Fly&Nest

Happy Chocolate Holiday

2012-02-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

I've never been one to go goo-goo for Valentine's Day.

However,

these days with 3 preschool kids in the house

Any chance to go on a date is

AWESOME!!!

You may

(or more likely may not)

have noticed a serious lack
of craftiness over here.

I am in the bottom of a sleepy valley.

The kind of sleepy valley where you are woken every 20 minutes.

So easy is what I need.

(Whatcha talkin' bout Willis?)

(Non sequitur)

So, what could be easier to make?

This is likely to be a big hit for the girlie girl.

Who is tragically deprived of a sea of pink.

The heart headband.

Hearts, pink, and an accessory?

Why it also has the power to hypnotize

(just not at night)

Someone may pee themselves with happiness.

For clarity's sake,

that person will not be me.

More likely the 5 year old.

I feel almost sure.

Hey what's that cute baby doing there?!!

Oh right, keeping me awake.

Cheeky Monkey!!!

Bang bang baby

2012-02-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

My baby likes to rock.

She also likes to roll.

But mostly,

she likes to be carried around.

There's a lot to see out there,

after all.

Every once in a while I need to put that baby down.

(bad baby...no, no I mean literally)

The spine needs to unfurl.

So I made her a little station,

with this great tutorial from the Paisley Cupcake.

The kind to hang toys from.

The kind that has a little surprise door with ribbons.

The kind where she can kick

and rock and work on the roll.

And go bang, bang and bat bat

while my kidneys say small prayers for their reprieve.

I've crossed over

2012-01-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

There's no denying my trajectory now.

I'm not even a glue gun away

from crossing over into the depths of Craftopia.

You see:

I've been painting for a few years.

And then with the birth of this blog I started sewing.

Then there was the knitting,

and crocheting,

there may even have been some felting.

But really, you're nothing, certainly not craftastic

unless...

you

modgepodge.

And so,

after tripping over cell phone cables

and baby monitor same,

and with this great idea from Make It & Love It

I remove tongue from cheek,

while eating my words.

Kids R Nuts

2012-01-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

At least mine are.

Don't get me wrong,

I like them that way.

Some of my favorite people are nuts.

Nope, all of my favorite people are crackers.

Pu has a scarf and was moaning that it didn't keep her cheeks warm.

I made her a cowl and by request it was really,

much

much more like a neck brace.

She really couldn't move much,

and liked it that way.

Then she started moaning and I said Pu...

"we can unbutton one of those bad boys and you could breathe."

Nooooooo!!!!

And off she went in her neck brace,

and warm cheeks.

Oh Baby, What Do You See?

2012-01-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

We have a screamer.

And not in a sexy way.

When Yu is being held, she is the most adorable,

charming,

sanguine

doodle.

When she's not...

Mad Cow.

Especially in the C-A-R.

(I spell it for safety's sake)

Your safety, mine...the safety of the universe.

I know in my intellectual brain,

(what little is left and has not been eaten by child zombies)

that while my baby is doing everything in her little baby way to convince me she is be flayed alive, garroted and prison shived simultaneosly,

she is in fact communicating her profound distaste with her car seat and the car.

Long ago I bought this travel matt from a company called Raisin' Baby.

Now all but one piece is missing.

Probably in the dogs intestines.

So I made some new patches.

It's a little hanger that you can put on the back of the seat that

your back-facing-child-hostage stares at.

I made some different little squares to swap in and out.

So just before my baby has plotted her own end between loud

LOUD

loud screams,

she instead thinks in her baby brain

"Oooh owl.

Reason to live!!"

Or maybe: "pretty flower will scream less, suck fist and think of meadows instead of killing mommy"

One can only dream the big dreams.

A little tribute to Chinese New Year

2012-01-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

At Pu's preschool they celebrated

Chinese New Year.

Dressed head to toe,

red, red everywhere.

Pu 'needed' a little celebratory bobble.

Happy year of the Dragon!

Ahoy Mates.

2012-01-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the radio silence

faithful readers.

I've been single parenting for the past weekish

and the only stitching I've been game for

is stitching back my dignity and spirit with a giant piece of pie

and a serial killer TV show.

Phew.

I like my sweetie.

I like him especially at the 2 year old's bedtime :)

And now for further crafty news.

Santa came and left me with a...

Serger.

Gulp.

Thank you Santa!

I hope Santa will also contribute to the therapy

fund required to support learning to use one of these bad boys.

Rather than swearing loudly

while making countless mistakes

on strips of garbage fabric,

I decided to swear loudly while edging flowers.

On sparkly linen.

Threading and changing thread on this machine,

is just as terrifying and daunting as reported.

Total madness without the video.

And even with...

did I mention the swearing?!?

Then I got bold.

And changed things.

Magical buttony, needly, thready things.

And I tried a rolled hem.

(centre petals).

Super cute,

but it does involve extra swearing and watching instructional videos

over

and over,

did I mention over?

In other anal retentive bulletins:

to make way for my new frenemy El Serge (r)

I found a new and better home for my ribbon stash.

Tucked away.

Off to eat pie and watch Dexter.

(Wait, The Sweetie is back, what's my excuse now?)

Sewing Flops Abound!

2012-01-08T23:00:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by this dress over the holidays from No Big Dill

(Katy's stuff is so lovely)

I thought to myself,

I could try a circle skirt.

All the cool kids say it's easy.

So I followed this tutorial from MADE.

And, clearly I can't do math.

Even when someone else does the math.

MY version of the circle skirt looked like I was hiding a bus underneath it.

Even though the white version was so excellent on her,

surely.

When I wear white, people stop me and try and

defibrillate me.

That's not very festive.

And so I scrapped it.

Then I made this little doodle.

