The Velveteen Rabbit with Marjorie

Marjorie Tudor has been working diligently all summer and fall to create these incredible Velveteen (and wild) Rabbit puppets for a very special project: they will be gracing the stage of the Boston Children's Theatre's Christmas production of the classic children's story. It is quite the project, with many rabbits and other creatures to create. These are also hand-puppets (with a few rod puppets), but they were a departure from Marjorie's marionette expertise. She is becoming quite adept at the workings and creation of hand puppets! Here you can see the pieces before they are sewn together, and her beautiful 1950s hand-crank Singer that she so dearly loves:
And here the rabbits are 'becoming real' with their velveteen pieces so beautifully and intricately made (Marjorie lines each piece and they are almost seamless) in a basket, ready to be sewn together to come to life:
The children are just falling in love with the rabbits! They are so life-like and cozy. Marjorie searched high and low for some of the best velveteens and fake furs you've ever seen, it is truly amazing.
The play opens in Boston the first weekend in December 4th. You will certainly want to come see this mix of imagination coming to life with puppetry AND live actors. Marjorie is quite impressed with the caliber of talent in the young performers as she has been in Boston quite often to work closely with the cast and director. In fact, myself and Marjorie went to one of the Theatre's summer productions and were simply astounded at the professional level of production. Here's a picture of ready for the show (we got to go behind the scenes and had V.I.P. seating....very fun!):

Purchase tickets NOW as they are sure to be very popular!!! Click here to go to the Boston Children's Theatre website

New Apron Fabric Coming Soon!

It's that time of year, dear ones, for cooking and baking! In fact, a friend just gave me some lemon squares and butterscotch bars she'd baked up :) I'm about ready to tie on my apron and make some more goodies myself (though we've all been baking apple things right?).

New apron fabric is coming soon! We have two beautiful dark prints for fall and winter. They are 1800s reproduction fabrics, and we chose with Tasha in mind. Let us know what you think!

It's also sewing and knitting season again, with all of those projects we've been putting off for Christmas presents! What sorts of projects are you working on?

Besides whipping up aprons, I've got some other personal projects up my sleeve (with that pretty green and yellow almost byzantine-honeycomb fabric, isn't it lovely? The green print is my notepad, always handy to have nearby for quick calculations and ideas while sewing!) These are just a few pics from my sewing studio, which I straightened up this weekend. When it's chilly outside but still sunny, I love a productive sewing day!

Elizabeth Rose

Ellizabeth and I had a great time together at the office today while Amy caught up on a few emails. She likes to be swayed to sleep, and here she is, asleep after a good sway with me! Amy took this picture! More pictures to come...and the Early Bird Post is flying out soon :)

Lovely Name

I am sure you have all seen on the website that Amy and Winslow have named their little one:

Elizabeth Rose Tudor

and we are so blessed. Just wanted to let you know in case you hadn't heard.
Still waiting for photos!

From a sunny and (amazingly) warm Wednesday in Vermont,
Natalie

Welcome Baby!

Baby Tudor (it's a GIRL!) arrived safe and sound yesterday (October 3) and all are doing well. I stopped by to see them and what a PRECIOUS family. There aren't words!! Oh my goodness, we are all so blessed and excited.
Amy and Winslow haven't settled on a name...they need to get to know the most adorable little one first.

More news and pictures to come soon.

Booties for Baby!

Oh my goodness, our good friend Sarah from Japan sent Amy the prettiest little package of things for baby! You wouldn't believe how luscious these colors are, the picture doesn't do them justice. Sarah sent the sweetest little leather booties in pistachio green, and a darling little handmade dress. The dress is from a famous designer in France, and Amy had admired a scarf of Sarah's by this designer. Sarah is such a selfless person she gave the scarf to Amy as a gift, and now baby Tudor can have a little outfit to match mom. Isn't it gorgeous? We have the best fans!

P.S. We don't know for sure it's going to be a girl!

Baby Shower Blessings

Can you believe baby Tudor is due almost any day now? We are so excited and I'm sure you are too. We had a baby shower at the Rookery for Amy and Winslow a few weeks ago, and boy (or girl?!) was it fun! Bright pinks and greens decorated the Rookery, with crepe paper flower streamers hung from the ceiling, balloons tied up, colorful tablecloths and beautiful bright flowers everywhere (thanks, Jenna!).

Our dear friend Kate (those of you on the September tours met Kate working the marionettes in Marjorie's theatre) made this lovely flower crown for the guests of honor! And our other dear friend, Kathleen (whom you can meet if you come to the Hildene or Newfane craft shows coming right up) knit this beautiful little sweater set. I think Amy is going to use this as the "bringing home baby" outfit. You can see some jars of baby food in the foreground...yes, we made Amy and Winslow taste-test some baby foods. They didn't get a single one right, but I think they decided it's going to be natural foods for baby instead of unidentifiable jarred food.

Overall we had a splendid time preparing for the new baby and are just so excited to meet our newest office staff member. We'll have another little one calling out to you when you place your phone orders!

On a chilly Vermont (almost-Fall) Monday,
Natalie