Tree Hugger

I'm doing a woodland themed nursery. So I've been making simple projects suitable for her, in woodland fabrics I find charming. This is the "Snuggler" from this book, which I highly recommend, especially if your sewing skills are limited. Each project is so simple and quick! I've also made these from a pattern in it.

I've heard great things about these burrito-style wraps for babies, especially this one, which I've put on my registry just in case it's better. I do hope she likes being wrapped in this log, though. Perhaps with a knitted gnome cap on her head? Oh, the costumes my daughter is in for...

The Snuggler is made of cotton, of course, and lined with a super soft mushroom knit fabric I ordered from Purl.

Speaking of woodland, can we talk about these clothes from Dutch children's company Oilily?


Dreamy....that's all I can say.

Hide and Seek

Nothing kinky going on here, my friends, just some small sewing projects to share with you this week. For Valentine's Day I made Mr. Jones some eye masks. Sleep alludes our household, and Mr. Jones has been known to resurrect a dusty old eye mask from a flight he took 3 years ago to block the weekend morning sun.

So I cut a quick template, got out my scrap stash and 13 inches of elastic for each mask, and whipped these up in about an hour. They've been used often since last week.

Also could be nice for a girly spa day gift, or scented with lavender for relaxation, or made for a child's birthday with some 'pin the tail on the..' action. We're not too fancy 'round my house, however. At times, we just like to keep it dark.

Valentine's Blimp

Only 7 weeks to go (well, a bit more, and then she might be late) on the maternity front, and I believe I've finished up sewing from my vintage maternity patterns. This last dress, made of gorgeous red wool from Fabric Depot, is for Valentine's Day (Mr. Jones: "Why, wha? What's happening for Valentine's Day?" I shrug.)

This is the pattern. On it, written in pen, is the date 2/15/71. Almost Valentine's Day itself! I love all the variations, especially the puff sleeve, and the necktie.

On a rare sunny day in Portland, Mr. Jones and I took a walk with the camera, only to get locked out of our house. So I posed in the streets on the way to the landlord's house to get a spare key. How funny he thought it was to have me pose by the graffiti "blimp" in my current state! Ok, it's a lil' bit funny...

And in front of the neighborhood firehouse...if only it was Engine 14!

I'm not sure what we'll do for heart day, but I'm planning to make some special treats. I haven't baked anything in what feels like years.

Whatever we do, it's crazy to think this will be our last Valentine's Day alone, before a little one joins us in April!

Baby Pattern, with History

This past Christmas I got an interesting gift from my Mother-in-Law's best friend Judy. Judy does not knit, but knows that I do. Judy's mum was also a keen knitter. So she gifted me a xerox copied pattern, 2 balls of corresponding yarn, and this card:

The note inside reads: "Dear Holly, My mum has made this coat so many times. I thought you might like to make it for your baby girl. It must be 40 years old, the pattern." So I made it!

It's a lace picot matinee coat by Patons UK (Ravelry details here). Turns out Judy's mum made one for almost every member of her own family, as well as every new member of Mr. Jones' family, including my husband, Mr. Jones!

I can't decide whether to add three buttons at the top with a crochet closure, but I have some sweet ones standing by should I decide to, later.

Let me tell you, in working the intricate lace yolk I realized that Judy's mum was a pretty savvy knitter (I was, at times, screaming with frustration while also learning new British to American knitting terms: "yfwd yrn" anyone?). In the process, I have fallen in love with picot edges. So simple and gorgeous!

I love this sweater, and I love the history of the pattern, passed on to a future generation, from Birmingham, England to Portland, Oregon. Thanks so much, Judy!