And then...I slit the zipper with a seam ripper.

Dagnabbit!!!

I tried to use some 'stitch witchery'

but it just made my bitchery,

so I guess I have to replace the zipper.

On Organza.

Oh craptastic!!!!

Magic incantations or hot tips welcome.

A New Crafty Year Begins

2012-01-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Another little skirt to add to the uniform

And I was forced to add some tulle

to the tattered flower skirt.

Static cling was ruling my shimmy.

More accurately,

I was at risk of mooning

the Postie on my walk baby & dog

early morning march.

I think the tattered flowers are too tattered.

Will recreate a new version with a little less

rip and tear.

I've been on a little sewing tear...

2011-12-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

I can't stop making stuff.

Last night it was skirts.

Poppies for the tallest of the shorties.

So simple, so festive.

For me it was tattered flowers

on good old canvas.

I've decided my mom uniform is all

about the skirt these days.

Pockets to be added later.

This is the other part of my uniform.

Baby?

Check.

Crazy arm warmers?

Check.

Shawl/ Cowl/ Funky nursing hideout?

Check.

Bathroom photography

complete with empty toilet roll?

Ah check check.

Then there is skirt-tastic.

This is my favorite so far

but I haven't tried it on the girly whirl yet,

so I will leave you with some mystery photos.

Is it an Xmas gift or just a skirt?

In the spirit of keeping it simple

I'm not into a huge pile of

presents under the tree for the little ones.

So maybe, this will just be a Dec skirt.

In which case, photos to follow.

Happy Ho Ho

A little gifting.

2011-12-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

A wee bit of handmade for the holidays.

Stuffed animal blankets & sleeping bags

IPhone cases/ wallets

and snugly baby blankets.

Phew.

I also mailed off the package for

Lynne, winner of the SMS giveaway.

Exhale.

It's beginning to look like Xmas!!!

2011-12-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Rudolph came to visit.

Lights are a-glow.

Letters to Santa have been written

& received

(Thank YOU Canada Post)

Family here, and sadly gone.

Cheer in all shapes and sizes.

Including the less traditional

jellyfish cheer.

From a place of crafty appreciation,

these jellyfish origami lights

R-O-C-K

Nice moves Aquarium.

Back on dry land...

Something wool on the hook.

Fast and friendly.

Quick and dirty.

Another shrug/ cowl/ neck warmer

wrap-y thing.

Modelled here by the lovely Futchie

and her cutie mini.

It's cozy time.

Let's snuggle people.

From Me He-He

2011-12-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

A simple A-line skirt

I actually used a skirt I have to copy the pattern.

And I did it really quickly, and cheated...

But here's the thing...

IT WORKED!!

This is the back,

or side, it works all those ways.

And a little boiled wool pocket

with lots of buttons.

It makes me grin.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the SMS giveaway to

win cool handmade stuff

and visit some new crafty kids.

And, you can enter my giveaway here

The Sentimental Sparkle Skirt

2011-12-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

Lately if I get any sewing done

it has to be quick and dirty.

No measure twice, cut once over in these parts.

We've had an event over here that needed a sparkle skirt.

Here in bedlum big things have been happening.

Monuments have been built.

(mostly out of playdough)

Bench marks have been notched.

(the Dog took the blame)

And Pu has lost her first tooth.

I'm feeling very sentimental about the whole thing really.

I feel like being a parent is all about movement and change.

The velocity of it all makes me spin.

Mostly in sparkly skirts.

Already I'm aware how fast the blur is going.

And some days I need a reminder of the sparkle in the moment

because,

soon that moment is gone and another one

is racing towards us.

I know life will be full of moments of love, action, achievement

and challenge.

Chaos and rapture.

Divinity and Disco.

At least I hope so.

This marker.

This first lost tooth.

It's the first definitive sign of growing up.

There will be more.

Some fancier. Some involving diploma's or parties.

But this one little baby tooth.

It has chomped a giant bite out of my heart.

Giveaway Day is Coming this Monday

2011-12-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The Giveaway is now closed.
Thanks for playing!

Congrats to Lynne who's mustache heckle won the day!

Every once in a while

Sew Mama Sew hosts a giveaway.

My offering this round is one of two things.

Choice #1: A jersey spiral scarf from the

Anne Kata design.

It works as a hair band or belt, is soft and a lovely accessory to

jazz up an outfit.

Pick plum, grey or robin's egg blue.

It works on kids

Or kids at heart.

Or, pick Choice #2.

A re purposed burlap and canvas fabric basket.

It's reversible.

Use it as a wee hand bag or to collect those things that need collecting.

Come back to visit on Monday Dec 12th and leave a comment

telling me

the best thing you've ever heard a kid say.

I'll pick the one I like the best :)

I'll ship internationally.

Then go check out all the other great giveaways via

Sew, Mama, Sew

If you like what you see
new followers are always welcome.

Our Lynne said the following
as she suffered this indignity from a shorty:

"My son asked me the other night while I was giving him a bath whether he would have a mustache like me some day.

Niiiiiiiiiiiice. :)
Beautiful scarves... Keeping my fingers crossed."

A Quicky I Phone Case

2011-12-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

Not much intrigue in that title.

You'll never guess what I made.

Handy, and a wee bit dandy.

Baby Acid Trip

2011-12-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

We have this awesome IKEA toy.

It hangs over the baby and she/he can stare up at toys

and eventually begin to reach for them.

Considering there is a ring, they might even be

able to swing themselves up and work on a dismount with a flourish.

I guess it all depends on how long they lie there.

Well, my kid quickly got tired of staring at the same old shapes...

...and patterns.

So I made some new ones.

Little Yu is most excellent.

Meanwhile, she doesn't like to be anywhere,

except on my shoulder.

This makes showering tricky.

