Dress Beginnings

While trying on some dresses as Old Navy I found one I really liked, but would have preferred it to be a little longer on me.  So I decided to make my own!

New Look 6936 was almost exactly what I wanted, but the sleeves weren't quite right and I wanted the waist to be closer to my actual waist instead of empire.  My mom had a vintage 70s pattern in her sewing stash that had a perfect sleeve shape, but I didn't particularly care for the neckline options.  So I decided to be brave and try to combine the two patterns to get the look I want.

After an evening of drafting, I think the two combined rather well!  I'm hoping it goes together quickly and without mishap so I can wear it to a conference next weekend.  :)

Now if this little guy would just move off my fabric so I can sew...  Who am I kidding?  I'll let him sit there as long as he wants.  :)

Pink Ruffles

Ruffles are so delightfully adorable that every girl should have several ruffled pieces in their closet, right?

Having seen a few online, I started daydreaming about making a ruffled skirt.  Then it occurred to me that a pink fabric I'd been given a few years ago would be perfect - I'd get a new skirt and stash bust!

I looked up a few tutorials (most helpful being here and here), but liked the look of the larger ruffles on this skirt:

http://allnewfashions.com/archives/5105

I used Simplicity 5462 which is a pretty basic straight skirt and just added ruffles (approximately 6" width) to each skirt piece before attaching them.  It worked pretty well, and - besides a weird zipper snafu - everything went rather smoothly.

I don't know what kind of fabric this is, but it ravels quite easily.  After I cut out each piece I zigzagged all the edges, and didn't do any hemming.  I rather like the look of the unfinished ruffles.  :)

Ruffles are just so feminine, and this made the perfect girly addition to my wardrobe!

Dress Corilynn

I recently found myself on Dress Corilynn admiring some very lovely skirts.  Just check out the really cute pictures scrolling on her site header.  Instant love.  :)

I recommend checking out the blog.  I haven't read much yet, but I really like what I was able to read quickly.  I'll definitely be visiting her site again!

Sailboat Bag

When you find an adorable, sailboat-covered upholstery fabric there is only one thing to do;  make a messenger bag!

I'd been looking at this tutorial for a while, and this was the perfect time to try it.  It is wonderful!  Very easy to follow - great for an afternoon project.

I like larger bags, and this one has great pockets which makes it really nice and easier to find things.

My newest purse is definitely a winner!

Pencil Skirt Inspiration

I love pencil skirts.  Neutrals, bright colors, it doesn't matter...

 

http://www.studentswife.com/

http://www.kendieveryday.com/

http://www.extrapetite.com/

Now don't you want one, too?  :)

Quilt Kitty

Cats are very helpful on quilting evenings.  It's so inspiring to have an adorable kitty by my feet.  :)

My sister and I are officially halfway done with the quilting!!!

Elias's Blanket

Elias's blanket is ready to welcome him into the world, and I can't wait to meet the little guy!

This was my first time using a printed fabric for backing, and I love how it turned out!  I actually purchased this backing fabric because our local fabric store had only one blue flannel.  And since pink didn't really seem appropriate for this project...  But I love this flannel!  I'll definitely keep an eye out for printed flannel in the future.

Deciding what color to use for the running stitch along the binding was a hard decision.  Orange or yellow?  Then I realized I didn't have enough orange embroidery floss to make it around the entire blanket, so yellow it was!  Love it when hard decisions become so easy.  :)

Because I used the yellow around the perimeter, I chose orange for the message on the back.

Praise God for the blessings of children!