I did it! For the first time in months, I finally sat down at my sewing table and whipped up this little dress. If you've been around for a while you know that I have a thing for Anna Maria Horner's Pretty as a Picture dress. What can I say? The pattern is lovely to work with, and even though the largest size only goes up to 18-24 months, by relaxing a few seam allowances I can still make it work on my almost three year old.
Almost. Three. How did that happen anyway?
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yarn
"Mama, you happy today, Mama?
Yes, sweetie. Are you happy?
I am! I'm going to knit a little bit. Okay, Mama?
That sounds nice. What will you make?
A house, Mama. I'm knitting you a house!"
In the last week, I've knitted these two hats for the kids. Initially, I thought I'd make them matching ear flap hats, but that's not how it turned out. I must have started the Flower's hat three times. I just couldn't figure out how I wanted it to look. In the end, I made it up as I went with a seed stitch brim, and a pom pom on top. And the Tree, well he got a hat quite similar to Dada's - a simple rib pattern with a cute little topper.
I loved working with that super-bulky wool/cotton blend. This is actually the first time I've knit with a super-bulky yarn and I loved how fast these projects went. I feel like I'm ready to take on a bigger project. Like, maybe my first sweater. Truth be told, I started the Baby Surprise sweater for Z when she was about six months old. I made it thirty or so rows before I abandoned it. I think what led to its demise was using those teeny tiny size 3 needles and working with such light weight yarn. I put hours of work into it and could barely see my progress. Given that experience, I've currently got my eye on the Cozy, Comfy Pullover in More, Last Minute Knitted Gifts. But don't hold me to it, yet. I was up too late last night looking at patterns on Raverly. Do you have a simple go-to sweater that comes together easily?
{and read} along
I'm currently reading the Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison. I picked it up because of its cover. I often do that, with both books, and wine. But especially books. If the cover catches my eye, and feels good in my hands, I'm likely to bring it home. I'm only 40 or so pages into this one so the verdict is still out.
The Flower is most loving How to Raise Monarch Butterflies by Carol Pasternak, and I'm most loving reading to her And the Good Brown Earth by Kathy Henderson.
Joining Ginny ~ follow the link to see what others are knitting and reading.
Happy Wednesday friends.
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Last week (or was it the week before?) I made some time to sit at my sewing table. This little baby boy is due in less than two months and I've yet to make anything for him. A recent trip to the fabric store, and a quiet weekend morning inspired me to make the time to sew.
I'm sure you're not surprised to see that I worked, once again, with my favorite pattern from Anna Maria Horner. Yes, I made yet another pair of quick change trousers. As always, they came together so easily. And Zinnia, was quite happily occupied with her new favorite obsession: using laundry clips. She must have clipped and un-clipped for nearly an hour.
I was also inspired by our favorite little Bird's birthday. Jules' sweet Avi Bird turned two at the end of last month. I had some sweet owl print fabric from Robert Kaufman that was just calling his name. Working on the fly, I came up with this little satchel (aka, man purse) for him. This little bag came together in less than an hour, and I love the way it turned out. I used a cotton batting in between the outer and inner fabric, as well as on the strap, to make it nice and soft. I also added a little velcro closure tab, because what two year old doesn't love the ripping sound of velcro?
Zinnia wore it around the house for a day or two before we gifted it to him, and I think I better get to making her one as well.
I have another trio of fabric waiting for its chance to become a pair of quick change trousers. I keep thinking that third trimester nesting urge is about to kick in, but so far, all I want to do is nap. And snack on cherries.
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With all the seriousness an almost two year old can muster, Zinnia has declared that this will be her birthday dress. And so it's decided then.
Of course, this is another Pretty as a Picture dress. Are you tired of reading about my love affair with Anna Maira's book yet? Thanks for indulging me as I blather on and on.
For this version I altered the design just a bit. I decided on just one "picture" for the front of the skirt. And on the back, I made a simple hem-line border from the feature fabric. I love how it turned out and I just might use this approach on another dress. I'm telling you, this pattern is so sweet to work with.
