SouleMama

one view :: lots o' joy

In the busyness of our days - full of activity, energy and a flurry that is sometimes nothing short of chaotic - I'm grateful for my camera. The way that a photograph can take a piece of life and bring it all into a sharp focus so clearly for me. I find myself 'taking pictures' in my mind even when the camera is not in hand. Those snapshots (both real and imagined) - paused little moments from our days - carry with them so much. Reminders of where I want to focus my energy, reminders of our time together, and reminders of the very many things I am so grateful for. In one rectangular little frame, there is always so much to be found when we remember to look for it.

I love...

~hand-me-downs
~babies in overalls
~(and stripes)
~chubby, dimpled baby fingers
~sunshine
~friends who rescue vinyl from the dump
~(and share their finds with us)
~stevie wonder

the pillows of the year

After five years of this gig, I sometimes get a funny perspective about the nature of blogging. Of course, there are so many things that never even make it onto the blog. But then, given the nature of what I do write about, sometimes some very silly things that do get blogged about. And blogged about often.

I got that familiar, funny feeling a few days ago when I was taking photos of my new pillows. It was an odd sense of deja vu...a "I think I've photographed pillows just like that, at just that angle, with just that background before." kind of feeling. Because I have, of course. For five years now.

Shall I demonstrate?

There were the very first - the Pillows of 2005. The first...and still going strong. Currently at home on Adelaide's bed.

And then the Pillows 2006. Um, I don't even remember these. I remember those buttons, but I do not remember those pillows. What does this mean?

These were the pillows of 2007. Ah, sweet Merrimekko. These got cut up and hacked to bits when I decided that fabric was absolutely needed on my summer quilt. Where I still enjoy them - spring, summer, autumn and winter.

The Pillows of 2008 featured yellow and doilies. Favorite things, indeed. (But sadly, those hand stitched doilies couldn't stand up to the jumping and tossing that my babes love so much.)

A second set for 2008, repurposed from vintage wool blankets. (I was pregnant. I was writing a book. I had energy that year.)

Apparently there were no sofa pillows in 2009. (I had four children. I was writing a book. I was tired that year.)

Looking back, I'm often made aware of something. Like how my taste has changed. (Or not.) Or how I must have an internal Sofa Pillow clock that tells me it's been a year and it's time for new ones. That must be true, because the alarm went off recently.  So without any further adieu, I present to you....

(drumroll,please....)

 

 

 

The Pillows of 2010! Featuring the fabulous voile fabric from Anna Maria, with  envelope backs (for easy washing) and quilted log cabin squares (using the method described in Patchwork Style). I love them. My little ones love them. And they are totally perfect for the most important pillow function of all - naps. Even pretend ones.

warm like spring

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend was so very beautiful. It's unlike any early March weather I've seen here before. I don't know if spring is truly upon us - snow could quite definitely still come down (which will be welcome here!). And I am saddened by the larger implications of this warm weather so early in our New England season.

But. In spite of all of that, I'm just going to think of these days right now, as they are, as a gift. The gift of sunshine and warmth and reacquainting with the springtime world around us.

Yesterday, Adelaide told me, "Mama, I know I have to but, I just can't come inside at all. I just can't. The sun feels too good on my skin." Indeed, it does.

I've been reading Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore this week (full disclosure: we share a publisher). I've been so moved by it's words - it's a wonderful collection of essays - and the following in particular struck me this weekend as it echoed what I was feeling in the air. It's from a larger essay which has me thinking as I've never thought before about - of all things - snakes. Anyway, this part here:

"Do not be surprised that the return of the light lifts your spirits. Do not be surprised that warmth on your back calms you and makes you glad. Feel your spirits lift as the sun rises higher in the sky: this is part of you, this snaky gladness, part of who you have been for a million years. Find the warm places; do not expect them to come to you. When you find them, stay there and be still. Be still and watchful. In this quiet, taste the air. Lick up the taste of it. Listen. Listen with the full length of your body against the ground."
{From Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore}

Isn't that lovely? 

As we begin another week, I wish us all some warm moments in which to be still and listen.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ SUNDARA YARN ~

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Today, I am pleased to tell you about our sponsor Sundara Yarn. In the words of Sundara herself:

"Sundara Yarn hand-dyes a wide range of luxury fibers for knitting, crochet and weaving.  The majority of our yarns our one of a kind, "Limited Edition" colorways at are inspired in the moment and can't be repeated.  We also have a range of "Permanent Collection" colorways that can be dyed in larger quantities.  These colorways have all been carefully crafted by Sundara and are often inspired by the beauty of the natural world.  Sundara Yarn was started by Sundara just 4 short years ago and now is a family business that includes her Mom, Dad, two sisters and two brothers."

