Olivia's Pajamas

One of the very first things we did when Olivia joined our family back in December, was go to the fabric store and find a pattern to make pajamas. Much to my daughter's frustration it has taken me a very long time to finally get around to making them.

Today, there was a women's craft day at church. Where you could either bring your own project or work on one of the projects they provided. Admittedly the projects there were super cute. A little herb planter made from a mason jar. Some spring themed projects like a little bird house, a garden sign and a floral felt coaster. As well as some Easter crafts, twine wrapped eggs, handmade Easter cards and a fabric cross. Though greatly tempted, I decided to work on the projects I brought, (much to the relief of my husband, I am sure.)

Though there was plenty of space for me to bring my sewing machine, I decided I would just work on cutting out the pattern at church and leave the sewing for home. Of course, even though I remembered my fabric, the scissors and even my marking chalk. I managed to forget the pins at home. It all worked out in the end and I did in fact get the pajama pieces cut out and ready for sewing.

Once home, I did get the pajama tops completed. My hope it that I will have the bottoms finished tomorrow and little Olivia with finally have some warm and cozy flannel pajamas for tomorrow night.

A huge thank you to Martha and Allison for hosting the craft day today. It was a lot of fun and a much needed (creative) time away from the kids.

Many blessings this fine, late night.--Kate

Sitting on Cloud Nine

During this past year I had a few BIG projects that I accomplished. The biggest was finally making a set of cushions for the rocking chair. A chair that I also used, without cushion, to rock my first two babies. I also made a new cover for the couch.

For the rocking chair cushion, I went to Jo-Ann, and purchased the firm 3 inch foam. Then I had to figure out the measurements and how to cut through the foam. One time while at Jo-Ann I noticed them cutting it with an electric carving knife. Brilliant, but not a tool I have on hand. I did have a pair of really sharp scissors though that I used to slice through it. The foam was not quite the right size for the back of the rocking chair and I had to add an extra 3 inches. I secured it with a set of wooden chopsticks from a local restaurant. Rather like how a headrest is attached in a car. Then I created a protective liner for the cushions and finally the cover.

 

 
The couch cover was much easier. Since the couch is also a futon. I basically just made a fitted sheet for it. The rainbow cloud material is a fleece. I also have a laminate layer on the couch cover to protect from kid messes. The whole thing can easily be tossed in the washer and dryer.

 

It was a fun project and it is so nice to finally have some padding on the rocking chair. For years it was just old blankets or pillows.

Many blessings this fine day.--Kate

Make A Girl A New Pair of Boots.

My girl has been asking me to teach her how to sew for a while now. I do have a few simple projects for her to try, but there have been other activities and projects that have been filling our time lately. Then this past Sunday we had a rare day where the whole family was together and without obligation. So we decided to run some errands together. At our Michaels stop I found these adorable boots that you can decorate with DIY charms, tassels and fringe. The biggest step in the project was designing and sewing charms. I thought it might be the perfect introduction to sewing for my girl.

It was a fabulous and fun project for the two of us to work on together. My girl also gained some new confidence and skills for design and sewing. Plus Olivia now has a fancy pair of boots, that can be decorated over and over again.

I love teaching my daughter life skills that have been handed down through many generations of women in my family. I know that this has been a loved and much used skill for at least 4 generations. My grandmother's aunt who did sewing jobs for others. My grandmother, who made baby clothes for all of her grandchildren, many great grandchildren as well as a house full of beautiful collectors items. My mother who sews amazing quilts and outfits for her grand-babies and many other awesome creations. Finally, I have been working as a contract seamstress for the past 6 years and so many years before that sewing. I could not be more thrilled that my daughter is interested in learning how to sew.

Many blessings to you this fine stitch filled (and snow filled) day.--Kate