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.

My First Project - Hairbands

The other day I decided that I was going to attempt my very first "proper" project. I've been sick of buying hairbands, only to find that they either slip off or are so tight they give me a splitting headache. So I thought I'd make one that I can tie up at the back instead (plus it was decidedly easier to make!)

I found lots of tutorials on different blogs on making fabric flowers, so I decided to pretty up the hairband by making a ribbon flower as shown on Hope Studios' Blog.

I was pretty happy with the outcome (I honestly thought it would be a big failure) and am now all motivated for more creative creations!