Christmas Dresses

I might not be completely finished with my shopping and I did slack on the Christmas cards this year, Merry Christmas by the way. But I did make these dresses for the girls!! Which was more enjoyable than addressing envelopes.

One Day One Dress

I'm really into Corduroy this season, its just so darn cute! I was able to get this whole dress completed in one day. Vivian took a wonderful and LONG nap and Ava was allowed to watch as much tv as she wanted, and thankfully she wanted to watch a good bit. Ava gets really excited when she knows I'm making her someone so its very motivating to finish. I was going to skip the pocket, but my fashion design, Ava wasn't going to let that happen!

Fall in Florida

We don't exactly get Fall in Florida, right now the temps are still in the 80s. I do miss the Northest Fall weather and the cute fashions that accompany. Courdoroy is one of my favorite fabrics but sadly, I rarely get to wear it down here. This dress is my version of Fall in Florida. Cute Cord fabric in a sleeveless dress which can be worn alone on warmer days or layered under a shirt and legging for those crisp 65 degree days, we sometimes get.

Snow White

I'm still around, although I have been totally neglating this blog. One of my most recent project was Ava's Snow White costume. It's technically her Halloween costume, however, we where able to get some extra use out of it during our vacation to Disneyworld. Ava had a blast walking around the Magic Kingdom in her princess gear. At one point she said, "Mommy, I want to walk around in my dress." Apparently her stroller isn't the horse and carriage she had in mind.

I hope to be posting more projects for the fall! I also have to figure of what Vivian is going to be for Halloween.


 

Working

No, I haven't abandon the blog. I have been working :)

I had an order for 2 dresses through Etsy. I'm only finished one and I have to get working on the second one as soon as I post this. I am just thrilled with the outcome of the dress. Its made from the super soft Minky material, which is super cozy but something I don't get to work with very often living in a semi tropical climate, so it was a treat to experiment with a new textile. My customer wanted me to use the pink dress as a sample of what she wanted for her daughter, I think I got it pretty close.

Happy 3rd Birthday Ava!!

I'm sure every year I will say this, but I CAN'T believe Ava is 3! Thankfully, I'm the same age as I was when I had her. I assume now that she is no longer in the terrible twos I can say goodbye to the tantrums and mood swings that rival any Hollywood diva.

We celebrated Ava's birthday with a trip to a local waterpark, which she loved. Then that night we had her 2 best friends over for pizza and cake. It was a simple and great day.

 

Craft Workshop

One day I had the insane idea of hosting a craft workshop playdate at my house with my mom's group. In this crazy fit of creativity, the moms of girls where making tutus and the moms of boys where making superhero capes.

Well, you know where this is going. Today this nutty idea was implemented and can be best described and organized chaos. I think I burned 600 calories juggling and assisting everyone and their projects but it was incredibly fun and I loved every second of it.

I have to say, the members of my mom's group are VERY creativity. The tutus and capes turned out great! And it was nothing short of a miricle that no child go a hold of the various pairs of scissors and 450 pins being passed around today. Everyone left happy and with all their fingers and I was EXHAUSTED!


Tutus




Super Hero Capes




Aftermath!

Week in Review

Bad blogger- I know!!

This week kind of got away from me. Highlights, my sister's college roommate Robyn had a baby girl on Monday, my dad's birthday, Welcome Raelle!! Saturday, I attended a lovely baby shower for my friend Lisa thrown by my pal Erin. Erin is very creative and did a fabulous job!! I need to recruit her for my next shindig!

Lowlight- We had a storm on Tuesday which, thanks to a tree, caused damage to some power lines and our house along with 44 others lost power!! You might not think that is too bad, but it was probably 95 degrees with 100% humidity that day. The house was unbarable until we left. These things never seem to happen on days Bill has off from work. The power went out around 3:30 pm and did not come back until 9pm. The girls are I just roamed the streets until it came back. Ok maybe not the streets but we wandered to various air conditioned locations.

Here are some various items I made this week:


Pink Florida Gator's Bib
Pink Florida Gator's Boppy Cover
Cake Plate tutu

Cupcake Tutu

Last week I was asked to make some adorable tutus, but to my surprise they where for cupcakes! Dressing a cupcake in a tutu makes me smile, what a cute idea!! Needless to say when Ava saw my "test" cupcake dressed in a tutu for my photo shoot she was BEGGING for it!!

If you are having a party or shower think about ordering some cupcake tutus, they making cupcakes extra fun!

Look to the Left

Look to the left, see where it says, Cute Hair Bows, Look No Further. Yes,well good. I purchased some adorable hair bows from my new Etsy friend CowlickCutie. Ava loves them and KEEPS them in her hair!! So I endorse CowlickCutie's hair bows and encourage you to buy buy buy. When you do so, you will be supporting a hard working, bow making, stay a home mom. Need I say more....

