A Little Bit of Fun

For more weeks than I care to say these fabric strips lay awaiting their stitches.

Today, however, it's a whole different story! 

Not only were the stitches finally put in, but the patchwork piece was trimmed up, given a batting, and attatched to a backing.

Pockets were made.

Pencils were added.

And before long I had in my hands not one, but two of the pencil rolls I had so often drooled over!

The pattern came from Joelle Hoverson's book Last-Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts.

 One not too distant Christmas, I made up the little birds ornaments featured on the cover and gave them away to most everyone I could think of.  I'd always wanted to make the pencil roll project but never quite knew who to make it for...

 ...until now!

My preschool friends asked for homemade donations and knowing that we had some pretty creative little souls there I thought who better to gift it to. But, if your going to head out with a pencil roll in hand I figured a sketch book to go with it would be very much needed.

So, an added pair of patchy pocket on the front flaps and they were good to go.

It was great fun to make up a long wished for project.
So much so in fact I decided to try another...

the Miss Camilla Doll Pattern

by Shelly over Gingermelon way!

I had just enough  yellow felt to give her a sunshine shade of hair.

And who wouldn't want a polka dotted dress?

The directions in the tutorial were spot on and so assembling the little dear was a breeze.

Thank you Shelly!

I even had time to whip up a little quilt to keep her cozy.

My favorite, favorite, favorite detail are the little Mary Jane shoes!

I thought those would be more of a challenge but again...

EASY BREEZY!!!

But best of all...

so 

much 

fun!

A Little Taste of Spring

Remember back when I decided to create a Lily a month for the year ahead? January and February fell into my plan well enough but March.....well March was a different story this year. Usually it's a hopeful month with melting snow and the promise of blossoms to come but this time around it was downright stagnant. Winter held on even though my calendar said it was time to say goodbye.

These past few days, however, things have looked a bit brighter and a rise in the temp warmed me up to my Lily work again. Quicker than I might have guessed the Lilies for March and April came into being right before my eyes! Delighted as I was to finally meet with them I must say I was a bit sorry to discover the wicked weather had left its mark on these two spring dearies. Lily Red Riding Hood is perhaps the more appropriate of the two for at least I can justify her cape by the fact that the deep dark woods can harbor a bit of a chill even in the warmest of months.

This pour soul on the other hand had best pretend to live in the north pole. There is no denying she is a winter wanderer and as such I had no choice but to name her Lily Snow.

On the bright side, she does sport a basket of flowers. 

I'd tell you to use your imagination as to what snow bank she plucked them from except for the fact that their true origins are too delicious not to share. It began with a search around and about Etsy way for some teeny tiny baskets. A shop called Chocolate Letters had several listing that fit the bill but they also had so very much more. If you don't believe me just pop on over and have a look for yourself....it's truly a world of perpetual springtime!

Thus inspired I tucked the girls away, changed up my background picture,

 and began dreaming of my May Lily to come.