Hello Monday - Slow Simmer

It's a rainy Monday, the perfect sort of day to slow simmer something delicious on the stove, perhaps bake some bread, and think on plans for the coming days.

My work room/studio is nearly back together and well organized. Thank goodness as I am itching to do some stitching again. I'm planning some makes; like this Negroni Men's shirt from Colette Patterns in this handsome Kaufman lightweight cotton plaid. I'm planning a test shirt in some calico I have in my stash, then on to the plaid.

Whilst unpacking and organizing, I came across a few unfinished projects from days gone by, so those are on the to-stitch list as well.

Well, I'm off to brew a cup of tea, listen to some Debussy, contemplate cooking, peruse bread recipes, and make the most of this rainy Monday.

Rainy Days and Mondays

It seems the rain is well and truly here now, the scent of pumpkin flavored everything is in the air, and things have started ramping up for the coming season.

I haven't planted the garlic, or my bulbs, so there may yet be some digging in the mud soon.

The bread baking has begun and slow cooked comforting meals are happening again.

Oh, that reminds me, I need to add cocoa to the shopping list!

I'm pulling out the sweaters, Pony Girl needs some new rain boots, and has anyone seen my winter hat?

It's harder to get out of bed in the morning when it's dark out, especially on a Monday.

Happy week all!

Hello Monday - Frosty

I'm feeling a bit frosty this Monday morning. No, it's not the weather, in fact the sky is about the blue of that ribbon and the sun is shining gloriously. What is frosty is my attitude about this pile of slippery sparkly stuff. Still, I must get over it, I must dive in and get it sorted as the month is whizzing by and in no time I will be out of time. Darn you Elsa!

You see, after having a gander at the pattern, I decided I hated it, it wasn't right you know. So now I've got to re-design some key elements and put in some corset lacing instead of a zipper perhaps, and change the neckline and, and...

Well, it will all be fine. Though if you hear some unladylike language coming from my sewing studio, don't be alarmed.

Happy week all!

Made It Monday

Dress: McCall's 6275

Pants: Simplicity 4572

Since we returned from our lovely holiday we have been playing catch up and getting ready for Fall and the start of school. Do you ever wish you could have a vacation to recover from your vacation? For my part, I have been in a mad rush to get school supplies and to stitch up some quick school clothes.

I have a stash of mainstream patterns that have been picked up for pennies, given to me, or come to me from a number of places. Many of them are not exactly my cup of tea, but why not go through them and see which are keepers and which to pass on. The plus side of this is that I don't have to spend time drafting my own patterns and most of them are super fast to stitch up. Since school is starting next Tuesday, that is a good thing.

Simplicity 2689

The dress above was made from a vintage sheet that I acquired from Sherri of Little House in Paradise.

*

The Engineer has been busy as well. He finished up a gorgeous coffee table made from reclaimed wood.

It turned out beautifully and is the perfect compliment to our living room. I love it! 

He and a good friend also worked crazy hard on Saturday to build a chicken run to keep our pesky hens out of the garden beds. Hooray!

Oh, and Pony Girl has been making stuff too!

What have you been up to? Make anything lately?

Hello Monday - Vibrant Color and a Giveaway Winner!

Mossy Green

Amethyst Purple

 Sunshine Yellow

It was a colorful weekend here and just a brief flash of much coveted sunshine before the rain came tumbling down once again. I am itching to get out in the garden. I've got my seeds ready, my compost standing by and all I need is a couple of dry days. The forecast looks good for the end of the week and with any luck I will have dirt under my nails and precious seeds in soil! 

Now onto my giveaway winner of the children's patterns! I used a random generator to choose the winner. Drum-roll please...

The Winner is Sustainable Mum!

Hooray! Send me your address so I can get them in the post!

Thanks to all for entering.

Have a lovely day all!

Hello Monday - It's a Giveaway!

Hello!

Recently I was the lucky winner of a giveaway from StudioTANTRUM. I received the most beautiful gift, full of StudioTANTRUM and Farbenmix patterns, some lovely fabric and other goodies! How lucky am I? 

If you have been a long time reader, you may already know my love of these patterns for kids. Such unique and inspired creations. As Nancy Langdon, designer of StudioTANTRUM says: "You are the designer: Our patterns are the roadmap. You determine the journey."

Here are just a few of their patterns I have made up over the years for Pony Girl.

You can see more examples in the Sewing Clothes kids Love and Farbenmix Flickr groups.

In my box of happy from Nancy, Jen and StudioTANTRUM, I happen to receive a few duplicate patterns that I already had in my collection. So, that means I'm giving away 3 patterns to a lucky reader! Hooray!

