Owie Dolls: Christmas Presents 2018

The girls did get handmade presents this year! I can't remember when, but at least two years ago now, I made an expensive spur of the moment purchase of an Owie Doll Kit from Take and Make. You can't get the kits any more, but Owie Dolls are designed by my fav blogger Leir from Ikat Bag, and you can still get the pattern for the dolls from her website.

Anyway, it was so expensive (shipping to Australia makes me cry every time), that I almost couldn't bring myself to actually make it when it came. It was probably some form of denial that I had actually purchased something so expensive, and then paid even more expensive shipping costs. Sigh. So I put it in the cupboard telling myself I'd wait until the girls were older and make them for Christmas then.

Hello 2018. Busiest year we've had yet, just when I thought nothing could top 2017 and the Big Travels we had then. This year, we've been to Bundaberg seven times total, talked to builders, planners and who knows who else to start a renovation on our house, went camping for a long weekend with friends, celebrated 10 years of marriage (with a trip to Cairns!), Steve went to San Francisco for work, Sophie lost five teeth, Rachel got our first pets and I started looking after even more children. I feel a little bit like this doll after all of that.

Christmas rolls around and we are ready for a break. And of course, three weeks before Christmas I decide that this is the year to make the girls their Owie Dolls. Never before have I felt the time pressure of a deadline, even when I made these Bags from Santa two days before Christmas in 2014. Obviously they were much less involved. Owie Dolls were an entirely new level of sewing, even if I did have some soft toy sewing experience up my sleeve.

Finish them I did though, thanks in part to my parents who took the girls for half a day so I could finish all of the extra bits. Whew.

These dolls have short hair, because I couldn't be bothered making long hair, and I also wanted some gender diversity in the dolls we have. Their heads/faces seem a little wonky to me, probably because I can't sew straight even after all these years, but the girls don't mind a bit. They love them. Especially the bandaids, that they can Velcro on and off to their hearts content.

They have leg and arm bandages, an arm sling, head bandage, eye patch, reversible hospital outfits (including modesty pants), and slippers. So far they have been in numerous accidents and needed lots of care and attention and it looks like they will be getting loads more. I'm glad the expensive purchase was worth it in the end.

Tomatoes

After we moved the garden bed in August, I planted a heap of seeds, most of which, didn't bother growing at all. But, luckily, a whole heap of unintentionally planted seeds did. Mostly tomatoes. There were some late season snow peas that decided to make an appearance too, but given the heat, they died off a lot sooner. 

The tomatoes however, have been going strong, despite my neglect of them; I didn't bother to try to stake any of them up at all really. The lucky plants at the back used the fence for support, but everything else just grew on top of whatever was next to it.

Rachel is ever helpful in the garden, always the first to suggest she jump into the actual garden bed to reach the ones at the back.

So many delicious red tomatoes. We lost maybe a quarter to bugs, but the rest have been so fantastic. Rachel took a box to kindy for show and share, and it came back empty. Satisfaction right there.

Belated Christmas

Merry Christmas from us to you!

It was a lot warmer this year, compared to last, but it is the same Jesus we celebrate, no matter where we are.

Reading 2018

With our increased library visits this year, I've been lucky enough to pick up some books for my self. Oh the joys of reading! I always miss it when it's been a while.

After forgetting the names of a few that I had read, I went back to the library website to see if my "borrowed history" existed somewhere, but alas, it does not. So I made sure that I wrote down the rest of them, so I wouldn't have to rely on my somewhat faulty memory if I needed to.

Here's what I've read:

Wonder at the Edge of the World by Nicole Helget
Crown of Three by J. D. Rinehart
Star Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
The Firefly Code by Megan Frazer Blakemore
The Lost Property Office by James R Hannibal
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Tales from a Tall Forest by Shaun Micallef
Theophilus Grey and the Demon Thief by Catherine Jinks
Theophilus Grey and the Traitor's Mask by Catherine Jinks
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
Crow's Revenge by Marcus Alexander
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
The House of Months and Years by Emma Trevayne
I Was a Rat or The Scarlet Slippers by Philip Pullman
The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt

I did read one other with the word star in the title as well, about I can't for the life of me remember what it was called. It was about the constellations and was very cool, but no idea what it was called. Oh, and one more, right back at the start, but I can't even remember what it was about because I went from that (which I'm sure was set in a Steam Punk Elizabethan England era) straight to Wonder at the Edge of the World, which was set in a farm in Mississippi or Alabama or somewhere, and was just worlds apart.