My Birthday

Happy Birthday to ME!!

This has been a fun filled weekend and I'm nothing short of exhausted! Not too much sewing going on this weekend, but I'm waiting on a shipment of sport team fabric to work on a few baby items.

Here is a picture from today, hope you enjoy!


 

Class Canceled

Sorry I have been slacking on the blog here and its WAY too late to blog right now, but I wanted to post something. The smocking class was canceled :( the teacher is out of town, but when did I find this out??? When I arrived all excited to smock and to spend 2 hours doing something unterupted by children. I was pretty pissed when they told me there was no classa since the store HAD my phone number and its a good 20 minutes from my house. UGH. The guy working there felt bad so he gave me a bunch of free stuff, yes I can be bought!

The teacher is still out of town, but this time they called me the day before. So maybe next week there will be class?? I'm beginning to wonder if there really is a class at this store.

Frills

Here is what I have been working on this week, Vivian's overalls. I used an Ottobre pattern for inspiration but I added the frills on the back. I asked Bill for his opinion about the ruffles on the back, why I don't know, and he was against. As you can see I didn't listen to his fashion advice and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. This pattern didn't have snaps in the crotch, WHAT the heck! But I added some and I am sooooooooooo glad I did.

 

Smocking

I signed up to take a Smocking class tomorrow afternoon! I am excited on many levels. For one, I think smocking has an adorable and classic look and once mastered I will be using it for all kinds of clothes which I will be posting in my Etsy store (see above link) and two, which might trump the first, I will be out of the house from 1pm to 3pm, longer if you factor in drive time.

If you don't know what smocking looks like here, are some samples (not my work).

I like it, BUT...

I like it, BUT... is something I have heard countless times from moms when talking about kid's clothes. Some designs are SO cute but they lack something or have strange design aspects that are cause for complaint. It is obvious when I jumper (overalls) doesn't have snaps or buttons in the crotch it was designed by someone that has NEVER EVER changed a toddler's diaper- EVER! So diaper changers of the world- rejoice! My jumpers, which can be found soon (June 22nd) in my Etsy shop will have a snap crotch feature, no extra change.

Bloomers

I have a million and one patterns and none of which include bloomers. I guess I can't really complain because they are not difficult to make but I think they should be included in the patterns for dresses for kids. I mean if you go to the trouble to make a dress do you really want it to be ruined with a pamper hanging out. So I vow to provide bloomer will all dresses!!

Just a reminder, You can find my new dresses along with their matching BLOOMERS, June 22nd at my Etsy store!

Inspiration

If you recall this time last year I was eagerly waiting to see if Ava was selected to be on the cover of Parents Magazine (she wasn't). So this year when my June issue came and I saw a baby with a fake dad on the cover, I was reminded of my beef with Parent's mag which seems to be far from over. I do have to say, the cover baby is adorable this year, and the dress she is wearing is adorable as well. I like it so much I am doing a VERY similar one for my new line which will be featured on my Etsy site on June 22nd.

Coming Soon....... (in my own way)

Thought Process

Last week I placed an order on http://www.fabric.com/ for some upcoming projects which will be featured on my Etsy shop. Per the tracking notification, Monday was the scheduled delivery date. So Monday came and I tracked the package online and waited, and tracked and waited, and tracked some more, until 6:30p.m. when the package FINALLY arrived. I ripped it open with excitement that would rival any Christmas morning and when I finally opened the package and saw the content I had NO idea what I was planning to make with the fabric now being spread and draped over Ava (by Ava).

Lesson learned, write down ALL my bright ideas. Not just the ones that I think will make me rich, famous, or better looking.

Montessori Placemat

I stumpled upon this idea on a blog I happened to come across and I thought it was cute. I'm not an expert on applique by ANY means but I try. Ava's eyes lit up when she saw me putting this together. She knows when something is for her. She loved it and she was SO excited to sit down and have dinner, its a magical placemat!

Happy 1st Birthday Vivian!!

Today Vivian turned ONE year old! I can hardly believe she is weeks or months away from chasing Ava around. With a new swingset (from Grandmom) and a bounce house from (Grandmother) we certainly don't lack motivation for her to further her mobility. Vivian was a late crawler, she would crawl or scoot to a toy and then stop and play with it and then on to the next toy never wondering far (loved it) but now she is all about roaming (don't like so much).

As much as I like having a baby in the house having a baby and a 2 year old wasn't my most favorite thing. I have actually been looking forward to having a 1 year old and a 3 year old for almost a year now. I'm certainly excited that I only have ONE child in diapers! YIPPPEE!!

