Yay, a new year! Tabula Rasa. Of course, give me one day and I'll have the whole year pencilled in. I swear, I could keep a large team of people busy. So many things to be excited about.
For now, here are my last-minute home-mades for Charlotte's Christmas: a vintagey coat, cuffed gauchos and a rumpled felt flower. I didn't get to the piggy doll I had planned (too sick). Have I ever mentioned how obsessed with pigs my Charlotte is?
It all started with Babe a few months back. She quickly found a red-eyed plastic hippo doll amongst Elijah's old toys, named it Babe, and began to stroke and bottle-feed the freaky thing. It didn't take me long to replace the hippo with a far friendlier plastic pig and a cuddly stuffed one too. Her collection continues to grow. So, for months now, Charlotte's pigs have gone with her everywhere. They're all named Babe.
Anyhow, I'm so happy about this little coat. It fulfills some
deep-rooted baby-wardrobe fantasy of mine. I think its that retro
shape and those big yellow buttons. Not to mention the sweet little
girl with yarn in her hair. I made the pants Christmas morning, after
the presents, and while Isaac made breakfast. I don't know how it
happened, but they were done before breakfast. Painless.
Even better, Charlotte now has something to wear with her brown & orange patent leather shoes. (Of course, she's about as obsessed with her pink Crocs as she is with pigs, so fat chance she'll wear them much.)
I'm proud of these photos too. I've gotten pretty comfortable with Isaac's Canon 10D. I use it for most of my blog photography, but for this shoot, he insisted that I use the Canon 1D Mark II N. (It's faster and better for taking pictures of a busy little girl.) And I did it! And it was faster.
So, for 2007, I think it's time I finally learn the language of Photography. I've known Isaac for almost fifteen years and we've been married for twelve (Saturday was our anniversary). He's been a photographer since well before we met, but I've never had a compelling reason to learn his craft until I started this blog. And, you know, I've discovered that I quite like photography. (See my first attempt with real equipment here.) I can't explain F-stops, shutter speed or aperture for the life of me, but I know a few camera settings and the lighting scenarios that work for me and I just go for it. It's about time I learn the language. This is the year.
I've got a bunch of other goals too, but if I stay here discussing them, I'll never get to any of them. And, since today is the big kick-off for 2007, it's time to start with a bang and get some momentum going. Be back soon...
Happy New Year!
xo--Heather
(Edit: More photos here and a pic of the coat's lining. And, sorry I can't lead you to some pattern #s for these, I designed the patterns from scratch.)
you should be proud of the pictures (might make an excellent side job ;)
Posted by: moki | January 01, 2007 at 02:48 PM
wow--that is lovely. i think it would make a great tutorial if you ever have time in your busy life. i admire your work very much!
Posted by: Monica | January 01, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Darling!
Happy New Year! xoxox,Anna Maria
Posted by: Anna Maria | January 01, 2007 at 03:13 PM
What beautiful colors, textures and design! They really are nice photos too. Wouldn't Charlotte consider naming just one of her pigs Wilbur? ;)
Posted by: Cathy | January 01, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Happy New Year, and Happy Anniversary Heather! I can't wait to see more of your spectacular photography! I always love your angles and focus...xo
Posted by: Carrie Sommer | January 01, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Happy New Year! What an adorable outfit. The coat and pants are so precious and that flower pin just pulls it all together. You should be proud of yourself!
Posted by: kendra Spencer | January 01, 2007 at 03:25 PM
What beautiful pictures! What beautiful clothing! What a beauitful girl!
Posted by: allegra | January 01, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Beautiful beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Zelia | January 01, 2007 at 03:46 PM
how adorable she is...you have captured so much in these photos...
hope you are feeling better and happy anniversary...
many blessings on this first day of the new year!
Posted by: liz elayne | January 01, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Your pictures and projects always take my breath away!
Posted by: Michele | January 01, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Wow, that is beautiful! So elegant! And great photos too.
