Saturday

Phoebe's Birthday Yarn Drop

A package full of Cotton Fleece just arrived... it is for our new book, Phoebe's Birthday, which will be published next year. Pencils are sharpened, knitting needles are at the ready, and paper is flying in Mother and Father's studios. We can't wait for you to see the new book— about me! love, Phoebe

Monday

Polly Flinders

Polly Flinders, our newest pattern, is available online for free from Petite Purls, a darling webzine full of adorable free knitting, sewing, and crochet patterns for babies and children. Here are some photos from the issue, which, by the way, is all about toys!
Brandy Fortune

Brandy Fortune
Brandy Fortune

And here I am, at home in my Polly Flinders.
A top-down dress, pinny, and dolly sized laundry basket are just the thing for me on wash day!

We hope you enjoy the pattern, and the hours of fun to follow!

Wednesday

TNNA June 2011 (photo diary)

starting off right... knitting on the plane

Brown Sheep Company's booth during set-up

 knitting some more

sweet sleeping baby Phoebe...

meeting Grace Anna Farrow while wearing dusk

a lovely dinner with Kniterella and French Press Knits

Joanna and May Platypus with Ysolda in her photo booth


Growing Up Sew Liberated, a book review

by Joanna
I have been eagerly awaiting the publication of Meg McElwee's new sewing book for children, Growing Up Sew Liberated. You may know Meg by her beautiful line of Sew Liberated sewing patterns, such as her Schoolhouse Tunic, or by her first sewing book, simply titled, Sew Liberated. Her Emmeline Apron has been on my sewing wish list for ages!
Meg, both a Montessori teacher and mother of young children, has written a beautiful and inspiring book for anyone who loves to sew for little ones.  Patterns for clothing, babies, home, and both indoor and outdoor play are just right for active young children. The beauty of her projects are that they aren't truly finished until they are in the hands of a child at play.

Clothing patterns, such as the Crossover Tee, are designed for ease of wear and comfort.
The Hideaway Play Tent, featured on the cover of the book, leaves everything up to the imagination!
I love the way Meg's sewing projects offer up a fun and tactile way to teach children, whether about how to set the table, keep track of dress up clothes, or learn about math and numbers.
The Art Satchel would be just perfect for my three very creative and artistic children who love to draw- just like their dad!
Perfect for play acting fairy tales, poems, or Mother Goose Rhymes, the Kitty Lovey Puppet is simple and sweet.
I have to say, though, that my most favorite pattern of all is the Little Amigo doll and clothing. I know this will be on my must-sew list as soon as our daughter catches a glimpse of it!
Isn't she sweet?
All of Meg's patterns have a timeless and classic style while keeping the fun and creativity of childhood play as their focus. I am really looking forward to sewing from this book, and even more, to the many happy hours of play my children will enjoy from the finished projects!
To learn more about Meg and her books and patterns, you can visit her website here.
You can learn more about her newest book by visiting her publisher's site here.
A review copy of this title was kindly provided by Interweave.