Sunday, July 27, 2008

Birthday Present for a Two Year Old Girl

Dieter was invited to a birthday party this weekend. What a perfect opportunity to do some sewing. I knew I wanted to give something handmade. Ken had the brilliant idea to give the birthday girl, Riley, some of the playsilks I had just dyed (we didn't end up using them on the midsummer evening--forgot to do the pinata!). I set aside two playsilks for her and decided to make her a bag as well. I used the pear print, plus some of my elephants, and the inside is lined with a thrifted sheet. She can use this for daycare, the library, an overnight bag for grandma's, or just carry her playsilks around in it.

I gave Dieter the red silk and he wanted to wear it to the party. I thought that was very appropriate so Riley and her mother could see one in action, and I loved the look of Dieter swinging in his red cape.
And here is what Ken would be blogging about for this weekend (perhaps) if he had a blog. He took the little boys to the creek to collect rocks,
to make ladybug rocks. Rainer painted with water while Dieter got to use the acrylics on the actual rocks.

They added the dots just before bed. So cute! These last three pictures are all Ken's.

It's Sunday night as I write this, and Ken and I are about to teach ourselves about canning. We have tons of nectarines and have decided that nectarine jam would make a great gift at Christmas. I've already made a batch of freezer jam from the nectarines, but we want the firmer set and portability of real jam. So here we go! Wish us luck.

14 comments:

Shannon said...

That bag is adorable! Did you just make up the pattern yourself?? And I am sorry, but I L-O-V-E that you are canning TOGETHER! I might be able to talk my hubs into that one day, what a sweet and fun activity to do as a couple! Have a great evening!

Elfin Goddess said...

I love the bag!! Its really neat...I really need to find that sewing teacher soon! Since you mentioned Christmas, i was also wondering if you would share a few ideas that would make great Christmas gifts! I've been thinking of making all of the gifts this year and thought now is as good a time to get started on them! Cheerio!

Jessica said...

I hope your canning adventure was fun-I can't wait to see what you guys turned out! I also love that bag! I've almost bought those fabrics a couple of times.

Suzanne said...

Cute bag! She must have loved it. Canning is easy, the Ball book of canning is great. I also use the Pomosa brand natural thickener instead of the pectin, comes out great in my blueberry maple preserves. Can't wait to hear how the tangerine jam comes out.

kirsten said...

cute bag - and my boys wear their silks just like that!

maybe we should paint rocks....

Mozi Esme said...

What a beautiful bag! And scarves are a big hit around this house.

I love the ladybugs! We have a red painted rock in our craft room already - it's just missing the black dots! We'll have to rectify that.

Amy said...

oh good luck making jam! I have always thought of learning but it just seems like I will never get around to that one! I think it would make for a wonderful gift- I know I would love anything like that!

Laura said...

I love how Ken took the boys on a 'rock hunt'. They must have loved that! The transformation to lady bugs was a cute idea. They are adorable! Those would also make nice Christmas gifts!

Darling bag + play silks = fabulous birthday gift :)

ames said...

I love the bag, I think any little girl would just adore it! I have the same apple and pear fabric, but the one with the pink fruit and white background, so yummy.

It must have been in the stars to try out canning yesterday because I did it for the first time too, only with rhubarb compote. I was so happy when I heard the little lid buttons ping, hope your experience went well also!

Rachel said...

I'm usually just a dedicated lurker, but I had to de-lurk just to give you some encouragement on the jam project! Canning is an annual tradition in my family (we do apricot, pomegranate and grape jelly) and once you get over the intimidation factor it couldn't be easier. Just be prepared for how hot it gets in the kitchen, between the boiling water for sterilizing the jars and the vats of boiling fruit. It's a lot of fun.

emily said...

Would you send me a jar? I'll take one of those bags too. Seriously.

melissa s. said...

i love the bag - that is my favorite fabric ever! good luck with the canning!

Pecos Blue said...

What great ideas. Very Cute indeed. I like your site. Glad I passed on by.

Rachael said...

I get a little confused when I read US blogs about 'canning.' Do you literally mean that you make jam and then seal it in a can? Or is it just jam that we make and seal in sterilised jars? We make the jam using a load of sugar to fruit ratio (sometimes add pectin depending on the fruit (I can send you some recipes)), clean and sterilise the jars in the oven, add the hot jam to the hot, sterile jars and seal the lid. As the jam cools it ‘sucks’ in the lid of the jar to seal it. I swear it lasts for years. =Good luck!