Sew summery

 I made Gracie the jersey knit dress from the cover of the latest Ottobre (3/2013 - design # 12). I had picked up this cute seashell print knit from The Fabric Fairy and couldn't wait to use it. It took less than the yard of fabric, so I took the remaining scrap and sewed up a pair of the Jalie 3247 tumble shorts for her to wear underneath. She likes wearing skirts and dresses when she doesn't have to worry about her undies showing. (So do I!)

This dress is a really quick-to-sew project and would be a great showcase for a pretty applique on the front. I thought about adding an applique to this version, but I opted not to because the fabric is so pretty on its own.

Aside from cutting and sewing this outfit last night, I also stitched up a top for me - Butterick 5609, view D. I did an FBA by adding 2 inches of length to the bodice front and gathering it at the side seams so that the seam that joins the upper and lower front met at the right place.

I like that this top is cool without being too revealing. I hate playing "is my bra strap showing" when I wear a sleeveless top. Plus, the keyhole opening at the front is high enough not to be a cleavage hole.

I also recently finished McCall's 6754, a pattern for which I shall make the bold argument that it might be named one of the best patterns of 2013. It's a fantastic design - both a top and a dress. It is amazing in stripes and easy to sew. Plus, it is totally on trend. I'm calling it. Just sayin'

After finishing these projects, I'm trying to decide what to make next...might have to visit Elegant Stitches for a little inspiration!

Sewing blitz!

 Amazing Fit skirt - Simplicity 1717 - second go-round for this pattern and the fit IS amazing!

Butterick 4723 dress - had this one in the stash for awhile!

 Rachel Comey skirt (V1247) & Young Image (Spring/Summer 2013 issue) shorts for Gracie

Farbenmix/Studio Tantrum Encinitas - really cute, but over 8 yards of bias tape and I need to have her wear shorts or leggings underneath

 Another item from Young Image - cute but I plan to add a peplum or ruffle so it doesn't show her tummy every time she moves.

Ready to tumble! Jalie 3247

Gracie is now tumbling with a local all-star cheer gym, and she needed some clothes for workouts - esp. since her t-shirts want to flip up when she does! Jalie 3247 to the rescue!

 I cut three pairs of the shorts (without the contrast waistband). All three were cut from velour.

 She has proclaimed the shorts to be very comfortable!

 I also cut three of the sports bra/crop tops - one of each view.

 This one is view C, which has a really cool strap pattern in the back!

The entire outfit took less than an hour to make - win!

She did two hours at the gym tonight (tumbling conditioning and then tumbling with her level group) - I was impressed that she was able to go that long although I think she was getting a little rubbery in the arms by the time she was done!

I have also made two more pairs of the shorts in addition to both of the other tops.

Gracie is a pretty happy little tumbler!

Don't you wish you were that flexible? ;-)

The adventures of princess flexible...thank goodness for Jalie!

I love, love, love Jalie! They are totally coming to my rescue with Gracie and her gymnastic activities. I just got three new patterns from Jalie - two of which I have already sewn.

Jalie 3241 is an X-back leotard with some cute color-blocking options. She likes the way it fits. We went up to the size 6 leo since she is growing so much.

Complete with posing and attitude!

I also picked up Jalie 3240 which is a skating dress, but also doubles as a skirted leotard - cute for my little 6 year old!

She is so silly, but she does love her gymnastics and cheerleading. She is getting ready to start tumbling with an all-star cheer gym and since many of the girls there (even the little ones like her) wear shorts and crop tops (sports bras), so I picked up Jalie 3247 to make her some cheer practice wear. (See video below for baby girl's FIRST ever back walkover!)


I also have knocked out 8 pairs of flannel sleep shorts for her biggest brothers, and a Studio Tantrum (Farbenmix) Encinitos dress complete except for the bias binding on the hem.

Dressing the sophisticated six year old...

Look who is six! Gracie had a birthday on Tuesday and here's my sophisticated six year old wearing Children's Corner #275 "Jacqueline" dress in two Fabric Finders prints, completed with Petite Piping in Tangerine and two ladybugs and a flower buttons on the yoke. (And some seriously cute shoes we found on sale at Crazy 8!)

I also added a couple of other pieces to her wardrobe - both from Patsy Aiken knits. I am so lucky to live near enough to the outlet to regularly visit and restock my collection of great fabric.

Pardon the wet hair - she was getting ready for bed (and those are her pajama bottoms, too!). This cute tank top is from the Summer 2009 Bizzkids (design #4110). It looks more complicated than it is!

Here's the gratuitous silly-face!

I also whipped up another Farbenmix Whitney - super quick and easy!

Here are a few shots from her 6th birthday party which we had at the gym where she takes gymnastics. It was a blast! (BTW - I have two new Jalie leotard patterns that I will be trying out very soon!)

Her brothers had fun, too. I think Benjamin (flipping) wants to take gymnastics now.

She had a Tinkerbell theme complete with a Tink cake - so excited to be able to give her a fun day and the bonus was that she and several of her kindergarten friends got to have her party AND a swimming party on the same day. She was partied out!

The 70's called...

Here are my latest two projects - a little mod and a little Bohemian!

First, Butterick 5854 - with lots of gathered, flowy bits:

This is one dramatic design. It ran a bit big (and since it has cup size pattern pieces, I didn't do an FBA). I might end up taking this one in a little.

Then, a Vogue designer pattern by Cynthia Steffe (V1150) - I decided to color block and use this awesome peacock feather printed zipper for the exposed decorative zipper in the back. Once again, I'm back to my old favorite - ponte knit!

My husband didn't care for this dress much, but I happen to really like it - esp. with accessories that speak to the Mary Tyler Moore-esque vibe. Plus, it IS in the Pantone color of the year - Emerald green.

Hmmm...no cut projects waiting - just a pile of fabric and patterns...what to sew next??