Sundara keeps a blog as well, which can be found at Sundara Stitches.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Sundara: I tell anyone who asks or anyone who is looking for what to do with their life this same story, but I haven't heard any reports that it worked for anyone but me.  I was in a not so great point in my life and my therapist asked me to make 3 lists.  One of things I like, one of things I am good at, and one of things I don't like.  I dutifully made my lists and included all kinds of crazy things like "making fun of how celebrities dress" and "I heart knitting" and after a few weeks, I looked at them and I said to myself "I'm going to dye yarn and sell it on the internet" and so I did.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Sundara: I'm nearly always inspired by nature.  It's a cliche, but there you have it.  I love paying close attention to how the seasons change and how the same trees or park or water will look at different times of the year.  I love noticing how many of the same color combinations are repeated over and over and yet they never seem old or boring.  The combination of pinkish-orange with a bright yellow always seems fresh, no matter how many times I see a flower that color.  I like having the perfection of nature to strive towards, even while knowing I'll never reach that sort of perfection.

SouleMama: What artists/crafters/teachers have inspired your work?

Sundara: I've been lucky enough to see many Monet paintings in person and that man was an absolute genius when it comes to color.  His color combinations, when broken down, can seem downright garish, yet he managed to make them all work in the context of the painting.  I feel his paintings have an inner glow to them that I don't see in many other painter's work.  I'd like each batch of yarn we create to have that same inner glow.

SouleMama: What's your most treasured 'thing' in your home?

Sundara: While my mother was pregnant with me, she crocheted me a panda bear.  Because I was a thoroughly original child, I named him Panda Bear.  He's made out of black and white wool and has held up remarkably well for his 36 years.  I keep him in my office to remind me of all the love I have in my life and how grateful I am to be the person I am.

 

For today's giveaway, Sundara Yarn is offering gifts for FIVE winners.  All from the "Cherry Blossom" collection colorway:

to three winners:

3 skeins of sock yarn

to two winners:

3 skeins of Fingering Silky Merino

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Thank you, Sundara Yarn!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winners are:

For the sock yarn:

yummy stuff!
Posted by: Erin

what a great interview - I love how she started her business! I also share her love for Monet! I have espaliered tree fences at my house just like those in Monet's garden! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Posted by: Ginger & Pickle

beautiful colors.
Posted by: My Year in Haiku

For the Fingering Silky Merino:

a totally awesome givaway, this yarn is amazing!
Posted by: Open Roads Mama

Gorgeous colors!
Posted by: Tina @ Squirrel Acorns

SouleMama Sponsor ~ LIVING CRAFTS MAGAZINE ~

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Today, I'd love to tell you about our Sponsor Living Crafts Magazine. In editor Pardis' words:

"Living Crafts is a magazine devoted to crafters who practice a natural lifestyle."

SouleMama: How do you avoid burnout and keep yourself motivated?

Pardis: Solitude.  I make time for getting things “out”.  I wake up at dawn, and spend time in reflection, in the dark, or writing in a journal, and even hand-stitching patchwork or knitting, any handwork that can be continuous without going back and forth to instructions or keeping track of steps.  I stay away from taking things “in”, including reading, watching, listening.

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

Pardis: Soon after I became a mother, to my own surprise I realized multi-tasking was not something I could do well, so I left Body+Soul magazine, although I loved my job and was able to work from home with flexible hours.    Thinking this would be a temporary situation, I ended up being a stay-at-home mother for five years, until my daughter started kindergarten.  Once I was ready to go back to work part-time, I ended up working for both Mothering and Natural Home magazines.  At that time Natural Home was owned by Interweave Press, and here I was, working for two accomplished, self-assured moms who were both my mentors as well as clients: Peggy O’Mara, and Linda Ligon, and whom both I adored and loved dearly.  However, as I started doing my “old job” I realized that becoming a mother had changed something in me, and my life purpose.  This work [independent publisher’s representative] did not seem as exciting and fulfilling as in the past.  This was a turning point in my life, and although a difficult decision, I left my work again, to risk, and to start a magazine that filled the need of mothers like me, who love crafting, but could not easily find sources for natural materials and patterns that fit a natural lifestyle and conscious parenting, for mothers who not just enjoyed doing crafts with their children, but wanted to sit down at the end of a hard day’s work and read, and create, within a community they belong to.  What I’ve learned is once you listen to your own motherly instincts and do what is right for your child, then somehow the universe leads you to your life purpose, so giving up a job or a lifestyle you are used to for the sake of motherhood is not a sacrifice, but a gift you give to your whole family.

For today's giveaway, Living Crafts is offering TWO winners:

All 10 back issues, in addition to a two-year subscription starting with the Summer 2010 issue (one year for international subscribers). If you are already a subscriber, this winning subscription will be added to the end of your existing. If you already have all the back issues (most subscribers do), you could give it away to a special friend!

In addition, Living Crafts is offering a free Spring 2008 back issue with a subscription purchase. Offer valid until April 30th. Enter code SP08SM in the Offer Code section of the Subscribe page.

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Thank you, Living Crafts!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Comments closed! The winners are:

I love this magazine!
Posted by: Jen Costigan

I love this magazine! I have been receiving their subscription for a year now, and have wanted to share them with friends. How perfect!
Posted by: Amber Payet

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{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Happy Friday, friends!

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take good care

I love::
This hour once a week that's all mine. When no one calls me Mama...or SouleMama. An hour full of: scratched up dance floors; shuffle-ball-changin'; silliness; laughing alongside girls half my age and women twice it; dear friends; Broadway showtunes; oh yeah, and sweat too.

