28 March 2011

Oh, What a Busy Day!: Rae of Made by Rae

all photos by Made by Rae
I think out of all the blogs I peruse, Rae's has my favorite bio photo of all.  It just makes me smile.  It is congruous with the general voice of her posts, witty, light-hearted, but informative.  
As I was plucking photos from her blog, Made by Rae, to introduce her here today, I clicked on her Buttercup Bag link and reminisced how I made this as my very first sewing giveaway on my blog a couple of years ago, back when I could count on my digits the number of people who read my blog.  Her instructions are easy to follow and enjoyable because of the way she writes.  I think perhaps she should write textbooks to liven things up for some poor students out there [did you know she used to teach physics?!]

Rae is a problem solver when it comes to sewing.  She doesn't just "make do," but really strives to make well, from her kid's clothes to her fun accessories.  I'm so pleased to have her here today!
Welcome, Rae!

* * *


Hi No Big Dill Readers! Today I wanted to share a book with you that I find especially endearing and inspiring, along with an outfit I've made based on it. It's called "Oh what a busy day!" by Gyo Fujikawa:


I just love the illustrations in this book, full of bright colors and great design. This is a book that I loved so much as a child that by the time I was two I had much of it memorized. While my parents turned the pages I would recite the lines to them. These pictures in fact are taken from the very book my parents read to me, and now I'm the one reading it to my children!


One of the reasons I love it so much is that it captures the innocence and beauty of the carefree days of childhood:


How can you resist these round-headed cuties? This is something you'll find in all of Gyo Fujikawa's books, adorable cherubic children.


OK, so maybe not always so cherubic. But so true to life:

This little one in particular reminded me of my own round-headed cutie, my one and a half year old daughter Clementine. So I made her a little swingy polka-dot top, a pair of blue corduroy capris, and a little "daisy-chain" for her hair. This outfit evokes the busy days of childhood for me and is something she'll be able to run around barefoot in when it gets warmer outside.







 Eventually, all busy days must come to an end.


 You can see more pictures of the polka-dot outfit over on my blog, Made by Rae if you'd like. Thanks so much for inviting me Katy! It has been such a pleasure to follow along with all the great book-inspired projects this month!

* * *
Clementine looks like she could hop right into this fun book!  I love those sewn in creases on the pants.  Thanks for visiting!

15 comments:

  1. You've got a real live cherub!
    The polka dot top is pretty angelic too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a sweet little outfit! Looking at the pictures I realized that it was a book I enjoyed as a child as well, but had long forgotten about. I'm off to search it out....thanks for presenting a lovely outfit and stirring up some good memories!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This little outfit is so lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  4. beautiful outfit and such a fun book! I'll have to check that one out. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't believe how big she is getting! This is adorable! Great job, Rae!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the illustrations in that book. They're so classic. Perfect little outfit. All of this is totally cute!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a fun book! Love the outfit on your cutie little girl.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gyo Fujikawa is one of my all time favorites!!! I love all her books and illustrations.
    So happy to see this featured. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. We had the Mother Goose illustrated by Fujikawa. I remember how much I loved to look at those pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  10. My sister pointed me to your blog. Love this project - and love Rae! I have to say one of my favorite books from my childhood is "welcome is a wonderful word" by Gyo Fujikawa. I have no idea where we got it but I am 35 and it has been in my life forever. It is one of 3 books I wanted to make sure I had from my childhood. Anyway, I had no idea this author/illustrator had any more books. Oh, they are the sweetest! I need to try to find this book stat!! And maybe make some adorable clothes for my adorable almost 3 year old? Since i am tiring of big sister's hand me downs, it might be a great opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love Fujikawa illustrations and this is a darling interpretation! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this outfit Rae. I am so drawn to kids clothes like this!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Really darling outfit! I love those books too. Thanks for this.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am from Belgium, and I also grew up with this book, and I have also always loved it! My book looks far more "used" (read: damaged) than yours, and I also read it now to my children. How wonderful to now that someone else one the other side of the world (ok, almost) has exactly the same memories :-)

    ReplyDelete

Be a lamb & tell me what's on your mind.