I have to say that reading books by authors that I read as a teenager myself makes me super happy, because these authors are still doing what they love and doing it really well. The Philip Pullman, Cynthia Voigt and Catherine Jinks books are all fantastic. Read them!

What not to read on this list is absolutely without a doubt Crow's Revenge by Marcus Alexander. I do not know how this book could have possibly ever been published because it was terrible from start to finish. And yes, despite hating it from chapter one, I did finish it. Steve kept telling me that I didn't need to, and at first I told him I was sure it could get better, but when I was a third of the way in, I had well and truly realized that it was, in fact, not going to get better. Then I just kept reading it because I'm too task oriented for my own good and I couldn't not finish it. It was awful. Completely. Never read this book, ever.

A couple of these books were the first in a duo, trio or series, which I wouldn't mind finishing but so far have had no luck picking up the next books. Steve has encouraged me to use the order system on the library website to get them on hold, but I'm not sure I want to commit just yet. Picking up a book or two each time we happen to be in the library feels a lot more manageable than actually asking for a book. That feels like I'm going to need to read it, no matter how busy I am.

Extension Progress

Believe it or not, renovation works have begun! When I posted about it back in August, I didn't really believe it would ever get off the ground. And then there were delays, which helped to confirm all my deepest fears about renovations. But works have begun and been in full swing for over a month now. The girls even talk about the extension to others and make wishes on dandelion flowers that the deck will be finished tomorrow.

As things progress, I took the liberty this weekend to do some painting, and in the process, did what every parent probably dreads their children ever doing:

We painted the wall.

This wall is going to be knocked out for our extension (you can kind of see what's going to be there beyond the windows if you are desperate for some kind of building update), so I knew it was an opportunity too good to be missed. I only wish I'd done it sooner, but we have been exceedingly busy this last month.

The girls were a little skeptical when I told them we were going to paint the wall, in multiple colors, and that they were allowed to help, and paint whatever they wanted to. I really did give them free reign. The only stipulations were not the door, or the adjacent wall near the piano.

I did some rather boring patterns up the top, while the girls when crazy down below. I loved listening to them talking as they painted, and adding in different things as they crossed their mind. For example, after painting herself, some squirrels, the sky and trees, Sophie decided to paint some jellyfish, which she painted in the sky, because it was the most appropriate blue space she could think of.

I love this wall, even though I know it will be gone soon, just like the last one. But maybe, I'll be ambitious and paint a feature wall in the study when the extension is done, so I can have some creative crazy in our house for a little longer. Maybe I'll even let the girls help again too.

Once Again

Once again, Steve and I have found ourselves packing suitcases for some back to back travel. America included.

Things have been quite around here while have had a rather busy last four weeks. Not only did the renovation finally get underway, but we have had a few weekends away and Steve was asked by his work to attend a fancy schmancy conference in San Francisco for a week at the end of November. The last of these meant that we had to reorganize some other plans to make everything happen.

The good news is that we made it work, and we've made it here. Packing suitcases again (similar to last year) for some adventure. Our first leg is to drop the girls at my parents for a long weekend, while Steve and I nip off to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary.

After ten years, I'm still loving being married. Loving being in this life together with Steve. Loving that despite the chaos of work, house and kids, God is faithful and constant. So bring on the next ten years and many more. And also the weekend away, sans kids for some rest and relaxation!

Fancy Dress

I actually cut this dress out back in June, when I was making this dress.

It really should have been sewn as quickly and done then too. But, after I made the first dress, I experienced serious doubts about the gathered skirt look, and given the fancy-ness of the material, my desire to ensure I didn't screw it up left me in a bit of a slump.

I agonized over what to do, even attempted to add a waist band to help things out, which went terribly. In the end, I came to the conclusion that if I never sewed it, it would be much worse than just sewing it and wearing it even if it wasn't perfect. So I pleated the skirt rather than gathering and finished it last week.

Even after that I couldn't bring myself to try it on for another two days, still convinced that it was going to be terrible. When I finally did, it turns out that it is everything I wanted the dress to be. Pockets and all. Sweet relief! I may have danced around the house twirling with excitement.

I don't know why my brain like to tell me that the worst possible scenario is the most likely to occur, but it does and I listen. Sigh.

Anyway, despite what my brain told me about this dress, it was wrong. My dress is so fancy and pretty, fits perfectly and I love it. I even put a layer of gathered tulle on the skirt lining so that the skirt poofs out nicely. First time I've done that, and I'll sure be doing it differently next time, but it works for this one.

None of these photos really show off the amazing shiny-ness of the material, which my traveling parents got for my on one of their adventures last year. It probably contributed to the reason I didn't want to mess up the dress, because I knew there was no getting any more of it if I did.
 

