New Babies: Henrietta & Chicky

So, just on Saturday you meet Pip & Squeak, our new chicks. Sadly, Pip got sick the next day and despite my best efforts, she could not be saved. Chickens are social creatures, which is why I have always bought 2 or 3 at a time.
2 Summers ago, we started our flock with Bennie, Blackie, and Shelly. Bennie is a Bantam (mini) and he ended up being a rooster, not a hen. He was the sweetest little guy and followed me around like a dog. He is also a terrific flier. Our neighbor complained about his crowing, so he went to live at a nearby chicken farm. He got a Bantam girlfriend and is quite happy and we can still go visit him. Here are our first 3 when we got them:

Last summer, we added 2 more chicks, because it is good to have at least 3, in case something happens to one. We didn't want a repeat of the rooster fiasco, so we bought "guaranteed" pullets (girls). We chose Peep & Golden:

 However, it slowly became apparent that the word guarantee isn't quite right. Yes, Peep was a rooster. And not a sweet, tiny Bantam that followed me to the mailbox like a dog. No, Peep was evil. This rooster had it in for me. He bit, pecked, flew at you, etc. He also went to the farm and we were back to 3 again.

This year, I was going to order 2 more chicks, but when I went to the Farm Store, they had ordered some Khaki Campbell ducklings, which live on land. Of course, only my lack of a pond had prevented me getting ducks before, so I ordered 2. Let's just say the Daddy behind Mommy's Apron Strings was not most pleased. Since we had recently acquired a puppy that he wasn't too thrilled about, I felt I must concede the ducklings- at least for this year. Then on Friday, my daughter Katie bought me 2 more chicks, which you met: Pip & Squeak. Squeak couldn't be raised alone, so we got her 2 little friends: Chicky & Henrietta (and they are all "guaranteed" pullets!)

Here they are last night in front of my forsythia. They are just so sweet. Like human babies, you just forget how tiny and soft they are!! We are enjoying them a lot and this week's warm weather has been perfect to take them in the yard for a little while.

Tomorrow, I will share pictures of my big hens!

Thank you to everyone who bought, favorited, or commented on the "Linny's Pinafore" pattern. Sales have been great! If you want to get it on sale, use promo code LINNY till Sunday night to pay only $5.

Linny's Pinafore is for Sale!

I am super excited to announce that Linny's Pinafore PDF Pattern is done!

You can buy it in my ETSY SHOP. The regular price will be $8, but you can get it until Mother's Day for only $5 with promo code: LINNY

I've been eager to share photos of the pinafore with you, so here's some inspiration:

My little Goddaughter Ella, 2 1/2, looks so sweet! This version is smocked with ruffles all around. I love the strawberry print fabric. The ties under the arms add a girly touch!

Another cute picture of Ella, which shows the back. It has 2 buttons/buttonholes in the back yoke.

The talented Sharon Knowles made this beautiful version for her daughter. It is a size 4. She made the smocked version with fluffy ties and lace all around.

Here it is on her lovely daughter! Sharon blogs at Sweet Pea and Pumkins. 

She is doing a tutorial for the cute puffy pocket she used on these shorts. I will post a link when it's up.

And here is the pinafore that started it all! I made this for Baby Ella. This is the smocked version with fluffy ties and eyelet on the edges. Size 6 months.

Ella looked precious in this outfit! She still has those beautiful blue eyes.

Here is an example of an unsmocked pinafore with ribbon ties and a square skirt bottom. I added machine embroidered shadow work to the yoke and used Swiss eyelet trim. You could use a border eyelet for a very quick version.

Unfortunately, I don't have a newborn handy as a model. This doll is 19" and the pinafore fit perfectly. This size would be great for a summer baby's "take me home" outfit. You could also add a dress underneath. 

I know you will love Linny's Pinafore!

Guest post by Pip & Squeak

"Hi, I'm Squeak!!"

"And I'm Pip!"

"We are little PipSqueaks!"

"We are 2 days old." See how tiny we are?" 

"We are little puffs of feathers. We are excited to grow up and meet Blackie, Shelly, and Golden- our big sisters."