Browsing Tag

Isabel

Birthday Time

New Items, Personal, Sales June 30, 2018

Has it really been another year already?

Tomorrow is the big day… Canada Day and my birthday!

This year feels like a big one. Thirty Five. 35.

Thirty Five is the year that your doctor informs you that your fertility is quickly declining and you are becoming of advanced maternal age. I joke, of course, but I have to admit I’m feeling the pressure of aging despite the fact that I also feel in the best physical health of my life. I’m active, I’m running, I’m feeling pretty good! But I’m also struggling with certain things, like a recent diagnosis of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is causing me to worry about my weight (needlessly, but it is a constant source of anxiety for me) and of course that constant question of whether or not I will (or can) have another baby.

This is a question I never considered. When I finally decided that we would have one child, I thought that would be it. It wasn’t until the last year or so that I really started thinking honestly about having a second. I love my life right now. Isabel is amazing and I can’t imagine life with another one of her running around. I’ve talked a lot about my thoughts on only having one child, but I’ve had some things happen in my personal life lately that have me reconsidering…

Stressing about grown up stuff is no fun… fertility worries, a new car payment, Isabel starting school, plus my usual neuroses has had me all out of sorts.  When I get in these slumps I find it so hard to focus on any specific task. I’ve been in the process of revamping my Grace & Bambi Patterns, two of my very first patterns, but I have had such a hard time just keeping my thought process running in a straight line that it’s taking me much longer than usual. My creativity runs like a fast flowing stream with millions of little tributaries running off in all directions… One thing leads to something else, which leads to another thing, which ends in nothing ever getting done.

So, I’m trying to get back to what I did two years ago, when I was in one of the deepest depths of my depression and anxiety… allowing myself time to do the things I like. Making new things when the inspiration hits. Taking pretty pictures. Eating chocolate cake. Picking wildflowers. Making the time to run or do yoga. And writing.

I’m also taking vacation for the first time since Isabel was born (she’s almost 4!). We’re going camping, just for two nights, but I’m looking forward to disconnecting and spending a few days in the woods.

And of course I’m running my annual Birthday Sale! Pretty much everything is 20% off. No coupon necessary in my Etsy Shops, but you can use coupon code Birthday20 to purchase patterns directly on my website. Sale ends July 4th!

Belle Undies & Camisole Pattern has arrived!

Baby, Design Diary, New Items May 18, 2018

It’s done! And I’m super late to post about it!

I made this pattern about two years ago when I started thinking about getting Isabel out of diapers. I’ve sewed it a lot. And since grading it in different sizes, I’ve sewn it for friends kids too!  This little pattern has gotten a lot of use around here.

The Belle Pattern is really easy. The trickiest part is sewing the fold over elastic, but if you’ve sewn with it before, these will be a breeze for you.

The instructions will walk you through how to sew the top with either a lace or FOE neckline. The undies are a super simple cut. Roomy, but perfect for under leggings and jeans.

I really hope you enjoy sewing these as much as I do. They are so quick to put together. It’s the perfect “my kid is napping and I want to make something” project. I currently have this pattern available in 2T-5T, but hope to release bigger kid sizes in the future.

You can purchase the pattern on Etsy or directly through my website!

Ohhh Lulu for Girls?

Baby, Dogs, New Items, Sewing Patterns, Videos March 23, 2018

I reluctantly decided upon parenthood. I was always more the “cool aunt” type but I’ve got to admit, I love being a parent and 3 year olds, despite their tantrums and attitude, are pretty awesome. One of the things I love most about having a kid, is sewing for kids!!!

When Izzy started potty training (glad that’s a thing of the past), I started making her her own undies (naturally). A couple years ago for Christmas, I made her up a bunch of matching cami and underwear sets. She really loved them and I did too. So recently, I decided to dive into the world of childrens pattern grading. I have ZERO experience grading for kids, so this was an endeavour for me!

The patterns aren’t quite ready yet, but they will be soon. I wanted to give a little sneak peek of what you can expect.

Izzy is kind of (ok, seriously) obsessed with YouTube videos. The other day she was quietly playing by herself, chatting away, when I caught her say “Let me know in the comments!” She was acting out her own little video. What a ham. So I asked her if she wanted to co-host one of mine, which she did. So, here it is. We talk about chickens. Izzy loves chickens. Our new puppy Leah also makes a guest appearance.


