Wow!

I laughed out loud when I saw this.... My goodness its over a foot tall. Filled with who knows how many vintage buttons. What a great find!

Tiny Elephant

Just under 2 inches.

Originally I set out to make this guy for Aelyn but now I kinda want to keep him for myself.
I'll probably keep him and make her another... itty bitty softies are just so freakn' cute!

DRESSES!

OhMyGoodness... I'm making dresses.. all I've worn for the last 18 months since Av was born (and probably 6months before that) is jeans and very long cut off jean shorts. But I'm really ready to reclaim my pre-mommy style. I used to put some effort into my image. I don't want to get into tons of primping or any thing, but I think I could stand to spice it up a little.
so here goes.. I've been working on some dress designs that feel/look nice but are super no fuss throw on and go.
Heres the first look I've finished
I'm looking forward to warmer weather when I can toss it on over some gray leggings and a pair of cute flats.

some things I've been making....

I have been making lots of cool stuff. Here's a few of the projects I've taken the time to shoot pictures of.

A Divided Envelope Clutch, designed by me.

Felt flower broaches and hair clips, on display at mom's Shoppe.

An awesome hoodie lined with little piglets for Aelyn. Designed by me :)

A reversible handbag. Pattern by Heather Bailey

Anyhow, just wanted to put up a quick post and share some photos.
Blog you later,
April

slippers, a sleepy sheep, and my surprisingly simple solution

For whatever reason, I have a thing for sentences in which all (or most) words start with the same letter... they're just so fun.For instance... This is Bashful Behhhnny's baby brother Bernard. He's a sleepy shoppe sheep and he sleeps at Sew To Speak.
Ridiculous, right? I don't know, you should try it, you might like it.
(or maybe Aelyn's Grammy is right, and we do watch too much Sesame Street.)
Anyways, enough of that nonsense...as for the rest of my title... I am still on this crazy sewing binge with a new project every few days. I just finished up my second set of slippers, (free pattern from Heather Bailey, I printed this then copied th 3-6month size at 150%) the match the pair I made for Aelyn and will be a gift for a good friend of hers. I am so happy with the way they turned out, made from a few recycled thrift store sweaters turned into felted wool, as well as some purchased felt, fabric scraps and vintage buttons.
It's been extremely satisfying and has everything to do with the solution to my minor holiday celebration dilemma I mentioned in my last post. So simple. Socked I didn't see it sooner because I was already doing it...Every year for as long as I can remember I have given handmade gifts. Often small and simple, sometimes made alone or done as family projects with my mom, dad or siblings. I have always made gift. And be it for Christmas or just because... I enjoy doing it, and a that is what I get to keep and that is the tradition I get to pass on!
Although Aelyn is too young to get involved in the production process now, she has been having fun watching me and exploring my creations as they get to a point that is safe for her to touch (no pins). I look forward to making gifts together as she gets older, as my mother did with me. That always was my favorite part of this time of year. Shopping can be fun sometimes...but I am so sensitive to the energy and attitudes of all the other shoppers, I usually become far to overwhelmed. Not to mention exceeding my budget.
I just need to keep perspective and focus on the things I do have and what our little family can share, instead of dwelling on the issues of religion, differing belief, trees, ornaments, lights and what not. Because when I'm longing for the things I don't have, I rob myself of all the wonderful moments I get to share with the ones I love. My daughters beautiful smile, my husbands awesome sense of humor...hhmmmm...I really have it pretty darn good.
So life isn't all or nothing and it doesn't have to be so black and white...
Well, thanks for reading my rantings.
Also thanks to those of you who commented on this topic. Your suport is very much appriciated.
Sincerely,
April.

Finished Felt Garland and Family

My felt garland is now finished and I am very happy with it.
It brings a good sort of childish cheer into our front room, especially when strung about a few globes from my collection. Globes are one of my favorite things. These two used to live in my daughters room, and although they are fitting for a child's room I want to reclaim them now and give them a more prominent place atop our new old piano (gifted from Jeff's parents).
This little project was sort of cathartic for me. I have been (still am) having a hard time processing my feelings about the coming holidays. My troubles are certainly quality problems and I am grateful because I know that they could be, and have been far worse. But my heart is somewhat torn.
My husband whom I adore and love to share and spend time with, does not celebrate ANY holiday or even birthdays for that matter. His reasons are based on the religion in which he was raised, and which I do not agree with, but do try my best to respect. Anyhow... last year we went our separate ways and I took our then five month old baby with me to my parents house on Christmas Eve, while he went to stay with his parents. Aelyn and I stayed the night with my family and opened presents from under their tree that morning. It was a lovely way to spend Christmas but part of me couldn't help but feel like a child again with a child of my own. It wasn't a happy sort of childish feeling. I'm done experiencing christmas in that way. I'm ready to view Christmas from the parent perspective, and watch the joy and excitement on my own childs face. And I want to do this with my partner, my hubby, as my parents have and the way I always thought that it would be...
I don't think it's going to happen that way however, and I know we will be okay but it's just challenging. I want to find a tradition that fits for us, something that we can share together just our little family, Daddy, Mom and Baby. Aelyn is sixteen months old now and taking lots of interest in all of the holiday goings on that are already being shoved in our faces at Target and the grocery store and everywhere else... I just don't know how I to do this. I am okay with letting go of the old traditions, I am okay with not having a tree, but I do want something... I don't even need presents for myself I just want some for Aelyn. It is so exciting to see the way she reacts to new toys. Can't we have presents? Just a few....

If anyone out there is reading and has any kind words of experience or hope please comment... I would love to hear some creative suggestions.
Thank you, Sincerely,
April Rhodes

Please pick us!!!!!!!

above photo by Kathleen Dougherty of Grosgrain

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!
I frequently visit Grosgrain, an awesome blog by a super generous and brilliant sewer. This lady stitches together the most adorable childrens clothing and then GIVES THEM AWAY! I have to have this jacket for Aelyn. We NEED this outfit for Aelyn. I would love this on Aelyn!!! Please pick us!!!