A polka dot dress with bows and pockets

I made this dress in October. I used a tutorial from one of my favorite blogs by drafting my own pattern and following her instructions. My favorite things are the bows on the pockets. Bailey needed some dresses with longer sleeves and warmer fabric so that's why I made this. If I make this again I'll add a few inches to the length!

wow it's been a while...

pile of summer handmades for Bailey... got more plus some for Zoe, and I think I made four skirts for me...

I'm happy to say that my lack of posting doesn't mean that I haven't been sewing. I just haven't been posting what I've been sewing. I think the main reason I haven't been posting is that I am usually not happy with the finished product. Crappy machine, crappy fabric, crappy sewing skills equal crappy result. But am I seeing progress???? Ummmmm... yes, I think. A little? I'm determined to not give up! Thankfully, kids clothes are easy so I can bang out those and be fairly pleased. It's the sewing I do for myself that is usually not so great. Oh well....

I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of a package from my mom that has several rolls of duct tape. As soon as the duct tape gets here, and I can get my husband to help me, I'm going to make a duct tape dress form. I think this will really help me to get the fit of garments correctly so the result will be better. I am not very good at altering patterns on paper. However, I think I'll really be able to visualize what I need to do to get the fit that I want if I have a dress form. Here's hoping.....

I will try to start catching up on posting the sewing that I've done since June (the last time I posted... yikes!). I have tons of projects that I want to sew too....

Hubby is gone again for six days so I have some lofty sewing goals!

More posts soon!

A Summer weight blanket for Bailey

Bailey needed a new light weight blanket for the warm weather. She's one of those kids who wants to be covered so in order for her not to sweat to death while she's sleeping I made her a nice cool blanket. It's light weight corduroy on one side and cotton on the other. So far she loves it!

Shirt Dress

a matching hair bow from the pocket
I followed a tutorial from Dana of MADE to make this shirt dress for Bailey. The best thing about this dress is that I made it from one of Chris's old shirts!!! Look for more of these in the future.

Pleated Round Collar Dress for Bailey

I purchased this pattern off of Etsy. Overall it was an easy sew, but I did have to make a few changes. I didn't have enough fabric to have pleats in both the front in back so I took the pleat out of the back. I also ended up sewing the pleat down because it wouldn't hang straight over Bailey's tummy. I'm starting to feel fairly comfortable with button holes. The main fabric of the dress some something super cheapo from the fabric market here. It did not sew well. When I tried to wipe off the tailor's chalk marks the blue color of the fabric started coming out instead of the tailor's chalk!!! Over all I love the look of the dress. It's modern and sweet. I will be making this pattern again.

dress for Zoe

not too happy in this pic
I haven't sewed that many things for Zoe because a. she couldn't care less about what she's wearing, while her sister really does, and b. she will get to wear all of Bailey's handmade handmedowns. However, I did want to whip up this little peasant dress in the dog fabric because she looovveess dogs!!

Sewing gifts

a joyful tutu and hair clip for little Joy


baby blanket for nine month old little boy being adopted

baby girl outfit
changing pad for baby girl
baby girl head band
new born pants and changing pad for baby Harvey
Over the past few months I've been to four baby showers and two kid birthday parties. Of course these special occasions are great places for handmade gifts!! I love being able to whip up something on my sewing machine for people. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the two drawstring backpacks and little skirt I made for two little girls, but I did document the other things. I've decided that now that I have a craft blog I'm going to document all the things that I sew just for my own personal reference and to see some progression (hopefully!)