mette

rapunzel, rapunzel

2012-01-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

hadley had her heart set on a rapunzel birthday cake -

discovered while flipping thru the pages

of the 'cake binder' at safeway.

i couldn't bring myself to buying the cake

- it was $64.99!

+ homemade cakes are so much better.

the turret was made from an recycled paper tube

+ chris found a tiny rapunzel at the toy store.

lights!

the cake was dark chocolate layered with
chocolate chip mint icecream.

maybe not the prettiest of cakes - but it was delicious!

[i should have frozen the cake layers

before layering with ice cream - next time!].

little rapunzel + her turret

now reside on the top floor of the barbie house.

birthday piñata

2012-01-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

preparing for hadley's birthday party +
my post is up at babiekins magazine!

brrr!

2012-01-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

we woke up to snow! on monday.

hadley said it was "the best day EVER"!

we went sledding at queen e park this evening

[before the rain begins tomorrow].

vintage mink clip on earrings

these little lovelies should keep my ears warm.

uma

2012-01-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

a new dress in marimekko cotton.

the 'tumma' [dark] pattern designed by kristina isola in 1972 features bold black + red blossoms on white background.

available here.

handmade barbie

2012-01-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

my post is up at babiekins magazine!

capelets

2012-01-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

capelets have returned to my shop!

pink + black wool cashmere

with cotton ties in black + ivory thin stripe

+ polka dots on grey

black wool cashmere

with black + ivory thin stripe cotton ties

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small galaxies

2012-01-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

a recent thrifting find. solar system print wallpaper!

over five yards on the roll. definitely enough for a mural in barbie's house.

i completed a custom order for two stella dresses. one for her daughter + one for her daughter's american girl doll. awesome.

the galaxy print in swirling pink + grey is one of my favourite liberty prints. hadley wants me to make one for her doll, too.

barbie already has one, of course.

dream quilt.

favourite socks.

coming soon.

+ a classic.

...

thrifting tuesday | small finds

2012-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

this little wooden stand came with a few brightly coloured blocks that stacked thru the doweling.

a child's toy?

i removed the blocks + voila! it's a ring holder!

an unusual but fantastic find - porcelain sink + toilet.

barbie scale!

ghost salt shaker + vintage bunny.

the bunny should go to my bunny-collecting aunt

but i think these guys look great together!

babiekins magazine

2012-01-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

my first blog post is up at babiekins magazine!

thank you, priscila!

fit for a doll

2012-01-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

hadley's best friend turned six today!

i made her this little dress for her american girl doll - though it is hard to tell its size from the photo.

more little dresses are on the way for another special birthday - hadley turns six at the end of the month!

hadley on ice

2011-12-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

we went skating at grouse this week.

hadley zipped around with the skate bars for a while + then announced that she could skate on her own!

+ she did! almost.

forty one candles

2011-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

i ♥ laurie simmons

the sun is out.

the beds are made.

today is my birthday + i am going thrifting!

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deck the hall

2011-12-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

this weekend mette is part of the annual 'deck the hall' christmas market at heritage hall!

i have made some new dresses for the occasion,

as well as wool/cashmere capelets + kokka linen totes!

heritage hall

main at 15th avenue

saturday + sunday

11 - 5

hope to see you there!

lost + found

2011-11-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

small finds at the thrift store

a little red dala horse

[just in time for the holidays!]

+ a tiny record player! the 'stereopet' is perfect for barbie's new house [a wip for christmas].

it appears to be in perfect working order - but i'm at a loss to find any vinyl for it. in the meantime, i came across this fantastic tutorial for making tiny records.

moving on to big news - hadley was jumping on the bed + her tooth popped out!

the little white dot to the left is her tooth :)

this was her first lost tooth

so she chose to keep it + left a note instead.

elettra

2011-11-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

a new dress in stunning italian cotton. so missoni!

the eclectic print features bold geometrics + swirling zigzags in a dazzling display of pinks, golden yellow, orange, grey + black.

available here.

