little A has been complimenting my mamamades a lot lately and even choosing some of the friends i’ve made him over the softer store bought ones which he loves. i’ve been so busy knitting and sewing for the newbie on the way…. i feel like i should make him(Little A) something new and special too. will there be enough time to get it all done? my energy levels are limited these days as is my patience.  anyhow for now i’m real stuck on purple.

i’ve never been much of a fan of purple…. must be this little one’s influence;

next in the pile - spring green;

so i’m quite certain that i am finished making my matryoshka dolls. They have been a load of fun to make and it’s been successful beyond what i anticipated but with the cost of wool from my local suppliers having more than doubled since i began stuffing, i am having a hard time charging what they’re currently worth.  i have about 20 gals remaining, some of whom are in the shop (sale until Feb 15th).

what’s next? i’m entertaining the idea of a pdf pattern some time in the future but don’t hold me to it as life is busy and ideas plenty. i have yet to finish the Waldorf style doll that i started a couple weeks ago at Miriam’s workshop (mine is the bald, armless one in the right photo);

the little one would like me to work on more puppets…?

i’m planning ahead for holidays. Valentine’s is pretty much covered;

Easter is in the works and i’m going to try and stockpile for all those May babies that i know.  i’ve got a number of bunting flags in the cutting stack and will set to work on those next.  my ideas are far more plentiful than my production at this point but i’m getting to it here and there.

i have definitely cut into more of my favorite fabric stashes to stockpile for this event; japanese linens, etsuko canvas, aunty cookie, bamboo herringbone… i’m pretty excited to see it altogether in abundance. i am happy with the assortment of scarves and splurged on some super soft 100% wool patterns to blend in with the cottons and linens. i’ve really just made what i love and what i would want to buy for my little one and other gifts.

just a reminder for the local folk about Sunday’s market.

just a wee bit of the lavender that scents the eye pillows;

Our own wee garden is more of an experimental project rather than to sustain us so i’ll be stocking up as usual at the market.

Locals come and find Little Red Caboose at the Kitsilano Farmer’s Market on Sundays June 28, July 12, August 9th and September 13th.

the neutral shades of this post reflect the natural quality of fabrics and fillings but the set up will be more like a rainbow explosion. you won’t miss us.

makes me laugh to see the new moo cards altogether;

pink owls, bunnies, ladybugs, toadstools, flowers and polka dots;

vintage lilac and blues;

freshcut pink peony;

orange matryoshka owls and toadstools;

blue yellow and brown;

this Saturday at the Britannia Community Center on Commercial Drive, Vancouver. Come between 10-3. Entry is free, there will be music and plenty of giveaways. All Little Red Caboose items will be sold at the current etsy sale prices but in Canadian funds. woowee. First doll sale receives a wee wool filled baby to go with her. i look forward to seeing you local readers. Please come and say hello.

i have lots of picnic placemats ready for Spring picnicking, bunting banners, wool felt balls, scarves, clutches, organic lavender eye pillows…

After a long lull i have been inspired by my growing stash of fabrics to sew up some new matryoshka dolls.  Honestly, some of these gals have been extra patient in waiting to be stuffed full of woolen goodness to make them more loveable and squishable. i am happy to say that i am getting my stuffing mojo back -there is absolutely no way to stuff a doll if you’re just not in the mood…it’s like a meditation… but i’m feeling it now so let me introduce to you the first of the new Spring gaggle of gals, miss Lidjia. stay tuned to meet her friends over the next weeks.

also in the shop are sweet and adorable toddler scarves suitable for Spring or Autumn.

navy matryoshka;

green leaves & ladybugs;

spring flowers, birds and ladybugs;

blue matryoshka;

how does the garden grow?;

i also want to thank you all for the crown love. i’ve been making these a long while now and still love to come up with new color combos, new trims excite me and i’ve even got some new super cool toadstool mushroom buttons specially made for me.

i’m so excited to be working with Christina on some sweet mini Bamboletta crowns. These will soon be available in my shop and in her new shop which will be opening soon.

other shop news; more super soft wool felt is on the way.  i have been hearing of some fantastic project ideas including felt puppet story boards, sewing needle books, felt foods, crayon holders, um these are adorable… so many things to make.

back to the machine and away from the computer…

some new headgear in the shop.

toadstools - turquoise and spring green;

toadstools  & hedgehogs;

A is for Apple. What’s your favorite? red delicious, golden delicious or granny smith?

laundry day;

matryoshka;

Easter bunnies;

rest your eyes a little. sigh. lavender has a good effect on me. these cotton and linen eye pillows are filled with organic flax seeds, organic buckwheat and organic lavender that is grandma grown in the sunny Okanagan from seeds i brought back from England about 12 years ago. Now there’s a story to dream of while resting your eyes a little.

sleeping babushka;

rust;

corn flower blue;

sepia;

goldenrod;

wheat;

available here.