Our daily constitutional

Everyday, since my maternity leave started, Gladys and I try to go for a walk. We promenade round the village in her vintage Silver Cross pram which I am still using as I love it so much. Gladys loves sitting up high and seeing everything, and is always asking to go out for a walk.

Now Gladys is walking I want to encourage her to jump in and out of the pram, and use her own two feet as much as possible. This is easy to do if we walk through the park as she can stroll in her random way quite safely - on the pavement I really have to have my wits about me.

Gladys is a good girl who wants to walk next to me and hold my hand the majority of the time - but she has Matthew's fiercely independent streak which I can see defining her character as the days tick by. After much thought, and reading of articles and listening to opinions, I have decided to use baby reins (such a horrid name, I prefer the American term 'walking harness' as it doesn't sound like she has a bit through her teeth), and get her used to them sooner rather than later.

I looked on the internet at the ones available and there were really cute little rucksacks with a strap but they would be uncomfortable for sitting back in the pram, and the old fashioned ones that look like dog leads. I did like the vest style ones but they looked so practical - and I hate things that look practical. So I have made my own.

It is a simple bodice, the outer is heavy duty cotton fabric and the inner lightweight cotton print - meaning it is breathable. There is a grosgrain ribbon double stitched to the front and the bodice buttons down the back. The strap is secured in the middle of the back with a vintage buckle I had in my stash box. So she won't trip when we don't need the strap I can wrap it round her waist and hold in place with the buckle.

We tried it out this afternoon and Gladys was happy, so I was happy. Just gives a little bit of piece of mind for me.

Wendy's wedding

This week has been spent baking bread, cakes and cleaning our home - the house is lovely and tidy.

Work time has been spent doing alterations for my customers. I have altered a DJ and trousers, a pair of wool trousers and taking up a pair of linen trousers. My 'bread and butter' work. However, these times are a great opportunity to show you past work.

Wendy is lovely and she makes the best cakes (check out her photo album on facebook). I designed and made her bridesmaid's dresses for her wedding. She had her two daughters and her husband's daughter as bridesmaids, and her nephew as an usher.

Wendy wanted all the dresses to work well together as a group, but also to flatter all the different shapes and sizes. We decided on a long halter neck dress with crossover bodice in brown satin for the eldest. For her daughters the dresses needed to have elements of the adult dress, but to be age appropriate. We decided on crossover bodice, with A-line skirts which came down to the ankles. The youngest was dressed in white (flower girl); the middle bridesmaid worn brown to provide the link between the two dresses. The brown dresses had white waist ties, and the white dress had a brown one. The usher had a simple waistcoat with the brown satin front and a bright orange back to tie in with the flowers.

Creating individual outfits that fit and flatter, while at the same time working well as a group is an exciting challenge, and you can't help but get caught up in the excitement working with the bride towards her wedding day!

If you would like me to work with you on your wedding please get in touch for a chat.