back in the swing of things

Hi there!

I'm typing in my PJ's at 9 am hoping to crawl back in bed and actually sleep but knowing that I won't ever really get any today:)

And that's OK. Cause this little guy is so worth it. Babymoon is over, and he's awake more, and trying to get used to this body of his, and most of that "figuring out" for him happens in the wee hours in the morning. It's a party. Put aside the fact that I'm functioning on no sleep, it really is magical...those quiet moments at night with only the two of us awake. I'm not saying I'd choose this over sleep, but for what I have to stay up for, it is kinda magical.  I mean just look at this guy! I get him all to myself.

    

So far, the transition between 3 and 4 kids has been rather seamless. Three kids was a huge adjustment for me. All the sudden, there were more kids than adults. That was a trip. Like, not enough laps, not enough arms.... But I think after 3, it's just crazy all together, so nothing really phases me any more. I'm feeling like a seasoned parent I think. It makes me sound old, but it really is true. My first two babies were super fussy and colicky, and Anders is starting to fall into that category. Not 100% yet, but he's definitely needing extra TLC. And for my first two, I was thrown into a whirlwind over it. This time, I've been so calm and easy going about it all. Funny how much energy goes into worrying at being a first time mom. This time around we're smooth sailing.

I hope you don't mind all these pictures. He's only little once, and I can't get over how much he's changed just in these past 3 weeks! And now that we are over the recovery stage, I'm finding myself so ready to get back into being here on the blog more, sharing what's going on, etc. Things are still happening! Like, Quilt Market in 2 months (new fabric anyone??) and new patterns and art. And lots of really exciting collaborations and projects. I've not been super active here on the blog, but I have a feeling I'll be here more. With how much is going on in the studio, as well as how much more creativity it back in my brain now that I'm not pregnant any more. Anyone else get like that? Super dry and non-creative during pregnancy? It's like all my creativity went to making a baby. And now that he's out, I'm back to my old self again. It's good to be back.

So come and visit more, I've got a schedule full of posts that have been waiting to happen for a while now. Work is cranking away, new designs and DIY's coming, and new fabric coming soon!

But my best creation this year? You're looking right at him:)

Let me introduce you....

So, I'm not really sure how 2 weeks has gone by since Anders made his appearance. How does time fly like that? My goodness. I'm missing those earliest moments with him already!

As I've mentioned before, my pregnancy  was on the difficult side to say the least.  It was just one thing after another. And it never seemed to let up. First the morning sickness that kept me in the bathroom most mornings and nights, and then the pre-term labor contractions that put me on partial bed rest starting about 20 weeks.  Then came the Symphasis Pubis Disorder which is a premature separation of the pubic bone that put me on total bed rest mostly due to the pain factor. I had excruciating pain and my movement was very limited for the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy that physical therapy couldn't even fix. I used electric carts at the grocery store for the first time, and I found a new empathy for anyone who has ever needed a wheelchair.  I won't lie and say I was tough girl. I tried, but this pregnancy got me on my knees a lot. Trying to keep it all together and be a mom to my 3 others, and still illustrate and design at the same time was so incredibly challenging. My kids were troopers and my husband was a rockstar. We made it through! Every day was a mountain, and I can honestly say it stretched in ways I never planned on. No pun intended.

I don't say that to vent or complain at all. I say that because when my water finally broke at 5:04 am August 1st, I felt like I'd won the Boston Marathon.

It felt like Christmas morning. I just started crying.

All my worries and fears and discomforts were put aside, and he was finally coming! A calm trip to the hospital, a peaceful start and a beautiful delivery.  He spent a bit of time in the NICU, but everything was as it should be. I just burst into tears with joy that first moment I saw him, grateful for him, and grateful that the two of us made the rough and hard journey together. It was all finally all worth it.

There really isn't anything that can describe those first few moments holding a baby. Those first few hours are so magical. The smell. The sounds. I'd have a million of 'em if it didn't mean pregnancy and college tuition for each one:) And teenage years.

Having my kids be old enough to really appreciate everything about Anders has been so awesome. They just dote  on him. All. Day. Long. And while 4 feels like a circus right now, it's amazing how much easier this phase is with older kids who can do things like grab me a blanket from across the room, or help a sister to the potty. Circus, but happy circus.

