Let The Wild Rumpus Start!

Happy Halloween, kids ;)

After a couple of days of basically abandoning my blog, I've done it -- I finished J's costume!

This was the first time I've done any such elaborate sewing project, my model was very finicky about letting me fit him, and I was following a YouTube video for instructions, so it's definitely a little wonky. But hopefully the imperfections will just add to the charm. I also made a crown and scepter, so I'll have to post photos later of the whole get-up.

As I was sewing, I randomly hearkened back to one of my favorite episodes of The Cosby Show. Remember in Season 1, when novice designer Denise offered to help Theo out by sewing him a copy of a Gordon Gartrelle shirt so he could impress his girlfriend? Hilarity inevitably ensued:

When I watched that scene tonight I think I laughed just as hard as I ever did when Theo ran in and screamed "DENISE!!!" Awesome.

Anywho, I hope J doesn't look quite as wack when he tries on his Max costume to go Trick-or-Treating! I'll keep you posted.

While we're on the topic, what are you doing for Halloween? Please share!

Ebay Excitement

I just won this antique sewing machine on Ebay! It dates to 1872! I only want it for the table/cover. I will be detaching the original machine and replacing it with my new Janome, which I started using for the first time yesterday. I actually sewed another dress from the same pattern I used last time, but with different fabric...I'll have to post a couple of pictures as soon as I've finished hemming it and making the buttonholes!

Three DIY Things I'm Loving Today

Adorable apron patterns from Sew Liberated.

Make-your-own gorgeous felt play food with patterns from Julyhobby.

Via Museum of Happiness.

Book racks made from rain gutters! Via Ohdeedoh.

Weekendy Links

Image via Tralalere.

I'm spending a lot of time here, looking for last-minute baby-name inspiration.

Looks like the baby will be a Virgo. Maybe I should buy this groovy vintage zodiac poster. Via Mondmelodie.

Should I succumb to my desire to paint a wall the Kitchen with blackboard paint? Here's some of my inspiration.

I'm loving these 10 Breastfeeding Slogans.

Now that I have a sewing machine, I feel like tackling this beautiful ring-sling DIY.

Shhhh, don't tell, but the Kiddo might have this to look forward to as a gift from his new sibling.

Read this awesome essay on the importance of play, and why babies are smarter than you think.

Chic, breastfeeding-friendly fashion + 70%-off sale = MUST HAVE. Thanks for the tip, Katie!

And one last thing: I just wanted to express my gratitude for all the love and support that my readers have bestowed upon me throughout this pregnancy. I cannot tell you how much each and every comment means to me, and I'm sorry that I am not always able to respond to each one individually. Just know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for hanging around on this little corner of cyberspace and helping to make it a warm, fun, and friendly place. I'm signing off for the weekend now, but if I don't have the baby in the next couple of days, I'll see you back here with some Monday Blog Love. XOXO. Leigh

I did it!

I sewed something! I finished this little pinafore in part two of my sewing class today! I'm so excited and satisfied with the outcome. Even though it was a really simple, basic project I just feel incredibly empowered -- like I really can learn to make clothes!

In related news, my new sewing machine arrived yesterday! I can't wait to unpack it and make something else...

Stitchy Stitchy Yay!

I've been away from the blog today, as my creative impulses were directed elsewhere -- namely towards the continued pursuit of learning how to sew!  I took another class at Make this afternoon, the first in a two-part workshop that will result in the creation of a little garment that looks something like this: 

I had oodles of fun!  So much fun, in fact, that I ran home and ordered this: 

There's no turning back or chickening out or procrastinating now!  I'm on my way to setting up a home sewing nook...