pleats & shoes

The littlest niece I have is just 7 months old.  Her sisters were the ones who got the "Piper" dresses for Christmas, so I picked out a pleated skirt pattern for her from Little Lizard King.

The shoe pattern - honestly I've been searching and can't find the link to the pattern I used.  I will edit & add later if I find it.  There are a variety of shoe patterns out there, and I've been a little nervous to give them a try.  I will definitely embellish them more the next time around, and maybe plan the print of the fabric a little better.  I didn't use leather, but considering they're baby shoes not made for a lot of hard core walking around, I'm not worried.  The soles are made from the white grippy fabric in case she does need a little traction.
The shoes were definitely fun and easy.  I am looking for excuses to make more!

piper - three ways

I just love the Piper dress pattern from Patty Young.  The large pocket is perfect for little girl's treasures, the pleated skirt is fun, and the crossing straps in back are cute.



I chose a bright striped corduroy, with plain turquoise for the pocket and pleats.  My husband, the Willie Wonka fan, calls this the Oompa Loompa dress.  It is pretty brightly colored, I'd have to agree.  I used some sparkly ric rac on the pocket and sparkly buttons because my daughter LOVES sparkles!


This is actually the first version I sewed.  It was meant to be the one for my daughter, but it didn't quite fit her right.  When I decided to make a sewing kit for my niece for Christmas, this dress seemed like the perfect choice for her.  She loves green, and the flowers all have an edging to them that looks like handstitching.


The yellow flower buttons seemed just perfect with the corduroy fabric.


This one was made for her little sister.  I usually try and do similar styles of dresses for them, because I think matching your sister can be fun.  I also try and do something floral for her because her middle name is "Rose".  This corduroy fit the requirements.


It is definitely a different color scheme though, which sets her apart and doesn't make them matching twins.


Using corduroy with this pattern made it a little tight to do the pleats, so I look forward to trying it in some lighter weight fabric and springy print!

gretchen - two ways

This is a new favorite pattern.  Patty Young's Gretchen dress has a lot of pieces, but I think it is just adorable!  The side ties and huge pockets sold me.


I used Heidi Grace's red poppy fabric and picked out a coordinating red scalloped design.  I used Patty Young ribbon for embellishment on the bodice.


This version was for another niece for a Christmas present.


The purple has gold polka dots, and the brown has a little shimmer to it as well.

My niece complained that the sleeves were too poofy.  That wasn't a problem for my daughter, so obviously it's just personal preference.  The dress pattern gives options for a short sleeve, which might work better for my niece.  The skirt also has a bubble-style skirt option.  That's not really my style, so I'll stick with the full swirly skirt for the next one I make!

Halloween

For Halloween this year, we couldn't decide on something just right for all three.  So - the two boys went together as Calvin and Hobbes.

Here is Calvin.  We put tons of gel and hairspray in his hair to spike it.  The shirt was from Old Navy.  Black pants were Target I think, and the red Converse we bought at Target.


I made Hobbes using a tutorial from Instructables. Totally time intensive, but SO worth it.  This plush will be cherished for a long time.


Here are the boys checking out their story.


Hobbes, meet Hobbes.  Braden's costume was actually from Target, and I added the white fuzzy front.  After I took the picture, it bugged me that his ears weren't black so I added that.  I didn't change his feet, just left them the way they were.  Not totally authentic or handmade, but it worked.


My dear daughter had a couple medical run-ins early in the summer, and became fascinated with nurses - thanks in part to a couple fabulous nurses.  One of them had a sparkly headband, so that's why the headband is a part of the costume.  I made the scrub top & pants.  Fake Crocs from Target, stethoscope from Dad, RN pin from Grama J (an actual RN), and black bag from the church nursery dress-up box.


Happy Halloween from my three!

grama's apple smocking

I have to brag about my mom here.  Look at this beautiful dress she made!


Yes - my mother did all this smocking on the bodice.  Do you see the piping at the top and bottom? Cute little detail on an already beautiful dress.


Another cute little detail - the waistband with buttons at the back.  Check out the piping again on the Peter Pan collar and sleeves.


I know - it's amazing!


Thanks Grama J for my beautiful dress!

alphabet apron

Check out Abby's alphabet apron!

The ruffles on the skirt part of the apron were an alphabet fabric I've had in my stash for a while.  I just serged the bottoms and stitched them on the pre-made apron.

The pocket is made from chalkboard fabric - perfect for practicing her letters and writing messages.  The pocket holds the chalk and eraser until next time she needs them.

It was the perfect item for A day at preschool, and a wonderful way to kick off the letters of the week.

firefly

My mom and aunt made this beautiful baby quilt.  I love Eric Carle, and this book was the perfect inspiration for a quilt for my summer baby.

Here's a close up of the firefly fabric they used as a border.

They quilted a firefly in various places all over the quilt.

The backing was Eric Carle blue fabric as well.

Here's 2-1/2 month old Braden enjoying a late summer afternoon outside on his quilt.

Thanks Mom!  Thanks Aunt Nancy!