Mousekins fan letter

i received a cute fan letter today by snail mail (yay!).
(the sender's info has been removed for privacy).

she writes exactly like i did at her age -
switching out with multiple colors of felt-tip pens.
so fun!

sneak peek

a peek at a new piece for january's issue of High-5 magazine...

it's hard to believe that cold weather is on it's way -

we're having such a glorious extended summer here in seattle! xo

i'm experimenting with surfaces on which to create the line for my next book.

i want a soft thick line that varies. i really want it to resemble Mo Willem's line in his Amanda & her Alligator books (they're the best!!), but i'm pretty sure he used a Cintiq - maybe some day i'll get one. meanwhile, this is Borden & Riley parchment trace.
i like it okay...
xo

mothers' day memories

 Here's my funny little mom between her 2 big sisters, just starting her life...

 and here about 30 years later, nearly smack in the middle, with 3 kids of her own....

and here about 30 more years later, her body ravaged by MS, and not too many years from the end, but still vital & interested. And for all her debilitation, she never had a gray hair!

She was excited by animals, nature, and flowers until the very end in Feb '08. Sending you a whole Field full of flowers today mom. Miss you, love you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoxo

Mr. Elephant

I had this elephant doll lying around that I'd made years ago (from a beautiful heavy-weight wool). When a certain grandma wanted to buy him for her grandson's third birthday, he needed an outfit.  Sam loves "things that go" (I made him the bus pillow for Christmas) so I decided to outfit Mr. Elephant as a train conductor.

The overalls came easily and were so fun to make. But the cap was really tricky!! I was having spacial relations problems and it took me the longest time to figure out the folds. It's not perfect but does the trick.

There's a loop on his overalls for a tiny set of keys, and then I made up some train tickets in Photoshop. It was all a lot of work but a very satisfying result. I really hope Mr. Elephant becomes a favorite friend! xo

 

 

 

Easter is coming!

Spring has always been my favorite time of  year - the determined blooms emerging from a gray & brown world, speckling the sidewalks & yards with a confetti of color - it's so exciting!
If you have little ones in your life and like to sew, I have a special pattern in my etsy shop so you can get a Hop on Easter....These stuffies are totally baby safe, and all young children love them.

Happy Spring!
xo

Rotini Scarf

 This scarf is called the Rotini Scarf. It's so fun to wear, and easy & relaxing to make. Great for any beginner - or a pro who wants something simple & meditative. It's all garter stitch!

 I used nearly 3 keins of Noro Silk Garden which comes in lots of tempting color combos.

Here's the pattern. I was given a xeroxed copy so I don't know if there's an original source.
(The pattern looked confusing to me just reading it, but once you start, it becomes obvious).
Needles: size 8 or 9
Yarn: worsted weight or DK - 200-300 yards depending on length wanted

Pattern:
Cast on 20
*knit 8, then turn
knit 8, then turn
knit 6, then turn
knit 6, then turn
knit 4, then turn
knit 4, then turn
knit 20*
Repeat from * to * until desired length.
When ready to finish, work the pattern until the last knit 4,
then bind off 10
knit 10
bind off.

(Just now copying it I see that I didn't do the end part correctly - I waited until the last row of 20 and then just bound off the whole thing. Since I'm such a basic knitter, I have no idea what the difference would be!).
Okay, Happy Knitting! There's still more winter in store for a lot of us.
xo

Be Mine

special valentine mice sold in my etsy shop a few years back.
happy valentine's day!!
xo

Those Lucky Dogs

 Mrs. & Mr. Woofington at Christmas, anticipating their departure from gray-skies Seattle.

Now they live in sunny California, where they take daily strolls through the fragrant honey-scented Alyssum.
Those lucky dogs!
xo

Woollyphant

 Here's a fun elephant I made from this fabulous thick two-tone nubby wool fabric.

 Lester joined the photo shoot, looking innocent enough.

 But as a lover of anything wool, he thought this toy for him.

Help! Where is Lester's head? Where is the elephant's trunk?

Luckily, Woollyphant is a sturdy guy and he came through unscathed, ready for his trip to CA.
xo

my new best friend

I'm fairly bereft that he's gone back to CA, but am trying to keep around at least a few of the Buckets of Joy my nephew brought us on their 3-day visit.
He is truly the happiest and most fun & lovable little person Ever!

I whipped up some lightweight wool pants for him before they left - good for chilly winter days in northern CA.

Come back soon, Tomo!
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxxoxooxxxoxoxxoxoxo