Thursday, April 21, 2016

The Nursery Reveal...


Welcome, friends...I know you are all very eager to meet our precious little brother...

We continue to excitedly anticipate his arrival and pray for a safe delivery, and in the meantime, there is a special place I would like to show you...

It is something we have been working on for the past few weeks, and although more or less finished, I know we will continue to add new handmade items and decorations here and there...

This is the first baby boy to be welcomed into our family, and we are so delighted to be using reds and blues instead of pinks and whites this time around!  It is a whole new experience, to be sure!

The theme for our baby boy's ''corner'' is sea, and we have used all our favourite fabrics...  We actually spotted them at a material shop over a year ago, long before we knew we would even have a baby boy, and we purchased some for heartmade items... 

Well, when we discovered that after six girls there would indeed be a BOY joining our home, we just knew these gorgeous sea-themed fabrics would make the perfect nursery items...and we were right!  {{Smiles}}


It has been absolutely splendid being able to sew baby things once again, and this is the first time I have been quite so involved...  Despite having almost no budget to work with, it has been amazing to watch everything come slowly together, and to see how one can create such lovely things with only a few supplies and a whole lot of love.

Baby's nursery (not sharing his name quite yet...) is simply a small corner in my parents' bedroom, but it is a special one...  My dad painted the walls white and put up a shelf with knobs underneath to hold the few decorations we wanted to put up, and he also repainted the cupboards that we had painted pink back when Rebekah was born...(see here)

I made the curtains and cot frill from white calico and trimmed them with red gingham.  I also hand-stitched a red running stitch along the bottom for extra handmade charm.



The decorations are simple as well, but they match the sea-theme beautifully!  When we decided to use these fabrics, I just knew I wanted to make a whale softie or two for Baby's cot!  I have subsequently made a couple more for my shoppe (see here)...


I covered ever so many wooden hangers in coordinating fabrics...I used the red check, blue bubble, light blue and navy blue star as well as the main fabrics, the whales and boats.  My mom knitted a few covers as well using moss and plain knit stitch (not pictures).

 

These hangers turned out fabulously and prevent the baby clothes from catching on the wood...they also look much better than plastic ones, wouldn't you agree?



I made a ribbon taggy ball with fabric remnants (similar also available in my Etsy shoppe) for Baby to play with later on...for now it looks sweet up on the shelf!



One of my first projects was actually this mini bunting... The red bias ties in beautifully with the red gingham on the curtains and in the quilt.



This big traditional jointed teddy bear actually had a spot on our market stall before us girls decided he should be given to our baby brother instead.  And doesn't he look ever so cheerful up there?

 
Nancy re-painted and re-covered the wooden box we used for both Rebekah and Sofia.  It was looking a little tired and well...a little too pink!  She used the whale fabric for the inner and strong hessian twine for the cord.



I made these two little drawstring bags, but Nancy did the crocheting of the edges and strings...so gorgeous, don't you think?  The one little bag contains cotton wool balls and the other, baby socks...maybe I will make one or two more for some other baby goodies...or perhaps a larger one for laundry. 

 

Now for my favourite part...the quilt!  This was the last item on my list of things to make...
 I didn't intend to make it quite so big, but we had a duvet inner from Sofia's camp cot, so I decided to make the quilt into an actual duvet cover which can be used for a good two or three years, that way we didn't have to use bias on the edges or pay for fancy top stitching to be done...



I had great hopes of doing a quilt design such as a 'Yellow Brick Road', but after much consideration, Mom and I decided the fabric designs were really too busy for anything too intricate.  Plus, I also saw some adorable simple block quilts on Pinterest...and so I made my piece (pun intended) with a block quilt - I absolutely love how it turned out...
  

I spliced denim in between the quilting fabrics as I wanted to use it on the edges and as the backing of the duvet.  This worked remarkably well and added a very ''boyish'' feel to the quilt!  Wish I could sleep under it...looks so cosy, doesn't it?!  {{smiles}}

Nancy created a beautiful boat picture with fabric scraps and buttons, and I used fabric scraps to quilt the sides and make a lovely cushion...



Lastly, we found a few adorable wooden decor items at a local gift shop.  The anchor and boat hooks, as well as the little boat picture frame form a collection of sea-themed decor...


...I have forgotten to tell you a little about this special wooden cot...it was in fact my dad's cot when he was a baby...and then it was mine...  A few of my sisters used it as newborns too, and hopefully Baby will use it for his future little ones.  It is a stunning wooden cot, and is in great condition...all it required was a lick of paint!



...And so we come to the end of our tour of the nursery.  Ah, I can't tell you how eager we are to see this little boy face to face.  What will he look like...?  Will he have darker hair like Rebekah did as a baby...?  Or will he be fair like the rest of us at birth?

One thing I do know for certain...this little one will be welcomed into this world with so much love and joy...
He has six delighted older sisters who prayed for him to join their family for years and who talk to him in utero each day...
As I shared in this post, we did not think we would be at this place in life again after my mom miscarried three babies in a row at 12 weeks.  Those past trials and seasons of sadness make this time a time of great jubilee and rejoicing for us as a family and as children of God. 

Here are some ''before'' pictures...

 The nursery ''corner'' ~ before 

Gabrielle helping to fill in cracks in the wall...


 Beth filling in cracks in the wall...how happy they were to give Dad a hand!

~
As I write tears fill my eyes as I think of the graciousness of God - that He chose to answer this prayer leaves me in absolute awe.  
 He is our loving Father, but many times His answer is not what we are looking for...replies such as these are difficult to bear and are often met with great frustration and sorrow on our parts.   
But He is with us through our grieving and I believe He weeps with us in our pain...

Thus, we are humbled that the Lord would see fit to bring yet another life into our family, and we pray that this child will go forth and be a light unto the nations for the glory of God!

~
Dear friends, I am so glad you could join me for a peek into our baby's nursery...hopefully my next post will be a birth announcement!  Thank you for your prayers, your love and for sharing our joy - it means so much to us, and we are delighted that this baby will be greeted with such gladness!

Many blessings on the rest of your week...

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sweet Kelly-Anne.....Oh how we rejoice with you!
We are waiting excitedly to hear more news about this wonderful little boy arriving and settling into your precious family.
God is so gracious and kind. He loves us so much and blesses us with so many good gifts. This little man is going to come into a home of abundant love and be sooooo blessed to have so many arms waiting to hold him and help him grow in the love of the Lord.
I love all of the beautiful things you have created for him in his darling ocean room! Mom is delighted also I am sure.
You girls are amazing and you have created a special home for him to arrive in.
Lots of love and hugs to all of you from Shirley

Sarah said...

Absolutely adorable!!!! What a blessed little brother he is to have such loving sisters. : ) The little whales are so sweet! May the LORD bless and strengthen your mom!

Anonymous said...

Oh Kelly-Anne...what joy to see that beautiful nursery come to life under your loving hands. Everything shows the diligence and love that went into every detail. Praying for a safe delivery and praying for your mum that she Is filled with stamina as the time is fast approaching. The quilt is just lovely :0)

Natashia said...

This is so adorable! Congratulations on a new blessing to your family:)

Sylvia said...

The nursery is very lovely and your new brother will be so at home in it. I love the curtain,you did a great job the stitching along the bottom is perfect. Can't wait to hear he has arrived!

Hugs Sylvia

Camille said...

I've been thinking of you and praying for the safe arrival of your precious little brother....what a wonderful gift from the Lord!! You have made his little corner beautiful!! What love has gone into it all....it's gorgeous. I think the colours and theme of the space is perfect for a little boy. What a FUN new world you all are about to enter. :) Hugs, Camille

Daniela said...

What a tenderness, what a inner joy you all make me feel, you truly touch my heart !
Your baby is arriving and will find such a wonderful family to receive him, I wonder how much love will care him !
Thank you wonderful Kelly-Anne, you're such a good hearted lady, and your sisters too, of course, how fortunate I am to have you by my side !

Hope your week is off to a great start, I wish you wonderful days to come, my lovely friend,
sending blessings joy to you

Dany

Anonymous said...

My dear friend! This post was full of such celebration, and I join it that with you all ♥ You ALL did such a wonderful job on the little guy's corner! It looks like it is the perfect spot to welcome him and I know it the most finishing touch will be when he is finally here :) I love the "sea" theme....that is not one you see often, but I think it's a favorite of mine! I love how the attention to detail was so evident, yet very simple at the same time. Just beautiful ♥

Know that I am overjoyed for you all as you await his grand arrival! And that I'm just sitting on the edge of my seat awaiting the big announcement! Hoping it will be soon, as I know you all are as well :)

Wishing you a lovely upcoming weekend and thank you for allowing us to be apart of this most special time :)

You are a blessing, dear Kelly-Anne, and I'm so grateful for you and your friendship! With much love,
Libby

Sam(Kom) said...

Love the nursery!!! So exciting a baby brother can't wait for the arrival!!!!!
Sam

Salinn said...

How sweet! I love the sea theme. I love anything with whales and anchors.:) You make the cutest little stuffed things.

Cecilia said...

It is such a sweet space, Kelly-Anne! I love all the sea themed items you and your sisters made. Sweet baby boy is truly blessed and will be quite spoiled by all, I bet. Indeed God is good and gives us many blessings. Just cannot wait to meet this little guy. Prayers for a safe delivery and healthy baby. Much love,
Cecilia

CherylQuilts said...

Oh my, Kelly-Anne, what a beautiful transformation for Caleb! He is going to love it, and I love the theme! The room is beautiful, and I love each and every thing you've made. Did you really made that darling teddy bear? I LOVE him - what skill!! Oh, I continue to pray for your dear mom as she awaits the birth of her precious son and your dear brother! Oh, the joy you all will have!! Big hugs and love! xoxo

Danielle Carlson said...