shop update

2011-11-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

i have added a few new dresses to the shop!

now that my model is in full-time kindergarten, photoshoots take place on the weekends - but not to interfere with drama class, skating lessons + playdates! she's a busy gal.

hana ["flower child"] is an a-line dress constructed in liberty of london tana lawn.

the asian-themed print features stylized hydrangeas + anemone blossoms among waving leaves.

kita is an a-line dress constructed in marimekko cotton.

i love this print!

so striking in its simplicity. black on natural.

the 'trombi' [tornado] pattern designed by maija + kristina isola in 1984 features black brushstrokes that mimic the movement of a whirlwind.

mara is an a-line dress constructed in liberty of london tana lawn.

classic art deco print with a modern twist features stylized blossoms, graphic lines + bold colours.

cap sleeves.

side seam pockets.

fully lined.

invisible back zipper.

self-bias hem.

machine wash in cold. hang to dry.

available here.

boo!

2011-10-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

stanley park

hadley chose to be a ballerina for halloween this year.

we retired her old tutu [she had been wearing since she was three!] + brought out another. we have a few. purchased at a garage sale for a couple dollars each.

best deal ever.

this one is fuschia velvet with white tulle.

vintage + handmade.

i added a hoop to the skirt + handpainted 'ribbons' on her tights [inspiration found here + here].

two-headed baby

we came across this lovely doll at the thrift shop.

i thought it would freak her out but she loved it! she's come a long way since we tried watching 'finding nemo' [too scary].

the green one

we visited the pumpkin patch.

previous years had me going into the muddy field to collect our pumpkins while hadley held her breath + waited [the smell of the mushy field made her retch!].

but not this year!

she mucked about with us + found the only green pumpkin in the field. but she still couldn't stomach the pumpkin guts so she busied herself until we were done carving. returning to draw eyelashes + blush cheeks. of course!

stanley park

stanley park ghost train

happy halloween!

harvest festival crown

2011-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

the fourth annual strathcona harvest festival takes place tomorrow at mclean park [near hawks + keefer].

my friend francesca has organized a wonderful group of raffle donors including: 4cats art studio commercial drive, dilly dally kids, hip baby + many more!

i will also be contributing to the raffle a wool felt crown with hand-appliqued 'heart' blossoms + leaves. vintage button. elasticized casing in liberty of london fits allows a comfortable fit from 19.5" to 21".

rain or shine there will be live music, face painting, potato sack race, pie contest, raffle + more!

festival hours are from 12noon to 4pm. see you there!

mrs. k

2011-09-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

it's day three of kindergarten

+ hadley is smitten with her new teacher.

so she made her a bracelet.

p n e

2011-09-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

a little snack ...

before the rides!

evil knievel

alberta bound

2011-09-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

we just got back from alberta - visiting my parents + exhausting their dogs [sophie + sienna quietly endured hadley's affections - hugs + kisses + being carried around].

oh she would love a dog! but only if it didn't poop.

hadley + sienna

she tolerated some back-to-school shopping at the west edmonton mall + then enjoyed some rides at galaxyland!

sonic bounce!

mini motorcycles

carousel

we went thrifting. hadley scored a vintage hat + book at the flea market. she loves the mr. men + little miss series - we were happy to discover the timbuctoo series by the same author!

flea market

on the weekend, we spent a lovely day with my brother + his wife at their 22-acre property filled with horses, cows, three dogs + two cats.

farm girl

hadley, princess + jay

hadley + princess

jay + rudy

virgil

meet virgil.

he is an abkash/maremma + only one year old.

virgil + mom

here he is with my mom - he's like a polar bear! a giant but so gentle.

jay, diesel + hadley

jay hooked up a hay-filled wagon to his atv

+ took us for a ride around his property.

the girls

climbing hay bales

and then it was time for us to go home.

with grandma + grandpa

our little co-pilot

into the wild [but not really]

2011-08-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

last week hadley + i spent an afternoon at the aquarium.

baby surfrider was very keen on the seahorses.

