Simple Sewing

A few months back I went to Joann's to get inspired from some fabric. I decided I was going to buy 1/3 of a yard of whatever fabric I loved, not caring if they matched anything in my house or each other. Lately I've been loving the designs of British designer Cath Kidston. She uses a lot of vintage flowery fabrics. I whipped up these kitchen valances in an afternoon. Not sure of them yet, but they only cost a couple bucks, so I won't feel so bad if I change them out in a few months.

My next project was making aprons for Abi and me. Abi is a much better model (I didn't teach her that pose, she's just that natural) so I decided to show off her apron. Mine is a blue-green fabric. I still need to add some front pockets to both, but I think they came out pretty well and just in time, too, as Abigail loves to help out in the kitchen.

CD's

No I'm not talking about Certificates of Deposit, although what I am talking about is a great investment with huge returns. Cloth Diapers. While I was pregnant with Abigail I decided to research cloth diapers. I googled it, and wow, thousands of results. There are so many different types of dipes out there and I won't go into them all because one could literally write a 100 page thesis on the things. I found what works for me- unbleached Indian cotton prefolds. Prefolds are among the least expensive cloth diapers- I think 2 dozen cost me $40. To fasten the diapers I use a Snappi, which takes about 4 seconds to put on after a bit of practice.
I have a couple diaper covers which are waterproof, but I prefer just the diaper. I would estimate we use cloth about 40% of the time in the winter months and 70% during the warmer months. Because I don't like using the covers (bulky, won't fit under pants) I tend to use the cloth more when it's warm so Abi can run around in just her diaper and a shirt. Even though I don't use cloth 100% of the time I still feel I'm doing some good for the environment and for Abi's bum. Another added bonus is that she's tells me when she goes and I'm fairly sure it's because she can "feel" the wetness as opposed to the chemicals in the disposables that are made to absorb. Let's hope this will speed up the potty training!

Library Love

I just checked out this fabulous book from our library. Since having Abigail almost 2 years ago, I have rediscovered the library and all it's greatness. I'm not sure all libraries are like this, but I can go to their website and search for books in all sorts of wonderful categories. Then I can place a hold and within a short amount of time I get an email when the books are ready and waiting for me behind the counter. I can renew my items online, too. How fabulous is that? And, they have a drive-through where you can drop off or pick up your books although I try not to use it unless it's pouring out or Abigail is in some kind of rage. I also want to mention that the children's department has such a great learning environment~ besides books, there is a salt water fish tank, lots of kiddie chairs and a large play area.

So back to this book I checked out..I just got it today and I think I might have to buy it. (I buy most of my books from half.com.) Sharon Lovejoy writes all about fun children's gardens that seem fairly easy to create. She has ideas for those with large spaces for a garden or for those who can only do container gardening. In the very beginning she lists the top 20 garden plants for kids- one of them being Hollyhocks. Just so happens that I planted some seedlings a few weeks ago! She goes on to explain how to make your own little lantern~ fill a hollyhock flower with fireflies and seal it by weaving a stick through the flower. All her ideas and the font of the book is very fairy-esque. I can't wait to try out some of these gardens!