"Looking at a lily on the lake"
"Talk about the sparrow looking like a tree"
"Counting all the ripples on the sea"
Thankyou, everyone who
commented on the last post! I know this phase will pass, and I take time when I
can, but being followed by two children for 12 hours straight can sometimes get
the better of you, no matter how positively you parent. And to know I’m not
alone…..blessings from above! I heard all of your collective Mexican waves of
support. And this post was written much better in my head on my walk this afternoon. Sorry.
Wherever we go we are surrounded by simple beauty. The first budding flower on a magnolia tree heralding spring. The taste of fresh bread straight out of the oven. The crispness of light and air after a rain shower. The perfect combination of colour, form, pattern on a child, whose heat flushed cheeks in late afternoon catch the blushing pink of her lips and match the smock she wears. Her mother's heart singing with utter joy, smiling so bright on the inside so that everything she said about charcoal can be forgotton for a brief moment while she just takes in this simple beauty of a baby in something damn cute.
Because I had some time, some large blocks of time today. Because I didn't have to rush and I could enjoy. Because someone else got the drinks, and wiped the bottom and answered questions. Because this one worked without fuss, unlike the other one I did earlier in the week which was a disappointment. Because sometimes, even though I like my dark colours and naturals, I also like to put strong bold things against those colours and let the colour and pattern speak against an uncluttered background.
Oh what am I saying - I shouldn't have to justify it! It's just too damn cute and I absolutely adore it on Pia. Ok!
The pattern is from this japanese pattern book (it's the dress on the cover) and is a tie-at-the-back apron type dress. The material is Heather Bailey Freshcut for Freespirit (can I just say, today I really, really love this fabric). *Song lyrics quoted throughout in full here, from Happy Talk the song from South Pacific.
Wow, that looks great!! I wish I could sew like you!
Stay sane! I know what it's like having baby on you all day - I can't imagine having two kids!
Posted by: Elinor | March 25, 2007 at 12:48 AM
Oh, that is so cute on her!
Posted by: cari | March 25, 2007 at 02:44 AM
a beautiful dress for a beautiful girl!
Posted by: lera | March 25, 2007 at 03:37 AM
Gorgeous dress! and so neatly made!
Posted by: Peitseoga | March 25, 2007 at 07:25 AM
Love the little dress. Only downside of a little boy is no pretty dresses. Never mind lots of upside. Have been eyeing that fabric for sometime - it's very nice.
Posted by: Susan | March 25, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Gorgeous dress, and do I see shades of pink? Welcome to the dark side.
Posted by: Kate | March 25, 2007 at 10:11 AM
She looks adorable. I love that book, I bought it last spring and made so many things for Ivy out of it.
Posted by: Donna | March 25, 2007 at 11:28 AM
How fun! I remember that Happy Talk song, humming it now. And your daughter is adorable in her new dress....gorgeous!
Posted by: Jade | March 25, 2007 at 12:31 PM
So cute! I am looking forward to receiving my copy of that book even more(ordered it a couple of weeks ago)!
Posted by: Kirsten | March 25, 2007 at 03:42 PM
tres jolie
Posted by: Carson | March 25, 2007 at 05:28 PM
This dress is divine and so is your baby girl. I have a girl called Pia as well, but I can't say she was dressed this well as a baby! I love your blog by the way.
Posted by: Jo | March 25, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous. You are edging into the world of pink.
And I want to see you sing the song, just like in the movie ....
Posted by: Violet & Rose | March 25, 2007 at 10:24 PM
She looks ADORABLE!!!!
Posted by: Adrienne | March 26, 2007 at 02:36 AM
Lovely dress, adorable baby!
Posted by: Kristin | March 26, 2007 at 08:04 AM
Oh what a gorgeous dress on Pia. She always looks so adorable. Glad you found some time to finish it up.
Posted by: Sue | March 26, 2007 at 11:59 AM
it's gorgeous! you definitely don't need to justify, it's a beautiful dress (and a beautiful girl!).
:)
Posted by: Lindsey Clare | March 26, 2007 at 04:32 PM
:D
Posted by: filambulle | March 26, 2007 at 08:05 PM
hurrah for uninterrupted time and the loveliness that comes of it. it's all true-- those patterns and colors look great on a neutral backdrop, *and*... it's so damn cute :) pia is a little burst of sunshine in that dress.
Posted by: amisha | March 29, 2007 at 05:41 AM
hi.very cute girl and dress.i live in japan and we are approaching summer.i will be making hana lots of dresses and have had my eye on some pattern books including that one but hana is only 65cm. did you resize the pattern?
Posted by: melinda | April 03, 2007 at 07:52 PM