My artist cousin, who lives and works in Berlin, has just started her etsy shop. I appreciate her very much for the fact she just moved to Berlin a few years ago, and is living an artists live there. Just by that… something I wouldn’t dare to do…..

And now she started selling her soft and cozy teapots, that I love!! Go and check them out in her Etsy shop. More of her other work you can find on her blog.

If you go there, please say hi from me :-)

A while ago I discovered Ravelry. A lovely lady in my local yarn store asked if I was on Ravelry. When I looked at her with questioning eyes she explained what is was all about, and the same afternoon I was hooked.

I found this pattern for a scarf/muffler (could anybody explain what’s the difference?) and then tried to find the book. Unfortunately I found out it’s out of print :-( Butttt an other lovely lady wrote an english translation and posted that on Ravelry (yeah ho for Ravelry :-) ) So now I’m happy hooking on this scarf. In total I will need 99 little squares, 9 of each colour, I now have 59 squares finished!

After I have finished all the little squares, I’m going to hook them together with this method Lucy (Attic24) has written down.

Flora Chang from Happy Doodle Land draws the cutest characters, and makes them into stamps so she can decorate the most adorable things with it, go see for yourself :-)

Recently I ordered two sample packs of MOO business cards. I wanted to try out different designs for the front and back of the cards.

Now I would appreciate it if you share your opinion, which front and which back would you like to see combined. And maybe you have some other suggestions as well, I would love to hear them.

This is a little pouch that can be finished in no time. I just used single crochet and you don’t need a sewing machine, because it is small all sewing can be done by hand. You could use it to hold your money when you go out without your jacket or purse. It easily fits in any pocket.

What you will need to finish this project:

• Piece of crochet measures 11 x 16 cm. I used my 3mm hook with corresponding yarn and started with a chain of 32 and crocheted only in single crochet.
• 12 cm zipper
• Sewing thread
• Left over yarn from the crocheted piece
• Darning and sewing needle

First attach the piece of crochet to one side of the zipper. I used the sewing machine but you could easily do it by hand. Then attach the crocheted piece to the other side of the zipper.

Open the zipper by half and turn the pouch inside out, right sides facing inside. Take a piece of yarn and sew the sides together. When both sides are finished cut the sides of the zipper when needed and turn the pouch right sides out again.

You made yourself a little pouch that you can give away as a present or use yourself for a day at the beach :-)

Last night I was struck by some creative inspiration. I think you will recognize the urge to try it immediately.

Back in December last year, Fifi Mandirac offered as an advent one PDF paper design each day. I printed them on plain paper and cut butterflies from it and sandwiched them with glue on a natural robe, and I loved it :-)

While I was busy, an other idea popped up, mmmm I could also print that one with a lot of white on brown kraft paper… and use it to make an envelope…. and so I tried and loved the result as much :-)

I started this quilt back in 2008. The pictures below are from September that year. A year later I finished the top by sewing all the blocks together. And today I finally made a decision on the backing, and finished the simple quilting. For the linen fabric backing I was inspired  by the French book ‘Esprit de famille‘ by Audrey Fitzjohn. I love the red combined with all the natural linen.

Now I only have to decide on the binding and sew it on…. maybe next year?? ;-)

I hope not, as I see myself on an August summer night in my hang chair with a book or crochet project with this strawberry and cream blanket for some comfort.

I thought of a red and white checkered binding, but the fabric I found today, the white was just too white. I think I first have to dig in my stash again to find out if I still have enough of the checkered fabric I used for the top, so I can use that for the binding. Or maybe you have any suggestions for me?

Below some pictures of the work I did in September 2008, when I had the house for myself during a whole week. So I could keep my crafting stuff all around the house whole the time :-)

The pattern is by Heather Bailey.

What a busy week it was. I finally finished my book projects, I mailed them yesterday.

I posted the magazines for the give away, sorry Tuija for the delay.

On Wednesday I took care of my both nephews of 1 and 5 year old. It was really fun, I had to take the oldest one from school, we played with water, and had the nicest ice creams for dessert.

This weekend I worked hard for my shop update, I discovered Ravelry and started a new crocheted scarf project (I will show you the WIP this week), I had some busy days at the office, Thursday it was dinner time with a friend, after three weeks I just had to do the ironing, and my room could use some tiding but I saved that for later :-)

The coming week I can really use some relaxing and me time……

And oh yes, I took some pictures of the finished towel project. I made a grey one for our toilet, as the colours are black and white in there.

Talk to you later!

A bit later then promised I drew the winner this morning. Congratulations Tuija :-) I have send you an e-mail to ask for your postal adress.

The first blog I stumbled upon clicking from one blogline to the other, ‘Contemporary Embroidery‘. It really gave me a WOW moment. Karen’s embroideries are pieces of art. I especially love the ‘little books of embroidery’ she makes. She sells her work trough her Etsy shop.

The second blog ‘About Mo and me‘ is a crispy fresh started blog. And oh my, I just love this crochet chair cover, don’t you? Also her other craft projects are totally colourful and inspiring. Please keep sharing these colours and ideas with us!