Giveaway winner

Thanks to all of you who entered my giveaway. I am so glad you were fond of the wrist warmers up for grabs. Congratulations to the lucky winner, commenter number 13, the lovely lady from studio meez (which you should definitely check out, for she makes wonderful things). Please contact me with your address and I'll send your gift as soon as possible!

For all of you who didn't win this time, don't worry! I will be hosting more of these giveaways in the future. And there's always the handmade gift swap, which you could take part in. The autumn swap has been so well received, and the good thing is; everyone involved gets a present! I am eagerly planning it for this summer.

Cowl neck and loop scarf

I knitted this scarf for D already over a year ago. And even though the wool is of such high quality and amazingly soft and warm it can't smooth out the characteristic most loop scarfs seem to have - they're just too lose around the neck to really keep you warm. I know, it's also a fashion thing, and of course you don't really need to stay toasty in spring or summer. But right now, with the first snow flakes falling in January, you'd want your neck well covered.

So I made another cowl for D, to go along with both, his knitted loop scarf and the wrist warmers I made recently. Now he can enjoy the subtle fashion statement a loop scarf might make, without having to suffer the biting cold. Combined pretty with practical - done!

More wrist warmers and shoppe thoughts

Cozy wristwarmers (and a matching loop scarf) for my friends. Mum's friend already ordered a couple of these, and I've been hoarding more and more fabrics for future combinations.

I still have problems deciding whether I would feel more comfortable with Etsy or DaWanda to open a little shop. DaWanda is still the first choice for handmade things around here, but I haven't warmed up to its layout yet.

What's your first choice when looking for handmade treasures?

Christmas wishes

All the gifts are wrapped, my bags are packed, and Mada is (more or less) getting warm with the new company, Willy. He's my parent's cat. They are kindly providing a foster home, while I am spending a week in Denmark with my closest friends, a group of 12 people I mostly know from school times.

We've been to Sweden last year, and I'm really looking forward to cozy evenings in sweatpants, opening wine bottles at 3pm, and the most delicious culinary treats of our wonderful two (male!) chefs. I probably won't have any internet access up there. So therefor I am already wishing you a sweeping New Year's celebration, and that you may not worry too much about resolutions.

As for the autumn gift swap; thank you to all of you lovely giver's who joined this project despite of stressful times so close to Christmas. All your selfmade gifts are so inspiring, and I am really looking forward to future projects of this kind. I know, there are still a couple of presents on their way, but I'm sure they'll arrive any time soon! It's been a pleasure to watch the gifts popping up on your blogs. Here's a little summary of your handmade treasures (I'll add the last ones as soon as they've arrived);

Claudia's, Lisa's, Barbara's, Lotte's, Karolien's, Syl's, and mine.

Thanks again, and have a wonderful merry Christmas with your loved ones.
Much Love <3

Autumn swap and Christmas preparations

I had a day off today, so I had enough time to wrap and send the autumn swap gift to my gift buddy! Hope this one will make it through rushy Xmas delivery times.

Christmas is approaching with bounding strides. My dear friend I. sent me this adorable calendar, and it's such a pleasure to open a door each day. I finally put out these little handmade wooden fellas. They're made in the Erzgebirge, a mountain range in Germany, and part of a tradition for centuries. Each one of them is a little treasure. There's a bunch of this series, and every year I'm receiving another one as an addition.

Having them around always brings a true Christmas feeling. And old scratches on top of my book shelf look like trails from ice skaters...

Hope your Christmas preparations are coming along just fine!

In passing

Work is very demanding now before Christmas, so I try to spend every free minute in the sewing room, with a nice cup of coffee and all those dear fabrics. It's my haven, the place I can recharge my batteries best.

A few more wristwarmers are coming along nicely. And D. liked his ones so much that he asked for another pair. He'll have them for Saint Nicholas Day, hidden in his shoe in the morning. I went for a plainer version this time, to be easily combined - dark grey and black jersey. So cozy, you'd love the touch of these.

