2 Weekends In Pictures

STAR WARS BIRTHDAY PARTY
birthday cake - chocolate cake...cream cheese chocolate chip filling...chocolate buttercream icing.



oliver and lydia...cousins and besties!



party fun...look at linus in the background




oliver gets to ride the scooter alone for the first time.



lightsaber



had to do a leia do for the occassion



art...acrylics and oil pastels...3 of them are linus'...can you guess which ones?



kitty love



ugly dress that i wore 1 time, 9 years ago...will be transformed into something lovely (or I'm going in jeans) for a wedding next month.



repurposed a skirt and made a cool tunic...this is me trying to get a picture of the back to see what alterations still needed to be made...REALLY need a dress form.



bangs!

Of Chuck Taylor and a Can of Worms

I woke up in the middle of the night on Friday thinking..."where are those Chuck Taylors?" You see, when Noah was little, I bought him a pair of vintage Chucks on Ebay. It was my attempt at being mathcy-matchy with my kid...when your mom/son...sneakers are as matchy-matchy as you can get. Noah didn't like the way they felt. When they fit Peter, HE didn't like the way they felt. Hoping they would last, I packed them away knowing 8 years down the road they'd fit somebody.

Saturday morning, poured a cup of coffee, and set off to find them...somewhere...in the attic. I opened the door, and immediately wanted to shut it and pretend that I didn't see that huge mess. As luck would have it, I immediately saw a box labeled "boys size 7 pants, size large dress shirts, size 1 boots, size medium sweatshirts, and...CHUCK TAYLORS SIZE 1. Evidently, THAT box was packed in one of those OCD moments, which are rare...oh, shut up...yes they are! Anyway it was taped up like Fort Knox, I got it open, grabbed the chucks and searched for Oliver like the he was Cinderella or something. Please God...let him "like" the way they feel, I prayed. You see, Steven and I both love Chucks (we're both in need of new ones) and if we don't have at least ONE kid that loves them too...well, theirs always adoption!

HE LIKES THEM...HE LIKES THEM...HEY MIKEY!!!!
Um....now we have to teach him how to tie his shoes, because in this world of velcro and slip-ons, I'm afraid we've neglected to do that.




Back to the attic to re-stack the boxes, and despite every instinct to turn and walk away from the mess...I couldn't. Darn...cleaning the attic was NOT on my list of things to do, but I just couldn't help myself.

Before I tell you what I found, let me tell you that I had just...and I mean JUST told Steven that Oliver needed 2 more pair of school pants (trying to make it through a week with 3 wasn't happening), and at least 1 more pair of play pants. Linus needed all new winter clothes, underwear, and PJ's.

Fast-forward 3 hours later, I had found an entire winter wardrobe for Linus, and a whole other box of spring/summer for next year. 10 pair of Linus-size underwear, more PJ's than I can fit in his drawer including 6 footed sleepers. That's gold to me...I hate bying PJ's...it PAINS me to spend money on PJ's. Then...get this...I found 2 pairs of Oliver-sized khaki pants, and a nice pair of Hannah Andersson play pants.

I also managed to fill 2 boxes with baby clothes for a friend, a huge bag of 3T stuff for another friend, put away and labeled all the heirloom/family/handmade things that I'm saving for, ahem, grandchildren...not that I'm old enough or anything, but it doesn't hurt to plan, and 2 bags of maternity clothes for Goodwill. All of this because I wanted to find a pair of shoes! See how God works? He knew that attic needed to be cleaned...he knew my kids needed clothes...now several people get to benefit from the little middle-of-the-night obesession about finding those sneakers.

Now...about the bathrooms that didn't get cleaned because I was putzing around in the attic all day....

Oliver's 6th Birthday

Although a few weeks late, we finally celebrated Oliver's 6th birthday. He asked for an art-themed party at Kids n Stuff. I knew immediately that I wanted to design the cake to include my favorite painting of his. I took it to the printer and had them reduce it so that I didn't have to make a double sheet cake just to accomodate the painting. The cake was not nearly as elaborate as my original design, but I just didn't have the time to do everything I wanted. He asked for vanilla and chocolate with a cream cheese filling. Since he was giving me carte blanche on the icing, I got crazy and made a rootbeer buttercream (it wasn't very rootbeer-y...will have to tweek that recipe). I made the palate out of fondant, and used primary color decorator icing for the border and "paint". Each guest was provided an easel (we got these from IKEA for .99 ea), and a 5x7 canvas, and got to do their own painting to take home. Our party room was right next to the art room which was very convenient. The kids all had a great time, and everyone seemed to leave happy! Aside...It was the first time Oliver invited school friends, and I think it will be the last unless I know the parents personally. Of the 6 that were invited, only ONE responded (2 hours before), and was the ONLY ONE TO SHOW UP! What happened to social etiquette? Thankfully, Oliver didn't seem to care. Between family friends and cousins, we had quite a crowd. Yes, our overly-ambitious 6 year old was very happy indeed.