Thank you for all your lovely well wishes and sweet notes. It's been wonderful to hibernate with this little guy for the past 2 weeks and life is starting to get back in gear just a tad. We're all still in Babymoon phase, and there is definitely a slower pace around the house. But school is starting, new projects are rolling in and life is moving us forward. This time with 4 kids in tow! It's amazing.

I hope you don't mind lots of pictures, because I can't stop capturing this little guy. You'll be seeing lots of him I'm sure:)

So, say hello to Anders. He'll be saying Hello right back.

Glad you are introduced.

He is here.

My heart is bursting in a million pieces. He's perfect and we are well. We've had a few hiccups, and so more pictures and details will come in time. We are resting and enjoying heaven at home and soaking up every miracle minute of him.

Love to you all! More soon.....

Look how amazing you all are!

{image from www.vintagebubbles.com} I love taking the time to see what you all are making with my latest round of fabric, as well as the older lines! It's just so wonderful! Even more fun, is to see lots of my other fabrics mixed in and still getting lots of use.

Today I thought I'd inspire you with some lovely ideas for girls with a mix of what's out there. Like I mentioned before, I've found out that many (not all!) of the Children at Play fabrics are not being printed any more, so what's in stores is what's left! The On Parade Panel print (a favorite!) Is till in popular demand, and isn't going anywhere any time soon. As well as a small handful of others. But more good fabric is always coming, and always in the works! :)

So, here are some lovely girl dresses, play things and projects I'm loving. Click on the links, as many of them are actually for sale!

 Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Children at Play fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Out to Sea Fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Let's Pretend Fabric line by Vintage Bubbles

Check out this little video on them here as well.

Let's Pretend Fabric Line sewn by Fabric Mutt

Let's Pretend Fabric line sewn by Sweet Bug Studio

Let's Pretend Fabric line sewn by Sweet Bug Studio

Let's Pretend Fabric line by Sewing Mama Raeanna

Let's Pretend Fabric line by Sweet Lemonade

Let's Pretend Fabric line by Sewing Mama Raeanna

Out to Sea fabric line sewn by Daisies and Dresses

Out to Sea Fabric line sewn by emskyrooney

Out to sea Fabric line sewn by Mommybydaycrafterbynight

Out to Sea Fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade

Out to Sea Fabric Line sewn by Sew Caroline

Out to sea Fabric line with pattern made by Tie Dye Diva

Children at Play made by La Monster Shop

Out to Sea Fabric line sewn by Sweet Lemonade 

I can't post everything here, of course! There are way too many lovely things you are making...more than I can talk about!

But if you'd like to post your photos, please send me  your email via my contact page, and I can add you to my PINTEREST BOARDS for each fabric line, or add yours to my FLICKR pages listed on my sidebar.

Thanks for all the lovely inspiration!

xo

Sarah Jane

Mystery Boxes are coming again!

Remember when I sold a whole lot of boxes filled with random fat quarters, scraps and goodies from my studio? And they sold out in like 5 minutes? And lots of you were bummed?

Well, I've been cleaning out my studio, making room for 36 more bolts of LET'S PRETEND fabric, and Now I have about 60 boxes filled with more goods! 

And this time, it includes all three of my fabric lines, Children at Play, Out to Sea AND Let's Pretend! (which by the way, Children at Play isn't going to be reprinting most of the designs, so this is a catch!!)

Yahoo! Let's get this party started!

This time, I hope all you who want them, will get them!

The boxes are going to be filled with:

15 Fat Quarters ($42+ value)

• 5 of each of my fabric lines
• Children at Play is included, which will have all discontinued fabrics
• Some will be labeled as girl, boy or a mix of both....equally split
• All fat quarter bundles are coordinated as best as I could so that you can use all 15 for a project if you want!

2 flannel 1/2 yard cuts from Children at Play ($14+ value)

• Turquoise, blues and oranges. 
• All discontinued fabric
• Great for cooler weather setting in!

Fabric Scrap Bag: ($8+ value)

• zip lock bag filled with 10 inch or so cuts of random fabrics from my studio. From all 3 lines, including discontinued fabrics you can't get any more

Random Paper goods from my studio ($5-10 value)

• scrapbook paper from Children at Play line, cards, etc. 

2 embroidery Patterns ($12 value)

• Randomly picked
• some discontinued as well!