Toasty wrist warmers for him

I've made these wrist warmers for D, mainly because of his complaints about cold fingers while working on the computer. And as it is rather inconvenient to sit inside with a cozy mitten trying to hover the mouse over complicated snippets, I remembered that keeping your wrist warm does the job just as good. Maybe not when snow is upon us. But for now, he'll be safe.

This fabric was such an inspiration, it's amazingly soft and cozy. And the pattern just asked for this purpose. It's so rewarding to notice when I make something for someone in particular, and they put it on, it suits them even better than it did in my head. As if they have had it long before. I am generally inspired by particular people I make something for, rather than blindly creating something out of thin air (although I envy that aptitude so so much).

How do you get creative, I wonder? Do you start from scratch and think about who it might suit best along the way? Or are you inspired long before the actual result?

Belated early Christmas

Every time a get a parcel from this lovely lady my day is definitely made already. In stressful times like these having a penpal really is something rare. We're both aware of the patience and discipline this passion demands, and so there are never any hard feelings if Christmas parcels tumble in around August or later. In fact, it seems to be even more joy to get to open all the little gifts on no special occasion. It's like you put a hold on Christmas, or just prepone it to your liking!

This parcel was a mixture of thoughtful supplies for my crafts, selfmade treasures from herself and other inspiring peeps, and something for my sweet tooth of course. See those lovely earrings? I favoured them ages ago on etsy, even forgot about it in the meantime, and she remembered. They're so lovely, and if you haven't already, you should definitely take a little side trip to her shop (she'll be back from holidays soon!).

It's been my day off today, and Mada is best at showing how I spent it. Mostly in bed watching awesome series like Downton Abbey (I am so addicted), enjoying some cocoa and simple pasta. Hope you were having a wonderful day?

Loop scarfs for loved ones

I somehow stumbled into November (or November happened upon me), and can't believe Christmas is actually almost there. Time to get ready for the coldest season. I've been making loop scarfs recently and am quite enjoying the results, as they're fairly easy to make and therefore so rewarding!

For her birthday I made A. one in rather funky colors (in remembrance and anticipation of our traditional New Year's holidays), lined with a cozy warm fleece fabric in blue. Of course we had to go outside and snap some pictures of it in the warm autumn sun. It's been spoiling us all weekend.

I assume autumn is pressing every button to make up for the rather weak and moody summer. Enjoy, until you'll have to go all onioning by putting on 3 tights and at least 2 cardigans! 

Weekend Treasures

I've enjoyed the beautiful sunday outside in the autumn sun, brunching, drinking spritzer, and chatting the day away. I've also started on some Christmas presents, unusually early. But it's the same traditional toil every year; come the week before Christmas I am stressing out like nuts and can't find anything appropriate for the ones I love. Because I want gifts to be special, thoughtful and suiting. Perfectionism always breaks my legs.

Well, but I started. And I would love to post the result right now, but the lady it's for stumbles upon this site every now and then, so I will have to keep it a secret. Oh, the tensionnnn...

Grandma sent me some recipes from my childhood (with the most awesome vintage illustrations). She used to make this unbelievably rich and luscious chocolate cake. And even though she says the recipe is nothing special at all (my grandma isn't exactly of the cheerful kind, as you might remember from the conversation at my grandparent's diamond wedding about her lovely hairstyle), it brings back memories from good old times. Like doing crossword puzzles together. Feeding the chicken. Spending half the day in that old tree, playing with my cousin. And 4 o'clock sharply we had to come in for tea. There it was, that juicy chocolate indulgence. Even though I've got a ton of new recipes for chocolate cakes, none of them will mentally send me back into that old tree - big-eyed and red cheeked.

And some more music is on the way. I'll see these talented guys in concert this weekend. Here's a little video of one of their rehearsals.

A pouch for sunglasses and the problem with bulky corners

I forgot to post this pouch. These last days have been a little unorganized.

