We try to take walks more often now. We keep discovering new treasures. One of the run-off ponds was filled with beautiful dragonflies.
They let us come really close. With the cold, they are disappearing, but looking forward to seeing more of them when it warms up again.
This year the kids were going to have a theme, the boys dressing up as Link from Zelda and my daughter would be the Fi from the same game. Then Frozen came out (the kids start planning their costumes right after Halloween!). So this year we are having a blue Link, a green Link and an Elsa. I have been buying fabrics over the year as I came across them. The kids had a LOT of input into the fabrics I chose. (Really, the boys went with to choose the tunic fabrics. The right texture was as important as the colour!) Elsa’s top is more of an “inspired by” than a perfect copy. Did not quite have the endurance (patience) to spend days cutting rectangles out of sequins or fabric.
I am starting with the dress and cloak first. Since it is a bit cooler around the end of October, we are adding a thick brocade cloak to the wispy one that is worn in the movie. My daughter got really excited when I suggested we add a bit of fur around the hood. Haven’t done that before, so will be an interesting experiment. I am lining the hood with some white satin (hiding the seams).
The bodice is going to be the trickiest I suspect. She picked this hard netting with silver glitter for the top, so I got some sparkly stiff satin for ‘lining’. I am hoping to make the back of the bodice a lace-up, will have to see how that goes. I think the ribbon I got might be too wide, but if it is, I will just sew it double so the bow can be big. The rest of the netting will make the thin cloak.
We chatted a lot about the skirt. She is only 7, so she wanted a skirt she could move in a bit more (and the high slit would not be comfortable for her). I am going to try a bit of a circle skirt, not sure though, trying to avoid putting in zippers! I really like the fabric I got, though for the life of me I can’t remember the name. It is very soft and is a bit crinkly, almost a kind of silk. (Found it between the dupioni and charmeuse if that helps.)
Oh, and Fi will be next year’s project! My younger son is going to be the wizard from the game Magicka 2, the oldest hasn’t decided yet.
I better get back to cutting… I will post some progress photos on Instagram as I progress as well.
We had a week off before hubby had to start work after we arrived in Seattle. We loved the zoos in Melbourne, so figured getting a membership was a good idea. The first time we went it was still quite cold (entry fees are also lower in winter) and a few of the animals from warmer climates didn’t come out.
We finally got to see wolves. They were a huge draw-card for the kids. Seeing meercats inside was strange, so used to them being outdoors, but it is way too cold here for them. The kids had fun seeing Australian birds. It brought back fond memories of feeding them in Sherbrooke Forest.
We are quickly on our way to winter (we haven’t had one yet! Left Melbourne at the beginning of autumn and arrived in Seattle at the beginning of spring.) Shortly after we arrived, we found a lovely family selling Golden Retriever puppies. The catch was that they were in Quincy, on the other side of the mountain. It was a great opportunity to see more of Washington state.
There is lots of farmland, with beautiful houses and barns. The trees were all budding new leaves, bright-green all along the roads.
Snow was melting up in the mountain passes. Small waterfalls were pouring down the mountain sides next to the road.
We drove past some of the ski resorts, the closest we have ever been to snow.
Our puppy was just too sweet in the car. He cuddled with the kids, they were fighting about who got to sit next to him.
He kept looking out the back window when we drove away from the farm where he was born.
The other side of the mountain is not nearly as hilly as where we stay. Lots of beautiful lakes and low rolling hills and large plains filled with farmland and wind farms.
We made a few pitstops for Binks to take a walk and stretch his legs. (We made it home with no accidents!)
It was a beautiful trip! Loved seeing more of the country.
When you search Seattle, Pike Place Market is one of the first places that pops up. It has taken us quite a few months to get there though.The boys weren’t interested in going with, which was just as well. It is really crowded.
It is very colourful, with tons of flower stalls and beautiful clothes and crafts. It was very tempting. (I have a weak spot for glass!)
There is a section for produce and fish, as well as quite a few delis with some very interesting foods from all over the world.
Discovered a tea shop that sold normal rooibos tea for about $23 a pound. (I can find the vanilla rooibos in the local supermarkets, but it is not one of my favourites.) Also discovered a butcher with a variety of international sausages. I think it will be quite a while before I buy boerewors again. I guess we will have to make do with the minimum in South African staples.
We had lunch at one of the fish vendor stalls. Even the cheap fish here is very tasty!
It isn’t nearly the same size as Victoria Market in Melbourne, but it is fun to go, at least once. All the products seem to be of good quality. Great place to find a souvenir!
And don’t forget to check out the guys throwing the fish…