These patterns are made in the European tradition, which means that the patterns come on large good quality paper, then you trace the pattern pieces and add seam allowance to the traced pieces. If you have never used this type of pattern before, do not be intimidated. If I can do it, anyone can! Pattern sizes range from 86/92 - 146/152 or US 2 - 12. So, if you have a special little girl in your life that you sew for, or if you know someone who would really like these patterns, they can be yours! Plus, I will be adding a few special extras in the package for fun!

How to win:
1. Simply leave a comment on this post with a way for me to get in touch with you. (Many comments I receive are "no-reply" which means I can't reach you through your comment, make sure I know how to get a hold of you)

2. Add a link to this post to your Twitter, and tag me @lola_nova and @studioTANTRUM for an extra chance to win!

3. Link to the giveaway on Facebook for another chance to win!

4. Be sure to let me know if you have Tweeted, Facebooked etc. So I know to give you those extra chances!

5. Giveaway winner will be announced next Monday, March 10th!

Happy Monday all!

Hello Monday - Pretending Spring

Outside it is a gloomy Monday, all bluster and rain, gray skies and soggy ground. Inside however, I am pretending it is Spring. I spotted 2 little daffodils in the corner of the yard and one slightly battered Hellebore. I clapped my hands and said "Hello first flowers! You are a sight for sore eyes!" Then yes, I plucked them. The wind and rain were surely about to bash them to pieces and truth be told, I needed a bit of pretty to bring inside.

To keep up the illusion of happy Springtime on this stormy day, I have also started a quilt for a baby that could be coming any day now. Ooh, I'd better hurry shouldn't I?  I am using the most springy springtime fabric I had on hand.

I am using several fabrics from Urban Chiks - Dream On for Moda from a couple of years ago, and a vintage-ish green solid that I also had in my stash.

As you can see, it's easy pretending Spring with all these happy, pretty flowers about. Well, just as long as I don't go outside.

Are you impatiently awaiting Spring, or are on the other side awaiting Fall? Either way, may your week be a good one!

Hello Monday

“So. Monday. We meet again.

We will never be friends—but maybe we can move past our mutual enmity toward a more-positive partnership.” 
― Julio-Alexi Genao

Sometimes Mondays are hard. Even if you don't work in an office from 9-5 Monday through Friday, they can be daunting.  For me, Mondays are busy. Mondays are take my daughter to therapy days, grocery shopping days, bathroom scrubbing, kitchen cleaning and laundry days. Mondays are computer catch up days, pay the bills, answer email, cook a healthy dinner and heavy help with homework days.

Mondays are also my "Start the week off happy Blog days!" I am happy. I hope you're happy too! Still, today is a hard Monday, so I'm going to just tease you with a few things to come this week here in my happy place.

1. I have some lovely folks wanting to join up in the Stitched Journal Project. Hooray! I am so excited about this! So, I will be putting together some simple guidelines and officially sending out an invitation to any and all who might like to take part! 

2. I have an upcoming announcement concerning a music release that is close to my heart.

3. Oh dear, I could've sworn there was a 3rd thing... well you'll just have to stay tuned!

I do hope your Monday is a good one, not too hard and that the rest of the week is lovely!

Hello Monday - Technical Difficulties

Well, after over an hour of trying to post and being completely thwarted by technical difficulties, I have decided to take the hint and instead leave you with a photo of an old mossy driftwood burl. Just because.

See you soon once I get it sorted.
Happy Monday!

Hello Monday - Happy New Year!

It's the first Monday of the New Year and my first chance to sit down and meditate on the year that was and the fresh and shiny new year that lies ahead. I don't make resolutions, but sometimes I choose a word for the new year. This year I stumbled upon a quote that struck me as a possible totem for 2014.

 "Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness." - attributed to Allen Ginsgerg

What that says to me is - Be Yourself. Simple right? I'm still ruminating on what that truly means to me and how it informs my daily life, but it's a pretty good rule to live by.

I look forward to this year, to settle even more into our new home, to make memories with my family, and to laugh a lot. I hope to play more, explore more, have adventures and cozy moments. I am excited about designing and making more, discovering some new techniques and passions, playing with ideas that have been swimming around in my head for a while.

I am ready to reinvigorate this happy place as well, more sharing of ideas and changing things up a bit. All good things!

How about you? Do you make resolutions, write down intentions, or choose a yearly word? What are you looking forward to?

May it truly be a Happy New Year to you all!

