handmade kate

hello there!

Just popping in to say a quick "hello," and that I'm still here.  I've been visiting as I can, but haven't really had the energy to put much into my own little blog.  We had a rough couple of weeks, but after an unintentional little blog-break, I'm quite happy to be back. 

My father-in-law passed away a little over two weeks ago, and although it was a difficult few days leading up to his death, we are all OK.  Lots of "family-time" alternating with lots of sleep around here.  Such a seemingly surreal situation was so exhausting. But all of the support Gary's family received was quite overwhelming.  I had to smile and send up (more than) a bit of thanks as Southern traditions took over and family and friends truly held us up during this time.   Simply Amazing.

And I have so many thanks to send to all of you.  The emails I received while I was "MIA," meant so much to me.  Amazing, again, that so many of you were thinking of me!  I'm trying to respond to you all, but I may be a bit slow.  Until then, know that I was so touched!

I did manage to sneak in a little project over the weekend:

A Built by Wendy hoodie in a soft wool flannel.  I had originally intended to make a matching skirt from my Sew U book (gracious, I've certainly made that pattern enough), but decided it may be a bit overkill, even with some cool brown boots. (I'm thinking lumber-jack kate)  The hoodie turned out to be the perfect weight for a Sunday afternoon hike at Umstead, though.

And look who we got to meet along the way! 

a quick post on the way in from the mailbox

A sweet surprise from dear Valerie.  An Amy Butler Weekend Travel Bag pattern.  Tea, just in time for the cooler weather due in this weekend.  Lovely, lovely Liberty fabric (you are creating a monster over here Valerie!).  And precious, kind words on a scenic postcard.   Thank you, my friend!

Next, a necklace made by such a gracious lady. Lisa's blog is such an inspiration, and when I saw this necklace that Blair commissioned, I fell in love.  I did my initials too, because, like Blair, I'm Southerner, and monogrammed silver jewelry really is a wardrobe staple around these parts.  But what a nice alternative to the usual--I can't tell you how many compliments I received when I wore it to work today!

Finally, a quick "thank-you" to Tracy.  If you've never visited her blog , please pay her a visit.  The lovely handbags and accessories she makes are so beautiful in their simplicity, and her blog is so full of genuine kindness and goodness. Such a comfortable and cozy place! (and she's a fellow anglophile, too!)  I received an email from her a few days ago just to check in on me and say "hello" since I haven't posted in a while. Oh, that meant so much to me!

And my absence lately?  My husband and I are struggling with his aging parents, and, well, my father-in-law is pretty close to dying right now.  It is something new and incredibly hard to navigate.  So that's where I've been.  But I've been visiting around to all my favorite blogs when I can, and it has been such a blissful escape.

So thank you all for sharing these bits of your lives. 

And for sending me unexpected packages "just because"
and for offering handmade loveliness for the best kind of adornment
and for quick emails just to "check in"...

I feel quite spoiled.

 

from now on, we'll be wearing cow bells around our necks

Well, I’m back from the land of the big, bad flu.  The kids were sick the entire week, last week; meanwhile, as I was congratulating myself for having such a strong immune system the nasty little bugger was planning his attack.  By Sunday, I had climbed in the bed not to emerge until today, still feeling weak and wobbly.  I thought that I could pull the laptop into bed with me and at least compose a post, but after having not posted for so long, I was feeling a bit intimidated. (And my mind was still a bit fuzzy)   Instead, between marathon naps, I read archives of Crazy Aunt Purl.  Ye gads, she is a funny one.  A good read for this southern girl at least.  (but, oh dear, now I have the urge to knit a hat)

 

Finally, this afternoon I happily sat in front of the TV, making a few headbands for some special little twin girls (they’re turning 1 tomorrow--happy birthday sweeties!), eating girl scout cookies, and drinking Diet Coke. I'm so grateful to be feeling better.     

a light dusting of happiness

 

We had such beautiful big snowflakes this morning.  I was just as excited as the children.  Because when we have a snow day, that means I don't have to go to my "it-pays-the-bills" job.  I get to stay home with my kids and do fun stuff. 

Snowball fights, ruddy-cheeked children, cold noses, a lunch of hot macaroni and cheese, a game of chess, comfy-cozy blankets.   *Smile*

   

wow! long time, no see

So much for my new year's goal of getting this blog really up and running, as well as posting every day.  What is it now, January 12th already?  I think in many ways I'm just intimidated as hell when it comes to writing a new post. And don't even mention the fact I am having a really tough time figuring out how to make the side bar stuff come up right.  Yeah, and how do I create a banner?  Do they have a blogging for dummies book out there?

O.K.  Enough of my insecurities.  Let's get on...

The results of last Friday's WIP that I had intended to post:

 

Before and after.

My very own ironing board recovery project!  Directions from the purl bee; inspiration from this amazing designer's blog.   And then, I went on to make this:  (patchwork is addictive, isn't it? any excuse to hang on to every bit of a precious bit of fabric!)

I know these fabric cuff are probably so last 2 years ago in the craft world, but they really were ever so much fun to make.  However, being here in the southeast, I'm getting a few odd looks when I wear it out.  Oh well, maybe one day someone around here will get it!  (Yes, I'm entitled to say such things--I've lived here in NC all my life.) 

We have boy scout camping trips (and consequently) mother-daughter crafting time on slate for this weekend.  Such fun!

Have a happy weekend--

K