sneak peek: Kitchen Swap 2009

Here's a peek at the Kitchen Swap 2009 package (hostess = Sew Fantastic) I'm sending to my swap partner, Robin.  After she receives the post I'll reveal the goodies inside...

The Little Garden

The stories in this sweet series of books -- The Little Garden collection -- originally appeared in House Beautiful and McCall's in the early 1920's. While each is wonderful, I especially love Peonies in The Little Garden. 

Sloane in Bloom

It's that time of year again, and Sloane Street is in full bloom in honor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  Some of my favorite London shops go all out to win the coveted Sloane in Bloom prize with their completely inspired floral displays.  Jo Malone has won for 2 years running and this year's large & lovely rose-covered bottles are likely to garner the shop its 3rd grand prize.

a whole lotta happy

Southern Living voted North Carolina's State Fair second only to that of the great state of Texas. Come check it out this October, y'hear?

Outdoor Living

I'm thinking of turning the tiny little 1940's dutch colonial garden shed/garage out back into a summer atelier.

A few of these cots from Hable Construction with some huge patchwork down filled pillows might be just thing to make the new place habitable...

patchwork (1) done

and freshly laundered in Mrs. Meyer's Geranium detergent.  It's hardly perfect, but I love everything about it.

1st of the season

... from my kitchen garden

And while this looks tempting,

[via Tartelette}

I'll probably just slice the berries, whip the cream, split some biscuits, and eat.

Weekend Sewing

I'm happy to announce that a single class with sew-inspired has considerably reduced my machine-induced anxiety. And thanks to Pink Chalk and Purl Patchwork, I'm starting to develop a fairly respectable stash of fabrics.

{love this!}

So now my obsession is reading as many fabulous books on the subject as I can {Amy Butler's In Stitches, Joelle Hoverson's Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts, and Anna Maria Horner's Seams to Me: 24 new reasons to love sewing, just to name a few}.

My favorite right now is Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.  Last weekend I made pajamas for everyone in an aqua seersucker gingham.  

I'm addicted. Almost as soon as the 1st pair was done, I started cutting the 2nd.

heaven on earth

About a month ago, I blogged a bit on my favourite room in the house. I love its incredible comfort, minimalist quality, the complete lack of clutter.  When I settle in with my Times and french press on a Sunday morning, I have plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

That said, I adore a hint of color.  And this lush wool crewelwork rug from Anthropologie is heavenly. 

Just the treat my favourite room deserves.