A Snowy New Years Eve

Today we spent the day in the snow. It was wonderful to see the kids enjoying playing in the snow and sledding. My daughter Annie is now 2.5 years old and she really got the sledding thing. She will be my little dare devil I am sure! Anyway, it was a beautiful, sunny, crisp winter day and we all had a ball playing in the snow.

This is our 19th New Years eve for my husband and I. Looking back, it is hard to believe there was a time where we rang in the new years until all hours of the night with friends. And now tonight we spent the evening doing puzzles and eating spagetti with the kids!--it was pretty cool! Welcome 2010--this post is dedicated to my wonderful husband and best friend who I just adore! Thanks for 19 great years...

A New Project For a New Year

A year ago I began sewing upcycled gloves from recycled sweaters--it was so fun. I loved hunting for the materials and figuring out which vintage buttons would go with what. Now I have found another green sewing project to work on. However, I am still in the hunting and pairing stage--so I don't have any final pieces to post yet, but hopefully I will soon. --If all goes well. Something I have learned in this last year is even if I visualize how something will look, after I sew it up, it could be a total disaster or really cool--but I will really never know until I collect my materials, sew them up and try them out. Here are some fun pictures I took while documenting this new project.

A Letter From Samaritan House

I wanted to post this letter that I recieved from Samaritan House for my first donation project for MAD Stitches in 2008. I made the upcycled gloves from sweaters and some of my dearest friends and family purchased them as Christmas gifts(A SPECIAL THANK YOU AGAIN TRACY AND LIZ) Anyway, Lyn Engel at Samaritan House wrote this note for the donation. I am getting ready to sit down and clear the dust for 2009 to see how much I will be able to donate to Samaritan House and STaRS. So I wanted to end out my blog posts for 2009 with SH's nice letter. Thank you to the people who bought the gloves last year--it is because of people like you, I can help to make these small donations by sewing and selling what I make. Here is the letter.


1511 S. Claremont Street
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 341-4081


October 22, 2009



Dear Vanessa,

You have now opened your heart to us at Samaritan House and we are so very thankful! Your donation of $140.00 dated April 18, 2009 certainly makes a difference in the lives of our families and individuals who are searching for assistance.

Your gift from the HEART allows us to provide critical services such as food, shelter, medical and dental and rental assistance “free-of-charge”. Our individuals and families look to Samaritan House to help them recover from crises, build hope, and set forth on a path to self-reliance.

Vanessa, Samaritan House is very grateful for your care, compassion and support. YOU are “Neighbor helping Neighbor”.

Warmly,

Lynn Engel
Annual Giving Manager

Your donation to Samaritan House is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Tax I.D. is 23-7416272. You received no goods or services for your donation. This letter will serve as your receipt for tax purposes; please keep it for your records.

MAD Stitches on Etsy

.: New Apronshttp://www.etsy.com/shop/MADstitches

New Aprons

It has been a busy few weeks. I had a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Baywood Vintage Holiday Boutique. It was a two day event. The first day of the boutique was a private shop and cocktail party. I was able to dawn a holiday dress and vintage apron(the apron was a lovely gift from my dear friend Laura and it was her moms in 1938). It was so neat because I was able to be a vendure and a parent at this spectacular evening affair. One of the Baywood parents donated their beautiful home and all of the rooms sparkled and glowed with gorgeouse vintage decore: ornaments, feather trees, fabulouse jewelry, featherd and jeweled wreaths, childrens toys and MAD's aprons. The house sparkled, people were dressed up, champagne flowed and wonderful Christmas oldies played in the background. All of the vendors were asked to work at the cocktail party as part of the ambiance. What luck!!! I had a chance to bring MAD out in the evening--My table was dressed up for the evening with glitterd glassware housing cookie cutters, hand stamped labels and sweet hand knit cupcakes(knit by my mom). The next day holiday shoppers returned; cocoa, handmade christmas cookies(made by my dear friend Jaz) and holiday cheer swirled through the rooms. I was so grateful because MAD did well and there will be many little girls opening up aprons in their stockings this year. I want to send a special thank you to Michelle Murphy and Jennifer Rayborn for allowing me to be a part of the wonderful Vintage Holiday Boutique. I have listed some of the aprons that were selling at the boutique in my Esty Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/MADstitches

