Novatron's Closet

I must admit that I've been lazy when it comes to sewing for the Little Miss...  My sewing time is quite limited these days, and I've been justifying not sewing for Nova by the inexpensiveness of simply buying clothes for her...  But with the recent Joe Fresh factory collapse in Bangladesh, I just can't justify it any longer...  Here she is wearing some of her JF clothes...

This and That

So much for my 2013 goal of being a more consistent blogger!  I blame it partially on this little munchkin who has recently started walking (!!!):

 And also THIS little furball who we have added to our family:

The Dressy Raincoat or Disappointing Minoru

Here on the wet West Coast of British Columbia, Canada we get a lot of rain.  Like...  a LOT.  I feel like there is a rainfall warning at least once a week.  At least during the winter months anyway...  I wanted a nice, somewhat dressy waterproof jacket that I could wear during the monsoon weather here in Squamish.

The Joy of Quick-Wins

Sometimes just a minor effort gives maximum reward.  Like changing the buttons on an old sweater to update your look.

Super fun!

Happy Friday everyone!
xxx
Caramia

Christmas Sewing Leftovers

I finished a few pieces before Christmas, took photos, and then forgot to blog about them!  Woops!  All the hustle and bustle of the holidays took over my life for awhile.  And then the Little Miss turned one, and I returned back to work.  Phew!  I can hardly believe it's February already!

First up is the Simplicity 2512 by Cynthia Rowley skirt.  My hips are basically non-existant so this skirt helps me fake an hourglass shape.  Love!

Sewing Inspiration: Downton Abbey and the Roaring 20's

Welp - I am officially on the Downton Abbey train!

Not that I didn't think I would like it.... au contraire bonjour!  (ps: that is a Ladies' Man reference).  It has everything I like in a show...  history, drama, intrigue, British accents, Maggie Smith, the English countryside, and period costumes!

Autumn in Dramatic Fashion

After a glorious summer here in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, autumn has officially arrived.  Bringing with it chilly temperatures, changing leaves, and torrential rains!  I actually like fall since some of my favourite clothes are perfect for the cooler weather.  Boots, sweaters, tuques, mittens... and my brand-new sweatshirt with a dramatic collar!

DIY Fabric Necklace

I saw a feature in In Style magazine a few years ago on some fabric bead necklaces by Louis Vuitton, and I ripped it out for my Inspiration Binder.  These bad boys retail for over $800 (!!!).  Like, holy frig who has that kind of money for a FABRIC necklace?!?!?  No diamonds or gold or anything!!!  Well I figured I could probably make my own for a mere fraction of the price.  So I did some Googling.

Fireworks Taffy

Back view, unfinished neckline

I have a serious shortage of cute tops in my wardrobe.  Lots of my dressier tops are made of hard to wash fabrics, which doesn't really work for my life right now with an 8-month-old baby.  Cotton is pretty much the way I roll these days...  I used a cotton voile for the Taffy Blouse from the Colette Handbook.

But Not A Real Green Dress (That's Cruel)

Family photo at our friends' wedding

We've had amazing weather for most of the summer here in the Sea-to-Sky corridor.  It's been nice, but having a baby definitely changes your outlook on things.  Instead of rejoicing at the +30C temps, I began cursing it, knowing that it would be next to impossible to put the Little Miss to bed when her room was 29C and the sunshine was still streaming into the house.

The "Enjoy It While It Fits" Bonnet

We're going to a wedding this weekend in Salmon Arm.  It's supposed to be very hot and sunny, and apparently there will be little to no shade during the outdoor ceremony.

So the Little Miss needed a fancy hat to wear!

The Sleep-Deprived Sorbetto

 Back in 2010, a friend asked me to make her a green skirt.  I misread the instructions and ended up making her purchase way more fabric than was necessary.  So I decided that I would make her something else "someday" as a surprise!

So Many Babies, So Little Time!

As the second half of 2012 is almost upon us, I'm frantically trying to finish 6 (!!!) diaper bags for my girlfriends expecting babies in the latter half of this year.  Including 2 sets of twins - yahoo!  Both sets of twins are due in late Sept, but could come a bit earlier, obvi.  Otherwise the timeline for the other babes is: late June, late August, late Sept (x 2 - or 4!), late Oct, and late Dec.  I've got my work cut out for me.  I'm planning to use the same diaper bag pattern and tutorial that I used for our bag.

The Sari Minoru

I finally got outside this weekend to take photos of my finished Minoru jacket!

Year 28: In Review

Wowie!  Another year has flown by!  I thought I'd look back at my goals for my 28th year and see how I did...

Spring is Sprung?

Phew, we just got back last night from a wonderful holiday to Saskatoon (and beyond!).  In typical prairie style it was sunny and +15 on Saturday, and then -5 and snowing on Sunday - ha ha!  Nova did amazing on her first flight(s) - and the West Jet staff was amazing, they even gave her a little "My First Flight" sticker.  So cute!

Havin' a time in her Exersaucer!

Procrastination... doesn't make it happen

I promise I'm working on projects, it's just that this adorable little stinker takes up most of my time... She's worth it though.

I am planning to make a few new outfits to wear on our upcoming summer holidays to the Oregon Coast (very very excited!).

Happy Wednesday everyone!
xxx
Caramia

New Year Sewing Projects

Since little Nova's arrival almost 3 weeks ago, I really haven't had much time to do anything other than breastfeed, change diapers, cat nap and have a sitz bath once a day.  That doesn't stop me from dreaming and planning my future sewing projects however!

I started making a baby sling just before Nova's birth which I hope to finish over the next few days.  I also made her a pair of scratch mittens from Home Sweet Homebodies free pattern and a newborn sized hat from the free Whip Up pattern.  She hates wearing the mittens and takes them off as fast as I can put them on...  So I just waited until she was asleep one day and then I cut her sharp little talons.  But she doesn't mind the hat.  Isn't it just soooo stinking cute???

Sooo effing adorable!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

Feeling rather pregnant

Phew!  What a year 2011 has been...  My hubby and I were chatting one night at the end of December about how much has changed in the past year.  We had no idea as we began 2011 that we would:

• find out we were pregnant 
• both lose our jobs 
• lose the baby 
• both find new jobs 
• get pregnant again
• move to the coast  

And all of this happened within the first 4 months of 2011!!!  The past year really has tested us but provided us with so many wonderful things as well.  New friends, new career opportunities, wonderful weddings and special times with family and friends, plus a healthy pregnancy.  Yippee!

Caramia Made - Nursery (Part I)

Second-hand antique bassinette, hand-me-down crib, me-made diaper bag

Well, I'm officially due a month from today!  So in addition to finalizing our short list of names, I've also realized that we better get the nursery finished.  We've slowly been accumulating second-hand items from thrift shops, Craigslist, and friends, but now we need to put it all together.