Little Girl Dress

A little while ago, I had a good friend visit and I showed off some of my sewing projects that I was in the middle of to her. One of my projects is to make some of these gorgeous dresses, among other things, to sell on Etsy in a few months' time. Well, I hadn't even starting sewing yet - I'd cut out the fabric only - and I'd made my first sale. Hooray! It was a great boost to my confidence, because I wasn't sure if I was being too optimistic.

Here it is.

It's made of corduroy, and the facings and pocket of cotton (Riley Blake's Rainy Days and Mondays line). Perfect for winter!

Cute Dress for Miss J

I'm so excited and just a little proud of myself on completing this dress, as this is the first time I've made something using a pattern (well, unless you count my pathetic attempt years ago in school, but I really don't think you should ... ). I also pretty much figured it all out by myself, except for some moral support by Ash whilst doing the buttonholes (which don't scare me as much anymore!).

I used the pattern Simplicity 5489 (with some changes, including lengthening it a little) and the fabric, called "Raindrops Stripe Pink", from the "Rainy Days and Mondays" collection, is by designer Riley Blake whose fabrics I just love. I bought it online from Funky Fabrix.

I had planned on using some dark pink buttons, but Ash suggested the green ones instead and I really think they make a big difference and love the look.

It's for my niece's 4th birthday in a few weeks, who lives in Fiji, so I hope she likes it.

Notepad and Pencil Wallet

Yay, I've finally finished this wonderful Notepad and Pencil Wallet that has been in progress for about two months now (it hasn't taken the whole two months I might just add, just other things have been getting in the way). I followed a tutorial from Skip to my Lou which worked perfectly, just needed some tweaking as my notepad was a different size. 

It was made from the same fabric as my Toddler Bag Handle for the same lucky man (he loved the dinosaur fabric), who now has a gorgeous baby sister. Master T definitely loved his dinosaur notepad and pencil wallet!

I've already started on the next project, I'm using an actual *proper* pattern for this one, so fingers crossed ... I followed Catherine's advice and spent all last night tracing out my pattern pieces.

The "Montana Bag"

My little neice Montana is turning 4 on Wednesday, so I thought I'd test my sewing and creative skills to make a present for her. I'd looked at some online tutorials of bags, and they were either beyond my skills (plus I was working to a deadline) or just not what I had in mind. So, I decided to jot down the design I had in mind and let my artistic husband decipher my scibbles and turn it into a pattern, which he did!

It was very easy, and I plan on making more. As with all self-designed projects, I've thought of improvements I can make to it, but I'm sure that Montana will love it anyway. If she doesn't, I already stocked up on some funky Smiggle stationery supplies to go inside the bag that will make her happy :)