Little Pretties

It was another really great week visiting my parents. We didn't shop, we didn't go out to eat, in fact, we hardly left the house. Perfect. We made lots of messes, but they were "productive puddles" so, it was OK.
I worked on my 4th in a series (pictures to follow) of this top. The ruffle really took me forever (especially working in 15 min. increments), but I think I'm really going to like it. Though no one would ever really describe me as a "ruffly girl" (or lanky, for that matter, but oh well.), I think it's fun for a change. The other 3 tops like this I've made have been sans ruffle.
I also made some more diapers. It was a flannel sheet windfall. Mom ripped it with her big toe. (funny image), so I got, or rather Ellie got the spoils.
I also worked on my sock, ransacked Mom's trims and buttons for other projects. All in all it was a productive, fun week. As you can see, my usually so tidy Frances got in on the fun. She's such a tidy little girl. Obviously not inherited from her Memsie or Mama.

Labels: crafting with kids, sewing

Well, this is the fruit of our visit to my parents' for the week. Though they are only half finished, these little pieces represent a week's worth of "papa's" hard work. While we were inside sewing, crafting and playing, we heard the sound of sanding, hammering and drilling (oh, and loud, LOUD talk radio.) You see, Papa was busy restoring these pieces to their former glory--and even better. The little cabinet was a Christmas gift to the girls. It had to be refinished and now "Memsie" wants to pain on it. It'll be so cute holding Franny's tea set and other sundry items. It's so special b/c she used to play with it when she was a little girl--and her grandfather made it for her. Watching our girls play with it will really be a joy.
The other piece was an oven that Dad made for me. When I saw this from Land of Nod, I got the great idea that Dad should re-do it for the kids. (umm..let's be serious...i'm not spending more on a toy than my actual kitchen appliances cost! yikes!) Though I couldn't really imagine what all would be involved, my Dearest Dad threw himself into the project. It will be complete with fixtures, a little sink and everything. It's gonna be fab! My dad is awesome! Now if I can just get Frances to wait until the're finished--she keeps asking to "cook now, Mom..."

Labels: crafting with kids, gift

Those of us who live in cold climates and have kids know February can really linger. Who knew the shortest month is really the longest? Especially since we've gotten this cold snap in Illinois. I'm really kind of a cold-weather wimp, but luckily, I can blame not going out in sub-zero temps. on little Eleanor, who cannot argue with me. Though, truthfully, she does tend to cry in the extreme cold.
So, we have had to come up with lots of indoor crafts. Pipe cleaner/wooden bead jewelry was one of those crafts.

Labels: crafting with kids, winter