This pouch was made as a present to store some newly purchased sunglasses (or my own ones temporarily as seen above). I've been on a mission to minimize wrinkles on other's foreheads. You'll see me ironing those worry lines with my thumb whenever I catch someone overly concentrating. The kind of concentration that leads to obstinacy. Some peeps like to combine this with a little pouting. Sounds familiar?

I've heard that sunglasses help, at least with the wrinkles between the eyebrows issue. And they will give my thumb a little break.

The design is rather plain with only a little embroidery, since it's made for a guy. The inside is made of molton, a very soft fabric usually used in stage design. I love working with this material, it seems to float along by itself underneath my sewing machine. For the outside I used some plain and solid linen.

Even though there are tons of tutorials on these pouches, I feel like noone has really revealed the secret of the zipper corners in full detail yet. There are various ways. You could either cover the zipper with a small piece of fabric, as I did here, then shorten the zipper a little to reduce the bulk. Or you refrain from using any extra covering, but will have a little more bulk then with slightly rounded corners.

Maybe there's no real solution if you want to use lining. But I've seen some around with very pointy corners, so I am determined to discover the secret of those. And when I do, I will share with those of you who have been in the dark for so long as well (unless you know already and would love to share!).

Hope you're all having a good week!

Childhood thoughts and another gift

On my way back home I was favoured by fortune to ride in one of those old train wagons. They're very rare and replaced by the (in my eyes) rather charmless modern models. Even though this one is not the oldest version yet, it reminds me of my childhood and travelling long distances by train when visiting my grandparents. Grandpa came all the way from his hometown just to pick me up at the station where I was waiting with my parents. Once inside, I stood on the upholstered bench, wistfully in anticipation, and we both waved my parents goodbye. 

I must have been only 3 or 4 years old, but I still remember the smell of the brownish upholstery. And how I felt so wonderfully taken care of by my grandpa, who started cutting small pieces of apples for me with his pocket knife on those little foldout tables. I remember wondering about "Aschenputtel" (the german version of Cinderella), and if she really lived in Aschersleben, a little town our train always passed through. Even though grandpa is gone for many years now, I still wonder. In a more grownup and mature way, of course.

Back home I finished this little birthday gift for a friend of mine. A while back I made a cotton bag for her in a very similar design, and she fell in love with the anchor patterned linen. The zipper pouch fever has gotten me a few weeks ago and I've been through so many tutorials to get the hang of how to make these. They're so lovely to have for little bits and bobs and make such a wonderful present.

Sunny wedding and a gift

We were invited to a wonderfully relaxed wedding, celebrating with close family members and a few friends. A welcome change in stressful times. It was raining during the ceremony (which I heard brings good luck) and the sun peeked out as soon as we left the register office to head to the restaurant.

Loved the bride's dress and groom's tie.

Tried very hard to withstand the urge to lick my plate after every single course of the most delicious menu.

Had such pleasure to inaugurate my cam on this blessed occasion. 

For their wedding I gave them the little hat I have started a while back (and fortunately managed to finish on time), since the bride is expecting a baby girl. I'm so happy it was well received and am promised a picture on the little one as soon as it's born and grown into it.

Wrapping and singing

I've been wrapping presents all evening long yesterday, and Mada has been of great help. She attentively folded gift wraps (using the weight of her entire body) and thoughtfully pulled on strings to tighten bows I made. Or undid them so I could redo them again. It took me a lot longer than it usually would, but it's worth the amusement when watching her being so excited about the simplest things.

Long story short: A parcel will be on its way to Belgium very soon!

Other than that I will be gone for a few days to enjoy choircamp with a few old friends. Making music and being with the ones you love is a terribly good mixture. I spent the last of my school years at a special musical institution, including a boarding home. The friends I've made there are still the closest to my heart. And even though we're scattered all over the country and aren't in much contact during weeks and months, it's always as if we've just met a few days ago. Priceless.

Enjoy the rest of your week! I hope you'll have lots of sun.

