Dressing up the walls...

I moved into my new place in August.

I have slowly started to decorate the walls...

but for the most part it's still bare around here.

I think it is time.  

Dining Room

Bedroom

I think I'll add more to the space when I find the right fabric! 

For any occasion!

I've got the sewing bug... I keep looking for things to sew. 

Now that Raggedy is behind me, I am much more confident at the machine. 

Here is my new favorite... It's a two sided bunting to help decorate and celebrate birthdays. 

One side has boyish colors and the other is for the girls. 

Boy Side

Girl Side

Brrr....

it's cold out there... Here is a little something to keep out the draft. 

Raggedy Ann

I've been really wanting to learn how to sew for a long time. Not just being able to go in a straight line, but to really make something. I wanted to make was a Raggedy Ann doll... I started with a online search to see if I could find the perfect pattern. I wanted it to be like the doll I had as a girl, which was not an easy search.  After many attempts google sent me to  Etsy and I ended making my first purchase in January of 2009. I had the pattern... I just needed the motivation to get to stitching! 

Fast forward a couple of years....  Inspiration!

In November I got to work cutting out the pattern, embroidering that face, assembling the dolly, making the dress, apron, and pantaloons, and making hair.  It wasn't easy. There were times I was ready to throw pieces and parts, but determination and goals really do make all the difference. 

While I didn't get the same reaction I hoped for... I know in my heart that one day Carlene will appreciate my effort. And for now it's enough to know that it was a labor of love and I am proud of myself for actually doing it! 

Special Thanks: 

to Jess for helping me get started and teaching me how to cut out a pattern...

to Aunt Nancy for talking me through some rough patches in dress making...

and to Mum for answering my many sewing questions...

New Year... New Post...

It only feels appropriate to start the year off right. I've been quietly crafting prepping for the Christmas season. Now that Christmas has come and gone I can share all the handcrafted goodies....

Gingerbread Houses: My NH friends shared this great idea of making gingerbread houses and sharing the fun experience of building and decorating houses together. So fun!

Baby Doll: My dear friends LadyLee&Mr. Jones are having a new little and of course she needs to have a baby of her own... 

Peppermint Lip Balm: During the summer I helped whip up this batch, courtesy of SouleMama's recipe. 

Embroidered Tea Towels

2012 Ornaments: Here is the newest ornament for the collections. I made14 ornaments this year.

There is more to come... but some crafts need their own post!