Last Minute (Zombie) Smock

As usually happens around here, I find out we're invited to a party and must bring a gift.  This was fun because it was for a sweet little two year old, and I knew just what she needed.  You can never have enough art smocks for a toddler, and it's super easy to whip up while taking care of everyone else at the same time (well, took longer than I thought, plus I threw in a glass of wine at 10pm which slowed me down...).  Drafting the pattern took longer than expected too, but in the end, it's so freaking adorable I didn't want to give it away!

I used duck cloth for the outside, I think I found it at JoAnn's, which was red with tiny white polka dots, and red and aqua fabric from Bonnie and Camille's Happy Go Lucky line for the liner.

I added pockets in the front with a decorative stitch along the top, and long ties at the sides, so it should fit the birthday girl for years to come.

And here's my little one trying it on and posing like a zombie. She told me that when she ate my brains, the smock would keep her clothes clean.  I have no idea where she gets this stuff, but she cracks me up!

Well, once I figure out my scanner (I think I'll probably end up just buying a new one, the one I have now is so limited), I'll add the pattern, although it's pretty simple to just sketch out freehand.

I know I'll be making one for Ev soon, so watch for a tutorial!

A Motorcycle Accident and Strawberries Galore

Sadly, after getting started on my blog, shortly after my last post, my husband was in a terrible motorcycle accident while on a trip out of state.  A few weeks later I had our strong, healthy baby girl.  My husband was in the hospital, but thankfully was able to return home after a couple of months.  Our little one is an adorable eight month old and getting bigger and bigger, and Ev is now a three year old terror.

 

Needless to say, this blog has been completely ignored.

Not anymore!

We've finally been able to get out and do the things we wanted to when we moved to our cute little town. We've visited our cute little park many times, and just the other day visited our farmer's market.  It was quite small, but they had lots and lots of strawberries and oranges.  Both were so sweet I couldn't get enough of them (of course I had to stop myself because, well, we all know what happens when you eat too much fruit all at once!).

I decided to make some fruit flavored water because I had purchased so many strawberries and oranges.  I just used what I had.  I added to my pitcher:

• 12 hulled strawberries, quartered,
• one medium sized orange, peeled and wedged
• I added water to fill it and left it in the fridge overnight.  

It was delicious, with a faint sweetness, and very refreshing in this 90 degree California weather.  It was also slightly pink, so Ev loved that!  When we finished the water, we just refilled it, let it sit for another hour or so, and it was even sweeter!  The strawberry scent is wonderful too.

We also made smoothies with our batch of strawberries.  I used this Easy Strawberry Smoothie Recipe I found on Natasha's Kitchen.  It was delicious, but I like my smoothies a little thicker.  I think next time I'll cut the amount of coconut milk in half and add a 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt.

Anyway, I've also been sewing throughout the last several months, so more of those projects coming soon!