January 07, 2013

Get your patchwork on


Well, hello!

Is it true that the internet still exists? And sewing machines? And digital photos? That's super, because, whaddya know, I have a quilting blog!


I also have these two magnificent imps who keep me busy from too-early until too-late-thirty. It would be inappropriate to blame my absence on them, however. It's been some rough months folks. Wow. I come out of it knowing I am one pretty tough lady. That, at least, feels good.


So, I've excavated my sewing space. First priority was to complete this baby wrap. It's called a podaegi. Don't worry, the patchwork isn't holding the baby's weight, it's just appliqued on. The wrap was so simple to sew. I used osnaburg (from the home dec dept) because it has a little give. Not as cushy and gorgeous as a handwoven wrap, but much more affordable. I used these wrap-pod instructions to get me started. And of course that is Piece by Number's lovely circle of geese.


I love the versatility and symmetrical support. I love that there's no buckles. I love that it will fit him until I stop carrying him. It's our favorite wrap, and that's saying something for a babywearing zealot like me. I prefer to wear him on my back, which he generally loves. The front suits us fine too, though. And I must have knocked over my bottle of sleepy dust when I sewed this because he falls asleep right away almost every time I put him in it. I love the feeling of his little head resting against my back as I go about the house. Happy baby, happy mama.


I still feel disconnected from the online quilting world, and haven't really gotten back to reading blogs again. Sometimes so much is happening so fast, it makes me feel panicky and it's better for me to just stay in my family cocoon. But it's nice to know my sister and brother quilters are out there. I've been reminded that we have all gone through hard stuff and made the decision to keep going. Not only that, but made the decision to make a world with beauty in it. A world with meaning and purposefulness. I'm so happy we all decide to do that. Happy quilting folks, and hope to see you soon.

34 comments:

Outback Crafter - Debra said...

What an adorable wrap and a very adorable little bub.

Well done, don't feel that you have fallen off the earth, it is just your time needs to be focussed elsewhere right now.

Anonymous said...

So happy to see you back and to see how much the big guy has grown! Looking forward to seeing you and your family blossom after life's hard winter.

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

Two cute little imps! Nice wrap!

Quiltjane said...

Brilliant idea. Looks fabulous and your model is so cute too.

Terry said...

I love the baby wrap! Welcome back! :0)

Amber said...

I hope we'll see you at the next quilt guild meeting! I'm not getting as much done as I want.... Never thought the babes were old enough for a back carry! I might have to try one. Love the looks of this carrier, very interesting construction. I read through the instructions by am still quite confused on how it goes together!

Gene Black said...

I love the clever wrap. And your children are just precious.

So glad you survived and now realize you are one tough lady. We are generally stronger than we think we are.

And this would be . . . . said...

What a beautiful wrap and beautiful imps!

Glad to see you back and take your time coming back.

Suzanne said...

You're back! Your back is cute! I have missed you! I was just thinking of you the other day. I'm sorry I didn't reach out and tell you that. I was a baby wearing mama too and now that my kiddos are older, I remember fondly the snuggles we got during that time.

Happy new year, Christina!

tvbleak said...

I have missed you. Welcome back. Beautiful imps to make you smile every day. You are blessed.

Unknown said...

I'm sure you miss quilting and sewing right now, but remember how fast they grow, and then the time is over1 so enjoy every minute and share with us when possible. ps. your kids are beautiful! micki

Brenda said...

very cute little guy, and lovely wrap. don't worry about us here in the blogsosphere -- we'll wait until you get your quilting mojo back. the little ones don't stay little forever, and some day you'll long for the day when they woke you up, rather than the other way around (like my two teenagers who can't get up in the morning, no matter what.)

Elsa said...

Welcome back! Love the photos of your littles and that wrap is lovely. Amazing how fast the little ones grow.

bunbear said...

glad you're back!

What Comes Next? said...

Hi, good to hear from you again! What wonderful little imps you have - just adorable, and that wrap looks like the perfect solution to have baby close by!

Jessica said...

OH!! I've missed you! so happy you're back~~
(tots are adorable, btw)
i need to send you an email soon..

Becky said...

Your model is so adorable!! Love the "sling". Wish I'd known about that when mine were little, as they liked to be carried everywhere too. FWIW, I didn't have much time to sew, let alone blog until my kids were much older. But mine were 23 mos apart. I really didn't start quilting until I quit my job, and both kids were in school full time. Hang in there! It does get easier, then you suddenly find you miss some of that!

Chris said...

Glad you're back. Your new wraps certainly adds beauty to the mommy world.

Dolly said...

Oh, it's so good to see you again. And your babies are so beautiful. Take all the time you need to re-emerge and feel 'safe'.

I'm facing a big trial next month, and I waver between panic and confidence, so I understand retreating into a safe place.

I think of you with such fondness for helping me to wade into the world of machine-quilting. I don't use much of the wonderful things you taught me, but I know they're there, waiting to be called upon again. Thank you, and be well.

God loves the broken-hearted and no one heals a broken heart like he does !

Sarah Craig said...

Glad to see you back! Your imps look to be about the same ages as my grand-imps, so I can completely commiserate with you about sewing time! Hope to see more from you soon - even if it's just more pics of those cute babies!!

Mama Pea said...

Oh, Christina, your baby is just the cutest thing ever! And I love your carrying pouch. I love it. I wish I had had one when my E was so little! I am really sorry you have had some rough times. Truly. I hope things are looking up and you are all well. I hope you had a very merry Christmas and that your new year bring you joy and happiness. I am happy to see you back. I completely understand the feelings about blogging making you feel overwhelmed sometimes. I feel the same way. I completely unplugged over the holidays, myself. Sometimes I have this weird tug.....I love the internet relationships and some of the ways in which it keeps me on task. Other times, I just can't take everyone's lovely stuff and stress it causes me. So, you just let it be what it is and don't fret a minute about it. I'm working on the same!

Betty Lou said...

Welcome back, we had four children and I know how they keep you busy-----and tired. I have checked your tutorial on FMQ many times, thanks for sharing the information.

felicity said...

Motherhood: not for the faint of heart. Welcome back. Don't panic. The quilt blogging world will be here when you are ready.

Seeing your babe in the podaegi makes my heart sing and ache at the same time. I loved wearing my girl so, so much. I got a little sniffly when I finally sold my wrap(s).

Elle said...

That wrap is amazing! I'm so impressed! I'm just starting my second trimester, and I never feel like quilting any more, so I can only imagine when the baby is here (much less with two!). I hope you'll take it easy on yourself and do what brings you joy (and give those littles all the snuggling they can stand...so cute!)

Gail Lizette said...

Such an adorable little model you have! Enjoy your snuggles ~ best thing in life!

Val said...

So glad to see you back on. Love the wrap and that precious baby!

Becky said...

I have been reading more blogs then blogging myself. Not sure what my excuse is, besides maybe my real 'paying' job. Life. Hang in there and keep on quilting! Super cute baby wrap/carrier thing :)

Jen B said...

The pod looks great! Wish I had a bub small enough to wear, so I could try my hand at that tutorial. At the moment mt German style women's are getting lonely.

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Kay Lynne said...

So glad that you posted! Family is the most important! This is a special time with your children--they are chasing you to spend time with them! There will be a day when you have to chase them when they become teenagers--enjoy this time now. It's stressful, but worth it. Love the wrap and Happy New Year!

helen said...

slowly, slowly is the way to go. Nice to see you and the kids. Take it easy!

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Jeane said...

So wonderful to hear from you and your family is beautiful and growing. Just keep in touch when you can and your kids will keep you busy for quite some time...that's why you have them, right!

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