Speaking of puppy, look at her! I took a few photos a few weeks ago and she has already changed so much! Her ears are entirely pointy now and she’s getting quite the little personality. She’s a snuggler, but a bit bossy around Oliver. I’m looking forward to starting training classes with her soon.

Welcome home

Baby, Dogs, Personal February 8, 2018

When I brought home Oliver 10 years ago I was living alone in Toronto. I had a beautiful corner apartment on Eglinton Avenue with lovely old hardwood floors and black and white tiled bathroom. I had just broken up with my live-in boyfriend and was on my own. It wasn’t my first time living on my own in the city, but it was the first time I felt like I was really doing it on my own. I’m pretty proud of that time of my life.

Oliver very quickly became the absolute love of my life. How can you not fall in love with a little pug-baby? That squishy face is only topped by his hilarious personality. That dog went everywhere with me.

Oliver and I have been through so much together. We’ve been through really hard times… Really, really shitty things. We’ve also done really fun things. Road trips, hikes, camping trips (not his favourite), Christmas dinners, my wedding… He has just been the best companion.

Over the last year Oliver has really started to show his age. It breaks my heart to even consider the fact that one day I’m going to wake up and he’s not going to be there to greet me with a snort and a sneeze. That’s the worst part about dogs. You know that one day they won’t be able to be with you any more.

I now have to carry him up and down stairs, carry him outside to go pee, and follow him around the house looking for accidents since the poor guy can’t seem to control his hind end anymore. I don’t mind the extra work, but I hate to see his body failing. It breaks my heart.

Isabel turned 3 in October. I can’t believe she’ll be starting school in the fall. This is about the time most parents start thinking about adding a second child to their family. We think about it. I think about it a lot. The truth is, it took a long time for Isabel to come into this world, and although I wouldn’t say we’re “trying” (more like, “trying to not care about trying”) I’m skeptical that a second babe is in our future…

Kids aren’t something I thought I’d ever have. I always pictured myself independent, on my own, more of the “cool aunt” type. But Isabel is my life and I’m so glad I decided to give parenthood a try.  A second baby would be warmly welcomed but I’m also 100% happy with how life is now. More so, I feel concern for Isabel. Any parent, or prospective parent knows, the pressure you feel from the world, from unwanted advice, always makes you question your abilities and choices. I always hear, “You can’t only have one!” and “I know an only-child and she has so many issues!” (Full disclosure: the only-children I know are all wildly successful individuals who I really admire. My best friend growing up, my cousin who is like my sister, a friend of my husband who is a wicked mom and runs an art gallery…) Although I’m happy with Isabel, who is my life and my world, I worry that she’ll be missing out on having a sibling.

This leads me to Leah.

I had been wanting a puppy for a while and am always researching breeds and checking out shelters, but I was concerned about how a puppy would get on with Oliver, who has mobility issues and is generally a grump around other dogs.  But when we saw some Boston Terrier/Pug mix puppies come up locally we decided to jump at the opportunity.

Sure, a puppy isn’t a substitute for a sibling, but I know from experience that dogs are the best companion anyone could ask for. And I know that Olivers time is coming… maybe not for a while, but it’s on the horizon, and I’m not sure how I’d get out of bed if not for a little wet nose nudging me out for a walk.

So here she is! Little Leah. Isabel named her. She’s pretty sweet… 3/4 boston and 1/4 pug. She’s a lazy little thing who has quick bursts of energy. She’s funny, incredibly snuggly and loves to be carried. I’m looking forward to the bitey-puppy stage to come to an end, but I’m enjoying the puppy snuggles. Oliver is doing pretty good, although Leah really wishes he would play with her. I often catch them snuggling together during nap time. She’s a smart little thing and already knows how to “sit” though potty training is going a little slow… We start some training classes soon.

The puppy has made things a little extra busy around here but I’m fortunate enough to be home all day with her most days. She has settled in really well to our little family. I’m looking forward to spring and teaching her to run with me.