Holiday Craft Show in Avery, CA

So, MAD Stitches and Annie Maude visited Avery, CA for a holiday craft show. It was so much fun. It was a family affair though for sure. Sadly, my back was out last week and I got a bit behind on aprons. So, I was sewing like crazy on Thanksgiving night and Friday morning...hours before the show...yeesh. My mom even finished a few Vivian Elizabeth aprons for me too. My dearest friend Pamela came with me to the show and we quickly set up the booth. She is a photographer and artist, so she did an extraordinary job adding magical touches to the little table. Together, we worked the booth for two days and sold quite a few aprons--it was SO fun. People purchased them as gifts for daughters, friends, nieces and grand-daughters. I got a kick out of helping people pick out the right one.

It was a JOY to be there in Avery. The people are so friendly and they even braved the ...almost snow weather to shop. My family also came by during the day too. My sister in law, Liz(one of my greatest cheerleaders) brought Jesse and The Viv to see the show. Vivian posed for a picture in front of her namesake apron, The Vivian Elizabeth. My mom and dear friend Linda came by also. Everyone tried their hand at selling an apron--it was so funny! However, Pamela managed to sell the most aprons and helped people pick out a cookie cutter to go with their apron---adding her magical touches again!

All in all, it was a beautiful weekend. I had so much support from my family and some of the vendors at the show. Suzy from Beauty Control hosted a booth next to mine and she gave me a lot of help and support. She has hosted many other shows, so she was able to show us the ropes. She was so friendly and caring---I felt so fortunate to have landed next to her. Jim, the toy man was at a booth near mine and I watched him entertain kids and families with lots of antics about toys--he was so funny. I also made some new friends who are knitters and we did a trade for a gorgeous hat for Annie and they bought some aprons.

Anyway, I hope to do the holiday show at Avery again next year. I loved meeting the people and watching them mill around shopping and supporting their community. This is the shows 23rd year running and it was an honor to be part of it. Here are a few pics of the day that Liz took for me.--THANK YOU LIZ!!! LOVE YA!!

Miixed Media...?

I have always loved art. Years ago I made a decision not to study art because it seemed impractical at the time. So, instead I spent many years in class rooms studying english and sociology and I WAS MISERABLE. What I found was I did not believe in myself enough to officially go to art school. I think this is because I did not think I had the heart for it. I did not think I was dedicated enough to give myself completely over to finding my medium. Looking back now 15 years later, I really don't know if I made a mistake or not. Today, I love sewing and art and we do a lot in our home and I do it joyfully. I have had to steal hours away during my children's nap time or late nights in order to teach myself different art and sewing techniques--So maybe I am more driven now because I am having to learn it on my own--who knows..? Anyway, recently I found myself restless with my sewing. I love making my little aprons, but I felt I needed to add another medium to my list. So, I started messing around with silk screen inks and stamps. I love paint and love fabric so I wanted to playfully bring them together. I ended up stamping some cool stuff onto linen--I LOVE LINEN--it is such a neat fiber and the colors you can find it in are always so sinful! So, I took the scraps I stamped and turned them into pockets for the Vivian Elizabeth apron--I am just so tickeled at how they turned out. There is something about the marriage of ink onto linen that looks so elegant.
I just listed this Yummy little apron in the MAD shop on Etsy too. Now I am off to do some more stamping...

Little Wonders Vendor Event

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be a vendor at an All Schools Meeting in San Mateo through my daughters school. It was really neat because I was able to see another side to fellow parents at the school who were also vendors. Some of the booths included handmade clips, outdoor adventures for little ones, a portrait photographer, and books. It was a wonderful way to network about your buisness and find out about other parents buisnesses.

Isabelle and her daughter Ashliegh from Too Cute in Burlingame worked the MAD Stitches booth with me. Isabell brought ponchos by Skipping Hippos and I had the Annie Maude and Vivan Elizabeth aprons on display. It was a lot of fun. I also learned a lot about setting up my craft booth. Although the flowers and stacks of fabric were pretty--I think I should have spent more time on displaying the aprons better. I think people struggled with the small stands I had and lack of size dividers. Anyway--it was a great opportunity to network and get the aprons out there and meet other parents with buisnesses. Here are a few pix from the evening.

