What's your story? #2

This card has a photograph of an older balding man looking down on an infant with his hand in his mouth, looking up at the man. The question is,

How do you feel about getting older?

What an excellent question! To begin with, let me tell you how I feel about old things. If you've read my blog I think that you'll see that I love old things. In particular things from the 1950's - 1970's, but generally I like old things. I love the unspoken stories behind the objects, the history that they contain. I love the beauty that is so often rich in them, and the enduring quality that will make them useful for many years to come.

I like a lot of older people. I like their stories, their humour, and wealth of knowledge. I am amused by the fact that [as a general rule] they are less worried about being 'liked' and say whatever it is that they want to say, no matter how rude. I don't agree with them a lot of the time, but I find them highly amusing.

So how do I feel about getting older?

I started to think about this when I turned 25 and realised that a quarter of a century had whizzed by, and had the inkling that the next quarter would pass even quicker. The weight of my own mortality was heavy - for about a day! While I have certainly lived at least a quarter of my life [more now] its also likely that I have lived half, three quarters, or [heaven forbid] nine tenths already. I have no idea, so theres no point in wasting the time I have here on that thought.

A year or so later, I started to notice small wrinkles forming around my eyes. I had to think about the ageing process. Would I try to stem the passage of time and it's effects on my body? I took a week to think about this one, looking at older women who had certainly lost the bloom of youth. Already I can see vast differences in my appearance from when I was a young adult. Will I dye my hair to hide the greys? Use overnight cream to plump out the wrinkles? After much thought, I decided that while there is nothing wrong with these cosmetic fixes, I will let myself age.  This is different to letting myself go. I can still have dignity in this process, but I will not try to reverse or halt the effects of time.

More recently still as my friends being to turn 30, and I find myself in the last year of my 20's I've battled another aspect of growing old. My body is not what it used to be. Things had started shifting before I was pregnant with Adelaide, but since her birth, its been a whole new discovery. I'm not sure that my waist will spring back to where I wanted it. My hips have certainly shifted out, and they weren't small to begin with. My legs now sport a pretty array of wormy looking and spiderwebs of blue and purple veins. My belly has been graced with slowly fading stretch marks and a long scar. Unless I wear shrinky "foundation garments" I can't get near most of my old wardrobe. For a while whenever I looked in the mirror, I lamented "I don't look like me, I look like a mum!" I had to realise that this is me. I look like a mum. I am a mum! I don't have to look frumpy, but I can't wear what I once did. I know some tricks, and how to dress in a way that is flattering [not necessarily fashionable]. I can not spend my next decade trying to look like a 'girl' when that is no longer who I am. Better to be comfortable and happy in who I am now.

So how do I feel about getting older? Each realisation that I am getting older is a hurdle. I am choosing to embrace the changes that ageing brings, and I hope to do that with grace, and throw only a few tantrums over it. I hope that I can live fully and get the best out of the time that I have, give the best that I can, enjoy each stage and get older in a way that enriches other people.

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.

How to spend $40

The best place for used furniture and goods in Broken Hill is the Lifeline Shed. Early this week I went there and found some awesome things!

 Janome Sewing Machine $15

This Janome machine, circa 1970 - exact date unknown. Complete with instruction book, and in good working order. Will be a great 2nd machine for the craft group that I'm teaching soon.

Mixmaster $15, Spice containers $5

My heart skipped a beat when I saw the Sunbeam Mixmaster. Its old [circa 1950s] but in great condition. One of the beaters is a little broken, but I'm sure that I'll find a new beater and large size bowl somewhere. I'm so happy to have a mixer!!! [The bowl is from a newer model]

The spice containers behind the Mixmaster are from the Salvos here. I'll use them to keep sewing bits and bobs in.

High/low chair $5

Baby's high/low chair. I got this because it is both a high and low chair, which is so handy. I spent today cleaning and fixing it up.

I recovered the seat which was split and broken. I used a pretty sundress that was too small for me. I covered the fabric with pvc so it is a mess friendly surface. It looks great I reckon! I also made a safety harness with the top of the dress, but will post that later.

