This past weekend was my in-laws 60th wedding anniversary. I had remembered a shopping trip with them about a year ago where my mother-in-law remarked on how much she loved these knitted pillow shams at Pottery Barn. I used a pattern for the cabled pillow and modified it slightly. The "A" pillow was actually a pattern I had begun for a Felted Loopy Purse from Lion Brand Yarns and I never quite finished the 20 yard rope.... I think it looks better as a pillow. I sure hope you will give these patterns a try.

also whipped up about 24 cakes in a jar in 3 varieties...more info on the recipes soon

I've finally finished my copycat version of the Pepperlu Ottoman!  

These guys sell the most amazing faux floor mats and photography props but I just couldn't pay the $400 + shipping for this ottoman. Now, I can justify spending money on their floor mats... there's no way I can make a ginormous mouse pad that looks like real wood flooring. But the pouf...now that I can figure out a way.  

The Pepperlu Ottoman

the Pepperlu Ottoman in action...

Now for how I obtained my copycat version: I started off with Amy Butler's Gum Drop Pillow pattern and tweaked it a little to make it closer to the dimensions of the Pepperlu Ottoman. The pillow form is sewn using Kona Solids white cotton fabric. 

Next cut out a bazillion felt circles with this handy little tool by Olfa.

Finally, the tedious task of sewing all the little circles by hand forming flowers layer by layer. These are then attached to the pouf.

Voila... my copycat version

The simple things in life... that's what it's really all about. Like finding the most gorgeous blueberries at the grocery today. I paired them with the sweetest grapes for the humblest of summer fruit salads. The photographer in me had to share. Summer is in full swing.

My sister-in-law shared this amazing rope rug by Ladies and Gentlemen with me.  It's like a giant doily made out of cotton rope.  I am brainstorming ways that this can be made.... stay tuned  

New post on my 'nother blog.  Having an amazing girl's weekend!

What a super fun very quick knitting project this was! I envisioned, quite at the last minute, that I needed a cocoon to complete an upcoming newborn session. I had seen this pattern called Eskimo Kiss on Ravelry in a publication called "Welcoming Home Baby - The Handcrafted Way" Wouldn't this be a perfect baby shower gift.

Yes I've been lame with the blog... but that does not mean that I have not been super busy knitting, sewing, decorating, baking. I am sure by now that you may suspect I suffer from A.D.D. I move from one project to another and another and so on. Right now it's photography. As a mentioned in a previous post, I attended a photography workshop in Utah that was amazing. This in turn has fueled my obsession with newborn photography. I am finding that this art form seems to encompass my love for all the things I love to create.  I incorporate my passion for knitting and crocheting through all the endless hats and blankets. I love the design process - and creating unique set designs really fills that void. I get to create vintage floral fascinators and floral headpieces. And finally entertaining... I love to entertain, but I never get the opportunity to do so. I am having such a blast creating decadent candies and irresistible cupcakes. It's crazy I know, but all of these beautiful  things bring me such great pleasure. It is so rewarding to be able to capture these special pieces of wonderful through photography. I hope you'll take a gander at my other blog that showcases all of these art forms combined. http://flyingfigphotography.blogspot.com/