Back home

My little sunshine caught the Pneumonia virus last Sunday. It all happened out of the blue and we were admitted to hospital immediately. After being tied with the IV for a week Jacob was out of himself when we were released yesterday.

We are both exhausted and tired but really happy to be home!

Book fair

This week is the Annual Book Fair. It is an event we obligatorily visit to check the new releases and of course to buy some in order to freshen up our library, because in our family we love books. Our tastes range in dependence of our interests and likes.

Of course when I come near something like this - it is unthinkable of passing by and not throwing a glance or two.

To be honest I leafed through it twice. Made a big mistake not buying it because I was convinced I'd find something more interesting. However my favourite book store sells it so I'll take it next time I am there.

In the end everyone got what everyone wanted.

As you can see our purchase is always a motley selection.

Egg cozies

Yesterday I received this lovely package from Momfetti! And inside the gift I have been anxiously waiting for! The egg cozies I won at her wonderful giveaway!

I cannot describe my pleasure at seeing them! Look at the cuties! The children couldn't keep their hands off them! We placed them over the egg cups to better enjoy them at every angle.
They are simply breath-taking! The craftsmanship is meticulous and extraordinary through which she clearly states that she is a true believer of her maxim: "If you make something yourself, it better look store bought". And they sure do!

You must check her blog where you will find some amazing tutorials and
especially her wonderful shop with things that shall certainly make your household brighter, happier and 'greener'!

And I mustn't forget to mention the envelopes which she makes herself by reusing paper! The sewn edges and the whole appearance of it simply builds up the anticipation and tops the pleasure of receiving such a gift!

Thank you Tuppence for bringing joy to my table!

Dandelion dress

I present the Dandelion dress!

For this one I didn't use any particular pattern except for the sleeves which were the same as on the Snowdrop blouse - however, as you know from my previous posts they tore at the seams so besides my effort to save them they kept tearing away, so I decided to remove them Obviously, I left too little seam allowance at the center piece gathering the sleeves and the velvet just couldn't resist the stress. However, I like it this way better.

The making of the round lacey parts was a pain in the neck. I had to re-do them a couple of times because although I am a person who learns from her mistakes and past experience, I had it stuck in my head that sewing lace on velvet is going to be a smooth job!It wasn't! Just take my word for it! The whole appearance of the lacey parts reminded me of dandelions - hence the name!

I enclosed a silk ribbon around the lace and left the ends a bit longer so little bows could be tied. I wonder what it would have look like if I used a sturdier lace -just like one I used for the tunic. Hm!

There were supposed to be three 'dandelions' but I couldn't incorporate the third one, however hard I tried!

So I got meself another spring dress!

Tablecloth Tunic - repurposing a tablecloth

Here it is! You are looking at my tablecloth tunic.

When I saw the pattern of this dress in the March Burda magazine (see previous post for reference) I knew I had to make it. I went through my stash of tablecloths and found this gorgeous piece. I have never used it as a tablecloth and to be honest when I saw its beautiful pattern I decided to repurpose it.

It didn't have the appropriate length so it turned out to be a tunic (I swear I can never wear it this short - even if I were 20 years younger - or maybe I would have then :)
The only flaw is that it is sturdy so it actually hangs like a sack. I am thinking of letting it soak into a fabric softener so it might ease a bit, although I highly doubt it.

Nevertheless it's gorgeous and I love it. I put a light jersey dress underneath and I am thinking of making one in white or dust white to wear underneath but I'll make it just above the knees.
And I am sure that with more elastic fabrics this could be a wonderful dress. Just what I have been after lately.

A stitch in time

Today was a great day. It was sunny and warm - just a perfect day for a pleasant walk.
But I didn't just walk aimlessly. I did a little shopping too. I bought some fabric and the March issue of Burdamode (the April one is still not in the shops) and I love most of the projects. As a matter of fact I fell in love with this cute dress - which is in fact a wedding dress- that I decided to make one right then.

But as I was losing light fast here's just a peek of it. At the time these pictures are taken it was not completely finished (the neckline and the sleeves). I was too anxious and excited (don't have to say that I tried it a thousand times) and wanted to see what it would be like. Oh, and yes, I decided not to leave the sleeves on.

Hopefully one of the members of my family will take a pity on me tomorrow and make me a nice photo for the blog. As I am writing this the dress is ready, ironed and hung in the wardrobe.

More about it tomorrow!

The snowdrops blouse

Well here's the blouse I made a couple of weeks ago.

I used the Burda pattern from January 2009. This is the same pattern I used (but only for the sleeves) for this jacket. The minute I tried it on I knew I would be making the blouse.

I really enjoyed making the blouse. I have never made anything so easy and so fast. I like the sleeves excessively.

And I liked it so much I made myself a dress. But while trying to take some photos of it, one of the sleeves tore down so I'll be posting about it later this week.

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER!

Holy Saturday

The symbolism of the Easter egg.
It represents the sealed tomb in which Jesus was placed. It also represents the hatching of new life.

On Holy Saturday the mass starts at about 11:30. People gather in churches with lit candles. The mass culminates with the ceremonial circling around the church for three times and exactly at midnight the priests say: "Jesus resurrects" to which the crowd responds: "He truly resurrects"

After that people break each others' Easter eggs and eat them in the celebration of life prevailing death.

Good Friday

Today is a non-working day in my country. Several years back Good Friday was declared a national holiday. On this day I remember going to church with my mother to pass under the ceremonial altar for good health which was covered and decorated with flowers.

I remember how excited I was with my sister about this event especially the pass-through! And we always brought flowers with us. I always picked the lilac! I just adore its fragrance and I have associated it with Easter since childhood!

Today we all went to church to light a candle and pass under the table. It was magnificent! And Eva was thrilled about it! I hope she will treasure this memory to pass on to her children.

And today as a gift for Easter, I won Momfetti's gorgeous egg cozies giveaway! With this great day, this great winning and this being my 100 post I am sincerely and truly happy.

Maundy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday.
The day on which in my country the first eggs are dyed.
And just like my female predecessors, I dyed the eggs at dawn when it is said they collect the power from heavens above and bring good health and prosperity.

Traditionally, the first three eggs to be dyed are red. They are left in a basket to be touched by the first rays of the sun.

However, my 'red' dye turned out to be magenta. After the first three I dyed all the rest of them in all the colours of the rainbow. I knew the kids would be delighted!

April's Fool

Today we all woke up in excitement of the day before us. Because today is not just any other ordinary day. Today is the day where prank jokes lurk in every corner waiting for a fool, and where (especially) kids are ingeniously and fantastically dressed.

I managed to finish the costumes on time, plus I made a blouse and a dress for myself but will take some time to take photos.
As I mentioned previously Eva is the Queen of Hearts:

And here is the mighty tiger.


which was thrilled with his tail

The Queen was very patient until the end but the tiger got tired of both his parents taking pictures and started crying!
They both had lots of fun at the parade!