too much of nothing.

Been a little while since a blog update.

Mainly as there has been too much of nothing happening here.

The too much part is we went on holidays - yay- photos to come.
The nothing part includes going back to school and working.

do you ever reminisce of the days were school and kinder runs didnt exist? Getting out of bed was often met with a 2yo and 3yo dancing in 3mt of milk in the middle of the kitchen floor, and a baby with a pooey nappy but hey, I didnt have to get them dressed!  I could stay in my PJs all day, sit and breasfeed babies as my boys ran amuck.  And let me tell you they did run amuck!

Today my morning is met with a "mum its 7" by one kid, while another kid has to be dragged out of bed at 8.30 (yes school starts at 9!).  Usually then its the race to see who can get dressed, find their shoes (yes I put them in the shoe box last night) make lunches, find readers (yes I put them in my bad when you asked me to last night)... still havnt found the other school parker!
It was finding something for lunch for the 5yo whos kinder is nut free, but who doesn't eat vegetables but loves nutella or peanut butter sandwiches (she got honey).  And the baby monkey who thinks she deserves chocolate for breakfast (lunch and dinner)

Life is different here now to what is was a few years ago.  We know have a more defined view of what our kids needs are, but also have more of an understanding that our kids needs are more complicated than what the book says.
I dont have to wash or change nappies, but I do have 2 boys 2 girls and 1 toilet!  How many rolls of toilet paper can you go through in 1 week!
Toilet training and night training has been achieved, but so is pulling over on the freeway to pee!
No more breatsfeeding... but I miss it!
No more getting up overnight (did you hear that miss Lily?) But am waking up overnight often with a few extra people in our bed!
Putting their own seat belts on!  Wow that was a milestone! (ever had to do up 4 seat belts every time you get into and out of a car)
Shopping is still a nightmare.  But as far as I know, that is just children in general.

sigh... life is changing.  How I cope I dont know.  But it is fun.  Each day has its challenges, each day has its rewards.  Each child is a shining individual and have so many glittering facets.  I am their mother.

what we can learn from our children

when mum says smile- just poke a face



when mum says get dressed, anything with hearts matches, even if its red and pink.



that any pants that fit your waist fit perfectly



its a must that it has a motorbike on it



And if you pedal your bike going down hill on a dirt road- it really hurts when you lose control and face plant.

Modified Olivia- tutorial

arnt they georgeous!
This is a modified version of the Olivia pattern by Farbenmix.  If you have girls this is a must have pattern.  So easy and quick.  Typical me- instant satisfaction dress.

I was looking for a way to use only 50cm of my favourite knit fabric, yet still make a dress.  So here is my effort. I was inspired by this one that I saw on Flickr.  Sorry if you cant see it, but I cant find the blog address for this talented seamstress.
This fabric is JNY knits and also stella from Crafty Mamas

Started with the bodice of the Olivia dress. I just traced the front and then copped it off straight about 4cm under the arm.

Traced it out onto some more tracing paper to make the whole bodice.

Ruled a line from one shoulder to the bottom. I lined it up with the outer shoulder seam. I also filled in the part of the neck that was left with no paper.
The 2 lines are an error. There should only be one line.

Cut along the line

cut 2 in the opposite. If you are using directional fabric make sure that you notice the direction (yes saying this from experience). Also add a seam allowance on the bodice and skirt so that you can sew them together. I didnt add any seam allowance to the neck as it would have made the neck too small.

Cut out the back as per normal (just the bodice part), sew the shoulders together, and then add your neck binding. I did the traditional neck binding, but you can do it just right sides together, it just means that you would add a seam allowance and top stitch. I did sretch the binding slightly, but not as much as I would on a normal neck.

pin is all together and sew along your stitch line where you top stitched the binding. Make sure that the join at the intersection is sewn well, as there will be a lot of pressure on that seam.

then sew your pocket onto the skirt
attach your front skirt and back skirt, and top stitch.
add your sleeves. I did 2 tone sleeves.
The new from your hem right around to the end of the sleeve. Make sure that your seams match at the bodice and under the arm. You may want to use wonder tape of loads of pins.
Hem as per normal.

Hope you enjoy, and dont forget to show us all when you give this a go.