Made: Monday

New slipper socks. I made these for my kid sister's birthday. [well, she's all of 26 years old this year, but she'll always be my kid sis], I used the pattern for the Broken Rib Socks from the book, 101 Designer one-skein wonders.

I really like how they turned out- color and texture. The pattern was pretty easy to follow, which was important to me because they are the FIRST pair if adult socks I've ever finished. yay! I totally want to make a pair for myself now. 

Happy Monday!

The Dress

Little Miss {M} has been gently reminding me that she hasn't had a new dress in awhile.

She went so far to start drawing up a few dress idea's to show [inspire] me. When that didn't work I overheard her telling a story to her dolls. The story was about a beautiful little girl, who HATED pants! She told her Mommy & Dad, over and over she ONLY liked dresses and to stop buying pants, shirts, tank tops and shorts because she would not wear them. One day her parents finally understood and threw away every piece of clothing that wasn't a dress....and the little princess lived happily ever after.

I was so charmed by her little story, that I spend Friday night making her a new dress. I've had this one in the to-do pile for quite some time. I used some of my very favorite cotton prints and some linen!

When the last stitch was done, and all the thread cut I held up the dress and wished I could shrink like Alice in Wonderland. I am so in love with this dress that I'd love it to fit me!


The pattern was Modkid's Kyoko Dress. The pattern was super easy to follow! The only thing I would change would be to use french seams on the skirt panel. I didn't think of it until I already had 2 panels finished. Start to finish it only took me a few hours[although the bias tape was already made]

Textiles:
The bias tape was handmade :: Belt fabric is from Lizzy House :: The pears is a Japanese print from Robert Kauffman :: Solid teal is a lovely fresh linen ::

{M} woke up Saturday morning with a huge smile and spent lots of time twirling in her new dress. She asked me if I had even slept at all the previous night, because the dress looked like so much hard work. With a kiss, giant hug and a thank you, the dress was worth a million bucks!

Corners of my Home

As many of you know, I LOVE Seahorses! As a child I found them so magical, and cute! AS I grew up, it never really went away. Lately I have found myself enthralled with them again.

I made this seahorse a few months ago. Originally I was going to create a security blanket for some lovely child and add it to my shop. I fell too in love with him and he now lives on my couch. His fin moves and something tiny can be placed into his pouch-if needed. And yes, my kids are always trying to think of things that "need" to be placed there-lol.



Here's a side view. I paired it with the bright and cheerful octopus print from the Heather Ross line.

Weekend

We spent the weekend painting and moving furniture. After it was all said & done, I realized we moved EVERY room in the house besides the living room and dining room. It was a L-O-N-G process, but gives us some much needed space. It's a way better use of the space we have.

I love when we find a better way to fit into our home! We have a smaller-ish house and with 3 kids and the huge amount of "stuff" they come with, organization is extremely important. I used to get annoyed and just say. "We need a bigger house-ahhh!!". I've now switched my way of thinking to: What can we do to fit better.
It involved pairing down our objects and keeping those most special or useful only. At first it was a little hard [as a self proclaimed pack rat], but we are all benefiting from the lifestyle now! When we want to buy something, we think a lot harder about how much we really "need" the item. If it's something that will help us, benefit our lives, or just crazy cool, then we will get it.
I like to think about the impact it has on the Earth also. With cost differences, it is not always possible for us to afford the "most" Earth friendly, but in most situations, not a problem. We try to use things that go back to the Earth-wood and cloth vs. plastics. Cotton, wool, organic vs. synthetics and polyester.
That doesn't mean we have no plastic, or chemicals in our home! The kids have a mix of toys that have been passed down or gifted to them. It's just the process of making them think about where it came from and where it's going. I was so proud the other day when the kids requested crappy $$1 toys. After a moment, {d} said, "No...I changed my mind. I don't want this plastic toy. It's junky, made in China and I don't even need it."

The boys got a lovely new shade of teal on the walls. An accent wall is done in teal, orange and white stripes. I'll post more pictures when the re-do is done. The coolest thing about the move-I got a studio space!! YAY! I can't wait to show you all. Right now, it's just a room filled with my sewing and painting supplies-in other words a GIANT MESS. As soon as everything finds a home, I'll get some shots posted.
Not sure when everything will get put back together though. I am so heartbroken about the loss of our dog. It's really been much harder than I ever could have anticipated. I have no motivation to finish the room, or anything else either. Each time I look out into our back yard, the tears come and I am struck even harder with sadness. Each time a car passes the house, and I don't hear her bark, I feel pain. I can't believe I actually miss her non-stop barking. My husband thinks we should just "move on" with life, but I am taking the time to mourn her. It's a [painful] process that I need to go through and it's important. She is the first pet I've ever had pass on. Since we had to put her down, I feel sadness, but also guilt and anger. I miss my friend and want her back. Although my head knows we did the right thing that needed to be done, my heart aches for her back. I thought it would get easier as the days pass, but I have yet to reach that point. She was my friend and I miss her!