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9.14.2014

A Linen Geranium Tunic

I had planned to make this Geranium tunic for Iris as part of a 'first day of (pre)school' outfit.

Geranium Tunic 

But that felt way too predictable.   Why not switch things up and instead make a Third Week of School Tunic?


Geranium Tunic

Or.   Truthfully.  I started working on this before Hazel was born and am just getting it done now.

geranium tunic

It came together in incremental steps completed over time. "Gather skirt."  "Sew buttonholes."  "Press hem."

Geranium Tunic

I wasn't going to win any contests for speed, but the only way to finish was by going the way of the tortoise instead of the hare.  I found myself feeling satisfied with these small accomplishments, even if pre-baby I would have sewn this top in one sitting.

geranium tunic 

Dan and I joke that at this stage, some days it feels like the boat's taking on water.  We were saying how each time we've added to our family, whether it was our first child or our fifth, it always feels like this for awhile.  So for now, setting small goals is where it's at.

baby hazel 

I may not have finished the top in time for Iris' first day of school but I did get it done.  And right now I'm happy with that.

Geranium Tunic 

Iris and Tia are both loving school so much and I'm so thankful.  I wondered how Iris would do.  I was ready to keep her home with me if it was stressful for her at all.

But, she absolutely loves it!  Every Tuesday and Thursday over lunch, we get to hear all about her morning adventures with her six classmates led by teacher extraordinaire "Micky Dickysat!" (or Mrs. Dickinson for those who don't speak almost-three-year-old).

I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  Iris is a kid who does life with enthusiasm.

gloved
 Just hangin out.  With gloves on her hands and feet.

gloved gloved 

 Whether it's enjoying a rare rainy day

rainy day

(with some encouragement from her sister.)
  rainy day

Or sneaking into the garage to play salon with Tia, resulting in this asymmetrical haircut.

geranium tunic

Or getting into my lipstick.

yipstick

 Our Iris Lucia is a girl who loves life.

iris lucia


{I bought the linen for this Geranium tunic here.  I made the black and white striped leggings here.}

18 comments:

  1. I read your posts during my breakfast, and for this one my girl came asking why I was hilarious... It looks like Iris is a little clown ! Happy you !
    www.aufilducanal.com

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  2. The top is cute, but Iris is even cuter! I think every family should have a kid like her who lives life to the fullest ... I know my family has one :)

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  3. The top is adorable! And yes, "this boat is taking on water" - been there, DONE that. With both kids, like you say. There is a time when all other needs and desires are put aside in favor of the baby's needs. It's a time to savor, but also, just to survive. Things do ease up, thank goodness! Hang in there! So glad Iris is loving school so much! And dang could she be any cuter? The gloves on the feet!!!?? That is the best.

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  4. you are awesome!! your tortoise steps are fine with me!! I am taking them too, since I got back to work and I feel satisfied too! took me about one while week to make a dress for my girl!! 30 minutes at a time. your tunic is the cutest and the photos are gorgeous as ever! keep your heard above the water! you are doing marvelous and you are my hero!!

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  5. Rachel, the tunic is lovely (as always) but those other photos... Oh my god! Hilarious and so sweet at the same time!
    By the way, last week Ines has cut her hair too. Asymmetrically, of course!

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    1. Thanks, Marta! What is it with kids giving themselves haircuts?! I always try to keep our scissors high and out of reach. But if there's a weakness in our system, you better believe they'll find it! ;)

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  6. Love this top! What type of fabric did you use?

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    1. Thank you! It's Kaufman Essex linen/cotton blend. I bought it here - https://www.fabric.com/buy/ff-312/kaufman-essex-yarn-dyed-linen-blend-leathered

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  7. You completely upstaged your own (very beautiful) sewing with those extra photos! My boat seems to sit permanently a bit lower in the water these days so I'm in awe of those of you with so many more passengers (or should I be thinking of them as crew members, perhaps that's the problem...)
    Anyway. You sew beautifully, and I'm guessing a lot of other stuff happens between each seam.
    P.S. My (pink) dishwashing gloves are useless as they have holes in them due to the Flamingos dancing in them! (so very funny it's impossible to be cross) Our daughters would have a blast together!

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  8. I'm all for a third week of school outfit! By that time the excitement of it all has died down and you need a little handmade goodness. Perfect timing on your part :)
    And I just have to say how much I love the way that you talk about Iris. She reminds me so much of my neighbor's kid who just has the biggest zest for life. Oh, to have even a tenth of that enthusiasm!

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  9. As happens so often when reading your blog, I am swept away by the perfect truthfulness with which you describe your life. Third week of school dress? We've all been there . . .or perhaps didn't even get one done at all (the horror!). Playing in the mud puddles? Makes for some amazing life-happy photos (wishing you good luck with that laundry load:). Hair cut by not-quite-hair-stylist-certified sister? Make it into an adorable asymmetrical bob, thereby amping up Iris' cuteness factor even more. Love the lens through which you see life, and the safe, encouraging environment you create that allows Iris to feel the joie de vivre that she does. You and Dan may be feeling that the boat is letting in water these days, but bigger picture testifies to the amazing job you're both doing! And thanks for sharing the latest sewing creation - love!

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    1. Wow, thank you for that, Lucinda. Your words are an encouragement to me! <3

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  10. I love the tunic! Such a beautiful and special color, and it looks great with the striped leggings. And gorgeous pics as usual :-)

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  11. Oh, what a cutie! I'm just waiting for the day when my youngest cute her own hair- hopefully I'll laugh! Love the tunic- you can never go wrong with linen or geranium!! -e

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  12. What an absolute cutie. I want to hug her and get her together with Emily for a play!!!! xx

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  13. i am dying of cute!!! This is absolutely amazing.

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