The Paris Top

Yay! I am finally posting about the Paris top I made for Allison. I LOVE it. It's made from a Japanese fabric (linen/cotton blend) with little eiffel towers and arc de triomphes all over it. It also has some French sayings on it...however, the sayings do not make sense. I lived in France for 4 years and while I was never fluent, I can still read and understand some of it. So on this fabric it says "Paris is 7:00 PM" and "France is love. Thank you life!". So, yeah, unless I am missing something, or translating it wrong...not sure, but I still think it's cute and fun and reminds me of Paris. If you ask my parents, they will tell you I did not enjoy living there. This is mostly truth, but I still have good memories of France.

So, I wish I had taken pics so I can give a little tutorial, and I probably will because I am going to make a similar top in a bigger size for her (this one was smaller than I intended!). Basically, you take two rectangles the length and width that you want for the top, keeping in mind that you will also be adding some straps. Then you sew the side seams of the top together, then add a band of coordinating fabric at the bottom. Shir several rows at the top ( I did about 6 for Ally). Make straps by sewing two strips of fabric right sides together, leaving an opening, then flip them right side out and top stitch. Then sew the straps onto the top so that they are the correct length (I suggest trying the top on your child and measuring before you do this). I also added a gathered pocket.

Wow, those were terrible instructions. I'll do a better explanation with pictures someday. :) Maybe I'm not good at writing tutorials! I don't think I'll put this one in the shop; the fabric is expensive and I like the idea of Ally having a one of a kind outfit. I made the clip, too, using this tutorial: http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/01/craft-3easy-peasy-scrap-fabric.html I also did an appliqued t shirt for a customer, and I think I will start offering these in the shop!

Gracie dress!

I am very excited about how my Gracie dress turned out. My mom got me the Gracie pattern by Sandi Henderson for Christmas. Once again, her pattern was easy to follow, and the dress turned out just like the picture! (With different fabrics, of course). I love this style of dress, which would be great for an older girl who can twirl around in it. Allison can't twirl yet, obviously :) I made this one in size 12-18 months, and I was pleased to see it fits Ally loosely. The length is good though, since she is tall. It would be more fitted on a child in the 12-18 month range, but the skirt is still very full! I was having issues with the yoke, when I read this tutorial...http://littlegirlpearl.blogspot.com/2009/04/sandi-hendersons-gracie-different-way.html. I hate bias tape, so it was nice to have another option. Thanks Little Girl Pearl!

Also, I am ending the 2 for $20 special, but you can always get $2 off pants if you buy them with a skirt, dress, or top!

Oh and one more thing...what does everyone think of me adding little boy pants? I found a cute pattern with pockets on the sides for up to 24 months. I would LOVE to have a baby boy to make these for, hehe (just not right now, unless it's someone else's). I wonder if anyone is interested in me adding them to the shop...

Dresses for sale...

Well, I decided to do it. A lot of people have asked if I sell the clothes I make...at first I was just doing it for fun, but I enjoy it so much I thought I would try to sell some. "Try" being the operative word here. Sometimes I feel I am taking too much on- MOPS, playgroup, writing, my cards, and now sewing. Not to mention raising two kids, being a wife, spending time with God...you get the picture. So is it too much? Not sure. In fact, I might eventually stop doing the cards (except for friends and family who ask) and just focus on other things. To be honest, designing cards is not going well. I suppose I could put more effort into advertising- but who has time for that? This clothing venture might turn out the same way, and I'm ok with that. If God puts the breaks on it, I'll continue sewing just for fun. And all those clothes in my shop? Stuff for Ally and gifts for friends :). I'll stick to my writing though...that is something I feel I really SHOULD be doing, and maybe the other stuff is just for me. As far as playgroup and MOPS, those are important for my sanity and for my kids to make some friends until they begin school. They always have their cousins, of course, but it's good to make other friends too.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my honesty. This is where I am right now. Life is good, and I have learned recently that I don't need to do everything- not supposed to! I should be focusing on whatever God wants me to do. Now, here are some pics of clothes I am planning to sell- the skirt is a personal favorite and will probably remain in Ally's closet :D.