Post-Halloween

Uncategorized November 3, 2015
I love halloween! I love ghost stories and candy and dressing up… it’s just the best. One of the best parts of having a kid is being able to re-live that feeling that surrounds the holidays.
We didn’t go out trick or treating. Isabel is still a little young and I don’t need to eat any more chocolate than I already fit into my diet.  But, we did dress her up and went for a long, fall walk, and even let her have a piece of candy or two.
I made her dress using Puperita’s Hula Hoop Dress Pattern. It’s  a great little pattern that goes together easily. I made some alterations to the pattern. I didn’t line it, and instead just used bias tape around the neckline.  It buttons up the back, but I used KAM snaps instead because I really hate sewing button holes… I also added a 3 layer skirt, with the top layer being made of spiderweb netting. I cut the hem jagged for an extra witchy look.

I also made her striped leggings using Brindille & Twig’s Legging Pattern. It literally takes minutes to sew. I use fold over elastic around the waist.

Maybe I’m biased, but she’s definitely the cutest little witch I’ve ever seen!

Happy Birthday Isabel

Uncategorized October 31, 2015
We celebrated Isabel’s birthday last weekend with friends and family. I have to admit, I was never much into planning parties or get togethers, so before I had Isabel I was a little nervous I’d be disappointing in the Birthday Party Department. Turns out, planning parties is pretty fun, and a great excuse to make CRAFTS!
Cake topper from Cuts of Confetti
It was also a nice chance to get people together in our house for one last time before we move. It’s feeling a little bittersweet; on to bigger, better things, but leaving behind a cute, little house I love!
I had a bit of a food-fiasco with my icing. I attempted a Martha Stewart recipe and failed miserably… I ended up sending Dan to the grocery store for several tins of icing. I should have just done that in the first place. I’m good at making lots of things, baking (besides the basics) is not really my forte.  Regardless, it was still delicious and I have eaten WAY TOO MUCH left over cake.

“I can walk if you hold my hand!”
I made Isabel a dress for her big day using Rabbit Rabbit Creation’s Hummingbird Dress.  I made it pretty fancy, with a lined sequin top and full cut chiffon skirt. I edged the top in fold over elastic so that the sequins wouldn’t rub against her skin. I really like this dress. It took hardly any time to sew and looks so cute on. I plunked Isabel down in front of a mirror while she was wearing it and her eyes went wide, she started giggling and fluffing the skirt around. My kid already loves to play dress up (which is great, because it’s one of those silly things I love about having a kid).

Proud parents!
So, I made quite a few things for her party, but the thing I’m most proud of is this little time capsule I’ve put together for her to open on her 18th birthday. I asked guests to write little notes or memories for Isabel, included some family photos, the sleeper the wore home from the hospital, the dress she wore to the party (which I made) and her party hat (also made by me), among other little momentos.  I think it will be a nice way for us to reflect when she is older, especially since she will not have any memory of this first year of her life! 

The other fun thing I did was set up a photo booth. I happen to have a backdrop stand and tripod, which I use for my business. So, I set it up with some dark blue batik and glittery gold, pink and silver stars. It was a nice way to get photos with (most of) our family.

And of course, Isabel got to have some cake….
 I honestly don’t know where this year has gone! When people say “they grow up fast” they really mean it. It feels like just yesterday she did nothing but want to nap in my arms. Now she barely stays still! I kind of miss those newborn days, but it is so much fun watching her grow up. Thanks for humouring me with all of my baby posts. I’m terribly proud and love to share!