I'm super excited about this dress, although the fact that it's fully lined makes it slightly warmer than you can really comfortably wear a dress in a Brisbane summer, so I think it will be getting more wear come winter, but I'm excited none the less.

Goodbye

Goodbye house as we know it. The builders are coming to change you forever. 

Goodbye amazing expanse of lawn. I hope what's left of you post-renovation is still green and wonderful.

Shorts. So Many Shorts.

With the change of the seasons and subsequent clean out of the children's wardrobes, I have noticed several gaps in their clothing that needed filling. So obviously, I filled the need. At the time, I didn't realize how many shorts I was making, but now I see, oh so clearly. 

The first set of shorts were just Sycamore Shorts in various sizes. Hugo was lucky enough to score a pair too, which I made from an old shirt of Steve's. I had been planning to make a dress for Rachel, but in the end couldn't be bothered to figure out how to do it, and shorts was easier. 

I kept the buttons (just sewed the seam down so they don't open) and added some left over tie (from Sophie's Dress) on the other. They look pretty groovy, and seem to be comfortable for Hugo too.

The girls got shorts too. Sophie one pair, and Rachel two. I used left over blue material from Rachel's Lillie Dress and some stars material for the first pair. Given that Rachel pretty much loves dresses (every day), I knew these shorts wouldn't get much wear unless they looked like a skirt.

Tada!

And I was right about the wearing factor. She does like them though. Only when dresses are not an option of course.

The two other shorts were made with some material from Steve's Aunty Sue in Sydney. Free fabric! Is there anything better?

To make them more fun, I let the girls choose iron on patches. Sophie choose the koala, and Rachel the giraffe below. Rachel also got a pocket with the very last of the blue material. Another ploy to get her to wear them. Having a pocket to stash anything she collects is a definite bonus for her.

 Now the fancy shorts! This time, Sophie gets two, and Rachel gets one. Sort of.

These are all made from the Clover Shorts Pattern, which makes for some really shiny shorts. Pockets, cuffs, flat front waist band. So beautiful. They are also made with a very mixed collection of material. You might even noticed that blue spot material has been used to make Clover Shorts before.

The colour match is not great, but I had just enough of that unicorn fabric left over from Sophie's Library Bag to make the front and pockets from. I did have other material that was a better colour match, but I went with the blue spot because it was the same weight, or kind of material, which is apparently important?

The other unicorn fabric I got on sale at spotlight with the star material, and they go together marvelously well. The blue floral stuff was in the the material from Aunty Sue, and that colour matched so well. Perfection!

Rachel's shorts were the star material with some of the pink-orange stuff from Aunty Sue. Unfortunately for Rachel, when she put them on, they fit, but were a little tight to get on and off, so she actually ended up with no Clover Shorts. I gave them to another little girl.

Lillie Costume

Rachel wears dresses. Every day. Always dresses. I do not understand how a girl who loves to climb, get dirty and find bugs can think that a dress is the best thing to wear, but she does. Every day. So it is no surprise that she chose Lillie for her Halloween costume: because Lillie wears a dress. 

Image from PkLucario at Deviant Art
©2017-2018 PkLucario

Now I may have taken some liberties with this costume. Rachel already has a white dress that she loves. And it already has scallops. Why make an entirely new white dress when she already has one? I know it's a different style, but given that she'll grow out of it, I just couldn't justify it. So I just did some blue scallops and sewed them onto the lining to peek out from under the dress. 

And it's pretty perfect really.

I thought about adding some more of the blue detail that Lillie has on her dress, but to be honest, I can't really be bothered. I'll put a blue ribbon on my hat for her. That will do.

Rachel is delighted with this, because the White Dress which I was previously very strict about when she could wear, is now the Lillie Dress and I'm less strict about when she can wear it. I don't have any photos of her in it because she is too excited when she gets to wear it and won't stand still.

Lana Costume

Sophie has had a large affection for the Pokémon Popplio for quite some time now, so when I suggested trainer costumes from the Alola Region, she was quick to pick Lana. 

Image from PkLucario at Deviant Art

©2017-2018 PkLucario

Lana has a lot of water Pokémon, and thus, a very blue, sailor themed outfit. The parts were pretty easy to make (one of the reasons I was strongly suggesting it). I even remembered to take a progress shot! I used the classic Sycamore Shorts and just lengthened them. 

For the sailor shirt, I just used a white T-shirt that we had and added the bib part. We did have a few discussions about blue hair, but thus far, no real decision has been reached.

