Nesting Part II: Letting the Creative Juices Flow

Well, this post is for my Mom. You see, for Christmas this year, she and my Dad got me my first sewing machine. I didn't burst into tears over it (as I did the new lens I got as a combined gift from Jacob, his parents, and my grandmother), but I wanted to show her I am excited about learning how to use it to create things: I LOVE creating things! This week passed quickly because I became pretty much addicted to creating new things! It's the whole nesting thing, I'm sure :)

So...I started by going to pick out some pretty vintage-y fabric. I had no idea what I would actually make with them - but I'm a sucker for some eye-candy, so it was fun to choose them!

My first project was to embellish some onesies. I had read about doing this on Jordan Ferney's blog "Oh Happy Day" quite some time ago...and decided to give it a whirl. I had some newborn sized little pants in yellow and green that were Sawyer's...but all of a sudden they didn't look "neutral" to me...so I decided to make something that would coordinate with the pants and make them a little more feminine. I love how the bird turned out. It might be hard to tell that the second one is a baby elephant. At least I made a cute headband to go with it, if no one can tell what it is!

I also got the itch to make some tutu's...so I made the lavender one below (plus headband) for a dear friend who is also expecting a baby girl a few weeks after me. And, of course, I made one for Aspen - although I'm still working on a headband to match her pink tutu.

Okay, I have to give myself a pat on the back for this one. I have never made an article of clothing before (besides Sawyer's Superman Cape for Halloween), and I found this cute dress pattern on the blog "Made by Rae". It's made for teeny tiny babies, so it should fit Aspen right away! I'm really proud of how it turned out, it being my first try and all. I embellished it a bit with some details...and yet another matching headband. This baby is going to be much more stylin' than I ever am!

I also got carried away "browsing" the shoppes on Etsy one day during Sawyer's nap. First, I was inspired by my friend, who made some amazing headbands recently for her upcoming baby girl, and then as I looked at all the boutiques on Etsy, I was like "WOW, I've got to try this for myself." Mostly, because I can't afford to buy one of theirs for $15-$30! I think Lou and Lou (on etsy) inspired me the most. I got a bunch of felt to try...but I ended up doing fabric and I really like how it turned out. I also did a simple adult-sized headband that could easily go along with hair thrown into a ponytail (most moms I know!) The one below is for a friend of mine...I will be making more!

I had my little model try the headband on, for size. He had been watching what I was doing and was pretty excited to try it on. I can't think of a way to make a boy-ish headband - maybe add some trucks or trains? Either way, he is a cute little model (and I hope his dad forgives me for turning him girly for a few minutes!)

Next project: The Nursing bag. My friend, who happens to also be our pediatrician (I was nanny to her 3 kiddos for a time)gave me this idea. Since Sawyer is still so little, she advised a bag like this with a few novel toys that I can bring out only when nursing the new baby. The thought is that it will be something special to look forward to and the hope is that Sawyer won't feel as pushed to the sidelines as I spend a great deal of time nursing the first little while. I thought it sounded like a good enough idea so, why not give it a try? I stocked the bag with just a few little things - most found at the $1 bins at Target. I thought the baby with a bottle might be fun in case he wanted to "feed" a baby alongside me. And I did splurge a little on the playmobil car and driver - I just couldn't resist! Sawyer has been really into owls lately, hence the owl on front of the bag. (I told Jacob is was a sneaky reference to "hooters" since, really, that is what nursing is all about, right? :)

Last, but not least, the ABC Blocks. I put bells in 3 of the blocks, for added fun. Sawyer already tested them out - he pitched them across the room. I figure, at least if he likes throwing them around - if he throws them at the baby, they are super soft. But, they are for the baby, mostly. Just a fun little experiment. I did so many experiments this week, and had a blast doing them! I really need to quit, though, because I need to get more rest. I really do!

Okay. Do you agree that Sawyer is going to be an awesome big brother, or what? He pointed at my belly today and said "Aspen, Aspen!" with a big smile. Maybe he knows something I don't...like when she's going to make her grand appearance? Any day now...or week...whenever...we'll sure be glad when she's here!

Now, I am off to order take-out. We're starting to celebrate my birthday tonight (don't want to break the Sabbath by going out to eat!) Originally, we were going to go out, but I haven't been feeling well today, so I'm opting to stay in and order out (from the Chinese Dumpling place up the street that everyone tells us they LOVE). Jacob is going to make me lettuce wraps and an ice-cream cake tomorrow, and we'll sing and do a few presents then. Happy 33rd birthday to me (& my twin sister, Tia!) We're getting SO old! (and I'm feeling old right now in my very preggo bod - but give me a few weeks and I'll be feelin' young again!)