Oh my, here we are already nearing the end of January. I have a feeling this is how much of this year will go...quickly, fully, and brazenly marching forward. I sense a slower rhythm by about the middle of September but until then our months are planned ahead. Busy times typically keep me from nurturing myself and our family togetherness, and so I'm ever so mindful these days to make slowing down and connecting as a family a daily priority.
Lately, I find some of the peace I seek at the sewing machine. It's nice to settle back into a sewing rhythm and one that is not for the purpose of a craft fair. Perhaps that's why I'm enjoying sitting and sewing the afternoons away so much right now...what I'm making and creating is simply for us. Well, mostly for Coco. Sewing for her, as my mother did for me, feels more than just crafting (though can we ever really call it "just" crafting, for it is so much more). Sewing for Coco is an outward expression of my love for her and for the beautiful imaginary world she finds herself in right now. We're always in the company of her friends (the fairies and one bear), and I smile to myself to see her galloping on her horses and pretending (quite convincingly so) to be a neighbour who repeatedly stops by for tea and chats.
The other morning my dear girl asked if she could wear something "girlie". This sweet gal of mine, clothed from her beginning in wool from head to toe, wool in beautifully rich and woodsy shades of brown, grey, cream, and tweed, asked for something girlie. It baffles me that she could grow to love sparkles, purple, and pink just as much as she does, having never really dressed her in them as a babe. Because it is January, I reasoned, the practical woolens had to stay, but we could, however, dress them up. The idea was met with a few twirls and some gallops, and so to work I went.
The pattern is the lazy days skirt pattern from Oliver + S. I used brown washing linen and embellished it with some trim I bought years ago from Purl Soho. The pockets were made with one of my favourite fabrics from Heather Ross. And trust me, while it may look cute over pink polka dot tights, I promise it looks just perfect over top wool leggings!