However, she likes these ever changing visuals.

I can swap them up when she gets bored.

These ones are multi-layered and reversible.

They swing, they dangle and they allow

me a few more minutes of shower.

Oh sweet hot water how my love endures.

In the armpit of chaos

2011-11-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

That is where I dwell these days.

Lately I wear this there.

This photo was taken while bouncing a baby

(see carrier strap).

This is what I do.

I am a perpetual motion machine.

Today this chunky cowl serves to keep out the winter chill.

On other days it serves as a textured neck brace.

Surely with three kids under 4.5 I should have expected

to be whipping my head to-and-fro.

Lately more so.

Silent Auction Frocks

2011-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

We are in a flurry trying to gather auction items

to raise money for our little preschool.

I have tossed out some paintings but I also

(madly)

committed to making 3 dresses to auction off

Dress #1

(front)

(back)

This is a size too big for Pu.

Dress #2

Silver velvet with a corduroy sash.

Again, too big for Pu, but you get the idea...

Dress #3

And then, just because I couldn't

let all the velvet leave the house.

One for Nu.

Getting them both to stand still for a shot???

Haaaaaaa!!!

Check out the camo- socks and the bed head

on the short one.

She is one second away from wrestling the dog,

again.

A Cheater Quilt

2011-11-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm a little in love with purple these days.

I have always been in love with velvet.

The sweetie and I have moved into another room for post kid-bedtime

movie watching.

And, we have been battling over the lone blanket.

Velvet to the rescue.

These photos don't really tell the tale.

What with grey skies and a strap on baby-

my photography skills have surrendered to the ether.

One side is purple velvet and a few squares quilted,

the reverse side is blue velvet.

Who dares to speak against the velvet???!!

Sweet Purple Hooker

2011-11-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

I lost my favorite scarf.

It plagues me so.

In the meantime, I am carrying my wee babe

in a bizarre assortment of contraptions.

Each one far more elaborate than the last.

Each one requiring some sort of new-fangled way to get dressed.

This sweet aubergine scarf/shawl

has got me covered.

No matter what I've got on underneath.

It also keeps my little one under wraps.

Oh, and it matches my new hair :)

Night Night, Sleep Tight

2011-11-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

I totally confess to being unwell.

Predominantly in the head.

In particular, an unbridled, and unchecked love for

stuffed animals.

It started when I was young and impressionable.

I remember laboriously tucking each one in at night.

Eventually, telling each stuffed animal good night became so taxing,

that I began a blanket good night policy.

No favorites allowed.

Democracy. Justice & equality for all!

Exhausting-the politics of stuffed animals!!!

I also remember barely being able to move in my bed:

Fraught that someone stuffed would get squished or fall out before dawn.

Only to wake in the morning with half the legions

cast upon the shag below.

Solution:

The sleep sack for stuffed folk.

My 4.5 year old is very into tucking.

Also, a little OCD about everything in its place.

A little like her mom :)

Mug Rug

2011-11-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Now I get it.

I've been a little confused by the showcasing of

'mug rugs" in the crafting blogland.

Is it a coaster? Is it a rug?

What's the point?

Then, in the making of something big

I found myself with some little

off cuts.

I'm also super out of practice with my

quilting moves,

(which incidentally were not very good to begin with)

So, thaaaats the point.
Practice quilting and stash busting on something little.

The back side.

Good material, no quilting.

You can't tell by these snaps,

but the colours are deep and gorgeous purple.

With some drunken crazy quilting.

And thus,

the mug rug.

Boo to You Too.

2011-10-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

A little seasonal decorating.

Simple bunting, and lots of it.

And a spooooky bat garland that blows with the wind,

and actually looks like flying bats.

Hope you have a scary holiday!

Upcycled sweater pants- the striped version

2011-10-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

I thrifted a wool sweater.

Felted it in the wash and sewed the arms into pants.

Voila!

Why would I knit a pair of pants,

when this took NO time???

Cozy, cute, recycled.

And, excellent for hailing cabs.

Banner, the next generation

2011-10-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest incarnation of the street banner.

The old faithful literally fell apart.

So much for burlap and lace.

This gave me a giggle,

and since it hangs in the street

a giggle is the point.

Here's hoping someone slows down

because of it.

It worked out that the tree silhouettes shine through

at sunset.

Life's little pleasures and magic,

much appreciated.

Poncho Deux

2011-10-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

Another poncho/ wearable baby blanket for Yu,

but eventually for all the girls.

Pu stands still the longest, so is the captive model.

She's also a bit of a ham these days.

I like that she spontaneously made the rocker hands.

She was born to it, like her mother.

Nu doesn't really get why Pu stands by the wall

and makes cheesy faces,

but lately she wants in on the action.

Here she is modelling felt cookies.

These punks are fun.

Update:

A blanket on the go.

Yu is not impressed with her first photo shoot,

but she likes her poncho.

It can also double for a little nursing cover,

or shawl for me. Yeah.

Here and Now.

2011-10-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

I made Pu a little pair of pants today

thanks to Dana's always awesome tutorial.

Lavender cord with purple bias tape trim.

Nu is wearing an old pair of linen pants I made,

but since this is the first time she has stood still in two years

she made the photo shoot too.

It's pretty fun how these two have become

partners in crime.

People with combs unite!

(They are working on a better battle cry)

We brought out the homemade poppies again,

at least for Nu.

Pu has been wearing hers since last November.

A glorious day of rock collecting...

Nefarious chuckles...

Knitting in the golden autumn rays...

...and celebrating a little girl power.

I love a sunny autumn day.

Material Devotion

2011-10-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

I was never a bag person before kids.

I didn't understand the people I knew who bought bag,

after bag, after bag.

Same with shoes.

