Summer Dresses

It's the summer and Ruby needed a new wardrobe. I picked up a pack of reprinted 1950's patterns which included a simple a-line dress and have since got a bit carried away! I'm really pleased with them and Ruby seems to like them as well.

I hung them on the line this morning with my favorite dolly pegs. (You're probably not wondering but in the background is Chris' prized Lovage, all 7 foot of it!)

I've not sewn a lot of cloths before but can't wait to get started on some more. I'm getting more adventurous, adding pockets and lace trim to some, altering the length and scaling up the pattern. There's also a matching bow for the yellow floral print (as modeled by Miss Ruby May).

What do you think?

Happy Birthday to Me

It was my 30th birthday yesterday and I received some lovely presents....

All wrapped up in the hand printed swallow and owl paper made by Jacob and Daddy.

The pink and purple owl tissue paper was the wrapping for my London tray and was stuck using some very cute owl stickers.


A Bitossi Fat Owl

Habitat lacquer storage boxes which are now home to all of my sewing bits and bobs...

A Maria Holmer Dahlgren "London" tray

We used to live in London and I miss is seeing all of the amazing architectural history. This tray is a little reminder.

Last but not least my birthday cake made by Chris

Snow

Shadows in the snow

Snow angels

Snow bunting

We made fat cakes for the birds this week using a recipe that we got from here. Jacob helped by mixing the dry ingredients but stood back when I mixed in the hot fat. They were quick and easy to make and are now hanging out in the garden waiting to be eaten.

Christmas presents that I can finally mention...

Here are Ruby and Jacob's Christmas presents and a couple of Christmas stockings...

Jacob's Castle made by Father Christmas

Ruby's Dolly Crib made by Father Christmas

Ruby's new dolly in her crib with Bambi duvet made by Mother Christmas. The retro Bambi fabric is gorgeous, it used to belong to Mother Christmas' brother!

Ruby's Christmas Stocking (front)

Ruby's Christmas Stocking (back)

Helen's Christmas Stocking (front)

Helen's Christmas Stocking (back)

Merry Christmas

The mince pies and whiskey have been put by the fireplace, stockings are at the end of their beds and sacks are on the chair.

We just have to wait for Father Christmas to arrive now...www.noradsanta.org says he is in Paris, so we are off to bed so that he can deliver the presents!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jacob's 12 Makes of Christmas

For his 12th make of Christmas Jacob made...

...mince pies for Father Christmas!

Jacob's 12 makes of Christmas

For his 11th make of Christmas Jacob made some...

...Marzipan sweets