Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ms. Sew 'n' Sew


I can think of a lot of ways to waste time and/or procrastinate, but my all time favorite way to postpone the inevitable is with a needle and thread. Or a camera.


I got it in my head that our family trip, Chickens Abroad, calls for a particular kind of wardrobe... summer cool and light, for comfort, and also to dry easily when doing hotel room laundry. I envisioned something simple to manage when negotiating an airplane bathroom. So with a pencil and a ruler, some freezer paper and a willingness to try reverse engineering basic styles, I have been having a grand time sewing Maria a custom wardrobe for her first trip to Europe.


I think Maria had a grand time modeling today's project. She loves her red dress. She loves the ribbon rose and hopes it will never fall off. I love that I have successfully designed and made two pair of pants, a skirt and blouse and this sweet and easy, ready to go dress. The sewing muses have been so kind to me... this time.


Gee whiz... I really wish this look would work on me. No, not the dramatic pose... the dress.


Here is the skirt. Honestly this is totally inspired by me trying to make airplane bathroom trips as easy, sanitary and convenient as possible.

I wish I had more of this print. Can you see the bird silhouettes? It's so breezy and cheerful, like the best of summertime.


Ta-da!

I'm sorry for carrying on, but I am so very amused-delighted-surprised-relieved about this blouse. I made it with my fingers crossed, and then made a longer version for the red dress. It worked. Stunning. Mom and I shopped together for the blue Provençal print... now it gets to journey back to France.

I should have taken pictures of the pants, but since we are taking so little clothing on this trip there will be plenty of fashion sewing photo-ops later.


There are a few other things I am supposed to be taking care of (*ahem*,) but I hope I can do a little more sewing soon.

14 comments:

judy in ky said...

Love the fabrics! Love the styles! Love the model!

nikkipolani said...

Oh, Natalie! Your sweet creations make me itch to be sewing again. But, alas, I don't have a darling girl to sew for! And the cats won't be nearly as appreciative...

Missy said...

Super duper job! I love the bodice and sleeve design! See, you have a pattern designer lurking inside of you ;-) skirts and dresses are a must for traveling w/ anybody not old enough to keep their clothes out of the icky bathroom puddles.

Em said...

Gorgeous clothes - wonderful job! I can't believe you made them and designed them yourself! I can't do that yet... I'm still working on following basic pattern instructions. Great job again - I love that blue fabric with the birds too! If I had some I would wear it!

Oiyi said...

She looks spectacular in that red dress. And I know I keep saying this, but she is beyond beautiful. You did a wonderful job on the clothes

Thank you for your lovely comment. I know that I rarely ever show my face on my blog, so it's makes me even more nervous when I do. We had a lovely time, but we rushed through dinner to get home to put Melody to bed. She was always on our minds and knowing that she was sick made us even more worried.

Amber said...

Lovely designs, fabric and the model too! I love the red in particular.

Dallas said...

Cute outfits. Just remember to bring a sweater and rain jacket too. At least in Belgium, it only gets up to the 70s in the middle of Summer (I'm not sure when you're coming), and we get rain every day. It's usually like Seattle rain - misty/drizzly, but I hardly ever leave house without my rain coat - either for rain or to keep warm.

Tracy said...

You do the best sewing, Natalie! :o) Look at Miss Maria...she looks gorgeous in that new red dress--pretty print And LOVE, love that skirt and top combo--fun prints and such fresh, summery color. Definitely vacation-wear! Super job ...let's see Maria do another twirl...Happy Days ((HUGS))

tara said...

OOOhhh...a custom wardrobe for a European vacation. Le sigh. How wonderfully wonderful.

Gjo said...

Geez Natalie, you're so talented! Can you make me a skirt like Maria's? :) love, Gretchen

Tiglizzyclone said...

Really great outfits! Maria is the perfect model! Hope she stays sweet!

Sabine said...

Wish I could sew like that...
Your daughter will be a star in Europe!

dewatobay said...

Rich and colorful - your life!

Lindy said...

Wow, fantastic fabrics, they speak of summer! So cute!