buzzville

Much overdue thanks...

I was so crazed the weeks before our trip that I didn't post about some great packages that came in the mail. This is my extremely overdue post to thank some much deserving crafty buddies.

I couldn't resist buying one of Lisa's gorgeous owl patches (now sold out!), and she was such a sweetie and sent along some super pieces of bonus fabric! Her owl is so incredible, and I have all these thoughts brewing about an owl-themed project. But, I'm afraid it will have to wait until *after* the holidays!

I also rushed to order a set of Sarah's incredible ornaments, and she is such a sneaky girl! She sent along a surprise birthday present of her Five Senses stationery set! Sarah's creations are so adorable - I really wish I had her sense of creativity and originality... The ornaments are awesome and will look fantastic on our tree - if we ever get one!

I had a secret little surprise up my sleeve this year for Jerry's birthday. I discovered Annie's incredible Mexican wrestler paintings (not to mention her other incredible artwork!), and talked her into a commissioned work that included Geraldo (Jerry's full name is Gerald) somewhere in it. Jerry loves Mexican wrestling, and I jokingly call him Geraldo sometimes, so I thought this would be fun. Annie played along and sent this incredible, original work - now hanging in our bedroom! The colors and detail are incredible, and the fact that she wrote "Geraldo es Victorioso" (Gerald is victorious) is just too perfect! Jerry loved his gift, and he swears it's further evidence that I really *get* him.

I also promised a peek of my latest knitting trials. This past Saturday we worked on expanding our repertoire a bit:

from top: garter stitch in purl, stockinette, and 2x2 ribbing

and this fun drop stitch pattern that is making it's way into some holiday gifts. This stitch looks incredible with a ribbon yarn! I know I'm such a knitting newbie, but it's really fun to do these little swatch experiments and then see how different they look in different yarns. Obviously I still need loads of practice to get everything a bit more even, but I'm just going to dive right in!

Fun Mail, No Photos...

Before I say anything else, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who sent such sweet birthday wishes and words of encouragement. It's times like this that I wish I could take each and every one of you out for tea and give you a big hug. The odd thing is that I don't have any friends where I live (I know, violins and all that!), but I feel so wealthy in friends from all over the world thanks to this little blog. Thank you all for visiting, for commenting, and for sharing.

Well, I was going to post a bunch of pictures of the fantastic stuff that's been arriving in my mailbox the past few days, but it's darker than Darth Vader around here, so no pics. But, rather than delay the serious kudos for these crafty chicas, I will surreptitiously post *their* photos (hope you guys don't mind!) so that I may share my amazement.

Of course, everyone outside of Gitmo Bay has already heard about (and purchased!) Jess' incredible book, but here it is nonetheless! This should provide even more incentive for me to learn how to knit. And, I'm pleased as punch to announce that I begin my first knitting class on 11/19! I'll share my struggles and pathetic knitting just as soon as I have some!

 

Another crafty goddess sent goodness my way - Hillary's Patchwork Set Postcards arrived yesterday! The photos are incredible, the dolls super cute, and even the back of the postcard has wee flair! I've got to find out more about these printers that you talented ladies are using - not that I have anything to print - but a girl can dream, can't she?!?

As if this weren't enough, I was fast enough to snatch up the incredibly adorable and felted Oliver from Karen's Etsy Shop before anyone else had a chance to lay eyes on him! His needle felted goodness is so soft, and his little eyes have so much personality! He'll be joining some other handcrafted friends in a little display area I've set up - remind me to share a picture one of these days!

Hmmmm, do you all think that the Christmas shopping bug has struck at chez buzzville already? I wonder...

Back-Tack is here!

Whew! The insanity of Halloween was so beautifully offset by an incredible package I received last night from Beki! My back-tack is here, and it is so perfect! Beki took my not so subtle hints and provided me with everything I need to get started knitting!

First, there's a knitting bag - do you see that fantastic shape?!? The outer fabric is a print of gorgeous allium blooms in rich, warm hues that are so perfect for this time of year! Beki made an ingenious open handle, with the lining fabric peeking through. Then there is a needle roll with a rich Japanese inspired floral fabric in greens, the allium fabric, and a maroon fabric with tiny gold metallic accents. This color pallette is incredible! The icing on the cake is a small little bag (Beki - it's perfect for Brynne!) made of a Japanese fabric with adorable little owls! This bag came filled to the brim with fun Mardi Gras beads that are currently spread throughout the house! Here's a close-up so that you can really appreciate these incredible fabrics:

Then there are the goodies! You already saw the 3 pairs of needles in the needle case, but look at everything else:

The loot includes some fantastic vintage knitting books, vintage buttons, handmade cards made by Beki (!), 2 hanks of Artyarns Supermerino, and a ball of Karabella Barbados! What I find really incredible about all of this is that everything is perfectly color coordinated - all of the fabrics, the yarns, and even her cards! Did I already say how much I love the pallette?!? It's so soothing, warm, and cozy... nothing sounds better than snuggling up and attempting a simple scarf to get me started!

