KCW Day 1: Family Reunion Dresses

I made two dresses yesterday, though at times it was touch and go! These dresses took a great deal of time and mental capacity, which was hindered by the sick little girl who didn't go to school yesterday. And our general lack of sleep lately didn't help either.



But I powered through and I am so pleased with the way they turned out! These are the girls' dresses for our family picture photoshoot coming up in November. I really like the print, which I was unsure of once I started making the dresses.



As always, I learn something new with every Oliver and S pattern I sew! I was stymied on the hem facing for these, until I figured out that when you fold the button placket right sides together you pull the facing out of the way. Then it fits fine, but man, that stumped me for a long time! (It didn't help that I sewed the facing to the wrong side of the dress, first, then to the wrong dress next!)

There are a lot of buttons on these dresses, but they are so cute! I love that they button all the way up the back. And the pleats/collar/facing/button placket are adorable all together and add a touch of fancy without being too much.



I'm taking a brain break today - some simple skirts and a Halloween costume on deck. I've got two more Oliver and S time consuming patterns to make hopefully this week - two Sketchbook Shirts for the boys for our family picture.

I'm planning some Treasure Pocket Pants for Ben, a Bimaa Cowl sweater for Samantha and an Ice Cream Dress as well. I've got several other things lined up if time allows -we will see!

KCW Spring 2013 Day 2: Lots o' Shorts!

Yesterday I managed to finish up several new pairs of shorts for Ben. Using my modifications from yesterday, I based these on the Quick Change Trousers pattern. I think they all turned out pretty cute! He will be stylin'!











I also sewed up two popover sundresses for the girls. I used what I had in the stash for the ties (store bought bias tape), and added a bit of ric-rac to Ellie's dress and some pink piping to Samantha's. I may add more ric-rac to the hem of both dresses, but right now I like them the way they are.





More dresses on deck for the rest of the week!

Easter Outfits

This past winter, when Rae released her Geranium Dress pattern I knew I had to have it. I love cute simple dresses like this - that can be worn with a long sleeve shirt and leggings if necessary, and without. I also loved the different choices for length (top or dress), pleats or gathers, the different necklines and sleeve options.



For the girl's first Geranium Dresses, I chose the pleated, scoop neck (no notch) and 'sleeveless' version. I knew it might be chilly with Easter so early this year, so I wanted them to be able to wear a shirt underneath if necessary.



I struggled for a long time with what fabric I wanted to use. I wanted the to match without being identical. I saw someone in the Geranium Flickr group had used some of the Lizzy House Butterflies, and knew that would be perfect. I was lucky enough to find some in both colors on Etsy (why do I always want to use old, out of print fabrics for things?).

I used buttons from my vintage button stash (I need to find more larger buttons, it seems that most of what I have is too small to work well on dresses like this), and love the way they compliment the dresses.



While Ben seemed to want a dress (he had to 'try on' Ellie's as I was fitting hers), I decided to fix his Christmas vest that came out too small around the neckline. I cut the neckline off, and crocheted an edging. It worked just perfectly, and he looked very handsome in his little vest!

Happy Easter from our little cuties!