I love the theme! So precious! Congrats to you and your family--God surely is good. Your sisters are also so cute and helpful. Thanks for sharing, Kelly-Anne!

Dani xoxo
a vapor in the wind

Blue Jeans And Teacups said...

Oh Kelly-Anne! I am so excited for you. Everything looks wonderful, and the loving handmade touches make it so special. I look forward to more joy-filled photos with your new brother! Blessings to all of you! ~Heather Elizabeth

Little Birdie Blessings said...

Well this is definitely one loved little baby boy. What a delightful nursery to welcome him. I LOVE the quilt and appliqued pillow. Everything you and your sisters made is absolutely perfect. Praying for this little one to have a safe and easy delivery, and for your mom to deliver without problems. ~ Abby

Ida said...

The baby nursery is absolutely darling and so perfect for a little boy. I can just feel all the love and joy each of you has put into this and how well loved that little guy is going to be by all. What a sweet blessing.

Ashley said...

Dear Kelly Anne,

What a beautiful little nursery you all have prepared for your dear baby brother. Oh, I can only imagine how thrilled you all must be. I love how you decorated the nursery with things you have made. How spoiled he will be to have 6 wonderfully loving sisters who will be constantly doting on him! :D <3

I look forward to the post telling of his arrival :)

With much love and prayers,
Ashley
creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com

Cheryl said...

Oh, dear Kelly-Anne! This is SO beautiful! Oh my! This dear baby boy will have such a wonderful place to spend his infancy! You all did a GREAT job...it is just so precious to me to see such a dear, Godly family who pulls together and who loves the Lord with all their hearts. I will be so happy to see that birth announcement and get to be introduced to him in your next post. I do trust Jesus to bless your dear mother and give her the strength she will need. Sending you much love and many hugs, sweet friend!

Stephanie said...

My dear sweet Kelly-Anne, where do I begin? You and your family have put so much love and life into this nursery and it's a joy to see! Your baby brother is going to be so blessed and loved {{smiles}}

I love everything, my friend! And if ever have another child I'm flyinf you out here to help decorate! hehehe :)

Thinking of you and keeping your dear mother in my prayers. Much love to you!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

O Kelly-Anne, what a wonderful room that you all had a part in, for your baby brother that so long awaited!! All the fabrics, the special touches will be so perfect for him. He will be sooooo loved and adored!! Thank you for sharing the happiness of it all with us.

Elizabeth said...

A lovely nursery for your brother! Thanks so much for your visit and comments on my blog! Yes, Margie is very special!

Vicky Hunt said...

I anxiously awaited the nursery reveal, and it did not disappoint! This is such an adorable little nursery. You girls have outdone yourselves with all the beautiful handiwork you put into it. I adore the color scheme you used....perfect for a little boy. Each piece from the quilt to the taggy ball is precious. I know you are all so excited to welcome a baby boy into the family. He will be a much loved little one. Prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. Hugs to you...:)

Blessings, Vicky

Margie said...

How adorable! Can't wait to meet your baby brother!

Olivia said...

What a wonderful post, Kelly-Anne! Everything you all made is so adorable and intricate! I know Baby will be very pleased with everything!

Paige said...

What a beautiful nursery! Each piece is so well-made and artistic. :) Best of all, everything was made with so much love for the little brother to come!

Alex said...

He couldn't be a more welcomed little boy, everything you've all done shows so much love, it really is touching :). Love the sea theme!
Blessings!

Mari said...

This is such exciting news! The nursery turned out so cute and the love you feel for him is so evident! He is blessed already. :)
We have a family in our church that has 7 girls and last year had a boy. His name is Titus and he never lacks for attention!

Celestina Marie said...

Dearest Kelly-Anne, what a delightful nursery you and your sisters made to greet the new baby boy. I love the fabrics and all the little details that make it so special. The theme is adorable and perfect for the little one.
He will no doubt know the love that went into his arrival from your precious family.
Your talents and creativity is an inspiration and how special you put those talents to good use. God has shown favor upon you and I love how you use those talents to HIS glory.

The best part of this nursery is the love that went into each and every decoration and useful treasure. Wishing your mother best wishes in the delivery and great happiness, good health and much love be with your family always.

Love to you sweet friend. Blessings and joys!! xo

Linda Walker said...

Kelly-Anne!
This is absolutely beautiful! What an amazing job you all did on this perfect little corner for your baby brother! Wow, it is just impressive! Every little touch, every little detail of love! Sweet theme and fabric choices too! How excited you all must be!
xo
Linda

Ashleigh said...

Oh wow, what an adorable room!!! OOOOOh I just love it! You all did such a beautiful, lovely job...the quilt is so pretty, as is everything you make. I know you're anxiously waiting for when the guest of honor finally occupies this charming spot :)) So am I!
Lots of love, Ashleigh

JES said...

What a blessing this was to read! Your little brother is going to be loved from all angles and this room is a perfect indication of that :) I love every detail!