By Brienne

Snowed In. Embroidery with Kids.

Are you snowed in and looking for a morning project with your littles? Check out these inspiring stitchy posts:

Embroidering with Children by Maya Made
A Good Day for Embroidery by Soulemama

Embroidering (and yarn winding) have really clicked for us lately. Both of my small folks are really enchanted with it. I've been doing a lot of embroidery myself too but - how different their approach is! The thrill of pushing the needle through cloth and mark making is what it is all about for them. I ask whether they'd like me to use their work to make pillows for their dolls. They would. But it's very secondary. I know that they wouldn't mind if they never saw it again. Process, right? They're in love with the sensation.

There is so much that is interesting to them about it all. The sharp scissors, for example, that are usually off limits may be used here with my careful supervision. A box full of bright colors to choose from. Measuring the thread by using their little arms. "Loving" the thread... They dig it all. And me too. What a gift these snow days are.

Winter Wee Ambrosia

It seems, somehow, that the more frantic the pace gets - the more knitting that I'm able to accomplish. I rely on knitting to get me through bedtime rituals that can become tedious at times. It gets me through long board meetings and holiday gatherings. And then, voila! A new, much-needed warm layer for my winter girl.

Hiver is her name. It means winter in French and this is how I help her to celebrate her season, with warm knits and lots of time cuddling up with stitching in our hands. She herself has nimble little hands and loves to embroider. She is also taking an interest in learning to knit and has been practicing the motions with me as I go. It's not a bad way to spend the dark days that precede her third birthday the day after Christmas.

The pattern is Gudrun Johnston's Wee Ambrosia .The yoke was just enough to keep it interesting and the hood has a lovely shape.The yarn is a favorite of mine, Quince and Co's Osprey in Chanterelle.

Happily linking up with the Small Things blog: many good things over there:)

Snow Days, Leather and Canvas

So much snow this weekend! And it's a good thing. We enjoyed the romping very much.

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Because there was a snow day today and because my partner in crime was unable to make it to his job due to the snow, I had a bit of time for some quick tote sewing.

And a little more tote sewing... It was a good day.

Thank you to Frontier Dreams for offering a space to share crafting efforts and inspiration.

Rockabilly Geranium

I am a lover and a student of American History. The Rockabilly genre is not one that I have an affection for - but... I spotted this old women's pants suit at our local thrift shop and had to snap it up then snip it up. It is indeed some strange fabric - must be polyester? And it doesn't offer any warmth... But the print is so great and that weird fabric is so swingy. She loves it.

I used Made by Rae's Geranium Pattern and added a strip of pink bias tape when I attached the bodice to the skirt. This is the tunic version for a 2 year old with pockets. I highly recommend the pattern - true to size, easily accomplished and well finished. I've made several other Geraniums because the pattern is so great. Here are some shots of those from previous Kids Clothes Week Challenges.