a little something for me.

With all the gifts and extra special blankets cotton socks has been getting lately, I thought I would make myself something pretty. I found an awesome bag pattern from Melly & Me and have taken waaayy too long getting round to actually making it. So....yesterday being the freakin' hot day that it was, Maggie and I set up camp in the sewing room/nursery and away I went.

I'm pretty happy with the results all in all. Although, in this picture I have forgotten to unpick my pleat line. I was in such a rush to share. My favourite blog at the moment (for obvious reasons!) is a wonderful midwife called Laura Jane. She asked what was next after the blanket, so here it is:




I also wanted to share some photos of Maggie (my other baby). We were given a dog house for her to sleep in, but she NEVER liked it. Preferring instead to lie on our Persian rug. However, the other day, look what I spotted...



And finally...sometimes you get yourself into such a comfortable position, you couldn't give a damn how unattractive it makes you look!

things completed.

Before you get excited, this pregnancy is not one of them. I'm sitting in my kitchen with the odd ache here and there and figuring it could be possible that I NEVER have this baby. Think about it. Recently a man gave birth to a little girl. Another, in England, was born without the hereditary cancer gene the entire family had been subjected to. It may happen. I could be the first pregnant woman who stays pregnant her entire life. Imagine all the pastries I'll get away with eating....The constant free seats on public transport...the 'getting-out-of-housework' bonus. It could work out quiet well indeed.

Hmmm...but when you think about it. There are a few downsides. Never being able to 'number two' without thinking your going to induce a hemorrhoid. Random people touching her stomach and thinking it's OK to stare at your tits because 'they're for the baby!' and of course, never being able to roll over in bed ever again without needing a small, lightweight crane. I'll push this bubs out if it's the last thing I do!

The main reason I am here today is to show you the blanket that I finally finished making for cotton socks. After many, many months, I got my shit together in the last few weeks before birth and completed this much loved project. I can't say it was the most inexpensive thing I have done (all fabrics were quality picks from Patchwork on Central) but it certainly is the prettiest. I must say....I feel a little proud.



It took me some time to pick the edging fabrics. It was so colourful in the center already and I so wanted to keep it unisex and of course vintage looking.



Patchwork on Central really came through with the goods. I was delighted!



And for the backing - we went with balloons! I just thought...'why not?'

I have to admit to being a MAJOR NOVICE when it comes to patchwork. I'm learning, and to be honest, just taking advice from other sewers, Spotlight employees and occasional internet searches. This is the biggest and the first blanket I have made to a pattern and following ALL instructions. (I tend to get a little excited and think I know it all). So....needless to say, I am loving this creation, purely because it's for cotton socks and because it was, very muchly, a labour of love.

the house that ben built.

She returns. It's been a long stint away, I know. And I am sure that most of you must be thinking that it's because I pushed a baby out of my vagina and now can't balance a laptop on my knees because I'm constantly breastfeeding. But alas, no. Little cotton socks has not ventured our way yet. In fact, I think that little mite is very cosy in there, eating pancakes and potatoes. It KNOWS that when it gets out it's going to be ill feed and ill treated. Only served milk, morning noon and night. Swaddled in blankets so that it cant even make an expression with it's hands. Oh the inhumanity!

Just so you know that I'm not making it up, I thought I would post a photo of my belly at 40 weeks.



See, told ya. Doesn't it look like Ben has created a massive house with vast verandah. I'm all out the front I tells ya. Random Asian women constantly tell me I'm having a boy. Whilst most other people think it's a girl. I'm lost at this stage. Very unsure about what I'm having. It would just be nice to have it! *Sigh* I did get a few aches and pains last night which delighted me. They didn't keep this old sleepy head awake though. I fell right back asleep after each one of them, thinking, surely if the heads coming out I'll notice :)

Now that I have access to the internet, my musings will no longer be so few and far between. I will be a regular here. Whinging about stinky nappies and barf and 'witching hour'. And I'll delight in it. Better go eat a muffin. It wont be long before I don't have a damn fine excuse....

things bought and things made.

I've been busy. Busy working. Busy growing. Busy shopping. Busy sewing. Busy sleeping. Busy baking. Busy reading. Busy faking*.

That might explain why the posts are so few and far between. I have plenty of share though. Gently, gently goes the blogger. The first things I would like to share are the fantastic, greatest, shiniest, newest edition to our baby's room - the nappy bag!

