3 more dresses

Guess making Ava's Halloween costume got me inspired to wip up new projects. Maybe even complete a few of my WIP's (Work in Progress), too. We'll see. I can't spend too much "free time" sewing these days, but it is nice to get a few things on my list done.

Remember my "happy prints" stack of fabric? I finally sat down and made a sundress (or top...depends how it fits Ava next spring/summer). The colors are crazy and adorable.

I love it!


It's a pillowcase dress (not from a pillowcase) and the straps are sewn differently. I didn't have enough of this ribbon to make the straps tie into bows, so I decided to just stitch the pieces in. I've only done it lightly with one stitch. I want to be able to adjust them next spring depending on Ava's size. Yes, with enough ribbon I wouldn't have to do that, but that's ok. A little more effort for a little less ribbon (or $) goes a long way!

The next two dress couldn't be any easier to sew! Unless I just bought them, but what fun is that? I found the cutest sundress by the yard on sale and couldn't resist. Anyone can make these. ANYONE. All you have to do is stitch up the back side of the dress. You can also add straps. An extra step. I may do this later depending on how they fit Ava next spring.




My favorite of the two is the white eyelet dress. I tried it on Ava and she looks angelic in it. I'm a little biased though, right?

That's 4 dresses in a week. Pretty good for me. Not as productive as my friend, Lauren. I remember sewing a lot more when Ava was younger. Tyler isn't so into playing on his own for very long and Ava would definitely prefer more time playing with Mama. So, I'll keep my sewing projects for naptime or after they go to bed.

I'm a little biased

*Couldn't resist the pun*

My favorite bias tape maker


As requested...a photo of my armhole "guide"...a -purposed greeting card with a "J" shape cutout

Today, I made a little pillowcase dress shirt. I wanted to play around with making my own matching bias tape for the straps. I would have made it a dress, but the scrap fabric was too short, and I figured a shirt would be a change.
I finished the shirt fast..this morning. Must be getting this all down pat. The bias tape took longer. Not because it was hard, but because I was moving slower by this afternoon. Just tired. I'm still recovering from a few crazy nights with Tyler's teething and refusal to take a binky along with Ava's newfound independence and resistance to going to sleep at a decent hour. Ok, back to the shirt...

Thanks to a few of my favorite sewing and quilting books to keep me on track with the bias tape and my trusty bias tape maker (LOVE this notion), I made enough (and a little extra) bias tape for this shirt:

My attempt at an artsy (or etsy) type photo of the shirt


Ava "modeling" the shirt with her new white capris (how long will they be white? we'll see)

Today, during tummy time, I worked on the making the bias tape and adding it to the shirt:

Craft apron-from bits & pieces

A 2 tier crayon craft apron sized to fit Ava now and as she grows!

Sticking to my vow to try to use up some of my craft/sewing stash of STUFF, I sat down and made Ava a crayon (and marker, and scissors..whatever fits) apron. I didn't follow a pattern. I scribbled down an idea and went looking for the needed supplies.

Even used a scrap of paper bag to jot down my notes (leftover after duplicating another pattern for a future project)

Then I came across a scrap of fabric cut off from a friend's ring sling (from one of our VERY FUN CT sewing parties). The fabric was so pretty, I couldn't toss the piece. Up until now, I didn't really have an idea what I'd use it for (three of the edges where already finished..maybe a small pillow?). Then I realized it'd be the perfect size for Ava's crayon apron. I used it along with a small green scrap and some velcro tape. Along the way, I made a few detours from the original plan, but it ended up working out. And really very easy to make. It didn't take very long. I was able to do parts of it throughout the morning while taking mini-breaks from cleaning the kitchen, while Ava played quietly and Tyler slept. Sure, I haven't showered YET, but I'm ok with that (I have more cleaning to do anyway).

If/When I make another, maybe I'll make a tutorial. I didn't even check online to see if there's already a good one out there. Bet there is!

Pillowcase dress Take 2!

Today, I felt inspired to give that pillowcase dress another shot. Not the same one, but to make a new one. No major mistakes this time. I think it's still too big for Ava and might take it in on the sides, but I've made a promise to myself to give all projects a day before I consider tweaking them. I'd be really frustrated to finish it and then turn around and fudge it up.

Ok, here are a few photos of it:



And then on Ava.....getting her to stand still was not going to happen today:
Front

Back


Top/Side (used ribbon sewn to elastic in neckline casing)

length..could be shorter (next time)


side (needs to be taken in..see the extra poof of fabric under her arm):


I really enjoyed making this one. I even finished it during naptime!