Shorts for Hugo

Made some shorts for Hugo.

Hope they aren't too small.

Shorts. So Many Shorts.

With the change of the seasons and subsequent clean out of the children's wardrobes, I have noticed several gaps in their clothing that needed filling. So obviously, I filled the need. At the time, I didn't realize how many shorts I was making, but now I see, oh so clearly. 

The first set of shorts were just Sycamore Shorts in various sizes. Hugo was lucky enough to score a pair too, which I made from an old shirt of Steve's. I had been planning to make a dress for Rachel, but in the end couldn't be bothered to figure out how to do it, and shorts was easier. 

I kept the buttons (just sewed the seam down so they don't open) and added some left over tie (from Sophie's Dress) on the other. They look pretty groovy, and seem to be comfortable for Hugo too.

The girls got shorts too. Sophie one pair, and Rachel two. I used left over blue material from Rachel's Lillie Dress and some stars material for the first pair. Given that Rachel pretty much loves dresses (every day), I knew these shorts wouldn't get much wear unless they looked like a skirt.

Tada!

And I was right about the wearing factor. She does like them though. Only when dresses are not an option of course.

The two other shorts were made with some material from Steve's Aunty Sue in Sydney. Free fabric! Is there anything better?

To make them more fun, I let the girls choose iron on patches. Sophie choose the koala, and Rachel the giraffe below. Rachel also got a pocket with the very last of the blue material. Another ploy to get her to wear them. Having a pocket to stash anything she collects is a definite bonus for her.

 Now the fancy shorts! This time, Sophie gets two, and Rachel gets one. Sort of.

These are all made from the Clover Shorts Pattern, which makes for some really shiny shorts. Pockets, cuffs, flat front waist band. So beautiful. They are also made with a very mixed collection of material. You might even noticed that blue spot material has been used to make Clover Shorts before.

The colour match is not great, but I had just enough of that unicorn fabric left over from Sophie's Library Bag to make the front and pockets from. I did have other material that was a better colour match, but I went with the blue spot because it was the same weight, or kind of material, which is apparently important?

The other unicorn fabric I got on sale at spotlight with the star material, and they go together marvelously well. The blue floral stuff was in the the material from Aunty Sue, and that colour matched so well. Perfection!

Rachel's shorts were the star material with some of the pink-orange stuff from Aunty Sue. Unfortunately for Rachel, when she put them on, they fit, but were a little tight to get on and off, so she actually ended up with no Clover Shorts. I gave them to another little girl.

Kindy Shorts

Hugo starts kindy next year, so obviously I wanted him to have something cool to wear to kindy, just like the girls had. I had just enough material for a pair of shorts from the coloring in material that I'd gotten from Ikea.

It has made three dresses (see Sophie's, Sonia's and Rachel's), and was used in the Table Tent, and now all that remains are some scraps. Goodbye fabulous material. I hope I can find something similar again in the future, because wearing something you've colored yourself, is a pretty special feeling.

Anyway, because there was such little material left, it was a bit of creative cutting to get the shorts out; some of the pattern is upside down, I'll admit. And I accidentally cut one piece out facing the wrong way, so I had to trace everything through the material and color it a second time. Luckily, these are going to get trashed at kindy anyway, so it really doesn't matter.

And I don't think you can really tell. They just look fun to me. Crazy, but fun.

Attempting to Stay Current and Attentive

I know I've been pretty terrible at posting lately and I keep using the excuse that I'm writing or I've got kids to look after or whatever. Don't get me wrong, these are all legitimate reasons that I'm not posting, but they are also excuses why I'm not posting. I feel sorry for all those people who do like to read along and are missing out now. I also know that when blogs that I read take a break, I tend to leave too, which means if I want to keep people reading, then I've got to keep posting. Sigh. It's a vicious cycle.

Anyway, this week has been fun and busy, which is the way I like it. Story is going really well everyone. I know it's the rough draft but I am liking where it's going. We've been to play group and prayer and had mothers group. All the usual things. Hugo likes to pull himself up and smile at things. Rachel has just worked out how to climb up onto stools to extend her reach. Sophie says a lot of things with her increasing vocabulary,  but my favourite phrases of the moment are: "Always hungry", "Goodness me!" and "Sometimes that happens".

Today we visited a friend who has a six week old bub. My three were very well behaved (whew). Because we were going to be out and about for most of the morning (my friend lives over the north side), I packed a delicious and nutritious lunch for the girls that I thought I'd share with you here.

They shared all of this and more. There are carrots cut like flowers, cheese sticks, pear and peach fruit, tomato, avocado and ham. They also had some rice crackers and a yoghurt each. Oh, and Sophie had some sultanas. An excellent lunch.

Paula's Outing

This is Paula. Paula lives in a house which has a lovely backyard.

One day, Paula decided to go and spend some time in the backyard.

"Can I come too?" said Sophie.

"Yes," Paula said, "as long as you use the toilet first."

"Will you take me?" asked Rachel.

"Yes, but you'll have to wear your shoes."

"May I come along, Aunty Paula?" said Hugo.

"Of course," Paula replied, "provided you're not too tired."

For a while, they all enjoyed being outside in the lovely backyard. But then, Sophie needed to use the toilet, but refused to go inside, Rachel took off her shoes, and was bitten by an ant, and Hugo fell asleep in the swing.

Then, Paula, Sophie, Rachel and Hugo all went back inside the house together.

"Don't worry," said Paula, "we'll try to play outside in the lovely backyard another day."

Thank you to Mr Gumpy's Outing by John Burningham for providing the foundation for this story, and Sophie, Rachel and Hugo for the inspiration.