Instead of unpacking.

Like most undisciplined people, I am most inspired when I have an unpleasant or boring task ahead of me. Every room in my house needs unpacking and cleaning still.

Sling #5. Addie is shocked by the paparazzi. 

I chose this picture because of Addie's "shocked" face. The real reason for the picture though is the sling she's sitting in. I found a "peanut" sling pattern online by accident and I was obligated [by no one but me] to try it. It only took 1/2 hour from go to woah, which makes it a very pleasant project. 

This one is made from two fabrics so that it would have enough strength. As you can see I didn't bother to find complimentary prints. The big flowers are from a sheet, bought at St Vinnies, and the small flowers are from a piece of  seersucker that I bought from Vinnies also. Total cost of fabric was under $3! 

If you're not keen on making your own sling but want one, the website who supplied the pattern, Karma Baby, make some very exxcellent slings that they sell so check them out!

Addie is a big fan of the bright small flowers, which helps her like this sling. Its easy to put on - certainly much faster and more simple than any other kind.  Addie likes sitting up in it, but I need to have an arm around her because she has a bad habit of throwing herself backwards. I think she wouldn't actually fall out, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. The weight distribution is just like that of the ringsling, so it could be better, but is no problems for up to 1/2 hour periods. 

This is the sling I'll take with me when I need to pop in and out of the car with the baby, but want some hands free. 

The original state of the dress. I'm sad bc I feel a bit frumpy in it.

Another thing that I did tonight was cut up my green dress. This was bought from Vinnies for $4 a year ago. It is made by Target [or at least their sweatshop slaves] and is size 16. I have previously put some tucks in the bodice to make it fit my size 12 body, and while there are some great things about it, I"ve never been quite happy with it. I decided to cut it into a skirt today, until inspiration hit me!

The new much cuter dress.

I cut off the spaghetti straps and waist ties. I had to reinforce the waist, so that it would keep it's shape after the ties were removed. I used the ties to make sleeveless sleeves [there has to be a better way of describing them] in a 1950's type shape.

The back.

The back comes down to a V, with the widest part of the ties/sleeves here.

The new front. Sophisticated and flattering. I think.

As you can see the top is more covered and I've added a belt. The belt is great for pretending that I don't have a flabby post-baby belly poking out. Its amazing how much difference a contrasting colour can make! The dress originally had the ties in the same place, but it only made me look a little frumpy. I'm excited about wearing it now!! The crossover front means that I can easily breastfeed in it, which is very handy.

Thanks to Lucy, my dressmaker's model for demonstrating the dress for me, as Andrew wasn't home and Addie just doesn't have the fine motor skill to be good at photography yet.