But now, I must open my bag,

take out my shoe, insert foot,

and eat words.

I am obsessed.

Not just with the perfect bag

(not too big, not too small, not too heavy,

water resistant, good shoulder strap,

all the right pockets & dimensions etc.)

But, I am also obsessed with this material.

I loooooove it!!

This is my first attempt at the bag, and by adding

too many pockets, and not expanding the depth,

it's not quite right.

I adapted the pattern from OCD, but I think I'll try

again and make it a wee bit wider.

So close.

Then I made another diaper clutch for two sizes of diapers.

And another grab bag for a change of clothes.

If I confessed to making a phone case from the same material

would you diagnose me?

Pumpkin power, the kind that wears a cape.

2011-10-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

A little poncho/cape for Yu (modelled by Pu).

Because really, a poncho is just a blanket.

And, why NOT avoid sleeves with wee ones?!

This can apparently be worn by all three sisters.

Though, the oldest one is the only one who can stand still

for a snap.

This gets Yu all cozy and can go over all the car seat

rig-a-ma-roll.

Here's a snap of Pu in her matching purple.

And Yu in a couple of home made blankets.

Of course it's this season.

So today we marched around 'the pumpkin patch".

We ate pumpkin pie and orchard apples.

And, it wasn't pouring so it rocked.

For a kiddling- activity.

We adapted last years strategy and went with a couple of

small pumpkins, instead of the overlord of pumpkins.

Last year the sweetie almost lost his dignity dragging that behemoth

through the mud and tears last year.

(his tears)

(OK, maybe they were crying on the inside tears)

(or more likely my tears of hysteria)

Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings.

I'm feeling 3 times as thankful these days.

Silly Tiny

2011-09-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have never made something so wee before.

The tiniest of stitches.

The smallest of booties.

The silliest of projects.

I had to make 3 instead of the traditional pair.

Why?

A reasonable question.

Instead of attempting my first teeny tiny project in English,

I chose Norwegian.

I don't speak any Norwegian.

And so as you can imagine,

it didn't go that well.

The pattern was almost translated into English.

With 'almost' being the key.

My first attempt achieved a club footed monstrosity.

I was very brave and ripped it out.

Such strength of character!

These actually stay on little kicking feet.

Unlike any sock I have yet to meet.

I definitely caught arthritis from my fist clenched knitting.

Totally communicable from little tiny knitting needles.

Be warned.

More of the Yarn Tales

2011-09-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

This cheeky monkey likes purple.

So although I made some of these in blue...

Purple also make the cut.

I also added purple pom poms to the ends of

the kitty ear hat.

And then one of these for me.

I bought one on etsy and wore it

every day.

Then it was liberated from a women's WC.

Criminal.

So after the etsy vendor went MIA-

I made it myself!

It fits me better, but I'm definatley not this cute.

Even on a showered day.

Don't Leave a New Mother Unattended With a Bag of Wool...

2011-09-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Poor Yu.

Only a few days on this planet,

and already she's being forced into...

hat modelling.

When she was born The Sweetie was in charge of

her first bath.

The nurse impressed upon him the need

for little newborns to wear hats during bath time

and ALL the time,

so they stay toasty.

The Sweetie really took this to heart.

In the first few days of Yu's life

The Sweetie could be found searching for hats

under covers, under beds...

"Where's her hat? She might get cold!!!"

he would proclaim.

And so,

held hostage by recovery I took up the hook.

I think she's dismayed.

What is this ridiculous thing upon my noggin?!

(it's all in the eyes)

And then there was a little top knot action.

And of course the double knot

(can't get enough of ears on babies)

I'd like to say that's all the hats,

but really this is a hostage situation.

I can't be expected to act rationally.

Pu got a knitted kitty hat with ears,

and Nu is getting a matching crocheted beanie.

Oh my.

Our New Addition

2011-09-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

First Pu, then Nu...

...and now Yu.

Our third girl, yeah!

We are home & everyone is healthy & happy.

Bonus Projects...

2011-09-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

A la peanut butter sandwich!

Also, another sweater.

This was meant for the sweetie, but his shoulders were too massive

(tee hee)

So bonus for me. Then I girled it up a bit.

With cozy hood...

Weird ribbon fabric knit into the sleeves...

And a favorite button.

Then...

A little diaper clutch.

And a needle case.

...because clearly I am becoming a sticks girl.

OK baby.

Now your turn to start creating!

The Insanity Continues...

2011-09-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Le Bebe remains on the inside,

so the knitting needles are cooking on the outside.

Here we go again!

Sweater Finale & Bump Hiatus

2011-08-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

While I have been making lots of things recently...

I've also been making a baby.

Thus the belly.

I'm due in 2 weeks, but was at the hospital today

and they were keen to pop me.

That being said,

you'll now know why this blog may be quiet for a while.

I'll be back, but very sleepy.

I finished my sweater last night,

so now there are 3!
It's all about the buttons baby.

I think I better see what it looks like without a

9 month prego belly before I make the next one.

Sweater No.2

2011-08-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Nu got one.

And now Pu!

Purple is one of her favorite colours.

Little for Nu, and bigger for Pu.

Minus the hood, add chunky wool and thicker needles.

She was very pleased.

And absurdly, it fits me as a little jacket

with 3/4 sleeves.

So this can be a hand-me-down

And a hand me up.

Maybe I'll try one for me.

Dot to Flop

2011-08-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Some days are all about polka dots.

As they should be.

Made the top and bottoms a while ago,

but made the pillow below, this week.

Simple burlap and lace.

Well utilized by cat butt.

If you have a cat,

you know this is the highest

of compliments.

Have a rockin' weekend!

Finished Sweater!!

2011-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hey! It's done!!

And, it fits!!