A 5x7 fine art print: ($16 value)

• Mystery print that will coordinate well with the goodies in your bag.
• It will be from my latest collection of prints
• Protected in a stay flat mailer and ready to frame!

So, that's a $100 value for $55 of goodies that I am actually a little sad to part with, but am happy it will go to well deserving homes!

Shipping is yet to be determined...but I'm working my best to keep it as low as I can.

So hear is how it's going to work:

SALE DATE, LOCATION & TIME:

Date: Wednesday July 24th 2013

Time: 6pm Eastern standard Time/3 pm Pacific Standard Time / 8am July 25th Australia- New South Wales

(For a time converter click HERE)

Website: CLICK HERE

www.sarahjanestudios.com/shop under the category STUDIO SALE & ORIGINALS

Just a warning, these sold out in a few minutes last time. I'll have more this time around, so I'm hoping things work out better.

Also, a few customers say that by having a login previously to the sale, it helps speed things up.

You can login as a guest, but it might take a bit longer.

For a time converter, use this website.

I'll be posting on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as it gets closer!

I'm so happy to be getting a bit more room in my studio:) They are nearly all packed and ready to go!

If you have any questions, please comment below, and I will answer!

xoxo

Sarah

Say hello and love me some felt!

 

I want to introduce you to a new sponsor here on the blog, FELT ON THE FLY.  Say hello!

I'm in Color love with this shop, aren't you? You can't have enough felt, especially with kid's crafts and projects. And I'm loving Felt on the Fly's assortments of colors!

Do you have a favorite felt project? Share below!

Be sure to bookmark their shop, and keep it handy especially for any end of summer projects.

Thanks Felt on the Fly for joining the family here!

And if you are interested in Sponsoring, please feel free to send me an inquiry here! 

New Sponsor to bring into the family

We have some new sponsors this month, and I'll be introducing you to them one by one.

CooCubes is really an amazing brand, that needs our help to launch!

CooCubes is a new company creating custom soft blocks for your child and family, which reflect your own personal story. Inspired by her Grandparents who placed photos on wooden blocks for the children to play with, Jill at CooCubes has created the same playful heirloom in soft, easy to stack fabric blocks.

You can watch the short video here.

Like any start up with the goal to enhance and brighten your child's surroundings, I get really passionate about making sure people like Jill at CooCubes get the chance to inspire others.

Their Indigogo site (similar to Kickstarter if you aren't familiar) is ending in 5 days and they need your support of pre-orders to earn what they need to launch 100%

I'm due any week now with a new baby boy, and I'm just loving these sweet products. And estimated to arrive in Sept, these are a really great idea for Christmas gifts, if you are thinking ahead:)

So, give CooCubes a big welcome and shout out as the newest sponsor here in this space, and one of the newest companies to enter the children's industry.

Thank You!

Poetry Corner

 

A LITTLE SONG OF LIFE

Glad that I live am I;

That the sky is blue;

Glad for the country lanes,

And the fall of dew.

After the sun the rain;

After the rain the sun;

This is the way of life,

Till the work be done.

All that we need to do,

Be we low or high,

Is to see that we grow

Nearer the sky.

Lizette Woodworth Reese

So, I'm curious? How many of you read your kids poetry? Not Dr. Suess or Shell Silverstein, but poetry written through the ages?

I'm not very good at it, but we have many poetry books that I try and pull out and read over a fire, or out on the lawn. Addie memorized and performed Robert Louis Stevenson's THE SWING  for her class talent show this spring. So wonderful to say out loud!

Even without pictures, my kids really love poetry! In this overly visually stimulating world, I'm amazed at how my kids will sit and listen to poetry....words that paint pictures.  And when we take the time to memorize, it's even better. I don't know about you, but I miss poetry in the world. I miss reading it, hearing it...it almost seems like a lost artform that might just be considered a bit old fashioned, and not part of what we read to our kids all the time. Not flashy enough, maybe? Too much work to catch the meaning in the first try?

I'm going to be increasing my exposure to poetry and hopefully to my kids as well. When I was a child, I wanted to be a poet. And it's because I was exposed to a lot of poetry. It made me want to write and write and write.

This poem came from a favorite book of mine called SILVER PENNIES. Do you know it? It's a vintage collection of poetry for children that my mother had on her shelf, and I would read through it on rainy days.  Do you have any favorite poems you read to your kids?

I'd love to know!

Happy Summer Days:)