Iz doesn’t sit still.  At all.  When she took her first steps (at 18 mos mind you), she didn’t walk, she RAN.  I’d like to say that we take leisurely strolls side-by-side, but no, I walk quickly to keep after her.  And as she gets older, I try hard to let her walk on her own, but still, my heart beats a bit faster, knowing that she’s fine, but I’m not right next to her.  She’s still movin’ with a purpose, and couldn’t stop for a second to get a good photo.

She’s been very interested in princesses.  Of course, who can resist all that’s supposed to mean?  Think of the clothes, the bling, the clothes, the shoes, the nail polish, the clothes.  We are not fans of the typical Disney Princesses.  I’m sure they are all wonderful girls, but they are always in distress.  I mean, WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? **There are princess movies that do not involve being rescued: Nausicaa.  Kiki’s Delivery Service. and so many more.

We want Iz to know that she is a princess.  One who can make her own decisions,  one who is strong enough to take care of herself and not have to be rescued.  I don’t think there is anything glamorous in being a damsel in distress. So, dear sweet Princess Iz, here’s your fabulous Royal Dress, and you can rule the world in it.  And wear your fabulous shoes and great rainbow tights.

I bought the pattern from the lovely SugarCityJournal.  Amazing clothes they are making.

It’s a great pattern, easy to understand and very quick.  I made the dress 2 sizes too big!  Crazy, but I love it so much, I want her to have it for years.  I think the styling details are to-die-for.  I love the bias tape finish on the neck and sleeves.  I really, really , really like the gathered yoke and bell sleeves.  (trick – use dental floss to make your gathers)

We’ll be making a few more of these, and work our way through the stash.

“ta-da”

Clicking around, I found these amazing Rocket Lamps by Frankreich Design (I think?  Having a hard time finding more info in English.  If you know of anything, let me know…).  From what I can tell, these colorful old containers, bins, pans have been stacked and wired and make the coolest lamps.  I want one in my house. Available at. o.k. Versand

I guess my mind clears and the thoughts start flowing.  While I don’t need much inspiration, for those of you that need something else to think about than that ABBA song you can’t get out of your head, check out these Smart Shower Curtains.  There’s Weather or Metomorphasis or Solar System or Periodic Table or Dinosaurs.  Helps you remember those lessons in school, and gives your kids some extra study time.  All from greengrassdesign.

I think these are pretty and functional, I’d rather have this in my kitchen for trash and recycling than the not-a-bit-of-style blue and green recycling bins.  Recycling is cool and smart, why can’t the accessories be more like these! at DesignOnline.

I love exploring the Victoria & Albert Museum website.  It’s on my list of places to visit.  In the meantime, I spend many hours doodling through their fabulous exhibits.  I’ve been making Tartans via the Vivienne Westwood Tartan Maker.  You should make some too.

or delicate wall adornments

or cushions.

I’m glad someone out there is making those nasty plastic bags pretty.  I’m glad they won’t be in the landfill and can still be useful.  I think the organic shapes are very pretty, I’ve always been inspired by lace, so delicate and carefully made.

Thanks to designers block for introducing me to Laura Marsden.

These wonderful animal illustrations from Louise Elliot.  She’s got 12 Animals of the World that you can download (free), give to the kids to color, or as Heidi suggests, use them as crewel patterns. As I like to stitch most of my gifts, I’ve been thinking about stitching animals for kids, and I think I might have to use these!

But as I explore even more, I am just swooning over her doll and animal kits.  I am totally drawn to these.  I think it is because they are printed on fabric (if you know me, I am obsessed with anything printed on fabric, and well, just fabric in general), and two, I am completely drawn in to each design, I just love her illustrations.

I am really intrigued by cloth kits.  Some, I must be honest, I wouldn’t make, but I would make Louise Elliot’s kit in a heartbeat, and anything from clothkits especially:

this Rob Ryan skirt.  SWOON CITY!!!

From the super creative Droog.  They are designed so you can add your own rags and clothes.  I also love Come A Little Bit Closer Bench, Nest House, Do Hit Chair, and check out their Labs, very cool.

I don’t really ride a bike anymore. I have in the past, but I am so NOT a fan of traffic. But then I saw this bike from a Bike Hugger photo and well, I think I might just have to add this to my wish list. This is the Townie from Electra. It reminds me of when I lived in Cape May for a summer and rode my bike everywhere. Fuel prices make me want to ride my bike again. It comes in really dreamy fabulous colors and I love the bag on the back! I wonder if I can get a toddler attachment for it…..

Manon Gignoux, a French Stylist, Artist with incredible vision for re-purposing clothing and textiles has an incredible portfolio.

Her work is proof that re-purposed items can be well designed, sophisticated and elegant. Her work comes from studying people and how they wear clothing, and is quite astounding. I can’t find a piece I dislike, and I am in love with her flowers and necklaces, and well, everything. Please visit her site. The images are just breathtaking.