Holiday Gift Guide: Fancy wrapping

You get two holiday gift guide posts today, since I forgot to post it on Tuesday. Anyhow, sometimes the best part of getting a present is the present-ation. (See what I did there?) and we have a couple of lovely books that will teach you how to make a gift out of the wrapping. Melody Miller, one of our favorite fabric designers has come out with Ruby Star wrapping, which is as good as you would imagine. 

We also have Furoshiki Fabric wrap, which is the Japanese method of wrapping with fabric. (I bet you guessed that!) We will be demonstrating techniques from this book at our Holiday Open House on December 6th, in case you would like to see it in action.

Holiday Gift Guide: Poufs and Pillows!

Poufs and pillows, the very words bring a smile to your face, don't they? So think of how happy your loved ones would be to receive them? A pouf to sit on, to rest their weary feet or to use as a side table. Or a gorgeous pillow for Lauren Allison designs to brighten up their sofa or bedroom.

Sure, you could probably make one, and by all means go ahead. But, time is a'flyin folks, and sometimes, it's more fun to buy it and be done!

By the way, in the bottom photo you can see a bit of a gold metallic small pillow. This is from Lauren Allison designs and it is gorgeous! My favorite. Come in and check out her work, they are all hand silk screened and hand sewn. The green peony is also her work.

Closing Early

Head's up folks! We are closing at 5:00 tonight because E and I have to catch a plane to Chicago. We are spending the weekend with our aunt and going to see The Who tomorrow night (!!!). Our mom is babysitting the store this weekend so stop by and say hello.

Holiday wardrobe

So, in the spirit of the season and since I have actual Holiday parties to go to this year, I started thinking about my festive wardrobe. I came upon this vintage paper dress that Hallmark made in the 60's. It's on Ebay, and I am tempted! It comes with 2 yards of green yarn to use as a belt. Awesome. 

I have the perfect earrings to go with it. Hmmm.

Westport Open House

This holiday season we are having party after party! Our next one will be in conjunction with the neighborhood-wide Westport Open House. This one will be a doozy! We are going to have 15% off most of the store, drinks, snacks and furoshiki wrapping demonstrations.

 Also, because it's the holidays and it's fun to dress up, if you wear a full-blown full length gown you get an extra 10% off one item. You realize this is just an excuse for me to wear a full length gown, right? To see the deals the other Westport retailers are offering, check out our Facebook page. Hooray for Holiday parties!

Small Business Saturday Sale and raffle!

Don't forget tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and we are having 20% off the whole store, as well as a chance to win this beautiful necklace in a raffle!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Enjoy the parade of floats from Macy's and the parade of food as well!

Holiday Gift Guide!

If you are crafty, you just can't help it. You have a desire, a need to make gifts for your loved ones. Time however is slipping away and before you know it the holidays will be here. So make small, adorable gifts like plush deer out of felt or personalized buttons. I would be excited for both those things.

Also, the Felt Friends from Japan book is fantastic, you really need to come see it!

Holiday Gift Guide!

Well, this is a no brainer, because everyone likes to eat, and a lot of people like to cook. So give someone a cheery gift set with a Cath Kidston Jam Jar Kit, Recipe organizer and some patchwork potholders. If you do that then perhaps next year you will receive the benefits. Strawberry Jam and muffins anyone?

Small Business Saturday

We all know that this Friday is the infamous Black Friday, but did you know that Saturday is Small Business Saturday? Get your holiday shopping done while supporting your favorite local stores. I like that idea. In support of SBS we will be having 20% off the whole store and (drumroll please) you can enter a raffle drawing to win this gorgeous David Aubrey necklace!

Hooray for Holiday shopping!

Creative Hand Show and Sale

In case you were wondering what to do with your weekend, might I suggest the Creative Hand Show and Sale? It is sponsored by the Fiber Guild and Weavers Guild of Kansas City, and has 58 vendors! Apparently it is in it's 30th year, and is quite the show. I haven't ever been, but hope to go this weekend. It is at the Old Shawnee Town Hall (11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203) and runs today from 4-9 and tomorrow from 10-5.