"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!" - Dr. Seuss

Hello Monday - In Bloom

I am starting the week with a clear head, a fairly clean house and no stressful deadlines. Wow! That hardly ever happens. I thought a little celebration was in order. Nothing big, in fact, I wanted more than anything to relish the little things. This morning after I came home from school drop off, I lingered over my coffee, I took a stroll through the garden to see what was in bloom. I looked past the ridiculous amount of weeds, the lettuce garden decimation by my hens and practiced selective viewing. Turns out there is quite a lot in bloom.

A double columbine

The tail end of the Elderberry flowers

The last Peony

I nearly trampled a tiny delicate mushroom. No idea what it is, but I let it be.

Lavender

Oh and look! The Hydrangea is beginning to bloom. Such a nostalgic flower for me. Amazing that when this flower head is at it's peak, it will be a dark purpley blue color!

What is blooming in your neck of the woods?

Oh, and I want to share with you that I have the immense honor of being Editor for the month of June over on the wonderful WhipUp. I am sharing some posts from lovely bloggers and makers, as well as contributing posts of my own. The theme for the month is Make it Local, there will be recipes, tutorials and some really lovely reading. Please come by and say hello. You can find my Introductory post HERE.

Have a stellar day!

Hello Monday - It's the little things

Goodness, despite best intentions, life happens and things get busy, or strange, or dizzy as the case may be.  I am running behind in all corners, I need to catch up!  I have had some blog posts on the docket for days, so the best thing is to just get to them.

This one is close to my heart!

Just a little while ago I was proud to post my contribution to The Red Nose Day Dolls project. If you missed my post you can find it HERE.
Please take a look around to see all the amazing creations contributed by the talented artists and makers, it is truly wonderful!
The Ebay Auction for the dolls and all of their beautiful accessories begins March 7th and ends March 17th, so very exciting!

And you can help too! Blog about the Red Nose Day Dolls and link to your post here, tweet, or facebook about this wonderful project, just grab the Red Nose Day Dolls Badge on my side bar to link to their Facebook page  it would be such a big help if we can spread the word!

I have to say again what an amazing privilege it has been to be a part of such a fantastic community project.  Thank you Emma and Ros for including me!

Oh, and by the way... Mac is a movie star!  Love this video!

Hello Monday and Thank You

Hello friends! I thought today would be the perfect day to send you a little love note. Part early Valentine and a heaping helping of Thank You!

I want to thank all of my lovely readers, new and old. You make my shiny place here sparkle even more. Thank you to all the new followers. Thank you for all of the wonderful comments you take the time to leave, I read every one and so appreciate your kind words and your saying "Hello".

I have been taking some time away from my computer of late, I think we all need to do that from time to time, but I'm feeling refreshed and ready to jump back in. Perhaps it is the arrival of the Lunar New Year, new beginnings and all. I am so looking forward to the coming days! And you my friends, are a big part of that.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart, your'e simply the best!

xo

Hello Monday - A thrifty weekend

I've been seeing some lovely thrifty treasures around blogtown lately and was reminded that it has been a while since I spent a leisurely hour or two strolling the aisles of my local thrifty emporiums. So this weekend when the Engineer said to me, "Why don't you go off and do something you enjoy for a little while" I jumped at the chance.

I wasn't expecting much as the local second hand shops are all-a-halloweeny from floor to rafter, but still a little meandering amongst the castaways might do me a bit of good. In an aisle dedicated to bathroom fixtures and corroding curling irons, I spied a flash of "Vintage Blue" and there it was, a wee vintage toy iron! Oh yes, popped that in my trolley straight away! Then perusing the jumbled toy aisle looking for wild horses for Pony Girl, I found the vintage Fisher Price airplane, a wave of nostalgia washed over me and suddenly it was sitting in my basket as well.

A spot of yellow Pyrex and two decaled enamel pans still in need of some scrubbing to shine them back to their true selves, as well as a pretty flowered tablecloth.

Lastly, a sweet bed sheet and some vintage crafty books! I'm a sucker for a vintage crafty book, I don't know why. I certainly do not need more vintage crafty books, as my shelves are already spilling over. Ah well, they make me happy.

So there you have it, a thrifty weekend gone swimmingly! How was your weekend? Did you find any treasures, or spend some time doing something that you enjoy? Do tell!

P.S. I forgot one more item! A 1971 edition of the game Battleship (sorry no photo)! We had a great time playing it this weekend too! "You sunk my battleship!"

