Not much to show on this day. We kept forgetting to take pictures. I had to snag some from my father-in-law! We have a lot of family birthdays in March and April, and this was one of the days we went over to the grandparents for a celebration. I wore one of my Regency maternity dresses (made from my pattern). I've worn this dress all over the place since I made it in early March, and I get so many lovely compliments. I like to accessorize with a matching ribbon in my hair. You've probably noticed I wear my hair up all the time -- it is much easier to keep out of the way (and to keep babies from pulling it) that way. I also happen to love the hairstyles of the early 1800s, and they are so easy to reproduce!

With my husband and my youngest at the party.

Seated with my littlest man.

Friday is a "big" cleaning day in our house. While we keep things straightened up every day of the week (just like Lady Lydia says!), Fridays are the days to do the major chores, like dusting, whole-house vacuuming, scrubbing bathrooms, mopping and such. My little "army" of indispensible helpers is with me the whole time. In fact, my eldest protested about taking a picture of me vacuuming at first, saying, "But Mama, that's my job!" He's right. He does most of it around here. But I still do the "extreme" vacuuming, when we pull out the couches and get in all the crannies. ;-) In these pictures, I'm wearing another "Everyday Dress" made from Cindy Taylor Oates's pattern. I made this one in a watermelon-pink plaid of polished cotton and used a slightly different neckline treatment. This is another favorite house dress that is easy to work in and still looks lovely. On this day, I pulled my hair back in a big ribbon barrette instead of putting it up -- that's my "quick" hairstyle for days when I want to jump right into chores first thing. You'll also see my trusty work apron in use when I am scrubbing the bathroom sink. It is wonderful for keeping off splashes and such.

Working on the Slipcover

Pinning on the Slipcover Skirt

While my mom was visting, I asked her to help me with two slipcovers I have been wanting to make for my couch and loveseat. We almost finished while she was here, but not quite. Above you see me pinning on the skirt for the couch. I'll confess that, nearly one week later, I still haven't finished sewing everything together. But almost!

Pinning Pattern to Fabric

Cutting Out the New Dress!

Since I already had my sewing things out, I decided to cut out a new dress I wanted to make on Saturday. I made the pattern from my favorite "Common Sense" dress (shown earlier in the week), then went ahead and cut out the fabric (which I had washed earlier in the week to have it ready).

Folding Laundry

I usually start the laundry first thing in the morning after breakfast, then check on it periodically, dumping all the clean clothes on our guest bed as they finish drying and hanging things that I don't want to wrinkle. Once all of the loads are finished, I go in and fold everything. My boys help me match socks and fold their own clothes. Usually Monday is wash day in our house, but, since my mother was in from out of town that day, I put it off until after she left. :-)

Ironing Hubby's Shirts

Vacuuming

Scrubbing the Sink

Ready to Start Supper

Cooking

"Smile, Mama!"

Here I am wearing an apron made from my Edwardian Apron pattern. As you can see, the fit is even forgiving enough for an expectant mom! I love the roomy pockets and the full coverage (I am very spill-prone - LOL!). This was the first apron I ever made when I developed the pattern, and I still love to use it. I made it of a brightly-colored floral print with a navy background.

I use my Saturdays to catch up on personal and family projects (sewing for myself or my children, working on decorating ideas, scrapbooking, etc.). My husband often takes the boys on a "manly outing" during the morning, and that's when I like to sew. Here you see me making the dress I had cut out the day before. Fun! In these pictures, I am wearing another "Common Sense" dress (this one in a delicate blue and yellow floral print with blue gingham cuffs and ties). This is the dress from which I made the pattern. I just love it!

Starting on the Dress

Sewing

Checking the Fit of the Bodice

Voila'! Dress Complete!

Here I am, heading off to church in the new dress and one of my favorite hats. I'll include some other pictures of the dress below that my husband took later in the week, since we only took the one on Sunday while heading out the door. :-)

Off to Church!

Reading with my Little Men
(See? I still haven't sewn the skirt onto the couch slipcover - LOL! But at least I know it fits! ;-)