It feels great to be inspired at the sewing machine again - by Anna Maria's patterns and as always, by my little Flower. Working with this beautiful Echino fabric sure does help, too. It's the same patch print I used here. I love the colors, that sweet little owl and it pairs really well with this simple linen that I've had for years - the softness, the wrinkles, the way it hangs - it's just perfect for kids clothes, if I do say so.
And my girl clearly loves it, too.
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I spent some more time with Anna Maria's Handmade Beginnings this weekend. Gosh, I love that book. This is her Pretty as a Picture dress. It's such a sweet pattern. I made one last year and it's been my favorite dress for Zinnia so I figured with Easter and a Birthday coming up she just might need one or two more. I'm not yet sure which celebratory occasion this one is for, but I do love this pairing of fabrics (both from FreeSpirit: the birds are Joel Dewberry and the blue is Tea Garden by Dana. The bodice is lined with an old, super-soft bed sheet). It just sings spring!
And speaking of spring, is anyone else a little freaked out by this unseasonably warm weather? Don't get me wrong, I love flip-flop season, but it is really, really warm. We had highs in the 80's this weekend. The 80's! And March sailed by without a single snowfall. I've been in CO eighteen years and it always snows in March. Always.
The forecast for the next few days looks more typical for this time of year. Bring on the moisture! We sure do need it.
Tonight Chance Rain Lo 37 °F |
Monday Rain/Snow Likely Hi 46 °F |
Monday Night  Chance Rain/Snow Lo 34 °F |
Tuesday Slight Chc Rain/Snow Hi 55 °F |
Tuesday Night  Slight Chc Rain/Snow Lo 37 °F |
Hope you have a great start to your week!
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Finally. It's only been three months, but I finally made some time to get my crafty on. With some time dedicated to my sewing table, I turned to my all time favorite reversible pants pattern. These are the Quick Change Trousers from Anna Maria Horner's Handmade Beginnings, and since I actually had the book in my hands this time around (thank you, thank you Lisa P!) these were the easiest of the three I've made. They're definitely more refined than the "something likes" I made last Fall.
All this time I thought I wasn't a pattern-following kind of sewer. I was wrong. The pattern and instructions actually made these pants come together in a snap.
For fabric I used a Kaffe Fassett polka dot, along with Mona Luna trees and for the back yoke I used a beautiful and colorful Echino patchwork print; purchased locally from Elfreidas. I think these are my favorite pair so far. And I kinda really want a pair in my size.
Zinnia loves them, too and was quite happy to give me my requested booty shot. This girl cracks me up. Everyday.
Coming up next on the "to sew" list is a birthday dress. Someones second birthday is less than a month away!
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On Zinnia's First Birthday
Wishing my beautiful Mom a wonderful and joyous
Happy Birthday!
I love you More!
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Some of our dear neighbor-friends moved far, far away last week. We're so excited for them as they embark on a new life in France, but we were also so bummed to say goodbye.
I did some crafting to send the girls off with a little love from the 'hood. I used 8x10 prints of some of my favorite Colorado wildflower snapshots, fabric, paper and my sewing machine to make the girls personalized wall art for their new rooms.
This one for little M reads pretty wildflowers.
And this one for Miss K reads beautiful friend :: beautiful flower.
I also made two little tag-along hearts stuffed with affirmations for their journey.
As they travel, and find a home, and start school, and learn French, and get used to life in a new place, their Mama can stuff these little hearts with love notes and affirmations, that they can tag-along when they need a little love.
Best wishes S family and...
Happy Trails to you, until we meet again!
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Yesterday our little friend, the Bird, turned ONE. Such a big milestone for him. And maybe a bigger one for his two Mamas.
To celebrate the occasion I whipped up this little Nap Pillow - made with a sweet Tree print fabric then stuffed it with a Night Night book, and a little heart to hold.
And stitched up a little handmade card
Happy Birthday Avi Bird!
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