She's super excited to have a Lana costume.

Living Vicariously Through My Children

There is limited opportunity for adults to dress up in costumes. This is pretty disappointing to say the least. So I'm officially living through my children as I encourage them to dress up any time it might be appropriate. Thus, I have already started making costumes for the girls to wear to our street Halloween party.

Even as I write this though, I'm wondering what my stance on Halloween should be. It's not a typically Australian tradition, nor is it particularly encouraged in Christian circles. To be honest, I don't even know where it came from or what it's really about. Australia seems to be jumping on board with "scary" Halloween, but everything I see from American or European bloggers that I follow has a focus much more on family activities, and fun. Costumes aren't all scary, they are just costumes. Sure, you can be a witch, but you can just as easily be a bunny, or fairy.

Given how much of a global village the world is these days, and how multicultural Australia is, I don't actually have a problem with adopting other culture's celebrations. We celebrate Chinese New Year, why not Halloween? I actually see it as a really cool way to get to know the neighbors more, and build the community in our street.

Anyway, inhibitions about Halloween aside, I'm looking forward to the fun and the costumes. I'm thinking of getting something non-edible to hand out. Maybe stickers? In the mean time, the girls costumes are underway. After all of the Pokemon they have been watching, I may have strongly suggested some trainers from the Alola region episodes. Can you guess who they chose?

Alola Friends: Lillie, Mallow and Lana

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I did have grand plans for an informative and interesting last post in September, but it's the 27th now, and I'm running out of time. The last four days I've been travelling with the girls to Bundaberg and back again, and tomorrow, we are away again camping with friends at Mt Tambourine until Monday. Which takes us all the way into October. 

But I think this photo of Sophie at the beach sums up how I'm feeling. Enjoying the moment, taking in the beauty of God's creation, being hopeful for the future when the water will be warm enough to get in. 

God is good.

Kindy Shorts

Hugo starts kindy next year, so obviously I wanted him to have something cool to wear to kindy, just like the girls had. I had just enough material for a pair of shorts from the coloring in material that I'd gotten from Ikea.

It has made three dresses (see Sophie's, Sonia's and Rachel's), and was used in the Table Tent, and now all that remains are some scraps. Goodbye fabulous material. I hope I can find something similar again in the future, because wearing something you've colored yourself, is a pretty special feeling.

Anyway, because there was such little material left, it was a bit of creative cutting to get the shorts out; some of the pattern is upside down, I'll admit. And I accidentally cut one piece out facing the wrong way, so I had to trace everything through the material and color it a second time. Luckily, these are going to get trashed at kindy anyway, so it really doesn't matter.

And I don't think you can really tell. They just look fun to me. Crazy, but fun.

Shirt Tie Dress

Remember all those ties I had lying around? I've used another one!

Steve recently realized he had a few shirts he wouldn't be wearing again, so I made one of them into a dress for Sophie. I'm not sure I love how it turned out, but Sophie does. Being white, it was perfect to add a fun tie from my stash to jazz it up a bit.

I loved the curved hem, but I think it's way to long on her, so I would make sure I did more measuring next time. Rachel has been begging for some more kindy dresses, so I am fairly sure she'll be the next recipient of one.

When I asked Sophie what she likes about it, she said she likes the tie (which she got to choose) and that it's white. She promptly wore it to church the next day and managed to get felt pen on it, so I don't know how long it's going to last before I reassign it to being a kindy dress, but we shall see.

Red Dress Up Dress

We had a party on the weekend that required some princess dresses. Given that it's been two years since I've made a dress up dress for the girls, they've done some growing, and a new one was in order.

I started sewing it on Friday night, finished the hand sewing on Saturday, and it was worn to the party on Sunday. Talk about success!

It helps that I used exactly the same pattern as the previous dresses (Blue and Yellow ones, and the original Cinderella one) but just sized it up. I cut the bodice as a size 8 to allow room to grow and made sure the skirt would be floor length for the same reason. It was a little long, but I just tacked up the front a bit which looked cool and meant that Sophie could walk without tripping over. The back was still long.

I'm excited to say that part of the dress is made from curtains. The ones in our dining room were originally floor length, which was unnecessary, so I had cut them off and saved the excess. It proved to be exactly the right amount for the skirt. The bodice was leftover from my Mum making Christmas dresses, lined with some random lining fabric that was donated to me (I think). The skirt also has two layers of gauze with gold stars on it. So shiny!

Sophie was a little sad that it wasn't super spin-y (especially after I tacked the front up), but it's still pretty special, and look: she can still dig in the the sandpit in it.