Hello Monday Mail Call

Silver pail necklace from Silverpebble Jewelry

There has been some rather exciting mail coming in to the little green cottage recently. There is nothing quite like receiving a parcel in the post, savoring the opening of the package and seeing the magical things inside. Since I began this blog, I have received such amazing things from far away places and fabulous friends. Hooray for that!

First, let me tell you, it was quite a thrill to get a note from the lovely Emma Mitchell of Silverpebble asking me to make a prairie dress for her sweet girl. Would I? Oh indeed I would! We came to the amicable arrangement of a swap, such a good idea you know considering she makes the prettiest jewelry. Oh, and did you hear? She was featured in Country Living Magazine UK along with her wonderful studio and garden!


While I sewed away here in the verdant green of the Northwest United States, she created away over there "on the edge of the watery fens in England." Off went our packages across the sea and landed on each other's doorsteps within a few days of one another.

I could not be happier. I spied this little silver pail necklace some time ago and I was smitten. It is gorgeous and a little quirky so of course I wanted it. Now I have one of my very own made with love and care by Emma. She was very kind and sent along a few little extras in the way of wee vintage doilies and buttons, yes I think she knew just what I would like.


Please go take a look at the Silverpebble shop, she has a whole array of beautiful jewelry to choose from.

I wish I lived down the lane from her, and not just to hang about in her garden and studio, as she also teaches workshops!

Thank you so much Emma! I love my necklace and so enjoyed our swap!

I'll be back tomorrow with another bit of truly magical mail.

Hello Monday - Minutiae

Well hello Monday! You came back around awfully quick since last week!

Last week my internet was iffy and my head was a bit undone, so I wasn't able to spend any time here in my shiny place.
Then I went away for the weekend, to the coast and sucked up some much needed salt air and down time. I've photos of that and I'll be sure to post a post beach weekend something soon.

Speaking of photos, done dropped the camera and busted my lens! It's my only everyday lens and already I am feeling a bit lost without it. I've got the instagram in the meantime, but really that's more for a quick fix and I prefer photography from my camera so...today you get a couple of random shots from last week's sewing session.


This week is the last of school days. Tomorrow is a class bowling party - a gajillion first graders walking a long stretch of city blocks to bowl - along with a few of us parents for herding purposes. Thursday is the very last day and then I will no longer have a first grader in the house!

There are some busy back yard projects going on; a fence is going up, a patio is going down, and the pesky squirrels are peskier than ever.

There you have it, my Hello Monday Minutiae.

What little details are happening in your world?

Hello Monday - Sunday Snaps

I do love where I live. I love that on the spur of the moment, at 3 O'clock on a Sunday afternoon, we can decide to jump in the car and go fishing...and only drive 20 minutes outside of the city. We can sit at a lake, under the tall trees, catch our dinner (and some other critters), and have a great time together as a family. Oh, and there were peacocks too!



Salamanders!







And a little post fishing snack!

It was a fine, fine day.

Hello Monday

Hello, hello!

I am so overwhelmed with the amazing response I received from my last post. Thank you all for the encouraging and lovely comments you left. I am very touched.

Thank you.

I will be providing updates on the release of the book; dates and foreign language editions as I get the news.

Rainy days and Mondays are good days to tidy and catch up on the laundry. That is my big exciting plan for the day.

What are you up to?

Blue Monday

The Little Green Cottage and the inhabitants therein, are experiencing a bit of the blues this Monday morning. The Sickness II, the sequel, in which everyone gets really, really sick and the laundry has revolted and formed its own sovereignty, has made its blockbuster debut! It isn't pretty folks.

Pony Girl is on her 4th day home from school, which in the entire Pony Girl history is absolutely unheard of. I am considering buying stock in Kleenex brand tissues, as my environmentally friendly hankies are just not up to the task. Oh dear, I'm afraid I am painting a rather too graphic picture for you folks.

So what does one do on the 6th or 7th day of cruddy illness induced malaise, when all of the herbal tea we can drink has been poured down our gullets, all the movies have been watched, all the puzzles put together, and the fidget starts to set in? Considering couch activities are all we can muster, it seems a dandy time to put my pretty blue vintage vanity case to some higher purpose.

What a perfectly perfect place to store all of my embroidery bits and bobs, floss and whatnots! With its top tray of just the right size compartments, not to mention a handy little mirror for checking my embroidery day up-do. Alas, I wont be looking into that little mirror today for I most certainly will not like what I see.

Then there is the bottom portion of the case which is roomy enough to accommodate a few small hoops, the floss that awaits winding, and some works in progress. How lovely!

I do hope that your Monday is healthy and happy. I'm thinking it might be time for a little giveaway later this week to bring some cheer, what do you think?