Today was nippy so I forced it on Nu.

I added a hang tag with a reminder not to shrink it.

Our house shrinks things.

OK, I may shrink things.

After having knit every precious stitch,

and possibly sworn at each precious row,

I need a reminder not to kill this innocent sweater.

Such a strange farmers market ensemble.

Yet, strangely effective.

So snugly!

Knit One? Purl Phew!

2011-08-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting the first sweater I've attempted

since I was twelve.

My neighbour has been indispensable.

When I finally broke her spirit I ended up at

the wool store, and they were awesome!

All she needs is buttons and sleeves.

Totally do-able!!

A Cozy Tent!

2011-08-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

No idyllic photos of frolicking children in the tent yet.

Mostly because I didn't drill holes in the bamboo

as instructed (?)

but instead took the short cut and tied it.

Not surprisingly it kept falling down around them.

Must. Follow. Instructions.

Off to charge my drill :)

Update:

Monkeys in the tent with no incident.

Standing, even when the dog went in.

One monkey, very cheeky.

This May Possibly End Me...

2011-08-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

It seems that every hot summer

I embark upon a large sweaty sewing project.

This summer is no exception.

Back to the iron.

What are you working on these days?

Yarn Bomb- Balming Continues...

2011-08-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

A night time addition to the neighbourhood

It feels so naughty in the dark of night

stitching up a tree.

It makes me giggle.

UPDATE:

Bumber. My yarn bomb only lasted 2 days.

I put it near our community centre,

thinking of how fun it might be for kids

(there is another bomber in our hood and some kids

I know love the hunt)

But, I guess the community centre has a policy.

I guess it's someones job to make sure weird stuff

doesn't stay.

Makes sense.

Still, I can't imagine thinking yarn bombing is vandalism.

To me it just seems full of whimsy

and cheek

and cheer.

But that's me.

A hooligan.

Pocket Madness

2011-07-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Since having some shorties I can't go anywhere without pockets.

There are always treasures to store and presents to receive

(of the rock and leaf variety).

When I leave without kids, I am almost giddy to NOT

carry seven bags.

But to leave without pockets?

Well that's just crazy talk.

Not to mention, the wardrobe change window has never been slimmer.

There is no phone booth in my house so I almost always whip out

into kid free land in kid practical clothes.

So I've obsessively been adding gathered pockets to things.

Excuse all the wrinkled and kid stained clothes :)

The gathers hold things in there.

And who doesn't love a cute pocket detail?

And then there's this old girl.

She was mine when I was little,

thus the well rubbed nose.

I made her a little top to keep her snug,

but Nu rips it off her with outrage.

I think she knows bears like it bare.

Sew What?

2011-07-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

A little gifty for our neighbours grand daughter.

Front,

and back.

Then more pants for Pu, who keeps growing.

Look at how she suffers when she poses.

Actual physical pain as she shows me her pocket!

Drama pants!

Mad Men Eats Stitch Window

2011-07-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

A slow week over here in Sewville.

Netflix added Mad Men to its roundup.

Sigh.

A little gifty for a bday party

Bean bags for a 4 year old.

I admit, it's now my standard.

A sleeping bag for Monks

(there's a camping trip in the works)

And, I am determined to use up some scraps.

My fabric hoarding is taking on epic proportions.

We can't get enough drop cloth bibs for the messy one

Play Wings

2011-07-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

I saw these lovely wings on Prudent Baby by Eri

So I thought I'd try my own version:

Two versions, two girls.

Birds? Fairies? Super heros?

Check.

So fun!

They work backwards or forwards.

Fly little ones!!

Illustrated Garland

2011-07-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

I love children's books.

And I looooooove the illustrations that accompany a good tale.

I've never really known what to do with

the dust covers that come on children's books.

My kids destroy them almost immediately.

But, it seems so wrong to throw them out.

And so...

A little paper punch...

A little stitching...

And these beautiful illustrations can hang in the playroom.

Gift Frenzy

2011-06-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

There are some new little girlies in our life.

So I made a few gifties.

And then one more.

We tried a few on for photos...

...and now I'm not sure I can give this one away.

Little owl in constant motion.

Yes she is sitting on the dog.

Only briefly I assure you dog lovers.

And, the dog seemed resigned to her cushion fate.

Next the cuteness took over this one.

And then the big sister nabbed THIS one.

Apparently they work well for gearing up

for big jumps.

They are also handy for bug inspecting.

It may be we'll need a new round of gifties.

A Red Letter Day

2011-06-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

I never used to think much of red.

Yet,

lately it has infiltrated with reckless abandon.

Here's MY towel/ dress/ change room

for beside the pool.

I road tested it with an under-cover

pool side strip tease today.

Success.

It's a belt/ sash/ wrap/ scarf.

(Why choose?)

Patchwork on one side and all

black and white on the other.

I was thinking about the value of an OBI belt.

But then I just went large and in charge.

This is our beside the pool landing pad.

I just keep adding ric rac and trim to it.

Easy to find. The giant red sheet.

And,

so light it can be carried without a

rented hunchback.

Guess there's no hiding from the red.

The shirt sequel:

Little sister got her shirt back.

Though staying put for a photo

was not in the plans.

Hope your day has all the colours in it.

More of the Little Things

2011-06-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Fabric and ribbon wrapped

patterns weights.

Wipes cases.

And a top for Nu.

Nu was napping so Pu modelled.

Begrudgingly.

Wonder if I'll ever get it back to her sister?

She who naps may not laugh last.

I'm linking over at Kojo & Southern Institute today

Summer Time = Swim Time

2011-06-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

I think it's genius.

Not my genius, surely.

Dana's genius from MADE.

It's a beach robe!!!!

Or a pool robe.