On Saturday we celebrated Vivian's birthday with family and some friends for dinner and cake. A much smaller party than Ava had, but SO MUCH less work and expense and just as much fun. Vivian was SO MUCH more lady like with her cake, compared to Ava.

Someone Hearts Me

I am so excited! Someone Hearts me! Some of you non-Etsy addicts are probably thinking, WTF is she talking about now, so allow me to explain. As previously mentioned, I started an Etsy store, and someone that I don't even know, bookmarked my site as a favorite! Made my day, hopefully I will make a sale soon.

Here is my Etsy store, still a work in progress:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5721983

Etsy

I haven't been posting lately because I am attempting to set up an Etsy store. It would be great to sell a few items to contribute to my fabric buying habit. There is stiff competition on this site because there are some many talented people selling their handmade goods.

For those who haven't heard of Etsy check it out, its a site for all handmade good. Its almost a little overwhelming.

I hope to officially launch my store front by June 15th so I have to get to work!

Gift

This dress might look a bit familiar, I made the same pattern for Vivian not too long ago. I enjoyed this dress so much I decided to make one as a gift for a friend who recently had a baby. I just put the dress in the mail today, so the said recipient doesn't know the dress is coming, but I am pretty confident that either they don't read this blog enough to ruin the surprise, or they would assume the dress is for someone else. All these babies it could be anyone!

I hope the special girl I made this dress for enjoys it as much as Vivian does.

Up to Speed

I can hardly believe its been 22 days since my last post, bad me. I could try to blame my lack of blogging on the fact that Bill's parents are visiting, but someone might point out the fact they have only been here since the 20th. Hardly a rock solid alibi.

So what have I been doing since my last post.
Where to begin:

We did 2 days and one night in Disney before our seasonal passes where blocked off.

Ava was housebroken, so no more diapers for one child!! YIPPEE! As her 3rd birthday approached I was getting nervous, so I knew I had to get her going (literally). She went cold turkey, I told her one morning, take off your diaper you are using the potty, no more pull ups. She was upset, and there where many accidents but she got it within a week we had one accident a day, and after that, no more accidents!!

Bill's parents came to visit and are in FL until Wed.

Projects: I have a bunch on my "to do" list. But I just completed a baby dress for a friend, its a repeat project, but its super cute. I will post pictures soon. My camera must be upset with my PC because they are choosing not to communicate tonight. I wonder which on will end up sleeping on the couch tonight?

Finally Something for Me!

Well its finally finished. This is the dress I was working on before I went up north in April. I am done and wearing it today on this hot Florida day!

Ava's Request

Now, I know I said I was going to make something for myself, but it still unfinished as I post this dress I made for Ava. Ava has been asking me for a yellow dress, not just because she likes yellow, she just thinks the girl on the pattern cover wearing a yellow dress is her.

This dress was very easy to make and I will be making it again, someday. As it turns out my children's dressers and closets are FILLED to the brim with clothes. NOT that I am buying anything, really, I'm not. During our visit up north I received a complete wardrobe from my aunt's daughter who since had a baby boy and not a baby girl doesn't see the need to store 72 Tupperware bins of girl clothes from seasons past.

So Ava, who doesn't grow like a weed has her current clothes and Courtney's size 3Ts. Viv has all the stuff Ava didn't destroy and some of Courtney's stuff as well. So if I make them more stuff, I will have to do mid-day wardrobe changes and I probably still wouldn't have to do laundry for 2 weeks.

I am so grateful for this problem and maybe NOW I can do somethings for me or some home decor items, or maybe gifts (be good everyone).

The Neverending Journey

Today was by far one of the worst travel days I have ever had. Our day started before dawn, my alarm was set for 5:30am but I was up well before this thanks for Ava and Vivian who did not sleep well last night and only seem to want mommy in the middle of the night. So I think I started the day with a total of 3 hours of sleep.

Originally our flight was scheduled to take off at 9:50am but as soon as I saw the rain and fog I knew this wasn't going to happen. It would after noon before we took off on what would be a white knuckle ride. I don't know how both Ava and Vivian slept through all the turbulence but I was so close to freaking out. I had a death grip on the arm rest as Bill laughed at me. I mean if something happens holding on will not help.

So after the rockiest ride EVER, I was relieved to see us finally approaching Fort Lauderdale, and then circle and circle over the ocean because of thunderstorms which cleared all the ground crews and delayed any take offs and landings, hence another delay.

I really wish my camera wasn't buried deep in my carry one because Bill and I are a real site while traveling. We have alot of baggage! Our set up goes a little like this: I have Viv in her Ergo carrier in front of me, I push Ava in her stroller (one handed) with her Princess suitcase and a backpack on the handles as I pull a full size suitcase behind me. Bill pulls up the rear with another backpack and 2 full suitcases. It's EXHAUSTING!

