Why?

Why do I continue to try to make pie crust when it always turns out like this?  I will tell you why, because people like my mother-in-law are constantly telling me how easy it is and they can't image why anyone would ever buy one.  Well, not anymore, I promised myself I would never make another homemade pie crust again.

Homemade Gifts- A necklace for Mom

This year I tried to make as many Christmas gifts as possible.  Here is a necklace I made for my mom out of things I had in my craft stash...vintage buttons, yoyos from past projects, beads, lace, and bits from old necklaces.  I knew I was keeping that stuff for a reason.  

I Love New York (For a day or two)

I recently got the amazing opportunity to spend a weekend alone with my husband... and in New York city...less than a block from the garment district. 

Shopping at Purl in Soho.

Rick Rack at a trim shop in the garment district.

I bought this stash at The City Quilter. 

Too mature???

As I was cutting this I thought the silloutte is pretty mature, the fabric is mature.  A mini dress with picture collar in gray? Not what I would usually picture for children's wear.  I was majorly questioning my design decisions.  I probably wouldn't have even finished it, but it was so simple to sew, it only took me an hour.  The verdict is... I love it!   I want one for me and I think it's fabulous on her as well. 

Okay, I realize that picture taking is a big part of blogging, but I am still getting the hang of it.  When your model is 18 months old, there are additional challenges.  Sophia didn't want to cooperate this morning.

Sophia's new dress and capris

This is more fabric that I recieved at my baby shower.  Thanks Noelle!

Miss Sophia was not about to give up that pacifier this morning. 

I finished 3 sleeveless dresses for Sophia just in time for Fall!  I guess she will be wearing long sleeves inderneath because I'm not going to let her outgrow them without getting lots of wear.  This dress I patterned and cut last May and just now finished.

Sundress

I bought the shear floral fabric from a thrift store.  It was a little cafe curtain, and I was waiting for the perfect use for it.  Then I ordered the gold Joel Dewberry fabric for some pillows.  But when it came, I didn't like it for the pillows, but I think it is lovely with the curtain fabric for this dress.

Right now I am into the apron look, so I did an open slit down the back.

Mom's Yo-Yo Quilt

I made this quilt for my mom this last Christmas.  After making all the yo-yos, I sewed them on by hand.  I think that gives it a really antique, one of a kind look.  I rooted through my fabrics and used almost all leftovers from other projects.  The hardest decision was what color to make the background.  In the end, I picked a manilla, kind of plain color.  This helps it to look antique, and lets the fabrics stand out.

I really like the way the back has the graphic design of the circles, with the hand sewn imperfect stiches. 

Egyptian inspired top

It's been too long since I made myself something, so I whipped up this little number.  The unique detail is the pleated neckline.  I never would have been able to do this before I got a baby lock machine to finish the edges.

April Fools dress

I designed this dress for an April Fool's day fashion show.  Every designer was asked to design one dress with "fool" being the theme.  I went in the direction of a court jester and this is what I came up with.