Lulu Carter

quilty love

I finished Charlies quilt the other night. Putting the top together was fast if you remove the enormous indecision (if I put this print here,will that over-ride this one and does that blue really work against this one and are there too many rabbits). Hmm. Stitching all those rows was not so fast. I am SO pleased with it though and glad I quilted more than I had originally thought I would.

I'm waiting for the big boys to ask where their baby quilts are. In my head??  They were seven before they got their first quilts. I always thought a baby quilt lifespan was too short to justify the fabric usage. Perhaps more a fear that I would use loved prints, the quilt would become too small in break neck speed, and then I would be unable to get much loved fabric anywhere at all. This time around I intend to make all the things I wished I had for the other two. Charlie is in danger of being swamped in handmade motherly love. Mel made the beautiful remark that this quilt is so very "me" that it will be as though he is all wrapped up in a mummy cuddle. Isnt that the most gorgeous thing to say? For me thats exactly what a quilt is for. Something to keep someone warm and safe and wrapped in love.

The big boys are now at the stage of more mature quilts for their beds. Especially Henry although he disagrees. Maybe I'm the one ready to make a more mature quilt?

I really find fabric turnaround waay more stressful than trying to keep up with fashion. Ive learned my lesson-if you see a top you love buy it. Fabrics I'm a little slower to remember not to wait. But it and but several yards because when its gone-poof. Gone. The back of this quilt is AMH garden party.You might remeber that I was hunting desperately for it last year to finish off our quilt? Well theres a discount fabric store that I didnt know existed! Isnt that always the way? Amy seems to know where to find pretty much any fabric i think. 

This quilt is also less gender specific. I couldnt help but think that it will never be used again once Charlie's done with it so I'll put it aside for his babies. Thats the Aquarian in me. Its diabolical this 'over thinking' business.

Next on my list is a hexagon garden quilt for my niece, then the Swoon quilt. Yes I will actually be following a pattern with that one. A miracle.

Are any of you swooning? Katy has a Swoon-along going if youre interested.

How are you enjoying my other blog? Anything youd like me to hunt for sepcifically of see less or more of?

If you need me I'm here.

I cant believe I just put this photo on here. It makes me realise how desperately I need to go to the hairdresser!

xxx

It was bound to happen

Cake decorated for me by my beautiful boys.

Cake eaten by all.

xx

3 Months

Its like hes always been here. Chuckling in his sleep, frowning when he chats or coos in the most delightfully earnest way. The way he loves us all so blatantly and gets loved back tenfold. The little dents in those thighs and arms that you can hide your fingertips in and the way he has worked out that the kisses being bestowed on his feet or his tummy belong to the person who then plants one on his forehead. The helicopter arms when he's really excited and the legs racing on the spot as he tries to get up closer. How he has begun stopping mid feed for a grin and a chat before finishing. He is joy all over.

My greatest wish is that he finds a life path that allows him to remain as excited and as happy and as loved. 

 

And that he will grow up most forgiving of his mother for her gratuitous use of toadstools...

 

my other baby

You may have noticed a new button on the side? Its my new 'other' blog. I'm not cheating on this one I promise. This is where I tell you things/ask you things and show you things. Its wonderful and I love you for allowing me to do that.

In Alfie's Room is a childrens lifestyle blog that I have been thinking of starting for some time. The name 'Alfie' made sense as it was so very nearly Charlies name (and would be if I hadnt been out voted!) and I wanted to showcase things more for the boys. Thats not to say it is exclusively for boys but it will be boy heavy. 

I won't be letting you know where to get a spiderman costume as I'm sure we've all got that down pat. More where to find lovely and unusual products. How a boys bedroom might look if he likes things a little more eclectic and hopefully some peeks behind closed doors of some real life families with boys in their own unique environment.

I love girls and all the product available to them but I want to find the beautiful things out there for the boys in our life. 

So pop on over, have a look, let me know here or there what you think and feel free to point me in the direction of something you think is gorgeous for the boys that I might like to share.

See you soon xx

 

photographing feet

Twelve week old feet. 

patchwork my way

Random squares in two different sizes. All colours in as usual. I must admit this was meant to be more of an 'aqua and red with splashes of orange' quilt. Somehow that green grabbed me and pulled me along. And the yellow. I should not sound suprised should I? Always happens.

Have a wonderful weekend.

xx

Doing it yourself

I used the timer. Do you use it to get photos of you with your children? I find as the one who take the photos I am never in them. This is the only way I'm going to have a chance at some photos of me with this little guy.

It took no time really, but can be awkward getting into the right spot. I was trying to capture the way he looks at me. Remember the way your young baby looks at you?  I didnt get it but I did get some sweet shots which I'm very happy with for my first attempt. Every time we have a moment and I stick the camera between us, of course 'the look' goes. He chats to the camera with a frown on his face. Gorgeous. If I then turn the camera onto video mode he stops chatting. Of course. Trying to capture those magical moments are like trying to make the water boil faster by standing there and watching the pot. It doesn't seem to work.

The timer is my new favourite toy. Next up photos of me with all my boys.

Hello timer. Its nice to finally meet you.