Some people in my life always make me smile. My Aunt Sheila is one of those people. She is so optimistic and enthusiastic and energetic. I really appreciate her zest for life and sunshiny attitude. Seriously, she’s always laughing or smiling or listening.
Because Sheila is only a year younger than my mom, she was around a lot when I was growing up. She is extremely creative, and she used to make my three sisters and I cute little outfits. On especially lucky days she’d invite us to her home to work on craft and sewing projects. So, I was thrilled when she called me a couple weeks ago asking for Evie’s measurements so she could create a special coat for my little girl. Evie stood very patiently as I stretched the measuring tape across her body, and then we both waited patiently for Sheila to call us with news of the coat’s completion.
Imagine my surprise and delight when my dear Aunt Sheila presented Evie with a Christmas cape, complete with white fur muff and headband! I couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. It is just so darling!
The cape features many thoughtful details like a secret interior pocket designed to hold a treasure like a small book:
And a button that once belonged to Evie’s great great grandmother:
Every stitch reminds me how lucky I am to have Sheila in my life. She is truly one of a kind – just like the Christmas cape!
Evie loves her Christmas cape. She put it on the other night and trotted through our neighborhood as if she was the Queen of Chicago. It kept my little girl snug on a whir through revolving doors…
…and it served her well as she and Mack inspected the lobster tank at our local grocery store…
…and Evie’s new cape collected many compliments from passerbys while we toured neighborhood Christmas light displays.
After a while, little Mack decided it was his turn with the Christmas cape. Not sure if I should resurrect this photo in 16 years so I can show his prom date??
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
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Wow! It looks so much better on her than on my cutting room table! I really enjoyed designing this cape ensemble and it brought back such great memories of previous years making coats for nieces, nephews and my own kids! Rummaging through Gay’s button box (that has been added to over the decades) was therapeutic and reminded me of simpler times and the faces of those who were and are a part of my life! Best thing about this cape is it can double as a tree skirt when Evie (and Mack!) out grow it! LOL! XOXO
Squee! The cape is absolutely amazing–kind of like YOU! Maureen said it very well, we are so lucky to have you in our lives. You help us remember the importance of family and connectiions to others. You bring a ray of sunshine wherever you go and weather lifes ups & downs with grace and style. Love you to death, girl! Merry, merry Christmas to all the Cruz’s and Smithe’s 🙂
Your talent and energy never cease to amaze me Sheila. I was moved to tears by the beauty of the children and the cape that you created for them. I loved the story of family woven into the threads. No doubt the cape will be treasured for generations to come.
Merry Christmas to you and your !