And this is almost flawless - I was quite pleased with it. I used House Collection fabric ...... I hand tied the quilt with tiny little crosses, it has a double layer of batting - so it is extra soft for Baby Ella's tummy time ...... I used beautiful velvet ric-rac given to me by Anne of Bunny Hill Designs, ...... the gift bag has felt letters ironed to it using that super sticky stuff.I think (hope) the mummy-to-be was pleased with it too.

Smashing Pottery

When I first moved to New York (before I rekindled/found my love of sewing and knitting) I took some pottery classes. I love throwing pots but I do find it incredibly hard. I had some success with the wheel - but when it came to glazing - oh my - I was a disaster. Out of all the pots I made I have kept a grand total of 3 ...... and I gave away one of those ... a money box that I lovingly made for my nephew ...... hours of work, careful glazing ... hand painted with gold and black enamel paint ... each little bee made from beads and wire ...
... just look at the cheeky smile! Apparently it was full and would hold no more change.You'll be happy to know that he saved nearly $30 in the honey pot. He spent $8 on a new toy and put the remaining money in his savings account for "college" or "a car".

NOTE: Pot has been lovingly glued back together for the next saving spree ... and I suspect another hammering!

Huge Knitting

I love discovering new artists. Today Baby Bunny and I took a field trip and went to the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum (free admission to celebrate National Design Week - woo hoo!) ... and we discovered Christien Meindertsma ...
huge knitting ... on huge needles ... AND she loves cables (huge ones of course!) ...
... huge fan.

Knitting Again

I had forgotten how calm and serene the world becomes when I knit.

I have been designing cable hats and I've been rather obsessed with making pretty patterns on the crown of the hats.
I just love knitting cables.I hope to post the patterns on my Ravelry page soon.

A little bunny update. She is now starting solids ... she loves peas, pears, prunes but she doesn't like peaches ... she grabs the spoon and swallows with great gusto ... it is awfully cute and terribly terribly messy ;-)

You Are Never to Young to Paint

Learning to paint ...What master pieces the baby bunny has made ...Once trimmed and signed they make the most adorable cards. We are SO proud of her first crafting project I'm not sure if we will ever be able to use the cards!!

AND I've found time to start knitting again ... I've forgotten just how much I love to knit.

Sewing Calendar

I was so pleased to receive my copy of the 2010 Sewing Calendar edited by Megan Smith and published by Accord. I was even more excited to see the Rachael Rabbit Simple Hot Water Bottle Cover featured on the inside cover ...... and our 3 little sewing projects in February, July & October.There are many wonderful crafters in the calendar - I was really honored to be asked to be a part of it.

I seriously don't know where the time is going. I want to sew/knit more - but I find all my time taken up by the little bunny. She is SO adorable and I'm ever so proud of her. I can't help but wonder when and if I'll ever have time for crafting again ... I know I will ... I have to be patient and enjoy every minute with her ... time is going by so quickly. Here she is sporting her first pair of trousers!

Tutorial: Simple Baby Beach/Bath Towel

Here is a super easy tutorial for recycling that old 'odd-one-out' towel that you may have hanging around in the airing cupboard. This took me one baby nap to make ... so it is a really quick and easy project.

Simple Baby Beach/Bath Towel Set
You will need:
- 1 clean old towel
- bias tape
- cotton for sewing

1) Take your old towel and using this diagram as a guide cut a square and a small triangle (hood)
2) Sew your bias tape to the outer edge of the hood
3) Pin the hood to one corner of your square and sew in place
4) Sew your bias tape around the entire square

NOTE: You can use the remaining toweling material to make a matching flannel ... ...or a friendly bath buddy ...