mermaid rag doll

My first attempt at a stuffed toy.
Why a mermaid, you ask? It's hard to resist a little 3 year old girl who loves mermaids, and I couldn't resist a new sewing challenge. Unable to find a mermaid doll pattern online, I found a rag doll pattern and modified it to have a tail instead of legs.

She turned out pretty good I think!
Now to think of something to make for my little friend's 5 year old sister.

sew cute

I am so enjoying having some time to get into some sewing projects. With a few friends expecting little ones this year I decided to invest in two baby bootie patterns from Ashley at Make It Love It. Above are the Abigail Booties I made for little Olive.

The Bradley Booties above were for little Lucas, (or Wucas as I can't resist calling the little guy!)

Up until now I have hesitated to buy sewing patterns because they always look so daunting with lines going in every direction. But Ashley has done a really nice job of making her patterns easy to use which is great for beginners like me.

These patterns get the thumbs up from me, and I recommend Ashley's blog for anyone looking to sew up some cuteness!

set for summer

I was inspired this week by Cait over at Cait + Create to go thrift shopping and see what treasures I could find.

To find out how I went from this:
to this:
...read below.

freedom :)

Since my graduation two weeks ago I've been making the most of my freedom. By staying at home. Yep, I'm happy as a clam to just be home! Here are some of the fruits of my labor this week. Phew, I am on a roll!

I sewed a purse!  This was my first time sewing with a zip and so I was chuffed with how it turned out. I got the pattern from Ashley at Make It and Love It.  It made the perfect gift for a dear friend who is sadly leaving Berkeley (we're going to miss you Arijaan!) 

A loaf of bread I baked. I'd been waiting for the chance to try this No-Knead Recipe from a blog friend (thanks Cassie!). I have to say, it was the easiest thing I've ever made and it was super delicious!  It made me think of my Great-Gran Phipson, who would always share a loaf of her homemade bread with us. We'll be having it with our dinner tonight. Yum!


What a fun week! I think I can get used to this unemployed thing ;)

Watch this space :)

make your own tea cozy

There's something comforting about a tea cozy. Tea time just isn't complete without one, for me. This is my second attempt at making one. It took some mental gymnastics to get it right. Here's what I did.