(Not a) Quilt-Master

Another makeup sewing post...

I love sewing, but I am by no stretch of the imagination a quilter. My projects of choice are largely frivolous, such as historical costuming, but maternity has inspired to take on more of the domestic, and I've found that I'll make toddler pajamas as frequently (if not more) than I used to make gowns and corsets. My passion for providing "Mommy-Made" for the Monsters, however, has taken me further out of my comfort zone than I would have predicted, and has actually inspired me to try .... quilting.

Previously, I made the kiddos toddler-sized (aka lap sized) quilts for their beds, but the impending arrival of Monster #3 is going to drastically impact sleeping arrangements, and the Big One ended up in a twin-sized bed before his toddler quilt was even warm. Like so many mommies, I found myself haunting shops like PBKids for the perfect bedding for my little men, but I had a really hard time justifying $130+ per quilt (on sale), especially when I was in the market for two. And because, you know, I have all of that sewing equipment sitting around my own room....

So I bit the bullet and dove into a quilting project. I started by researching standard quilting dimensions, and coming up with patterns for a number of different blocks. I wanted some more variety than a standard patchwork quilt, but I knew I wasn't going to tackle some of the really fabulous piecing designs that people like my grandmother can whip out at the drop of a hat. What I came up with was a series of geometric designs (various squares, triangles, and rectangles) that I thought would add some visual dimension, but could still be manageable for someone of my inexperience.

When I got into the project I found myself wishing I hadn't slept through geometry at 15, but that's neither here nor there.

For materials I went back to the fabric stash I'd been planning on ditching, and I pulled out anything remotely green for Big One's quilt, and a series of blues for Little One's. I had just enough of each to produce the blocks for twin-sized quilts, leaving me to purchase the batting and quilt backing ... for a whopping $60 total on Fabric.com. Oh yeah. I went from a potential $260+ to $60 for two twin quilts.

So far I've completed First-born's quilt (as of May 20-something), and I've blocked Middle-child's. Big One's isn't perfect, of course, but so far it's doing its job. Using natural cotton battling has produced a soft and manageable quilt, and Big One was delighted when he spotted some familiar fabrics harvested from the remains of outgrown mommy-jams and other familiar projects. I, for one, am glad I opted to go for the homemade every night when we curl up for story time in his new Big Boy Bed.

Now, if only I could actually convince the monster that people sleep under covers, and not just on them...

Kimono Tops

I have a number of sewing projects I keep meaning to share, and I just never get around to this blog it seems. However, I've found a moment of procrastination, so I'm popping in to share a little something.

So, I have a problem with the Good Doctor: I have no idea how to dress a summer baby. Big One was born in January, and Little One was born in October (in the middle of a swine flu outbreak, joy), so I'm used to bundling and swaddling and generally keeping itty bitties wrapped up. However, I have a feeling that just won't fly for our July Monster, and I've sought the help of friends with summer kiddos.

The general consensus is that parents don't usually dress summer babies in much of anything at all. One friend swore that her summer newborn wore a diaper alone for several months, and another said that they'd use only a shirt or a thin onsie. To give myself options I decided to keep the onsies and t-shirts handy ... and make a couple cute kimono shirts for a splash of color.

To make the "pattern" I used a purchased newborn kimono undershirt, and I used a few cottons I had sitting around. I didn't want to run out to the store for any supplies, because that's never good for my wallet, so I ended up using the ribbons and trims I had sitting around.




I knocked out the four shirts in a short afternoon - on my birthday, as a matter of fact, so Hubster watched the kiddos while I worked - and I'm generally pleased with the results. I have a hard time imagining such a small baby, so I'm hoping they'll fit once the Good Doctor actually arrives.

Time will tell, but into the hospital bag they go.

I really, seriously, have the sweetest boys in the world.

Time to clean up

I've always been very "strict" about picking up toys each night; our house is too small to accommodate a play room, so we end up with toys in all of our common areas. Well, when the Monsters go to bed it's time for the adults to reclaim our space, so everything gets tucked away.

I don't remember how old the Big One was when I started asking for his help in picking up, but at 3 he now picks up all of his own toys without assistance, and generally without complaint (although he is easily distracted if the TV is on...).

Tonight I asked him to pick up his toys and costumes, and he hopped to it lickity split; when I turned around to ask him again, like I'd usually have to do, I found that 95% of the toys were put away, and he was sitting on the couch happily. Then, while I was praising him for being such a good help, the Little One decided to pitch in with the remaining things. Without being asked the Little One slid off the couch and put the car he was holding in the toybox, picked a book off the floor and put it in the book basket, and then gathered two balls from under a table and put them away. Without one word of direction.

There was something singularly sweet about watching the little man pick up a few things - knowing where they were supposed to go - and the pride he took in helping out. When he was done he climbed back onto the couch to give me big hugs, and I smiled and laughed and told him what a good boy he is.

I'm sure to someone else these few minutes wouldn't mean much, but to me they show how quickly my boys learn, and how naturally sweet they really are.

I am thoroughly charmed by my own children.

Out of the Mouths of Monsters

I've come to realize that one of the reasons I find my children so hilarious is because they're always so earnest in what they have to say.

For example, I found the Big One standing outside my door after quiet time one afternoon. He apparently hadn't realized I was awake, because when I opened my bedroom door he looked at me with his big sweet eyes and said, "Are you ok, Mommy? I didn't scare you, did I? I didn't mean to scare you - it's ok, you're ok Mommy." There's something incredibly sweet about a 3-year-old trying to comfort you - especially when nothing's wrong.

He's also very found of my huge pregnant belly, and loves to talk about it. One day he placed his hand very gently on my belly and said very seriously, "That's a nice big belly, Mommy." He also asks me when he can play with the baby, and says he can't wait for his brother to come out. Me either, kid.

One of my favorite conversations with the Big One happened this week. We've recently had to gate-off the kitchen because the Little One insists on trying to climb into the oven, and neither of them likes it very much (but holy cow, has cooking become easier!). Both monsters were standing at one of the gates watching me, and the Big One and I were chatting. I responded to something he said with, "Ok, baby," and he just laughed at me.
"I'M not baby!"
"Yes you are," I smiled.
"I'm a BIG boy," he giggled.
"You'll always be my baby."
"Mommy. I'm the big boy." He then jerked a thumb at his little brother, standing at his side, "HE'S the baby."

Well, I guess you're right - but not for long, kiddos.


We're in for even more fun now that the Little One is starting to talk. His first full phrase? "Bacon, please." Another favorite is when we ask him where he's going or what he's doing; he never fails to respond with an innocent wide-eyed look, raised hands, and "I don't know!" in his sweet little voice.

I think they're working on their survival skills.