the squirrel part

Steeb and I are almost finished with our studio move. We have a bright and spacious room facing Bay Street again with lots of room for our family to grow. As I have been unearthing boxes from the corners and closet, I am reminded of why squirrel is one of my business' namesakes.Tucked away and saved for later like acorns in the fall,I am finding trash and treasure too precious to not save for the unknown crafting ahead of me. Everything from a bag of seat belt webbing to a bin of cashmere sweaters with plenty of buttons and zippers in between. There are articles of clothing waiting to be deconstructed and neatly stacked squares of fabric for some yet to be designed quilt and then the boxes and boxes of bits and pieces, some not much bigger than glorified lint balls. I can't wait to combine some of the older finds with the more recent arrivals.

bloomer soakers

Franklin Sparrow models the new bloomer soakers from moth and squirrel. He also serves as our number one product tester, daily inspecting the strength and design of these bum covers. The wool covers are an essential part of cloth diapering and just nice when we have him in the paper ones. The thankless,endless routine of changing diapers improves with a little cuteness.
I started making these for him before he was born and now that we really use them I am improving their shape. Originally I was just sewing them for personal use.It is important to make things that aren't for sale, to just create for love.But in an effort to make a living as a crafter, I decided to add them to the product line. Look for them this spring at the farmer's market.

art walk again

where did the month go? it's first friday again and we will be up in the studio to show off the goods(including baby franklin, tempers permitting.)I've managed to sew up a new pod of whale pins, thanks to steeb's loving arms,some brief naps and a surprise baby sitting offer from pamela yesterday.
The january walk was really lovely. The weather was terribly northwest wet wet wet cold and dark,so just a handful of friends came out,but really just a handful was about all we could handle.Thanks for your support.and patience.

quiet time

I almost had the rhythm down,of being self employed, of craft seasons, when to start sewing ornaments or easter bunnies. And now there is this tiny boy with his own rhythm,demanding that I dance in his time. As an independent business woman,this is the greatest challenge. So I am doing all the off season chores: finishing my paperwork,preparing taxes, dreaming of new products, better display, what fairs to try to attend. I am doing this between marathon feeding sessions, countless diaper changes and the necessary time spent gazing adoringly at fingernails and cheeks and that little spot at the wrist that is finally getting chubby. That is, when I have enough sleep and food and water in me that I can even remember there is a world beyond Franklin's needs.
Tonight we will be open for the gallery walk. Our first as this new family.Just one of the steps to figuring out how we do this dance together.

Franklin Sparrow changes everything

Franklin Sparrow Russell was born dec.2 and I have been in sleepless baby zone ever since.
Chelsea will be representing moth and squirrel at the Crafty Wonderland Holiday Spectacular this sunday dec 13 at the portland convention center.In Bellingham moth and squirrel hats, critters and pins can be found at the Pacific Arts Holiday Market and Handmade Holiday Bazaar (on state street across from the bowling alley).
Thank you for supporting our little family.