"...understand that to nurture and love others with the grace you desire means taking care of yourself and cultivating your own inner harmony. Inner harmony grows not by finding ways to get away from your child, but by giving yourself the gift of a hot bath at the end of a long day, reading a book of poetry, talking to a friend on the phone, taking a nap, crying, getting a massage, having a day off from cleaning and cooking, staying in your pajamas all day, swimming, going out to eat, or attending a conference. Do something for yourself as you give. Learn to laugh at yourself and not take yourself so seriously."
~ Peggy O'Mara, The Way Back Home

I remember reading these words, and the wonderful essay they come from, when Calvin was just a few months old. Though the words seem simple, they are so huge and true. I remember a light bulb going on  as I realized many of the struggles I was facing in being a mother at the time were simply that I wasn't mothering myself very well. It was one of the most important lessons I learned in those days, and it's one that stays at the center of how we do things around here. Which isn't to say that we all need reminders from time to time. I was happy to stumble upon this bookmarked page in this book recently (when I was removing it from the dog's mouth. Hmn).

If you feel inclined to share, what's one thing you've done 'just for you' in recent days? And if you can't think of a thing, what's something you can do TODAY?

love in voile

I am so in love with Anna Maria Horner's new voile line of Little Folks fabric. (It's available in Anna Maria's shop, as well as in the shop of one of our sponsors - Alewives.) Of course her colors and designs are stunning as usual, but oh, this fabric feels so good! It's the kind of fabric that you just have to put next to your skin. Which is just what I did with this quick little scarf. It's two simple 7 x 54" pieces sewn together, turned right side out, pressed and hand stitched at the opening. So easy, quick, and satisfying. (And also fulfilling my sudden urge to wear totally impractical but absolutely cute scarves and dresses around the house with a gimlet in hand. I just rented season 1 of Mad Men. Oh my retro eye candy.)

 

And this is a little something in progress, though I'm not certain what it is yet. I had thought I'd make two log cabin pillows - a quick project fulfilling a need for 'fresh!' and 'spring!' that I have in my house right now. But now that the two squares are done, I'm thinking it would be so very lovely if I grew it into a quilt.  Hmn. Well. I think a quilt and pillows are really the only way to solve this dilemma, wouldn't you agree?

readying for spring with Sew Liberated

{Thank you for the sweet words in yesterday's post! You're all so kind. I'm so pleased with that cardigan - how can you go wrong with great yarn and a great design? And I know that was about as wintry as it gets, but today we're moving on to spring. That's what's happening outside my door, anyway, so I'm following...}

I have been so thrilled to see Sew Liberated come to be as a book. From the early days of it's creation, I knew it would be full of family-centered fun, fresh designs, and a clear guide for sewing - the things Meg does so well. And it is. In Sew Liberated, Meg masters the process of applique in a way that's accessible for today's sewists of all levels.

I have grand plans with a few of the projects in the book - a Mama/Daughter spring Blossom Blouse set (bottom photo, above) is definitely in order for spring. Before I did so - stitching onto two shirts of precious linen, I wanted to try out the applique on a quick little project.

{And not to shift the focus to the shoes. Ahem. But I know y'all like to talk about shoes. The're by Miz Mooz. Those pants are hemp vagabonds from Sweetgrass - a new favorite. I think I might just live in them all spring long.}

I used the instructions for the blossom blouses to applique a spring-like handbag (the fabric is Anna Maria's voile).  Meg's instructions for the circles were a totally new technique for me - using heat resistant template plastic. The directions were so clear, and look - the circles ended up ROUND! A miraculous feat, really. With all that hand stitching and embroidery, I love the way they look.

Next Up: Blossom Blouses. And SPRING! 

tea leaves

My tea leaves is done (available here)! I cast on for this sweater in November, though a lot of things have come and gone off the needles since then. Holiday gifts, baby knits...you know how it goes. But I did finally just get my new sweater and am so, so very happy about it. (That snow, by the way, lasted about an hour yesterday and now we're back to brown. Hmn.)

{photos by Steve}

This is my second pattern of Melissa's - the first was my garter stitch cardi- and I love them both so much. Her pattern writing is so clear and concise, and the designs so comfortable and well, just right. And truly, kind of fast knits. I'm so glad I used the madelinetosh merino, too - good gracious. That's some dreamy yarn to work with.

Many of you have seen this photo in progress in recent posts and thought it was The Big One (aka Steve's sweater). I assure you that I truly do not move that fast, and that sweater is all of 1/4 of an inch at the moment. I decided this one could jump ahead in the queue for finishing. (So glad I did. Sorry, Steve.)

The only bummer about this sweater for me is that I think it's just a tad too big. I was between sizes, and should have done the math to figure it out...or gone with the smaller size. Instead, I went with the larger of the sizes, making it not quite the fitted sweater I envisioned it to be. Nevermind, though, because who can complain about a hand knit, super cozy, super soft, fabulously comfortable GREY cardigan just in the nick of time for late winter and early spring everyday wear? Exactly. I'm not complaining. I love it.