More Sewing

 I definitively got my sewing mojo back. Hooray! I've been on Sewing for Boys, pattern kick. Have you seen that book? I LOVE it. So often the only patterns for little boys in books are pj pants and some random toys or accessories. A WHOLE book of boys clothing... unheard of! I think it's full of cute patterns not, not lots of repeats or filler. Very important when you have 3 sons and only 1 daughter.

I made 3 of these t-shirts the other day. Love this one! The main panel was made using a thrifted t-shirt. They are quick & easy to make. I had a little issue with the neckline at first. If you make these, MAKE sure you cut the fabric on the grainline as indicated for neck. Also, I had to cut a strip a bit longer so these fit over the boys heads. ** test the collar over their head before attaching it is key** I made the 4/5 for both. It fits my 4 year old snuggly, but not too tight. Looser on the almost two year old [I know, HOW can he be almost two already!] I think I prefer making 1 size up. The shirt will get a few years use then. How awesome is that for a $3 shirt!

The little shorts are also from the book. Easy, quick = perfect. I just want to say how much I ADORE the Little peeps line. Finally cut into this castle print. Also made a shirt with the coordinating king & queens fabric. adorable!

Man I love this kid!

McGurkus

On a recent thrifting trip, we came across this horse. She was missing a mane and her tail consisted on one strand of yarn, connected with it's very last thread. I was so excited about the prospect of fixing her up and giving her a happy new home...then I saw her price, $9.00!!! How could we not take her home? One of the best deals we have found in awhile.

The horse is SOLID wood and super heavy. I had not realized until I had her home and was expecting everything, that she was probably handmade. The pictures don't show it, but the craftsmanship is superb! I can't wait to give her some lovely new hair, and a tail. The kids have been thrilled to play with her as is. Originally, I wanted to paint her, but I was able to get off almost all of the marker she had across her side. The wood is beautiful, so I think she'll stay this color, with some new rainbow colored hair.

The best part is she is sized for the older kids!! {L}'s feet barely pass her neck! A toy that is fun for kids from 1-5 is rare indeed. She was named McGurkus, because everything needs a name! I'll post some pics after her "upgrade".

Keeping Busy!

"Work, work, work. You know mama, you don't always have to work. Sometimes you can just relax". Little Miss {M} tells me this all the time!

The problem isn't that I don't like working, rather I don't have enough time in a day. If I'm feeling creative, I'm feeling creative. It's hard to turn off! If a day goes by and I have not made anything it's hard for me to fall asleep that night. I've been know to get out of bed just to make a little something, to ease my nerves. At any given time, I have 1,001 projects dancing in my head-some of them need to get out.

I've taken to hand sewing while the bigger kids do some of their school work during the day. I started a new line of really cool....well, you'll have to wait and see what they are. It's awesome because I can still do some work while homeschooling the kids. Don't get me wrong, they have plenty of my attention, but I can fit in a little here & there while they are drawing or eating lunch.

It feels good being a good mom, and still getting to create!

We found this cool old children's school desk at a yard sale the Saturday before we started classes. It was like it was waiting for us to find him! Beckoning-haha. At only $8, it was a steal. {D} has used it every single day.

The baby even likes to sit at it in the morning, drinking his milk. It's so cute, and so unnerving at the same time. Every time I look up and catch him sitting there, I realize how quickly the time will pass and he really will be sitting there-waiting to learn. Pencil and paper in his hand rather than a sippy cup. Yes, very unnerving to this mama! It seems like yesterday that the bigger kids were toddling through the house and now they are learning to read.