Weekend Creations

The past weekend, I spent some much needed time with my sewing machine.  I stopped sewing last October when I went on bed rest for the first time, and I just didn't bother picking back up again over the holiday season.  My mistake!

I had so much fun with my machine!  I managed to make two pairs of overalls for Noah, based on an old Simplicity pattern that I picked up for a dollar after Adrienne was born.  I omitted the snap tape, though, because I don't like, and don't use, snaps once the kid is old enough to "help" me by getting his legs into the pants.  I also sewed both ends of the straps instead of using buttons because Noah tends to try to eat them.  I'd rather he not be constantly distracted by trying to eat his clothing! 

Here he is modeling a pair that I made out of flannel, and below is a pair made of a thin corduroy with a patch I found on sale at JoAnn's a few days ago.

I also managed to make a skirt for Adrienne out of some fabric I've had lying around for about six months.  I didn't have a pattern, so I based it on a tutorial from Two Little Banshees. 

What did I learn from this weekend of sewing?  Other than that I was foolish to consider taking such a long break from a hobby that I love?  Well, I have decided that extra details such as top-stitching and double-stitched hems really do make a difference on the finished product.  Instead of looking half finished, these projects look well-sewn and polished.

Our Favorite Valentine Craft

I know it's late, but I didn't want to post our favorite Valentine's Day activity before it arrived at the homes of grandparents and aunts.  This activity took up an entire day, and Adrienne (and Noah) absolutely loved it.  For once, both children were more excited about a craft than I was!

We bought some Crayola Model Magic because it air dries and feels really good on little hands.  It rolls smoothly, breaks easily, and I love its stretchy quality.  Noah can use it easier than Sculpey or salt clay, and after it dries, it has a spongey texture.  In any event, I like it, and the children do, too.

We made pendants for each of our grandmothers, aunts, and one for Adrienne and myself.  We then had enough clay left over to make approximately 50 beads.  Here are some pictures of the kiddos making their beads.

We then waited for the beads to dry, and played several counting games with them.  Adrienne enjoyed counting them out into lines of ten, and we also experimented with some patterning.  All in all, I think our pre-math bead games lasted 45 minutes.

After that, it was time to string the beads onto the laces, which again took forever.  For some reason, Adrienne really loves stringing beads, and it occupies her full attention for a long time.

Here's a picture of the finished product that we promptly mailed off to relatives.