More Figgy's For Linus

I knew if I bought a new pattern it would give me the impetus to get through some of the unfinished items in my queue. After finishing 3 of them, I rewarded myself by diving into a t-shirt pattern. Within an hour, I had 2 sizes traced, and 4 shirts cut out. Since one of the unfinshed items that I got around to was a pair of pants meant for Christmas, I decided to make a shirt to match (too late now for the intentioned turtle neck and vest).

The size 2/3 pants are still huge on my smaller than normal 3 1/2 year old, but that means they may just fit next fall too. Next is one for Oliver who when asked what embellishment he wanted, requested an "R". Confused, he clicked his tongue at me and said "well, Linus is Batman, I'll be Robin".

5th in Queue

So excited when I got home and found my new Figgy's pattern had arrived. Totally bummed that I have so little time to sew, and 5 other projects in queue before I can start. Check out the vintage "theme park" knit that I picked up last year at Arts and Scraps for almost nothing. It's going to make for some really cute pajamas for Linus and Oliver.

Speaking of sewing for Linus and Oliver. One of the things in my queue is their Christmas outfits! Do you think it will be too warm on Easter for corduroy...it's baby blue?

Playing Catch-Up

Oh it's been a while...how many times have I said that? So much happening, so many changes, so many tests of faith...patience...the whole kit and kaboodle.

I've been doing some more sewing for my own kids. I'm determined to have them in more handmade this summer than store-bought. I started with these alien outfits. Took my board shorts pattern from last summer, and mixed it up a bit. Oliver designed the alien.





I made these pants last year, and was about to list them in the store when I noticed the back had a few splatters of something resembling yellow paint. The green linen is from a recycled table cloth, so it could be just about anything. Happily, I upcycled a tee with a few appliques, and now it's one of Linus' favorites.



Easter was spent in Rockford with family. We had 1 or 2 days of nice weather and took advantage of visiting our favorite park.









While in Rockford my cousin Eileen was diagnosed with colon cancer. She has since had surgery to remove the tumor and will soon start chemo for 6 months. As a wife and mother of 6, anything other than a complete, cancer-free recovery is not an option. Please keep her, and her family in your prayers. Her complete abandon to the will of God is a testament to the strength of her faith. I can't say that I would show the same strength. Anyway, all I can do (aside from pray) is offer to make some hats...so that's what I'm doing.



This one I made because my cousin Steffie, who's a CRNA asked me to make some scrub caps to wear in the OR. But not only is Eileen going to get a couple of these, but I think I may make some for myself. This one matches a skirt I just made for myself (needs tweaking so no pics yet), and the best part is that I can fit ALL of my hair in there. Looks a bit "rasta" too, doesn't it?




So as if all of that isn't enough...there's a move on the horizon. But that's a post for another day. Just pray that our house sells.

The VanHouten Quilt

birds.tagged
Originally uploaded by sunshine0216

My mother recently sent me a quilt that was used on my bed as a little girl. It was made by my great-great Grandmother Van Houten. After giving it a good cleaning, I could only salvage about half of it. I decided to remove the squares that could be used, and make these pretty little birds. I'm packing them up and sending them to everyone in the family so that everyone has a bit of the Van Houten family to pass on.

birds.tagged2
Originally uploaded by sunshine0216

I Want a Pair Too!

Oh I poured over sketches, and cut out bits and pieces of paper in an attempt to make elf shoes to go with Linus' halloween costume, but just couldn't get it right. Who to turn to? Google, of course, and in doing so found this pattern at about.com. The directions were vague, and a little wonky to say the least, so I just used the pattern pieces and made my own adjustments. I didn't have any felt in the right color, so in an effort to be frugal used what I had; some scraps of green flannel, recycled denim for the bottom, and the last bit of brown striped ribbon that matches the ribbon on his elf hat.
I love them! They're far from perfect, but a couple more pairs, and I'll have the process down to a science. I think they'll be making an appearance on Etsy. One may think "aside from Halloween, what would the need be for elf shoes", but I've seen some pretty strange things flying off the "shelves" on Etsy...anytime of year.




