Constant CHANGE: While she was sleeping

There have been many changes in my life. Some were exciting, some were tough. Over the past few years I moved countries, changed a dozen of addresses and a few jobs, got married, had a child. My husband and I are in a slow process of turning our second house into a family home. I even work in the change industry. How you wonder? I work in family support services. A social worker at your service :) Seriously, I can talk about change and list exciting and anxiety provoking turns in my journey for ages. 

There is one thing I look forward to every year. The change from cold to warm. Transition from winter to spring, and then summer. A lot of people get surprised when I say that I dislike cold. OK, dislike is not the most appropriate term. I hate cold. With a passion. No, having experienced over 20 Russian winters did not make me immune to cold. I can definitely feel it. So when the sun is starting to feel warm and days get longer, I become very excited. Late spring and summer are my favourite seasons. 

While I am half the brain force behind this series, it took me a little while to decide what to make for it. At first I was going to sew something for myself. Then I thought I could make curtains for our bedroom, if making curtains was not so boring. Cushions for our new couch were high on the list, but the couch has not arrived yet. In the end it was a purely practical decision - it was getting warmer, and my daughter needed new clothes. 

I make most of my daughter's clothing. I still buy her things, but only when I really have to. I sew for Little Monkey for many reasons: this is one of the ways I express my love for her; I dislike the cheap mass produced and often too grown-up looking clothes available at department stores; mum-made clothes always fit her better. I have to be honest and add that I sew for Little Monkey because I like to sew. It fulfills my need to create.

I used to be very precious about Little Monkey's handmade clothes and did not dress her in mummy-made outfits to go to childcare. This, however, quickly changed. What you see on this blog is what Little Monkey wears in real life. Including childcare. And playgrounds. And play dates. And digging holes with Daddy. Anywhere, really.

This is Little Monkey's 'I really don't feel like being photographed' face. Oh, and her new top. This is the Shandiin top by Lou Bee Clothing. I made it from quilting cotton that a beautiful sewing friend gave me as she was moving house. I think the print is perfect for a young child.

I love the detail on the back. It can be executed in a number of ways to achieve different looks. I am very pleased with how this top turned out and am keen to try other versions of this pattern.

Little Monkey got a pair of new shorts to go with the top. These are the Clover shorts by Mouse House Creations. Friends, this is now my 'go to' shorts pattern.

Little Monkey's shorts are made from denim chambray. I thought making pockets from the same fabric as the top would be fun. I did not have thread to match the chambray, but I had the exact same shade of green that matched the print on quilting cotton, hence contrasting stitching. Isn't it amazing how such a small detail can add so much character to an outfit! I altered the instructions slightly and made an adjustable waistband.

Little Monkey prefers wearing dresses, so making a pair of shorts for her was a little risky. However the pattern has a few options she likes - pockets and buttons. While my daughter does not like wearing pants, she likes denim jeans, so my fabric choice made it OK in her books. Phew!

So now my daughter has some appropriate clothing for summer, bring on the sunshine!

Please visit my co-host Renee to see what she has made for the series. Here is a little sneak peek. Can you guess what is it? I know, and I think it is totally awesome!

Renee and I will be happy for you to stay with us for the series. It is going to be great!