October is Almost Gone....

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last posting. Let's see, when I reported in last I was on a mission to huncker down and kick MAD Stitches into gear. Since then I have taken a few more trips down the country road to Petaluma where the fabulouse Nicole Vasbinder(Owner of Stitchcraft) and I worked on some pattern revisions and now, things feel more focused. We narrowed down the sizes of the aprons and the pants to S/M, M/L. This sizing makes more sense because the aprons vary and can be worn in many ways and the pants look cute long and as capris. We also spent some time messing around with my new ruffle foot(my anniversary present from Julian). It is SOOOO neat. I am now spending cold, rainy fall evenings in my studio making yardage of ruffle for the little pants.

The yardage of ruffle is so neat because I have a few standard colors that I use with different fabrics such as chocolate browns, hot pink, sugar pinks and pale blue. It is also great because I really feel a sense of accomplishment when I roll and pin up a few yards of ruffle. I am finding that trims such as homemade bias tape and the yardage of ruffle are powerful accessories to have around because they can go on so many things.

I have also been working with D from (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6571306) Etsy to help me with more branding and etsy stuff. She is a GODDESS because she works so well with people, she is so creative and talented... and she has been such a wonderful source of support for helping me develop a style for my blog, photos and etsy shop. I do ok behind a sewing machine--but computer---FORGET IT!

Last, I have been re-vamping little Miss Annie Maude. She is based on the likeness of my daughter Annie who looks angelic and sweet as pie, but is really a little spit fire. She wears these big bows and she always reminds me of a little 1930's girl. Anyway, she is two now and getting more headstrong and independent and I wanted to interject more of her little personality into Annie Maude(the logo) I needed to add the rumpled socks, scuffed mary janes and her gigantic bows...yes the ones that have grown with her since she was two days old.

Well, here are a few picture updates of the new logo and Annie in some bigger mary janes(mommies shoes) and her first bow..the day she was born. Now, I am off again to work on aprons for holiday craft shows. As usual, I am always so grateful when I can sit at my sewing machine--it is a place that brings me so much joy.

Busy, Busy...

This last week feels like a blurr--but in a good way. I have really stepped up my work ethic more and I am learning to juggle bits of work time here and there better. I have also been busy trying to do more administrative stuff for MAD and working on a new pattern--ALL WITH THE HELP OF propriatress extraordinare Nicole Vasbinder at Stitchcraft in Petaluma. While up there again on friday, we powered through 4 more hours of solid work time--Since she teaches a "Start Your Own Craft Business" class, she is the perfect person to learn from. We spent two hours just going over the structure of press kits, how to create them, what goes in them, who gets them. THEN, we still had enough time to work on and true up a pants pattern we started months ago. Anyone looking to get to another level in their business should go see Nicole. I am ALWAYS in AWE of how much she knows about how to develping your craft business. For me, she is truly a wonderful role model to aspire to be like because she is so focused, has a fantastic work ethic and is just a super person in general. Anyway, since meeting with her, I now have a press kit and I have more goals to chip away at for MAD. Also on this administrative whirlwind, I accidentally developed a little character for MAD which has now officially become my little mascot for MAD and the cover of my press kit and displays--I have to share it because it is truly Annie Maude(drawn to be a likeness of my daughter Annie) and she just cracks me up!

Chipping Away at My To Do List

Today was a great day all around. My little Beech started Kindergarten. It was very exciting for all of us. We are so proud of him! Then I actually began chipping away at my MAD list. At first...I wanted to procrastinate--did some errands, ate some lunch, but then I put the pedal to the metal(seriously...on my sewing machine) and I finished up the last set of aprons I have been working on. Then, picked up Beech, did some chores--grocery store, made dinner and hung out with the kiddos. Now I have just finished taking some pix of the aprons. Strangly enough, this day not only got me back on track, but helped me remember why I am doing this. As the aprons hung in my studio--all I could think was these represent my way of helping out an organization by using them as a vehicle to raise money and it felt really good. I really felt today like I was building a foundation to sell my aprons and donate some money. So, I am going to stay on this path and continue to be BRUTALLY honest about my journey to really get MAD going and to stop procrastinating.

