So what was I doing in April?

I was developing my talents...

Back when Olivia was a baby I bought an ERGO baby carrier.  I loved it, and still do, but after a few years, I was disappointed because the organic dye in the fabric faded and the carrier didn't look so great.  I didn't want to shell out another $100+ to buy a new one, but I really wanted something new to wear in public.  I scoured the internet for ideas and happened upon a sewing pattern for the SweetPod.  Seeing how cute these carriers could be, I was determined to make one for myself.  Pretty much a few weeks in April I was dedicated to making my very own SweetPod carrier and matching saddle bag.  I still use my ERGO, but only at home.  The SweetPod now resides in my van and I use it at the park or out shopping.  Baby loves it, and so do I!

Yes, this is Baby.  I wish I could show all of her adorableness, but you will just have to be satisfied with shots from behind.

Carrier and matching saddle bag.

You can see the tab on the left of the picture.  That tab snaps on to the carrier so you can attach the bag...

to the back, like so.

I will admit openly, I am pretty proud of myself.  It was a fun project!  While I have sewed before, this project was new territory to me and I learned a lot.  The pattern was great and made assembling it very clear.   

And here's a look at my other recent project...

Earlier this month I was talking to my neighbor across the street, and she offered to give me a Burley bike trailer for FREE!  I was so excited I did a little dance right there on the spot.  I had been shopping for a used Burley trailer for the last few months, and every one I saw was $200 to $250.  Free is the best price, isn't it!  The only catch was that it had a torn window and a tear in the canvas cover.  I did some research and learned how to replace the window for under $20.  

If you look closely you can see the big tear in the window.

A few hours and some very sore fingers later I stitched in a new piece of vinyl and now...

the trailer has a new window!  The cover was repaired with a zig-zag stitch across the tear.

Not bad for $20 and a few hours of labor.  The girls are anxious to take it out for a spin!  Oh wait, I have to buy a bike now.  (I already have it picked out.)