Well lovely readers, I have had a bit of a break from blogging but for a very good reason. Our lovely son Nathaniel has arrived, safe and sound.
He surprised us by coming a bit earlier than expected, so we have had the honour of his company for 7 weeks now. (Correction: It was 7 weeks when I started this blog, but it is now 10 weeks, lol!)
Life has certainly changed, but oh what a wonderful change!
Photo taken at 2 days old by hospital photographer
Having a baby is hard work, that’s for sure, but I am so grateful for our lovely little man. I still can’t believe he is real, even when I am staring at him and stroking his ginger hair; it is like it is a dream. I consciously tell myself to grasp on to moments and cement them in my mind. Time both drags and flies in some weird way in babyland. Here are a couple of pictures from the newborn shoot Laura from Laura Lane Photography did for us.
By Laura Lane
Betty and Nate – By Laura Lane
By Laura Lane
The Vintage Inspired Nursery Complete (mostly)
Despite Nathaniel’s early arrival, his nursery is mostly complete, the only thing we are still waiting on is the cot. That turned into a bit of a fiasco, because the weather was so cold and damp in our shed the paint just did not dry properly. We took it to my parents for better conditions, then Nate arrived so its completion has been delayed. Nevertheless the nursery looks pretty cute, even if I do say so myself. 😉
To get a look like this, you could spend a great deal, but we saved ourselves heaps of cash by upcyling or recycling second hand furniture and buying from op-shops or budget stores such as Ikea and Aldi. It took some time and effort but it was enjoyable work.
Here is the nursery complete as it is:
The cane toy box was actually a laundry hamper from Ikea -$49, the mini bookcase from Aldi -$36, the vintage style light fitting was from Ikea-$19, the two large suitcases from a local op shop – $12 ( plus time to paint them), the chest of draws was one we already had but gave a fresh lick of paint and added new brass handles – $12 per pair, the rug from Ikea – $79, the vintage style ABC poster was being sold as wrapping paper at a gift shop – $4, Henry the rocking horse was from an op-shop – $5 (plus – $14 for paint and time spent repairing and painting him).
If you can’t recall what Henry looked like before his make over, here is his ‘before’ pic.
What an improvement! Henry the rocking horse is well groomed and ready for the races now.
The shelving was mine as a kid, it just needed a lick of paint, the glider/nursing chair was found on Gumtree for -$20 and needed a clean up and new seat cushion and covers, those materials cost-$20, the change table was a hand down from friends which only cost us the time to sand and paint it. For all the paint jobs (except Henry’s) we re-tinted and used left over white sample paint from when we painted our house.
Wall decorations are important: the Peter Rabbit cross stitch was a hand made gift from Nate’s Oma. The vintage fawn decals were bought on line for $20 and their wooden shadow box frames $9 at Riot Art, the other frames were from Ikea for $3 each, two of the prints were bought from Pretty Things For You, on Etsy for $5.25 PTFY
Some of my favourite features are: the vintage story cards that were Nate’s Oma’s when she was small. Now her son can read them to his son. Bless! The spinning top, a classic vintage toy. The quirky sleepy time hourglass and the rocking rocket from our cousin.
So, the nursery is looking pretty good, I am very happy with it. It was fun to work on and I really enjoy spending time with my little son in there.
Sewing Opportunities
In the early weeks, as Nathaniel slept a lot, I was able to get some sewing done. Here is what I did.
A nappy bag for a friend:
This nappy bag I made for a new friend and her new arrival. I started it before Nathaniel arrived and recently finished it off
An Australiana themed, hand embroidered bunting for a special new arrival:
I finished this hand stitched bunting for friends of mine, whose ‘promised’ treasure was born recently. Knowing the journey that this special couple have been on made making this bunting all the more an honour.
Rainbows were a special feature of this creation.
As were Blue Wrens
and Australian wild flowers.
Clothes for Nathaniel:
I also have managed to make two outfits for Nathaniel. One is a waistcoat onsie, which is made using a really simple appliqué method. The other is one of my Oh Bless , vintage style rompers. Unfortunately it didn’t really fit. Nate was so small at the time it looks a little funny on him in the photo. He has lost the ‘chicken arms and legs’ now and got a bit chubbier, so I really should try it on again.
I decided to make this romper in flannelette and to add snaps at the front for easy nappy change access.
The NOW season
Now Nate has colic and rarely sleeps during the day it is very hard to get any time to get into my sewing room. However colic does not last forever, so I am sure I will be back at it in a couple of months. In the meantime I am enjoying cuddles and caring for my longed for child.
Blessings xo
Ally