Monday, August 17, 2009

Happiness In Every Stitch


After my last sewing episode, I admit it seamed unlikely that I would ever return to the cutting board and straight pins. But I cannot resist. I may not always get the results I am seeking, but when it comes to making children's clothing, quilts or yo-yo's, I cannot resist playing again and again. And even more surprisingly I find it really helps me cope with stress and anxiety. Figuring out "real" patterns adds to my stress and anxiety, which is why I am happy to discover that I can make simple things by making it up as I go!


All the sewing I did for Maria, her Chickens Abroad-Summer wardrobe, held up very well, so I thought I would play around with the dress and skirt and make clothes that she can wear in to Autumn. Plus... she grew! Her clothes still fit, but they are shorter than they were at the beginning of Summer.

On this new dress I used seam binding to finish the sleeves and the hem, and I even added a strip of it at the edge of the yoke, where it meets the skirt. It's a loose fit and will wear well with tights and an undershirt. I've almost got this homemade pattern fine tuned enough to call it a "real pattern!"


More Kaffe Fassett fabric from Starry Night Hollow! Another nice thing about sewing for a little girl... half a yard goes a long way!


She's doing a hula for us.

Maybe not the best image of this skirt, since she had been wearing it a lot already. Excuse the wrinkles. I think this was half a yard and I just stitched it from one end to the other and then gathered it with the elastic waist. The rick-rack hem was irresistible.


Cousin Izzy got one of these skirts too. A fun Summer print for sure! Maria wore it to preschool on "water days." She especially loves her mermaid pocket. I used my quilting skills to add a fun contrasting fabric around the waist. It's such a simple way to add interest, and I think I will play with this idea a bit more in the future.


But enough about Me and my sewing obsession, Maria wants to dance! She told me she wants to be a mermaid for Halloween! How's that for a sewing challenge?! Then again she also said she wants to be Dorothy... I don't think she remembers the first time she went down the Yellow Brick Road. We both saw Christmas fabric from Sew, Mama, Sew! I'm sure it cannot be too early to plan a holiday dress or two.


Obviously we both love to play... aren't we sew lucky?

7 comments:

d.a. said...

You've got me hankering to get some projects going. Those fabrics are adorable!

Susan said...

Adorable child and the wardrobe is pretty cute, too! I have never tried making anything without a pattern, so I am in awe of anyone who can do what you do. Love the fabrics, especially the first dress.

I used to sew all the time when my kids were young, and really just until the last ten years or so. I once decided to make my 3 kids costumes from The Wizard of Oz two days before Halloween. I was a raving lunatic for those 2 days! I still have them tucked away, but they're kind of battered because they played in them all the time.

Tracy said...

Has Marie considered acting? She'd make a great drama queen, I think ;o) Oh, but modeling...maybe modeling, because she is just soooo beautiful! And the clothes you've been making her are sensational, Natalie. LOVE those bright reds...and the seam binding finish is brilliant. Can't wait to see what you whip up next! Happy Days :o) ((HUGS)

happy zombie said...

Yes, you both are sew lucky! Maria is just the cutest model. I love what you've made and I love the styles. I especially love the Kaffe Fassett fabric - what a perfect combo!

Tiglizzyclone said...

Those are all great. Beautiful fabrics! And Maria is so lovely modeling what you created! So keep on creating!

Missy said...

ah, beautiful Maria! The dresses and skirts are just lovely, Natalie.

tea time and roses said...

Hello Dear Natalie!

Oh my goodness Maria is adorable in her new dress and skirts! The fabrics you chose are cheerful and so pretty!:o) Happy week to you my friend!:o)

Smiles...

Beverly