Beki - thank you so much for really learning about me and my silly obsessions! I can't believe you ordered fabric from Japan! It's the perfect package and I feel so spoiled!

And, to Alison and Nicole, thanks once again for a fantastic and creative swap! I'll keep joining in as long as you're willing and able to have me!

Quilting update soon!

Well, I had all the best intentions of posting a long overdue update on my "Unfinished Business" Modern Quilt Along project, but I waited too long to take pics and the light is now really crummy. So, look for a progress report on this *very* challenging (to me!) quilt project.

As for today, Brynne was thrilled to get some fun mail - the gorgeous coloring book from Tania! As you can see, she's already breaking hers in (Amy and Hillary - does this count for the cute-off?!?):

Fun Mail, Finished Projects, and Gifts! Oh My!

I just received the sweetest package from Carly, including this hand-dyed and gocco'd tee for Brynne and some delicious Australian sweets (yes, they're already gone!):

I need to think of something really fun to send back her way...

How could I have forgotten to mention that I am now the proud owner of this fine crafty piece of equipment (thanks Jerry! xoxoxo!):

I'd love to hear tips/tricks from anyone out there who has experience with the fantabulous Gocco!

I mentioned the nappy bag I recently finished, and here is the other half of the pattern, the changing pad and case:

Instead of using the recommended terry cloth for the "baby butt" side of the changing pad, I went with one of the Amy Butler flannels from the Ginger Bliss line - they're so soft! I got a lot of comments and questions about the nappy bag, so I'll give some details about this half of the project.

• First, if you're making the changing pad for yourself, I think the case is completely unnecessary and will only result in slowing down the mom attempting to complete a quick, on-the-fly diaper change. However, since I was making this as a gift, I will concede that the case does look very professional and makes the whole package that much more special. I especially liked the double-drawstring cinch closure - very fancy!
• As with the nappy bag, prepare yourself for much topstitching!
• If you're a quilter, you may be amused at the instructions for creating the changing pad, which is, after all, a mini quilt. There is no basting, no binding, and frankly, I'm surprised it came out as well as it did. Maybe this means that all those "traditional" quilting methods can be put by the wayside now and then!
• It would be helpful to have a serger on hand to finish the seam allowances for the case. I don't have a serger and just zig-zagged the unfinished seams, but I have a feeling little stray threads will be showing up here and there.
• Making all the little straps (one to tie up the changing pad and two for the case) is a big pain - lots of ironing and (did I already mention?) topstitching!
• The changing pad does fit nicely right in the bottom of the nappy bag.

The completed project is on its way to the new mom and her brand new little girl...

Secret Pal Reveals!

You may remember that I have been treated fabulously by my own Secret Pal this summer. Her final bit of spoiling came as a surprise gift certificate to Fred Flare! Does she know me or what?!? I *finally* decided what I wanted to do with my unexpected shopping spree, and I bought some Cram Cream! I thought this adorable elephant storage basket was especially appropriate because I can use it to hold my yarn stash for my crocheting:

And then I just had to add this little plastic mug - perfect for a portable cup of tea, or for Brynne to steal (hmmmm, which do you think is more likely?!?):

I was thrilled to finally learn my SP's identity - it's Lisa! Not only is she incredibly generous and thoughtful, but she is also an incredibly talented knitter! We also have quite a bit in common - not only do we both have Osgood Slaughter's disease, but we are also both children of the seventies, we both love pizza and chocolate, we both have daughters and love Halloween, we're both control freaks (!), etc, etc. I was really bummed when I read that her secret pal totally flaked on her, especially since she's been so good to me. Having been in that same position, I can definitely understand how she feels. Lisa: I'm so sorry your Secret Pal let you down... thanks so much for being such a sweetie, reading and commenting on my blog, and really making an effort to get to know me and my quirky tastes! I can't wait to get caught up with you through your blog!

As for me, I was responsible for spoiling sweet Katie at Straying Power. Another talented knitter, Katie is also quite the scientist, experimenting with dying her own yarn! She's made some of the most incredible socks and stitch markers as I've been lurking this summer! I was a bit bummed that her final surprise wasn't going to arrive by yesterday (the official end of SP5), but I hope she'll forgive me for that delay... All in all, I've been quite lucky and have had great fun getting to know some more knitters out there. Now if only I could find the time to learn to knit!

Swappy Goodness from Japan!

