Model needed

Hubby was out of town this week, which means I was sewing like crazy at night.  I love to have a lot of time in a row to work on a project, and this one went fast.  BUT, I got all the way up to the zipper before I tried it on Olivia...and it's HUGE on her!  Oh no!  I have to take the straps out of the back and move them over, then pull in a few inches at the back and find some way to make it all look great!  I could just save it for her for when she's seven...but that's not going to happen.  So, tonight I have to pull out stitches and try and make it work!  Once again, things I know, but don't actually apply!

Drawer full of patterns

So, I've been working on a rather boring khaki skirt for myself lately...not even photo worthy in the process.  I had to fool with the pattern a bit because even though I am usually a off the rack 8 (if I keep running I can avoid my occasional slips up to 10) I can't seem to wear a size 8 pattern.  Skirts are way too tight around the waist and dresses are too tight around the bust (really a joke because I'm practically a size 6 up there). 
JoAnns was having a sale on their McCalls patterns, who would pass up a $13 pattern for just $.99!  So, I came home with 6 patterns today...hmmm now i have a drawer full of patterns.  I have probably tried 1/2 of them, some of them are patterns I hope to do in the future, but do I really need them?  Yes.
Luckily this pattern sale coincided with a fabric sale so I was able to line up my next two projects...another dress for Olivia and for myself.  Do we really need more dresses?  No (yes), but I just can't seem to bring myself to try and make pants.  I found a great pattern for pants, but I'm really afraid to try it out. 
So, I stick to the easy route and make more dresses!
Another note about JoAnn's, they always hire the oldest (and mostly very nice) ladies to man the cutting counter.  Which means I can never just get in and out of there.  They like to examine what I'm buying and tell me it was a good choice...and then if Luke is there, they like to talk to him (seriously, just cut already!)

Never enough dresses part II

Another sundress from the same pattern, but I am pretty proud of this one.  I added the ruffle myself.  I measured it out (in my typical fashion of just guessing) and tucked it in the front panel, and voila, I changed the pattern.  This one is for Ainsley.  I think I'll make one for Olivia too, but maybe add a ruffle to the bottom too.  As I sew more, I can really get a hang of how things are constructed and then maybe start getting creative on my own.  Of course it would probably really help me to take a class...

A girl can never have too many dresses

I can't stop making little dresses! I'm hoping to get a little better and than maybe I can start selling them on Etsy or something...I should figure out how to make money off of them!  For now, Olivia and my nieces are really making out well!  Here's the little sundress I sent out to Baby B for Easter.  Ainsley is getting one too, but it wasn't ready to send out with my Easter box!

I found this pattern for free, and it was not only easy, but it's nearly seamless!  The sides are french seamed (none of the ragged edges of fabric are exposed) and the straps completely cover the seams under the arms and across the chest.  Love it!  I am going to make a few changes though, make the top a bit wider and maybe add a ruffle?  I have to play with it, but it was so cute!