The Machine is back!

My sewing machine is finally back out of the shop, and I've been able to get some progress done on a couple of aprons. I was drafted to make a Mom/Daughter apron set for a Moms Club auction basket, and I decided to use the Sew Liberated Lola/Lolita pattern. The pattern is based off a homemade vintage apron that originally sold on Etsy. This is the Mom version, I've gotten about a third of the work done on the girl's version. I love the skirty bits, and this was my first time using bias tape for binding, so it was a good challenge for me. I'm also too young to really remember the rick-rack phase of the 70s, so it was fun for me to use it to get a vintagey feel.

And since I've been in an apron researching mood, I came across this new Vintage Vogue pattern that I can't wait to make up at some point:

I love the idea of a silk apron, especially if I had fabulous dinner party that required a silk apron for myself as hostess. Ah well, a girl can dream can't she? :)

Celebrations galore!

Sunday is a day of rest in our house and boy are we grateful for that rest this week! After 4 birthday, Halloween, and Harvest party celebrations this week, we need a break! Because I just can't resist, here are some photos of the boys in their costumes this week.

Noah and his friends were adorable as various superheroes at the Moms Club party. They are at that cute age where they all think they actually become the superhero when they put on the costume. Noah specifically asked me why he couldn't fly like Ironman. I mumbled something about not having a jet pack as I tried to control my laughter. The kids all ended up trying to fight like their superheroes too and the action noises were pretty hysterical.

I decided not to dress up for the church Harvest party and I regretted it when we arrived because many of the adults were in costume this year. This gave me the great idea to try the Sense and Sensibility e-patterns for next Halloween. I have always wanted to try a Regency pattern, but I have never had anywhere to wear them, so maybe if I get my act together, I can have a great costume next year! Of course, I will need lots of help from you Regency experts on the correct fabrics and such.

So, right about now I am pretty tuckered out from all the celebrating, and it appears that Nate felt the same way, since he fell asleep on the way home from one of the parties. Hope you had a Happy Halloween, Harvest, or whatever you celebrate! Here's to the beginning of a fantastic holiday season!

Halloweenie Preparations!

I've been tagged to do another survey type thing, but since I just did one, I'm going to do a couple other posts first. "Halloweenie" is my term for Halloween celebrations for little ones. And boy do we have a lot in the next couple weeks! We have parties and potlucks and decorating! To top it all off, I have again become a work widow as this is the season that Hubby works 60-80 hour weeks. Yup, the holidays are upon us!! If you don't hear from me, it is probably because I am in the kitchen baking (or wrestling with the boys :)!
One of my favorite memories with my Mom is decorating lots of cookies. This, in combination with the fact that Bryce mentioned I didn't really do enough baking to suit him last year, means I will be doing TONS this year. I may even have to temporarily abandon my sewing projects, but I don't know if I can bring myself to go that far!!

Last night Noah and I rolled out the Butter cookie dough and cut Halloween shapes (Nate has croup, so it was early to bed for him
:( ). Then this morning we decorated them using Royal icing and Wilton cake decorating sprinkles. I altered the icing recipe a little by adding a few drops of Glycerine which helps prevent the icing from turning into cement within a few minutes. I also added 2 teaspoons of almond extract which gives it a fantastic flavor!

The kiddos had a good time (as you can see from Mr. Cookie breath over there), although I did all the decorating and they did all the eating! But they are still young and I hope they will just remember that it is fun to spend time with Mommy.

Lastly, I have been making party favors for the Moms Club Halloween Party. These little "ghosts" or "pumpkin heads" are made by wrapping a pinked square of Halloween fabric around a lollipop and tying it tight with yarn. I painted faces on with puffy paint and voila! A cute favor for our celebration! Hope your preparations are equally delicious!

Alpaca Farm!

The boys and I visited an Alpaca Farm this morning with our Moms Group. I love farms!

Bambi the baby Alpaca

Petting the baby chicks! So sweet & soft!

Noah learning how to card Alpaca fur

Nathan's turn!

Feeding the Alpacas

Hey, Mommy, look at me! I'm climbing the hay!

Happy Friday!!