You & Me - While she was sleeping

They say more babies are born on rainy days. I don't know if it is just a myth, but it actually was raining on a cold August day when Little Monkey entered the world. I loved her while she was still in my womb, but when I got to meet her face to face my love for her extended beyond measure. She was (and is) perfect. Her little fingers, so tiny nose, her cute toes...

Once she was born, Little Monkey was placed on my chest, and we began forming a beautiful relationship. When she needed a change of a nappy, my husband and I did it showing her that we cared. When she was hungry, she had free access to the most delicious milk. When she was sleepy, we were happy to cuddle and kiss her to show her she was safe and loved. When she was awake, we played with her, talked with her, explored with her, showing her that she was important. Once she could hold her head we started reading to her. Reading is still one of our favourite things to do!

Last week Pam talked about her journey with her children and grand children. I love hearing how all the hard work we as parents (and those surrounding and supporting us) put into building positive relationships with our children that foster their development and shape them as individuals, pays off. It really puts things in perspective for me, especially on days when I am tired and want to be alone, but all Little Monkey wants to do is play cars with me!

Little Monkey is one of those children who appreciate quality time. Lots of it! Her little face lights up when she gets to build a railway with her daddy, or when Little Monkey and I got out for an ice cream and just chat. She loves to put our chairs right next to each other at dinner table, and my heart melts when she looks at me and says, "Mummy, you are my best friend". Of course I stop being her best friend for a short period of time when I insist she has to brush her teeth or do something she doesn't feel like doing! Then she says, "You are not my best friend any more. Daddy is my best friend". Oh she is hilarious!

If you haven't' realised it yet, I can talk about Little Monkey forever. She is a gorgeous person and my faithful companion.

For this series I wanted to tell you about one thing Little Monkey and I love doing together. We both love playing outside. We play together. And we have a lot of fun!

It is getting colder in my corner of the world, so I decided to make something to keep us warm while we have fun bike riding, going down the slides, running around and throwing sticks.

I am only taking baby steps at sewing for myself. To date I have only made two wearable things - the Sorbetto top (see here) and the Staple dress (see here). This time I wanted to make a jacket. I even bought a pattern, but felt a little intimidated by it. My friend Renee asked if I have seen the Woodland Stroll Cape pattern by Oliver + S. I searched the image and fell in love with it.

While she was sleeping I made myself a cape, and I love it!

My cape is 100% wool blend with polyester lining.

Red is my favourite colour. I was so happy when I saw this fabric at my local fabric shop! There were not too many options, really. Only red and beige in wool, the rest was nylon, polyester and the like. I prefer using natural fibers, so the choice was obvious!

The cape you see is my second go at making it. I used my bust measurement to determine the size of the first one. It is obvious I am not gifted in that particular area, and although I had my doubts about the size I went ahead and made a cape... that ended up too small! I also used voile for lining and discovered the cape did not 'move' with me, which was a little annoying. I was not too concerned though. I called this failure a learning experience and made another cape, using my waist and hips measurements to determine the size and 'slippery' polyester for lining.

The cape is still far from perfect, but it is absolutely wearable! In fact, it is very comfortable to wear, and I love it how the 'slippery' lining allows the cape to move with me, which is oh so important at a playground! This was my first experience sewing 'slippery' fabric. It was not as scary as I expected! I am just wondering if there are alternatives for polyester?

I think denim is a perfect choice of fabric for a jacket for an active young human being. It is hard wearing and it goes with just about anything.

I used the Little Red Riding Hood Jacket pattern by Puperita. This was the second time I used this pattern. You can see the first jacket here.

While I chose the pattern and the outer fabric, Little Monkey chose fabric for lining. She fell in love with quilting cotton with brightly coloured trees printed on it - how appropriate for Autumn!

When I showed the finished jacket to Little Monkey the first things she noticed were the pockets and the cool buttons - of course! When I showed her the lining, she got excited and started saying, "Look mummy! Look at the trees hiding!" Then she ran to daddy to show him the cool hiding trees. I swear there is no greater reward than knowing your child loves something you have made for them!

I love the shape of the hood of this jacket. Oh, and a bit of dirt on a sleeve from playing tickling monsters in the leaves adds charm to a garment, don't you think?

Little Monkey had so much fun posing... and the running away as soon as my husband pointed the camera at her!

She slowed down to throw a few sticks in the pond.

Of course there are many more things Little Monkey and us do together, but I might save them for another post ;)

I am looking forward to a post from Christina from 2 Little Hooligans tomorrow!

Would you like to join us as we talk about our kids and sewing? Please feel free to upload your photos to our Flickr group!