She's Crafty!

I always knew I enjoyed having creative outlets, but it has taken me a long time to allow myself to really dive into any projects. Last fall I sewed Ethan's Super Why costume for Halloween (which I was pretty proud of despite the fact that he didn't like to wear anything but the pants). But I think having a deadline and the perfectionism in me really made that experience too stressful to be therapeutic.

In the past few weeks though, I've gotten some inspiration! I think it started with the visit from my dear friend Kelly who lent me some yarn and taught me how to knit. I began knitting a scarf for Salla (which, no, I haven't finished yet, but that's besides the point!) Soon after, I dusted off the old sewing machine and headed to Wal-mart, where I knew I could find some inexpensive fabric and patterns. Within a few days I had produced a cute little dress that Salla demands to wear whenever it crosses her line of sight (though that has more to do with the Mickey Mouse pattern than my super sewing skills).

Feeling a little more confident, and inspired by another blogger Amanda Soule (one to check out girls!), I dove right into another little project. It's a simple elastic band skirt with a ribbon detail along the hem. It was pretty easy, and there was no pattern! The instructions were free online from a pattern designer Oliver + S. So this morning Salla and I made a field trip to Jo-Ann's and got the fabric and the ribbon and tada! Tonight we have a new skirt! It is so sweet, and I hope she lets me try it on her tomorrow...