taproot::wood

This was yesterday, and every day before... hauling wood. We don't have a lot of space for storing our firewood inside, so the walk to the woodshed happens twice a day. For any chore that's done with such regularity, it's important to have the proper tool... and extra nice if it's as pleasurable to use as it is to look at. My new wood carrier is just that, I'm happy to say. I used that old canvas tarp I spoke of here and made it extra sturdy with jute webbing handles that give reinforcement around the entire length. It's a workhorse. A simple pinecone is stenciled on one side  just to give it that little extra something that makes me smile. I didn't create the pattern just for me, I designed it for all wood stove users that might want a fresh and sturdy new carrier for this winter season. It's a very straightforward project that would make a lovely gift, too. Remember I mentioned that I had a few reveals... this is the second. You can find the instructions featured in the brand new issue of Taproot! It's just landing in mailboxes this week, and you can get your own copy or subscription here. I absolutely love this magazine and all the wonderful people that contribute to it, let alone the magnificent editor. She's something amazing, that Amanda Blake Soule. It's hard not to fall in love with this woman who can do almost anything... and does so with such beauty, humor, and integrity. Taproot shares all of those qualities, plus tucks in everything you might be curious about incorporating conscious living into your home for each season.

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nature buckets

Bringing the outside in is my favorite way to get ready for the winter season. Sticks, branches, pine cones, nuts, berries, bark... they're all fair game for gathering. After posting yesterday about  nature wreaths, I realized that we had to get going before the rain set in for the week. Out came our trusty buckets. I figured we'd leave the pine cones by the wood stove to let them dry and open, and then perhaps work on a project later this week. This photo was ultimately meant for that post, but when I read Soule Mama this morning I realized that today was the day to talk about buckets! Amanda has been busy with my bucket pattern. For nature sorting. Love that! We both have 6 year old girls with big ideas, and I was so happy to see how she created beautiful buckets to help Adelaide organize her inspiration. My daughter still uses her little acorn gather bucket. It's unlined burlap to handle the dirt and sap of pine cones. It has only one handle, but is essentially the small bucket from the nesting bucket pattern. The big one, pictured above, is one of my first buckets, but is very similar to the large size of the nesting buckets. So, if you're going to be doing some gathering... you may want to try your hand at one. The pattern was created for beginning sewers and busy parents- in other words: they're quick to whip up! Thanks Amanda, for your lovely review.

The Reinvention Skirt! PDF now available!

Finally! It's now available in the shop right here.

...and here are two of my favorites you haven't seen, yet... they can easily be sized down for little girls, too.

And now I'm ready for my next project... lots on the list! Happy day to you!

Craft Hope Book

Lovely Jade Sims is writing a wonderful book based on her site, Craft Hope. I'm honored to be included in the amazing list of crafters and sewers who contributed designs, and it's been a pleasure working with the editors over at Lark Books. There will be more talk about this thoughtful book when it comes closer to its release date in August, but I don't have to be totally hush-hush any longer. Now that the projects are photographed and patterns are complete, all of the designers had the option of donating them to Craft Hope for Haiti. What a perfect culmination to a book whose sole premise is the act of giving. You will find my three designs for sale in the Craft Hope for Haiti shop right now!

In the photo above are the two different versions of the kimono gown I designed for newborns. Each features fold over cuffs, but one is in jersey with an elastic bottom for easy night time changing. The other is made out of flannel and has an open bottom that can be folded over (an envelope) to keep little toes warm. These are the actual items that are featured in the upcoming book, and I really love them! I wish I had created the pattern when my babes were little!

elastic bottom kimono
flannel envelope kimono

My second project is this child's back pack. It's sized for elementary ages with adjustable straps includes a pocket within and on the exterior. I think it would also make a great small pack for an adult. It's made from a rugged unbleached painter's cloth and lined with navy striped ticking... simple, timeless and unisex.



child's backpack

There are lots of amazing items from the other book contributors all waiting for you over at the shop... take a look!

As I mentioned, I'm certain that there will be more details about the book and these designs as the book draws nearer to its release date. For now, this is a wonderful opportunity for a sneak peek!

Happy Monday!

I'm loving sunrises through our icicles. I could get lost watching the light shift during these early morning moments. I usually only have a second at this time of day, but this week my children will be home with me, and we get to leisurely begin our days. I'm really looking forward to some good, cozy time and lots of winter romps. Even though the snow piles are still high, I'm sensing the season shifting, and I want to savor it. I don't usually feel this way in February, but time keeps speeding up on me and some slowing down is in order.