Can I just say...there is plenty o horrid crap out there for new mums-to-be. Like, I mean, no-need-to-stick-fingers-down-throat vomit inducing. Tacky, loud, skin crawling designs. I was finding it hard to get a nappy bag I actually wouldn't be embarrassed carrying (or Ben wouldn't mind carrying for that matter)

Last week I hit the sale at Parenthood in Richmond. LUVERLY shop that one. Although damn expensive. There was 25% off nappy bags and I surprised myself by finding something I liked. It has a nice plan design on the outer fabric that does not scream 'guy' and does not scream 'girl'. The inside has more of a girly pattern, but I figure that's for me to enjoy as I rifle for ass-cream anyway.






This bag came with a change mat, bottle keep warmer, wipes box, etc.

I also found a little time to make cotton socks one more felt toy. This one was inspired by a design I saw. I don't think I have done it justice. The poor little thing has the longest legs and no arms. Go figure!



* work related. always related work.

project undies.

I bet that title got you all wondering. No, I have not had to move on up to grannies just yet. This pregnancy is being good to me in the arse department. I still have a slight crease where my leg meets my buttocks. Yay! It's not all tears and muffin tops just yet.

Nope. When I say 'undies' I really refer to 'bloomers' or 'nicker bockers'. They are cute little pants you can pop over baby's nappy in summer, teem with a little teeshirt and be done with it. I happened to find some gold at the Matilda Market on Sunday. I was there to see my good friend make a tonne of money (which she cleverly accomplished) and also had a little wander around in case something took my fancy for cotton socks.

I have to say it was hard to get something that was gender neutral. Too many baby blues and blinding pinks. I settled on this little pair of summer knickers for our bub.



They cost around $20 which is better than the normal price, but after a quick investigation I figured I could probably make my own. So I did.

I found material at Darn Cheap Fabrics in Glen Huntly. It was a 'economic crisis appropriate' $3.75 a metre. A little elastic and bob's your uncle and mary's your aunt. The pattern was a little tough to figure out (especially with pregnancy brain) and I also had the challenge of teaching myself corners on an overlocker.

Before long I had made these:





*note: next time I will go higher on the waist. Wanna make sure they get right over the nappy and sit on baby's tummy - don't make them too tight people!*

They now belong to my friend Sarah's soon to be born little girl. But I have a fever to make more, and make more I shall!!!! Cotton socks will think they've been born into a Chinese Sweat Shop the way things are going!

lovely things.

My little sister married the man of her dreams about 2 weeks ago. Of course, she was beautiful and he was the sweetest thing on earth. They looked so deliciously happy. The day was romantic and fun and special. I fully enjoyed playing the role of bridesmaid with my two other fantastic sisters!

I thought I would post a couple of pictures just to share the joy. Cograts Liz and Rob - you will live a long and happy life together!!


*Here are the happy couple with my nephew Harrison and robs niece Elizabeth*



*the three sisters. That's me in the middle*

fabric, bump and big decisions.

I know that I promised shots of my latest fabric purchase many moons ago. It's amazing what the recent election, the economic crisis and pregnancy tiredness can do to a person. I simply forgot. I was busy having to sack people, busy offering remaining staff no motivation and struggling hard to find the couple of specks left in myself. It hasn't been a good few days.

So here I sit. 31 weeks pregnant and loving every fantastic moment of it. Sure the mid afternoon napping is a little out of character, but the visible movement on my stomach (even if the bowel kind have slowed down) make it all worth while. I feel so incredibly lucky to be having a child with someone like Ben. So supportive and caring and funny. No better man to lead our child. *eek!* I'm one of those emotion pregnant women!!!!!

The fabric after all:



I got these two at a sale in Spotlight. They perfectly matched a more expensive material I fell in love with at Patchwork on Central Park.



I want to fashion something memorable out of these lovely minty wonders. Anyone got any suggestions??

I also thought it worthwhile to post another bump pic. After all, I want a little memory when Cotton Socks is a bit older. Here is my very visible bump the day of my sisters wedding.



I am also proud to say that we came to a decision on the pram. Thank god. it was starting to take over ALL my thoughts. Important factors for Ben and I:

- that it last
- that it be lightweight
- that it can hold a bassinet
- that it folds in one simple go
- that it be made in either Australia or New Zealand
- that it be a bargain

We choose......drum roll please.....The Mountain Buggy! Little New Zealand company makes it big! We managed to get a best price in Melbourne and find the matching bassinet on ebay for more than half the price. Pure delight! I pulled it around the living room, contemplating whether it would be weird to put Maggie in it and push her down the road. It's love at 11th sight!