the seahorses + jellyfish are my favourite sea creatures - they photograph beautifully! i love how these little ones appear to be in outerspace - falling stars [or lanterns]. so pretty!

the following day the three of us headed to the greater vancouver zoo.

we watched lions being fed +

raced turtles.

the flamingos were lovely!

she was feeling brave + shared her ring pop with this one :)

after the zoo, we visited fort langley. much of the movies that chris works on [disney "buddies" pup series] are filmed in this town - so it was a trip for hadley to see some familiar sites.

hadley + i at the community hall.

selecting some tunes for dinner at planet java ["sea of love" for me + "lollipop" for her].

we popped by the antique mall [hadley found a malibu ken] before heading home.

xo

pacific weddings

2011-07-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

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a few months ago, i was contacted by pacific weddings magazine to contribute a flower girl's dress for an upcoming marimekko wedding editorial. my copy of the magazine arrived yesterday + it is gorgeous!

inspired by the orange-pink colourway of the 'unniko' design - i chose the 'sugar pop! scales' print by liz scott for moda fabrics [from 'spool of thread']. a fresh + fun print + the orange-pink colourway is a favourite.

beautiful issue! thank you, robin + carole!

summer holiday

2011-07-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

we're back from our week on saltspring island!

we return to the island every summer. this was our tenth year [hadley's fifth] + it was a memorable visit.

last summer was super hot - so we didn't stray too far from the water + barely explored the island.

this year was cooler [but no rain!] + hadley found her hiking legs. she practically ran the three-hour trail thru ruckle park, scrambling over tree roots + ducking mossy branches. complaining only once - at the end of our hike - because she was "sweating".

we searched out every beach, combing for treasures.

we collected cool rocks + quartz. hadley made herself a necklace of seashells.

but some things were too big to bring home - driftwood for hadley + a massive rock [boulder?] for me.

we thrifted. at lady minto we scored this vintage hat, some barbie hangers, a paperback novel + a my little pony - all for two dollars!

me: if you could be any sea creature in the world - what would you be?

hadley: a mermaid!

more photos here.

victoria weekend

2011-07-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

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i spent the weekend in victoria with the girls - my sister, mom + aunt susan - to celebrate my aunt's 60th birthday!

we brunched at floyd's diner + spent the afternoon shopping. i found a joke shop where i bought hadley a 'snake in a can' joke gift. she LOVED it!

we shopped along antique row + i picked up two awesome vintage pendants.

for hadley: a sterling silver fawn by birks

for myself: a pewter pendant by robert larin

day at the faire

2011-06-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

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a beautiful summer day! we woke to blue skies + spent an awesome afternoon at the mini maker faire!

we made prize ribbon pins at spool of thread +

hadley took a ride on a couch with legs!

the passenger

2011-06-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

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i love this video set to iggy pop's 'the passenger'!

thanks for sharing, tanis!

♥

swamplandia!

2011-06-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

i popped by anthropologie last week + was immediately drawn to a display of books where i found

swamplandia! a novel by karen russell.

this is only her second book - her first, 'st. lucy's home for girls raised by wolves' is hands down one of my favourite books. ever.

here is a great interview with karen russell discussing her many influences [including 'geek love' which i read ages ago - loved it! + now want to read again].

astrid

2011-06-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

astrid is constructed in liberty of london tana lawn. the whimsical print features a dazzling display of shooting stars in rose pink, moss green, soft blue + gold.

the drop waist skirt has handgathered ruffles in moss green cotton voile. the dress is fully lined. the skirt lining also has handgathered ruffles. i attached the skirt + lining hemlines - creating a softer, fuller skirt + hiding all seams!

hadley looked lovely wearing the astrid dress to her preschool graduation on monday. after the ceremony, she joined her friends in the playground sandbox - barefoot, covered in sand + wiping chocolatey fingers on her dress. [it washes up beautifully! machine wash cool + tumble dry + it was ready for this morning's photo shoot]

available here.

class of 2011

2011-06-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

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monday was a big day as hadley graduated from pre-school!

