kidding around

I don’t claim to be the best garage saler, although I would love to have it in me and the time…I’d rather just stumble upon my neighbors sale and score some cool handmade toys.

This wooden contraption is pretty fun. Flip it over and it becomes a staircase or a little table and bench. The teeter totter side of it has been a favorite with the kids- a ship, horse/carriage and even a balancing board for the 2 older ones.

I wish I had bought more, but glad I had shown some restrain. Little did I know that later that evening, our pup was hit by a car. Fortunately Ollie survived with bruised lungs and a bruised leg. As you can imagine, we spent more money than we’d like…but we are SO VERY HAPPY our pal is with us. Get better Ollie, we miss your energy!

Can’t believe it, my sweet niece is almost one! I made this portrait for her…but really for her parents too. In my mind, the 1st year with a child is cause for celebration. So much adjusting, bonding, and love.

I have a few things up my sleeve. Hopefully I will get to them in time. I have been experiencing some pretty intense pain in my jaw, cheeks, and head. Maybe TMJ? Sinuses? No one knows. All I know is that I have a new sympathy for people with chronic pain…I will look forward to the day that my head stops reminding me that I hurt. Bleck.

Last week, when I was planning for the week’s groceries, the air was cool and crisp. So obviously I was all charged to make soups and roasted sorts of delicacies…well, it is 85 here and I am NOT turning on the air!

I have to say, this soup made a wonderful lunch regardless of the heat…and a cool photo.

I don’t think there is any end in sight with my apron-making and dress production. The great thing about all of my recent sewing is that I am using my stash. I have been holding on to fabric waiting for the “perfect thing” and I realized making some new clothes for Peppy is nearly perfect.

Yep, I used Burda 9978- like I said recently, this pattern is so easy with an endless “cuteness” factor.

What will my sewing machine be doing next? A cover for a large pillow- my pup needs a soft spot to rest and he has been more than patient. Again, I will raid my stash…that feels good!

OH!! I also wanted to share this happening (my husband’s blog).

I’ve often have had thrift shopping experiences that make me so giddy- vintage dresses, fabric, furniture…

But there are times you hope to find the essentials at your local thrift shop.

We woke up this morning to crisp, fall weather and I realized that it’s time to hunt for some fall jackets. I found myself with 20 minutes of browsing time and boy, did I hit the jackpot. I love when you go into a store looking for something and you find more than you need…the only negative was that I had a time limit and I KNOW I would have found more…it was that good.

So, I didn’t find any vintage cuteness, but the jackets for my kids were under $4 for both. And of course, I had to throw in a few other things that caught my eye. Most of the stuff was from major stores and I totally love buying it secondhand. Obviously the cost is less, but I know I am also getting more out of an overpriced product first of all! I even saw a mom of one of Ellie’s good friends hunting for things. This made me so happy knowing that all kinds of people are lured into the local thrift…usually I am the minority and stick out like a sore thumb, which is fine with me…less competition.

I’m thinking of doing some embroidery work on the jackets- any design suggestions? I have a few in my head, but I would love to hear from some of you!

My favorite find was the brightly colored smock dress for Penny. She has a few of these dresses and they just make me smile…especially when I see her bouncing around at school with her cute braided pigtails.

On a side note- I will be emailing everyone that has shown interest in my silhouette collages this week. Thanks for your patience and interest!

I’m on a roll.

I made this dress yesterday and think it turned out pretty darn cute. I also really love it with the apron I made last week. The dress pattern is from Burda 9978 and it is so simple that I think I will go and cut out a few more dresses for Penelope.

One main reason why I like this particular pattern is the fun way you can mix up the fabrics. Last year I made this dress and attached an apron to the front…and a huge plus is that there are no gathers to contend with (I don’t mind them, really) or a zipper. The pattern also includes simple pants you can wear under your dress which is just so cute and practical for our midwestern winters.

Okay, little one…now you can take a nap. Thanks for the photo shoot before your snooze.

Within the last 6 months, Simon and Penelope have been developing a typical sibling relationship.

You know, the constant bickering, teasing, crying, competing and so on.

BUT- tonight, I witnessed a sweet event. Simon reading to his little sister that he adores. Love this!

And yes, I was stunned to find that Simon read me the book without hesitation. I love this age and their ability to amaze! When did he learn all those words?!

I finished the dress that I was intending to go with the apron, but I really despise it.

While making the dress I was pretty happy with the way everything was coming together. I even figured out a few things without following the pattern directions- why are instructions included with patterns SO confusing? It must be me.

The lesson I learned- if you are not feeling total enthusiasm toward your fabric choice- STOP. I kept convincing myself it would work out. It’s not like the fabric is dreadful- I mean, I did buy it.

Not all is lost- I think I will cut the dress to a nice shirt length and I will like it much much more. Isn’t that funny?

As far as the apron goes, I plan to make a companion dress. This time, the fabric will be exactly what I want.

Oh- and the pattern for the dress and apron is Butterick, circa 1978…10cents at the thrift store. Gotta love THAT.

Much better. I’ll probably make something with corduroy for the Fall.