Bringing Back the Pinafore

In between some new softie designs and custom orders, I've continued to sew for my girls. Having enjoyed making the Boo! Designs Twirly Skirts recently, I purchased the Design your own Pinny pattern. It was a little step-up in terms of complexity from the skirts; some top stitching, the addition of interfacing and exact pinning and stitching of the straps, but not difficult to handle. Once again, the instructions were clear with lots of pictures and as someone who still considers themselves a beginner, I appreciate the basics being explained well.

I fell in love with the fabric (from Spotlight) a couple of months ago and I'm glad I didn't waste it on a skirt and created an (almost) complete outfit with it. Heading into the cooler months addition of a long sleeve top and tights will be perfect. Thankfully I do have some fabric left which might stretch to a skirt with a coordinating trim for Miss H.

Cute little bow addition in the centre bodice

 

Check out my top stitching!! Neatie neat!

 

Nearly five hours later but ready for the hem.

Does it pass the twirling test?

 

 

 

Yep! Officially passed

 

Skirt Making

I made a promise to myself in January that I was going to make birthday presents this year for Michaela's friends. And so far, so good. I've made two girls dresses and more recently, three twirly skirts using the Boo! Designs pattern. The bunny fabric skirt is for Michaela and is awaiting a matching Easter T-shirt for this Sunday. I'm still getting the hang of the gathering, might look into purchasing a gathering foot or just get in some more practice. This design is the Twirly skirt.

I also recently ordered some wooden buttons from etsy which make a lovely addition to my clothing items.

Don't forget to visit the previous post to enter my pin cushion giveaway. Just leave a comment to be in the running with the draw taking place next Wednesday.

Until then, wishing you a chocolate and fun filled Easter. Hope you get to relax with your loved ones and enjoy the Easter break.

Penelope x

Another Dress

I have a few softies on the go at the moment but I'm really enjoying this dress making stuff too. This piece of fabric (unfortunately I don't remember the designer and I cut off selvedge) has been in my stash for about two years. I originally intended to make a dress for Michaela with it but now that she's so tall, Harper is the lucky one to wear it. The pattern is the brownie goose Nelle pattern mentioned in a previous post and it's a size 2. (Harper is almost 19 months) It is a little gapey under her arms but this means it should last her the rest of the year and that's always good. The pattern and instructions were great, easy to follow and such a gorgeous design. You can add a trim to the sleeves, under the bodice or along the hem, or some decorative buttons. It is such a good feeling when you finally decide to cut into a piece of fabric you've been holding to for ages, and you absolutely love the final result.

Amazingly my darling girl stood still for a few seconds (with her beloved Paloma Penguin) to model her new dress.

 

 

 

The Emmaline Dress

I have continued to vary my sewing over the last week. I made some pear pin cushions (available now in my madeit store here) and I bought two patterns from Violette Fields Threads. I saw the Emmaline dress pattern a few months ago, the gorgeous girl in a ruffled maxi dress, too cute. So with a little discount encouragement, I bought the pattern and made one for Miss 4 over the weekend. I took my time with the pattern as it was the first time I have made my own bias tape and ruffles, both not nearly as frightening or tricky as I imagined. I used the size 5 pattern pieces and the overall fit is really good. I had two metres of fabric which was not quite enough to complete the dress with the extra two ruffles but my little model was certainly happy with the final result, and oh so cute too.

For a novice sewer like me, the pattern was easy to follow, the photos were clear and I expect that I would be able to make another within an afternoon. I have certainly caught the dress making bug, stay tuned for my next creation!

 

Some More Dresses

I am on a bit of a roll with dresses for the girls, I've made three in the last week and a half and hope to make two more for Michaela in the coming days. I'm enjoying this sewing and plan to make birthday presents this year for the girls' friends. I haven't branched out beyond the peasant dress yet but I'm working up my confidence to buy new patterns as soon as I overcome my fear of buttons holes and zips.

 

 

 

Christmas Snippets

My four year old informs me daily of how many sleeps until Santa arrives. She has written her letter, decorated the tree and given her friends little gifts, it's such a special time of year for her. I wish I could have captured that look of excitement when she received a reply letter from Santa, so beautiful.

Another important recent event was Michaela's 'graduation' from Pre-Kindy (3 year old Kindy) which was an exciting day for her. She has grown in confidence this year and now can't wait to start at the 'big kids' school.

One of the main reasons for buying an over locker recently was to make clothes for the girls. So yesterday I made a quick and simple skirt which is essentially a piece of fabric folded in half and stitched together. Then you create the 'tunnel' at the top for the elastic and hem the base, easy enough for a novice like me. Add a $3 tshirt with a fabric appliqué and here's a cute festive outfit created in a couple of hours. The most difficult part was trying to keep Michaela still while I took photos!

Another Christmas tradition is visiting houses decorated in lights. We found this gorgeous house the other night who are also collecting donations for the Perth children's hospital.

Final preparations for Christmas at our house involve making an outfit for Harper, wrapping presents and cleaning up for our traditional Christmas morning whole family brunch. The weather forecast for Christmas Day is HOT so hopefully Santa will bring some water toys!

PS I have just downloaded the Blogsy app so this is my first IPad post using it. Fingers crossed for when I hit the 'post' button.

 

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