I made a sling!

Well, I was beginning to think our babywearing days were numbered. The Ergo waist strap had started to dig into me and I couldn't get it comfortable and I just felt like Matilda was too heavy. Another problem was Matilda was really resisting going in it unless she was ready for a sleep, and then crying in it as soon as she woke up. I borrowed a friend's top-of-the-range Macpac rucksack-style carrier but it was no better - incredibly heavy and seemed to pull on my shoulders. It reminded me too much of carrying heavy backpacks on D of E expeditions at school! Then someone from the village gave us their old Baby Jogger 3-wheel pushchair, which Matilda loves and to be honest it's a joy to push up on the hills (although I don't think I'd dare take it on the bus or to the shops - it's huge!)

At the last Sling Meet I was asking for ideas and someone suggested trying a toddler-size mei tai. No-one had one available and then I remembered I had started to make one ages ago but stopped because I couldn't imagine when I'd use it as I was getting on so well with the much-easier-to-use Ergo. I was looking around on the Natural Mamas site for ideas when I came across Podaegi carriers. As I'd already made the shoulder straps, it looked like a quick and easy make - and it was! I used the dimensions from this tutorial. The top section is padded with a layer of fleece, while the top of the straps have four layers of fleece (cut from an old fleece blanket). The main body and strap fabric is a heavy cotton - similar to denim - while the body also has a panel of gorgeous tree/leaves cotton fabric.

I took it out for a test drive yesterday and I was really pleased with it! Sorry about the pics - they're just taken on my phone - I'll try and get some better ones taken soon. I tied it in a ruck-style carry, using the ends to make a chest strap - that way there was no painful waist strap and Matilda was nice and high so she could see over my shoulder.

More Mummade crafting

The blog has been a bit neglected lately - mainly because in the day Matilda really gets annoyed if I go on the laptop (plus it's been such nice weather we've been outside a lot), and in the evening I've had so much other stuff to do (eg freelance web work, writing stuff for NCT newsletter etc) I've just not had time. On the plus side, Matilda has been letting me do some sewing in the day so I have got quite a bit done in the last couple of weeks. Which is a very good thing as we have our next Mummade craft fair coming up. We're having a stall at the Easter Saturday craft market at Clive's Fruit Farm, near Upton. It's our first proper craft fair so we're a bit nervous! I'm planning to make a load of felted soaps, some cake stands made out of recycled plates, and some children's clothes. So far I have made two pinafore dresses and almost finished a skirt. So lots to do! Picture updates will follow...

Chasing shadows

Last week, with the first proper spring sunshine of the year, Matilda had a great time chasing her shadow, waving and pointing at it and trying to step on it. On pancake day we walked over the hills into town to watch the pancake race with some friends. It was a lovely chilled-out day - a picnic on blankets on the grass, watching the ducks on the pond, and following a little shadow around the park.

Last weekend we went to Goodrich Castle to meet up with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. Matilda had a lovely time with her cousins, but refused to wear her gloves and cried when her hands got cold so I ended up having to carry her with her hands tucked into my coat. Wish I hadn't left the sling in the car!

Toddler moments

This week I have been struggling to remain calm in the face of Matilda's increasing awareness of her independence. Too often I've found myself trying to bargain with her, making empty threats or losing my temper. Obviously it doesn't work as she's way too young to understand it! As much as possible we try to go at Matilda's pace but sometimes there are times when we have to be somewhere at a certain time or a limit has to be imposed and then it can get difficult. I've just read Deborah Jackson's Do Not Disturb and that really reinforced the way I would like to parent but let's just say we're learning all the time!

So anyway, I thought I would share some of the lighter moments from our week...

Trying to play with toys despite wearing her 'gubs'.

Eating porridge.

On the big basket swing in the park.

Upsy Daisy having 'Matilda milk'.

Reading to Doll and Bear while Mummy was in the shower.

Helping Mummy cook.

On the climbing frame at the park.

A very huggable hoody.

Scone recipe

This is the recipe I use for plain, fruit or cheese scones. I'm not sure where it originates but it was given to me by a friend. They're simple to make and you can whip up a batch in no time! I've made the cheese version many many times!

Makes about 8

Cheese (2 big handfuls of grated cheddar or red leicester)
or Fruit (eg 2 handfuls of sultanas)

8oz self raising flour
Pinch of salt
1 heaped tsp baking powder
1.5oz butter (easiest if it's at room temperature)
About a quarter of a pint of milk (I have used oat milk too and it's turned out fine)

Mix sifted flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add cheese or fruit (leaving a bit of cheese to put on top of the scones if making the cheese version).

Stir in enough milk to make a soft dough.

Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into rounds with a 2.5inch cutter.

Place on a greased baking sheet and brush tops with milk. If making the cheese version sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake at 220C (gas mark 7) for approximately 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack or eat while still warm...

Fruit scones and afternoon tea

On Wednesday afternoon I made fruit scones for the first time. They're so quick and easy to make I can't believe I haven't made them sooner! Served with butter, damson jam and a mug of chamomile tea (in the Charles and Di mug for an extra touch of Englishness!).

Out and about despite the clouds

This week we have been out walking a few times with friends despite the grey and miserable weather. Yesterday we were supposed to meet up with friends locally and go for a walk on the hills but Matilda was not really up for going in the sling and wanted to walk herself so my friends kindly agreed to a slow-paced walk to the playground. Matilda walked pretty much the whole way there and back and even went on the zipwire with Mummy. Today we went on our weekly walk on the hills with the local mums walking group, and afterwards Matilda had a great time splashing through muddy puddles. I was planning to stay home in the afternoon but shortly before tea Matilda wanted to put her rucksack, gloves and wellies on and then started saying "walk". I couldn't really argue with that so we went for a walk round the block, bumping into some of our lovely neighbourhood friends on the way. It's been fun!

On the way back from the playground yesterday

Getting ready for our walk on the hills today

Walking round the block later in the day