As my morning sickness continues to plague me even this late in the game, I have had to find some means of distraction. Standing on my head is one of them, sewing is the other. Both require focus, patience, and creativity. The yoga gives me energy and strength, but it’s the sewing that sustains my life at home.
Together, the yoga and sewing have created a sort of synergy. Some of the spoils of that synergy?: two Oliver + S Sailboat Tops.
Mira stood by the machine just waiting for it to be done so that she could get it on her body. For her, we agreed on a fabric we both loved and went with it. She loved her top. End of story.
To tell the truth, though, I find it so difficult to sew cute things for Liev. Besides the basics, which are lovely but, um, a little boring, fabric is a challenge. Plus,it seems like American patterns for boys, to understate it, lack the hip factor. Despite a couple of no-go’s when he was in his twos and protesting most things, he has wanted to wear the things I make him. When he’s gotten special mama-sewn garments in the past, Liev has loved them with all his heart, requesting to wear a pair of pants every single day even when the pair of pants was in the wash pile. It seems that I just have to get more creative–or perhaps just more European or Japanese-with my boy clothes-making.
This is Liev’s second beloved Sailboat Top, and even though I was not sure how it would go over, since there are no animals and no shades of blue (his most favorite-est) involved, he beamed when I put it on him. Then he promptly refused to take a picture.
He zoomed off to his room as the words he trailed behind himself revealed something about needing to get his backpack. When he returned a few minutes later, his backpack was loaded to the hilt with all of the various stuffed animals he takes care of, binoculars, stickers, and his favorite blue cape. At that point he let me know that he would take a picture now with, he specified, his backpack. So, if his top looks a little wonky, please ignore that one sleeve looks about five inches too short and appreciate the full effect. A boy. A mushroom shirt made with love. A backpack filled with love. A little moment before he zoomed off once more.
Back to my machine I will go for at least a few more weeks. The other things that have come out of this prolific streak will hopefully get shared here as well. The TYM pre-baby sweatshop is in full force while the nausea rages.
07/02/2011 at 1:30 pm Permalink
I just have to read the words “morning sickness” and I immediately feel like I’m going to be ill. I’m so glad something works for you to help with it.
I love the tops. I definitely didn’t sew for my boy like I have for the girls. There are so fewer options. Oh, I have a fun book by Emma Hardy that has some good boy pants in it.
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Childrens-Clothes-Step-step/dp/190652579X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1
And the instructions are in english (not japanese!).
07/02/2011 at 2:30 pm Permalink
Sucks! I don’t sew or stand on my head. I guess I will just have to wait it out.
07/02/2011 at 3:42 pm Permalink
ha! oh, i hope that you feel better soon, kellyn! people are always telling me to eat ginger (or drink it), but i am waaaaaay beyond ginger helping. maybe it would help you though? i think that maybe the sewing and standing on my head is a personal preference anyway.
08/02/2011 at 1:01 am Permalink
Both tops are gorgeous. I love it that 2 of my most fave things help your morning sickness – yoga and sewing. I hope the morning sickness goes away soon for you.
Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog last week.
I am loving your recipes, and will be trying some of them out for sure (especially the raspberry almond muffins, drool)
Cat
08/02/2011 at 4:31 am Permalink
I love these! From a novice sewer, this is inspiring. I just wish the fabric shop wasn’t an hours drive away. I must say, I would rather opt for the sewing than standing on my head
x
08/02/2011 at 8:56 am Permalink
Oh they are lovely tops! I adore the fabric choices. I just traced this pattern and am having trouble choosing a fabric. Yours are inspiring!
And your kids are totally adorable. Best wishes to get through your nausea.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment. Happy to discover your blog!
08/02/2011 at 1:07 pm Permalink
Where did you get the beautiful fabric?? Mushrooms — butterflies — love them both. Such beautiful shirts. During the most intense period of my own pregnancy, I found the smell of oranges helped alleviate the nausea. Hope you feel better soon.
08/02/2011 at 8:11 pm Permalink
your kids and your sewing are gorgeous. who knew sewing (or standing on one’s head!) could cure nausea!?
p.s. you also look to be performing miracles in a snowy cold new york – your photos are so full of light! stay warm over there!
09/02/2011 at 6:53 am Permalink
i discovered, proper late in my pregnancy, that i should eat, a lot, when i was nauseous. it worked! n♥
09/02/2011 at 4:28 pm Permalink
Dear Cate, your creations are beautiful and you have such cute little models! As for the sickness… Have you tried maybe ginger snaps or cookies? They helped me a lot with my nausea when I was pregnant.
Hugs,
Kasia
10/02/2011 at 7:33 am Permalink
So, so sorry to read that your morning sickness is continuing! The selection of fabrics for boys here in Europe is just as bad as in the US – just fewer teddy bears, and more dinosaurs. I love the butterfly fabric, is it japanese too?
12/02/2011 at 8:49 pm Permalink
Love the tops! You are so brave- when I think morning sickness- I would sooooo not venture even bending forward let along being on my head! And the focus to sew amidst an ill belly- oh my! I hope it passes soon dear Cate? Was it this long with the others? I had 7 mos with my first and 5 with my second. Ugh. The toddler derby you inquired about…a friend sent out a group email inviting us and our wee ones to meet her at a local garden lot with our trikes and the like. The littlest ones ran in circles for the track and field portion while the elder children peddled away. It was nice to have a biking buddy for Maddie!