Peach Pebble

I love vests for babies. I'm not sure why, but I think the lack of sleeves at mealtime really appeals to any parent. This little vest was a quick knit (I only worked on it for 3 nights) and the color just makes me think of spring.

The pattern is original for a newborn but I sized it up using a worsted weight yarn and a larger needle. I made a few more modifications, my Ravelry notes can be found here. While I love the color, the yarn isn't as soft as I wanted. It's so hard to tell when you order online (the yarn was from Etsy). I was so glad to find I had 8 matching buttons in my collection. These little wooden ones were hand-me-downs from my grandmother.
I like this pattern a lot actually. It seems such a shame that it is marketed only as a male vest on Ravelry. I think it is a perfect vest for little boys or girls. I might try making another next year using some of this yarn, which is so soft and definitely heavier than what I used this time.

A Shirt for Me

Sewing for myself has always been a challenge. I don't have a form and fitting things to myself without one almost never works out. This project is a good example of that.
I had some really nice Nani Iro double gauze that I thought would make a perfect spring top. I used the Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic, but cut it to the shirt length. I cut the size that the patterns guide indicated would fit me. I sewed it most of the way, put it on and it was way too big. Almost two sizes too big. After a lot of pining and resewing I have something that I can wear. It isn't overly flattering but it is very comfortable.

 

The seam down the back was a way to deal with the huge amount of extra fabric and I opted not to add the elastic to the arm hem. I find wearing a belt with it helps with the oversized problem. I will wear it because I love the fabric and it's light and comfy but if I use a Sew Liberated pattern again, I will definitely size down.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by SouleMama

This Red Fabric

...has been on my shelf for years. I'm not sure what I was planning on using it for but I have more than 3 yards of it (I think I might have been planning on making a vintage style apron but I'm not sure). So I've decided to work it into some projects I've been making. I've found I like it more as a lining fabric than a main fabric.

I used it for this reversible wrap dress and for another pair of the awesome quick change trousers from Handmade Beginnings. I guess these projects were stash busting all around because the gray fabric is another oldie and the plaid is some deliciously soft flannel I found at the thrift store last year. I've been putting April in these pants as often as possible because they are so soft and warm. The wrap dress is a bit long (even though I trimmed about 2.5 inches of the bottom of the pattern) but it has give so it can wait until she is a little taller. I still have a bunch of this fabric left, what to do with it......

Warm At Night

I meant to make these for April back in December but my knitting projects were keeping me away from the sewing machine. I finally finished these last month. Even though we see more sun during the day, the nights are still very cold so flannel pajamas are perfect.
This was my first try at making my own pattern. I learned a lot and I'm reasonably happy with the result. I would have made the pants a little shorter, the top a little longer and the sleeves a little more flared. But all in all, the pajamas are cute and I'm glad they fit.
The fabric is the Anna Maria Horner Good Folks line in flannel. I love this line. I think I have them all in my stash somewhere. I've set some aside for next years pajamas.

Get Growing

It's almost growing season. The anticipation is definitely building. Little hints of spring are popping up all over the place. My crocuses are already in bloom and the daffodils and tulips are well on their way. The winter vegetable garden failed again this year with the exception of the garlic. No worries though as I'm already planning my summer garden.

I have ordered my seeds, drawn the plans and I'm gathering the supplies. This year will be a success. I know it. I have plans for weed suppression, maximizing our space and bringing the bees back to our yard. Come on sun, I can't do it without you. The days are getting longer, it's almost time.

Happy Valentine's Day

Felt heart candy pouches from PurlBee and the heart bib is from Dress Me Up.

: : Take today to those you love how much you love and appreciate them.

: : Reflect on how loving another person enriches your own life.

: : Give lots of hugs and kisses today.

Any holiday that encourages more love in the world is okay by me. Happy Valentines Day!

Today we

: : learned some new things about the ocean that surrounds us

: : spent some time with new friends

: : did a whole lot of walking around the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

: : touched a starfish

: : drank a little bit of seawater (whenever Mom wasn't looking)

: : enjoyed a very nice walk in the sunshine

Hope you had a lovely Monday too!

In Threes

This little sweater was my experiment using recycling yarn. I love to use all natural yarns, especially wool, but all those skeins start to add up. I decided to try this shop for recycled yarn to get the same quality without the cost. It turned out that I actually really like recycled yarn. It isn't as soft because it is already slightly felted but it knits up really nicely and is easier on my wallet.
I chose the In Threes pattern for this experiment. Cute, easy, fun knit that fits April perfectly. I can see myself making this one again. It was nice to have a project where I wasn't having to calculate modifications.
The buttons are just perfect! I love that sweet little touch. My girl in her red cardigan with little red riding hood buttons. The buttons were bought here.

This Moment

this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by SouleMama

One Year

This weekend we celebrated April's first birthday. So bittersweet; she is growing and changing in so many wonderful ways but it's sad to see those tiny baby days have been and gone. On Saturday she had a party with some little friends and on Sunday we had a family brunch. It was a slow weekend, a chance to reflect. When she was a newborn the days seemed so long and I couldn't imagine her getting past those days and nights of nursing and crying. Now, I feel like I've forgotten just how little she was. I took out her sleeper that she came home from the hospital in and I just couldn't remember what it felt like to hold a baby that little.
Her party, in the end, was mostly about the food. April loves to eat so we had Salmon and Sweet Potato cakes, broccoli and cheese quiche, yam fries, and lots of yummy things. Her favorite, of course, was her cupcakes. I made vanilla cupcakes sweetened with honey and iced with blueberry cream cheese frosting. Low in sugar but so yummy.

Happy Birthday my sweet little baby.