Just a Little Trip Back in Time, Just in Time to Go Back to School

The Fourth of July may have been just over a week to go, but for a mom who only has so many sewing hours in her day, the return of the school year is just around the corner. We'll still make our big back to school shopping trip, like so many other parents, but the fashions marketed towards 10 year old girls aren't always what this mom is comfortable with.

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They say are children are what they see, and with my love of vintage fashion designs for myself, it was only a matter of time before the Blonde decided she too needed some vintage style. With the help of a friend, three dress patterns and a full slip pattern were found, Blonde approved, and now the  fabulous fabric hunt has begun.

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The slip with be from a polyester satin with trims, so that clothes will drape easily and not ride up. The black plaid dress pictured on the pattern cover just screams wool suiting, perfect for fall when paired with knee high socks and tights in the chill of winter.

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The sketch in red will look lovely with a white cotton lace collar and in bright linen florals, minus the ribbon details pictured.  I'm certain we'll manage hidden pockets in the full skirt, perfect for keeping notes passed from friends and special treasures.

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Another pattern where the sketch in red is the plan, this dress will be made in a fun (to be determined) cotton, perfect for lots of play on the playground and a little learning in the classroom. The big pockets immediately drew the Blonde's eye, and she's eager to find the perfect fabric.

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Not so much for the Blonde, but the Mom requires a little back to school sewing for herself as well, and view B in the watercolor linen will be a fun frock!

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My goal is to blog each dress as it comes together, so stay tuned to see fabrics turned to frocks, ready for another wonderful year of making new friends and filling eager minds with knowledge!

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Sack Lunch Design Time

I'm mixing up some homemade guacamole and fresh mango salsa for school lunches this week

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It's going to be a tasty week with spinach salad topped with fresh strawberries, yellow summer squash, slivered almonds, a boiled egg and feta

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Toasted seaweed rolls filled with carrots, sweet orange peppers & avocado are served with a side of sweet and sour veggies & rice

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There will be rice pudding made with almond milk for a dessert treat one day

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Bakery rolls are filled with ham, avocado, spinach & smoked gouda

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Piles of fresh veggies and fruit accompany every meal

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And to finish off the menu plan, we made corn dog muffins. The Brawn spent more than 20 minutes begging to taste them. All of them. Stinker

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It might seem like a lot of work. Maybe a little insane to prep five days worth of lunches all in one afternoon, but in reality, it took a total of less than 2 hours to organize and make our collection of happy little meals. And, really, I wouldn't trade our Sunday afternoon lunch making time for anything. Because for 2 hours, I spend time with my two oldest kidlets, talking about goals, the current books they're reading, laughing at bad jokes, and building a strong love of healthy foods that they will carry with them through life.

 

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