A happy Bubba!

Edit 8/3/10 - I didn't bother posting about the safety harness. It would probably work ok, but TBH I never use it. I never leave her in the chair by herself and she's been ok so far.

A week's work.

3 sets of collars

I spent last week sewing uniforms for some friends. It was a great challenge because there was no uniform pattern for this school, so I had to draft my own. I used Butterick 993 as a base, and changed and added details from there. I forgot to take a picture of the finished dresses which was a bit silly! They did end up looking just like the commercially made ones for this school, so I was happy.

It was a valuable experience. Sewing for someone else forces one to not take little shortcuts, and to improve the processes. I would do this again for sure - though I would take more time to do it, because it was a little stressful with Addie not being greatly co-operative!

2 minute wristband.

Ric-Rac [a blogger from my hometown, Ballarat] has a quick tutorial for what she calls a 10 minute craft. Go look at it!

Needing a little break from sewing, I was looking for some ideas to use for teaching craft this year. The tape-measure bracelet is very cute, and quirky enough to be groovey. I reckon though, it only took me two minutes to make, including finding the tools and snaps. Its just that easy.

It's got me wondering what else I can make with a tape measure or two.

New washing machine, uni and immunisations.

I have a sleepy babay. Yesterday se went for her 4 month vaccinations. I felt terrible as we went to the appointment, knowing that she was about to feel sharp pain for reasons she can't understand! She was her happy friendly self, smiling at the nurse right until the point the needle went in. She gave a sharp indignant cry and then smiled again. Big smiles! Wham, in went the second needle. Another longer cry, and a glare at the nurse. I gave her a big cuddle and less than 30 seconds later she was grinning and charming us again. I felt better!!

She has been pretty well since then, just a bit more sleepy, and needs a few more cuddles. Addie is such a big girl!

Last night the University offers were released, Andrew was offered a place at UWS studying a Bachelor of Natural Science - Environment & Health. He'll hopefully do this full time, going over to Sydney for the uni based requirements a couple of times a year.

First in the title and last in my posting, the new washing machine. Our machine works ok, but could stop at any minute. We decided to buy a new washer with the government's baby bonus money. At the store today, we were looking at tp loaders, but the lady talked me into a front loader. I'm yet to be convinced of it''s awesomness. It has nice lights and pretty beeps, but it has long load times too. I'm sure it'll be a good machine, I will have to get more orgnised though to make the most of it. It is great on water, and power consumption. It even heats it's own water using fuzzy logic! Fuzzy logic sounds a bit sus to me though. Im sure I've been accused of using fuzzy logic before, and it hasn't been a compliment. The best thing is that I can watch the clothes wash. That is very cool!!

Art case

This week I needed a present for a 5 year old's birthday party. I remembered seeing on the net fabric pouches that you could put pencils and paper in. I got out my sketch book and designed one that could be a bag. I didn't have a lot of time to work in, so please excuse my hurried stitching.

The bag ready to carry.

It has a pocket on the outside. The pocket could be used to carry a small toy, or extra textas.

The inside.

The bag folds out, with a pleated pocket for a notepad, and smaller pocket [filled with stickers] on one side. The other side has pen pockets. I didn't plan the pen pockets well, so the bottom is embarrassing but functional.

The bag closes with a velcro tab. A button would have looked prettier, but wouldn't be as functional for an impatient 5 year old.

After making mine, I had a look at one of the ones I'd seen before. I'm glad that I didn't look earlier, because it let me do a better design for my purposes, without being hampered by someone else's' design. Does that make sense?

I'll use and improve on this idea in the future.

Confessions

I feel that I must confess.


When I am busy making something [normally sewing] I'm usually neglecting something important.


This week I've been making school uniforms for some friends of mine. I volunteered for the project, and I've been getting much satisfaction from it. The fact that my house is complete chaos is not their fault! I read so many crafting blogs (when Addie is feeding), and I get the sense that these women can somehow be a wife, a mother, a friend and a creative soul [managing their own small business, website and more] and some how it all fits together for them. Some of them even homeschool their kids.

