Alabama Chanin Tunic with modified neckline halfway done!  Love the Marimekko inspired flower.  Directions on how to make this lovely tunic here: http://alabamachanin.com/journal/2013/04/diy-tunics-marimekko-style/

As I clear out a former office to make a sewing/craft room for myself (Yes, I am going to have a Girl Cave!), I have been jockeying around my craft books. I am a definite convert to the digital reader when reading fiction but I can’t imagine making that switch when dealing with all things knitting, sewing and crafting.

As I sorted through the books to make room for them all I set aside the “Knitting for infants” books, the retro looking Burda pattern magazines and the 80s knitting books.  It is hard to give up these books as dated as they are, I think because my past is interweaved with them all.  I have spent many evenings browsing my collection of Rowan magazines, Alabama Chanin and Kaffe Fassett Quilt books finding inspiration for projects.  And the results can be seen all over my house in the quilts, clothing and sweaters they have produced.  Funny to me that I can form such attachments to these inanimate objects.

Now that I have more room however, I’m delighted to add some new ones to the collection.  Brave New Quilts by Kathreen Ricketson is so inspiring and I am convinced that if I keep Simple Crocheting by Erika Knight up close and center, I will finally learn how to crochet.   Drape Drape One and Two by Hisako Sato also stare at me, inviting me to get more comfortable with my serger.   Anyone else as attached and inspired by their craft books as I am?

I have been working for the last month on a Care Package for some cherished family members one of whom is sick. I wanted to make each of them something handmade and unique.

First up, above, a handmade water bottle cover made of linen and hand dyed wool.

Next were gifts for some tween relatives. I always find this age so hard to make for as they are often less interested in handmade items. The POW! shirt and the Halloween motif shirt and sweatshirt were big hits with my kiddos so I am hoping they will be popular.

For the next item, I designed a bag around a beautiful piece of hand dyed wool. The outside is linen and the inside is a quilting cotton. The leather handles are by Muench, beautifully handmade in California but a little bit pricey and difficult to find anymore. I’m holding on to a treasured stash of a few more of these handles.

Lastly, I made one of my favorite hand knit hats. The pattern is free and found here: http://happyknits.com/blog/free-pattern-rikke-hat/. The picture shown is of a previously made hat. The current one is a nice variegated green.  I love this pattern.  It is very easy to follow and quick to knit up.

Hope the recipients feel the love I put into them.

Creating/Travel/Family/Medicine-These are the major themes of my life and I hope to share them in this space.