Beanies Blankets

01/28/2023

Finding my balance again. Between work, home, and family it's sometimes hard to keep it all together. At least for today, things feel right.

Wrap conversion quilt featuring handwoven

06/30/2022

I want to start off by thanking all of my clients for their understanding and patience during a challenging and traumatic period of my life. Unfortunately due to circumstances outside of my control sewing and projects have taken a back seat to supporting my Mom though a hospitalization the last two months.

Finding ways to keep my creative fire burning during long hours at the hospital was difficult and threw me back into handcrafts like thread painting. While I love to share my other creative ventures like this magnolia, I cannot wait to post more of my large scale work again. My brain and body are craving the routine and stability. So thank you all again for your love and support.

*HERE'S TO AN UNEVENTFUL AND CREATIVE SUMMER*

04/26/2022

A morning well spent. I managed to get my taxes done (just under the wire) and also finish up quilt top 2/5. Now to design number 3 this afternoon

04/06/2022

821 half square triangles completed. Now to carefully trim each and every one..This might take me awhile

03/31/2022

Spending the afternoon finishing up the last 100 of the 800 half square triangles I need for the largest project I've ever taken on.

Not one, not two, but FIVE dress shirt memory quilts. I definitely underestimated the amount of time it would take me to multiply every step by 5, but these will be worth all those extra hours.

02/04/2022

Memory quilts are a rare detour for me. They are a true labour of love, requiring a deep level of trust and respect.

With many hours spent carefully deconstructing old clothing, they aren't a quick or easy task. This work requires both patience and accuracy. You can't just go back to the store to get more fabric if you make a mistake.

But that is why I love them. Each cut teaches me a little bit more about the person who wore them. A new texture, a smell; the essence of another person is being transformed into something new. A blanket to hug, a pillow to rest with.

Memory projects are hard, but more than that they are beautiful. While I won't take on many of them, I enjoy every step of the way when I do. 🥰

01/11/2022

Keeping my hands and mind busy while the girls are still home by starting a scrappy block quilt. Made entirely from green fabric already in my collection, this quilt will eventually cover our king sized bed. 20 blocks down, 304 to go.

01/08/2022

This last month has been a quiet one around here. Work has been minimal and rest has been plentiful (not exactly by choice). Our little family is now trying to fight off our third viral illness in less than five weeks and I am exhausted.
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My mental health has struggled to keep up with the unrelenting presence of people in my space and daily fighting between my girls. Leaving very little energy for productivity or creativity beyond a little mending here and there.
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As my work and the snow continue to pile up around me I am trying to be gentle with myself. Because collectively we are all going through it. Because I've given everything I have for TWO entire years. Because I have so little left. Because I deserve rest.
I'm letting myself be OK with not OK right now, knowing I'm not alone.
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Eventually I will pick myself up, dust myself off and dig myself back out. But for today I will rest, and gather my strength until I'm ready to start again ❤ I know I'm not alone in this feeling, so don't forget to take the time you need today too ❤

11/26/2021

A little throwback to one of the early days of Beanies Blankets. Maybe I'll bring back the outlined hearts for another blanket soon!

Finishing up binding and reviewing one of my favorite Tula blankets ever. This lovely creation was made from an old school blanket, love pierre and backed with a luxe pink minky. Such a plush and luxurious combination. I just cannot wait to see this one in use!

11/25/2021

Today was a half day for the kids school so I only had a little bit of time to myself. I spent those short hours hand sewing approximately 20ft of homemade garland out of dehydrated orange slices. I love how they reflect the light like little stained glass windows.

I'll be back to the machine tomorrow, but for now I'll sit here and enjoy them just a little bit longer. Hope you all are safe and warm this holiday season.

11/18/2021

The sweetest set of throw pillow covers to match the quilt I wrapped up last week.

11/13/2021

Took a quick detour from my regularly scheduled projects today to make a mini doll bed quilt for a dear friend. All made from scraps and leftovers from larger projects. It was a good mental break for a gloomy day.