Play Silks

For her birthday, Bird's grammy got her some play silks. I just got around to dying them with Kool.Aid (three months later). I thought I'd share the process. Such pretty results! I used the tutorial here and the scarves were purchased here (we got the 30x30" ones).

I should probably apologize for not keeping my pictures in order (i.e. skipping from red to orange to purple), but I'm not going to. Such pretty colors, who cares what order they're in?

First, we soaked the scarves in hot water in the sink, with a splash of vinegar for good measure. I swished them around to make sure they were all saturated and left them until I got the rest of the supplies ready (probably closer to 20 minutes than the 30 recommended in the original tutorial).

While the scarves were soaking I mixed up my dyes. These are cherry, orange and lemonade. I used two packets of colorful beverage mix as opposed to the three recommended (not making a run to the store for more!), 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar in each microwave-safe container.

Then I gently put each scarf in its dye bath. I did this gingerly and didn't smoosh them down too much as I wanted them to look mottled and imperfect. You also don't want them too tightly balled up because then the dye won't penetrate to the middle.

I covered each dish with plastic wrap and then the lid from the dish (I'm sure the lid part is optional if you just have plastic wrap). Zap it in the microwave for three minutes, then very very carefully (steam burns hurt just as much as any other type of burn; I had to re-learn that the hard way) peel back the plastic wrap and stir your scarf around with a fork. I flipped them over so the white parts were in the dye, which was diluted by this point.

Pardon the smudgy microwave. Each scarf should be microwaved and stirred a total of three times. I did my scarves in batches of three, so after the first was done I'd pop in the second and stir the first.

The tutorial said to wait until they were cool to handle them. I, however, am horribly impatient. I dumped them into a colander and handled them with rubber gloves, holding on to just the corners (do this at your own risk, I don't want anyone getting burned). They cooled quickly when exposed to the air. Then I wrung them out and put them on the line.

After your first three colors (red/cherry, orange/orange, and yellow/lemonade) are done, repeat the process with the next three colors. I used lemon-lime for green and grape for purple. Note: I purchased tropical punch for blue as it was in a blue pouch. The beverage turned out red. As you can see on the left, I grabbed my handy dandy gel food coloring in blue and put in about a 1/2 teaspoon. That was probably overkill, but you get the idea.

After all of your scarves are done in the dye bath, they're ready for the line. After they're dry, wash them (I did this separately, by hand, with cold water and some dish soap). The red ran pretty significantly, the rest just a tad. Then back to the line until dry and you're ready for play!

So far, daddy has used them for some magic tricks. Bird has loved draping them around her neck or piling them on the floor and running through them. I am simply trying to fight the impulse to constantly rearrange them into Roy G. Biv order (curse you elementary school art class!... not really). An added bonus: when Bird wants to drink this stuff, full of its harmful food dyes and needless sugar, I can point out that "hey, that's probably best left to using for dye! remember your play silks?"

Summer Lovin'

I just wanted to pop in and let you know we haven't disappeared altogether!

Bird and I looove the summertime! We've been spending our mornings and evenings outside (watching fireflies and being bitten by mosquitos) and the heat of the day napping and at the pool. If you get a chance to spend a summer thusly, I highly recommend it. Having a 15-month-old to share your days with is an added bonus. She is happy, talkative and communicative. Love it!

We'd love to hear what you're doing with your summer!

Baby Carriers

As a follow up to my last post, I thought I'd mention some of the carriers I've loved/used.

In the beginning, Bird lived in a Moby Wrap*. My mother-in-law bought us one for a baby shower and I used it every day. Whether I was out and about or around the house, she was wrapped and close. I even bought a water wrap for showering (which we now use when we're at the pool or the lake and she's in need of a snuggle).

When she got big enough we started using an Ergo. We originally bought this for my husband so he could wear her, but I liked how quick it was to put on and off. I still used my Moby a lot, too, but I was in transition.

Now I really love the mei tai**, or Asian-style, baby carrier. The Ergo is wonderful, but too big to keep in a purse or diaper bag. The mei tai is wonderful because it folds up incredibly small but is still comfortable for long-term wear (i.e. at the zoo or for an entire nap). I made my mei tai, with the harness going all the way through the body of the carrier for safety. (I was afraid, even with double-stitching, that a strap might pop off.) Every mei tai I make is different, my "pattern" is still evolving. I love trying a new one on and seeing how it's different (for better or for worse) from my previous versions. I'm also working on thread sketching because I have great ideas in my head for decorating the outer panel or pocket of my upcoming mei tais.








* I am not compensated in any way for mentioning any of these products, these are just things I use and genuinely love.
**I would, however, be compensated if you bought this because I made it! Thanks for checking out our Etsy shop!

Babywearing is Amazing!

I love love love wearing my baby, Bird. Here's a list of my favorite babywearing benefits:

• It’s been proven that worn babies cry less.
• Wearing your babe makes it easy for you to go about your day, and even breastfeed on the go!
• Wearing your baby helps them to learn about adult rhythms, noises and activities; they also get to take advantage of your warmth, the sound of your heartbeat, your breathing and your voice. This helps them adapt to life outside the womb and regulate their own cardio and respiratory systems.
• Being worn is great for your wee one’s mental development. They can passively participate in your world, learn what’s “normal” human behavior, and see from your vantage point.
• I love wearing my daughter because it actively involves her in my world. I am constantly talking to her, pointing things out to her, and generally engaging her. When she’s in a stroller she feels like she’s removed from the activity. And now that she’s older, I’m able to see what she’s curious about and explain it to her.
• Worn babies have a sense of trust, attachment to and reliance on their babywearing caregiver(s).

And here are a few babywearing safety tips:

• Choose your carrier carefully and talk to experienced babywearers. For instance, a mei tai is generally thought to be unsafe until around 15 lbs. It’s good to try different carriers to find something you are comfortable with.
• Be sure to check your carrier for wear and tear before every use.
• Practice with a spotter or on the ground/over a bed until you feel comfortable getting your baby in and out of the carrier by yourself.
• Remember you are responsible for your child’s safety.

Speaking of the Bird, she's requesting a reading of Goodnight Moon.