a new dress was made for the occasion - perfect for twirling.

field trip | richmond nature park

2011-06-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

i joined hadley + her class on their tour of the

richmond nature park.

there was alot to see -

hummingbirds

turtles + a frog

bees

+ a snake!

lula honey

2011-06-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

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my little capelets were featured on lula honey recently -

thank you, angela! xo

stella

2011-05-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

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stella is constructed in liberty of london tana lawn. the whimsical print features a hand painted nebula solar system, a galaxy of hand painted stars and meteors within a swirling sky.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem. machine wash in cold. hang to dry.

available here.

of course, barbie had to have a new dress in this sweet print, too!

first sewing project

2011-05-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

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it was a rainy sunday so we stayed inside + hadley completed her first sewing project! a custard [strawberry shortcake's cat] pillow. i did the cutting - but she insisted on doing all the sewing herself!

she did a fantastic job! that's my girl ♥

1:6

2011-05-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

i meant to be working on some new women's items for my shop - but somehow i ended making even smaller dresses!

this little number is made from liberty of london's 'asami sayo' tana lawn [spring 2011]. it is the prettiest print + [importantly!] the scallops meet up perfectly thru the back seam.

a sewing journal

2011-05-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

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mette dresses were recently featured on a sewing journal -

thank you, melanie!

sweet bean

2011-04-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

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hadley's preschool class planted beans. a couple of weeks later, she proudly brought her plant home.

i will do my very best to keep this adorable little sprout from withering away!

the long thread

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

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lina is featured in etsy finds friday on the long thread -

thank you, ellen!

american collectors

2011-04-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

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last week i watched 'american collectors' - a 'documentary that examines the relationship between people + their object of desire'.

as a collector, i could certainly relate to their stories + it made me wonder why i collect the things i do. my collections are quite small in comparison but i have several of them. i am kept in check by a lack of space + a husband who prefers clean lines + surfaces. i would love a minimalist style home - but where would i put all my stuff?

paul + paula

2011-04-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

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paul + paula recently included chelsea I among her latest etsy favourites -

thank you, peggy!

cute like me

2011-03-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

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mette has been featured on cute like me -

thank you so much, hailey!

elizabeth taylor

2011-03-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

goodbye.

elizabeth taylor + richard burton walking off the set, 1965 [photo].

rikrak

2011-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

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bella is featured in rikrak's roundup of favourite handmade spring dresses!

thank you, kristal!

baby blackbird

2011-03-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

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lina is featured in today's 'i heart handmade' collection at baby blackbird!

thank you, brandy!

kleinformat

2011-03-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

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mette is featured in the latest issue of kleinformat!

this small [6.5" x 9"] but impressive magazine is packed with diy crafts [sewing patterns + paper dolls], inspiring interviews [hi, joel!] + oodles of beautiful things for children.

it's in german [of course!] but i enjoyed the magazine thoroughly thanks to the beautiful photos + google translate.

thank you, dolores!

jay mccarroll on true up

2011-03-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

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kim kight of true up recently interviewed jay mccarroll on the subject of his beautiful habitat collection.

i fell instantly in love with 'drop cloth'. bought the bolt + immediately made the lina dress.

it's a fantastic interview - in two parts - one + two.

cool kids giveaway

2011-03-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

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mette is featured as this week's giveaway at cool kids!

the giveaway will end on march 7 at 9pm cst. to enter, please visit cool kids.

thank you + good luck!

the popular crowd

2011-03-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

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i came across this vintage novel at the thrift store last week.

i thought "the popular crowd" might offer tips on how to be popular - ha! but instead it is the endearing tale of sue morgan, a "popular girl" + her charmed circle. sigh.

other books by anne emery. "first orchid for pat" sounds like a real page-turner!

now for the curious bit. it is an old library book from a local school district. while i was showing the book to a friend, i took a look at the library check-out slip. surprise! on december 11, 1968 the book was taken out by a "ms. rasmussen".

gira

2011-03-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

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gira is constructed in vintage cotton features a striking mid century abstract design in ivory + yellow on black background.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem. machine wash in cold. hang to dry.

available here.

made by joel

2011-03-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

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joel henriques of made by joel has created a modern craft/toy book featuring "35 craft + toy projects, using wood, fabric, + paper, that promote imaginative and creative play."

made to play [due fall 2011] is available now for pre-order. i have ordered my copy!

designsponge recently featured the henriques' beautiful 1950's home in their sneak peek series.

