I’ve been pretty good about not writing too many baby-centered posts lately, right? Right? Well, sorry, that ends today.HMB all of a sudden not only outgrew one set of clothes but had a pressing need for lightweight long pants(key for sun protection as well as going in the baby swing at the park without chafing chubby little legs), given that summertime starts in San Francisco about September 1st. My favorite pair of pants like this came from Shelly, made by Dillybop designs. Sadly she outgrew them along with a bunch of other cute stuff, so I thought I’d try to make some to replace them. While I loved the pattern in Little Stitches, it wasn’t quite what I was looking for- I wanted a longer, wider leg, a deeper inseam (for diaper coverage) and a better-fitting waistline. So I made up my own! I used fabric leftover from HMB’s long-abandoned Wall Hanging to make some shabby chic-style lounge pants
She’s worn them out to lunch and for several outings to the park, so I’d say they’re a success! I will be making more with other fabric, and perhaps even some in denim (she needs some baby jeans for fall, I think).
And a new friend for Miss S flapped his way into our life yesterday. Meet Isaac
Miss S was immediately captivated and knew just how Isaac likes to play
hugging (he’s got a squishable little body)
chewing (his pointy little owl horns are perfect)
and shaking (he’s got a little rattle)
Isaac was made by the amazing Shannon, a person to whom I owe much of my crafty prowess. Back when she lived in SF and ran Muse Sewing Workshops, she taught me not to be afraid of my sewing machine, and that sewing didn’t have to be fussy work involving too many pins and charcoal marks and boringness. She made sewing seem easy, fun and stylish, and the rest is history! Now she lives in LA, has a darling wee boy, and runs a LOVELY blog called Handpicked Handmade, where she writes about great handmade items for children (and their moms). Isaac came from her equally lovely etsy shop, which I urge you to visit if you have any wee ones in your life deserving of a gift. Her owls and balls have been market tested by the most discerning of focus groups (her son), and as such, have every necessary amusement for a busy girl or boy, as you see above! Miss S has lots of toys and is sometimes blase about new things I present to her, but she was immediately enthusiastic about Isaac and gets a happy little grin on her face whenever she sees him!