On growing

I mentioned yesterday that I am getting nice and round lately.  A bit like a beached whale.  But the good news is, my babies are unbelievably healthy and they're growing fast.

We took a little trip to some local greenhouses recently, to see actual plants grow.  Since Spring around here is just pure mud, it was fun to pretend that things were nice and warm for a little while.  My kids went crazy looking at all the plants.  They got to help their grandpa repot a few and they were so tickled.  :)

Speaking of growth. This girl.

Who said she was allowed to grow up?  She's still small in comparison to other kids her age, but she's definitely getting taller and her little mind is growing and picking up on things all the time.  I've loved watching her learn to read.  And watching her in turn read to her siblings.  (mwahahaha)  It's the greatest thing.

I made Lila this dress for Easter and gave it to her early since who knows how this year will play out with these babies coming.  I came up with the idea for this dress a year ago and I found this buttery soft silky fabric at Joann last year on sale, cuz you know how I do.



I started with the Caroline Party Dress pattern by MHC, then I modified it by taking length off the cap sleeves and drafting my own sleeves.  Like I said, Idaho springs are rather wet and muddy....sometimes still snowy, so I wanted the dress to be "springy" without be impractical.


The sleeves have a tiny bit of a puff instead of being "fitted."   This gives a little wiggle room in the arm space so my girl doesn't feel like she's wearing a straight jacket.  Cuz who likes that?

I also used more fabric for the skirt than the pattern calls for.  I think that I tripled it, so that it would have a ton of puffiness.  Just for fun.  My girls always love to spin and flounce, so it was fun to make this dress twirl.  



I also lined the dress and I kind of wish I hadn't.  The fabric was a tiny bit see through so I thought I'd put something in, but I didn't use quite as much material, so it kind of ruins the spin effect for pictures....not that that's what it's all about or anything. ;)

Even though I really don't get a lot of chances to sew anymore.  (Something  or rather 2 something's have come between me and my machine....literally)  But I wanted to take a quick chance before things get chaotic.  When I actually do take the time, I love to sew something that my kids will love.  And Lila does love this dress.  So I guess that's my "signature style" right now.  (The Project Run & Play challenge this week)  I find that I'm less driven by what I would wear or what I like than what I know will make my kids happy to wear.  And in this rather crazy phase of our families life, it feels nice for me to give any of my kids something concrete.  They can wear it and know that their Mommy took the time to make them something because she loves them.  At least, that's what I hope they understand.  Because, boy, do I love my little people to pieces.

The art of lounging

Well, that was a particularly awkward blog pause.  Not intentional, but you guys, I'm so pregnant.  I'm beginning to fully comprehend that a twin pregnancy means that I am going to be the size of a beluga whale.  What fun.  I'm easily bigger than any of my other pregnancies full term.  Which is so great considering I've got like 10 weeks left.  Yikes.  

But that's not why you're here is it?  I just had to tell you anyway, because pregnant life this time around has changed the course of our family priorities.  Life has gotten so very loungey.  My spell check claims that's not a word, but it is, I tell you. Loungey is, in essence, the art of the lounge. Comfy clothes, lay down, take a nap.  And since I do it, my kids do it.  But they play while they do.  Which is why Ezra was in need of some perfect lounge pants. 

Plus, boy has sensitive skin (think exema rashes all along the back of his legs).  We try to keep it down (this lotion works especially well) but the rash flairs up in the winter, so basically anything not made of knit fabric is persona non grata to this kid.  He calls jeans "cold pants."  He itches and itches unless he's got on comfy sweats and it's just not worth the battle most days.  Especially when I'm basically on bed rest and we're staying home having a Wild Kratts marathon.  Again.  ;)

Enter the Mini Hudson Pants.  Perfectly loungerific.  (I defy you, spell check).  

I've heard a lot about this pattern and I can really see why.  Comfy, but cute pants for your kids.  You can still run (or waddle, in my case) to the grocery store and know that your child has a little style goin' on.  That's important for all those grocery checkers to see.  ;)

Pros:

Fast and easy.  This pattern comes together quickly.  So quickly in fact, that I cut out and sewed two more pairs in one afternoon.  That's saying a lot for me.  The instructions are clear and their is no hemming. That's always a plus! Sizing was perfect.  According to the size chart, Ezra was a size 5 exactly and the pants fit him spot on with a little room to grow.  Another pro is that this is a unisex pattern that ranges from sizes 2-10.  Plenty of room for my kids to grow and the options are endless.  

Cons:  

Because this is a unisex pattern, the end result looked a touch feminine on Ezra.  I think that's my fault more than the the patterns.  If I'd used sturdier, thicker knit, the pants would have looked more masculine on him. (But I was using free knit fabric and you can't beat free, right?  Plus this fabric is extra soft.)  Another small con would be that if you're not familiar with sewing with knit, this might be a little difficult.  But if you're interested in learning, this is a great place to start!  

Overall though, I'm happy with the pattern.  Anything that comes together this fast and that my son will wear while he lounges, plays or has "animal battles" with his toys is a a win in my book!