So much has happened, is happening, every day. I watch my son grow grow grow! He is 9 months old now, crawling and standing and proving his ability to try and try again until he gets it right. He isn’t a complainer, and despite 6 teeth coming in fast and hard, he is super chill. He is obviously taking after his father in attitude. Which is something of a blessing, if you know me. Or him. Or us. Our marriage is one that rides on opposites, me ever-changing and him ever-constant. So what will our little man bring to Team Erickson?
As my kiddo grows, my independent time grows as well. I am figuring out balancing sewing time, cooking time, bicycling time, me time, husband time, house time with all the other times. While I am timid at certain things, say, making clothes for myself, I am less timid at other things, such as whipping out baby clothes with enthusiasm and pizzazz. Hats, shirts, pants you name it, the kid gets it. His body is leveling out a bit, too, which is helpful. He is 30″ tall and 26lbs, so he is not on the slim side just yet.
I read in a Magda Gerber book some advice that struck me as odd, until it finally struck me as brilliant days later, of course in another time and place. I love the idea of dressing babies as miniature adults. Tweed, linens, sophistication and elegance. But this was before I knew babies, before I knew my son. Now I want to see him have the luxury of silly, and not the limitations of fashion. Magda’s advice was to dress children as children, to give them freedom of movement. Her example was little girl’s in patent leather shoes and princess dresses, unable to crawl or bend or play easily. While tiny blazers, suit jackets, and linen pants are not actually limiting to Ace, I do want people to see a baby when they see him, and have the expectations of him as any other 9 month old child. Sometimes I take parenting too seriously, and my research runs deep into what possibilities there are.
I went on a bicycle ride today, with a group of women I didn’t know. The warm summer air was perfect, the bright light refreshing to the core of my being. I felt so alive, so relaxed. I need to get out on my own more often. However, it reminded me of my awesome stash of super fun knits I have to make lady things, such as arm warmers, panties, and leg warmers. Maybe my sense of fashion hasn’t changed since 1986, because the patterns I choose are all apart of The Misfits from JEM (truly truly truly outrageous!) with stars and leopard prints. I am excited to bust out some stuff for me too!
I am working my way through the Oliver + S Little Things to Sew book, slowly but surely. Loving the bear hat (I have made 4 already!) and only making one adjustment – I tacked the ears so they would stay more vertical once placed on the head. I used some shiny wool molten in rich brown with a soft grey plaid-like flannel lining. The sun hat came out a bit wonky for me, because I rushed the final lining attachment and did it by machine instead of by hand. Do Not Do This. Just blind stitch it in, slacker.
So I am feeling accomplished lately, as I have my second attempt at a sun hat cut out and ready, a pair of pants in Lizzy Houses’s 1001 Peeps in my machine now, and the makings for a giraffe hoodie/vest in the works as well.
Hope you are all getting outside in this lovely weather! What have you been sewing lately? And, where do you buy knit fabrics that are made for boys without dogs or firetrucks on them? I need a better knit fabric resource.
MaLora
I like to make and do. After my day is over and the bike riding is done, the sewing and crafting begins. This is my personal exploration, as I document and delve into what it takes to teach yourself to live your own dreams. 
