Yesterday was the first time that I sewed a garment without taking any measurements or following any directions. It was just a skirt, a really simple one, but that felt good! With my leftover Rosette rayon fabric from The Confident Stitch, I sewed an easy-peasy, elastic waist skirt. I could have made it shorter, but I had the feeling that Elora would find the extra length charming, and she did!
Read MoreWouldn’t you know, she chose the apples? Actually she’s had her eye on that fabric since I brought it home last year. It is by Heather Ross from her Forestburgh collection. Isn’t it wonderful that a yard of fabric can be transformed to give us both so much pleasure? Yay for sewing!
Read MoreWell, it’s finished! The eyelet madeira bodice is what I like most about the dress. It’s so sweet and so perfect for a wedding. Now, if only we can keep it clean for most of Aria’s wedding day, haha!
Read MoreHmm - - - I am not sure in which order to layer the chiffon: emerald over white or white over emerald. The one is more dramatic and the other creates a softer look, which contrasts less with the bodice. Will you weigh in?
Read MoreOk, pattern - check. Colors - check. Time to shop for fabric! The Chloe dress uses a lot of fabric, even with the tea length version. If you use tulle for the skirt, it involves two layers of tulle, a layer of netting and a layer of lining. Wow!
Read MoreThis summer Elora gets to be the flower girl in her big sister’s wedding! Today I have gathered up options from Violette Field Threads, a pattern company with quite an impressive collection of delightful girls’ dresses.
Read MoreSpringtime is the season for sewing little girl dresses. Time flies, and before long my girl won’t be little any more. At this point, when I get the itch to sew her a dress, I can poke around in my sewing room for yardage and come up with something that delights her every time. Gotta make the most of that!
Read MoreWhen mild weather and spring flowers first shyly showed their faces, Elora and I caught spring fever. One afternoon she nosed through my fabric stash for favorite fabrics that might become new dresses, shirts or skirts. I got right in the spirit, dreaming along with her. Today I started on that strawberry dress.
Read MoreWhen Elora caught sight of this fabric, she asked if I would sew her a skirt. I thought, perfect! The fabric is dark enough to avoid staining, strong enough (it’s a linen blend) for everyday play and exactly right for the fall weather to come. How serendipitous!
Read MoreHappy Holidays! It seems that every year I sew something festive, whether gifts, kids clothes or decor for our home. It’s always a treat to sew with holiday fabrics. And, as you can see, something this Christmas-y puts everyone in a joyful mood!
Read MoreJune has finally brought warm weather to The Netherlands. After an unusually long and cool spring, we’re feeling the sun on our legs and looking for some water to splash around in. Time to welcome summer with a new sundress!
Read MoreThinking about sewing clothes for the very first time? Start with a free tutorial for sewing a skirt. It’s a quick, easy project, but still presents the opportunity to learn basic garment skills like elastic, gathering and hemming.
Read MoreWell, that was quick! Here’s Elora in her new Playtime tunic. This weekend I had other plans, but when I realized that I already had a great pattern for this fabric on hand, I just went ahead and made it happen.
Read MoreThe Elona dress is finished! We have some deliciously autumnal photos to share with you, but first my report on the making.
Read MoreDo you remember the swatch service offered by The Confident Stitch? Last month I received the autumn mailing and began thinking about a new dress for Elora. Now I’ve received the fabric and started cutting!
Read MoreWhen it comes to sewing play clothes for my little girl, I don’t want to spend a lot of time fussing with fine details. I like something, like this simple jumper dress, that comes together quickly. Extra points if it shows off the fabric!
Read MoreA vivid orange King’s Day Tunic for a spring outing. Also, how to rescue a garment project when you forget to prewash!
Read MoreTa da! A swingy, cheerful summer top from the Wiksten Baby + Child Smock pattern. This shape will look great with pants or with shorts. I think she’ll get lots of wear out of it! Psst - it was so much fun, I made two.
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