Learning something new

If you have been reading my posts than you know that lately I have been sewing more.  Today I worked on another project for my daughter, girls' clothes are a lot cuter than boys clothes.  I bought this material in January planning on being able to make two shirts and two pants but I happened to have enough leftover to work on a dress.

I wanted to try something new with this project and this shirt happened to use a technique called shirring.  Having never done it I was a little worried but wanted to try.  I liked being able to use different technique and this replaces the gathering that at times is too tedious.  I might have gone overboard with it though. 

Around the skirt

works as an empire waist band

around the neckline

on the sleeves

The reason I may have been a little overboard is because this particular pattern was only for a shirt, however my daughter did not want just a shirt she wanted a dress.  This little girl has very strong opinions about her wardrobe already and if she does not like something she will not wear it.  SO I also tried something new in changing the pattern a bit so instead of a shirt and skirt I combined them into one dress.

wanted to show her braids also, did an under braid on each side

I think it turned out pretty cute and while the next time I would change things a bit I quite enjoyed learning about shirring and also how to adjust things while I am sewing instead of following a pattern exactly.  Tell me what you think. 

Dressed for Spring

I sewed this pair of pants to go with her shirt I made a few days ago.  This time not quite as extreme with the ruffles as her last pair.

 She was jumping on the couch. 

 I think it turn out pretty cute and have a lot of people comment on the outfit.  It's hard for me not to mention that I sewed it with a little pride.  Your heart becomes so invested into something you make yourself.  That's probably why I am sad if I cook a dinner or meal that doesn't turn out yummy.  A lot of effort, but then again the more you do something the more experience you get even if it is by learning from the mistakes you make. 

 She jumps too soon or too late so I can never quite focus right.  1, 2, jump instead of 3 or else it's 1, 2, 3, pause then jump. 

 I did her hair with two knots at the top.  Another hairstyle from my favorite website but this is the only picture she would let me take of it.  She was done with me taking pictures. 

Her "I'm determined to pull you off the couch because you made me mad" look

MY CRAZY LITTLE PRINCESS

Sewing project #2

Since my first sewing project went pretty well and actually quite enjoyable I thought I would try another one.  I did some grief about the last outfit being a little over the top I chose a little more mild and less colorful material to work with.  

Basically a bodice with lining, a gathered lower panel, two straps and then ties on the side.

Even though it's not as gathered as the last ruffles, she still likes to twirl around in it. 

Sewing, Really?

New Years Day is a big day in Delta Utah where I am from.  It is the day when our little fabric shop has a big sale on all fabric and supplies.  This year I was in Delta so I went with my mother and sisters to stand in line for the big open.  I was not planning on buying anything except maybe a quilting book since that is what I have been doing lately and with me moving I wouldn't have my mother there to show me how to do everything.  As I was looking at books though I came across this one and loved it.  Basically it has 4 patterns, one for shirts and dresses, pants and skirts.

I am not sure why since growing up I never liked sewing much but I ended up purchasing it along with some cute fabric with the idea of making my daughter some cute pants and shirts.  I have been excited to get going on it all but with moving I decided packing up the house took priority over my sewing project.  Well now that things are a little more settled I pulled it all out yesterday to start on. 
I quite enjoyed sewing it all and found myself not being able to put it away.  I ended up working quite late and most of the day for two days straight and finished the one pair of pants and shirt with this material.  I was so proud being able to figure out the pattern and how it all went together seeing as how I haven't sewed from a pattern since high school.  I even pulled out the iron to press the seams and hems.  That thud you heard was my mother falling over from shock.  I never use the iron.  I think it all turned out pretty cute and excited to work on another pair of pants and shirt I had bought some material for that same day.

Okay her face doesn't really show it but she does like it.  She loves the ruffles and twirling around in it.  

It also makes me appreciate my mother more.  She sewed outfits for all 4 of her girls and while I said I did enjoy sewing it I don't think I would if I had to do 4 of them.