tens of thousands of stitches of love

I'm very spoiled. My Babci and my mom love to shower me in beautiful things. They're both so talented, and I'm the proud owner of many of their crafty pursuits.

My Babci cross-stitched this elaborate portrait of baby me on the beach. The stitches are immaculate, and her sense of light and color is amazing. It's like a Seurat painting.

From a distance, the stitches fade away, and it's me, from a photo on the Cape.

For Christmas this year, my mom single-crocheted a stunning blanket made of Peruvian wool. It is a deep mossy green, so natural and rich. And the best part of all - it is nearly 8 feet long. Can you believe that?! She single-crocheted a blanket tall enough for 5'9" me and 6'1" Dave to snuggle in together. Extraordinary.

It took the better part of 2013 (this afghan came to life during the sox playoffs - go sox!). I love the thought of her spending countless hours in all seasons on such a peaceful activity - and to think it was for me!

After I opened it, she remarked on something so special that I can absolutely relate to. When you make something for someone you love, you spend those peaceful hours lingering on thoughts of that person. Minutes and hours and days are dedicated to them, like setting an intention at the beginning of yoga. You put the piece down for the evening feeling accomplished, feeling love, warmth and calming energy. It's a true joy. And it makes me smile knowing my mom spent the better part of her year setting her intentions on me and Dave. Yay :)

Here's some pictures of it being put to good use on a chilly Sunday morning.

It's near-zero outside, so the only thing to do is curl up and craft. My mom is working on an afghan for herself, and I'm working on a gift for my darling.

My lovely mom crocheting herself an afghan.

Reina was waaaaay into my mom's hobby.

"I'll help."

One of my best friends is expecting her first wee babe. I may have a little something in the works ;). I'm in the delightful throws of that feeling you get making something for someone you love. I don't know this babe yet, but I love its mother with all of my heart. So I'm thinking about 20 years of knowing Aly, and what a gorgeous woman she's become, and how damn excited I am to meet this baby. It's a fun project. More on that later.

Even if it's just a note that says hello, make something for someone you love. Everybody wins!

the story of yuma

Once upon a time, we called Yuma Baby Yuma. Baby Yuma is no longer a baby. He's a jungle cat. I've heard stories of Yuma climbing the tallest trees, jumping across fence boundaries, and bringing home the hunt. This beast inspires fear in his foes -- but he's a loving furrball to his hominid owners, Annie and Mike.  Mike is Dave's brother, and both Annie and Mike are very special to me. They live with Yuma in Tucson, Arizona, where Mike is working on his MFA. So I suppose he's more of a desert kitty than a jungle kitty.

When we first met Yuma, he was but a wee kitty. The four of us were at Renee's for a weekend around the holidays, and Yuma was in tow. At 1.5 lbs., Yuma howled like a lion when it was time to eat. He would get on his hind legs, howl from deep in his belly, and walk on two paws in a circle as if he had never been fed before in his life. This happened every 6-12 hours. Voracious little kitty.

He found a special place in my heart. Yuma was a wonderful pet to create - look at that mane.

Dave, Me, Mike and Annie - Torrey Pines State Park, CA May 2013

In June, Yuma's parents are getting married. Mazel Tov, Annie and Mike! Yuma will not be in attendance, but many people that I love and adore will be, as well as many new faces. I better get to making wedding gifts soon!

But before I do, I'll tell you the story of how I made Yuma - here's the 'making of' post.

the story of miso

Miso is a cocker-poodle. I don't know Miso very well. But I do know poodles are hypoallergenic, and I also know that they're one of the lovingest pups on the planet, so Miso is already a catch in my book.

I tried a new technique for the nose, and I'm very happy with the look.

What a sweet pup. Now, I am fond of this dog I don't know, but I have to make an example of his owner because I love my patrons and these portraits are expensive - I want you to get every penny of likeness of your pet. The picture above is challenging to make a portrait out of - the black haired dog is backlit, and he's blocked by a similarly-colored couch. I had to give my best guess at the right ear, and the mouth (your dog's smile that you love), is hard to see. The more likeness your picture has to the pet you love, the better my interpretation will be.

Here's a good example of a pet picture for my portraits:

This is Tilly! I love this picture for a few reasons: she is brightly lit - I see all of her curves and muscles, her color is rich, and that smile looks so natural - one that her owner probably recognizes very well :).

But I don't want Miso's owner to feel bad. That picture isn't bad. I'm just obsessed with making sure it's just right! :) Merry Christmas, Miso!

the story of R2

R2 - the world's most adorable pup - belongs to a dear friend, Skye. Skye was my suite mate freshman year at MassArt. Photos of us circa 2003 are on an old computer, so instead I'll get straight to the cute and give you photos of R2.

Beautiful Skye and smiley face R2

OF COURSE I'LL BE YOURS!

R2 lives with his mommy Skye in Maui, HI. Baby R2 had to spend 6 months in quarantine before he could join Skye on the island (rabies does not exist on the islands, and they'd like to keep it that way...understandable). That separation seemed like a good reason to recreate R2. Though, truth be told, I got caught up making pet portraits for family, and it took me some time to get around to this little pup.

Skye is one of the most delightful folks I know. It's been wonderful stalking her on Facebook catching beautiful glimpses of her full life on Instagram. But now I'd like to come traipse through the Hawaiian jungles and volcanoes with the two of them in person! Look at that righteous surfer dude! Oh and it would be really nice to my old friend too :).

Dogs like this need accessories.

Happy to oblige. Miss you oodles, Skye! xoxo

the story of veronica

Veronica: The ancient Macedonian name for "She who brings victory." It was a popular name amongst reigning dynasties of Alexander the Great's era.

Veronica here is the queen. Her regal coat is shiny and full, multicolored with distinctive spots and stripes. Her tail is long and swanky. She runs the show.

Mme. Veronica

She's earned her stripes as the temptress-alpha-kitty around the house. She's engaging and confident, has a swagger fitting of Manhattan. She knows how to get attention.

Veronica ~ Copyright TWPowell

Veronica is Flopsy's sister.

baby sista' kitties ~ Copyright TWPowell

These two are much bigger these days, but they've had each others' backs since day one. That's the way it goes in the West Village. You watch out for your own.

These lovely ladies have been through a lot together. Hurricane Sandy turned a lot of lives upside down, and these kitties had their fair share of struggles. All in their world is well now, thank the stars. And they're both wiser and stronger for it.

It should be said that Veronica is just as sweet as she is street. And sewing her was a treat: making veronica.

the story of flopsy

Flopsy is a city kitty. She lives in the West Village, overlooking the Hudson. This city kitty hardly knows she lives in one of the most desired neighborhoods in all of the world. She doesn't know because she's chasing shadows.

Flopsy doesn't chase her own shadows. She likes others to project shadows for her to chase. Flopsy does not chase her own tail. She doesn't have a tail to chase. She has an adorable little nubbin that shakes while she poaches shadows.

I love the shadow on Flopsy's face. I also love her simple coat. She has a quiet, curious, playful nature, and it shines through her simple coat. She's a good kitty.