That Village and a New Baby

Grabbed you with that title didn't I? Psyche!!! You will have to wait to the end of this post. Back to the village, I have fallen way behind in featuring some of the things our village have made for Princess and Wildman. Wildman has outgrown every stitch of clothing he has in the past 6 weeks. Momma is about to lose her mind washing his two pair of pants everyday. Since I am up to my neck in new Baby Peanut I asked a friend to run up a couple of Children's Corner Johhny longalls for him. This is the close up of a royal blue pique longall and shirt. The shirt is piped with the same tattersall use to line the longall. A machine applique and self piping finish the look.

Isn't that lining the cutest? He is going to be handsome.

Another CC Johnny made from a ticking that has aged quite well in the closet. I am sure it is twenty years old. It too is self piped and lined with white broadcloth. You may remember these are both the same pattern I used for the Easter longall, except I had Judy take some length off the legs. Per Mommy's request, snaps in the crotch.

My friend Lori made this precious dress for Princess. It is Children's Corner Emily. It is from a floral pique. I didn't have this pattern and after seeing it, I had to order it. The waist is raised in the front. You can't see the pleats very well but it has soft pleats around the skirt.

The collar is also pique, piped with pink gingham. So sweet. Spring has finally come where Princess lives, so this will be perfect for walks in the park or even lunch in an outdoor cafe.

Not everything is from Children's Corner. This precious sundress is Child of Nature from Australian Smocking and Embroidery Issue #53. The fabric is a small print floral.

Rachel's smocking is perfection. The yoke and skirt are both piped with gingham as well. You can't go wrong with gingham.

Now about that new baby...... Not THAT kind of baby. My camera has been dying a laborious death. I couldn't understand why I was having such a hard time getting pictures to come out focused any more. I'm sure it is just me to a certain extent but this was getting bad. I have since learned that cameras do have a life span. Who knew? Soooo....

Canon  EOS Rebel T3i

THIS baby is on its way to my house as we speak. Along with three lenses, tripod etc. I am excited. I conferred at length with my daughter, the family photographer. After much encouragement I clicked the "purchase" button. I am sure the secret to her great pictures is in the camera she carries. Just kidding! She really is talented and I am hoping I just can get a few pictures that are in focus. My goals are meager. Lets hope I can eventually take a picture without the "Auto" key. My brain is on overload trying to learn about ISO, Apertures and the like. A whole new language to me. Wish me luck.

Spring has finally sprung here, DH was even coerced into cutting the grass for the first time. I think the green waves of grain look is what convinced him. You could see the grass blowing in the wind today.  It was wonderful to see hostas and hydrangeas beginning to peek out of the ground once the thick blanket of leaves was removed.

I am busy sewing, a couple of more weeks until the baby shower for Baby Peanut's Mommy. Until then you will just have to guess what I am up to.

That Time of Year Again and a Sneak Peek

Time to dig out the red shirts and root for the home team! I have said it before and many others have said it before me, "This is a baseball town!" Regular TV programming will be pre-empted all day to cover opening day activities. Not a moment will be missed.

It is always exciting when the Clydesdales come onto the field. The crowd loves it. It wouldn't be opening day without it.

On a sad note, this will be the first year in more than many can remember without "Stan the Man." Stan passed away this year, on my birthday actually. He was a much beloved figure here in St. Louis.

In his honor the giveaway at this year's home opener is a harmonica. Stan was known for playing his harmonica wherever he went. He was also known as a man of great faith and integrity. In a day when children need heroes, he is one for the ages.

Let's play ball!

And a sneak peek.

Just a tiny peek at the coming home gown. A shadow work fleur de lis. More to come.

Planning

There are many challenges when being a long distance Mimi. Being a long distance Mimi trying to sew for the new baby is even more challenging. It involves lots of "FaceTime", pictures via text messages as well as trying to describe in words what you are wanting to do. It also involves trying to execute what Mommy describes she wants. It has helped to go window shopping while I was visiting to get a sense of what she likes and doesn't like. Pinterest is also helpful.

First step, bring some order to this disaster of a sewing room. I should have taken an after picture. It looks much better now. The fabric closet has been straightened up, everything put away and ordered restored. When it is clean I just want to sit in there and admire it. Alas, I won't get much sewing done that way.

 

Even though the christening gown is breathing down my neck, we have to bring Baby H home before we can baptize him. So over the weekend I have been knocking out the embroidery on his coming home gown. Mommy went back and forth over whether she wanted a bubble or a gown. Gown was finally decided on. I am using Kathy Neal's Neal's Nightshirt. I have had this pattern for ages but never used it. It is very similar to a pattern I have about worn out and even bought a replacement copy. There is something about the offset front closure that speaks to me. It spoke to Mommy as well.

One of the challenges of long distance sewing is trying to describe in a common language what you are using and planning. I finally put together a couple of groupings to show Mommy the plan. This is the one she chose. Skinny Dip pique, antique glass buttons, Swiss eyelet trims, blue fairy fabric for the piping, silk satin ribbon and embroidered with blue floss.

 

Time is flying by, I am off to construct a sweet baby gown. Later, faithful reader.