[above] the children play with handmade yoyo balls. joel's daughter wears my orbit dress - thank you [i love her tights]!

[below] the perfect backyard playhouse.

[below] a coffee-lover myself - i was quite impressed with this set up!

thanks for the tour! lovely home + congratulations on the book, joel!

on repeat: pj harvey

2011-02-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

from "let england shake".

lina

2011-02-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

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lina is constructed in 'drop cloth' from the habitat fabric collection by jay mccarroll for free spirit. i immediately fell in love with this fabric! the print is amazing + the colours are so vibrant.

the bold pattern features abstract paint drops of pink, mint, blue + black on pale yellow background.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

available here.

vintage pine shoot

2011-02-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

i found this sweet little pendant at a thrift shop last weekend - in its original box - "this is a genuine pine shoot encrusted with real canadian gold". i love it! - and so does hadley - she has already borrowed it a few times.

lucy I + II

2011-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

lucy II is now available in a bright new colourway of pink + turquoise on an ivory background.

the a-line dress is constructed in liberty of london tana lawn + features a whimsical print of blossoms + vines under starry clouds.

side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

lucy I in the original colourway of purple + green on a natural background.

both dresses available here.

thrifting friday: vintage coats

2011-02-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

i thrifted this vintage wool toggle coat for hadley last week. mint condition. holt renfrew label + extra buttons. perfect for next winter!

ironically, i had just walked away from a [new + expensive] ben sherman wool peacoat not a 1/2 hour earlier. whew!

vintage faux fur. thrifted many years ago! in fact, i had given it to my friend's [then] four year old daughter. the daughter is now sixteen! and my friend has now given the coat to hadley.

thrifting for kids is great - they will always grow into it. thrifting for the future. hadley has a giant box of clothing + shoes waiting for her to fit them. but it is bittersweet to find that she has grown into something that was purchased when she was very small.

here she is trying on a vintage houndstooth wool coat - not even two months old. i remember laughing - she was so tiny then - squirming around in this big coat. i'm afraid to try it on her now.

nursery pillows

2011-02-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

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i had some remnants of the vintage fabric used to make the uma dress which a friend custom ordered as pillows for her daughter's nursery.

the fabric is brilliant - i will forever be searching for more!

i am left with the tiniest remnants now - i think they will make some awesome barbie pillows!

five

2011-01-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

hadley celebrated her fifth birthday on the weekend with twelve kids, family + friends. the open pinata still hangs from the ceiling + chocolate cake marks the carpet.

she is so happy to be five because "five-year-olds run faster than four-year-olds" which is a very big deal.

fit for a princess

2011-01-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

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hadley has no shortage of dresses - but when she was invited to a princess-themed birthday party, i noticed that she didn't have a "princess" dress!

we headed out to rokko saree where she picked out her own fabric. palest pink organza embellished with sequins + opalescent beads. lining of china silk + ten yards of fluffy pink tulle.

i followed a 1965 ballerina costume pattern with a few alterations. the back of the dress was finished with an invisible zipper + vintage glass button.

hadley wore her new dress to the birthday party today [where the girls were entertained by sleeping beauty!] + she looked lovely. xo

capelet winner

2010-12-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

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congratulations, number eight - belle + bee!

thank you very much to everyone who participated in the giveaway! your kind words have shown the lucy dress to be a shop favourite!

thank you to sew mama sew for organizing this giveaway - it was a huge success + i look forward to the next one!

secret santa

2010-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

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this weekend, a few 'mystery' gifts appeared under the christmas tree.

coincidently, chris is missing his pyjamas + i am missing a pair of tights + my toothbrush.