I can't do all of that. If I've made something that I'm proud of, you can guarantee that the dishes haven't been done - maybe for a few days. The floor hasn't been vacuumed, the washing may be clean, but its certainly not folded or in a cupboard, and nothing is where it should be.

I'm working on this. Plans include buying proper containers for my sewing and crafting supplies, developing a housework/shopping/maintenance schedule, and teaching the baby to sleep! The last one is a joke, of course, because she just doesn't want sleep, or need it much. I do think that as she develops and is able to entertain herself more, I'll get more done.

For now I need to wash some dishes and insert 2 zips. Then I'll decide what to tackle next.

Ribbon Blanket

Remember this box?

The box with a fancy laminated tag.

Well it has been posted and should have arrived at it's destination by now. Inside is a gift for my friend Cleo's new son Asher.

Side 1              Side 2

I've never seen these before, but I got the idea from a blog I've been following, called Living Shell. Her post is here. Apparently these are trendy things for kids these days, so I got some pretty coloured ribbon when I was in Spotlight [Port Maquarie] recently.

The blanket itself is small, the idea is more that it is played with and chewed on, than being an actual blanket. One side is flannel from many past projects, and the other is 3 different pieces of silky lining fabric.

Next Big Thing.

My next big thing is an exciting project. I'm making 8 school dresses [3 different sizes] for a couple for friends, whose daughters are starting a new school.

The really interesting part is that I don't have an exact pattern to work of, but they must all be the same as the school requirement. That is, they must follow a particular pattern, but I have to create my own version of it bc its not available for sale.

I'm really excited about this chance to use and hone my skills!! I just pray that Addie co-operates and lets me get this done in a good amount of time. I'm starting tonight :)

$14 well spent.

Yesterday was my day. Some friends of mine wanted to hit the hit-shops, and who am I to refuse such an outing? I'm so glad that I did. Below you will see my new sewing table. The tag reads $10!

Portable Sewing Table

I almost missed this little beauty. It was hidden behind an electric organ, so I only saw as I was lining up to purchase some patterns and books that I'd found. I was so So excited! This table, apart from being a lovely table, is very sturdy and has fold up legs. I could have squealed with delight, I was just that happy.

The Sewing Manuals

I also found two excellent books, at different shops, both for $2 each. The left book is McCall's Sewing In Colour, first printed 1964, this the 1971 printing.  The illustrations are 60's and gorgeous!

The second is one that I've long wanted. The first edition of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing.  It is considered to be one of the best complete sewing manuals ever. I can't wait to read these books!

My Janome on it's new abode.

What's your story?

What's Your Story - Conversation Cards.

For Christmas this year, Andrew gave me a deck of conversation cards called What's Your Story. These cards feature an old black and white photo and a question on each. They are made by Corban & Blair purveyors of many lovely things.

I've decided that every so often I will chose one of these cards and answer the question on this blog. It might be a little bit of fun, and could be interesting to see what they bring up!

What makes you feel wonderful?
I think that there is hardly anything more wonderful than a deep, wide clawfoot bath, filled with hot water, salts and essential oils. A book, something to drink and ambient light all add to the wonder of a bath.

When I was young, I remember sharing baths with my siblings. These baths were filled with bubbles and we could make beards and funny hair sculptures with them. When I was older, I'd sometimes be lucky enough to get the bath after mum had used it. I'd have to add more hot water, because she didn't have them as hot as I did. We'd share the baths originally because we had tank water, and then being a family of nine, because we would run out of hot water.

Ever since I had baths on my own, I've read in the bath. I'm not sure that mum was keen on me doing that, but I'm pleased to say that I've never dropped a book in the bath, and I've developed the skill of not getting any water on the pages.

