I have been busy as a bee...sewing for art shows and preparing the peas for their sheep show in 4H. It's the Guys and Gals Lead and the show consists of the participants wearing outfits made from wool, leading their lambs around the arena, and modeling their outfit for the judges.
Thinking about being "green", we went to thrift store and shopped for wool sweaters that we could refashion. We found a grey wool skirt and a load of sweaters.
I literally, had no idea what I would do. I thought I would do some patchwork but honestly, until I put the scissors to everything...it just came as I went along.
I started with the grey skirt. I cut off roughly 10" or so and added a ruffle hem. Then, using the excess fabric I made a ruffle and sewed that onto the hem and added more of that ruffle to the green cardigan sweater. With just a little bit left of that excess fabric, I made a rosette for a belt and also to add to her hat. ZERO WASTE. I used up every bit of what I cut off of the skirt. And since I had no ideas on this skirt and just made it up as I went along - I am SUPER happy with how it turned out. I wish it fit me. I may need to pattern this because I just love the fit and flare!
The other outfit I knew I wanted a very full twirly skirt. I cut patches of cottons and sweaters and pieced them together. I couldn't put right sides together because the seams turned out REALLY bulky using the sweaters. So instead, I just overlapped them and zigzagged across the outside to tack the edges down. I wasn't sure how that would turn out but it worked great and you can't even tell the seams are on the outside. Plus, the seams all lay so nice and flat - there was really no other way to do it I don't think.
I really wanted these outfits to have a vintage but modern spin and I think we achieved that. We even found cute vintage wool hats at the thrift store.
Well, the show was last night and the peas had a blast. We all did. Ok, maybe not so much Sprout. It was way past her bedtime AND she was kind of ticked that she wasn't showing. There was a 3 year old class. Next year Sprout, we promise!
My green pea showed with little lamb Carly, a tunis, and my little peachy pea showed with little lamb Allie, a suffolk. Both lambs borrowed from two very sweet families. The peas were happy to have the Gardener there to talk to some of the other Dads to get the low-down on sheep because they want some of their own asap. Which means a lot of work and expenses - so we told the girls there has to be much research done before we make any commitments. Owning livestock is a big responsibility you don't just jump into on a whim. But the girls are old enough to take it on themselves and so we will just need to thoughtfully consider it .
So how did they do in their show? Well, they are judged on their ability to control the animal, the animal itself with the majority of points based on the outfit and their modeling.
The peas took 1st and 2nd in their class! We were so excited but the peas were OVER THE MOON!! I thought it might be an issue that one beat the other one out but they were ok with that. And their 4H advisor bought them a milkshake to celebrate. THAT was heaven for these girls!!
Earlier in the week, one of the peas competed in the Pocket Pets program with her hamster and she took 5th place in that show. (that's her below in her interview and then with her award). They have gotten to miss some school, hang out with their friends, watch their friends win (wow! our club has done awesome!) and eat fair food (oh sweet heaven, steak sandwiches and elephant ears, and rootbeer). Sprout slept through most of it (note the pink boots - that's all she wears these days. If I had pink cowgirl boots, it's all I would wear too!)
This was their first year and they have had made the most amazing memories - it's one of those things that as a parent, I know that this week will be something so special to them as they grow. It's been a great experience for our family.
4H is everywhere! Rural and Urban and they have tons of projects ranging from robotics to bicycles and sports, health and nutrition...not just livestock and animals. It's a fantastic program and I HIGHLY recommend you check it out for your kids!
And now...maybe we can get back to a normal schedule somewhat. Maybe.