JUST TO SAY...

...that we're still here just incredibly busy with 'stuff' that I'm looking forward to sharing in the coming days/weeks. It hasn't helped that our modem 'died' leaving us without internet connection and a phone! Actually, that's been a good thing for me on the crafting (and general living) front. This technology-dip (!) was hightened by the removal (into storage) of our television, which has been a wonderfully positive thing, though I do miss going square-eyed in front of it in the evenings. The sewing machine also appreciates the extra attention!

Enjoyed a rare reprieve from packing and paperwork (for Mama!) to play outdoors

QUICK CHANGE TROUSERS



My ever(and speedily)-growing boy needed some new pants and these quick-change trousers did the job. In the past I've often make the kid's pants reversible (in Winter mainly) but this was a fun new approach for me. I love the panel on the bum and they work well with his cloth nappies. I imagine I'll be applying this concept to many a pant pattern in the future. 

As he walks in any of his new 'strides' he often rubs his hands down the side of the pants looking down at them as he walks (or runs) leading me to pose the question "do you like your new pants Rafael?". He looks up at me and nods fervently with a huge smile of his face. And I tell him "Raf, you look like a big boy in those pants" or "Raf, those pants look wonderful on you!". Either way, another huge smile comes my way. So proud - both of us!



CUSHIONS

A little bit of blue to join these. One of her 'older' (2008) collections that I love. One can never have too many cushions, true? (well, the kids agree - more cushions equal more 'mountains' to build, climb and wrestle upon!).  





PINK PANTS

I finally succumbed to the pressure and made Elsa something from the pinkest fabric I could find (some corduroy). Elsa loves pink and though I do not, it was worth it to see the wide smile these put on her face! The pattern is well worn these days and this time, I added some pockets and a cuff in an attempt to introduce a colour other than pink (to tone them down a little!). Oh, she's smitten. It will take some convincing to get those pants moved up above her hips - apparently she's into low-riders?!? Funny girl.

FOR DADA

A new vest for the dear man in my life (the grown-up one). He's enjoying the vest and it looks great on him but, I'm baised. This book has been a wonderful addition to my ever-growing collection of knitting books and this particular pattern was so easy to follow.  

AWAY WITH THEE

Finally, a chance to take a breath, to reflect, to consider the events of the past few weeks - it will be short-lived (the "chance to take a breath"!) . As we contemplate a move across town (way across town), investigate schooling options, meet with realtors of all varieties, prepare for upcoming visitors and plan our own northbound adventure, we find ourselves a tad busy, distracted and, well, overwhelmed! And excited too. For now, it's much simpler to look back rather than forward.

A definite highlight of the past  few weeks was my sewing/knitting/anything trip involving two nights 'alone' for some child-free sewing and much needed rest.  Did you hear me? TWO NIGHTS! Up to this trip, I had never been away from either of my kids for a night, let alone two. I felt confident and relaxed knowing they were with their Dada and enjoying some city adventures.

I shared this creative reprieve with a friend whose parents kindly provided the country location with a wonderfully big sewing table, regularly stoked wood-fires, wonderful food and hot tea. AND, as an added bonus, the wise ear of my friend's mother who is an experienced sewer and patient teacher! What more can a Mama ask for? Really!

A few long-standing projects were worked on.....

The top of a quilt for Elsa

Thanks to the encouragment of my friend, I finally completed the top of Elsa's quilt and, though there's still much more to work on (like backing and hand-quilting it!), I'm so pleased to have been 'unblocked' on this one. It's one of those projects that's been dragging along for a good while. I'm too embarrassed to say for how long! 

And a few new projects were started and finished, or almost so....this brown skirt needs some embellishments and this wool felt should help. I have some fruits in mind. The brown wool had been in Mum's fabric stash since the late 50s some time! To be fair, it was tucked away in a storage box but, wow, that makes my aging stash seem very current. To be even fairer, she did have ten children and managed to sew for us all - the mind boggles.

I made this skirt (the freyed hem is intentional!). The pattern (also used for the brown skirt above) includes kid's sizes so Elsa's sure to get some 'market skirts' of her own.

And I completed this top for myself. It makes my mind float forward to Spring and puts a smile on my face.

And as the above-said friend commented, I've clearly been 'unblocked'. I tend to sit on projects, waiting for the 'perfect' opportunity, the 'perfect' combination of fabrics, the 'perfect' moment. Slowly, I'm coming to the realisation that there is no 'perfect' time. Intellectually, I knew it, in reality, I was still holding out. But, since my weekend away, I've simply 'gone for it'. And though the results are not perfect (and that's part of what always restrains me from starting in the first place), there's a great satisfaction in completion. More post-weekend away, completed projects coming soon!