this moment

In the tradition of soulemama, here's this weeks moment, no words, just a moment from our week that we'd like to remember...

Yes, it's been too long...

Time for a Sewing Post folks!

As usual my sewing has been happening in spits and spurts. Nothing what so ever for 8 weeks straight then wham, several projects on the go all at once. I have even managed to finish a few. (And not one of them a Christmas gift as should be happening this time of year)! Oh well, my boys have some new clothes and there's always next year for the handmade gifting!

Some boardies for my big boy. Actually I made these last summer for my niece but she refused to wear them as the colour wasn't to her liking. Crazy! I'd forgotten all about them as I neglected to photograph them at the time. Of course my sister wasn't going to simply give them away. She returned them to me after almost a full 12 months of trying to convince her daughter how great they were! It's the Oliver + S Sandbox pants (as shorts).

Another pair for my Little D. He chose the fabric. I'm not so sure I like the combo. But he thinks the numbers and words are cool. Made using my customised 'slim' fit, size 4, of the Oliver + S Sandbox pants.

A little purple action lining the pockets. My favourite feature actually.

And something for Little H. Another Oliver + S Sailboat Top. You can see my previous attempts here.

I cut up an old cotton sarong for this, which has been living in the dress-ups for the past 5 years! I think it's better utilised as a top.

This one is a size 3 and a little on the large size, especially the sleeves as you can see by the way he pushed them up. We've been doing so much cycling I wanted something lightweight and cool for him to wear as sun protection. He wore it today when we rode to music - me thinks it does the trick as while it was a stinking hot day he 1. did not get sunburnt and 2. did not complain about it being too hot. I hope to whip up a few more for the summer.

And finally, something I whipped up for Little D this afternoon. I free-styled it entirely, no pattern and repurposed fabric - an old muslin baby wrap. They're a bit on the baggy lounge-around-at-home side, which is fine. We do that. Lounge around that is. They're elastic waist, easy on and off for our potty using toddler. I'm rather pleased with my button caterpillar. The one thing I hate more than anything in sewing is hand sewing on buttons. But these plain pants needed something and button's were it. So I dived right in and just did it!

this moment

In the tradition of soulemama here's this week's moment. No words, just a moment from our week we'd like to remember...

Our morning in photos

Hmmm, I am totally ripping off my mate's blog post of yesterday with this here post. We appear in said post actually if you'd like a glimpse of what our afternoon looked like yesterday! But back to this morning. And a glorious summery morning it was. Happy Weekend everyone!

this moment(s)

In the tradition of soulemama, here's this weeks moment(s)*. No words, just moments from our week that we'd like to remember...

*Light on posts this week, so I thought I'd use use the excuse of this moment to share a few, seeing as blogging about them didn't happen. Well I have new wheels don't you know?! We are loving them too. However, using a camera while cycling with a 30k load - not possible my friends. Got both hands firmly on the handle bars. Anyhow, the camera did make its way into my hands a few times when we weren't out biking.

(Can I just add that we have only used the car once this week. Once folks, that's a full reversal of our car-free day per week. We did all our usual stuff in all our usual places: music class, the park, shopping, homeschool meets, swimming pool and of course our daily Campos fix. That took us to 9 different suburbs - all by peddle power. And so long as the weather is kind to us we shall continue to cycle because frankly, it rocks)!

this moment

In the tradition of soulemama, here's this week's moment. No words, just a moment from our week that we'd like to remember...

Car free just got soooo much easier.

Introducing the latest love of my life! Oh my, I am totally in love with this baby. Meet my old Trek 7000fx with xtracycle conversion. Wow. Love love love it. I'd never even heard of xtracycle two weeks ago, which shows you how out of the loop I've been when it comes to all things bike-y. But thanks to the fantastic guys at Cheeky Transport, who know their stuff, here you have it! A way to cycle with BOTH kidlets on the bike, without a trailer! It rides well. We christened it today by riding to our homeschool meet. (Where I unashamedly shoved my camera in the face of my mate and had her snap photos of us!).

First ride. Having not been on my bike very much at all for over 5yrs. Here's what I've learnt so far (and with barely 10ks under our belt, so no doubt I have more to learn).

Securely attach Little H's nigh night (blankie) to his seat straps or some such to avoid it being lost overboard! (Lucky his blankie is a terry towelling nappy and we have loads).

Strong wind is not ideal. But not impossible. But not ideal. Choosing the route should take into account the direction of the prevailing wind.

Peddling uphill with almost 30 kilo's on the back isn't easy when you are totally unfit. Give me a few weeks and I'll address the unfit part!

A padded cushion will be necessary for Little D's bum. I shall fashion something soon (ohh, excuse to hit the sewing machine, that sucks!)

* * * * *

So there you have it. Our car-free day's just got a whole lot more exciting and I suspect we'll be achieving more than one car free day per week from now on. Plus I get to enjoy one of my greatest loves - riding. Win win!

For some more photos of us xtracycling see this post.