Squeeze Me Mittens

image via oeuf

I first spotted these mittens via Urban Kids on Pinterest. I love the concept of keeping little miss' hands warm during the cold winter months so I thought I'd treat myself (and her) to an early holiday present. Whether or not she'll decide to actually hold my hand though is another story!

London Renegade Craft Fair 2011

I managed to visit the London Renegade Craft Fair over the past weekend. Nearly half the tube network was not running (very typical London) so it was quite a trek to get to Shoreditch. However, I wasn't disappointed when I arrived. 

The event was held at the Old Truman Brewery so the space was very open with wonderful natural light. It had a very relaxed feel and felt like something I would have found in my old East Village neighborhood back at home (live DJ included).

People were very friendly and I managed to chat with several of the vendors. I was surprised to find that many vendors made the trip over from the US to attend and even met one who grew up near my home town in New York (small world!).

I generally gravitate towards children's clothing and gifts at craft fairs, particularly hand made dolls and softies. But this time I was drawn to several t-shirt artists, picking up a few unique gifts for little miss and family.

From top left:

1. I loved the light filled warehouse space

2. wee toddler tees and onesis made by joy nevada little ones

3. "happy tee's for wee people" made by tee and toast

4. fabulous batik t-shirts made by Hiho Batik of Miami

5. I wish I had a little boy for this great punk rock t-shirt (also Hiho Batik)

Millie Moon Haberdashery in Somerset

On a recent weekend trip to Somerset, I came across a lovely fabric store in Frome. Millie Moon Haberdashery is full of wonderful bright fabrics, a great selection of sewing books and one of the largest button selections that I've seen (they take online orders as well). Oh, and the service there was bright, cheery and very helpful too.

I managed to pick up a few lovely fat quarters and felt squares for some upcoming sewing projects:

The rainbow chevron fabric is my favorite.

I'm really into charcoal greys, pinks and purples at the moment.

Not real wool felt, but a great eco alternative made from recycled materials. 

Liberty Fabric + Hello Kitty = OMG

image via Liberty

My love for Liberty fabrics has now merged with my asian-girl childhood obsession with Hello Kitty via Liberty's newest collaboration with Hello Kitty.

The new collection will be available 28 September 2011 and consists of 5 different designs in 1-3 color ways: Kakurenbo, Apple Tree, Kitty Wonderland, Music Festival and Kitty Town.

I pre-ordered my fabrics today and Kitty Wonderland and Kitty Town had already sold out. I can't wait to receive my order and get started on some Hello Kitty projects for the little one!

London Craft Fair Roundup - Fall 2011

For this crafty girl, the drop in temperature, warm coats and pretty colored leaves means that the Fall and holiday craft fair season is about to begin.

I thought it would be nice to compile a list of some really interesting craft fairs in and around London. Although I have not been to many of these in the past, I'm looking forward to attending as many as I can in the next few weeks.

***

Origin - September 22-28

Old Spitalfields Market London (E1 6EW) 

"The Contemporary Craft Fair"

The Knitting and Stitching Show 2011 - Oct 6-9

Alexandra Palace, London (N22 7AY)

"The best textile exhibitions in Europe!"

The Renegade Craft Fair - October 8/9

The Old Truman Brewery (91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL)

"The Renegade Craft Fair is a large-scale DIY marketplace event, featuring hundreds of the best indie craft designers and makers around."

(This is has great reputation back in the US so I'm really looking forward to this one).

Spirit of Christmas Fair  - Nov 2-6
Olympia Center, London
(Although not an "official" craft fair, I'm sure their will be some really great work by different crafty artists. Plus, I love Christmas fairs).

Made in Clerkenwell Winter 2011 - Nov 24-27

Craft Central, Clerkenwell (2 locations - EC1M 4DS and  EC1R 0DX)

(I've been to this fair in the past, it's a nice mix of local artisans).

BUST Magazine Christmas Craftacular - Nov 27
York Hall, Bethnal Green (E2 9PJ)
"The BUST Magazine Christmas Craftacular is London’s hippest craft fair..."
(I went to this craft fair 2 years ago and really enjoyed it's artsy, homey vibe along with their many independent artists.)

***

Daylesford Organic = Heaven

During a recent weekend trip to Cheltenham, I managed to stop by the Daylesford Organic farm shop (located in Daylesford of course), on our way back home to London. I have to say, that this is one of the most gorgeous farm shops I've ever seen. When you walk in, you are immediately surrounded by fresh organic produce and prepared foods. You can also find housewares, a lovely wine shop and a wonderful cafe.

I myself came away with some fresh baked pastries or an organic hot chocolate (to fight the cold rainy day outside).

If you live in London, you can also visit their shop located in Notting Hill. It's not as large as the farm shop in Daylesford but you can still purchase the same products and the food in the cafe is just as delicious.

Easy Gift Card

I picked up a little present for one of our nieces and was browsing around a card store for a small birthday card or gift card. To my dismay, the least expensive card I could find was at least £2.50. Normally, I wouldn't mind but I have to send out at least 5 birthday cards this month so I figured, why not make one??? So I dug through my box of paper craft supplies and came up with this...

 My stash of paper craft supplies.

Luggage tag card is from Paperchase, the little wooden clip is from Tiger stores.

 The final product.

Getting Started

New country, new house, new baby...the past 3 years have been a big blur. Three years ago, I was living in NYC, traveling the world and had a stressful job with a popular internet company. Since then, I have moved to London, gotten married, settled into a new job, renovated my first house and had a beautiful baby girl named Olivia. I am now a full-time parent and I hope to share my new life in this space, both for me and for Olivia. Enjoy!

Olivia - 13 months