Spring projects

Crocuses and bees

The past few months I have been busy getting back to creative things I love!  Especially sewing which I had all but quit when my now 3yr old son was born since I had zero time with 2 little humans under 3!  This past fall I felt the urge to pull out the machine and decided I would get back to it in the new year.

After years of moming - that is not a word but I feel like it should be - I decided to invest in myself by buying a basic serger for my sewing endeavours, a laptop specifically for my writing goals, and I even picked up an open box deal on a Canon camera to help capture the happenings in my world.  I have also started to restock my artistic cupboards with acrylics, canvas board and other random artsy must haves.  Next I hope to make some space for working because our dining room table is pretty cramped these days but one thing at a time ;) .

After a rough 2016, I decided that 2017 was going to be the year I would move forward creatively in all realms that I am drawn to.  The result is one moment I am painter and the next a knitter who is sewing curtains all while singing off key to my spotify playlist.  I love the entire artistic spectrum and really like combining my skills when ever possible.

Some of my favourite recent projects have been for Krista at Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop!  Pop up tea party items, mini easter baskets and a toaster cozy have all headed her to her shop the past two weeks!

Pop up Tea Party set

One thing I have failed to do this spring is start seedlings for our vegetable garden.  I have been far too caught up in making things so I sent my seeds onward to others who will put them to good use!  I plan to purchase our plants from those who actually took the time to follow through with their seed planting instead.

The upside to not planting seedlings is I have space on that dining room table for my other work because yes, that is also where the seed trays typically reside!  Tight quarters over here ;)

Typically I fill all our gardens with as many vegetable plants as I can but this year I am dedicating one of them to wildflowers.  I love looking at wildflowers and cutting bouquets of them to put on that same overcrowded dining room table ;) .

I really hope that the flowers I plant will encourage the bees to get busy.  It saddens me to know they are struggling so greatly, we need them and I hope more people realize just how important they are to all life.  PSA: Plant some flowers this year or vegetables what ever you fancy.  The bees and other beneficial insects will thank you <3 .

The next couple of weeks will find me planning our garden spaces while working on various projects I have been asked to do.  I hope that spring is also treating you kindly!


Happy spring!

40 mini Easter Baskets

Needlework

One of my newest favourites in the city is Needlework on James St N.  I stumbled upon the shop while

Needlework from the street

browsing Instagram one day and knew I had to check it out in person!  I took the opportunity one fabulous fall Saturday to pop in with my daughter and see what the shop was like.  From the street it is lovely, there is a beautiful modern sign and sweet window displays – it is very inviting! 

When we walked into the store we were greeted with warmth and offered a hand if needed.  I had a few items I saw on Instagram in mind so after getting them I wandered around a bit looking at all the gorgeous fabrics – colour and texture co-ordinated rows, the assorted notions and the row of sewing machines lined up waiting for the next class or sew by the hour customer to come along!

I live quite far from the shop and am not able to take advantage of sew by the hour but I sure would if I lived in the city!  I think it is a great price and wonderful opportunity to use quality machines and a large workspace to lay out projects.  It’s also a way to get in that much needed solo time we all must have once and a while or get a little bit of guidance from others with experience!

Work stations

The classes that are offered all sound like fun!  From quilting to garment making there is something for everyone and at all skill levels.  One day I hope to be able to devote the time to taking one.

The space is incredible and really feeds a creative mind.  After taking a break for almost 3yrs, it was this shop that inspired me to get back to sewing once again.  The fabrics are unique and outstanding in quality.  There is something for every project type from soft cozy cottons suitable for quilting and other ventures to the prettiest double gauze fabrics I have seen.

As a teenager I worked in a fabric store for 5yrs and I will tell you they have nothing on a place like this.  Sure they have their place and purpose but you will not find the special items or feel that genuine kindness in a large corporate fabric shop.  Yet another reason why I love small businesses ;) .

Happy Crafting!

Bonus!  You can order some of the wonderful things Needlework has to offer online:

http://www.iloveneedlework.com/

I enjoy following along on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/needlework_hamilton/