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Thanks again to all of the wonderful readers who volunteered to sew buckets this weekend. I could only choose a handful, or I think it would have felt like too many cooks in the kitchen, if you know what I mean. I'm sure I'll do this again each time I create a pattern, because the input was invaluable. Thank you Cauchy, Katie, Kelley, and Bonnie(let me know if you have a link and I'll gladly add it)!! These lovely testers all gave the pattern a big thumbs up, but they helped so much with the tweaking and clarifying of details. I really feel like I can send it out with confidence and excitement! It's in the shop... happy sewing and filling buckets!

nesting burlap buckets and pattern testing

I've finally written up a pattern for my square buckets! After experimenting with various measurements, I created two new sizes in between the smallest and largest. All four nest perfectly. The pattern will be available in my shop on Monday, but I was hoping to have your help first. I'm looking for a couple of testers to make sure the writing is clear and the instructions are simple. If you're interested and have the time/desire to make a bucket this weekend please contact me, and I'll send the pattern right over. It's not necessary to make them out of burlap, so no worries if you don't happen to have a coffee sack on hand.

NOTE: I have my testers! Thanks immensely for your quick and amazing response... my inbox doesn't know what hit it. I'm so grateful to each of you that wrote in with your willingness and enthusiasm.

Hope you all have a fantastic and loving weekend!

birthday bird blossom blouse

My daughter turns five in a matter of days, and I wanted to create something very sweet and special for her.

This blouse came together because of two very special women. You see, months ago, the lovely and generous Michelle, of Cloud9 Fabric, asked me if I could use any of her left over organic fabric from the Quilt Market? What an amazing question to be asked! She knows I love organic and recycled... this bird fabric, Flock, had already been used on display (as a curtain) in her booth and fit both those categories. This print got so much adoration from my daughter that it was clearly going to turn into something for her.

Enter my sweet friend, Meg, who just published her first book Sew Liberated: 2o Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist, and invited me to be a part of her book blog tour.
Her publisher's at Interweave sent me a copy over the weekend. (Yes, I feel extremely grateful to be leading this life!) I read through it twice and loved it. There are many book reviews along the tour if you'd like specific details. Enjoying pretty photographs and unique designs are very important (and Meg's book is full of them), but trying out a pattern is my true test... because I am not always keen on following them. I'll take a little inspiration here, a nice twist there, but rarely do I want to follow a pattern. I WANTED the blossom blouse on P.81 for my daughter's birthday at very first glance! I was even stitching it in my dreams on Saturday night. I cut on Sunday night. I sewed on Monday night. It was straightforward. It was a pleasure. In fact, the combination of Meg's clear and simple instructions matched with the deliciously soft feel and drape of Michelle's fabric have made this my favorite project in recent memory. I love simple peasant blouses and the unique gather of the bell sleeves is so sweet.

Yes, it's gush time! Thank you M & M! I can't wait for more time in the new year to make another... in my size. The blossom blouse is a mother/daughter pattern! Here's a photo of it in a grown-up size with the beautiful applique that this book is filled with.


So tomorrow's tour stop is right here. I'll be talking to Meg about her book, inspiration, motherhood and more. See you then... bring a cup of something warm and good and we'll all visit together!

raining buckets!

1. storage by wisecraft 2. bucket all done by cuachy 09 3. maya*made pattern by reginalina23 4. three buckets by cuachy 09

My bucket pattern has had a very exciting first week (and a half or so). I wanted to take a moment to catch my breath and thank all of you that have purchased one. I've so appreciated your enthusiasm and great feedback on the ease of the pattern. So far, there are busy sewing machines all over the states, Canada, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Spain, the UK, and more!! Something about buckets being made all over the world has me a bit overwhelmed... in a good way! A very special thanks goes to Blair, from Wise Craft, who whipped up a family of buckets last week and gave the pattern a big thumbs up. Her happy review spread like wildfire and I'm so grateful! If you have made a bucket or are on your way to one, please consider adding photos in the maya*made designs flick pool.The best part of making a pattern or a tutorial is seeing what others create and then ooohing and ahhhing. You're all so creative... look at the pictures above that have already been added. Fabulous! They each say something special about the sewist that made them. Please don't be shy, each bucket that gets added is thrilling!