♥

[holiday giveaway]

holiday giveaway!

2010-12-12T22:24:00.000-08:00

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every year the lovely ladies at sew mama sew hold a holiday giveaway with participants worldwide offering gifts ranging from crafting supplies to handmade items.

my gift is the starry capelet.

child's capelet in liberty of london babycord in a dazzling print of stars + swirls. lined in black wool cashmere. vintage button closure.

to enter, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favourite item is from my shop. easy peasy! the contest ends at midnight PST december 17 + the winner will be chosen by random number generator. worldwide shipping.

good luck!

babiekins feature

2010-11-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

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look who i found in the new issue of babiekins magazine!

only three issues old and chock full of fashion + decor inspiration + oodles of beautiful creations.

thank you, felicity + priscila!

kula

2010-11-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

when hadley spotted this amazing vintage print in my fabric supply - she insisted that i make her a dress!

it was ready to wear for her class photo + has since become her favourite dress in the closet.

kula is constructed in vintage cotton and features colourful atomic bubbles in pink, teal + yellow on a black crosshatch + polka dot background.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined in white cotton voile. invisible back zipper. self bias hem.

limited production of only two dresses. one dress available in size four only.

thrifting thursday

2010-10-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

some recent finds:

a collection of mismatched sugar bowls trimmed with gold paint for holding air plants.

"yksinäisyys" ["alone; solitude"]. beautiful needlework in black + cream wool. found in a battered frame. i plan to turn it into a pillow.

lucite ice bucket. i haven't made a martini in years - so [for now] it will be holding marbles.

i need another vase like i need a hold in the head - but i couldn't resist. not marked but appears to be vintage. pretty pink on the inside. the chevron pattern is carved into the vase.

deer planter + salt shaker for hadley's room.

bunnykins. child's apron. cup + saucer.

layers + layers of pale blue tulle. floor length princess skirt. the thrift stores bring out their costumes for halloween - and we stock up hadley's dress up closet for the year!

uma

2010-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

uma is an a-line dress constructed in vintage cotton. this bold print features colourful bursts of paisley swirls on blush white background.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

small fall

2010-09-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

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the new issue of small has arrived!

another gorgeous collection which includes the beautiful work of photographer jen altman. her 'polaroid portraits' features mette capelets.

thank you, jen, christine + olivia!

fall - my favourite season - is just around the corner - the little one is back to school - and it is high time for some shop updates! oodles of new fabrics + dresses coming soon.

adventures in alberta

2010-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

waiting for candy at the winfield parade

hadley + sunny

with bekki + jay

feeding time

with sophie + gus

hadley + i just returned from our trip to alberta.

our six day visit included carnival rides at west edmonton mall (plus, anthropologie for me), winfield parade + rodeo, and two visits to my brother's farm (seven horses, three cats, two dogs + one pig).

hadley was a great traveler - the bumpy flight home had her squealing "whee!" during turbulence.

more photos here.

small giveaway

2010-07-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

this week's giveaway at smaller features mette!

lula is a flattering and comfortable a-line dress constructed in fine cotton batiste with cap sleeves + side seam pockets. the black + white marimekko print features mod blooms and striping stems. fully lined and finished with a hand stitched invisible hem and an invisible back zipper. the dress is available in sizes two through six.

to enter, please visit smaller.

edit: thank you so much to everyone who entered the giveaway - i appreciate your thoughtful comments + feedback very much!

congratulations to ruth! don't forget to forward your contact information + dress size.

a big thank you to christine + olivia at small for featuring my work! xo

on repeat: the kinks

2010-07-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

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now to watch the movie.

summer holiday

2010-07-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

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we are back from saltspring island!

the weather was gorgeous! long, hot days + warm water at vesuvius bay. hadley had some impromtu swimming lessons + didn't mind the jellyfish and crabs one bit!

more photos here.

