In Preparation of Moving

It's happened again.

I lost track of time, blinked, looked at the calendar and realized we move out of our apartment IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.

Uh oh. Who's going to pack everything into boxes, throw away the old junk, vacuum, clean and haul boxes to the storage unit?!

Oh, yeah. We are. 

Shoot. Should have started already.

 Actually, I should be an old hand at this. So far our married life has gone something like this:

• move into first apartment in Corvallis, Oregon (6 months)
• move to Hawaii (stay at two different friend's houses, live in two different apartments) (2 years)
• move to my parent's house here in California (18 months)
• move to our apartment here in California (2 years)
• and now back into my parents house for a short stint while we look for a house.

And really, since my dad was in the US Air Force and I moved every 2-3 years of my life growing up this shouldn't be anything new. In fact, having a permanent home somewhere will be something new.


So why is it still so hard?

I was just packing up the bookshelf and suddenly felt overwhelmed. There's so much to do. So I came over to the computer to write about it. Surely, even if it won't pack my boxes, writing will somehow ease my mind? :)

Moving is a bittersweet endeavor. Leaving a home, even one we've outgrown, spells the end of an era. It means saying goodbye to some good things:

• Mornings outside with my neighbor-friend, Caroline, while our children play in the "sand box"
• Last minute calls, "Can I borrow a stick of butter?," "Can I snag a cup of coffee?"
• Watching each other's children grow
• Breakfast play dates
• Having someone just a dozen feet away who cares about us
• The pool; practically living in it during the summer months
• No lack of friends for the kids to play with
• Meeting someone new every day

I'll miss a hundred little things when we leave this apartment, but mostly I will miss my neighbor-friend and her girls. This mommy-life can be hard and it's helpful to have a comrade in arms just a few doors down to help lighten the load. Of course we'll still see each other, but it won't ever be exactly like it is now.

And that's the tinge of sorrow in my rainbow.

Ah well, that's life. Ever moving on and up. Things change, good things come and go. Which is even more reason to follow this advice: everywhere you are, be all there. Don't miss the good things today by looking too far into the future. If you do, you'll miss all those beautiful things that make up a real life.

Over the next two weeks my life will be full of all kinds of real things like packing, dusting, tossing, choosing, possibly going completely crazy. If you don't see a new post every day, you'll know why. But don't worry, I'll be back once we're nicely settled at my parents house. And then the house hunt will begin. (You can't see it but I just got a HUGE grin on my face). :)

Bye for now!

Vintage-Inspired Baby Dress {Tutorial and FREE Pattern}

It's finally here, the Vintage-Inspired Baby Dress pattern and tutorial! Hooray!

Allow me to give you a brief history of this dress. Not too long ago my mom and I unearthed a number of baby dresses my Grandmother made for me almost 30 years ago. In the box was this sweet little number:

 Having had a baby girl myself, I just knew this was a dress I had to recreate. So, I got to work and this is what I came up with:

I'm trying to unearth a picture of myself in my Grandma's version so you can have a little chuckle at my baby-self, but I haven't been successful yet. I'll keep you posted on that. :)

So, a few things before we get started on this tutorial.

1. This is the first time I've posted a free PDF pattern. If you have any trouble downloading the pattern using the link below, PLEASE let me know. 
2. Sharing in the online community is what this is all about, so please, if you make one of these dresses and post pictures on your blog, flickr, or whatever, I'd love to see them! You can share your link with me in the comments section here or email me at cailamade@gmail.com. I'll add your link to a list at the bottom of this post so others can be inspired by your work. :)
3. This pattern is for personal use only; however, if you are interested in selling some of these hand-made baby dresses, just ask my permission (cailamade@gmail.com) and I'll probably say yes. 

Okay, ready to get started? First, download the pattern by clicking on the link below. This will take you to another website and you will have to click on the words, "Download Image." When you print this pattern makes sure it prints at FULL SIZE, or 100%.

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Next, gather your materials:

MATERIALS LIST

• 1/4 yard of fabric (or one fat quarter): light-weight cotton, cotton voile, handkerchief linen or other lightweight fabric (eyelet, lace, or dotted swiss are also good alternatives).
• One yard (36 inches) of 1/4 inch bias tape. This is likely sold at your local fabric and craft store, or you can make your own using this tutorial. The tutorial teaches you how to make 1/2" bias tape, but you can convert this to 1/4" bias tape by cutting your bias strips 1 1/4" wide instead of 2".
• Matching cotton thread.
• Lace or other embellishments (optional)

Don't forget to wash, dry and iron your fabric before getting started!

