Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Getting Around

Now that we're back in a city where I can actually ride my cruiser, I've been contemplating buying a bike trailer so that Amélie and I can ride around town. I really love my cruiser and I used to ride it everywhere when we lived in Sac and a bit in Petaluma when we could find paved trails. It definitely did not get a lot of use in San Francisco where riding up the hills nearly made me pass out.

I've been thinking about getting a trailer since we moved here and with the amazing weather we've been having this week, it's reignited my desire to purchase one ASAP! While out on a walk with the bean and my dad earlier this week, we wondered if it would be possible to convert my jogging stroller into a bike trailer. I mean, all we'd need is some kind of hitch to attach it to my bike and replace the front tire on the stroller and then purchase a bug cover, right? Apparently, it's not such a good idea because of the higher level of gravity on the stroller and no such part exists. Bummer.

BOB 2010 Sport Utility Stroller - Blue
{we have the BOB Sport Utility}

While conducting my research on rigging up my "bike trailer," I did come upon some really interesting alternatives. There is the obvious choice of purchasing an actual bike trailer; which, we'll most likely do, but there are also other options. For example, the Taga Bike. If I had money burning holes in my pockets I'd definitely get one. It is soo cool!


Or, how about a Zigo?

Then, there are also Chariot strollers that be converted into joggers, bike trailers, hikers, and for use in cross-country skiing...yeah, crazy, but cool.

CTS - Chariot Transport System

If I can only decide on a trailer, we'll be up and biking in no time. I can't wait! 

Do any of you have any recommendations? 

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sewing Mania

I'm a serial sewer. I.cannot.stop. It could be worse I guess. With all the sewing I've been doing I feel like such a domestic housewife. Next thing I know, I'll be making my own clothes. Actually, that sounds like an awesome idea! Really though, I'm even working on growing my own veggies and fruits in our yard. I'm really enjoying myself.

My most recent sewing creations have moved beyond the usual curtains, pillows, and bunting. I'm making clothes for Amélie. I was inspired after spotting this adorable dress. 

{cute, right?}

After seeing that dress, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Why not? I bought some red gingham (so cute!) and used some striped tan linen from my stash and away I went sewing. Well...my first attempt is looking like this...

{close, but not there.}

I started by making a pattern with some leftover flannel and using one of Amélie's t-shirts as a guide. I then cut out my pieces with an idea in my mind as to how I was going to attach it all together so that it can be reversible. Well, after working on it for about two hours last night, I went to bed frustrated because it wasn't working out the way I imagined. Once in bed, I couldn't sleep because the wheels were turning.

As soon as Amélie went down for her first nap this morning, I started on a design that I thought up in bed last night and almost finished it before she woke up. It worked!

{i used some Amy Butler fabric and some organic fabric 
from my stash}


{side 2}


{back side}


{side 1 with a view of the inside or reversible side}

Basically, it doesn't have any visible seams that you usually see on the inside of your clothing. I sewed the two different patterns together inside out and then flipped it to the right side. I also used Heat and Bond to stick the two fabrics together inside to prevent the design from becoming floppy. 

I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I'm such a perfectionist when it comes to the things I sew that I'm considering adding them to my shop. Would people buy this?! Either way, I'm really in love with it and can't wait for Amélie to wear it. It's perfect for spring. 

Here's a picture of her wearing one I made(in a similar design) first as practice using a fabric her daddy picked out at the store. This one is not reversible and I added snaps instead of the ribbon. 

{gosh, i love her}




{look at that crazy hair!}

I'm going back to the fabric store tomorrow for more gingham and trying it again. Also, I'm going to try out these other adorable designs from the same company. Love them. 

Image of Gingham Smocked Dress
{cute gingham sunny dress? yes, please!}

I just learned how to use elastic thread, so that should be fun!

Image of Linen Shift Dress
{linen shift dress. too cute!}

I don't know what the back of this little number looks like, but I'm imagining buttons all down the back and instead of that collar, how about a rounded peter pan collar? Oh, how about gold round buttons? Cuuuuute!

I've already seem a bunch of other designs that I think I can definitely tackle and am looking forward to making more clothing for my baby bean. 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Shoes for the Bean

Honestly, the bean doesn't really need shoes at this point. She has a pair of soft leather boots that she does regularly wear when it's cold out, but other than that her shoes have been purely decorative. Oh-so adorably decorative!

Yet, now that she's actually spending a fair amount of time with her feet on the floor while in her jumperoo or "walking" I've realized her socks are just not cuttin' it; especially her white socks that pick up dust particles like crazy. I started looking for an alternative to solid rubber soled shoes and found a tutorial for an adorable pair of cloth baby shoes.

I just finished her first pair. I chose some coordinating fabrics and bought a bag of remnant pieces of leather at Michael's that had enough to make two pairs with suede soles.



{i opted for using some suede remnants for the soles instead of fabric}

{the model in her new shoes}

They were really easy to make and they really stay on. I'm looking forward to making her next pair. Who wants a pair?