Blue and yellow on the brain

I'm not sure what started this fixation, but in the past few weeks, I've been drawn to shades of dark/navy blue and yellow.

I recently worked on sorting my scraps (they are so out.of.control), and pulled together this stack. Perhaps, for Rachel's Scrap Attack?

I also grabbed these fabrics from the stash last week, and worked on a new project this weekend. Here, we have some Dear Stella (I love those stars!), Joel Dewberry Woodgrain from Aviary 2, and Sundae Stripe in gray (or grey) from Moda Ruby.

After pulling that stack, I started cutting pieces for the AMH Student Tote. I've had this pattern for months, and decided to start a just-for-fun project.

I'm making the smaller size tote, and almost finished the exterior. In addition to the fabrics in my original stack, I added the Cosmo Cricket crosshatch and a Sandi Henderson Secret Garden print. I had those zippers in the stash (I love the copper red one, especially!). Hopefully, this will get finished quickly, as I have a little out-of-town trip coming up!

Happy mail, part two

Do you know Chicken Julie? She is amazing, as evidenced here. We met on flickr a few years back, and I've adored her ever since. We decided to do a little swap last year, because she wanted some fingerless mitts. She made me a little mini and a tee-shirt for Oliver.

We decided to swap again, and she blew. me. away.

Just look at the loveliness.

The way she uses selvages is so inspiring. I love the plus/cross design she created with her rainbow pieces.

And look at the quilting. Just look!

As if the mini wasn't enough, Julie also sent along some extras:

She made some matching selvage potholders, an adorable black and white fabric, some homemade washi tape, and some jam (not pictured)!

Jules, you are awesome! I sent her package out today, and I'll share that with you later this week!

*Total tangent, but I looked up the proper spelling of selvage/selvedge. Apparently, both are correct! I always wondered. Selvage is the US version of the word, and selvedge is the British equivalent. Who knew??

Happy mail, part one

This was a week of ups and downs, but I've been lucky to have some happy mail this week. Surprise mail always brings a smile to my face! It's nice to see something other than bills occasionally! First up, on Wednesday, after getting home super late, I received two surprise packages (and a fabric package, *cough cough*!).

The first was from Ella. You may remember the Bohus Pillow I made for her in December.

She found these adorable Munki Munki pajamas at Marshall's and got me a pair! Fabulous! I think that headband is especially awesome!

The second package was from Sharon, one of my Sewing Summit peeps.

She sent this fun gift, with a frog tape measure, stitch markers, a handmade pouch (made by another friend), and a coffee cozy she knit using the stitch pattern from my scarf pattern!

She also sent this beautiful sock yarn. It's Brown Sheep Company yarn. I didn't look at the details yet, but it feels like 100% wool.

Thanks to both of you for having perfect timing!!