The last-minute dress

As you may have read in my previous post, my brother just got married, and we got all decked out for the wedding. At first I was just going to put baby in a hand-me-down black dress, but I had some fabric left over from my dress and had an idea.

First, I used the left-over fabric to make this little sheath dress in a peasant style. I didn't have a pattern. I just measured her and drew my own on a piece of paper.

Then I took a couple yards of black tulle, folded it in half and sewed an inch from the fold. Then I threaded this sash (that came with the dresses I ordered for my other daughters, but which wasn't going to be used) through the waist and bunched it together. Because the sash is thick and the waistband area a little narrower, the gathered tulle doesn't slide.

Like an apron of tulle, this just ties around her waist for a full skirt. Super fast! I even had time to make a little rosette headband to match. I love this dress. The skirt is full and fun, but when pictures are over, you can just un-tie it and baby can be comfy in her simple sheath dress.

The little black dress

I needed a new one for my brother's wedding. I couldn't find any that I loved and so decided to make my own. I started with Simplicity pattern 2497 ...and then made lots of adjustments... combined sleeved and ruffled versions of the dress, lengthened the skirt, raised the neckline and extended the ruffle to the waist. I don't sew clothes for myself very much and was pleased at how it turned out. I recommend this pattern (on sale today at JoAnn's for $1) but would cut a size bigger than you usually wear, and adjust from there.

My favorite details were these perfectly puffed, cap sleeves and the hidden zipper down the side... you can just barely see the zipper pull there in the armpit.

It was such a busy night, combined with the constant chasing of kids... the photo above is the only one I have of me wearing it. On the hanger you just don't get the same effect. I'm hoping my sister has a few on her camera.

The ruffle around the neck is only attached to the dress to the bottom of the neckline and then the end dangles like a necklace. I tried it a couple of ways and thought this was the most flattering as I moved in the dress.

Another detail that doesn't show are the perfectly placed pockets, also hidden along the side seam. They don't add bulk to the hips, but are at a flattering position when you put a hand in one on your hip.

Two of my daughters were flower girls and while I thought of making their dresses too I decided against it when I found these that were less expensive than what it would cost to buy the fabric.

Happy Valentines Day

Lots of sugar cookie making going on around here. I have a special recipe that has sour cream and a hint of nutmeg that is my absolute favorite. The girls and I had a lot of fun making and eating them. We shared a few!

I also made this "valentinish" apron for a friend. (A very belated birthday gift.) I loved the cherry on black fabric and got it in a hand-me-down fabric stash. There was just enough for this apron. I'd love to get my hands on more of this print. My girls want their own. Anyone know where to find it?