So here is tomorrows list:
load up photos on etsy shop
read one chapter of business book
make two cupcake cherry aprons

--I will report my progress in tomorrow

here are a few pix of some new aprons

Admitting About My First Day of Flaking on My To Do List....

So, last night I vowed to own up to the fears swirling in my head and start to face them head on regarding building a small buisness. I also swore I would be up at 5am--in my studio...with coffee(I was up at 7am, still in bed, but with coffee...) I made a punch list of things to do...1)"Aprons"(still waiting to be finished),2)"read buisness book"(alas...still untouched) 3)"pay bills or mail to open" (ugh..still sitting on my desk). So, this is EXACTLY why I decided to write about what I really need to be writing about-- the fact that I desperatly want to have my own buisness, but I can't seem to committ to it. WHY IS THAT? I did attempt to get some work done in my studio--but all I did was move a bit of furniture around and then shut the doors again---yeeshhh

So, maybe this is why I need to blog--so I can't hide the fact that I am a RIGHTEOUS PROCRASTINATING stay at home mom who also...apparently...has a small buisness too...I have always dealt with deadlines at the last minute--there is something about the pressure and how it seems to ignite a serious work ethic in me. However, I think it is this very quality that is standing in my way from totally committing to my buisness. I think about my little venture all of the time and I feel so much joy when I sew--so why isn't this more of a motivator?

Ok, well fears: STILL need to pay back the kids, could fail etc

Goals: GET UP AT 5AM and work for two hours, open some mail, read more about my tax id, finish three aprons and photograph them, work for my four hour block tomorrow, work on etsy shop.

There it is in a nutshell and I plan to honestly report back as to whether I get any of the above done and if not...AGAIN...write about why...

Blogging About What I Actually Need to Blog About...

This blog is supposed to be about sewing and making a difference. So far, I have done "a bit" of both. --but not as much as I would have hoped. Being that I am a stay at home mom of two kids(one of which has on going medical issues) I find myself constantly vacillating between two worlds and being INCREADIBLY afraid to make the full time committment to either world. I love being a mom...but it is not enough. I love learning to be the propriatress of a small craft buisness, but that would not be enough either. And last, there is my passion to want to make a difference...somewhere in this great universe.

On occasion--when the stars are aligned, I can merge my two worlds and flit between caring for the kids and sewing in my studio...and everyone is STILL happy. BUT...these types of days are few and far between. Then, there are days I never make it into my studio and then I am consequently "a grump" as my five year old puts it. So I have decided to put it out there--all the things I need to accomplish and my fears that keep getting in the way--so there is no more futzing around.

First: My Fears
What if my buisness flops?
What if I make stuff and people don't buy it.
What if I can't pay back the loan I took from the kids college fund to start my buisness?
...What if I fail?


What I Need to Accomplish:
1) Finish reading Barbara Braebecs craft book
2) Get up at 5am everyday and work from 5am-7am in studio
3) pay back $5000 in materials and legal fees to my kids college fund
4) Work from 8pm-10pm nightly in studio(this means all house work and chores actually have to get done in the day....urg)

I am sure there is more but this list above about actually finishing a buisness book(I have a stack...all unfinished of course), developing a strict and dedicated work ethic and most importantly establishing some type of sane goal to pay the kids back is what churns in my mind and if I put it out there--then there is no hiding it. So I am going to use this blog for it's orriginal intention to talk and face how I am going to REALLY use sewing to make a difference.

Tomorrows goal:
be in studio...with coffee at 5am
finish three aprons
photograph them for etsy shop
open mail(bills....yurg!)

oh and here is a picture of the cupcake apron Nicole, owner of Stitchcraft and I created a few weeks ago--which I am really excited about because it is my first apron that is totally one size fits all.

They LOVE EM!

