chilly weather, cozy knits

it is decidedly cold here today, and i've got knits on my mind in an effort to keep warm. is there anything cuter than a baby wrapped in cozy hand-knit goodness? i think not.

images via shops as listed below, top to bottom.

hand-knit duffel coat for baby - light grey - pure wool or cotton :: pilland

hand knitted vintage inspired silver grey pom pom hat :: dover & madden

boys knitted wool blankets :: rocket & bear

wool slippers from upcycled sweater, town boots :: wooly baby

cozy up blankets

i've been making a fair number of custom personalized smidgey blankets of late. i love helping my customers choose the colour schemes + style for their special blanket. i am sure that any baby would love to be snuggled up in a stylish, modern, fun blankie with their name or initials on it.

don't you think?

i've decided to offer a specific listing in my shop for custom smidgey blankets. it makes things a little easier for me, and hopefully more clear for those wanting that personalized option.

i'm offering three different styles for now. first, there is a double stripe of patchwork with the name underneath, as in the top photo. second, the curved patchwork path with the name beside, as in the second photo. third, a single stripe of patchwork [a 'sky', if you will] with an applique image and the baby's name, as in charlie's blanket from my previous post. the images i'll offer for the third option will be flowers, a tree, a kite, or a hot air balloon.

i feel like this gives my customers a good number of options. they can choose up to three colours for the scheme, and i'll select a group of fabrics that will be sure to please. when they receive the blanket, they will have a one-of-a-kind, gorgeous heirloom blanket for their own baby, or as a gift to a special little one.

[no, these blankets are not for the same baby - i guess there are at least two new baby girls named lily in vancouver this spring!]

for a new baby

a wonderful friend commissioned me to make this gift set for her soon-to-be-born niece, charlie. i love the chosen colour scheme, modern + sweet in shades of grey, aqua and hot pink. perfect for a stylish baby, no?

i hope darling baby charlie enjoys many cuddles wrapped in her cozy smidgey blanket.

birds + birthdays

cheerful blossoms canvas print of original art by lorena siminovich, petit collage

my little gal is turning two in just over a week, and we'll celebrate with a little party in the park, similar to what we did last year. i hate to say it, but i haven't had the chance to really plan a pretty + sweet + coordinated bash for her, and since she's only two, i would imagine she won't really notice. i will pull a few things together before the big day, but i know she'll have a perfectly fun time just running free on the grass.

detail, cheerful blossoms, by lorena siminovich

now, if i was pulling it all together this year, it would most definitely be a bird themed birthday. sweet d is obsessed with birds, in particular crows + seagulls. now i can't imagine a seagull theme for a two-year-old's birthday, can you? but fun, bright, poppy birds? that, i can get on board with. while i was looking around for thoughts + ideas, i came across this kim vallee post, and immediately hopped over to petit collage for inspiration. i love lorena siminovich's work, and it is just perfect for a little girl's party, don't you think? here are some other ideas i would have pulled together, had i been thinking ahead. [kim also featured the little birdie cupcake toppers. so cute!]

images via shops as listed below, clockwise from top left.

instant party :: bunny with a toolbelt {perfect table decor, as i'd be making cupcakes, not cake}

rainbow trees 2, one of a kind 3d bird art :: pragya k

bird ceramic cupcake stand in robin egg blue :: whitney smith

pins - 2 birds :: moloco {fabulous for little favours!}

patchwork happy birthday bird party banner :: earmark invitations

little birdie cupcake toppers :: the cupcake girls

i always love sending a little edible favour home from a party, and these incredible bird sanctuary cookies would be perfect. i had to share a large picture of these cookies because they are a. may. zing. can you even stand it?

bird sanctuary hand-iced sugar cookies :: eleni's new york

so, would you want to come to my baby girl's fictional bird birthday party? now i'm feeling really guilty about not having much planned. i'll make up for it ten-fold next year, i promise.

one for my baby...

after spending an entire day in bed, i was pretty happy to be feeling better last night. so much better, in fact, that i had it in me to whip up this little

oliver + s tea party sundress for my baby girl [who's not such a baby anymore, almost two!]. my only regret with this pattern is that i didn't make one sooner! i'm not sure if i felt daunted by it or what, but it was simple, straightforward, and the results look deceivingly fancy, if i do say so myself. all in, i'd say it only took me about two hours, including a hand-stitched hem and my super-slow cutting skills. [oh, and a couple mistakes + unpicked seams along the way. i guess i wasn't feeling super swift after all]

please excuse the wrinkles. it seems my iron + i have a bit of a love-hate relationship.

i've made a couple of oliver + s patterns before, and each time i am super happy + impressed by the clear instructions and beautifully thought out details by designer liesl gibson. she makes a beginner's pattern look like a professionally finished garment, thanks to simple details like a lined bodice and faced hemline. it just looks so much cuter than a turned up hem!

i couldn't resist using these little apple buttons, i thought they looked sweet with the colours [my old fave combo of orange + pink] and went with the whimsical tree fabric perfectly. now i can only hope that little d will wear this willingly, maybe even with her sweet red mary janes, as i can't imagine the effect would be the same with her preferred rubber boots.

:: thanks so much for the get-well notes yesterday, i think they worked! ::

paper goodies :: classics for kids

inspired by looking at paper goodies for my last post, i thought i'd highlight a few of my faves for kids, too. such awesome options for your little one, i think you're never too young to have your own set of personalized stationery.

images via shops as listed below, top to bottom

plaid and wagon personalized notecard set :: inkspot workshop

personalized onesie note card - set of twelve :: perideau designs

trike stationery :: modern classics kids

my sweet girl

this little bean turns one today. happy birthday sweet girl. mama loves you so so much.

etsy imagery :: making waves

this weekend i had the chance to walk the seawall with my baby girl, just the two of us. she seemed rather fascinated by the ocean, and continually gestured towards it, arm raised, laughing her chirpy little laugh. i wonder what she was thinking. the colours in these pieces remind me of the waves. 

images from shops as listed below, top to bottom

spurt, 5 x 7 print :: yellena

wave runner purse :: spongetta

salt-fired porcelain bowl :: frostindri

waratah flower embroidery placemat :: kainkain

shoe shopping

my baby girl will be walking soon. i'm thinking she needs some new shoes to celebrate the occasion. but how to choose just one pair?

images via piperlime