A tragic tale with a surprise happy ending

Perhaps you will remember my Field Tote that I toiled over while leaking blood, sweat and tears all over my sewing machine.  I concluded that it would make a good companion at the hospital, so I decided to wash it and prepare it for our momentous trip.   

I opened the washing machine to find this.  A grim discovery indeed.

But wait!  I made one for Lara and she is not here to claim it.  My logic goes as follows:  If we were living in the same city and I approched her by asking, "Can I borrow a bag to go to the hospital to deliver your beloved neice?" I am quite certain she would say yes.  So, thank you pooks.  I will try to get it to you without it looking like a prop from Friday the 13th.

All packed and ready to go!  (shakey boots included)

Prammin' it up

Come on. Is this the best baby carriage you have ever seen? The white part has a leathery texture and it is nothing short of old school pram. I feel like quite the sophisticated signora pushing it around the apartment.

35 weeks and growing

I apologize, but this is the best I can do in the way of updates. This belly has been growing exponentially the last few weeks and I am about to wrap it in duck tape so it doesn't burst open while I am waiting in line at the store.

Crib in a Cranny

Well, little girl got herself a crib and a nook and now we must find some bedding for her.  I get so pleased everytime I see it with Talise's quilt tucked in there. 

Single Digit Countdown

According to my meticulous calculations, I declare Sunday a milestone.  31 weeks means that we have 9 weeks left and although they say never to think about it - 6 weeks until she is "full term". 



baby + 3 egg omlette and hash browns



While doctors maintain she will be born around 9 weeks from now, I claim that my belly button will pop out in about 9 hours from now.  You know where to reach me if you would like to request a photo.

Welcome to the world baby Jane!

Jane, I love you already.  Your little cousin is coming right behind you!

Grazie Aunt Talise!

Another dress from the pattern Talise gave me.  HER mom used it when her girls were little.  MY mom picked out the fabric and suggested the wooden buttons which I think we can all agree was an inspired choice.  And THIS mom found the lace.  Mommies are the best.

Happy Birthday Stella

These are some months old, but in the interest of not pulling a Newport Cruz'n, I will post them.  I used Lara's apron pattern and made little Stella a reversable apron for her birthday.   This is the front and back and if you permit me, I will call your atttention to the pockets and buttons that are reversed as well.  It is just a little waist apron, but on Stella it goes down to her knees.

Grazie Aunt Emily!

Just finished this little treat.  Emily got some great fabric for me to make her a diaper bag and I came across the leftover scraps yesterday.  So, little girl gets a summer dress and Emily gets a slobbery thank-you kiss sometime next summer.

Yes, more clothes for the little lady

Look, I apologize, but without her around I can only post empty dresses that I will force down your collective throats again once she is prancing around in them.  I am happy because I found a store here with tons of great lace.  I suggest you get on the lace wagon, cuz its about to get excessive. 

More Pieces for Queen Raspberry

A couple of the latest additions for her summer wear.  She is anticipating many picnics in the park and wants to be prepared.

I mean, don't we love the little button that is reflected in the pattern of the dress?  Yeah, I thought so.

Lara picked out this phenomenal combo in Los Angeles when I had orignally bought it to make a Birdy for Leo's sister Eva. Raspy will be pleased to coordinate with her aunt's purse while picnicing.

A sack of goodies

I am a bit disappointed because I thought I would have an appointment this week to peek in on her and have a photo shoot.  Doctor lady wants to wait until the middle of November.  So, we will just have to say hello from the outside. 

  

Baby + two pizzas

The Raspberry Collection

As we are patiently waiting for the girl, we have very little treats and tricks for our blog. So, in the interest of bulk, I will put a sampling of her growing wardrobe that I have been making for her. When combined with the presents from the shower, the bags of loot I stole from Talise - her repetoire is quite grand.



Empire Waist Dress



With Bloomers!



This little lovely (including bloomers) was made using the leftovers that Talise gave me from "The Magnificent Quilt". Raspy is excited to lounge about on her quilt, content in the fact that she matches perfectly. It is actually pretty small - for 0-3 months, so to keep her toasty, she will pair it with "Emily's Fabulous Cream Sweater with the Marvelous Buttons".

Ode to Talise

You gotta zoom in and get a load of those buttons. The best.

Spring Dress - Front view

 

Back View - with bloomers!



Tiny Dress



From the back



 Talise! This is from the pattern you gave me of your mom's old stuff. And - because she loves to coordinate - mother dearest is using this same fabric for her "out and about quilt".



Our Little Lady



 Praise be to mother for picking out the fabric - it looks like Italian ceramic. 

 

Drawers and shoes included



My very first original design!  I felt that even if she would be too young - this little lady needs a twirly skirt.  I made the pattern and I tried to make it reversable - however things got scary- but on the inside it is fully lined reversing the prints - so the top is flowers and the skirt is grey.  Thank you to Lara for kindly looking the other way when I stole this fabric from her, right under her very suspecting nose.

Picnic Dress

This is my new obsession. I have been making Kimono Pjs left and right for the girl. She insists on a variety of colors and designs and I have no choice but to oblige. Stay tuned for more on the Raspberry PJ Collection. Let's just say that you better get on friendly terms with ruffles.

Kimono PJs

 

Tops and Bottoms


So, here is the much fraught about Diaper Bag (and yes, it deserves capital letters) I love Lara just a bit more than before for picking out the outside fabric and mommy for picking out the lining. It makes me sick to think what I coud have patched together without their advice. I changed it a bit since I took the picture because I put in a hard bottom, so no sagging. I don't think I will be able to say that about very many things in the future.





Diaper Bag

 

Diaper Bag - inside lining