Curious Bird

carry all.

I created this reversible tote a while back. You might recognize the fabric from two previous projects (here and here). There is something about warm weather that makes me reach for that green print -- it is definitely a favorite from my stash. Luckily there's a lot of it, so I can continue using it until I change my mind.

I'm hoping to add a few new totes to the shop very soon. I've been a lazy shopkeeper, but that is about to change.  Speaking of the shop, I've decided to put several handmade items and all remaining vintage on sale in honor of the glorious weather happening in Philly this week and a little something called Spring cleaning. Give it a look.

More soon,
l.

just a few degrees warmer

and I can wear my new dress (sewn from one of the built by wendy patterns I mentioned finding on sale a while back) and my new birthday sandals. I can hardly wait.

Happy Spring,
L.

 

finding my routine

Hey there,

Quickly saying hello after a week away. Our visit with family came to an end last night --it was lots of fun having them here and getting to introduce them to the city we call home.  We criss-crossed Philly on foot exploring places we love and also places we don't normally visit. Getting to play tourist, but not being completely turned around and lost was quite a kick.

Now if only I can locate my old routine. I know it's here somewhere.

Oh, before I go. Thanks so much for all the sweet birthday wishes last week. So far 32 seems to be treating me well. I'll keep you posted.

Bye for now,
Leya

Today is the day...

I turn 32.

I've decided this year is the year of the very mellow birthday. Partly because I'm more interested in a nice dinner at a restaurant I've had my eye on than drinks, cake, and balloons, and partly because I'm saving all of my energy for the family visit that begins on Wednesday.

I will say that being 31 was incredibly sweet. I got married, was able to travel to some really beautiful places, and even made some wonderful new friends. It was sweet indeed. Here's to 32. I'm looking forward to it.

Have a great day,

leya

from start to finish

Hello there,

Hope your weekend was nice. I did a bit of baking, with D's help, of course. I made fruit galettes from a recipe in the lovely Tartine cookbook, which in my opinion is a must-have if you like to bake.  They turned out quite delicious, pretty much justifying all the drama that took place to make them happen. The short version of the story goes like this: We couldn't find our rolling pin {tried to borrow one, but friends weren't home}. After going to three places to purchase a new one, still no rolling pin and close to giving up. Then, I discovered I had left my credit card at store number two. I had to go all the back to retrieve it and by then I was really close to giving up. But finally I found and purchased a rolling pin at store number four, and a bit of work later {thank goodness for store number four) we had twelve flaky, blackberry and pear galettes...and a spiffy new rolling pin. Told you there was a lot of drama. 

It's going to be a little quiet around here this week.  We have visitors arriving very soon.

So long,
Leya

p.s. Thanks to each of you for all the kindness about my new quilt. Your words mean a lot to me.

 

there's a first time for everything

After a few days of hunched shoulders (binding can be a little tedious), I finally completed my first quilt. It's really special for several reasons, primarily because it's created from fabric left over from our big day back in September.

As with any first time project, there was a learning curve and some uncertainty at times. This book and this tutorial were both very helpful when it came time to do the binding. There is definitely a bit of wonkiness here and there, but I actually really love those parts.  The best part though is completing a project I've been thinking about since last Fall -- that and knowing we now have a comfy quilt that will always remind us of our wedding day.

More soon,
leya

Hello there,

Don't really know how it came to be Wednesday so quickly. Either way, I'm still here,  just very involved in a big project soon to be completed. I'll definitely show you when it's done.

Not much else to report, well, besides being currently obsessed with the following:

greek yogurt with honey
playing around with my old nikon slr (see above)
destroyer and sera cahoone
hyacinths
recovering my furniture or day-dreaming about doing so
a camping trip. as soon as it gets a little warmer.

Bye for now,
L.

Spring Fashion Loveliness From Church and State

Some dynamite pieces (I'm kinda freaking out about) from Portland based Church and State. Talk about lovely.

More Soon,
Leya

tea time

Hello and Happy Friday to you,

Today has been full and it's only the early afternoon.
I'm a big fan of days like today -- lots to do and lots being accomplished. A nice way to end the week if you ask me. Oh, before I forget, all Built By Wendy patterns (actually all Simplicity patterns) here are 99 cents. Yep, 99 pennies. *do call before you head out the door because I can't promise every store is running the same sale, I mean, heck, I go to one in Jersey, it could be doing its own thing, who knows?*

On a different subject entirely, I can't resist posting a photo of our new tea set that arrived yesterday -- a lovely handmade wedding gift from our talented friend, Ariel. We love it. The little tea cups are so perfect, I'm positive they will be put to almost daily use.

Hope you have a great weekend.
I'm going to sew and drink tea and make a big salad with pesto toast on the side.
At least those are a few things I hope to do.

Be Well,
Leya

Not much time for words today, but I can show a new(ish) shadowbox and some gratuitous cat photos.

A Good Hiding Place
Mixed Media Shadowbox
6x9
*hand drawn and printed birch tree fabric background.

Snowcat likes to give kisses. It melts my heart.

More soon,
L.

p.s. Thanks so much for all the juicer advice. You guys are a big help. The quest continues...