Easter dressing & other Spring looks

So, this year, I am NOT smocking through the night! LOL - I learned from last year...Gracie's Easter dress is complete and so is mine. I purchased some clothes for the boys.

First up is the Manhatten dress from the book Sewing Clothes Kids Love by Nancy Langdon. This is a wonderful book and Manhatten is a truly spectacular dress.

There is a lot of detail to this pattern and I chose three fabrics to make that detail stand out. I also discovered that it needed some embellishment and attention to the hem if it was to truly show off the detailed, double-layered structure.

So, I purchased the polka dot ruffled ribbon and the peach gingham used to lace up the sides. (I hadn't cut quite enough of the white I used at first!) I also figured out that I liked the bow tied at the bottom of each side rather than the top.

For my Easter dress, I went with a Project Runway pattern, Simplicity 2145. This dress has a great shape and lots of interesting options. Bonus? Since I used ponte knit, I didn't need to bother with a zipper!

I also knocked out a couple of other Spring pieces. This is Vogue 8663 in a really spectacular knit print I got from a fabric outlet in Lemoyne, PA while visiting the in-laws. I like the shape of this dress a lot.

The dress also works with this structured knit jacket from the latest Ottobre Woman magazine (02-2013-14). Why yes, I did use some ponte knit again!

Finally, I cut into a stretch blend linen I purchased dirt cheap from Fabric Mart this year. I made Lisette's "Diplomat dress" from Simplicity 1878. Only minimal alterations to the front below the yoke were needed to get a great FBA. (This dress also can work with the turquoise jacket or the red one I made several weeks ago.)

I am getting ready to use some more of this linen blend in a red, blue, and gold print for Butterick 5854 (view D).

I also have one more ponte knit project - Vogue 1150 (by Cynthia Steffe) in an emerald green with cream contrast at hem, collar, zipper placket, and cap sleeves.

I have a really cool green zipper with a peacock print that I will use for the exposed zipper on the back.

I have a feeling the dress will not be as short on me as it is on the model, but I think it will be a cute, above-the-knee look for Spring & Summer.

Once I get these last two pieces done, it is back to Gracie sewing!

Activewear!

Jalie 2796 is the cutest running skort this side of Athleta! And since I refuse to pay what Athleta charges for their stuff, this makes me extra happy. Even better? The pattern goes all the way down to my daughter's size (and below to a 2T!).

I made myself a running skort with a coordinating top (from Ottobre Woman 2-2008-4) and Gracie's cotton-lycra combo is so cute for her to wear to cheerleading practice (check out that print!). 

Her top is also from Ottobre Magazine (summer 2011 issue).

I think I will make a couple more of these for both of us.

Work it, girl

Gracie has some new favorite poses...and she is using them to model the t-shirt from Ottobre (01-2007-18), capris from McCall's 6540, and the Farbenmix "Whitney" dress. I especially like the Whitney dress - very quick to make and cute for summer.

BTW - "Whitney" is a great instant gratification project for summer! Highly recommend...

Spring sewing for the girl

I decided to make the "Manhatten" dress from the Book Sewing Clothes Kids Love. It's a rather complicated pattern, and I think I will add a few more embellishments to the skirt to emphasize the double layers, but I need some time to think on that. Meanwhile, I had Gracie try it out and she was all about the "cute" posing.

I also am working on a velour hoodie and pants set for spring - just needs a zipper (which is why she is holding it together). Hopefully, I can find the right one online because I have had no luck in Joann's or Hancock's.

The purple skirt is the one I photographed for the adjustable waist tutorial - you can see how much she needs that elastic! I had this finished for a couple of weeks and just didn't get to taking some pictures.

Up next, I have a Kwik Sew knit dress with a swirly layer effect in coral and med. blue background daisy prints, Farbenmix "Whitney" tank dress in a preppy whale print, a Jalie exercise skort combined with an Ottobre knit top in a cute cheerleader print (for her to wear to practice), patchwork plaid capri pants, and a pink t-shirt with a birthday kitty cat print. All of those should be pretty quick to sew once I get time (read: work stuff...ugh).

Completed coral suit

 Here's the completed suit of Butterick 5619 - an entire outfit (including the really cute shoes!!) for less than $50. I love sewing...

Today I plan to sit down with my kindergarten daughter and pick out some things I will sew for her next!

Happy sewing!

Suiting up for Spring

Sorry to have been neglectful of the blog, but I have had some sewing fun going on here!

While I do need to get started on my daughter's spring wardrobe, I decided to spend a little time and attention on my wardrobe - particularly career-wear. As a teacher, I don't always have to dress that nice, but I like to. I think kids should see what a professional looks like.

I made the jacket from Butterick 5712 and the dress from Vogue 1303.

The jacket pattern does not call for a lining, but I felt the fabric needed one. I definitely like it better with a lining and this was not hard to do.

Next up is a brand new Butterick - B5890. This is an easy-to-sew blouse shaped with tucks to create the peplum effect. It has a back zipper. I'd like to try the pattern again in a knit (and I could omit the back zipper).


I will probably wear the blouse with the suit I am working on - B5619. I have the jacket complete and the skirt ready to sew. The fabric is a tri-acetate suiting, a manmade fabric with a very nice hand and drape. It looks and feels expensive, but I got it for $6 a yard. (Score!)

The coordinating skirt (same pattern) is a basic yoked A-line. I hope to have it done in the next day or two.

I am not sure what project will be next, but I will likely switch gears and work on some more casual projects for me and an Easter dress for Gracie.