Sequin Sparkle Easter Dress

Most of the time I am inspired first by a design then I think about the fabric second. But when I walked past this cream organza with flocked polka dots I had to have it and luckily Easter was around the corner and I had a purpose to use it for. Just bolts away from the flocked polka dots was a gold sequin overlay fabric that paired perfectly. The fabrics told me what they were to be made into.

{Nash is sort of covered up in the above photo only because I didn't sew his outfit, except for his tie. That doesn't mean that he isn't the most handsome sweetest little love of my life. Just that I don't really sew for boys, darn it.}




It's all about the collar. As a last minute thought, I used a metallic gold piping around the edges and it turned out to make all the difference. There are so many frustrations in designing and sewing that it is nice when something turns out just like you wanted it the first time you tried it. I think I kissed that collar after it was sewn in.




I also scored these cute mint and gold shoes from H&M (to match the brother's shirt) and a cream tutu underskirt on clearance for $2.50 that was exactly what the dress needed. You can see it peeking under the dress and I could kiss it too.




I tried to keep the design simple on purpose but did add a couple details like the exposed metallic zipper in back and the button closings on the back of the sleeve cuffs.




Hey even Bunny got a matching dress for Easter. I thought about making hers with the collar, but then I thought no. There are more crucial things in life than sewing collars for stuffed bunnies.




And not only did Drew's Easter dress come together so smoothly, but my kids actually loved eachother when I was trying to take pictures of them. I'm glad I documented this early because on actual Easter morning when I tried to get pictures before church, things were not so friendly.




And just for fun...



It was last year's Easter dress that voted me into the Project Run & Play competition! I love that dress although I think she only wore it once or twice. She decided to grow super tall and make that short dress a little inappropriate for church.

Stop growing up!

All Types of Stripes

When I was thinking about Chevron Week for Project Run & Play, I knew I wanted the chevron I used to be subtle. A couple years ago I updated all of our patio furniture cushions and pillows in a bold yellow and white chevron print. While I still like the cushions, I like that they are outdoors and not in my house. I guess after the experience I tired a little of chevron and I have never bought more of it again.



But I am a sucker for stripes. Probably half of mine and my children's closets are filled with stripes. And I have been pinning dresses that play with stripes in all different directions and I am liking that too.



There was no quick part of creating this dress. It took me time to figure out the pattern. Then it took me a lot of time to cut the pieces in the right direction using the right side of the fabric. And then piecing and sewing it all together took longer than I expected too. And in the end there is no actual chevron in the dress, although you are supposed to see it going vertical up the sides of the dress.



This last picture makes me laugh a little. The way her neck and shoulders are all tense and I know her face is scrunched up because I asked her to turn around for a picture of the back of the dress. You see, Drew has been modeling for me since she was two and the girl does not like to be told what to do or directed in her photo shoots. She is in charge of the photo shoot and my job is to just stay quiet and snap away on the camera. "How dare she tell ME how to pose," she is thinking.


Next week is all about the details- choose a favorite detail to showcase in a children's wear design. I'm thinking pleats.