Instead of trying to keep those towels

on those wiggly bodies.

Packing them in and out of bags...

A little extra sun coverage,

And cozy the whole time!!

Of course the little one needed one too.

I added a little velcro to keep hers shut.

We will so rock these this summer at the pool.

Until then, they are perfect for the post bath

crash.

Bias Tape Top & Cheese-Dog Grins

2011-06-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

I used the tutorial over at Jess' crafty site,

and though I stumbled multiple times

(because of my newbie sewing status,

NOT her instructions)

I like the end result.

This little monkey finally got TWO pockets.

I love the capped sleeves.

I drafted the pattern from something &

inexplicably the neck was HUGE.

So, I ended up creating a weird little

gather/ fan thing in the middle to shrink it.

It doesn't work exactly, but Meh.

A frog closure would have been the ticket,

but my sewing room ate them.

On another note Pu would only pose with a

broken chicken neck.

And in more important news.

New sparkly ten dollar zellars sandals

beat out anything I'll ever make!

Pu's New Quilt

2011-06-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Word on the street is that summer is approaching.

Though, the evidence is vague at best.

Must be time to drag huge pieces of Minky,

and batting and fabric from room to room

in an attempt to make a quilt.

A sweaty endeavour.

It started with this face.

And a plan.

I ended up using torn up sheets for the edge around.

This is my first 'twin' size quilt.

I sooo can't quilt on something this large.

(or on anything truly madly deeply,

but it's fun to try nonetheless)

A strategically placed pocket so Pu

can tuck in her favorite wee toy.

It's backed with super soft Minky.

(not exactly summer weight)

And a little signature patch for

future nostalgia building.

Top That Top

2011-06-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

In the sage words of Britney Spears

"ooops I did it again".

I bought more echino fabric.

I can't help myself.

The good news is Pu was just as keen &

earmarked the purple cars pronto.

These feature a super easy & quick ribbon back tie.

And when combined with purple shoes

make you ride your bike extra fast.

Even if, a little wobbly.

Then, because purple is excellent...

and I also cracked and got some organic birch fabric...

the little sister got her own version.

She still needs to work on her shoe accessories.

Also on wearing pants.

The shirring needs a little tweaking on this one.

We'll see how it looks post dryer.

Happy sunny days.

I'm linking at So You Think You're Crafty this week

More Tunic Top

2011-06-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm determined to correct

the many mistakes I make

(just on this shirt, I mean, come on,

life is complicated!)

Pu has a high need for pockets.

So one was requested.

Actually, next time she recommends two.

See how that hand fits right in?

I have a high need for flowers.

If our record stands this may be the only

sunny day in a while.

So we are relishing the rays.

I mean, yeah, rain makes the flowers grow!

Grow

little

doodles.

Botanical, or otherwise.

Happy weekend!

Rollie Pollie

2011-06-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

I can't say enough good things about

Dana's patterns.

I am deeply and profoundly instruction challenged.

And, a pretty new sewer.

So far, each time I've attempted something from her world.

Success!

It's a Rollie Pollie,
or in layman's terms,
a bean bag chair.

Times Two.

This one stays at our house,

and this one goes to live in the space room,

at our friend Jackson's house.

So cozy, but not so enviro.

I hunted and can't find any healthy stuffing.

So, millions of tiny Styrofoam balls fill it.

Hope it's not a toxic bomb.

Just right for stories, and already it's been a pirate ship.

The handle allows you to pick it up,

toss it around and nestle just so.

It also fits perfectly between the girls beds for night time stories,

and then gets tossed in the closet.

See ya Rollie Pollie.

Congrats Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...

Congrats Karen!

She said

"A D O R E!!!

Thank you for the opportunity to win something so wonderful!!"

Send me your deeets &

I'll mail your new necklace this week.

Thanks again for playing along everyone.

This was so fun, I'll do it again soon.

Naughty pillow

2011-05-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

In building the hideout, the pillow stash

has been getting a little excessive.

Nonetheless when Nu & I were reading

and snuggling,

she started disappering.

There is a wee space between the bed and the wall.

Like all short people Nu was obsessed.

I decided I've become quite attached to these

particular short people,

and,

I'd be sad if one slipped into pillow quicksand

never to be seen again.

And so...

The baby blocker.

The fun thing

(for me, I don't get out much)

Is that it is filled with two giant rolled up towels.

These are wicked, huge amazing wedding towels.

That we never use.

They are so heavy that they enslave the wearer.

They are the 'good' towels & someday,

inexplicably, when my muscle mass increases,

we will throw them into rotation.

Until then, they take up half our house,

and mock us for their inaction.

Until now!

Now they are functional & plug

the potential baby vortex.

(someone should have lined up those stripes)

Since this is apparently the tangential post...

I have found myself in strange,

sometimes compromising positions since I have begun stitchery.

I have found myself partly clad in a bathtub

straddling a giant pre-stuffed bean bag chair,

with millions of tiny Styrofoam beans forming a

static imaginary mustache in all sorts of odd places.

I have found myself calmly removing my own multicoloured

stitches from my wounded paw after a sewing machine fight.

The baby blocker was no exception.

And there I was...

towels rolled and at the ready.

Giant pillowcase sewn and keen to take form.

So I began to stuff the giant towel pillowcase.

I grabbed it with zest and tugged the cover over the towels.

Naturally it was placed between my thighs

for best purchase.

As I struggled with, and grunted a little,

as I forced

what can only now be described as the towel condom

onto my towel roll-

I was suddenly transported back to the '80's

where the informative Canadian sex educator

"Sex With Sue" Johanson

demonstrated to our grade nine class

putting a condom on a banana.

Sigh.

If only the sewing room could talk.

Who knew it could be so naughty?

New Thingy- badge, pin?

