Just wanting to share Ernest's fist back carry.
We have been planning ways to include Florence this Christmas. I think that's why I'm not freaking out, at least not yet.
Honestly I'm not at all sure how I feel about the forthcoming celebrations, apart from the obvious.
Today I went back to Slingmeet for the first time in months, and the first time since Florence was born. I knew I had to go back today or I never would. Actually it wasn't too bad. Lots of newbies who don't know my history, and a few regulars who I feel safe with.
I think I may have rambled on a little more than usual when doing demos, I was definately nervous, and I very almost cried on a couple of people,but mostly I coped.
There was one awkward moment chatting to a lovely pregnant lady when I thought the conversation may turn to the dreaded question,but I was rescued by my co leader who was keeping an eye on me.
Maybe I can get through this month if I just keep on keeping on, that's what has worked so far.
Just a few months ago I'd imagined life once Sid went to school full time to be full of a new baby, LLL meetings, baby massage classes, Slingmeets. Lots of snuggly breastfeeds on the sofa. I expected to be busy.
I'm not, not busy now. There is always the daily efforts to stop the household sliding into utter chaos. Plus I still have plenty of good friends checking in on me and invites out for coffee and lunch.
I know though that sometime very soon I'm going to have to start thinking about the future and work.
My little business has never made me my fortune,but it kept me busy and paid for treats we might not otherwise have afforded.
I wont be going back to making baby carriers. The level of detail and involvement with the customer and their babies is not something I think I could cope with right now. Maybe one day, who knows.
So, the thought is there, something to ponder.
Meanwhile, today I've made a skirt. I could've been cleaning the bathrooms, or making our bed, or cooking tonights tea,but I guess I'll never be a Stepford wife. To hell with the housework and on with the sewing!
This skirt is made using the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt pattern. The fabric is Botanical Pop cotton by Jackie Shapiro. (And yep the raw edges are deliberate.)
Tonight there will be bonfires being lit all over , and fireworks lighting up the skies. We usually go to a local display, and despite my misgivings mentioned before, I do usually enjoy wrapping up in winter coats, woollies, and wellies, and walking through the smoke filled night to stand and oooh and ahhhh at the colourful explosions.
The thought of it this year though,just seemed to fall flat without Florence to tuck inside my coat.
Instead we will be having fireworks in the garden, and dedicating them to Florence's memory.
We can stay warm inside,I can wear these new pyjamas I made this afternoon, and toast Florence with hot chocolate and parkin. (while Woody gets to be all manly playing with explosives in the garden!)
...
Pyjamas made from snuggly cotton flannel, using an ancient threadbare pair of Boden pj's as the pattern.
Saturdays are usually my only full work day. Woody is home, so can take care of the children while I have the luxury of a full day working on custom orders. The rest of the week, like so many other Mums working from home and combining work with childcare, work is done in little bursts of available time, between school runs, dirty nappies and play times.
Today though, I only have one custom order to complete and that's me done for the next few months. My expanding bump has made me come to a decision regarding maternity leave. So no more custom orders for me, and the only remaining stock is in my Etsy shop until May 23rd, and that's it, until...well the beauty of working for yourself is, I don't know until when...until I'm ready.
For now, it's time to focus on the last 12 weeks or so of being pregnant and the arrival of our fifth baby.
Doesn't mean I wont be sewing at all though, still got lots of projects on the go, not least a wedding dress for someone very special...more news on that later.
We don't exactly have anywhere to store things for the new baby yet. I have a cupboard I'm intending to renovate,but at the moment that's drying out after being in storage in our cellar for some time.
Meanwhile there is a growing pile of baby items stored right at the back of our wardrobe cubby in the loft. It's really difficult to get to, especially if like me you have a sizeable bump. Consequently I'm not exactly sure what we have down there, but I do know there is a lot, and I also know the pile of slings is really rather large.
Still, I couldn't resist making one more ring sling. This time in grey linen with my Spoonflower Dahlia print and teal silk as an accent.
I had planned to make an Asymetric wrap skirt with the grey linen and Dahlia print, heavily inspired by the skirts over at Ink and Spindle , and I may still, but probably not until after the baby is here and I have some idea of what size I'll be...scary thought!
Looks very likely that the custom orders I'm working on this week will be my last for some time.
I'm 27 weeks now, and time to make some decisions about maternity leave.
Meanwhile, here's today's work.
Photos just don't do this fabric justice, it's soft and beautiful, and I'm so so lucky, because the fabby Mamas at Slinging In The Rain bought me this piece of Silk Indio Didymos for my birthday,and I quickly whipped it up into a ring sling all ready for baby.
I can't stop petting it, it's so soft and scrumptious!
I have one teeny tiny scrap left that I think I might try and make a little softie for the baby from too.
The sun has been shining today,and I've been sewing with these lovely fabrics. This Mei Tai is off to a customer tomorrow. I hope she likes it.
I also finished off some Post Partum Mama Pads for me, in pretty flannel fabrics by Sandi Henderson. I will need to make more of these.
I do think a Mama needs girly pretty stuff around her for the post partum weeks.
Also finished off a few more nappy wraps for baby...my stash of baby stuff hidden at the back of my loft is getting rather large now,and I'm losing track of what I have back there...
Hope everyone is having a good day. I've been busy busy busy,but am very lucky to have received lots of lovely pressies from my great kids and hubby.
Thought you might like to see my new labels too, I think I like these.