Here is a picture of his hat which I don't think he'll keep on...we've been practicing, and have only made it about 20 seconds so far.

While the Boys Were Away....

boys room curtains
Originally uploaded by sunshine0216

Without the older boys underfoot, I had the opportunity to get in their bedroom and give a good cleaning, and a bit of a facelift. The batik curtains I made a few years ago when I made the bedspreads, but I always thought the basic tie-back with ruffle top looked too feminine. Plus when making them, I ran out of fabric and had a curainless window (to the left of the bed), as I could never find the same fabric. So I took the 4 panels of fabric that I did have, and created an updated look by hanging them above the old rod pocket, eliminating the ruffle top, and using the tie-backs to give a shade effect, securing them with groovy green buttons.

I still love the bedspreads I made a few years ago, but having become a more seasoned sewer since then, I notice all the flaws. The photo doesn't do the fabric justice...it's a stretchy, "hairy" verigated fabric that I backed with some cozy fleece. The texture is really cool, and reminds me of the fur on Sully from Monsters, Inc. Peter has Asperger's and just loves things with texture, fringe, hair, etc. Notice the tie-die pillowcases to match.

They already have a lava lamp, so I'm hoping to run across a bean bag on Craigslist or Freecycle to toss in a spot I've cleared for that very thing.

Pattern Alterations by a Novice

I love Ottobre! Unfortunately, I only have 1 issue, 1/2008, but find ways to use the heck out of it. Believe it or not, this Easter outfit I made for my 4 year-old started as the "Ladybug Vest" and "Candy Pants" from that issue. I'm trying to be REALLY frugal, so rather than buying a pattern I decided to make things up as I went along. Sometimes this works for me....sometimes it comes back and bites me in the ass.

Originally I wanted knickers and a vest, but the only knicker pants in this issue call for a zipper. I was afraid that having not mastered zipping and buttoning quickly...he may have(potty)accidents. And since this is intended as an Easter outfit, we do what we must to avoid such accidents.



Anyhow...I thought the ties and gathering at the bottom were girly, so I made leg cuffs and took 3 tucks on the outside of the leg on both the front and back. I had to deconstruct and reconstruct this once because I had the tucks on one leg going in the same direction as the other leg as opposed to both tucking toward the outside. I added pockets (Oliver LOVED these)and cut the fabric on the bias just to add some contrast.





I used the "Ladybug Vest" pattern size 110, and altered the bejeezes out of it. First, I squared the front, and omitted the trim panels. I was just going to leave the neckline rounded, and do buttons on the front until my husband asked me to add lapels. I indulged him why? Since I already had it put together, I wasn't sure what to do about having to add facing. I put it down and traced, cut, overstitched the edges (I REALLY need a serger), and can't believe that it worked. I was seriously stunned! It's FAR from perfect, but unless I go around showing the inside...who's going to know? After all of that, it was too wide. I had to make the shoulders more narrow, and take the sides in. Then it was a little too narrow, and it made the pants poof out below the vest giving a reverse mushroom look. Shortened the length, moved the buttons over a little, and done.




Ultimately, he looked adorable. I loved the way the pants fit him and I can tell he enjoyed wearing it...egg hunt, climbing trees, to the park...obviously comfy and durable.

The lesson here? Splurge and buy a pattern.

Processes....Ugh!

Easter clothing process 2
Originally uploaded by sunshine0216

As much as I enjoy sewing, I just despise some parts of the process. Tracing and cutting out patterns is right up there. Ironing runs a close second...although I've learned that my finished product is far better if I iron when (during construction) I'm supposed to.

This project will be the death of me...oh yes, the drama of it all! Matching Easter outfits for my 4 year-old, and my 19 mo. old. Since I'm broke, new patterns are out of the question, so I got out the only issue of Ottobre that I own.
Hint ~ a subscription to this magazine is a WONDERFUL gift idea for me, and can be found at The Wooley Thread (women's and kids issues pretty please).




"It's just going to be a couple of pairs of knickers and vests" is all I said. Then, realizing that Ottobre made the patterns for one kids size and not the other. This means modifications, and I'm too much of a novice to think that I can modify an Ottobre pattern. Look at those pattern sheets...look!

Well, I'll stop whining now, and update when I've made some progress. My goal is to have all the fabric cut by the end of the weekend so that I can begin to sew on Monday. I swear...someday I'm going to teach my husband how to trace and cut patterns AND cut out the fabric. What do you think of that?