Holiday Gift Guide: Paris Books!

Ce qui à acheter pour mon amour? Well, if your loved one is anything like me, the answer is easy, take her to Paris. Perhaps that's a little more than you budgeted for this holiday season? Well, then transport her through the magic of a book. She can read Bringing Paris Home while watching House Hunter's International, or mark future sites to visit in Taschen's Paris. Or right some sweet notes on Christian Lacroix stationary. J'aime des livres!

Stitch at Home Tee-Pee

I have just made the most fun project ever. I had fun cutting it out, I had fun putting it together and I have had fun gazing, sitting, and laying in it every since. It will be less fun when I have to give it away, but I think that it will be fun to see the look of wonder and delight on the face of my nephew. There better be wonder and delight, or I'm taking it back!

You see, I made a tee-pee, and I'm really pleased with it (in case you couldn't tell!)  I used the pattern from the Stitch at Home book, which is awesome because you don't have to draw out a paper pattern, it is all folding and cutting your large piece of fabric. The whole thing went together in one day (!) and was so much easier than I thought a tee-pee would be. Of course then I couldn't stop and added pom poms and flags to the tee-pee poles and had to make a cushion campfire as well.

I have plans to make one for e and I, but I'm going to have to size it up, since this one can only just fit me and one of the cats. By the way, the cats love it! I told J I was going to make some for them for Christmas and he looked at me like I had lost my mind. Maybe I have, maybe I will tee-pee the world!

Sorry about the dark photo, I was actually supposed to be at work when I was taking this picture, so I didn't have any time to mess with lighting.

Ipad cases

13 Days of Holidays

Day Two

Ipad Cases

You know that we aren't really techy people. We are fabric people and like to hand sew by candlelight. We know of course that others like the world of the internet and even like to carry it around with them, hence these handmade Ipad cases. 

The felt cases were made by well, me, and feature an intricate felt carving out of the bottom fabric. My thumb is still recovering, as well as a button at the top to keep your ipad from flying out. The other cases were made and hand-dyed by the lovely Kim Eichler-Messmer and feature a zip closing. Both will keep your ipad warm and cozy during the cold winter. 

Jay McCarroll City Center

I'm pretty sure with all the hub bub last week I forgot to tell you that we received the Jay McCarroll City Center line. It's so cool!!

Liberty of London Stationery

13 days of Holiday!

Yes, I know it seems to early to start thinking about the Holidays, but why not think about it now so you aren't panic stricken later? Today I suggest a gift that is not only pretty but useful...Liberty of London stationery.

I know, I am a sucker for Liberty, but  a lot of other people are too. Don't you like to think of  a loved one sitting down, putting pen to paper on one of these beautiful pieces of stationery? Being swept up by the flowers and colors to compose a poetic prose? Or at least a Thank You note?

Emmy-Ray Jewelry

Yesterday was a good day. I made a tee-pee (pics coming soon!) ate Triscuits and cheese all day long, had visits from friends I hadn't seen for some time, went to tap class and the person I voted for in the Presidential race was elected. If there had been some ice cream in there somewhere, that would have been the cherry on top.

One of my visits was from Emmy-Ray, the amazing jewelry and floral designer. Not only was she sweet enough to bring me two gorgeous bouquets, but she also brought us jewelry and key chains! Here are just a few, we actually were able to get quite a few pieces from her. Stop by and see them, they are amazing (as always!)

Tomorrow we are going to start Holiday Gift Thursdays (I really need a catchier title then that, any suggestions?) so you can get a jump on your shopping. (Also, someday we will put up pictures of the Holiday Hop which was fantastic)

Happy Election Day!

Happy Election Day everyone! Finally after what seems like 10 years, we are at the end of the campaign. Remember to take time and go vote! Our fingers will be crossed for Obama!