Don't get me wrong. There is no spring action going on here in Brooklyn quite yet. It is still very much a winter situation. I always get jealous when I read other blogs this time of year. I turn green with envy reading about how "spring is in the air" and "I just needed a light cardigan" when I left the house. The worst one is "I see blossoms popping up". There is still snow on the ground. Old, gross, brown snow with week old trash mixed in it. Yum! What do I do to get me through the last bit of winter? First, start by forcing some Paperwhite bulbs. I do this every year after the holidays. They smell great! They last FOREVER and kids LOVE to watch them come to life. I love the squeals and daily updates. "Mommy, this one has creepy roots". "I see green sprouts". "This one wins! It popped the first flower!". By the end of the six weeks each bulb had been given a name and had a personality of it's own. They are sturdy flowers that do not need much more than water and light. The sad part is that they don't live forever and eventually they have to go.
Another cure for the winter blues is to start sewing Spring Wardrobes for the girls. Notice the fussy, flowery, bright fabric I chose for this shirt? Yep, I actually chose that. I chose it because it's Febuary. I chose it because it's for a kid. I chose it because it's going to get me through the rest of the winter. I know, in a few months it will probably make me want to puke but for now, it's making me happy. I used my own pattern for this one. I am just starting to make clothes without using a store bought pattern and it's quite fun.
I added shirring to the neckline, sleeves,
and waist.
It was a simple, quick project that I finished in one night. Given the lack of "time" I get to myself these short projects are perfect for me.
So, There you have it. My two favorite ways to endure the end of winter.
Oh, and by the way, don't ignore your baby while working on a project.
I had a feeling things were just a little too quiet!
Great shirt and I have the TP problem too....in fact it's a little too quiet right now.... Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules
Posted by: The Persimmon Perch | February 23, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Love the shirt & your sense of humor! Thanks so much for linking up on Craft Schooling Sunday (on Tuesday!) hope to see you again next week!
Posted by: Sara | February 23, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Great dress and definitely makes me think of spring. I have the baby problem all the time.
Posted by: Kelly Brumley | February 23, 2010 at 03:06 PM
I have never forced blooms before. It sounds so cool!
I love the shirt. The colors are great. I love shirring. I haven't done that in a while. You have inspired me to do it again.
Little Alice is so adorable sitting in that nest of TP!
Posted by: Erin | February 23, 2010 at 07:49 PM
So cute, Jenny! I love it!
Posted by: Holly | February 24, 2010 at 01:15 AM
What a cute top! I absolutely LOVE the fabric. And I had to laugh out loud, at my desk, at work when I saw your baby!!!! How funny is that????
Posted by: Leslie Scott | February 24, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Beautiful top! I also had to LOL when I saw your baby- my daughter does the same thing. :)
Posted by: The Neglected Nest | February 24, 2010 at 12:23 PM
oh, this is fabulous! I am about done with winter, and this would create a little insta-spring. :)
we have a friday fun find party- if you're interested, we'd love it if you'd link up tomorrow!
Posted by: kirstin | February 25, 2010 at 04:08 PM
You are amazing! I can't believe how quickly you put that together. I am still giggling at the toilet paper bandit. Too cute!
Posted by: Andy | February 26, 2010 at 10:08 AM