Like Mother, Like Daughter

Since I've been laid up with The Cough That Would Not Die (just in time for Christmas prep!!), this is how Miriam & I spent most of our free time last week.

St. Nicholas brought her a little needlework kit, which she polished off in 3 days. She has a real knack for it, and seems truly to enjoy it. I've really gotten into embroidering things lately -- it's a great way to relax and yet be productive at the same time. I'm finding that as much as I love goofing off on my computer when I have a spare moment, needlework is actually more refreshing. And I can let my mind wander delightfully while my fingers are busy making something beautiful. I'm currently working on 2 projects -- I got some onesies for Joseph to go with his sleep sacks, and I'm embellishing the sleeves a little so they're more than just plain white. I'm also working on a little project for a friend with a newborn. I might get one of those pre-stamped pillowcases for Miriam to do next -- I remember making one when I was a girl and loving it. I bought an iron-on transfer pencil too so I can make my own designs if I'm feeling especially creative. :) The creative juices have been flowing strong lately!

the finished product! She really did a great job. I'm so proud of her!

As part of our home schooling schedule, I'd like to dedicate one day a week to creating. Some friends of ours do this, and I think it's a great idea. It's so refreshing to take a break from the usual weekday routine of learning and exercise the right side of the brain a bit. Everyone's brain is so fried by the end of the week anyway that one might as well try to have a little fun! The girls draw all day every day, so Friday would probably be devoted to even more artsy things like painting and crafts and all those other messy things that I normally hate to do. A neighbor just dropped off a bunch of crafty doodads like goggle eyes and itty bitty flower pots (perfect for fairy houses!) that we'll be sure to make good use of.

Yesterday afternoon I polished off another sleep sack for Joseph in about an hour. We're sick of trying to snap up all those itty bitty snaps in the middle of the night after a diaper change, when Joseph is anything but cooperative. (and by "we" I mean "Mr. Pickles" since whenever Joseph wakes up I feign sleep so I don't have to get out of our warm bed to change him.) So (to assuage my conscience) I decided to make him a wearable blanket -- it's basically a big fleece bag with neck- and armholes and a drawstring across the bottom to keep his toes toasty. (It also makes it difficult for him to scooch when he's groggy, thereby hindering his movement when he wakes up and giving us a sporting chance of getting to him before he scales the pillow barricades and plummets off the bed!)

He still manages to get around, though -- since he doesn't really crawl but inchworms his way around the house. Sort of like the butterfly stroke on dry land. You should see his big beefy arms. I've never seen a baby with defined biceps before!

I couldn't resist this button at the fabric store.

I made this sack about a week ago -- the one I finished yesterday is below. I love the snowmen. I had bought white buttons to go with it, but yesterday the creative urge once again inspired me to embellish it with acrylic paints thusly:

(one of his charcoal teeth got rubbed off slightly overnight)

I like this creativity thing! It makes the days so full, in a fun way.

...Now I feel guilty for scoffing at the Resident Murloc's taking a leatherworking class. :)