2011-05-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is a first try.

I think it has potential.

I'll add something to stiffen it up

& commit to some larger fabric edges.

Fun.

The little people tunic attempts

2011-05-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a little tunic top I tried for Nu.

I have an issue (well I have a few)

but this is a sewing related issue...

I don't believe sizes.

Oh, and apparently I can't follow instructions.

Or decode patterns.

But I'm keen.

I decided to make my 1.5 year old a size 3.

Not surprisingly, it's way too big.

I expect she'll grow.

I also made one for Pu.

The pleats disappear in the pattern.

Good to know.

I ran out of fabric, so the back is black flowers.

I don't know how to pleat & the pattern calls for it.

I've made this twice, and I'm no wiser.

I fudged it & gathered & if you look closely

it's shoddy.

But it's more cute, so that over rules shoddy!

And...

I'm so excited to have finally made the purchase.

My own labels.

Grin.

I got them on etsy and had THE best customer service.

Giveaway is now closed

2011-05-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for joining in !

(if you did)

We will pick a winner later tonight and contact

the triumphant one asap.

Thanks for all your sweet comments and welcome to the new followers!

I hope to visit many of you in cyberspace when life allows

Feel free to unfollow if you were just in it for a prize,

no worries, all fair in love and contests :)

Phew.

That was a flurry of action on this quiet little blog.

Back soon with more wee projects.

Giveaway Day at Sew Mama Sew

2011-05-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Here's my offering:

It's a birdie themed choker necklace.

Measuring 2.5" x 15.5

The giveaway closes May 25th

Reversible.

It is made from organic oatmeal linen.

It's hand stamped, machine & hand embroidered.

With lace, applique and button embellishments.

To win this little accoutrement
please leave a comment saying why
you would like this little fella to come live with you.

Be sure to include your email so I can contact you when you win!

Feel free to include your address as
you(at)flyandnest(.com)
if you are worried about
putting your email out in cyberspace.

I will select randomly from a hat.
Or more likely, a 2 year old will.

For two chances, become a follower!

I'll ship internationally so welcome everyone!

And, thanks for visiting.

Giveaway Day is Coming...

2011-05-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

As part of the SewMamaSew blog,

I'll be participating in Giveaway Day on Monday May 23rd.

Come back for your chance to win a...

well something handmade!

You can check out the master list of giveaways f

rom all the participating bloggers here

The Hideout

2011-05-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

With the shorties moving in together,

Pu's "yes you can jump on it" queen size mattress

needed a new home.

We have a weird nook

in what has become the playroom.

And I have decided it shall become a clubhouse/ hideaway.

Super cute IKEA curtains give it some privacy.

Earl the chicken has a new home in which to roost.

And a cozy quilt for snuggling.

Masses of pillows for nesting while ingesting

good books.

And I made this book rack with this tutorial

to keep the favorite books handy in the hideout.

A little fabric banner for added cheer.

In unrelated matters:

I'm not a matchy matchy mom.

I have yet to make hers and hers and hers outfits for myself

& my shorties.

Here's hoping I am not overcome.

However, I did make a shirt

(out of a thrifted bed sheet)

for Pu - who wouldn't wear it.

Then I made one for Nu.

Now they both will wear them, & suddenly

on the same day there they were.

Looking out the window, all matchy.

Back Packin' Baby Style

2011-05-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Nu has started her first without mom class.

So cute.

So little.

She loves it.

There are lots of baby backpacks available for purchase.

And, we have a few we bought for Pu,

before I went craftastic.

But Pu would never carry anything,

besides an armful of stuffed animals.

And, Nu?

Well, she falls over ALL the time.

A backpack counter lever would be the end of her.

So of course I find myself carrying a toddler,

an arm full of stuffed animals

(it's genetic)

and a tiny back pack that doesn't hold her gear,

with seventeen other 'childsize' bags full of toddler gear.

And I think to myself.

Thank Gawd I don't wear high heels.

And so:

A human sized backpack that I carry for Nu.

That eventually she can hustle.

Until then butterfly face can demo,

it IS nap time after all.

Sheeet monkey

2011-05-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Pu & Nu are slowly working towards sharing a room.

So, this weekend we put beds together.

Nested.

And, Pu was DE-lighted with her new

butterfly sheets.

The lighting in these snaps is sorrowful.

But the expression on the live monkey

revelling in polka dots and butterflies?

Pretty good.

Dear Ruffle Butt

2011-05-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

More sweet diaper covers.

This time with easy peasy ruffle fabric.

The only thing cuter than baby butt,

is ruffle butt.

Also high on the list?

Teddy bear in the mosh pit plus ruffle butt.

Bonnet Request Fulfilled

2011-05-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Pu's bonnet is reversible.

Double piped- which didn't work.

She was very specific about her request,

and though the purple and red side has better piping,

it will never see the light of day.

The concept of 'reversible' is lost her.

"No mommy purple is on the inside!"

They have gone slightly Amish here,

(Those Amish know their stitchery)

I better accessorize with something punk rock.

Just to keep people guessing.

A pox on hat's! Up with bonnets!

2011-04-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

My short people eschew
the traditional head dress.

I have tried hats of all sorts
and without crazy glue

Velcro and duct tape attachments

they are flung

far and further wide, also afield.

But here comes the bonnet!

Still a little grim about the head gear concept.

Clearly it burns.

The cuteness is high but the mitts are working hard

to disengage the new bonnet.

Triumphant success!!

A little bit of peak-a-boo-bonnet

(perhaps you've heard of it)

and the hat was deemed worthy for a road test

Even the big sister who is just learning to befriend

the hat in its many forms, was a fan.

She requested red on the outside and purple on the inside.

Who could refuse such a request?

Gifties for she who is knocked up, again.

