This Week: Projects

This was one of those weeks where sick kids, nap-less babies, and things liked dental appointments (in other words: life) prevailed.  When I finally got one child to bed, the other one inevitably woke.  Thus, work was eeked out in tiny increments -- 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there.  Fortunately, the bibs I began last week are an easy crafting fix.  Bibs, bibs, and more bibs.  How many does one baby need?  Probably not nearly as many as I've made.  However, they'll make great gifts, and I'm sure a few will end up with a new nephew soon enough.

All those bibs have left a lot of leftover fabric scraps.....with winter fast approaching I felt inspired to make my first patchwork quilt-cover for S's new "big kid" bed.   This is my first attempt at anything like this and I was gratified to find that it was a relatively simple, quick project.  Two evenings, max.

For the top, I used large alternating strips of cotton and corduroy, and on the back, a light-weight cotton canvas.  It snaps at the bottom and inside is a large fleece-y folded blanket.  Super warm and cozy.  Winter, do your worst.

This weekend we got around to a few bigger projects; S had his first try at painting a wall, and subsequently asked to do a bit of painting on his own.....

Meanwhile, I've been trying to figure out a creative way to re-use the paint-chip cards we seem to acquire by the handful whenever we undertake a painting project.  This worked well; first, some work with the scissors done by bigger hands:

Followed by some pasting, placing, and multi-media artwork done by little hands:

Beautiful!  As soon as that last coat dries, this will be hung in our newly-painted bathroom.

Morning Tea

Confession:  I'm not much of a recipe-follower.  I'm much more of a recipe-maker-upper.  Sometimes my kitchen creativity yields great success....and sometimes not.  This morning I wanted to make a healthy snack for the kids; this muffin mixture uses heaps of fruits and veggies, whole wheat, and no added sugar.  It turned out pretty well.  S was able to help with the mashing and mixing and subsequently ate about 6.  Give or take.  Not a problem, since they're so healthy.

Preheat oven to 180 Celsius (350 Fahrenheit)

2 bananas (mashed)

1 apple (chopped)

1 med zucchini (grated)

handful of dates (chopped) 

1/3 c canola oil

1 cup milk (soy, rice, or regular)

2 big shakes cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 cups whole wheat flour

Bake in muffin cups (greased, or I like to use silicone) 25 minutes or until fork comes out clean.

Enjoy!

This Week: In the Garden

 Green Cicadas

Green Lemons

 

New Green Lettuces

Even though autumn is in the air, the garden is still green green green.  This week saw a lot of work outdoors -- clearing out our summer harvest and planting a few fall veggies like spinach, broccoli, and lettuce.    The kids and I re-potted our herbs and enjoyed some serious dirt play.   Dirt in mouths, dirt in hair, dirt between toes.  What could be better?

Maybe only the chance to rinse off afterward in a sudden afternoon thundershower.
(Complete with rainbow!)

Merino Me

While the rest of the world waits for the early signs of spring, in New Zealand we're seeing the first hints of autumn.   The light has shifted, the cool morning air smells like woodsmoke, and today I pulled a sweater down from the top of my closet for an early walk into town.

On the odd weekend, I tuck $10.00 into my pocket and head down to the flea market.  This morning I stumbled upon one of our local merino shops clearing out fabric and samples.   I picked up five swaths  -- each a different color and knit, but several meters of merino each -- all for five dollars.  Total.

I don't think you can tell from this photo, but it's a lot of fabric.  And just gorgeous.  Holy mother of merino!  This was a fabulous flea find.

Even though the days still feel warm and summery, I can tell that the indoor part of the year is approaching -- I'm excited to have some warm and cozy projects on the horizon.

Sewn: For the Baby....

 

This was a wonderfully satisfying and simple project -- new bibs for baby A, who is just beginning to enter the wide, wonderful world of solid foods.  I used corduroy and cotton, combining colors and fabrics to add interest and beauty to a functional item. 

I imagine A will have a lot of fun getting these really good and dirty in the months ahead.

And we're in business!

Wikipedia's definition of a "soft opening":
In a "soft opening," the establishment begins to operate without a lot of attention. This allows the organization to become more organized the first few weeks or months before the more publicized Grand Opening, and gives the management and staff a chance to become familiar with the daily operations of their inventory, accounting, and customer service requirements.

Seedling Clothing is open for business -- complete with a flagship shop update on Felt (New Zealand's answer to Etsy) and a published website.....Blog, website, shop - - the full triad up and ready to go.

So, I'll say it softly......Hooray!

Blue and Red.....