STEP ONE: Cut out your pattern piece

Lay your pattern piece out on the fabric. The right (straight) edge should be lined up with your fabric's fold.

Cut out your fabric. Here is how it will look still folded in half:

Here is how it looks opened up.

STEP TWO: Bind the arm holes


Bring out your 1/4 inch bias tape.

Now, pin your bias tape around the arm holes. I used the "cheater method" here, but you can also take extra time to do it the proper way.

Stitch the bias tape down. Here, I used two rows of straight stitches: first, I edge-stitched as close to the left side of the bias tape as possible and then added another row of stitches close to the first. This way, I was sure to catch the under side of my bias tape in the stitches. You could also use a zigzag stitch here.

STEP THREE: Hem the bottom edge of the dress

I used a rolled hem foot (6mm) to hem this dress, but you can easily hem by folding the raw edge under 1/4", pressing, and then folding under another 1/4" and edge-stitching it down.

Closeup of the hem:

STEP FOUR: Gather the top


Okay, it's time to gather the top of the dress. This is when it really starts looking pretty!

I've found that the easiest way to gather is this:

1. Set your machine to the longest straight stitch and DO NOT backstitch at the beginning or end of stitching. Leave long tails of thread on both ends.
2. Set your machine's tension as high as it can go.
3. Sew two rows of stitches near the top edge of your fabric. The first row of stitches should be 1/8" from the raw edge, the second row 1/8" to the left from the first.

This is how it looks while I am stitching the second row.

And after both rows have been stitched, but before I've finished gathering by hand:

Now, gather the far-left top of the dress so that it measures 2 inches. Do this by pulling on the bobbin thread (it should be sticking out from the back of your fabric in a long tail). As you pull gently, the fabric will begin to gather. Stop when this section is two inches wide. Repeat for the far-right side.

Now, gather the middle so it measures four inches.

 Step Five: Add the bottom trim (optional)


If you would like to add trim or lace to the bottom hem, now's the time. I added some vintage crocheted lace to this dress from my Grandmother's stash.

Pin the trim to the bottom edge and then edge-stitch it onto your hem, backstitching to secure your stitches at the start and finish.

 This is how your Vintage-Inspired Baby Dress will look at this point:

STEP SIX: Add the tie

Now it's time to add your bias binding ties! First, fold your bias tape in half lengthwise to find the exact middle. Press with your fingers to crease the fabric.

NOTE: In these pictures I used 1/2" bias tape, but I much prefer using 1/4" for this part. It makes the dress look so much more delicate.

Now line the crease up with the exact middle of your dress and begin pinning. Pin from the center out.

When you get to the end of the center section, measure two inches for the arm hole and continue pinning.

Pin the whole length of the dress.

Stitch the bias tape down, beginning at one end and continuing on the the other end. Make sure to backstitch at both ends. I sometimes like to add a knot at the ends of both ties.

STEP SEVEN: Add trim to the top

And finally, you can add some more trim to the top of your dress, right under the bias tape.

And voila! The Vintage-Inspired Baby Dress. I added a little flower to this one because I thought it looked a bit dull without it. You can see it in some of the pictures below.

From the back:

With a little flower to embellish the front:

And there you have it: The Vintage-Inspired Baby Dress!  I've found this is perfect for summer babies. Even in colder months this dress is beautiful over a long sleeved-onsie and baby leggings. 

 And lastly, here are a few more pictures of the original for inspiration. :)

If you make one of these dresses, I would love to see your photos in my Flickr photo pool-- All That YOU Have Sown!


If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! And thanks for reading! :)

All That I Have Sown {Week 7}

• Sitting down to write this list even though I feel awful.
• Sowing what I hope some day to reap (Ephesians 6:7-9)
• Hudson's hair so long, curling under at his neck. It grows so fast, just like him.
• Abbey's little words, "Okay, mommy." It's my favorite little phrase.

