Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Levi and I are celebrating by doing NOTHING today  - my parents and sister aren't around, and its actually nice to not have any obligations for the day.    We are thankful for all of the offers to dinner today though, we had offers from friends (even willing to accommodate our special diets), and even my college professor, and a complete stranger.   How nice of everyone to ask!  


First is some Christmas sewing that I've been working on. 

For a swap: 

Christmas jammies for a friends boys (these are SO cute, I love this pattern!)

And what I'm thankful for:

Berkshire's 12th birthday, which the shelter we got her from says is about on thanksgiving, so a good day to celebrate it - you wouldn't know this do was so old (except for the greying muzzle), she is still active and sure does love to eat!   Levi made her a special hat to wear, and she got treats and a toy. 

And my family - And of course all those not pictured as well!   We are looking forward to spending time with Grammy for christmas, going on a family+ cruise!   

And Levi wanted to make a video (I said he should write down what he is thankful for, instead he made a list, practiced it, and then requested that I film him - he loves to make these videos, even though he does take it too seriously!)

Bouncy Ball Making

Do you remember the kits where you make your own bouncy ball?   I had one as a kid, and I found a kit for Levi, and gave it to him for his birthday.   
Its a quick project that he can do almost entirely on his own, and it gives a fun result!  I got this kit from Fat Brain Toys.


Here is what you get: 

Put the mold together, and pour in layers of powder (like sand art).  Make sure you tap it gently after each layer, this ensures that you won't have a gap at the top when you set the mold.

Then put the whole thing in water for 1min, let it sit for a little bit, and un-mold.  The kit I had as a kid required hot water, but this one is nice because you can use cool water, so the kid can do it himself.

Ta da!!   

He loved the bright colors and the rainbow/tye dye effect.  

Pants, Pants and a Beco style doll carrier

I've been trying to make Levi some long pants for when we go to Tahoe.  Its too warm here most days to wear long pants though so its hard to get into "pants making mode".   I found this great fabric (in the form of a pair of women's capri pants from the thrift store for $1). so I made him some colorful skinny jeans: 

The shirt that I made him a while back matches perfectly, although it was a little short when I made it (the pattern is off).  He insisted on adding the Christmas tie.   

And my sister's friend gave me a basic, frumpy black sweatshirt that he didn't want, so I cut it up and made these!

I used the pattern from the above pants as a "size guide" but just cut these free-hand including the pockets.  I reused the sweatshirt waistband as the pants waistband.     The purple is left over from the harem pants I made. 

There are stripes up the sides and some color blocking.   

He had to throw in a spiderman pose.   

And I also made a doll-size baby carrier for my friend's daughter!  This is an SSC styled after the Beco carriers.  It has a clip waist and adjustable shoulder straps.   I think it turned out great and I think the recipient will like it.   

I still need to sew him some more cold-weather clothing, there is snow in Tahoe and its been 80*+ here!  

Superhero Doll

Levi has been really into superheros lately, and lets just say, I'm not a huge fan.   Too much violence, and fighting the bad guy for me.   So I try to limit superhero exposure to focus on the more positive aspects of rescuing people, and doing the right thing.   Kinda hard to find though!   What ever happened to Captain Planet?  My favorite Earth-Saving Superhero.

Anyways, for Levi's birthday, I thought I'd make him a "Super Levi" in the hopes that he can invent his own, positive super hero.   I found this super cute super hero sewing pattern on etsy.    Its sewn entirely from scraps, and I modified it to have curly hair and shoes.  It has removable glasses, and then his very own superhero disguise including a mask, cape and belt.   The glasses and mask both have elastic and will fit Levi as well as Super Levi.

 

 

What do you think?     I think Levi will like it!   

Want your own?  Get it here!