Archive for December 9, 2009

a new little project. just for me.

Hi there.  Did you miss me?  There was a whole lot of hullabaloo going on around here for the last couple of weeks but now we’re on to bright and shiny new things.  As the New Year approaches, I’ve been thinking about one thing in particular:

New Year’s Resolutions.

Not part of my usual agenda.

This year however, I have come across an idea that I like so much I’m willing to make an exception. Not so much out of the tradition of creating one of these lists, but because it will be a point of time that’s easy for me to remember.  I also discovered the year-long challenge right before Christmas and knew much, much better than to begin and end such a feat right in the midst of chaos.

May I present Dottie Angel’s “Challenge of the Utmost Kind” ~

challenge of the utmost kind

If that’s too tough to read, the gist is that I will not be buying any new article of clothing for myself for one year (unless it’s handmade).  This isn’t actually a stretch since I rarely buy any new item of clothing for myself, the challenge for me is to actually sit down and make myself some clothes.  And unlike most of the participants in this dandy little challenge, I do plan on making my own underwear.

This Resolution (cue the dramatic voice and music) comes about out of necessity more than anything.  I’m happy to say that as the babes grow, the mama continues to shrink.  After three years of being pregnant, nursing, being pregnant, and nursing some more, this mama is pretty ripe for a new wardrobe.  Motherhood changes a woman in a myriad of ways, both physically and mentally, and none of my old clothes fit anymore.  Physically or mentally.

So there we have it.  As I steadily work on building my inventory for this summer’s market, I will be concentrating on making clothing that I would wear myself…this new self that is motherly and responsible and wants to wear clothes that look pretty but are durable enough for me to wipe my hands on throughout our messy, puts-the-speed-of-light-to-shame kind of days.  Unique and tailored and with nursing access but not in an obvious way.   A little funky and off the beaten path but able to withstand whatever laundry setting I put them on.  Kid proof.

Those kinds of clothes.

Stay tuned for “the big reveal”, as lady Tif puts it.

for an audience of one

Dear Gram,

I got the dreams you sent–I can’t tell you enough how good it was to hear from you again.  Sorry it took me awhile to get back to you but I don’t think I quite understood it at first.  I have so many things under my finger at the moment that it takes awhile for things to soak in sometimes.

You’ve probably seen the two little ones by now ~ your presence at their births was powerful and clear.  Thank you so much for all of the loving protection, especially during Nico’s surgery a couple of months ago.

He’s back to his old self again..which can be somewhat aggravating since he’s two now.

grumble

Miss Annabelle is growing at lightening speed.  Her first tooth has erupted and she has a fine time chewing on ol’ mama while the rest pop up.  We love to make her smile so we can see the solitary pearly white standing proudly in her little pink gums.  We haven’t tried the whiskey on her yet but a nip here and there sure helps me get through the teething.  So far she seems to like turkey jerky well enough to help them cut through.

jerky chomp

She’s quite a character.  I’m starting to think the mystery nose might belong to you. (Like the sweater? S’s mother was kind enough to make one for each of the kids when they were born.)

The days are intense with our sweet Irish twins (18 months apart…what were we thinking?  hahaha) and I wish you were here to tell me stories about your life as a mother.  I always loved the story about the time that the boys got into the flour and threw it all over the kitchen–I can envision it perfectly now that I have two little ones with that same devilish sparkle in their eyes.  I’m sure you had a million more just like it that would help me smile through the rocky moments around here.  It’s good to know that dreamspeak is a language that we share now too.

I better get back to the kiddos ~ Nico is tiring of his cars and is starting to throw things at the tree again.  Please let the ladies know how much I love the ideas for the dresses!  It might take a little while for me to get them underway but I’m seeing the ideas emerge with great clarity, bit by bit.

I miss you. I miss you every day. Still.

much love ~ julie

the coozies are coming! the coozies are coming!

coozie dec 09

Run ye to the Community Food Co-op and fetch a couple for the holiday celebrations sure to come.  These unique coozies are made from post consumer recycled wool sweaters and scrappy bits of felt.

AND crafty mamas, there will be a pattern listed in my Etsy shop right quick.  For real this time.  Like early next week.  Just in time for last minute stitchiness!

Felt your sweaters!