busy

She is a busy one, this girl of mine. Always exploring, always discovering and always moving. She loves to dance. Anything with a beat will do. Her newest skill is to climb on the lounge, and she has been caught a few times climbing to the very top to peek out the window.

I often find her with a collection of necklaces around her neck or a line of bangles on her arm.
Or with an assortment of jars or lids from the cupboard.

She loves nothing more than an adventure outside and will venture out on her own if we've forgotten to shut the door.

She is very sure of herself and knows exactly what she wants. Good luck to you if you try to change her mind.

 All of this reminds me of how very different each parenting journey has been. How very different their little personalities are, and how we need to adapt each time.

I had forgotten just how difficult this stage can be. Most days I find myself doing not much more than cleaning up a constant path of destruction left behind by this little person. Some days can be incredibly frustrating. But there is always some smiles and laughing in between the frustrating bits.

Third time around I know just how quickly it all passes. So, while I wish that this constant getting into things stage would pass, I don't want it to either. Because each stage has its own little character, and actions and words. The way they move, the way they mispronounce words. I am aware that many of these will be forgotten with the passage of time.

I've been trying to keep a journal up, but I'm afraid that I'm months behind. I have lots of digital photos, but no printed albums. I've taken a few little videos. All of this takes organization and time. But I know I need to do it before time gets away on me. Do you struggle with this too?

***

Hoping that your day is a good one. And thanking all for your excellent snail ridding suggestions yesterday. Much appreciated.

loving...

Loving...

1.  the cheery green tones of new old placemats
2. nap times that last more than fifteen minutes
3. op shop vintage toddler knits - appreciating the beautiful work in them
4. figs
5. learning about the quilting process... this year will be the year I start quilt making!

Hoping you all have a pleasant Tuesday.

now

1. freshly washed op shop fabrics
2. first time using Debbie Bliss
3. favourite cups
4. lounge in a not so tidy state
5. feed time
6. ravelled
7. op shopped tin
8. verandah time

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

holiday pants

This post is just a little overdue, seeing that I did whip these up a few days after christmas. If you are inclined to notice small details you may have seen them pop up here and here.

And the reason for sewing like a crazy lady just before going away? My excuse was that Violet really had no pretty pants to wear. Pants have become her daily uniform, as otherwise her little crawling knees would suffer. And her Nonna has a tiled floor.

So I (surprisingly) quickly sewed up four pairs of the often-used pattern for Quick Change Trousers from Anna Maria Horner's book, using the cloth nappy alteration seen here. You can see previous versions here and here. It really is a lovely little pattern. I mixed and matched assorted prints of (new) scrap cotton voile, vintage cotton, linen and even an old tablecloth. Lighter materials make them Summer friendly.

I do love baby sewing (though this baby is almost no baby). So quick and satisfying. And so little fabric.

apologies for the poor picture quality - turns out I needed to clean the lens..

And that's the excited frown, not the angry one.

bonnets

What do you do with a baby who won't wear a hat? Who loves to ride on her trike and be carried around by her dad outside.  It is clearly the highlight of her day.

Fortunately I had a little plan in place for something other than an ordinary hat. Something that Violet had worn herself as a tiny little baby here (where did that tiny baby go *sigh*). Something that would stay on her head!

Yes, we are talking baby bonnets here. Last Summer I purchased a Little Betty bonnet and I think it was one of Voiolet's most used items.  When Christy made available a PDF pattern to make your own, I knew that this was an affordable way to have a little wardrobe of sweet bonnets. Being fully reversible, you get two bonnets in one.

The pattern was simple to cut out and everything was explained step by step. I've never put a hat together before, so had no idea how all the pieces would come together. But there proved to be nothing to worry about as it came together quite easily. First time iron on interfacing user (and it was so easy!).

I chose two pieces of scrap fabrics from my stash. The green is a Japanese print, and I can't remember the range of the navy fabric. I chose the reverse prints from the vintage sheet pile. Realising that I had no ribbon on hand, I followed the tie instructions for making bias ties (from a little more vintage sheeting).

I made the bonnets in the largest size (12 - 24 months) and there is some room to grow into.

I am imagining little wool and flannel versions for Winter.

And the most important thing? So far they are pull-off proof. Just the thing for protecting little baby complexions.

(Sometimes the star of the photo is not revealed until after you download your photos. Sootie, I had no idea you were so photogenic...)

loving...

Just before christmas, the hubby very kindly agreed to let me choose a few christmas gifts for myself. I think he breathed a sigh of relief at the suggestion. 

I have admired Melissa's beautiful creations for some time, and fell in love with this little brooch from here. Now, I am not usually a brooch person. But I think I am absolutely converted now. During our recent break to visit family, I wore this almost every single day.

I very recently noticed that all my shoes were wearing out. So strange. I don't think this has happened to me in years. But I think I know why. In the past I have had way too many shoes. When I simplified my wardrobe a few years ago I only kept my favourite shoes and have not bought any since. So, inevitably, with time they have worn out.  Which meant a new pair was on the agenda. I chose these, and was surprised at just how quickly they arrived. The mustardy yellow colour makes me feel happy when I wear them.

Lastly, I wanted to show you a beautiful skirt that I was so fortunate to win in an Owlet giveaway. (Don't you just love Lauren's blog?)

It perfectly fits Violet and I know she will get at least one more Summer out of it. Though Violet is not twirling just yet, I suspect that this will be the perfect twirling skirt.  The fabric combinations and layering is just perfect. Thank you Lauren!

Of course, sometimes, these little photo shoots don't quite go to plan...

ten

1. last years Etsy houses
2. " "
3. making cuppuccinos
4. new wool
5. chocolate fairy cakes with vanilla cream and icing
6. a wonky heart
7. from the garden
8. last years stockings and yes I did accidentally make them them face the wrong way
9. a start on the christmas cake
10. her sisters dolly