I had a few moments of doubt as I worked - the hands and that ruffle on her dress both caused me some stress. Overall, though, I am happy with it. The pattern on the chair is not what was on the original image but I was pretty sure I was going to screw it up if I used what was originally on there.
Check out the wee little puppy - is he/she a scene stealer or what? So cute! Thanks, Gina for sharing this pattern! 
It's totally normal to have a bit of an adjustment period at the beginning of Summer vacation, right? Please tell me it is. It's been a very up and down week. Yesterday I decided it was time to just throw up my hands and make cookies. Everyone. needed. a. cookie.
We have even started up the air conditioning - boo. I miss the open windows already. My flower beds are looking good this Spring I am happy to report. The poppies are exploding and the lavender is showing off quite a bit as well. These were the sights we dreamed about on those long snowy Winter days.
We even started a little "5 gallon garden". Six buckets on the patio doesn't seem like much, I know but that's what we are going to try this year.
And because I can't be without something to stitch for long I decided with the arrival of Summer vacation I would stitch something JUST FOR FUN! I just never do that. If I'm stitching it's either for someone else or for the shop - so, this is pretty big. Gina over at Doe-C-Doe posted this vintage pattern company logo as a free pattern and I thought it was adorable. So, I'm working on that. So far so good - hopefully I will be able to share the results this week yet. 
"Scandistitches" made it to the shop shelf today so I'm happy to report that I made my deadline with even a couple of days to spare. Never mind that the house is a wreck and and the yard is a disaster. I suppose I'll be catching up on all those boring things for the next few days.
I only stitched up about half of this pattern set as examples and it was so hard deciding which designs to stitch. What was left unstitched was a little cottage, another floral pattern, and of course, a dala horse. I went back on forth on whether or not to include a dala horse and in the end decided to do it. I just wasn't sure I could make one that was unique enough, yet still had the qualities that make dala horses dala horses. I'm glad I decided to do it though because it was really fun once I started sketching.
I struggled with the uniqueness of this set throughout the whole process. Scandinavian folk style is so popular right now so there are a lot of gorgeous items out there. I just wasn't sure I could design something that had that signature look but yet still stood out from all the other wonderful designs that are out there. In the end I'm still not sure I accomplished that but I did make it my goal to stick with a certain look but at the same time make something unique.
So what's next on the SeptemberHouse plan of action? Um.... I'm not exactly sure. I would love to make some embroidered wall art pieces - maybe a new nursery design. And yes, I will be starting to mull over Christmas ornament designs as well. It's that time already! Whatever I decide to tackle next will probably go a little slower but that's alright. I am so looking forward to the next three months with both my boys around. I can only imagine what adventures await!
I have had a few setbacks along the way but will bore you with those later when I'm all done I suppose. I know you can hardly wait, right?
I'm also cutting up squares for the boys' quilts. It's kind of addictive, I must say. I do get nervous about everything looking okay together when it's all stitched up. I've already nixed one fabric that I bought but I wouldn't be surprised if something else gets the boot before it's all said and done. I know that for some people choosing fabrics is the really fun part of quilting but I find it to be so stressful and difficult. I love fabric, don't get me wrong. It's just the deciding what goes together part that causes me so much trouble. Any quilters out there have some pointers to share on that process? I still need to pick up some more prints and I could use all the guidance I can get!
Oh and I also made a quick little thrifting trip this morning and found this hand embroidered tablecloth. Sorry about all the wrinkles - this is straight out of the bag. It's white linen with taupe colored floss. Does it fit my dining room table? Of course not, folks! But when have I ever let that stop me? This isn't the kind of thing one just leaves on the rack at the thrift store. This needed to be in a home where all those stitches can be appreciated. And now it is.
Don't you love that two-tone green stitch? I do! Thanks Beth - you are awesome!
I'm thinking maybe pillows for these. Maybe. They would no doubt look great but I would worry about their safety in a house with two little ones. I'm picturing a little boy being bopped in the head mercilessly by his brother who is weilding a beautiful, meticulously stitched pillow. Yes, I have to think about this a little more.
I envisioned appliques for these from the get-go. I actually intended to use patterned fabric for the appliques - pretty wild, eh? I chickened out at the last minute - too far out of my comfort zone. You can picture it though, right?
Can you believe all that pink? Whew - talk about out of my comfort zone! Hardly a trace of blue and no green at all - can you believe these were stitched by me?
I do actually have a girly side to me though she has been buried pretty deep for the past few years. When I was a little girl one of the careers I hoped to pursue was fashion design (also in the running were nun and librarian). I'm pretty much a jeans, t-shirt and cardigan girl now but I do appreciate what goes into all aspects of fashion and beauty. I suppose this pattern set comes from that part of me.
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