Probably one of my best bath memories though is the last couple of months of my pregnancy. The bath soothed all the achy bits. I could float and fully relax. It was divine. Andrew would sometimes come into the bathroom and read to me from the Narnia Series which we were reading. It was a lovely time, thinking about the future, wondering what our child would be like.

Baths make me feel wonderful.

Laminated!

I can't yet tell you what is in the box bellow, as it is a gift and won't be posted until tomorrow.

I can, however, boast about my tag! I made a tag from paper, as you can see above. It's design relates to the present. The reason that it is exciting and worth sharing, is that I used my new laminator!

I went shopping during the Christmas holidays with Andrew's mum, who had given me a gift voucher for my birthday last April. I got a laminator [on an awesome sale!] and some other bits and pieces including some embroidery scissors. I'm very excited about my 'stuff' :)

Addie's First Meal

Here is another in Addie's Series of Firsts.


A short while ago in a post called How does it taste? I wrote "At 14 weeks she is still far too young for solids". The official stance of the Australian Government guidelines is that we should exclusively breast feed until 6 months. They also say that the following are signs that a child is ready for solid food.

• showing an interest in food, including what's on your plate and putting fingers in her mouth
• an increased appetite for breastfeeds or formula
• opening her mouth when food is offered on a spoon
• good head and neck control, and the ability to sit upright when supported.

Source Raising Children Network.

Over Christmas Addie has developed in leaps and bounds, and would you believe it, she has started to steal food off my plate! One of these days my meal will end up on the floor, I'm sure! She ticks all the "ready" boxes with ease, so I decided to try her on some Farex.

I purchased the rice cereal Farex, to minimise the chance of allergies, some plastic spoons, and off we went.

This YouTube video shows her first ever feed, I had the spoon in one hand and the camera in the other.

She's been having about a tablespoon or a touch more each morning at breakfast. Today I gave her a spoon to hold while I fed her with another one. It was a riot! She kept putting her spoon in her mouth when she was ready for another mouthful, meaning that the one I had [with food on it] couldn't get in. Breakfast is usually not very messy, but today it was all over her. At least she's getting the idea of what to do.


She'll spend the next month on rice cereal, and then at 5 months, I'll introduce orange veggies like pumpkin, and after 6 months we'll branch out even more. By 12 months I hope she'll just be eating more mushy versions of whatever Andrew and I are having. And all this time I'll keep on breast feeding her too, until she self weans or is about 12 months [I hope].


The down sides of baby being on solids - apart from the potential for allergy and choking if the baby just isn't ready, are stinky nappies, more time and preparation, and a bit more mess. But its really fun!

Addie's First Christmas

Baby Xmas Elf

We spent Addie's first christmas, in Warren NSW with her Nannie and Grandad, and a bunch of relatives.

I was pretty excited about her first Christmas. I made us Santa Stockings, so we could play the "Santa game", and hung them up on Christmas eve. I let Andrew know that I was really hoping that Santa came for me, and lucky for me Santa came through. Back to Addie, Santa was very clever and gave her a pink rattle/teether, which she has made good use of since.

Check out my presents. Woo!

Presents came later in the day when everyone was gathered together. Being the newest addition to the family, Addie got presents from just about every great aunt and uncle, as well as presents we'd been given for her from people in Ballarat and the other side of the family. She was quite excited about all the colours, and grabbed at the wrapping, ripping it. I was surprised because I thought that she was too young to be really into it. Somehow though she knew it was a pretty awesome time. Finally after opening her presents, she collapsed amongst them all and fell asleep.

Grandad and Addie being quite silly

Santa also brought an unexpected present for us when Addie decided she could look at objects and pick them up. This included my cutlery at lunch, tiny dangerous bon bon prizes and playing with her new shoes [on her feet]. It was really exciting, and such a nice thing to happen on Christmas day.


The rest of Christmas Day was pretty uneventful for our wee baby. She had lots of fun with Grandad at lunch time [which meant mum could eat!] Addie ended the day with a couple of much needed big sleeps.

For more pics of her first Christmas, click on this link.