We sat at the breakfast table, catching our breath after the flurry and frenzy that is getting everyone out the door on a ski day. She was more than happy to say goodbye, and didn't waste a moment of her own breathe in silence (she's not a fan of silence, this one). "Well...." she began, issuing our tasks for the day, knowing that on this special day she really is in charge, "first let's make dresses, then make playdough, and sing The Sound of Music, and make cookies, and...." she continued, rattling off a list of her favorites. We are only a few weeks into this year's ski season, but she knows exactly what to expect - and what to ask for - on those rare days when it is just us three ladies at home together all day, Annabel, Gram and I. She is not shy in relishing it, and honestly neither am I. I've watched four others go off to join the crew on the mountain and I know just how quickly it goes. These solo days are so precious and I treasure them.
Breakfast was brought into my studio because she had to get started right away on those dresses - "so many dresses, all the dresses, Mama!". Okay, baby girl, twist my arm? Delightful....one on one time in my studio making something. I pulled out a few new fabric purchases that I was excited about working with, but she went to the shelves, poked around, and pulled out this vintage velvet floral. Honestly, I'm surprised it was still there - each and every time I purge my fabric shelves this piece ends up nearly in the donation pile but something about it always makes me put it back. I guess I was waiting for this dress. We got to work, as she helped me with every step of the process and kept a constant dialogue going the whole time (that's my Ani).
A few hours later, she had herself a new dress. The fabric vintage, the pattern Geranium, which I've made several times now, but this was the first time I did it with pleats and pockets instead of the gathers. (And below, the hat is one I made for Adelaide from Amy Karol's first book Bend the Rules Sewing and the sweater is Little Buds.) We made our way through a few more things on her to do list, including an impromptu jumping on everyone's beds (because they weren't home to say no) and then she said "Oh! let's go show all the animals my new dress!" Ah....such a nice time in the sunshine in the pasture we had! And we both agree that they all loved her new dress too, especially Jane.
Late in the evening, when the crew arrived home - happy, tired, and filled up from their day of powdery fun - she presented herself at the door, awaiting their attention to her new dress. Thankfully, despite everyone's tired and hungry feelings, they noticed, and gave her just what she was after. Beaming, she told them she made it, and that I helped. As we sat around the dinner table reconnecting after a day apart, I looked around to see everyone shiny and glowing from their day. And I started to think about what we could do next Tuesday....though I'm sure Ani has some thoughts of her own and she'll be more than glad to share them with me.
