return to coziness

Although it is quite hot and humid now, I have already begun to quietly prepare for autumn. I try not to rush the seasons too much, but I love the fall, and always look forward to cozy times.

A few days ago I purchased a couple of Cabbages and Roses charm packs, and knew that I wanted to make a small and simple quilt for my den. I have never used charm packs before, and I must say, compared to the usual tedium of cutting all those squares, it was like taking a vacation! The quilt came together so quickly and everything was smooth and accurate. I just added a border of some linen, and found some suitable backing material at the fabric shop. I had envisioned backing this little quilt in flannel, but I couldn’t find just what I was looking for, so I settled for a calico. I used this pattern as a guide.

I took my inspiration from the Cabbages and Roses online lookbook, and spent a long time gazing at pictures of the windswept English seaside. Clean simplicity is truly a hallmark of the brand. The images have a pure and tranquil beauty that is quite unique. And how lovely to be ensconced in all those airy florals!

The shops look lovely too, like this one in Tokyo. Perhaps you caught C&R’s recent collaboration with UNIQLO? I picked up a few soft scarves, and am hoping for another such collection.

So now I am patiently waiting for the first rainy day in a long time, and the temperatures to drop. I’ll be ready with my favorite slippers, to snuggle under my new quilt.

tokyo disneyland x alice

Some of my family members recently returned from their annual trip to Japan. I didn’t get to go along this time, but I was happy to live vicariously through their photos and videos.  My brother was even nice enough to bring me back some lovely souvenirs including several from Tokyo Disneyland.

I love Alice in Wonderland, particularly the tea themed things. (go figure) So I was delighted to receive some beautiful Alice boxed tea. The tea bags are the cards!

A cute mini towel and some memo notebooks.

A new Alice charm for my new bag.

I was in such an Alice mood, that I decided to make something out of this Alice fabric that I’ve had for a little while. I like that it is pink and just a bit sparkly. I settled on a new tea cozy using this pattern, adapting it slightly by making it bigger and adding a more finished lining.

After sewing, I baked some matcha tea cookies. (I guess I am still yearning to return to Japan, myself). Here is the recipe. They were quite easy to make and the resulting cookie was delicately sweet.