Mix and match

She now knows how to get dressed all by herself. Which means that as far as she's concerned she gets to decide, too. Maybe this is the reason why lately I've been sewing entire outfits rather then single pieces. Making sure that things can be mixed and matched.

The top picture shows a new skirt and T-Shirt I made which she put on especially for me so that I could take a picture. The bottom picture shows how she actually walked out of the door.


The sweater is an old favourite.

Still here...

... but really busy with a new project. Something to be terribly excited and nervous about. I am sorry about the lack of posts, comments and e-mails. Thank you for knocking on my virtual door and putting a smile on my face.

In the past few days I have started to do some sewing again, just to clear my head and to feel I know what I am doing, if only for a little while.

This is my new plan, when it all gets too much, I'll just sit down, draft a pattern and get sewing.
Good timing, because that big daughter of mine really does need some new clothes.

Sunday Mondays

A little visual pick-me-up on the final stretch til spring finally arrives. The joy of a massive confetti fight. Wishing everyone a Sunday kind of Monday.

Knitted jumper

I cannot quite believe it is actually finished and that it actually fits.
And I wouldn't mind knitting another one either. I would prefer to follow a pattern created by an experienced knitter next time, though.

This was really quite an experiment. Maybe because I don't have much knitting experience and because I really don't understand the language used in knitting patterns. But like many other times when sewing clothes the adventurer in me thought, "How difficult can it be?"

Well, the lady at the shop where I bought the wool couldn't wish me luck often enough after I had told her about my plan (basically 4 rectangles sewn together with some minor add ons or take aways).

I've learned quite a few things about knitting. Also, that counting is definitely not my thing.
How do you keep track of rows and stitches?

Simple Clown

Who would have thought that she might ever want to dress as something other than a princess at some point in her life. I still can't quite believe it.

But she was very clear. A clown - with a striped shirt, a bow tie, a red nose and a wig of red curls.
I tried to make a sort of girly version of a striped shirt and one that she can wear even when she's not a clown. I just have to make a little sewing time go a long, long way.

The bow tie makes me smile. It's a made of one of the last scraps of one of my favourite fabrics, (previously used here and here and here). So next time I get mad at all the fabric stacked into our tiny flat I'll look at it.

Sunday Mondays

It's been ages since my last Sunday Monday post. Well that's because today was one of the first proper Sundays in ages. And I am going to savour that feeling as long as possible.
Wishing you all a slow start to the week.

Thank you for your advice on the sock repair. They are finished now and very nice and warm.

Knitting socks

I've got quite a few knitting projects on the go at the moment. Partly because again, the lack of proper heating requires creative thinking and dressing. And also because knitting is so very calming.

Well, until at the very end of the 2nd sock I try to knit while I mediate in a major fight between 2 princesses. The result? I get my needles in a a twist and make a mess I can't seem to repair.

It's no use: undo, redo.
Probably something I need to go through numerous times to finally call myself an experienced knitter at some point in my life.

Red Winter Coat

It really is the yearly winter coat challenge. And I realize there might be no going back, I might have started a tradition. Luckily, it really does get easier every year. If you are interested, here are winter coat number 1, winter coat number 2 and winter coat number 3.

Oh, something's missing? Can you tell?
She's been waiting and praying for it for 6 months. I would love for all my teeth to still be intact but she's over the moon.

Handle with grace

Happy 2013.

I've got a great backlog of things I would like to show you, but I was so busy making presents that I forgot to take pictures.  But no worries, since we've just started a new year, I am going to be a lot better at making and taking the time to design, draft patterns, sew, draw, read, take pictures, print, dye, stitch, knit, cook, bake ... and learn a great deal of new things. 

Have I forgotten anything?

Thank you for your comments and e-mails on the advent calendar.  I really enjoyed putting it together.

24

A special treat for the final day of the advent calendar. Both perfect for today.

1) by Udder
2) by LeDansla 

Merry Christmas.