Ladybug Potholder

I am famous for lighting the corners of my potholders on fire, & have needed to make some round ones for a while now. This pattern from Amanda Soule's book Handmade Home reminded me of a ladybug even though hers is just a simple wedge across a circle. The ladybug's head is a piece of linen appliqued on, with a barely visible mouth and eyes, and the spots are hand embroidered. The binding is ho-made (from a fat quarter!) using this tutorial. Probably way too many hours invested, especially since Diddle has claimed it for his own...he even took it to bed with him last night =*) It has already seen use as a frisbee, hat, seat cushion, dinosaur blankie...and you thought it was just a hot pad!

Happy Hand(bag)s Club

Here's my new purse. No pattern, just used odds and ends. The yellow handles are out of control! There's a pocket on each side (hidden in the green fabric): one for keys, one for sunnies. Inside there are 3 pockets- two smallish slip pockets (green) and one largish pocket with a flap closure. The magnetic snap was totally unnecessary- the shape really keeps everything in.
It turned out pretty cute. The next one might have to be a bit bigger...and maybe reversible!

Strata Recipe

When those little chicks start laying their eggs, try this out! The original recipe is from allrecipes.com. I didn't have a whole pound of asparagus, so added a drained can of mushrooms, a diced onion, some mustard and fresh thyme from the Aerogarden, and about 6 different cheeses (none of which were cheddar). It turned out great! Tried it again with spinach, carrots and basil, with parmesan on top (pictured). Cheap, easy, and tasty!

Mini Quilt

A tiny quilt (roughly 8" x 11") to use as a rug under the treasure box, which holds dryer sheets in the laundry room =) Opening the box always made it slide to the back of the shelf- now that it has this little place mat to rest on, it stays put and looks cute, too!
Heather Bailey's tips on quilt binding were handy.

A Sunbonnet for Kate

Made from a pattern found at motherearthnews.com.
It turned out well, with hand-finishing inside so no raw edges are exposed. It's made from an "upcycled" old dress. If there had been enough fabric, it would have been nicer to have longer, narrower ties for the bow. If I could get away with it, I'd wear it myself!
Happy birthday, Katie. enjoy =*)

Zune Cozy

A snug little case for Punk's Zune. The clear window is cut from heavy duty shower curtain material! It's lightly padded with cotton batting, and the bottom is mostly open to allow for plugging in...just the edges are stitched up to keep the Zune from sliding out. He likes it!

Kina's Birthday Purse

A purse and flower pin for a special little friend who just turned 4.
Measures about 8" x 8" x 1.5", just big enough to hold a Princess Gigi Devotional Bible and a few other princess essentials =*)