In the summer we do a lot of swimming at my moms, in Bear Valley and at our local YMCA. I wanted to get the kids pool cover ups, but I could not really find any I liked--especially ones for boys. Beech and Annie are little polywogs--they love to swim...but they also get super cold in a flash and they want out! So, I found a great simplicity patterns for a long sweatshirt/robe and hunted for ....just the right fabric. My two littles adore the flurry micro fiber fleece---it is similar to the fabric that blankets are made out of and ...even off the bolt it is not cheap. Anyway, I snuck a few yards in a while back and while they were sleeping I made them and then left them in their rooms for them to find when they woke up. And...they went nutso! It is funny...in this house handmade stuff out of novelty or fleece fabric is as much of a hit as a new toy--it cracks me up! I used my surger to put them together and boy oh boy is that a MESSSSSSSSY adventure, but also worth it. Beechs cover up came out beautifully...Annies...could have been better. Either I was rushing or did not match my seams as well--so the construction was a bit shottier. Here are some pics I took of them in them after we came back from family swim at the YMCA.

I HAVE SOME TALENTED FRIENDS

Dear friends are the best. I have been fortunate these past few years to be part of an amazing moms group--the Hairspray Moms. Some force beyond me five years ago knew I would need to know, lean on and learn from these women. After Beech was released from the hospital where he spent almost 6 months, we were sent to do as many mommy and me classes as possible. On our first class we went to Gymboree and there were the Hairspray Moms doing a mommy and me gym class. Since I had missed out on the first few months of mommy and me classes and mom's groups--I don't think it was an accident that I met these gals. I think it was my carma--it knew that I deserved to meet these wonderful, amazing and truly fabulouse women. I had been through so much with Beech and had not had the time or supportive environment to learn about being a new mom. Well--I was able to watch and learn from the best after I met these gals.

Anyway, it has now been five years and we are all a bit older, wiser and still great friends. And that brings me to this darling little felt clip that Annie Pants is wearing. It was made by one of my dear, dear friends and fellow HSM, Felicia. She makes these adorable little pretties for Mrs. Cayce--her little ADORABLE girl(...and she really is...dimples and all!!!) Anyway, Annie LOVES it and it was so sweet when Cayce gave it to her. She got to help her mommy make it and carry around her moms sewing bag. Felicia is one of my Ya, Ya's and I know that we will always know each other...why do I know this...well because I have learned so much from her over the years. I really admire her and how much effort and care she puts into parenting her kids. --and I have learned so much about parenting from how effortless and easy she makes it look...and well I value how fortunate I am to know her. So Feleesh...Annie and I just adore her new hair pretty!! THANK YOU

At the Beach...

You know those signs you see, "Gone Fishing" or "At the Beach",well us bloggers need these hang signs for our blogs. I have literally gone on vacation "At the Beach" to Virginia Beach. My father in law's famiy has a big reunion every year with 70+ people and this year it is being held at Virginia Beach. It is beautiful and a virtual haven for th 30+ kids we have here. Since my husband and I have been together or ALMOST 20 years, I have seen most of the kids grow up. Anyway, we are staying on the beach and the kids spend all day carefully constructing sand castles and playing in the ocean. It reminds me of family vacations that I read about in Bronte books.

Of course, I brought my travel sewing machine and LOTS of aprons to make. I have set up a little sewing nook facing out a window so I can sew and watch the beach combers and waves crashing. Also, in our house many of the famly members play in a family band called Pippenfinch. So, last night I sat upstairs and ironed apron pieces and listened to great music.

Well, so far these aremy latest sewing adventures....AT the Beach

The IDEA wall

IMG_2203,
originally uploaded by MADStitches.

This is a chalkboard paint wall--I write ideas, contacts, hang snippets of fabric I regularly use. This is one of my favorite aspects of my studio because it measures my creative growth and inspires me!

Human Trafficking

IMG_2207,
originally uploaded by MADStitches.

Covers for human trafficking--my first fundraising idea

It's Hot Out!

