Little Ambassadors

A while back I made a little doll in my studio--for no reason, but in the end I think I made a version of "me". Anyway, these last few months my helper and I have made about 20 more for some of the local clinics as a donation. Recently, an organization decided they would like to have some for their families and as a fundraiser--so this has been exciting for MAD Stitches. We have made some changes to them as per request of the organization--so the dolls now have a hospital gown or pants and NoNo's on their arms. We also changed the hair from yarn to felt because it is easier to attatch to the dolls. Here are some recent photos of the new dolls that went into the mail last week for a local CFA organization.

These are NO NOs that babies wear on their arms post surgery to keep them from pulling out their IV or stitches.

My new little ambassadors.

Other than that life around here has been busy with the kids in school and all of their activities, MAD Stitches projects and upcoming holiday boutiques and we are all adapting to a new diet(one w/o "bad for you foods" and one that is more in synch with the seasons.

I have a new cookbook that is helping a lot called http://www.amazon.ca/Cooking-Light-Through-Seasons-Everyday/dp/0848733193 "Cooking Light Through Seasons Everyday" So far I have loved the recipes from it. Since I really can not cook(and my family thanks me when I don't) it has been so helpful. The recipes are easy and it really helps to cook whatever is in season. Also a bonus is the kids are loving it. There is a lot of cooking with apples, squash, potatoes etc and they love those ingredients--so I am really happy.

Last, we are just enjoying this beautiful Harvesty time of the year--we have already been to 3 pumpkin patches and will head off to our 4th this week. The house is WAY decorated--thanks to Beech and Annie and all of their hard work. And I am loving the fall weather that seems to finally be arriving. I sometimes fight the blues and they can last for a while and I am just coming out of one of those times--so it is lovely to really feel good enough to enjoy this time of the year!

Happy Fall

Annie and Beech Fall 2007

Annie fall 2008 

Our Family Fall 2010

Happy Fall xox

Fall is Here

I love fall, it is truly my favorite time of the year. The kids have already decorated the house for Halloween and today we are off to the pumpkin patch to buy our pumpkins. It is also a busy time for MAD Stitches because I am getting ready for Holiday Craft Shows, sewing up stock and I have a new project going on. I am trying to find a balance between working on MAD Stitches and motherhood--it is tough. The challenge is that there are days I have blocked out to work on MAD stuff and it is always tempting to want to do stuff for the kids or housework. BUT if I don't do MAD stuff--it will not get done, so that keeps me motivated.
Anyway, I am adding some new apron styles to my holiday table this year including a Mommy Apron a vinyl backed art smock. I will be in the studio all week sewing them up and I will post pictures soon.

Enjoy this beautiful fall day!