Summery cover for my brother('s laptop)

This was supposed to be a birthday present in April. But as you have noticed, all those special dates have gotten a little difficult for me this year, and I am still catching up on last year's Christmas.

I made a cover for my brother's laptop a few years back, and was so delighted to see he really used it lots. Now he's gotten himself one of those superslim macbook airs, and I've been wanting to "cover" that one for him too. Finally, here's what I came up with. I thought of something light and summery, and a pattern to go along with some shirts I noticed in his wardrobe.

The inside is lined with a soft thicker kind of cotton called "Molton". I really love working with this fabric, even though it is usually used to cover iron boards for example. Hopefully it will keep away some ugly scratches you usually get from carrying your laptop around to public places or meetings.

The front flap easily closes with the help of simple Velcro. I used some blue linen to fortify the rather soft lining, so it will withstand grasping and ripping in rushy hours.

Can't wait to see this one in action!

Come rain or come shine

In tough times like these you really know who your true friends are. I haven't had the chance to be in contact with as many people as I wish lately, and there have been too many things occupying my mind. Yet it feels good if you know there won't be any doors shut even though days and weeks and sometimes even months without words may have passed.

A friend I consider one of my closest put a smile on my lips with my delayed birthday present. It's becoming a trademark, she wrote, and I so agree (her Christmas present is right next to me, and aaaalmost ready to go... just a little ribbon here and some lines there...).

There are so many little bits and pieces I couldn't wait to get my hands on. I even unwrapped half of the package minutes before I had to rush to work and was a little late, too, but with new jewelry. Look at those lovely tulip earrings, the colors are simply perfect for my wardrobe. 

When I got back from my shift I discovered the rest of her lovingly wrapped gifts. Between some adorable candy I found a cute necklace (Yes, I do love that one, you really did meet my taste!) and a beautifully illustrated notebook for my own recipes. I know already what's gonna go in there. Some secret scribbles about the ingredients of my apple pie. I imagine how my grandchildren might find this little book one day in some dusty box up on the attic, and will start baking and filling their kitchen with the delicious smell of maple syr... uh oh... pretend you didn't read this.

Now don't forget to have a look at my friend's little etsy shop if you liked these earrings and the necklace just as much as I did. There's so much love in those, it will always push your mood right up the moment you put them on.

I will cherish these very much. Thank you again for a sunny day, even though it did not stop raining. <3

I thought I'd introduce the few of you humble readers, that sneak in every once in a while, to a new member of our family: meet uhm... oh shoot, he doesn't have a name yet. But hubby was very certain it's a 'he', so I can tell you at least that much.

It's been three years now that we've been married, and we're enjoying just as much ups as downs. Can't have pancakes every morning, can you.

So this little adorable tree, which is much more like a little person instead of just a plant, is what I gave hubby for our anniversary. We first went out to one of our favorite Italians, and strangely got all depressed the further we proceeded with our menu. No no, the food was great, as usual, but I guess something just was in the air, or we simply ate too much and had to move awkwardly on our chairs while having a conversation. Or maybe it was the amount of Eros Ramazzotti that didn't go too well with our stomachs.

Who could really tell. In the end we felt like old people must be feeling, because it was still bright outside as we left the restaurant. But as soon as we got home and started revealing presents to each other, the mood went straight up. Priceless, the look on hubbies face when he first saw his Bonsai. He's been wanting one for quite a while now but only mentioned it once in my presence, and I am so happy I picked up the message. Even if it wasn't meant as one.

I have the greatest joy in finding gifts that really fit to a person. I even went that far once by saying, I would rather give nothing (or just some flowers maybe) than a gift that doesn't fit. Something that has been put together in stores already, or vouchers for this and that always gives me the feeling I could have done better, but didn't. So I prefer postponing birthdays or christmas a lot, until I really find that fitting lid for the pot, as we say.

Well, sometimes this gets out of hand though. Reminds me I should quickly be getting back to a Christmas present of a dear friend of mine. Is it May already? Oh, I hadn't noticed.