Pink Dress

I've had this lovely fabric for a couple of years now, just waiting until I knew what to do with it. But since I waited so long, Anna got bigger and I could barely squeeze out a basic dress from the yard that I had! So nothing too exciting here, but I love the puffed sleeves and the fit of the top and the exposed pink zipper in the back.

Sew-vivor: Challenge #3

The final Sew-vivor challenge is done and posted over on Family Ever After! The challenge this week was to make something quilted, and I had so much fun designing and sewing this look. Head over to Family Ever After to see the other amazing projects, and to vote for your favorite!! You can vote until Friday at midnight!

I knew I wanted to make a quilted puffy vest for Anna for this challenge. I had a small piece of this yellow wool that I have been holding on to, and it turned out to be just perfect! I based the pattern off a vest Anna has almost outgrown, but ended up making a ton of changes. I figured it out as I went, and I regret not taking more pictures or writing down the steps because I know I won't remember exactly what I did if I try to make another one! I used two layers of quilt batting in between the outer fabric and lining to make it extra puffy. I added pockets on the side and a pink zipper. The vest is fully lined with no exposed raw edges, and was going to be reversible until I couldn't find a reversible zipper anywhere! :) Here are a few pictures of the process:
Once it was all assembled, I pinned all the layers together to keep them in place, and then quilted the three layers together. I just did simple straight lines across the vest about 3.5 inches apart. Then I added a heart at the top on the back, and my favorite part - a little personalized note to my girl on the back. I found that the best way to stitch the words was to write on tracing paper, pin it on the fabric, and then slowly stitch with my machine along the words (mostly turning the wheel by hand and going very slowly around curves!). It took a long time, but the paper pulled away easily and it worked perfectly. I'm so pleased with how it all turned out!

I made the pants using a soft striped cotton-poly. They have a flat front, front pockets, pieced back pockets, and wide legs. I wanted to do some piecing for this challenge, too, so I put together a block of 1.5 inch squares of fabric in alternating directions. Then I cut out the shape for the knee pads, sewed it to some pink cotton, and attached them to the pants by quilting across the seam lines.

I finished the outfit with a simple gray knit top with elbow length sleeves and a pleat in the neckline, and I made the cute butterfly hair clip using the Purl Bee's tutorial.

Being in Sew-vivor has been such a great experience! I never sew under pressure or with a deadline, so it was interesting to see how it pushed me to be more efficient and productive and make fewer mistakes. All the things I sewed were on my list of things I had been wanting to sew anyway, but I feel like they turned out better than they would have because of the competition factor. I really focused on quality and correct techniques, and I definitely learned a few new things! I've only ever gotten feedback on my sewing from close family and friends, so it has been wonderful to read your nice comments and hear what you think about my projects. I'm so glad I've been able to be a part of this and I'm excited to keep on sewing, as always! :)

More Shorts

Here is one more pair of shorts I made for Anna. These are made from an old chambray tunic I had. I did a nice loose fit with elastic at the waist and leg openings, and some big patch pockets on the back. The top is made from an old tank top of mine. It just has seams on the top of the shoulders and self-fabric ribbing at the neckline. Simple, comfortable clothes are the ones that get worn the most around here!

Also, did you hear that I made it to the top three in Sew-vivor!?!?! Thank you so much for your nice comments and for your votes! I am super excited about it, and I've been working hard on the next challenge! I can't wait to show you and see what the other girls come up with, too. The projects will be posted on Wednesday!

Spring Shorts

Anna got some new shorts for Spring! There was just enough fabric left over from my leopard print skirt to make a cute pair of shorts.The simple black lace top just has seams on the top of the shoulders, and I left the raw edge of the lace on the neckline and sleeves.

I was able to squeeze one more pair of shorts out of the red denim I used last year. Those were my favorite shorts on her, and they finally got too short (let's be honest - they started out pretty short)! I was glad I could make a similar pair for this summer!

Floral Dress

This little floral dress is one of my favorite dresses I've made for Anna! I love the peter pan collar, pleated sleeves, and button placket on the back. It fits her so well and I love the floral pattern and colors of the fabric. I used my own pattern and it is a really great fit.

I'm linking this up to Family Ever After's Sew-vivor Challenge and I'm excited about it! I would love to be able to participate and challenge myself a little bit in my sewing! And let's be honest, the prize packages are awesome and would totally help me stock up on fabric before our move to England at the end of the summer!

Polka Dot

 A polka dot geranium dress for Miss Anna. I loved the pattern and I love the fit!

Green Ruffle Top

A simple green cotton top with fun ruffle sleeves and pockets on the sides. These striped seersucker shorts were so simple and go with everything!

Chambray Tank

 I made this chambray tank top for Anna with pleats on the front and buttons up the back. It fits her so well and goes with everything. These little red denim shorts are one of my most favorite things I've made yet. They are teeny tiny but they fit her so well, and don't fall off like most of her other pants do!

Colorblock Skirt

This skirt was so easy to make! I used this tutorial and it turned out great. I really love the colors.

Plaid Top

This top was inspired by this cute striped top that I love. I love the pleat in the front and the button closure. I used this tutorial for the back opening and it worked great!