In the Attitude of Gratitude

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Favorite Flower Pick

“I read in a book once that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I've never been able to believe it. I don't believe a rose would be as nice if it was called a thistle or a skunk cabbage.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables 

...As one who truly enjoys a thoughtful, à propos name, I would tend to agree with Miss Shirely. 

And while this lovely pansy has only a very faint, delicate fragrance, it's gorgeous color and perfect name attracted me to it like a magnet.

My new favorite garden acquisition goes by the fittingly fabulous name of...

Karma Blue Butterfly.

These charming 'n beautiful little blooms are a perfect delight 
in a sunny window!!
Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend

Welcome to the weekend.

...I'll be filling my blissful, two days off with some wonderful things!! Like...

long afternoon walks ♥ crocheting ♥ vintage shopping

visiting the library ♥ sewing ♥ blogging
biking on the beach ♥ soaking up the sun ♥ photography
finding inspiration ♥ wearing something beautiful ♥ eating something delicious

apartment gardening ♥ going to the movies ♥ reading at the park

Enjoy the magic of the weekend!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid 

Red Heart - Renaissance Capelet

The Red Heart yarn company has an impressive selection of lovely patterns available for free on their website. I totally ♥ capelets and collars in every shape 'n style...so this fabulous Renaissance version really made an impression on me when I stumbled upon it!! Click here for the free pattern!!

...and check out the photos below for a look at how my attempt turned out;)...

 

 

 

...I stitched it up in Sage from the LOVE collection.

You only need about a skein to complete the pattern, so it's a great stash-busting project that works-up in no time at all!! 

The finishing is really minimal too (you just have to weave in a few ends), so you can get one done on a long car or airplane ride...and you'll have a fabulous Holiday gift ready to give upon arrival;)...

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

International Garden Photographer of the Year Contest

A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune of stumbling across
a delightful photography book while browsing the aisles of Hennessy + Ingalls in Santa Monica...

...It was a book featuring some truly fabulous entries for the Garden Photographer of the Year contest held by the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens. This book was such an inspiration, that I must have stood there for a half hour or more just mesmerized by the breath-taking images...

With the deadline for this year's contest fast approaching, I poured over my latest and greatest flower photographs, and these following four images are the ones that topped my list!!

The contest is closed now for this year, but opens again in February!! There is a small entry fee, but it includes feedback on your photographs upon request.

There is tons of info on their website including: garden photography tips, last year's winners, inspiring images, and even a photography print shop!!

...Wishing you a day full of beauty and inspiration...

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Luxurious Loungewear - Beyond Sweatpants

Sometimes sweatpants get a bad reputation with fashionistas...

...I, for one, L♥VE my sweatpants collection...around the house or around town: when I wear 'em, I wear 'em proudly (and very, very comfortably)!! 

....If they are clean and cut well, I think they are down right sexy!!

However, sometimes I am feeling a little fancy in my lounging, and this fabulous cocoon caftan is just the thing to suit the mood. 

...Featuring yards and yards of bamboo jersey knit, it flaunts a phenomenally draped silhouette that is quite alluring!!
And the fabric feels like a dream to wear...

...It makes a great hostess look too (after the food prep is done perhaps;)!!

...A beautiful maroon color is just right for Fall, or chose from a rainbow of hues!!...coming soon to MademoiselleMermaid.com

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Burdastyle Sew Along Jacket

BurdaStyle Plaid Jacket Sew Along - My Oooh La La Jacket in Bamboo Fleece

 

 

I chose a really lovey and cozy bamboo fleece from my fabric stash for this BurdaStyle sew-along project. It’s a sweatshirt weight and so comfortable to wear. The pattern calls for quite a bit more fabric than I needed…I squeezed it out of about 3 yards. I didn’t add any seam allowance for the size small, and if I were to sew it again in a similar type fabric, I would probably take off another 5/8" all around, for a more fitted look. The sewing was super easy, and the body of the jacket came together like a dream!! I love the pockets especially; they are the perfect size and shape!! 

 

 

 When I sewed the band to the body of the jacket though something went a little wonky for me!! I think I should have used the grain A (instead of B, which is what I cut), especially since my fabric is a stretch. So I decided to scrap the pattern’s band and added a 4" in ruffle all around instead!! 

 

My final touches to the jacket included adding a scalloped-edge floral lace trim, a satin heart applique with lace and rosettes at back, a drawstring waist band at the natural waist, and a few hook and eye closures and satin bows.

 

 

I absolutely loved this pattern!!

 I would definitely like to make it again in a more jacket-like fabric, as the sample shows, but I know this bamboo fleece version will get a lot of use!!…It’s the perfect blend of comfort and fashion…Just thing for movie night!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid