kidding around

I had hoped to get a lot more sewing done this weekend, but who was I kidding? I set out all these goals to be productive (and I was!), but somehow I made the mistake of thinking there were more hours in a 24 hour day!

Geesh!

I made Ellie this super cute dress with this very popular fabric. I love this bold, graphic pattern so much and so do a lot of other people…I’ve had this fabric since February and I have seen everything from pants to hot pads to tote bags to dresses. All very fun and fun to see what people do with it!

I can’t remember where I got this pattern. It was either from my sister-in-law or I got it at my favorite thrift for a quarter. The pattern was size 6, but had no problem lengthening the hemline for my petite 8.5 year old.

Perfect dress for bike riding, playing tag, and showing off all of your childhood battle scars! I proudly display mine anytime my kids hurt themselves. Of course I give them sympathy, but I also tell them that these are reminders of childhood and the fun they had…bring it on, I have my band-aids waiting.

Our weekend, so far, has been absolutely splendid! Lots of planting, enjoying the wonderful weather, bike rides, splashing in the rain and rest.

I have been planning to create a fairy world with the kids ever since I noticed Ellie and her friend making impromptu campsites last Fall. They are so clever and full of imagination!

So, when my husband created 6 raised gardens for me, I knew the front 2 had to be Ellie’s (with the help from Simon and Peppy, and me…ahem!). Yesterday in the rain, Ellie and I ran to our local hardware store and were giddy with ideas. I can only imagine what the guy nearby thought of us discussing the magical powers of a cosmos plant!

We used lots of rocks, sticks, and pine cones from our backyard and added seashells as well. Good thing I am putting to use the 40 lbs. of seashells I hauled from North Carolina.

What I love about this project is that it gives my kids a reason to search in nature and give their treasure a new use. It’s also the first thing someone sees as they walk up to our home- love it.

I can’t wait to watch the early morning walkers stumble upon our new land.

Remember when school photos were actually group photos and not individual shots on a page? Some of you may not know this change in school photography, but when my oldest came home with her class picture I was anticipating a group shot much like the above photo from my own 1st grade class…instead, it was a page with floating heads and the school’s name printed boldly. (wow, what a long run-on sentence)

There is something I love about the school photo with the awkward postures of the kids and the confident smile of the teacher. A moment in time that can never be replaced.

Although I am no longer in contact with any of these kids, I still talk about them as if I just saw them last week. My kids were fascinated to learn about the boy that always showed his bum to the class, or the girl that pronounced “the” as “thee” and it drove me crazy, or the girl’s house I went to for a sleepover and rolled off her bunk bed on to a metal box and had the worst bruise/cut on my leg and I tried to keep quiet since it was in the middle of the night…(another run-on, yes!)

I love how I wrote all the kids names on the back of the photo. Funny thing, I could still name most of them! I also love the names…who names their kids Gary or Ray these days? or Carol? And check out our clothes!

Another dose of reality- My son will be in 1st grade next year. How can that be when I can remember my days so clearly?!

Can you find me?

A morning walk is always good when one wants to deny the inevitable…

the sea of laundry. I guess this is what happens when one spends the weekend working…you play catch up.

Good thing this little one likes to draw *suns*. They keep me going.

I’m a sucker for seer-sucker.

Yep, Simplicity 7229 again. And yes, I had the guts to use some of my favorite fabric that I have held on to for a few years. I love it and I do love this skirt. My 8 year old actually complimented me on my newest skirt which is quite a thing- she doesn’t notice a whole lot when it comes to clothes (that’s why I can easily dress and shop for her without input).

Hurray for skirts- I am on to making another with some applique and then I think I will retire the pattern until Fall…don’t you think I should?

2 happy girls.

Me, age 3 or 4 in Connecticut visiting my Nana.

Penelope, age 3 at the park and happy as can be…

2 very similar personalities…the good and bad.

It’s scary, really.

…pattern 7229.

I have adored this fabric for the past 3 years and I finally had the guts to turn it into something! I love this skirt so much and have one in seersucker already in the works.

Now I only need to know when to STOP making myself skirts. I could easily diminish my fabric supply and fill my closet with skirts. But when it really comes down to it- I end up wearing the same thing over and over and this skirt for sure will be a part of my summer uniform.

The best part- it literally takes an hour to make!

I was really excited to make this shirt (above). I had seen similar styles in stores and remembered that the Simplicity 4589 pattern had a version…I thought finding the two fabrics would make a shirt that really “screamed me”. Well, the fabrics do- but geesh, the ruffles just are not for me.

I suppose my son helped confirm my mind when he just looked at me with a smirk while photographing the 1st shirt…In the photo, it doesn’t look as obnoxious. In fact I even considered this shirt as a pajama top, but I honestly don’t think I could rest with this thing on…seriously.

Although I was disappointed I had to get over it and continue my quest. I like the 2nd shirt much better and hope to make a few more. When it’s hot I can wear the shirt as a tank top, which I probably won’t, but maybe…

It seems that as the weather gets nicer, the weekends are filling up with lots of family and social time. Not that this is a problem, but as I write on Sunday night, I feel wiped and need another weekend…starting tomorrow!

Anyway, after a nearly 2 week absence- I don’t have a lot to share, but you can be sure I have a few sewing projects started, seeds that are sprouting in my humble garden, lots of photos from park excursions and an eagerness for summer to begin!

Above is a table topper I made for my mom. It was just the project I needed as I sat and watched kids fly by on their bikes and bubbles popping on my legs (thanks Penny!). I really liked how it turned out, but like any project I wished I had a bit more time…

I love this photo. My Ellie with my darling niece Tizzy…the kind of photo I know will be looked at in years to come and we will all just shake our heads muttering “Where did the time go?!”.

Again, another photo that I love…

Oh- and just had to throw in this shot! My brother-in-law makes the best chocolate cream pie and it is sad to say, but I just gobbled up that piece way too fast .

Happy Monday. 2 more weeks left of school- hurray.