Picture Day Dresses

The kids have spring picture day on Thursday so I decided to make the girls new spring dresses for the occaission.

I used the Butterick 5119 pattern again. This time I used the dress pattern but I made a couple modifications. I shortened the sleeves 1 inch and did not add elastic this time. Since the pattern makes an ankle length dress/night gown, I shortened it 2-3 inches to hit just under the knee.

These worked up so quickly and the girls just love them. These dresses are easy to wear and play around in so there will probably be more. The fabric is Heather Bailey and these are more treasures that I picked up from Beth's store.

Oh. My. Goodness.

One of my favorite stores has jumped on the at-home seamstress bandwagon. There isn't a whole lot but I think I may just have to have this

And this
And maybe a couple of these

Go ahead, check it out!

New Floors and a Dress

They really are lovely.

They add so much to this old house of ours.

But, oh my, was getting them done a real pain. I'm not gonna lie, there were tears... from me. Having 4 kids and 2 dogs home all week with no use of the first floor (kitchen included) was tough. Then moving 6 people and 2 dogs into my in-law's basement was a challenge. We made it through and I am so grateful for this home improvement. That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right? Well, I'm not dead...yet.

This little number was completed before spring break/flooring extravaganza but since the office was disassembled, I had to wait to share.
I found this pattern on ravelry. It was a very quick knit. Sewing on the skirt was a bit tricky but now that I have done it, I think the next one will go much smoother. Isn't that always the way it goes?

Pattern: Two Summer Sundress

Yarn: Cascade 220

Fabric: A colorful little number from Jo Ann

Sweet Butterflies...

On a super sweet Gracie girl. I used this same handy tutorial.

I tried my niece's size 18 month dress on my girls before it was gifted. It fit them like a little top. So for Grace and Ella, I made the 2T size even though they are 3 years old. I like my dresses a little on the short side (I mean, when you got great gams you ought to flaunt it, right?)

I stopped by my new friend, Beth's shop yesterday and found just what I had been looking for...beautifully inspiring fabrics. I am sad to say that her shop is going out of business. Like so many others, this economy has taken it's toll. Thankfully Beth is still going to offer her wonderful wares in her Etsy shop. If you hurry, you can take advantage of free shipping on your fabric order through the end of March. Let's show this talented crafty lady some love!


Look Beth, I cut...in less than 24 hours, and I couldn't be happier! Thanks for your help in choosing. It's always the hardest part!

There will be more. Spring sewing that is. I haven't begun my Spring Top yet but I have the fabric and I think I've chosen the pattern so very soon. I'll keep you posted.

Next week is spring break and my hubby dropped a bombshell on me. We are getting hardwood floors throughout the first floor of our home...starting Monday. That means that we will have to evacuate the premises for at least 4 days. We are off to my in-laws. It is going to be quite an adventure seeing that we are brings 6 people and 2 dogs to join 5 people and 1 dog for a grand total of 11 people and 3 dogs under 1 roof. Wish me luck...I'm gonna need it!

Celebrating Spring

Although it is cold and cloudy today, I am in a spring-like mood. I am ready for flop-flops and flowy skirts, flowers and Sunday barbeques. To celebrate the coming of spring, I am joining one of my fave sewing bloggers, Rae, in making a top for the season.





What to make, what to make....


I happen to have a few patterns on hand that I have been wanting to try out. Perhaps it will be on of these.

A Birthday Outfit

This Sunday we are celebrating Sam's 5th birthday and my niece, Vaughan's 1st birthday. I decided to make my sweet niece a spring outfit for her birthday.

I found this tutorial while surfing and I knew that I had to make one right away. Grace and Ella will have at least one a piece but I decided to make Vaughanie-girl's first...since its her birthday and all.

Since Vaughan is still in diapers, I had to make some kind of bottom. I was going to make a bloomer but then I changed my mind and went with a little pantaloon. I love how a bit of the blue butterfly pokes out from underneath. This outfit was constructed using all stash fabric, hooray! The butterflies were a score at the local Goodwill. I have at least 3 yards of it. I am sure you will see it again.

Butterick 5119 and Some Other Stuff

A fellow crafty blogger made the most adorable little shirt. I popped into Jo Ann to see if I could get my hands on this very simple pattern. Thankfully, it was there! I also perused the fabric and was very happy with the selection.


Grace got light lavender and green.

Ella is pretty in pink with burgundy sleeves.

Sammy felt left out so he hopped in to show his sistas some love.

In other news, I am in the middle of reading The Friday Night Knitting Club. I am really enjoying this book and its giving me the itch to knit something fabulous. I am slowly still working on the cabled jumper. Not sure what my issue is. Maybe its the low quality yarn that splits every other stitch that is getting me down. I'd hate to scrap it but I'm not sure that it will ever get done. What do you think? Should I just throw in the towel and start something new or should I push through and get it done?