New website

Hi there, just checking in to say that I have a new website and I'd love you to check it out. I think it looks great if I must say so myself. And my friend Kirrily has created a beautiful new logo which I just love (see above).
I'm about to head over to France for 6 months to spend some time with my husband's family and will be updating the blog page on the new website with some photos and tales of our time in France. And early next year, I'll be getting back into the quilt making, so stay tuned then if you're in the market for a baby quilt.
Thanks for following along!

52/52 and a farewell...

It's my birthday a week before Christmas, and this year, I was the lucky recipient of a surprise visit from the rather awesome Kate Berry and her camera (thank goodness I had a few hours notice so that I could clean the house!)
So the last portrait of the year comes courtesy of Kate.

I didn't do too well at keeping up with these portraits, or the blog in general. And I think it's time for a little change around here. To be honest, I don't quite have the energy or enthusiasm for blogging. And I'm less inclined to share too much personal stuff here. So I think this may actually be the end of the Miette Handmade blog, at least for the time being.

I am planning to do a re-launch of the Miette Handmade website and shop around Easter time, so stay tuned for that. Quilts and baby blankets are coming! Ones that you can actually buy! You can of course find me on instagram.

Thanks for all of you who have checked in here from time to time and left lovely comments. It's been a lovely little spot. I do enjoy posting photos and writing little tidbits every now and then so I think there'll be a space for that on the new website when it arrives.

2014 was a pretty great year, thanks to the arrival of our happy, chilled out, charismatic little munchkin (via the birth of my dreams). It's not a year I'll forget in a hurry.

Wishing you all a very happy 2015.

xx Joanna

Vintage hankie quilt

A little while ago, I received a commission from someone (all the way over in Boulder, Colorado!) who asked if I could make a quilt out of hankies that belonged to her grandmother. The quilt was for her daughter, who is named after her great grandmother and whose initial is embroidered on some of the hankies. I was quite moved by the idea, and also a little daunted... it's one thing to make a quilt for someone with fabrics from a store, and quite another to make a quilt out of someone's family heirlooms.

But a couple of months later (I have very little time without my two little ones around and so I'm still getting used to managing to do anything other than save lego constructions being eaten etc) and the quilt is finished. And happily, everyone loves it. It was such a lovely project and so lovely to be able to create something meaningful and something that will hopefully be treasured.

50/52

Goodness me, it's been a while...

Last time I posted we were in France. Anouk was 6 months old, she's now almost 9. She's grown heaps (as they do) and is now a vivacious, energetic, curious and happy little girl. We love her.

Leo has struggled slightly with her mobility, namely her newfound interest in his lego, and has had a recent surge of testosterone. It has brought a whole new set of issues, usually kept under control somewhat by vigorous exercise! But generally, he's his lovely old self, approaching his fourth birthday.

I can hardly believe this year is almost to an end. It's been a good one...

Leo: How old are you going to be on your birthday, Leo?

Anouk: Cheeky little monkey. 

linking in with Jodi. 

36/52

There's a lot of love going on here. 

Linking with Jodi. 

some frenchy snippets.

Hello from the very lovely south of France. Its pretty tough having family here...
We are spending our days visiting family, having evening aperitifs, helping Papy in the gardens, searching for mushrooms, having long lunches and afternoon naps, late afternoon swims and late dinners. Much of what we do seems to revolve around food!
The time is going too fast...

35/52 (in France still)

A portrait of my children each week - when I get around to it - in 2014

Leo: Oh this photo fills me with myriad emotions. A father passing on his skills and passions, a little boy growing up, looking expectantly and with complete trust at his papa, a glimpse of what potentially lies ahead, a mother's worries!

Anouk: This little cherub. 

Linking with Jodi.