chocolate for breakfast

Yes, that's what I had today. The morning is a surprisingly good time to have chocolate- i figure it will set me up for the day- there's a lot to do...

At the moment, I'm working on a design for a loose-fitting child's cardigan/sweater with a square neckline. As always, Keira is my guinea-pig, so I have to bribe her with a piece of chocolate every now and then when I want her to try something on. It seems to be a good arrangement for both of us. The design is almost right, I think I might need to make the arms a bit smaller though. I used some hand-dyed stretch cotton for this and lined it in a vintage flannel cotton. I like the stretch cotton because it's warm and soft, but I might end up using a firmer fabric for ease of sewing.

Yesterday a dear friend visited and brought with her a stack of craft supplies to entertain A and K. I hadn't thought about adding jewellery-making to our craft activities, but it was a big hit. Arlo really enjoyed threading the beads and making this little bracelet:

... but Keira was more interested in sorting the beads into the compartments of the ice-cube tray.

Amelia also showed us how to make little gift boxes with lids from craft paper, in which to keep our treasures. We used a method similar to this one. I'd always wanted to know how to make those, and she makes everything look quick and easy. I'll be trying them out myself the next time I package up a present.

 

A and K are playing with the beads again today (thanks, Amelia) so I've had time to update my etsy shop with a new set of baby shoes. I had planned to add some more wrap cardigan as well, but they weren't ready in time. Oh well, perhaps next week. I've also got a new stockist in Australia- the  beautiful evie lala. I love their website and they have a great selection of boutique goods for babies and mamas- I really like the look of these 'baby legs' - might have to order some for a certain girl I know who doesn't enjoy taking her tights on and off in this cold weather...

Comments

[Nikki]

Babylegs in NZ available at www.babyb.co.nz

And very cute cardigan!! :)

[Jessicah]

Love the cardi- it looks like velvet in the pic. Looks like it would be great as a coat in the slightly too big phase of its life, before fitting just right as a cardi- just in time for spring?! Exciting news for you being stocked at evie lala :)

[heidi]

awesome shoes and that cardigan is too much!!! and that sweet girl is the perfect model!

[Tamsin]

Hi!
Great shoes and top! K looks so beautiful, and good on A for bringing round the beads. A great idea =)

Have quite a few interested in the workshop, so let me know what to tell them to bring (will get you numbers)

Lots of love, T

[Helen]

Sweet sweet photos - the chocolate bribes definitely worth it!

[caireen]

Wow - those shoes! Love the yellow birds especially cx

[rachael]

wow! Tiny Happy in Australia. That's fabulous! That cardigan is adorable too, like everything else you make, m'dear.

And hey, I pretty much have chocolate for breakfast everyday at around 10.30 for a boost until lunch time. Chocolate and coffee for breakfast is very continental and sophisticated I thnk.

xx

[Zelia]

Lovely... EVERYTHING!

[VictoriaE]

So cool to see the doillies of the last post transformed into the booties of the present post. M&ms are perfect for breakfast.

[Dawn]

Okay, I knew I had kindrid spirits in this world, thank you. This morning I had a brownie for breakfast, MMMMMM.

[Gin]

Great blog!!! My daughter spent 4 weeks last summer in Australia and NZ - she stayed with a family in NZ and fell in love with the country. Just adore the shoulder bag tutorial and I am one of those with yards of fabric yet unused...I will give your pattern a try this weekend! I've also had chocolate for breakfast...more than once - YUM!
Gin
http://vitalitymagnet.blogspot.com

[susan]

Beautiful pictures as always. The cardi is so cute but doesn't flannel as a lining cause drag when it's put on? And, again as always, the baby shoes are just gorgeous.

[Chara Michele]

Beautiful baby shoes like always! I like the square neckline of the cardigan:)

[kate5kiwis]

gosh those babyshoes are delish.
makes me wanna have another baby just to play dress-ups....... X

[lori]

Melissa those new booties are precious....so is your lil daughter.

It's so funny how each person sees a piece of fabric like the ones you thrifted...I totally would be seeing little coats like the one you are designing right now but with little half circle collars in the front of a coordinating fabric.
Seems I need to make a pattern myself huh? ~grin~
your friend

[amisha]

k looks so sweet in the new jacket. and the beading sounds like great fun!
ohhh and congrats on the new stockist! i am imagining a perfect world in which all children are shod in tiny happy baby shoes :)
xo

[alisonmc]

Lovely shoes. I really like the way you use the embroidered linens you find - much respect.

It's funny that A liked making the necklace and K liked organising the beads. They make a good team!

[nomayne]

yes, i must start on some fall/winter clothes for my girls... i'm already making corduroy pants for sarah and i hope to make a capelet for the girls. seeing K with her little jacket on makes me want to start the capelets for sarah and hannah!

[Mirre]

I love the new sweater design!
And I can never get enough of your beautiful baby shoes!!

[shula]

My God, this work leaves me breathless.

[Jayne]

hi there we met at the print class(Which was awesome!) wondered if i could ask a cheeky question, is it poss to have a photo of your beautiful dress that you were wearing???? in exchange for a parcel which i would send through your sis. thought i would attempt one, would by happy to send you a pattern once i have formed one.