miss claire

Sam from The Handmade Dress also has an adorable skirt pattern ready.  The two-layered skirt is so easy to put together - mine was done in an hour and a half.

It has a yoke at the top and an elastic waist.  The best part - Abby LOVED swirling and twirling around in it!  And her belly looks so cute doesn't it. :)

It would also work beautifully with Miss Olivia Paige as a top instead of a dress.  Check it out in her shop now!  She has it from size 6mo to size 12 - I love it when a pattern is that versatile.

miss olivia paige

I am LOVING Sam's latest creation - Miss Olivia Paige is so sweet & easy to sew in just a (slightly long) naptime!

See the bows on the sides?  The bows on each side are from the sashes on this wrap-style dress.  I used the same fabric to make little bows for her hair too!

The dress crosses in the back forming a V-back.  I lined the inside with the same fabric I used for the sashes - a leafy fabric in Heidi Grace's line that matches the ladybug fabric on the bodice and the trees in the skirt.

The dress has tucks in the front for a sweet detail that was so easy to sew!

Hope on over to The Handmade Dress to meet Sam & get your very own pattern in her shop!

natalie's dress

This is Natalie's Dress, from Olabelhe Designs. Dawn has done it again - a beautiful dress with timeless elegance & style. This special dress has a high neckline in front, and a lower back. This one was sewn with an extra special underskirt.Her signature sash in the back makes a beautiful bow tie (if you know how to tie, which I don't).
The best part... attack of the crinoline! The underskirt on this gorgeous dress has tulle along the bottom for a little extra poof.
This dress was made with a teal cotton fabric - but I can't wait to try it in something fancier like shantung! I have a perfect embroidered blue fabric that is going to be something special for Abby.

miss mary

Have you all visited The Handmade Dress? Samantha designs the sweetest dresses. Here's her latest that I tested... Miss Mary. It's a beautiful wrap dress - V neckline and gathered skirt. The other pattern view (that I haven't sewn yet) has an A-line skirt.
I'm not really happy with my sash-sewing and tying abilities, but I love the neckline & length of the dress. Her pattern is well-written - it's just my own issues.
Most importantly, Abby loved it! She twirled around, danced with her brother, and generally grinned her little head off the whole time she was wearing it!

patterns & playing

I've been playing with some pretty stuff today, but that's all I can say. Pattern testing is kind of fun! I just hate having to wait to show you the cuteness that was dreamt up over at The Handmade Dress.