In a mad attempt to escape the heat yesturday, we all hopped into the car and drove out to the coast. We went to Phippes Ranch in Pescadero where we went berry picking. Beech and I have been strawberry picking there before and we made boat loads of strawberry jam. This time Miss Annie Pants came with us in her new dress I made for her from one of my pattern book from Japan(It is a great dress...especially for a hot day!). Beech was very into his task of blackberry picking and he managed(in the sticking hot heat) to pick a whole bucket of ripe blackberries. Now as for his sister...well she was a different story all together. She was mostly delighted to carry the bucket. Beech showed her how to pick blackberries---however it went something like this for her...."one...for the bucket and the rest for my tummy"! Both she and Beech attacked their tasks quite differently! In the end....the people behind the counter probably should have weighed Beech's bucket and then they should have plopped Annie Pants on the scale and weighed her. The berries are $3.00 p/lb and I am sure Annie made off with $6.00 worth in her tummy. All in all it was a charming day because Beech was VERY seriouse about his berry picking, but also very caring and thoughtful with Annie showing her how to be a good farmer. We really enjoyed our day out at the coast...and we managed to stay cool!

Where Did June Go....?

Whew....where did June go.....I know....it went to Beech's preschool graduation at Mrs. K's House, Fathers day, birthday celebrations and hello summer....! It has been a crazy few weeks. Beech graduated from preschool after attending three wonderful years at Mrs. K's House. The school was recommended to us because three years ago Beech only had about 30% of his hearing. Mrs. K's House is an environmental school so our whole family has learned so much about recycling and the earth. I cried at his graduation because I was SO proud of the person he is turning into. Since he had such a rough start with his heart surgery and cleft lip repair--I cried tears of joy to see such a happy and healthy little man emerge on graduation day! I also honored a barter with one of Beech's teachers. She gave us a jar of her famouse homemade strawberry vanilla bean jam and I made her a recycled dress from vintage sheets, some Amy Butler Fabric and I added a silk screened patch that I picked up at Makers.

We also celebrated fathers day without Julian who went off on a golf weekend. Over the weekend, Beech finally earned his 14th stone for " learning to be more flexible"(we have a jar and everytime he does not have a tantrum over something that may have triggored a tantrum, he earns a stone to put in a jar). So, when he gets 14 stones--he can choose a special outing, activity or small toy to purchase. Well, with this round of stones he purchased a slip and slide which we busted out over Fathers Day weekend. It was great because both Beech and Annie Pants had a ball slippin and sliding in the water. Also...the kids and I prepared a wonderful breakfast for Nan Nan and Grandad who came over to enjoy a lovely sunday in our garden. We made one of my dearest friend Wenda's french toast recipes. It is SO wonderful--here it is from Epicurious...

CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST
Although the Diehls use large slices from a round loaf of bread and remove the crust, we also tried the recipe with a baguette, leaving the crust on, and found it just as delicious. At La Maison, challah is often the bread of choice.

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
an 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt

*** I usually add a little extra butter, egg and half & half, and omit the Grand Marnier

In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.
In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Preheat oven to 350° F. and bring bread to room temperature.
Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
Serve hot French toast immediately.

Makes 6 servings.
Gourmet
You Asked For It; Inn at Sunrise Point, Camden, Maine

July 1998


Epicurious.com © CondéNet, Inc. All rights reserved.

And last we celebrated the onset of summer and our dear friend Declans second birthday. The following week, Kerry one of my closest pals planned a fabulous birthday at the FC Fire Station. It was a little tour for the kids---SO CUTE! and then we had a little party at the park with fun games and a homemade fire engine cake(Kerry is a master baker and makes all of her kids birthday cakes--trains, super heros...you name it!) We made Declan a little hat for his second birthday. Last Year Kerry made Beech a tee shirt with a 5 on it...and it was our turn to make something creative for them. So all in all....June has flown by, but for many a good reason and it has been a great kick off to summer!!

Where are Annie Maude, Daniella Marie and Vivian Elizabeth....

....At Too Cute of course! Too Cute is a darling little consignment shop in Burlingame. It is nestled in a charming little galleria of shops and has a wonderful selection of new, resale and handmade toys and clothes for children. The proprietress, Isabelle also has an adorable drop off art and playtime studio. It is a terrific hangout for “the little’s”. Over the years, Isabelle has become a dear friend and inspiration to me. She has continually been there as a shoulder to ….”SCREAM” on when my little toddler and now five years old has gone through frustrating stages. Isabelle also has kids who are older than mine, so she has been able to offer advice or simply be a sounding board. Anyway, recently she was kind enough to give MAD Stitches aprons a new home too. Here are some pictures of Annie Maude, Daniella Marie and Vivian Elizabeth aprons outside of Too Cute!