Big Changes...

Here are a few shots of the Flatirons Community Garden as it looked this past weekend, on May 22-23, 2010. The first photo is on Saturday, and the second on Sunday. The garden has been plowed, and the plots are quickly coming to life! We are getting a late start due to a very unpredictable, and at times harsh, spring. My husband tilled the plot for me so we're all set to go now. This week, the kids and I will be doing our planting, mostly seeds but some plants. They had a fun time at the garden and are (perhaps?) learning patience as we get the plot to the point where they can really help. Below, they are pictured "helping" and then the plot is shown being tilled, and then as we left it. There IS some nice soil under there! I planned out a potager style garden plot with a bean/pea/nasturtium "wigwam" in the center, which is why there is a circle. The cross is the walking path.




I've been continuing to take a break from the shop to work on personal projects (Annie's Waldorf doll and the silk scarf) but that break will soon be coming to an end due to lots of fun opportunities coming my way! First, I was invited to do a collaboration with Amanda of Nacho Dipes on Hyena Cart, as part of her shop's grand re-opening in early June. This will involve doing three appliqued t-shirts and a knit/fabric dress, all using or inspired by the Very Hungry Caterpillar fabric line. That will be so fun, and I expect to do some duplicates for Annie's wardrobe! Next, I've been asked by two different local yarn store owners to knit some samples for them, to showcase their yarns. So, I have the opportunity to knit items of my choice using top quality yarns that are new to me. I plan to do some baby hats and something else...I need to browse patterns and make a decision! Lastly, I will be making a size 3-6 mos knit/fabric dress and matching knit booties for a custom request, so I will be doing that in the next week, as well. Must.be.disciplined!

I am preparing to go back to work full-time as of July 1, which will obviously be a huge shift for our family. It looks like the final weeks of my leave are going to be quite busy indeed. :) I am so grateful though for the abundance of opportunities that have come my way...thus the title of this post. Being grateful for all these positive things in my life creates a feeling of abundance and "fills my cup," something I need on a regular basis.

A New (Waldorf) Friend

Over the past several months, I've fallen in love with Waldorf dolls. I love their fresh, pure look and the fact that they are made out of natural materials -- the skin is cotton tricot, the stuffing is clean, carded sheep's wool and the features are all done with cotton thread. I have been contemplating making one for my 2 year old daughter, Annie, for a couple of months now (ever since I saw how much they sell for!). I gathered all the materials I needed, found a pattern I liked, figured out what hair color Annie would like, and then I just couldn't start. I tend to have a hard time starting on new projects that are outside my comfort zone. Once I get started I always get thoroughly absorbed in them, but it's getting over the hump that's the problem. So my materials sat on the shelf for about a month and I started to feel more and more guilty for neglecting them.

Then, this past Tuesday, the children and I ended up in a toy store in Boulder called Ginger & Pickles, which carries Kathe Kruse Waldorf dolls of all types and sizes. Annie immediately spotted them and wanted to see them up close (they were high up on shelves behind the counter). The sales ladies were very kind and invited us behind the counter. Annie found one that she adored and did not want to let go of it! She was pretty sad when we had to put it back. So...seeing the dolls up close and witnessing Annie's enthusiasm for them was all the motivation I needed to scale that hump and dig in.

It's been a really engaging project. I am following the Dancing Rain Dolls pattern, with a few added tips I have gotten from the Waldorf Dolls group on Ravelry.com (you will need an account to use Ravelry). I love how you do a little of this using these tools, then something else using these tools...lots of variety and opportunities to learn new skills. Already, I have learned some great new skills that I'll use elsewhere, like tying square knots and machine sewing circles (yeah!). The perfectionist in me doesn't like the flaws I see, but it's all part of the learning process. I do hope to have a good excuse to make more of these! It's a good lesson for me -- that I need to jump in and do things outside my comfort zone in order to keep learning and growing.

So after a few days of working on the doll, I just need to put on her hair (golden yellow and pink wool yarn), stuff and attach her arms, sew a little fabric "heart" on her chest, and give her cheeks a bit of "blush" (with tinted beeswax). Annie loves that she has a belly button, so I may spend some extra time adding some more little details like that to her body. And of course I will give her some cute clothes that Annie will enjoy putting on and taking off (mostly taking off!). Annie will ultimately choose her name. It is so amazing to watch her come to life, she already has such a personality. I've never created anything quite like this and it's pretty special. <3

Needless to say, I've been taking a bit of a break from the shop to work on this. ;) I was starting to get a bit burned out and after all, it's spring, almost summer. Time for having a little fun, every now and then.

More Dresses, and Sprouts!

Nona and I have been very busy lately knitting and sewing for the shop. Nona designed a handknit dress inspired by vintage sailor dresses, and I think it turned out beautifully! Her daughter Cecile is pictured modeling it, above. She just listed it in the shop this morning. I have been enjoying working on my own creation, which is a babydoll dress with a knit bodice and fabric skirt. It's been fun to dream up yarn and fabric combinations, and then see them come together into a unique and cute little dress! Very satisfying. I also had the pleasure of doing a couple of custom dresses, which are pictured below (second and third pictures).

So, it's been a very productive month or so, and I am ready for a bit of a break. I'm going to knit a little something for myself, so I can have a colorful new garment to enjoy all summer long. I'm thinking of knitting a small shawl with some beautiful merino/silk blend yarn that's been tucked away in the yarn box for far too long (pictured below, hand dyed by Selah).

In garden news, our seeds are all sprouting! We are starting to think that our bean sprouts are going to take over our house while we're sleeping. Check this guy out:

We went out to the garden last weekend to meet Deb, one of the women who oversees the community garden project (Thank You Deb -- I now have an inkling of how much work that must be!), and see how the garden was progressing. The frog/mosquito pond was looking quite fertile (must remember to keep bug spray in the car!) and the children's garden was looking fantastic. Ian and Annie did a little hoeing/raking, and Chuck helped plant a couple of raspberry bushes before the rain came and it was time to go. We're looking forward to the "grand opening" and plowing this coming Saturday -- pictures are sure to follow!