Summer Dress and a New Find

Here is Bella's summer dress. I have a serious sewing itch right now so I see more clothes in the near by future. I think I am going to make Elliott some matching pants with the left over fabric. The fabric was a little on the expensive side (10$ a yard!) but I used buttons, trim, thread, and lining fabric I already had. It probably came out to be about $11 and three whole hours. (not including cutting and reading the instructions time)

I just picked up this book recently, which is where I found this project. I love making little girl dresses, but hopefully I'll get to some of the other 24 projects.

This dress was amazingly simple but required a lot of buttons which means.... a lot of button holes. I obviously was up for the challenge. I finally feel really strong with my button hole making ability after eight, yes eight button holes! I knew I just needed to throw myself in there. Also, let me note that a good machine makes everything easier. Everything.


Look what I found on the side of the road in brand new perfect condition:

I have been invisioning something like this since Bella was a baby. I have even drawn pictures for David of the little book shelf I wanted, and there is was free! I am not crazy about the red fabric but the bars unscrew easily and I think when I can't handle the red any longer it won't be too hard to replace it.

Summer are you here yet?

Stop toying with us!

Summer

This girl loves her garden.

Branching Out and Not Being so Negative

I'd like to pat myself on the back for attempting this very out-of-the-box-for-me project today. When this project came up in sewing circle I found myself saying negative things like "this won't be as easy as it looks" and "there is no way the sides will be even." You know what? The sides aren't even, but as my husband says "it's charming." It wasn't super easy, but it wasn't hard either. I like it so much I see more fabric bowls in my future. I am thinking these will make very inexpensive gifts too. I picked up the clothes line at the Goodwill of all places for a dollar and used left over fabric to cover it. The total cost has to be less than 5 bucks. Score!

I found the tutorial here.

Vacation

blonde ringlets
round babies with brand new hair
the smell of a fresh cup of coffee
my skin after spending a day in the sun
the closeness of good friends
new life
shade from old oak trees
antcipation of seeing my husband after seven days apart
good breakfasts made at home
all around happiness that surrounds a birthday party or a just because party
rest

I've had a great time in Houston. Ready to go home.