A Podcast + Getting Personal

Uncategorized October 21, 2015
I get really nervous about the thought of actually talking to people, which is funny because I’m pretty much an open book. Not much is off limits with me… But once the initial jitters wear off, it can sometimes be hard to stop talking! A while back I had the opportunity to do an interview with Reyna Lay, for The Reyna Lay Designs Podcast. It was so much fun chatting with her, I could have gone on for hours! I’d love it if you had a listen to our discussion. I talk a bit about juggling business + baby, plans for the future, and some tips on sewing lingerie.  Reyna is also having a pattern give away and is offering a coupon code for my Pattern Shop… But you’ve got to visit her site for all of that info!
On the topic of Podcasts… Have I told you yet how obsessed I am with Podcasts? When Isabel was a few months old she was having some serious nap issues, so I would put her in the stroller or the carrier and I would walk her all around the city… To keep my very tired mind occupied I started listening to Podcasts. First, I got hooked on Skeptoid. I’m a bit of a science nerd and skeptic (but I also love the paranormal and Bigfoot), so I devoured every single episode. Then I binged on Skeptics Guide… Then onto Criminal, Quackcast, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Sawbones, Oh No Ross and Carrie (MY FAVOURITE! I LOVE THEM!), Limetown, Nightvale, Lore, Stuff Your Mother Never Told You, Grown Ups Read Things They Wrote as Kids… I am constantly listening.  If you follow me on twitter, you may know that I suffer from insomnia. Well, there’s a podcast for that. Ok, it doesn’t stop me from waking up at 2am, but Sleep With Me Podcast does actually get me to go to sleep most of the time (and even when it doesn’t, at least I get a good laugh). Anyone else listen to any of these? Podcasts have seriously saved my sanity. Being a mom involves a lot of not-exactly-exciting moments (I love you, Izzy). Podcasts are an excellent way to feel mentally stimulated while also tending to a drooling, biting, maniacal little human. I’m excited about Reyna’s Podcast, as there aren’t really a lot of sewing related podcasts.
Life as a whole has been extremely busy lately. Today is Isabel’s birthday (my little girl is one already!) and I’ve been planning a birthday and doing lots of crafting. We’ve been busy with lots of projects around the house, and business has been very good. To make life a little more challenging, we also decided to buy a house and sell ours, kind of impulsively. Things were going really smoothly at first, but we’ve run into a few bumps over the last few days that have me second guessing the whole thing…  I’m at that point where I’ve been going-going-going, and just reaching my breaking limit. As I’ve learned with our first foray into real estate,  there are a million things that can go wrong with a sale and purchase, so I’m trying to not count my chickens before they hatch.  But it’s hard.
One of the other things we managed to squeeze in was a family photoshoot. Dan surprised me for our anniversary by hiring a photographer to take some candid photos of us! It was such a nice surprise and I am so happy to have these momentos of this special time with Isabel. It really is true, the first year flies by. I saw a newborn baby while I was out with Isabel today, and I can hardly even remember what that was like. It’s like it goes by in the blink of an eye… now my girl is starting to walk, pointing at the dog and shouting “DOH!”, and giving big, wet kisses.  I want to give a big, heartfelt thanks to Naomi from Shutter Owl Photography for spending the afternoon with us and capturing us in all of our glory. Isn’t Oliver a ham? He loves to model.
Oliver is in the midst of “crazy pug” (if you have a pug you know exactly what I’m talking about).

Oliver strikes a pose.

My handsome man and beautiful daughter

My mini-me! The most important person in the world.

Sewing outside my comfort zone

Uncategorized August 21, 2015
Large scale projects scare me. I’m not the most precise sewist when it comes to sewing for myself, and I usually shy away from sewing large scale items.  But, I felt like stepping outside my sewing comfort zone and trying something new. Isabel has been great inspiration to try new sewing endeavours!
One of the things I love most about being a mom (besides slobbery baby kisses, which is Isabel’s new favourite thing), is getting to relive all of the things you loved as a kid!  When I was little, I loved playing with play food (which is funny because as an adult, food-prep is one of my least favourite things, but I do love to eat!), playing with dolls, doing arts and crafts and… forts!  So, I decided to try my hand at making a play-tent.
I used the tutorial on Make-It Love-It to make the frame. It worked out really well, but I’m going to add another 1×2 board across the bottom to add some stability). To make the fabric tent portion, I roughly followed the tutorial on Make-It Love-It, but instead of doing a flat front and back opening, I added gathers and a binding along the top.  I used clearance fabric from my local fabric shop. It’s a pink ombre eyelet fabric. I layered it overtop of ivory broadcloth. It’s not too heavy, and feels so pretty inside when the light shines through the lace. I seriously love being inside this tent and kind of wish I had one in my living room to hang out in! This tent wasn’t exactly cheap to make, since I used 5 yards of lace and 5 yards of broadcloth, but you could easily find a more inexpensive fabric, or use a sheet like they suggested in the tutorial.
As you can see, Isabel is pretty darn happy with it. I put a fluffy, faux-fur rug inside along with some of her toys. She spent a good portion of this morning chasing Oliver in and out of the tent, giggling the whole time.

“I love my tent!”
I used 4′ dowels and 4′ lengths of 1×2 and it made a surprisingly large tent! It takes up a good portion of Isabel’s small room, but that’s ok! who needs space when you’ve got a tent as cool as this?

I really, really, really want to make myself a tent. I’m just trying to figure out how to rearrange the living room to make one fit!