Happy First Birthday Maya!

One of our favorite little girls had her first birthday party yesterday! Happy Birthday Sweet Maya!

~Appliqued presents for the little one.~

~Benji played with the dollhouse that Maya's Mommy & I played with as little girls!~

~Katie & Mia!~

~The birthday girl enjoys her cake! She wears it well.~

~ Especially for Maya, from Mia...a little pink dolly to love.~

So much love in these parts lately...I'm feeling it & hoping you are too! Happy Valentine's Day!

A little of this...a little of that...

Last week's week of frugal dining went well. Friday night Tom & I went on a little date and thus the frugality ended. I planned our meals for this week, and we headed out to the grocery store yesterday before the storm. Frankly, we spent more than usual, so I'm not sure if taking a week off actually saves anything in the long run...but it was a fun exercise in resourcefulness & "making do." This week, we're eating well...I made delicious chicken tortilla soup tonight which really hits the spot on such a blustery winter day.

I also have been working on Mia's birthday quilt...which I started in July! I have a patchwork middle that matches her curtains, and am adding borders of coordinating colors until it reaches my desired measurements! I am doing this quilt in such a haphazard manner that I'm sure any "real" quilter would break out in sweats, but I love the way it is turning out...and more importantly, Mia loves it too. It is my first large quilt...and I've been learning a lot in the process. So I think I have 1 more border and and the backing to do before friday...no problem (right?)...I cannot believe my daughter will be five. *sigh.*

Belle's New Hat

Once Belle (Mia's new Waldorf doll) joined our home, Mia asked for a new hat for her...I was excited to oblige and try my hand at adapting my favorite LTK pilot cap for a much smaller head...I think it turned out darling...and Mia (& Belle) are happy.

~left over yarn from a sweater I made last spring for Mia...~

~Modeled by Baby Benjamin, because Belle is in the arms of a sleeping Mia!~

~Just because....a quick shot of cuteness!~

I'll be trying my hand at a few more projects for Belle...Mia declared she just "neeeeeeds" a new dress. It is fun because the projects go quickly for such a small recipient!

A little hat...for Lila.

So much holiday crafting is being done at my house...I made this little hat the other night for my dear friend Hannah's new baby Lila...it is made from an old J.Crew sweater of mine that I felted, cut, and sewed into a little gnome hat. I added a little felt black-eyed susan and some grosgrain ribbon. I tried it on a number of dolls first (having no baby head small enough to serve as a model!) I am anxious to see pics of little Lila in my late-night crafting creation! I see more of these hats in my future! (after Christmas!)

Seasons Round Exchange: SENT

I've been so excited to show off what I sent to my partner for the Seasons Round Exchange:: Light. I chose "stars" to be my symbol of light and made a "star angel" (look familiar? love Living Crafts!), tried my hand at window stars, and bought a handmade star garland and wooden star candle holder.

~All ready to be boxed up!~

~She's so sweet!~

In true "Kim" fashion, I sent my package off early...and just got word that my partner Jennifer has received it...so no surprise ruined! I am excited to see what I will receive in exchange!