I've been having some rough weeks lately - too much work, too much stress, and the ridiculous driveway/insurance business that I've been dealing with - so it just brightened me up when I got home yesterday to an incredible package from Takeyah! We had set up a little swap a while back when I was openly begging for folks in Japan to do a swap with me - yes, I can be that pathetic! Takeyah was sweet enough to volunteer, and here are the fruits of her shopping labors:

4 beautiful Japanese fabrics, 3 different pieces of plaid ribbon, and a vintage Japanese book on log cabin quilt designs!

stationary and paper products galore! check out the Strawberry Twins and the grazing cows!!!

Your eyes are not deceiving you... Decole!!! A house oven mitt, mushroom towel, "bistro" chef utensils and mushroom utensils (plus an elegant sakura tea cup to boot!)!

Plus, all of these amazing bento goodies! Brynne has already been enjoying these in her lunch box, although I'm afraid my food presentation is no match for those clever Japanese moms who create little works of food art every day!

Can you believe Takeyah managed to pack all of that goodness into one package?!? Now I've got to get my end of the deal finished up and in the mail... I'll post that when it's all finished. Thanks Takeyah for an incredible kawaii package - really fun!!

Thanks Secret Pal!!!

I received an incredible package yesterday from my awesome (and similarly afflicted!) Secret Pal! She surprised me with my most-wanted items from my Amazon wish list! Inside the box was this book:

   

and this book:

and this gorgeous Denyse Schmidt stationary:

Can you believe all that goodness?!? The Portable Crafter: Crochet book has the most amazing pattern for a cherries purse that I must get to right away (not to mention a cool moebius wrap and baby hat & afghan), and Cozy Crochet is filled with cute projects like mohair mice cat toys (!), a raffia hat, and a fun skirt that looks really cool. The Denyse Schmidt stationary includes mix & match paper and envelopes with vintage fabric designs on them - perfect for my buddies in the Flickr Vintage Fabric group!

I'm so thrilled with the fabulous package! Lots of fun stuff to do and inspire! Thank you Secret Pal! xoxoxo!

The postman should always ring twice...

I got a fantastic package from Kim on Saturday. She mentioned a little fabric swap so that she could send me some much needed greys for my Modern Quilt Along project, but she sure didn't stop there! Just look at all the goodies:

2 balls of fun yarn that will be great for cupcakes, a bag of fun buttons and bobbles, a stack of beautiful grey fabrics, some cutie little cards, beautiful vintage fabrics (feedsack, I think), and a great vintage apron underneath it all! Wowie zowie Kim! Thanks so much! You can expect some fun stuff to come your way soon!

I've been back-tack'd!

Fair warning: this post has plenty of exclamation points and photos, but I bet you'll agree they're well deserved...

You may remember a while back that Theresa teased us with yet another of her outstanding creations, Bernard. Had I known at the time that Bernard would eventually come to reside with me, I probably would have keeled over and died from the excitement. Luckily for me, I survived to see Bernard arrive at my doorstep, together with unimaginable goodies and loot, this past weekend. Yes, my back-tack partner is Theresa, aka Snowbear!!!

The squealing and jitters began when I saw the box; not only did the box reveal the sender via the return address, but the box was personalized!

(you can see that Brynne can't keep her hands off the box!)

 

Needless to say, I'm trying to figure out how to preserve these fantastic drawings - any ideas?

Inside the box resulted in a near fainting experience... I wrestled with the packing materials to heft out a heavy rectangular object wrapped in tissue. Lo and behold this sewing box was inside:

This handmade box is fully covered in beautiful fabrics, trims, and buttons in the coolest color scheme: browns/tans, orange, and pale blue! The box was stuffed to the brim with a bevy of crafty goodies:

crochet patterns, vintage costume pattern, giant crochet hook, transfer patterns, a slew of buttons, and a set of beautiful, woodsy fat quarters. Then there were the non-crafty, but really fun goodies:

A Shag card, Girls Kick A** sticker, Theresa's own card designs, green tea, a beautiful silk scarf, a sweet, vintage apron, a tiny little pom pom chick, and adorable soaps and puzzle blocks for Brynne!

Then there is Bernard. I know you are already familiar with him, but let's just say that he cannot be fully appreciated in a picture on the web. Yes, this means you're all invited to come to see and touch him in person so that you can appreciate Theresa's talent and handiwork:

Needless to say, I could not have dreamed of a more amazing and perfect back-tack package. Theresa has truly outdone herself, especially given that she is in the throes of recovery... My sincere thanks to Theresa for all of her hard work and creativity - I'm so thrilled to have this new friend, especially one who doesn't live all that far away! Many thanks also to Alison and Nicole for spawning this incredible brain-child (uh, is that metaphor a little too graphic?!?) - it's been a total blast and I can't wait for the next one!