Author: Shannon

In between running around like a wild man and his blossoming career as a soliloquinarian Liam was actually still for long enough for me to get a few shots of him for a change.  The first shot was the only organic one and I probably should have stopped there…

He looks so grown-up to me here:

I asked for a smile, and I got one.

I wish I could describe just how Liam this shot is.  When he’s emphatically telling a story and he pauses for full effect he purses his lips like this.  What do you know?  I guess I *can* describe just how Liam this shot is…

He’s a grinnin’ fool!

“Hey Mama!  I’m smiling just like you asked me to do!  Have I smiled enough, yet?  Huh?  Huh?”

Full of wonder.

My precious boy.

It was so nice to get a few shots of my Doodlebug for once.

Here are some pictures I caught recently of Matt and Paige.  So far she may not look too much like Matt, but she’s got so much of him in her.  These pictures are definitive proof of that fact.  The pictures say it all.

What can I say?  Like Daddy, like Daughter.

I know it’s been a while since I have posted any updates to my rapidly growing list of sewing projects but I have a good excuse:  I got TWO new machines and I’ve been busy figuring things out!  My grandparents and parents decided to give me birthday presents (5 months early) and I now have a new sewing machine and a new serger!  Yay!  My old machine gave up the ghost (and produced tears) while I was working on this:

I used the “Faux Chenille Blanket” tutorial found here.   As she says in the tutorial, this project was extremely time-consuming (although after I got up and running with my new machine I discovered that I was able to stitch at about twice the speed, so that helped a great deal) but I just LOVE how it turned out and I’m declaring it worth it.  Here are some close-ups:

Next up was my first attempt at an adult garment.  I used the “Spring Ruffle Top” tutorial found here (minus the pockets) to make a top for my mom.  It turned out really well and fits her like it was made for her (because it was)!

I just love the back:

Next up was a simple refashion.  I had a *really* long skirt that was also far too big in the waist, so I added elastic at the top, did a titch of shaping along the sides, added some straps and a sash, and voila!  A dress!

This one was originally intended to be for me, but when I showed it to my mom she fell in love (and it fits her better to boot).  Ask and you shall receive, Mom!

I have so many more projects in my queue that it keeps me up nights as I think of new ways to do things and new things to do.  I’m having such a blast and I’m so grateful that my family decided to treat me to some early birthday presents so I could continue to let the creative juices flow.

Thanks, y’all!

Yesterday Jessica, Olivia, and Walker came over to hang out for most of the day.  The original plan was to go to the Gardens and let the kids hang out in the splash area but with a potential heat index of 110 and air quality alerts added on to the fact that Paige still isn’t 100% we decided to move the party indoors.  There was a whole lot of energy in our house yesterday!

Reading to Paige:

The boys spent a large portion of the day hiding under various blankets and jumping out at each other.

They found this hilarious.

Apparently when you’re 3 there’s not much better than a tickle attack.

See?

Hilarity for all involved…

Building a golf course:

Random Paige break:

Paige does LOVE a good necklace:

More blanket fun:

Olivia made sure to keep Paige entertained:

Aaaannnnd, we’re back to the boys and the blanket:

Cousin It Redux:

The reveal:

HELLLLLOOOOOO!

Liam prepares for Round Two while Walker mugs for the camera:

If only I could get pictures this good of my own kids…maybe I should hand Jessica the camera next time.  Because come on, does it get much cuter than this?

Pickin’ up the Liam and boppin’ him on the head:

How adorable is this?

And this?

“Hey, Walker?  Whatcha got there?”

Ice Cream!

Train Time!

Next up was a little Mario Kart:

Such anticipation:

Aaaaaannnnnd, they’re off!

Such fervor:

Such concentration:

Such glee!  (So much glee, in fact, that Walker was unable to remain seated…)

Well done, everyone!

It’s been WAY too long since we got together and we’re hoping to do it again very soon!

This past week I tackled another first.  I made a bonnet for Paige (using THIS pattern).  I’m in love.  I definitely learned a few things on the first go-round but I’m still really pleased with the result.

Peekaboo!

Paige’s favorite detail was the tie:

Nom, nom, nom…

Hooray for bonnets!

Next up was another pair of sleep pants for Liam.  As requested, it was time to break out the guitar fabric.

I gave cuffs a shot this time, as well.

And of course, pockets!

Ideal for lounging (while playing with a laptop with your toes…):

Fantastic for leaning:

Perfect for hanging out with your baby sister:

Wonderful for reading with Dad:

And best of all?  Made for (quite literally) wearing to Pajama Day at summer camp!

About a week ago I received some “boy fabric” I’d ordered.  I made the mistake of showing it to Liam and he proceeded to list for me a roster of the order in which he wanted pants made out of each fabric.  His first request was for the “fire truck fabric” (which is actually red pickup truck fabric) so I set to work.  I love making things for Paige but it is nice to get a little appreciation in return and Liam loves the mess out of these pants.

I decided that I would try making my first pockets and I think they turned out fabulously well!

I had a little panic (after I’d already cut them out, of course…) about making a flat-front and what that would do to the width of the pants (since the last pair fit perfectly, but without much room for error in that department).  I ended up cutting out strips of the truck part of the fabric, patching them together, and then stitching them in a strip down the sides of the legs.  I’m declaring it a ‘happy accident’ because I love the stripe!

During the course of making these pants I drew blood with several pins and incurred a burn after the iron shot hot water out of the steam spout all over my hand (at which point Matt, who was sitting in the next room, proceeded to immediately order a new iron for me since this isn’t the first time this has happened).  In case giving birth to him wasn’t enough I’ll be able to tell him that I also put blood, sweat, and tears into making clothes for him…literally.

It was worth it.