Last fall with the start of the financial crisis I began to think about what other things I wanted to make for my shop. I found out that I would like to try making practical things that could be used daily. I certainly appreciate having hand made things to use in daily life, like appliquéd napkins, hand-rolled handkercheifs, and gift bags.
I made a some new draw-string bags which I hope will be put into use to carry a special project or perhaps some lovely treasures. I am finding all sorts of uses for mine and those that I have made for the children. Some house marbles and others store sewing supplies. Another is carried around daily by my little one with an ever changing array of contents, like doll clothes, trinkets, shells, buttons, etc.
I tried a couple of my own species of mushrooms.
Both the red and brown variety are now in my shop.
Speaking of useful handmade objects, Di sent me this doll blanket which she designed and made herself. I won it on her blog and am so happy to have it for Lilly to play with. I love it that she is surrounded by lovingly handmade things made by family and friends.
These poppies are so beautifully raised off the woolie white background making a delicious texture for the eyes and hands.
Here is the sunshine she so prettily handstitched in place.
I am completely enchanted by Di's Little Red Riding Hood with the curvy edges and ever-so-soft wool.
There is even a loop to hang it up with in case we prefer having it as a wall decoration instead of a blanket for Lilly's babies. Thank you Di!
Before I go off to enjoy my quiet evening alone (the children are asleep and my husband is teaching a course in digital photography tonight) I want to share my children's exhuberance over the fine spring weather!
This young man presented me with this bouquet which he picked on his way home from school.
And this little one got us all giggly at the playground with her clown antics.
I am planning a give away. A happy spring celebration! I will reveal more soon. I hope you are having a good day yourself. Meanwhile if you like fabric you would do well to head over to Jennifer's...
The draw string bags with the mushrooms are adorable!
Posted by: Tizzalicious | May 05, 2009 at 09:29 PM
The little red riding hood is very cute! Also like the mushrooms!
Posted by: Laura | May 05, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Your bags are so cute!! I completely understand your concerns. And Diane is so wonderful!! Her blankets are totally amazing... I don't think she realizes that yet!! I think I have a sister blanket here ;)
If you'd like something to take a little trip to the States, just email me... I'd love to talk about it!!
Posted by: bethany | May 06, 2009 at 01:24 AM
What pretty photos! I love the bags--they're simple in just the right way, and I like the colors a lot. Nice work!
Posted by: Muddlepud | May 06, 2009 at 03:13 AM
I love your new bags and your win and then I got to the kids photos I couldn't help but instantly smile , thankyou .
Posted by: clare bower | May 06, 2009 at 06:10 AM
Congrats on winning that supersweet blanky! Oh indeed spring is in the air, such a delight :-D
Posted by: ingermaaike | May 06, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Lucky you! That doll blanket has so many beautiful details!
Posted by: Star of the East | May 06, 2009 at 08:41 AM
gorgeous! i love handmade things as well. so beautiful.
Posted by: chichiboulie | May 06, 2009 at 08:45 AM
beautiful new lines Emily and your little ones look so happy too!:)
Posted by: ira | May 06, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Wow, that is such a beautiful blanket and I think the drawstringbags are a fabulous idea! Happy spring, Emily! :)
Posted by: ArtMind | May 06, 2009 at 09:17 AM
De är så söta dessa väskorna/ påsarna! Det är nog så att folk mest köper användbara saker dessa svåra ekonomiska tider. Jag säljer ingenting längre på Etsy
Posted by: Gunnel Svensson | May 06, 2009 at 10:22 AM
The poppies are just gorgeous!
Posted by: tracey petersen | May 06, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Your drawstrings bags are so beautiful! The stitchery is lovely, I lovea to work with linen, it always looks so good! Congratulations, the giveaway you won is pretty, so soft! Your children look happy enjoying Spring, nice pictures!
Posted by: Suzie | May 06, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Your drawstring bags are so darling - I'm amazed by your stitchery talents! I agree with making things that are more functional these days...and as we see here, functional can definitely be pretty!
Posted by: Susan @ tickledpaisley | May 06, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Love coming here such delight from the children to the crafts its delicious.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 06, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Your drawstring bags are soo sweet! You always make such lovely beautiful items. :) That is such a lovely blanket and i adore little red riding hood! The pictures of your little one made me smile! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you and yours!
Posted by: Jacqueline | May 06, 2009 at 03:07 PM
All the projects are so adorable. Love that Red Riding Hood too.
Just lovely!
Posted by: Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY | May 06, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Cute bags! I love the mushrooms. You have very sweet children.
Posted by: Jewel | May 06, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Lots of lovely goodies, and to cuties at the end.....
Posted by: Karen at sew and sow life | May 07, 2009 at 12:13 AM
i love that bag! your mushrooms are so sweet. that bib is adorable, you are so lucky!
can't wait to see more of the give away.
Posted by: katie | May 07, 2009 at 03:03 AM
You get some of the best mail!!! I bet you love your mailman. :)
We are super happy about this warm weather too. It does something to you, I think it not only warms your outside but your insides too. :)
Posted by: Gina | May 07, 2009 at 04:53 AM
Your draw string bags are lovely. It has such simple but intricate details.
Posted by: Oiyi | May 07, 2009 at 09:43 PM
Oh my, that blanket is so lovely. I love red poppies on a white background.
Posted by: Anja | May 07, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Emily, I love your drawstring bags! Your embroidery is lovely!
Posted by: cathleen | May 08, 2009 at 02:06 AM
ooh, i have so much to say... first of all, your idea to make "practical " items in these hard times is a great idea!!! and that baby blanket is so cute!!! I will go and check out that blog... and finally... I am looking forward to your give-away!!! your kids are so cute!!!
Posted by: jan in nagasaki | May 09, 2009 at 01:38 AM
Wonderful post Emily!
Happy Mother's Day:)
KayEllen
Posted by: kayellen | May 10, 2009 at 12:04 AM
The bags are darling. My daughter would love one for her treasures.
Happy Mother's Day!
xoxo,
Shannon
Posted by: lilyhaven | May 10, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Good Idea about handmade practical stuff, I have one of your needle books and I can say very practical for me!!!
and your kids look so sunny happy! I love to see those smiling children faces, gives me a warm feeling inside!
Posted by: fleurfatale | May 10, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I love the bags, they are so beautifully made! Your children, too! Happy Mother's Day!
Posted by: Dawn, from LaTouchables | May 10, 2009 at 12:44 PM
What a gorgeous post Emily - that little blanket is divine and the final photos are just magical - happy faces!
Posted by: Emma | May 10, 2009 at 07:04 PM
divine red riding hood!
Posted by: willy-nilly | May 11, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Just a quick note to tell you Happy Mother's Day! Hope it's a very enjoyable one!
Mine was wonderful!
Posted by: Jean | May 11, 2009 at 05:38 AM
Masse flotte ting hos deg som vanlig, og du tar så nydelige bilder av alt mulig...
Posted by: Felisi | May 11, 2009 at 09:24 PM
The bags are so cute!
Children are growing so happy and fast...:)
Posted by: meri | May 14, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Oh my that blanket is so sweet. I would've loved such a story blanket with fairy tale characters on when I was little. Sunshine and children are a perfect combination. :-)
Posted by: Melanie | May 14, 2009 at 02:38 PM
oh, I am crazy about the stitchwork done for little red riding hood. Beautiful!
Posted by: urban craft | May 18, 2009 at 07:19 PM