• Castle Park day, only $8 for all of us to enter, plus $6 for parking.
• Rides, rides and more rides. 
• No pressure because, hey, the whole day only cost $14!
• A roller coaster with Hudson
• Laughing so hard because it's been a long time since I was on a roller coaster!
• Hudson taking it all in stride.
• The log ride; Hudson void of all fear on the biggest drop
• Him soaking wet
• His new long-sleeved t-shirt; I made it all by my self! :)

• Abby and Hudson driving the antique cars all by themselves. Me so proud snapping pictures.
• Stryder grinning every time he catches my eye.
• Family togetherness
• A friend over for dinner while Brian is at work
• Sleep at the end of a rough day
• Chicken and rice bake (Thanks Kari and Bethany Feagles!)
• Delicious home-made chicken stock. Sooooo much chicken stock! (Anyone want some? My freezer is full.)
• A day of "work" at my mom's house
• Peace
• Boredom away from my kids

• Knowing they have changed me and I'm only better for it
• Brian such a wonderful father
• His smile
• Holding hands, mine so small in his
• The bittersweet ache that comes with moving soon. 
• Not wanting to say goodbye to next-door neighbor friends. The last two years would have been very different if it weren't for them.
• Mommy-friends to do this life with.
• Encouragement from godly friends.
• Iron sharpening iron.
• Living in California: a luxury, I know. Such beautiful weather all the time!
• Mom on the mend.
• Providence. He knew, he knows.

Friday Feature: Baby Sling Materials

This weekend some friends and I are getting together to make one of my favorite one-hour projects: baby slings, specifically the kind called a Ring Sling.

Since I have ring slings on the brain, today's Friday Feature is Baby Sling Materials. This mother-of-three uses her sling all the time. I don't know how I would get out to the car with all three kids without one!

Next week I'll be posting a mini-tutorial on how I make my baby slings, but for now, let's just focus on those beautiful fabrics available online and in your local fabric store.

Some things to look for when shopping for Baby Sling fabric:

• 100% cotton is a good choice. Light linens also work great, and sateen cottons are my favorite. I'm sure there are many other fabrics that would work well (people use silk, double gauze, you name it) but cotton or lightweight linen are my favorite. You need something sturdy, but not too heavy.
• Choose a fabric that is 42" to 45" wide. This will provide plenty of room for the baby in your sling. Quilting cottons almost always fall in this range.
• You need 2.25 to 2.5 yards of fabric. I personally prefer slings made with 2.5 yards of fabric, but 2.25 is totally do-able for a petite person. It will just leave you with a shorter "tail."
• If you prefer prints over solids, look for something with a large-scale pattern. Small prints are too busy on a baby sling. Remember this will cover quite a bit of your outfit. My rule of thumb: pick something you would wear as a dress. Also remember you will use this every day with every outfit you own. The colors should be versatile.

Here are some of my favorite prints out there right now for baby slings:

First up, from Sandi Henderson's new line Secret Garden (Michael Miller) are these beautiful bouquets:

Fresh Cut Fowers in Speckle

This blue and the yellow below will become baby slings tomorrow.

Fresh Cut Flowers in Maize

These color choices are also beautiful. The red on blue kind of takes my breath away. :)

Fresh Cut Flowers Moss

Fresh Cut Flowers Paprika

If you're looking for something more neutral, try something from "Curious Nature" by Parson Gray (who is actually Amy Butler's husband David Butler):

Cocoons Brush Green

Cocoons Brush Tin Grey

If you're looking for something subtle in neutral colors, but with a bit more femininity check out this print from Pat Bravo with Art Gallery fabrics:

Rythmic Gray

Or for something a little brighter, try these Tossed Daisies from Michael Miller's Citron Gray collection:

Tossed Daisies 

And if none of those work for you, take a look at Amy Butler! She has about a million fabrics that would make beautiful slings. Here are some of my favorites.

A nice neutral gray and yellow:

Optic Blossom Linen

My ultimate favorite Amy Butler print:

Lotus Wall Flower in Cherry

For a baby girl:

Floating Buds in Ivory

This is a beautiful brown/olive:

Lotus Lacework in Olive

Blue/turquoise:

Daisy Chain Clematis Forest

And lastly, a gorgeous black/dark grey:

Lark Glamour Ivy Bloom Cinder Grey

Lastly, I found these beautiful fabrics at my local Joanne's store. These are cotton sateens, which I've found make striking, and easy-to-adjust baby slings.

Baby Sling: Caila-Made

You never know what you'll find at Joanne's! Sometimes there's nothing and other times I make a beautiful find. 

Okay, stay tuned for more on baby slings! Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for reading!