olla + rosetta

2010-07-02T15:36:00.001-07:00

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a couple new additions to my shop -

olla is an a-line dress constructed in marimekko cotton. the 'siirtolapuutarha' pattern designed by maija louekari in 2009 features an abstract garden of red, blue, pink + yellow blooms.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

rosetta is an a-line dress constructed in marimekko cotton. the 'ruusupuu' pattern designed by maija isola and kristina isola (originally printed in 1957) features symmetrical black branches against a white background with alternating bright, pink roses.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

lula

2010-06-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

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lula is constructed in fine batiste cotton. the black + white marimekko print features mod blooms + striping stems.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined.

invisible back zipper. invisible hem with self-bias fold and handstitching.

machine wash in cold. hang to dry.

available in my shop.

school's out!

2010-06-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

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hadley finished her first year of pre-school yesterday. we couldn't have asked for better teachers. she loves them so much they are even mentioned in one of her bedtime songs.

for a thank you gift, hadley decorated ceramic take-out cups with porcelain markers. she personalized each with the teacher's name + artwork. one with flowers. the other with a race-car.

unfortunately, my first attempt at cinnamon rolls was not as successful as hadley's project. i stayed up til midnight the night before only to overbake them the next morning. argh! they were introduced to the class as "cookies" and so they loved them!

on repeat: veronica falls

2010-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Beachy Head by VERONICA FALLS

fiore

2010-06-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

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fiore is constructed in marimekko cotton. the 'hacienda' pattern designed by maija isola and kristina isola (originally printed in 1962) features an ornate floral design in shades of pink.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined.

invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

machine wash in cold. hang to dry.

available in my shop.

on repeat: low sea

2010-05-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

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low sea - never yours.

bella

2010-05-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

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bella is constructed in a linen/cotton blend and features three bold colour blocks of pale pink, hot pink + black.

fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

machine wash in cold. hang to dry.

available in my shop.

the selves

2010-05-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

artist and friend - sonja ahlers - will be launching her latest work at the western front this evening.

tuesday may 4th [7-9pm]. artist talk at 730pm. the western front, 303 east 8th avenue.

see you there!

for molly

2010-05-03T12:33:00.001-07:00

the first of many limited edition dresses i will be producing for molly's furniture salad -

this a-line dress is constructed in crisp vintage cotton and features spring blooms in muted shades of pink, blue, yellow + white on an ivory background.

cap sleeves. side seam pockets. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem. machine wash cold. hang to dry. limited production of two dresses.

bold blooms

2010-04-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

new to my shop are two dresses constructed in vintage hawaiian textiles (1973).

the print features an abstract garden of painterly blooms in two colourways.

kalla I in hot pink, aqua, kelly green and navy on white background.

kalla II in red, hot pink, purple, taupe and brown on white background.

update: kalla II was featured in true up - thank you, kim!

the artist

2010-04-22T20:10:00.001-07:00

her drawings have become very detailed - eyebrows + mouth shapes to show expression - earrings + nailpolish (grandma!) - floating words to convey talking.

we picked up some blank watercolour postcards to create little masterpieces to send to family + friends. the cards are super strong + perfect for all materials - marker, pencil, paint, glue + glitter.

dancing queen

2010-04-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

just a reminder that tomorrow (saturday, april 17, 2010) is record store day!

we will be visiting neptoon records at 3561 main street - looking for something new (or old) to add to our vinyl collection.

easter fun

2010-04-04T13:21:00.001-07:00

inspired by these giant eggs, i thought it would make a fantastic easter project for hadley + her friends.

the little lady missed school this week - bad cold - so she was very excited for the easter weekend!

to make the giant easter eggs, i covered balloons with layers of coloured tissue paper + modge podge.

the eggs were filled with brightly coloured rafia along with a chocolate bunny + baby schleich animal.

the children then decorated their eggs (and themselves!) by adding paint, glitter + glued feathers, sequins + pom poms.

happy easter!

on repeat: the sandwitches

2010-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

the sandwitches - grey wizard ♥

chelsea II

2010-03-14T15:25:00.001-07:00

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inspired by the work of anna pernilla (via fine little day) -

chelsea II features bold colour blocks of ivory, black, turquoise + hot pink.

wednesday's finds

2010-03-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

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wednesday was hadley's day - and when i asked her how she would like to spend the day - she answered "thrifting".

that's my girl!

