The Milo Vest - Revisited

So way back in April of last year, I finished this Milo vest for Sage. It was really big even though I made it in a 3T. Plus she HATED it. She wouldn't even try it on. So I stuck it in her closet and forgot about it. Enter Fall 2013. I found that cute purple vest hanging in her closet and hoped that enough time had passed that a) it fit and b) she forgot that she disliked it. When I mentioned trying it on she was excited and even laid it out to wear the next day (that is a key part of getting dressed in our house!). It's still a little bit big, but I'm loving it.

SCORE!

So the next day she put it on and wore it ALL DAY. That makes this mama's heart happy because that was no easy knit - my first cables and first attempt and something more than a scarf or mitts. I love vests for Sage since it's so hard to convince her to wear a coat or sweatshirt and keep it on!

Seattle Aquarium

My birthday happened to fall on a day that both kids were out of school. So I decided to take advantage and planned a fun day trip to the Seattle Aquarium. It's always exciting for the kids to hop on the ferry and head across the water.

Fun on the waterfront

The Great Wheel

So funny story. I lost my camera way back in September. I wanted to take pictures of the kids on the first day of school so I searched the whole house. Seriously -  I looked everywhere. No camera. So I decided that for my birthday I'd like a new camera. But not just to replace my old one. I wanted to upgrade to a DSLR. I want to learn how to take great pictures. So I did my research and picked out my camera. My dad came up the week before my birthday to celebrate with us and we all went for a ride in the big truck (which we rarely drive these days) and guess what I found in the side pocket on the door?? You got it - my old camera!!! How did it get there?? And so now I have two cameras. Ironic, maybe. But really, I'm super excited to be using my new DSLR and learning how to take it off auto and shoot some great pictures. All the pictures in this post were taken with my new camera.

Mandatory fishy-face

Wyatt loved this moment!

Not sure what this is but isn't it cool??

We ended our super fun day with a ride on the carousel. Which is one of the places I love taking pictures of my kids.

The Lucy Tunic and Trains

This top is so perfect for Fall. It adds an extra layer for stubborn little girls who refuse to wear coats or sweatshirts. And it's oh so cute - bonus! I love the print on this fabric: little kids playing ring around the rosie, hula-hooping and enjoying Fall. Which is exactly what we've been doing this weekend. Well, minus the hula-hooping! Saturday we went to ride the Kitsap Live Steamers. The kids love riding the mini steam engine trains around the long track and of course playing at the park. Even better when friends meet us there. It makes for the perfect Saturday.
But back to the top. It's the Lucy Tunic by Shwin Designs. You can make it so it's reversible or not. It has in seem pockets to stash little treasures. This Lucy Tunic is lined with red flannel so it's nice and warm.

Fall Decorating

I've never been a huge Halloween decorator but this year I added a few touches to my front porch in the spirit of Halloween. The spider chain hanging from the door is made from a paper punch and then sewn together. The pumpkins are decorated with the same spiders and a little mod podge.

Sage's Sally Dress

Meet Sage's New Sally, The Sally Dress that is!

This dress pattern is awesome. It's a new pattern by one of my favorite bloggers to follow: luvinthemommyhood. The Sally Dress pattern recently came out and of course I had to make one. I love how simple and easy to wear this version is. There is an option with sleeves that I will be trying next.  This version is made from coordinating corduroy which is perfect for our Fall weather with a shirt underneath or a sweater on top. I'm pretty sure I'll be adding more of these to Sage's closet.

It's perfect for twirling and whirling.

 

The extra large pockets are perfect for all the little treasures that little girls need. 

Perfect for that packet of fruit snacks to feed to friends.

Perfect for the playground.

Perfect for my sassy little Sage.

Bubble Pocket Shorts

The minute I saw this pattern, I had to buy it. These shorts are too cute! I cut them out from some leftover cotton/linen blend from my Washi dress and had them sewed up the next day. I see lots of options for this pattern and have a feeling that Sage will have a whole summer wardrobe filled with these. There are two styles: classic and sailor. I'll be sewing up the sailor shorts next.

The Washi Dress

After ogling this pattern from Made by Rae for a really long time, I finally bought it and I am so glad I did. This dress is such a great fit for anyone. Mostly because of the shirring in the back. It sews up fairly fast and has some nice finishing details in the arm holes. Bottom line -  I love this dress! And turns out my mom does too. She asked me to make one for her and while I was at it I made another one for myself. I realize (since I'm a bad blogger) that I never shared the one I made last November! (how did that happen??) But here I am today to share all three with you. Oh - and the best part of all three dresses - pockets!!! I love a dress with pockets.

Washi #1

The original dress I made back in November with some Anna Maria Horner fabric in my favorite print! It's hard to see in this picture but it does have the keyhole neckline and top stitching all the way around the neckline.

Washi #2

This is the Washi I made for my mom. She picked the fabric. It is a really pretty silky fabric (much harder to work with than the cotton from dress #1). Because of the busy pattern, I omitted the keyhole front and top stitching to keep in simple and classic.

Washi #3

This is made out of a cotton/linen blend that is so soft and comfy. Since the fabric is so simple, I did the keyhole front and also top stitched all the way around the neckline.  I love the simplicity of this fabric and can't wait to wear it and accessorize!