I'll spare you the slow luggage and the shuttle waiting for every passenger with an incoming flight and we where home. FINALLY

Once we where home we where greeting with 2 weeks of cat hair on every surface of our home, which we always expect, the cats get nuts without us. But this trip was special, one of our cats (Luna being the prime suspect) pooped and peed ALL OVER our bed. I was horrible. I never scrub something so hard in my life, and I don't think our bed will recover, but we need to sleep somewhere, wish me luck!

Home Sweet Chilly Weather

I'm back in NJ, minus the dress I was making. I had some fitting issues and ran out of time to fix it up before my trip, which would have been a waste of time since the weather isn't exactly spring like.

So far this visit has been non stop with activities. It great catching up with old friends.

I hope to have a picture from Robynn's wedding to add soon. She really lucked out with the weather because her wedding day has been the nicest day of our trip thus far. Today as I was rooting around my mom's closet in search of a winter coat and gloves, its hard to believe its 90 degrees back in Florida.

Robynn and Matt

Two Married Ladies- Sorry Fellas!

Slow Going

As previously stated I am working on a dress for myself, finally. Its just about finished however, I have two issues. One- its hard to tailor yourself in something that isn't completed, as you are wearing it, while holding it up with one hand, and trying not to stab yourself with pins, which is worry some because I'm probably do for a tetanus shot. Two- the said event that I want to wear this said dress is in NJ and the weather forecast ain't looking too good for a sundress. Thus hindering my motivation to get off the Internet and sew.

Here is a preview of the pattern

Two in One Dress

Another completed project and during a week of visitors, I have truly out done myself. This dress is another Ottobre Design creation from the 3/2008 issue. I made a few modifications such as omitting the under skirt, I mean 3 layers of fabric for a small dress seemed to scream overkill!

I have to admit that I had my doubts that I would like this dress once it was completed. The fabric is a little funky so I didn't know if I would still like it and I don't, I LOVE IT!! I really think its cuter than anything I see in the stores. I'm pretty sure God knew what he was doing by sending me 2 girls and giving me my sewing abilities.

Ava saw me making this dress and she asked me if it was for her and she was almost moved to tears when I told her it was for Vivian. Poor kid, after I FINALLY make myself something she is next. I have a long to do list (as always) for things I want to make and I am really trying to use fabric that I already have! A girl can never have enough yardage!

Thanks!

(Ava not shown due to being a 2yr old)


It's getting a bit late, so this maybe brief, but I wanted to thank everyone for their comments since my post a week ago. I was hoping to get a comment from my mom or maybe Bill but I wasn't expecting all the others. It turns out my mom and Bill are the only people NOT reading this blog. I feel the love and support.

Today was Vivian's Christening, and whew! I'm glad the is finally crossed off the list. It takes alot of planning and coordinating when your guests live a thousand miles away. Of course this GOES without saying, Vivian was the cutest and best dressed baby there!

My mom and brother are here until Wed, so I'm pretty busy being a good host and tour guide so all sewing project are currently on hold unless there is naptime, and I'm not talking just about for the kids.

Make Me Something

It didn't take Ava long to figure out I can make stuff for her. When I showed her some Dora fabric I bought online was thrilled! She started saying, "Mommy make me something." I'm so happy she doesn't mind sporting Mommy Made fashions. She was recently moved to tears when I told her I was making a dress for Vivian.

Ava might like the custom fashions however, she isn't always willing to model for me. I tell her its for the blog but she doesn't give it a second thought. So here is the best I could do picture wise for the Dora tank top.

My People

My people or lack there of.... It's been, dare I say, a month since I added the "Devoted Readers" tool to my blog and sadly, Bill is my only follower and even sadder I added him myself. Yes, I feel like I am talking to myself.

So if you are reading, please make yourself known so I can sleep better at night.

Wow that was uncomfortable!

Vivian's Christening Gown

Vivian is getting Baptized on March 15th. I decided to make Vivian's Christening gown. Ava wore the Christening gown I wore as a baby and it was a bit snug since she was 6 months when she was Baptized. Well being the on the ball mom that I am, Vivian will be 9 months when she gets tapped on the head with Holy water. Needless to say, the heirloom gown will not cut it for Viv.

To spare Vivian a few therapy session later in life as she explains how Ava got everything and all she got was hand me downs and nothing was special for her I couldn't in good conscience buy a gown.

So Vivian has a very special handmade gown that hopefully her daughter can use or Ava's because I assume they WILL fight over my handy work!

I don't know if this project was easy or if my sewing skills are improving but this was a BREEZE! I was a little nervous getting started because I never made anything out of taffeta or lace but things came together nicely. I'm thrilled with the outcome.