"i'd rather be thrifting" by ashley g.

hadley's cache included a couple vintage blouses, ponies, books + a handful of smurfs.

and for me - a vintage wool/mohair coat with 3/4 sleeves + huge buttons.

the label: "juliana - it's always attractive".

alice in wonderland

2010-03-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

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i am really looking forward to alice in wonderland -

check out this version from 1903! i love the army of children dressed as playing cards - so adorable!

恭禧發財

2010-02-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

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at two o'clock yesterday, i remembered that hadley's pre-school was celebrating chinese new year today - and we were to bring the dumplings.

uh-oh.

we had never made dumplings before so with some trial and error - two hours later - we turned out SIXTEEN little vegetarian dumplings. it reminded me of the time chris made perogies with the little orange perogy maker. he worked for HOURS - to produce only a couple dozen perogies. the orange disc was frisbeed out the back door.

with the dumplings done and the kitchen a mess - why not make fortune cookies, too!

hadley wrote the fortune's - drawings of flowers, her friends, polka dots and signing her name - and we tucked them into the cookies before bringing them to class this afternoon.

on repeat: best coast

2010-02-12T16:55:00.001-08:00

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i love this band.

you can catch them at the biltmore tonite.

have a great weekend + happy valentine's day!

vitamin v

2010-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

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mette was featured in vitamin daily!

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thank you, sarah!

on repeat: be brave by the strange boys

2010-02-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

four!

2010-02-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

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the party's not over -

until everyone has worn the pinata on their head!

we decided to have a 'soft' pinata this year - affixing ribbons to the base with one ribbon tied to a trap door. it was not as exciting as last year's traditional smashing of the pinata - but this way no one was bonked on the head (sorry, ruby!).

hana + nova

2010-01-26T16:41:00.000-08:00

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new dress in two new prints -

hana features 'tessuti' print of bold butterflies of pink, plum, soft yellow, jade and red on black cotton lawn.

and nova features 'liberty of london' tana lawn print of dazzling stars and swirling starbursts of pink, red, sage + marigold.

black cord piping. drop waist with full skirt of handgathered ruffles in smooth black cotton. fully lined. invisible back zipper. self-bias hem.

available here.

little miss heirlooms ♥

2010-01-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

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thank you so much to priscila at little miss heirlooms for the lovely feature!

party planner

2010-01-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

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planning has begun for hadley's 4th birthday party - invitations are on their way.

this year's themes are PURPLE! and BUTTERFLIES!

i stocked up on feather butterflies + large silver sequins at dressew. the sequins were used on the party invitations and the remainder will be strung together as a garland.

did a bit of thrifting this week - scored a set of stainless steel serving spoons + this gorgeous wrapping paper.

shine on

2010-01-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

today we had a break from days and days (and days!) of rain and enjoyed a day of sunshine.

we visited the capilano fish hatchery -

not much going on but hadley enjoyed watching the fish -

and making fish faces.

a quick stop at the second beach playground before heading home for lunch.

such a lovely day - - hope you got out, too - - i hear we are in for rain tonight.

llasa

2010-01-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

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very sad news.

dear santa

2009-12-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

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hadley's letter to santa.

she would like a pony + a barbie.

xo

crunch!

2009-12-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

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this post was to be about my christmas 'wish list' - but a recent event has me wishing only for a new car -

chris was hit by a semi yesterday morning. chris was lucky - the car was not.

while we're not sure if our reliable tercel can be saved - we are thanking our lucky stars that everyone is ok.

deck the hall

2009-12-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

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i'll be at heritage hall this weekend -

this is my last market this year + i hope to complete all my christmas shopping at the same time.

hope to see you there!