When a mistake becomes an opportunity...

So this afternoon Ben was napping and Sarah went to the wading pool with her cousin. I have about an hour before Ben wakes up. I meant to make a few more cushion covers to replace the ones I have right now, which are kinda winterish looking. I know which fabric to use - the Joel Dewberry leftover from my spring top. I even bought matching zipper last week. I have to act quick if I want to get it done before Ben wakes up.

I pulled out the fabric and started snipping and ripping - the best and fastest way to get rectanglal pieces of fabric that's guaranteed to be on grain. I ripped a 12.5" strip across the width, and then, as if the number 12.5" was engraved in my mind, I snipped at 12.5" along the strip and ripped, resulting in a square. Half way through the ripping I realized the mistake - I should have cut at 18.5"! Do I have enough to re-cut? No. There was a brief moment of silent between me and the square.

I turned my head to stare at my stash, and then my eyes landed on this beautiful Japanese linen I got from San Francisco. Is it time to cut this?

And so, the mistake turned out to be the excuse I needed to cut this fabric. Words cannot describe how much I love this cushion. It's soft, fresh, and crisp.

And look how well the zipper matches the fabric!

Apparently I am not the only one in the house that likes the new cushion.

A sinkful of goodness

Buttercrunch lettuce, red leaves lettuce, arugula, mizuna, and underneath is a big bunch of pea shoots - great stir fried with some garlic.

Another summer top

The first one was so comfortable, I found myself reaching for it in the morning all the time. When I started a load of laundry just so I can wear it the next day, I know it's time to make another one. This time, I made the back narrorier, and added pockets!

It's perfect for a hot summer day like what we had last weekend. I will probably make more. But first, I need to find the right fabric - something with a better drape.

A blanket and pillow for strawberry shortcake

Happy strawberry and cherry smocket

Here it is... such cheery prints and simple pattern... and fully reversible!

Sarah was watching the little mermaid movie so she wasn't interested in trying on the smock! Nonetheless she said she likes it, with her eyes still glued to the TV.

The PDF is for 2T so I spread the pattern pieces by about 4 inches. It fits Sarah quite nicely. The shoulders are tied in the original pattern. I tried it on Sarah (see the cherry print picture). but wasn't too keen on the ties so I sew buttons on instead. I love the strawberry print so much that I am going to make myself something with it! The best part, it's remnant from Fabricland, buy 1 get 3 free. I got 2 pieces of this print, each is 0.7m.  I don't have much left now, just enough to make some bias tape and bottom ruffles for my perfect summer top!

Sarah's first embroidery project

I picked up Soule's book The Creative Family from the library a couple days ago. It's filled with great activities to do with the kids - perfect for the just started summer holiday. Here's the first thing we tried: embroidery. This is something new for me as well. We spent yesterday afternoon sitting side by side sewing away. This is what Sarah made. Isn't it lovely?!

Here's what I did...

And she drew the butterfly and the cute ladybugs on it when I wasn't looking...

I think I will embroider the cute drawing. Maybe I can make a quilt out of of Sarah's drawings... so many fun thing to do!

Crazy Weather

This, is my backyard yesterday...

...this is today, right now, thundersnow...

 No wonder some say Calgary is the toughest place to garden in the country.