KCW Day 3, 4 and 5 : Bunny ears coat

I started making this coat thinking it would be an evening's project, but it ended up taking me three days to complete! Well, about 5 hours total over three evenings. I cannot tell you how many times I had to use the seam ripper to undo silly mistakes but all the  frustration, shouting and almost kicking my machine paid off because it turned out really cute. There are still few things I need to tweak and fix, but I'm happy with it. 

With all the sewing projects I've been sharing, I've been getting two questions from several people and I'd like to attempt to answer them, hopefully I'll inspire  a few people who've been wanting take up a new hobby. First question: "When do you find the time to sew?" I do most of my sewing during crazy late night or early morning hours. There are times when I just cannot put a project down, I'll sew until 2 or 3 am! Yep, I know I'm crazy! Second question: "How long have you been sewing for?" The first thing I ever made on my sewing machine was a nappy for Owen, so that must have been about a year ago. Before that I had a quick sewing lesson from a friend who inspired me to sew and during that lesson we made a simple pillowcase dress for Olivia together.  I mostly taught myself to sew through youtube videos, online tutorials and lots and lots of practice. I absolutely love the challenge of learning a new skill and the pleasure of using that skill to create. Have you been wanting to start sewing? What's stopping you?

KCW Day 1 and 2 : A school outfit

You may be thinking, "KCWhaaat?!" My husband was certainly confused when I told him I had stayed up late because I was busy sewing for KCW. Well, KCW is Kids Clothes Week. It's a seasonal sewing challenge in which thousands of sewists around the world take part. It is especially popular amongst sewing bloggers, which is how I probably got to know about it. The challenge takes place four times a year, at the beginning of every season and basically you dedicate an hour a day for a week to sewing for your kids and you share your projects on the KCW website.

I absolutely love KCW! I followed all the participants' projects last season, sometimes staying up until early morning hours juts browsing through their blogs. Needless to say, I was inspired and here I am now, participating in my first of many KCWs.

For day 1 and 2 I worked on a school outfit for Olivia because she needs a school wardrobe. This little girl has heaps of clothes from lovely friends who bless her with hand-me-downs and lately I've been making a lot of clothes for her, but very few of her clothes are appropriate for preschool. I'd be very sad and I'm sure she would too for her pretty dresses to get ripped on the jungle gyms! It took a bit of convincing for her to like this dress because it's not as frilly and girly as she likes her clothes. I made the dress from the Gloria dress pattern from Peek-a-boo patterns. The leggings pattern is also from the same  pattern maker. She loves the scarf, she proudly announced that she's just like her mommy with the scarf on. I don't think I'd let her wear the scarf to school though, maybe I'm being over-cautious but I think it's a bit of a hazard. Anyway, she loves it!

On the subject of school, have I mentioned how amazingly good pre-school has been for our girl!? In just a week, her confidence levels have gone up and she enjoys social settings so much more than she did previously. I have been amazed! She speaks to people other than her parents and she plays with other children, both of which she never used to do. We are absolutely blessed that she is in a school where she's happy and blossoming. 

A birthday party for a little princess

Our little girl turns three this coming Saturday. How time flies! She had an early celebration because one of dearest friends is leaving for Germany and we couldn't have a party without her.

The utter delight on her face as she helped me prepare for her pink party was absolutely precious. I was so blessed seeing her thoroughly filled with joy and excitement. I secretly made the cake while she watched TV because I wanted it to be a surprise. All the trouble of sneaking around was absolutely worth it when I saw the look of amazement on her sweet little face. I then brought out her dress that I had made earlier in the week, she put her little hands over her face, whispering "Wooooow" and she ran off screaming, "Daddy, look at my princess dress." It was a delightful little party with special little people. The last surprise for the day was the Queen Elsa dress I had finished making just minutes before people arrived for party. As I took photos of her in it she was singing at the top of her lungs, "Let it go, let it go"!

This mama went to bed completely exhausted and blessed! "Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in my heart."

15/52 and 16/52

Olivia & Owen: Sleeping babas holding hands. Oh my heart!

Olivia: You had a lovely first week of pre-school. I am so proud of you my girl and so absolutely delighted that you are enjoying this new adventure.

Owen: Snotty face and dirty hands. The garden is your happy place!

14/52

Owen: Fascinated and intrigued. Light is indeed beautiful and marvelous!

Olivia: Enjoying your last few mornings spent giggling and making up stories with your dearest friend. Next week you will start school. May it be filled with adventure and good memories.