2011-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

One of my sweet sweet people...

one of the sweetest really,

is expecting her second girl.

She came to visit and picked out some favorite materials,

and so I've been putting together little things for her,

for her first

and for her second.

Some more of these floaty dreamy doilie-do-dads

to hang above the crib or change table.

And the best part is since she chose the materials,

she's bound to like everything.

She can use them all together as a mobile,

or hang them individually and change them up.

Some (upside down) buttons and hair ties

for her number 1 girl.

And one for the hot mama.

Some simple little onesies with her material

choices stitched on.

And some bibs.

They always say children and animals are the hardest to work with...

well these three were high maintenance.

All "where's my champagne,

I need a bigger per Diem,

I'm off clubbing after this shoot..."

Man, animal super models these days!!!

L'Oeuf

2011-04-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Nap time crafts this week were Easter related.

We dyed some brown eggs

(uh rookie mistake)

with beet juice.

Very granola hippie.

But they basically turned the colour of barf.

Happy Barf Easter was not the goal.

So we tried again.

This time we used water colour and water colour pencils

a la alisaburke

A little more time and commitment and a little less 4 year old

and these could be gorgeous!

But, what fun would it be with less 4 year old?

Happy hunting little rabbits everywhere!

Easter Craft-asm

2011-04-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

When Nu is napping, it's often craft time for Pu & I.

Since Pu still has abiding scissor love

we made this very quick little garland

that's all over blogland

(though I can't remember where exactly)

Pu did most of the cutting

Thank you paint chips!

A Little Doily Love

2011-04-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

I know we have enough mobiles...but

I couldn't resist this little tutorial.

So I made a little set for the nursery.

It picks up the material from this quilt

and from this pillow

It was 3 stooges trying to photograph it in a breeze.

But, points for trying.

The lace around the top is too much but

blends into the wall, so it passes.

(not that you can see it in this photograph)

Silly, & satisfying.

Attention Space Cadets!

2011-04-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Some friends of ours had a crush on the rockets.

More accurately,
they had a 1.5 year old who might have a crush on the rockets.

And,

truth be told...

It was really the Dad of the 1.5 year old who

LOVES

space and all space related things.

Including rockets.

So they requested a little Hobo sack with the rocket material.

Done.

However, since you and I,

and they,
and possibly everyone knows
that the Dad is really and truly the lusty lover of space,
and a 1.5 year old will care not for a bag...

It's reversible.

This way Pops can carry snacks and toys etc for Jr.
And he can still roll low profile if he likes.
Secretly HE knows he's carrying blast off capability.
Without any danger of mock of his appreciation for mach.

Moreover, he can carry lunch & snacks for senior
into the lunch room or board room if necessary.

Why he might just seem like a mild mannered
environmentally aware lunch tote carrier- not the
space maniac
that you and I know him to be.

Of course if he's loud and proud of his rocket love
then he can go to the playground
and be seen in all the right shorty circuits with
Rockets Galore.

Meanwhile there is still a 1.5 year old who got a bag for his bday,
and is now so mad he really wants to THROW something.

Tada!

Peek inside the bag.
Problem solved little rage-o-holic!

Once the initial flinging stage has passed

(does that ever pass, I still enjoy a good fling...)

well, he can work on the letters in his name.

Use the Force space cadets large and small!

Boy Baby Gifts

2011-04-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

One of my people is popping in a few weeks

and she knows she's having a boy.

She already has a 4 year old who is very into space.

So a Hobo Sack for big brother with rockets...

And, a tiny gear bag for some of his rocket pieces.

Then new baby Theo gets a little snuggly blanket,

the flip side is super soft minky.

A few 'boy' wash cloths

and a wee grasping toy.

Clearly, it's time to cut the grass!

The Hobo Sack

2011-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

This should be flung over a stick,

full of pint-sized treasures.

Ready for a day of adventure and mischief.

It's also a portable hording spot for Pu

that can be hung on higher

and higher hooks

as her sister grows.

Lately, Nu has become more of a threat to Pu's

many

treasures.

Thanks to Dana from MADE for the great tutorial!

(Is it me, or is Lucy the Moosey unimpressed?!)

Eye Condom

2011-04-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Made you look.

I have a thing with sunglasses.

I like to lose them, and smash them.

Unless I scratch them,

then I can't lose them no matter how hard I try.

So I made a sunglasses prophylactic:

OK, fine...

perhaps...

more traditionally it's referred to as a

'glasses case'

but admit it,

I had you at condom.

My eyes! These glasses, they do nothing...

2011-03-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

It may be a little hopeful...

but today I fashioned a little sun screen

I made these last year

but because I used burlap and lace

they didn't hold up in the sun.

This is laminated linen.

Good luck against the elements little fabric!

Our view here is fettered by electrical wires.

Boo. Wish it was trees.

When we eat our dinners outside,

one of the shorties is always screeching about the sun in their eyes.

This way we can eat without squinting

and look at pretty fabric while we pick food out of our hair.

This is a totally unrelated action shot of the

ric rac skirt:

Just an average day for a dirt bath at the playground.

Bag-O-Bags

2011-03-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

I made a little bag holder for those prolific

and evil plastic bags.

We try to avoid them, but they sneak in.

I had made a boring one to fit under our sink.

But "under our sink" is

working overtime & there wasn't

enough real estate for bags & compost.

This way I get to glimpse some of my favorite

materials

Quick Cheat Decorating

2011-03-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

A quick and easy way to decorate a stale corner

on the cheap.

And to showcase some favorite materials.

Excuse the terrible yellow lighting.

It's the basement.

A quick and dirty "photo shoot" before

all the Littles are roaming.

You get the idea.

I think I got the idea from mayamade but I can't remember when.