Round two

This time, I made the size small (pattern sizing is crazy sometimes- Gwen is so far out of the weight and height ranges for that size) and combined it into a single cut of each fabric, instead of treating the fronts and backs of each separately.

And it fits MUCH better than the size M does (though I’m sure she’ll grow into the first one). She is absolutely fascinated by the big buttons, though- so, if I make this again, I might just stitch the shoulders together- it slips over her head, anyway. Those are the bloomers included in the pattern, by the way- I like the pattern for them a lot.

The easy days.

Of photographing this child. They’re so over. Our little girl will not sit still! It was a tough age with Gabe, too- I remember taking hundreds of photos and only having a few of his face. And smiles? Ha. I’m lucky to get a glance at the camera. She knows all my tricks now. I’m going to have to come up with some new ones!

Well, as you can see, her latest dress is too big right now- maybe for quite some time. I’ve learned that the sizing information isn’t always accurate on some patterns. I was actually worried when I realized I’d grabbed the smaller size range of this pattern, as Gwen’s stats put her at the top of this, the largest, size. When I make another, I’ll go down a size- and narrow the chest a bit, too. It is fun, anyway, though- I love the fabric covered buttons! It’s so cool how easy they are to make with the little kit. Layer, pop! Cute matching button!

Her eyes are so funny right now- pretty, but, funny. They started to change to brown months ago- and stalled. The inner ring around her pupil is golden brown- while the rest of her iris is a cool gray-blue. It’s so hard to see unless she’s in bright light and her pupils are tiny. I did an extreme crop here to try to make it easier to see. It’s not often she’s sitting still long enough to look.

I wonder how long it will take for her eyes to settle?

Apron Dress

This is such a fun style- so quick to put together, too. I used Butterick 5439. It was an okay pattern. I was a little annoyed that it took three pieces for this view- it could’ve been done in one (and avoided the pattern matching issues) with the yardage it recommended. I didn’t think of that until too late- but, I’ll definitely remember for next time (and I will do this one again). It also didn’t include top stitching in the directions, which seemed pretty important- it would have been so floppy without it! Other than that, though- it was okay! It’s on sale at Joann’s this week for 99c- and includes some other cute views- so, not a bad deal at all. It DOES seem to run really big, though- Gwen is at the upper weight and over the height range for this size, but, it is pretty giant on her right now. Not horrible, but, it will definitely fit for awhile.

The back is sweet- it’s cut just high enough that you can get a view of the bloomers.

Day 83

Pillowcase dress attempt #2. I am much much happier with this one- it definitely is long enough to be a dress. I was able to do my single-shoulder-bow. And I love the fabric! Gwen seemed to think it was okay, too. Of course, she’s just as happy naked.

Ooooh- and the 44″ long tie strap for this one? I found a cool trick for turning straps with a serger, if you have one. Set it to rolled hem, stitch a looong tail- about 5-10″ longer than the tube you’re about to make- and take the end and tuck it inside the tube when you serge it together. Keep it out of the way of the needles and knives, and hold onto the end while you serge- when you’re done, you can give it a tug and turn the whole tube rightside out! SO much easier than any way I’ve done before, and quick as could be!

Day 76

No pinches on St. Patrick’s Day for Gwennie. This little dress was as easy as they come- I think I’ll be looking for more of her outgrown onesies to hack up.

Day 75

My first foray into pillowcase dresses. It ended up being too short, so it’s a top. I ended up being too short on my trim fabric, so it has two ties instead of the single one I wanted to do. Spaghetti straps are a pain in the rear. But, it was quick and cute.

Day 73

This will be Gwen’s protection from pinches on St. Patrick’s Day. I sliced the top off a 0-3m onesie that she’s long since outgrown, and added a ruffly jersey skirt- so ridiculously easy, but, all that ruffling became very tedious after awhile. I need to oil my poor ruffler foot before it gives out on me- this project had it groaning at the end!

Day 61

This little dress has been sitting and sitting and waiting around. I finished the top ages ago, and “finished” the skirt back in November, I think. It was horrible, though- I had no idea what I was doing! I ripped it off, serged off all the clunky seams and hem, and started over. It took all of 30 minutes to do the sewing this time, and that includes gathering and ironing and serging.

I still have to attach buttons for the straps, though! It’s a cool design- meant to fit over the course of two summers, by switching the straps from criss-crossed to straight. I think it will fit in time for spring, though!

It’s a free pattern by Natalie Larson- Two Summer Dress, for Ravelry users. Knitting AND sewing! It’s quick, it’s cute, it’s perfect- I want to make a bunch more!

Bargain shopper!

That’s me! I love a good deal. And I’m loving shopping for all the GIRLIE good deals!

Tea is a beautiful brand of kids clothing- and they had a great Memorial Day sale. Then, I found a super coupon on TOP of the sale, so, these outfits had to find their way into Gwen’s closet! They’re sized for her in the Spring, but, they’ll work with a l/s onesie under them in cooler weather, too.

These are things that have hopped into our cart at Target over time, all on clearance. The little dress cost less than Gabe’s pint of milk that day. Love the silly ballet shoe socks, too. And the next time you’ll see the receiving blankets, there should be a sweet little baby wrapped up in them!

And my best deal of all- the $2 baby jacket. Of course, there was some labor involved- but, the yarn was on clearance at Michael’s- Bernat Cashmere Blend. It’s soft and cuddley (and washable!).

We have 4 pair of organic Babylegs on the way- less than $4 a pair (cheaper than I can buy supplies to make them)! I have several more knitting projects going for her, and some fun things for her lavender butterfly nursery, too.

With a big ol’ kick from little Gwyneth, this post is DONE!