Posted by: rfg | January 01, 2007 at 04:30 PM
It's all so divine - the coat, the pants, the flower pin, photography and of course, your little Charlotte!
Posted by: suzy | January 01, 2007 at 04:49 PM
Beautiful photos - the colors are so vibrant and your daughter....what a cutie! I love the retro feel of the little coat - beautiful design...I've been collecting vintage little girls' patterns and I'm itching to make some classy retro-ish coats for my daughters using these patterns as inspiration...
I got a Nikon D-40 for Christmas and at this point I feel like I'm using less than 1% of its potential - I know I have a steep learning curve ahead of me but I'm rather excited about it...I'll be checking out your photos to help me figure it all out?!...
P.S. I'm going to order some of your fabric this week at the local wholesale distributor - I can't wait!!!!
Posted by: Beata | January 01, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Beautiful gifts for your beautiful little girl. Your talent is amazing, Heather.
Good luck with all your goals in 2007. May the year be full of light and love for you and yours.
Posted by: Sarah | January 01, 2007 at 06:32 PM
What a beautiful outfit and your photos are great. Happy New Year and anniversary!
Posted by: Dee | January 01, 2007 at 07:38 PM
The coat is adorable! And I just had to say you picked a wonderful day to get married. Saturday was our 12th anniversary, too!
Posted by: Bee | January 01, 2007 at 07:50 PM
She is so lovely! And the style of the coat, the colors, the flowers, the buttons, the pants are so adorable! Love those orange shoes too!
Posted by: Monica Andrade | January 01, 2007 at 08:22 PM
Beautiful outfit, Heather. I love the lines and look of the jacket. Wonderful job.
Posted by: Lori | January 01, 2007 at 08:23 PM
I'll explain fstop if you will explain why i can't get the tension right on my sewing machine! =)
I LOVE THE COAT!!!! IN LOVE!!!!
Posted by: Andie | January 01, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Looks like you've got the knack for sewing and photography both!
Happy new year to you and yours!
Posted by: angelique | January 01, 2007 at 09:17 PM
These are lovely photos,your little girl looks so sweet & the outfit you made her is amazing. Have to have a go at that flower too.
Posted by: Leonie | January 01, 2007 at 09:44 PM
The coat and pants are SO adorable. I love vintage style clothing, but vintage style on little ones is even more precious! You really have so much talent oozing out of you. I am really glad to have found your blog - and it looks like we're actually located in the same state!
Posted by: MiraclesHappen | January 01, 2007 at 09:59 PM
I've always thought that your photos are the most professional of all photos that I see. I actually made a bit of a resolution to study your flickr gallery to pick up on some of your techniques. I've noticed that you take a lot of crooked photos, which gives them a nice personality. And also you get a LOT of macro-style ones, close-up.
Now if you have anything learnt re: photography that you'd like to share with me, please do so!
Posted by: Jen | January 01, 2007 at 10:20 PM
I love those pants! The tabs are adorable. She's a mini fashionista.
Posted by: Michelle | January 01, 2007 at 10:36 PM
what gorgeous: clothes, photos, & girl. happy new year!
Posted by: daria | January 01, 2007 at 11:52 PM
Such beautiful photos, what an adorable girl! Happy New Year, i look forward to reading more of your gorgeous blog this year. Renee
Posted by: Renee | January 02, 2007 at 01:58 AM
Just beautiful!
Posted by: Kristy | January 02, 2007 at 03:18 AM
Wow! That jacket is just so gorgeous! The colours and detailing are perfect...also helps that the model is quite the cutie...
This makes me want to re-learn how to sew proper things...
Posted by: Karen | January 02, 2007 at 03:36 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! Love the photos, love the projects. You inspire me literally with every post. I'm so happy that I found this blog last year.
Posted by: Amy Ragland | January 02, 2007 at 04:09 AM
BEAUTIFUL. i wish i had your pattern making talent...
