I love browsing through book stores and consider myself lucky that my small town has three.  A few weeks ago I came across Making Peg Dolls by Margaret Bloom and knew right away it would be coming home with me.  I spent the next few nights looking at every picture and reading every word.  I was spellbound and fell in love!  Not only are her doll projects absolutely captivating, there is a sweet and gentle notion woven throughout the book, within every page and project: the pure joy of child's play and a child's imagination.  The projects are sweet and simple and many can be made by older children, younger children may need help.  The book comes with complete directions for dozens of projects and also includes supplies list and sources.  This gnome family with their mushroom house spoke to me and I had to make it for my little friend Amelia!

It's funny, but with all the sewing, knitting and crafting I've done throughout my life, I think this was one of my most FUN projects.  I was thoroughly enchanted with the idea of making little gnomes who live inside a mushroom purse.  The purse and the dolls were quickly made in one very fun evening.  The next day I brought it to Amelia and watched her play with it and took these precious pictures.  She brought it to church on Sunday to show it off, and wore it with her new velvet Thanksgiving dress.  Just adorable, I wish I had taken a picture for you!

I was fortunate to meet the lively and lovely Margaret Bloom last week.  I enjoyed this young woman as much as I enjoyed her charming projects.  Please come back on Thursday for a give-away, a studio visit, more about her book plus our coffee morning conversation.