Soren Paul Hines Arrives!

Soren Paul Hines was born on Christmas Eve at 9:42 p.m. He was 21" long and weighed 8 lb 15 oz. His proud grandparents, Uncle Jon, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Charlie came to welcome him the night of his birth.

He is happy and healthy, and very well behaved. He lets Michael and I sleep for long periods of time at night, and is eating and pooping just like a good baby should.

I'm recovering very well from delivery, and enjoying all the help from family (I even got to shave my legs, Sheila!).

Three days after he was born, my cousin Esther came to the house to take some pictures of him. Here are some of them. A special thank you to Esther for taking them, I can't get over how beautiful they are!

More Wee Dresses

I had so much fun making dresses for Peanut that I got carried away and made two more. I've decided my next "endeavor" will be to try to learn how to make onesies. I have my eye on a pattern and some super soft jersey knits. We'll see how they turn out! It'll be a chance to use my new serger!

Just an FYI, these dresses take less than 2 hours to make, start to finish, and use just less than 3/4 of a yard of cotton. I've used all scraps and remnants for these so far! (And yes, I am very pleased with myself!) They are made entirely using a straight stitch on my Singer Featherweight, and the only hand sewing was on the inside bodice facing and two buttons.









The trio, for your pleasure!

Maternity Pics

Since learning that I was pregnant - and especially since I started to show - I have been ADAMANTLY opposed to having any pictures taken, especially belly pictures. However, as the end of pregnancy neared, I decided maybe, just maybe, I should have a few pictures taken. So my sister-in-law, Sarah Marie, heroically volunteered to take a few pictures for me. I've posted a couple of my favorites here.

Presents for Peanut!

My sister and I are both 9 months pregnant. I am due today and Hannah is due in a few weeks. We call her little girl "Peanut" until we know her name after she is born. Her mother, Hannah, is a hugely talented person, who is capable of creating anything she can imagine. She can imagine anything.

Hannah made Soren an exquisite quilt, a color block ring of fabric making a comprehensive rainbow. I adore it, and can't wait for my son to learn his colors planted in the middle of it with a small container of Cheerios.

Needless to say, after receiving such an exquisite gift from my sister, I have genuinely struggled with making a gift for her little girl that can possibly compare. Well, I have come to the conclusion that I can't possibly compare. So, comfortably resigned to that fact, I decided to try to make Peanut something - anything, that just shows her my love.

I looked for weeks and weeks for a pattern or idea or SOMETHING that would reasonably satisfy my creative compulsions. And this is what I found!
I ADORE this little dress, and began looking everywhere for a pattern that would somewhat resemble it. Not surprisingly, JoAnn Fabrics failed me miserably, and I found myself stabbing at creating my own pattern, which worked out surprisingly well for me. I modified a pattern for 6-9 month infant, adding straps, modifying the yoke, and ultimately, came up with what you see below.







I'm definitely planning on making another (and maybe another). It took about two hours to make, and was delightfully easy and satisfying. I plan to make the next out of some bolder fabrics to better suit my sister's tastes.

I'll scan my "pattern pieces" and upload them, or you can message me and request them. I'd be glad to share.