I Feel A Bit Like A Mad Scientist

Warning. . . This is just a prototype, not a finished piece. 

It still needs a bit of "tweeking" here and there.

As I mentioned in my last post I am really beginning to grasp the challenges of wanting to dress Abby in a certain way, but taking into consideration that she is growing up and is now not so much of a little girl anymore. It had to happen at some point but I so wish I could stop the clock and keep her small just a little longer for my own selfish mommy reasons. But my spunky, happy-go-lucky 8 1/2 year old is wanting and needing to dress a bit differently these days. She is loving the shorter style skirts mixed and matched with fun tights or leggings and worn with boots. Comfy shirts with sassy little appliques of things she loves and cosy sweaters and fuzzy vests to snuggle up in. Who can blame her, that whole look is just adorable. So, I'm finding myself in new territory. Trying to mix my style with what Abby is wanting to wear. Still keeping things feminine and pretty and not "too grown-up" or "tasteless". . . and coming up with some new designs.

This morning I felt like a bit of a mad scientist stepping into my lab and mixing up some new experiments. The skirt above was my attempt at "What tweens want". A wrap around skirt with a wider waist that has just a bit of elastic in the back for shaping. Then the bigger pleats, each one stitched down to give it a more polished look. There is a hidden button on the inside to secure the wrapped part of the skirt and on the outside two loops to catch the buttons on the side. As you can see I've not even sewn on the buttons yet, but I did try it on Abby and she loved it!! In her own words "Now, this is what I'm talking about!" Okay, well then, it's official, I don't think I'm going to be able to get her in a pinafore ever again. 

I knew this day would come and I know there are going to be a lot more changes around the corner. Before I know it she is going to be a real teenager and then the real fun will begin. With my oldest just turning 13 last week I am now a mom to a teen. Wow, how did that happen? It seems like just a few weeks ago he was a new babe in my arms and now he is talking about college, driving and managing his own money. Okay, I'm getting a little misty here so I should wrap this up before I start rambling and blubbering. 

I just wanted to show you what I was working on and say "Hi"! Oh, I'm not sure if this is going to become a pattern or not it depends on interest and time. 

Dawn