Fish, rocks, and a ladybug

Our weekend with the stepkids was unusually educational. On Friday, we went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It is such an amazing place to explore and learn, and the creatures that live there are unbelievably beautiful. Here is a photo of my expedition team in the tropical rainforest:


Let me assure that Emily was not as unhappy as she looks. I think that is the standard age 13 female response to a parent's camera. We wouldn't want any photographic evidence of her having a good time with the old dorks, right? She looks like that in every picture. Louie, on the other hand, probably really was miserable. He absolutely REFUSED to leave his coat in the locker. After winning that battle, he insisted on wearing the thing like a big sweaty trophy for the rest of the day.

On Saturday, we went down to D.C. to visit the Smithsonian Institution. In keeping with our biological theme, we decided to go to the National Museum of Natural History. We managed to cruise through most of the animal-related wings, but we ended up lingering in the rock and mineral collection. The Hope Diamond is the big attraction, of course, but there so many other incredible stones on display.

On the way home, Emily asked if I could help her make a Christmas present for her mom. We had gotten an early start, so there were still plenty of sewing hours left in the day. I let her chose the pattern and fabric from my stash, and I did most of sewing. She helped out by ironing, picking up pins, and grabbing things off shelves. Here is what we made:


The pattern is the LadyBug Shoulder Bag by Sew Spoiled. It is a great size, and I love the cute shape. I think Emily made awesome fabric choices, too. The yellow striped fabric is something I bought to make curtains in my last house (never happened, obviously). The vintage pink floral was a yard sale score. The two together give a very sweet "shabby chic" look to the bag. We embellished the top band with pink ribbon roses and glass leaf beads.

I'm back to working on my gift list today. Del is driving the kids home to upstate NY. The roads are icy, so I'm of course fretting. Del grew up in that type of weather, and he assures me that he will take his time and will be fine. Hopefully he will get there and back without incident, and I will get some sewing knocked out today.

Mama's Holiday

After a week of serious cleaning, unpacking (we are officially "out of boxes" now), and general fretting, I was so looking forward to a relaxing Thanksgiving day. Chef Del got up at about 4:00 to get things started in the kitchen. He has this amazing ability to single-handedly put together an incredible feast. He is so focused and organized - it is really something to watch. For the most part, though, I stay out of the kitchen when he is in that "mode." We both stay happy (and married) that way.

While he was getting the turkey in the oven, I treated myself to a 45 minute yoga practice. It wasn't anything too vigorous, just some nice stretches and twists. Lou was still sleeping, so I was able to get deep into the poses without fear of being trounced. My shoulders have been feeling tight and achy (too much hunching over the keyboard, I think) and it really helped release the tension.

Our household is a little bigger for the holiday - my stepkids Dan (18) and Emily (13) are here. They are so much fun to have around, and they are great with Louie. Dan is Louie's hero.


While Dan entertained Louie, Emily and I snuck off to the sewing room. She's been my sewing buddy ever since she was 6 years old. She KNOWS fabric and fashion. She'll be on Project Runway someday, I'm sure of it. Here she is drooling over designer fabric online:


When I was in my organizing frenzy last week, I set aside fabrics for the specific projects I had in mind. This is what I picked out for my SIL, Sonja:


Sonja is 6 months pregnant, and has nothing but baby on the brain. I was there not so long ago, so I can totally relate. I decided to make a boutique style diaper bag for her gift. A girl can never have too many bags, right? Since we already know that she is having a little boy, I decided to go with fabrics that were blue, but still soft and pretty. The sweet toile is something I picked up at Affordable Fabrics in Rocky Hill, CT. Oh how I miss that place! Everything is $1.99 a yard, and there are some scores to be had. At that price, I allowed myself to pick up three or so yards "just because." The Minky is leftover from a raglan I made recently. That stuff is oh-so nice and soft, and that color just sceams baby boy. The lining fabric is cream muslin from my stash.

I used the Aivilo Pocket Handbag pattern from YouCanMakeThis.com. I love that it comes in a range of sizes, and includes optional instructions for adding a zipper. It was such a fun and easy project. I was able to whip this baby out in half a day (and that includes taking the time to digitize/stitch out the monogram, eat a feast, and catch a nap).


So I'm chalking yesterday up to the perfect holiday. Not only did I get to do yoga, spend time with my family, and eat like a queen, I was able to cross a gift off my list (and I didn't spend a dime on it)!