Posted by: erin | January 02, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Your attitude is contagious!! I too love the idea of beginning a new year and all the ideas that it present. Beautiful coat. I would like one for myself..LOL
Posted by: Gina | January 02, 2007 at 06:47 AM
I love the whole set. I've been trying to work up a coat for my daughter, Jane. She's 10 months old and already very tall and slender- so poofy stuff is cute, but too confining- any suggestions on designing sleeves?
Posted by: Stephanie King | January 02, 2007 at 07:38 AM
what a fantastic outfit! the coat is so cute and i adore the colors.
good for you for the new year's photo resolution! the blog is such a good motivation for that... i took a photo class lifetimes ago but digital is a whole 'nother world for me... your eye for texture & composition is already really good; i look forward to seeing your experiments!
Posted by: amisha | January 02, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Really nice! Gorgeous color palette, love the buttons!
Posted by: Kelly | January 02, 2007 at 08:09 AM
I love the coat - the fabric, the collar, the buttons, the flower - oh everything about it. And so beautifully modelled too. Happy New Year to you and your family. I'm off to check out those photos of the lining now.....
Posted by: caroline | January 02, 2007 at 08:31 AM
Oh my goodness she is adorable! You did such a beautiful job on her clothes. I am so jealous because I have two boys and quite honestly girls fashions are way more fun. I love the coat, and I hope that you make a pattern for it. I may not need it for my boys, but I would still love to make it for my friends little girls.
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle S. | January 02, 2007 at 09:42 AM
This coat is beautiful. It will be a sad day when she grows out of it. I always dread the day that my little one grows out of the clothes I like best.
Posted by: Lori | January 02, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Happy New Year! Love the outfit, and what a lovely little girl, with lashes to die for! Your hotos are great, and I'll be happy when mine become half as good as yours. I gat a new camera just before Christmas and I too will be working on improving my photografic skills this year.
Posted by: mathea | January 02, 2007 at 11:33 AM
'Photos', not 'hotos', of course :-D
Posted by: mathea | January 02, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Gee wiz Heather. I could just eat her alive. I simply live too far from you!! The coat is perfect. Where di you find those shoes (last chance?) I'm jealous. love ya!
Posted by: Laura Gunn | January 02, 2007 at 12:43 PM
oh, that outfit is absolutely precious! not to mention you have such a cutie patootie of a model, too :)
the photography is stunning. so crisp and clear, capturing all the right details!
Posted by: melanie | January 02, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Love the coat! I have a two-year old little girl too and I absolutely love this stuff. Can I ask you for any leads on the brown & orange patent leather shoes. These are just her (my) style. Can't wait for the pear and other patterns. Thanks.
Posted by: LolaT | January 02, 2007 at 01:51 PM
I just marvel at all your creations. Seeing the things you make for you daughter makes me long for the time when I will be able to do the same!! I love it all!!
Posted by: Becki B | January 02, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Great outfit, what a little darling! We share the 30th as our wedding anniversary, it was our 2nd. Congratulations!
~marymo
Posted by: Mary | January 02, 2007 at 02:29 PM
The coat is amazing! I love the whole outfit. Great photos.
Posted by: Leta | January 02, 2007 at 05:27 PM
The whole outfit is beautiful--so wonderfully colorful and well made. The pictures look like a magazine layout--I am so very impressed. You are positively amazing!
Posted by: June | January 02, 2007 at 07:11 PM
What a beautiful coat! I love the fabric, but my favorite part? The collar. :0) Take care!
Posted by: Robyn | January 02, 2007 at 08:19 PM
WOW! I think that might just be the cutest little outfit ever!!!! Do show how you made the little flower pin!!!
Posted by: natalie | January 02, 2007 at 08:43 PM
The coat is amazing! It's beautiful!!
Posted by: Ellen Patton | January 02, 2007 at 10:33 PM
beautiful pictures, beautiful clothes!
my son is so fond of pigs too (after watching the charlotte's web dvd)...
Posted by: joyce | January 03, 2007 at 12:10 AM