"Mia" Modeled, Band-Aids And All!

In preparation for the release of two new patterns this week I thought I would share a few more photos of Abby modeling "Mia". This little top was inspired by my "Olivia's Dress" pattern. If you remember way back during the contest I was having fun experimenting too. I decided to try changing it up and making it into a top that would look cute with pants, leggings or a skirt, or even jeans! When I blogged about that version I received a flood of emails with lots of requests for the instructions for how to do it. Hence, the birth of "Mia". In these photos Abby is wearing "Mia" with my "Erin's Skirt" pattern and I have to say I really like these two together and I can easily see this as a really fun party look! Minus the band-Aids of course. I thought about photo shopping them out but then I thought there was something kind of endearing about them. Plus, it's truly Abby! My little girly-girl who loves to catch bugs, climb trees and wear pretty clothes. She always has at least one band-aid on her somewhere. It's just part of childhood and soon I will not be having to put several boxes of these magical medicinal adhesive strips into my shopping cart each week and I think I will actually miss it. Do you go through tons of these things at your house too? Okay, I'm getting sidetracked. . ."Squirrel". . .

"Mia" will be in the shop this week and ready to be sewn into an adorable creation for your little girl handmade by you!

Dawn

"Panda-monium"

I've been sewing up a storm this weekend and wanted to show you one of the little outfits I came up with for Abby for Summer/Fall transition. It's going to be my newest pattern due to hit the shops within the next few weeks. After so many requests I modified my "Olivia" pattern to turn it into a little top. 

I received a lot of emails after I created this one a while back. . . 

with lots of requests for the pattern for it. So, just in time for back to school sewing I am putting it together for you. It feels good to be making patterns again after an unexpected break. With so many unexpected little surprises this Spring/Summer with home renovations I really lost my "mojo" and had a really difficult time focusing on sewing and designing. However, things are finally settling down and I'm getting the itch back. 

This morning I whipped up this sweet little set for Abby using some of my Sunny Happy Skies from Riley Blake and some other prints that I had in my stash. Abby has been asking me for quite sometime to make up something for her in this darling little panda print and I finally had the perfect outfit for it. The top is going to be called "Mia" and the skirt is my "Erin's Skirt pattern.

Dawn

Erin & Stacy Revisited

Just in case you missed this one, I decided to show you these photos again. We took these photos last Spring on our trip to Florida. I just love the way these two pieces work together and they really are great for all seasons. Here I just have Abby wearing a simple little white T-shirt underneath and it makes for a really cute outfit. Plus, I can tell . . . you that according to Abby this outfit is "really, super comfortable1". Both "Erin" and "Stacy" are now available in my shop in E-book format and more good news!!! The printed patterns are currently in production and I should have them back by the beginning of next week. So, if you are interested in the printed version check back early next week to pick those up as well!

Dawn

...and She Wore Purple

Here's another "Erin's Skirt" for you to see. I wanted to show you just how sweet this little skirt looks worn with a pretty little blouse and sweater for a completely different look. I have been having a lot of fun lately mixing and matching Olabelhe pieces with things Abby has in her closet already or with things I find while shopping (mostly on-line). The little blouse is one I found a while ago on-line at April Cornell, the sweater vest was found at TJ Maxx and the boots and hat came from Target. Abby loves purple so we went all out. The fabric for the skirt came from FF&L and is just gorgeous! I plan to show you more mix and match ideas using my designs and things that Abby has in her closet to give you ideas  as to how to expand your little girls wardrobe even more. I especially love this look for a little bit older little girls.

Dawn

Oh, Abby wanted me to let you know that she loves this skirt and it's even great for climbing trees in...

Introducing "Erin" & "Stacy"

2 New patterns are on their way! Meet "Erin" & "Stacy". This little combo has been one of my favorites for a very long time and I finally got around to making them into patterns. Let's start with "Erin". A fun and sassy little bubble skirt that uses my hand pleating technique for a fast and super easy little skirt. I've made about 10 of these in the past few weeks and trust me they are addicting and they go with so many things and let's face it they are cute! Then we have "Stacy", a swingy little A-line smock with lots of personality. Stacy is a great design for using some of those bigger prints on to show off the fabric without losing the integrity of the print. Both Erin and Stacy work perfectly in any season. In these photos I just put a simple long sleeved T on Abby and some tights and boots, but it also looks adorable in the warmer months with just a simple T-shirt or a peasant blouse underneath. I am putting the final touches on both of these new patterns, so keep and eye open for news about their arrival in my shop. Hope you like them!

Dawn

A Few More Photos From Florida

Just a few more pictures to show from our big trip to Florida. I just love the way this little outfit turned out. This combo of the swingy top and the little bubble skirt is one of my favorites on Abby, and she loves it too. I've made her several of these sets and whenever we are getting ready to go out and I ask her to pick out something to wear these are almost always one of her "go to" outfits.... We took these photos in "Celebration" which is one of the most charming places and truly like stepping back into time with all the beautiful homes, perfectly manicured lawns and an abundance of white picket fences. It really reminds me of a real life Pleasantville. Anyway, here is Abby braving the chilly temps and not being happy with me. Oh, funny story...when I showed my parents some of these photos their only comments were...."OMG, she looks exactly like you!" It's true, she really is my little clone and there was no mixing in the gene pool with Abby she is 100% mommy, with not a hint of Ole's side of the family in her. She even has my sense of humor and disposition which may or may not be a good thing.

Dawn

More Sewing For Fall

Front View

Back View

Bubble Skirt

As you can see I am having fun experimenting with this new little swingy top and bubble skirt combo. This time I decided to play with some of the amazing fabrics that I received from Riley Blake Designs. These prints are from their "Felicity Collection" by Emily Taylor Designs. I had so much fun putting this outfit together this morning...yes, I know I'm super speedy...but this little swingy top and skirt go together really fast. When Abby came down this morning she just fell in love with it! Now, to just find some awesome shoes/boots to go with it!

Dawn

Maybe... If I Start Dreaming About Fall It Will Start To Cool Down...Maybe????

Swingy Smock Top made from Garden Vanilla with a Chocolate Brown Featherwale Corduroy 

bubble skirt and Pumpkin Long Sleeved "T"

"Annikka's Dress" made from Garden Geranium and Eggs in Nest

Can you believe this weather??? I am SO SICK of summer! I can't wait until you can walk out the front door without melting. So, I decided if I started sewing up some Fall stuff maybe it will magically start to cool down outside...not likely, but it's worth a shot. I decided to play with some of the "FreeBird" that we got into the shop recently. I just love this fabric so pretty and so FALL! Sadly, you are just going to have to settle for pics on the dress form. There is just no way I can ask Abby to put on long sleeves when it's 107 F outside! So for now these cuties will have to go into the closet while we wait for the temps to cool down. 

Finally, a shameless plug for FF&L where you can get these gorgeous fabrics!!!!

Olabelhe For These Cold Winter Days

Front view

Back view

Here is a great tip... When you think of most of my designs you think of easy breezy summertime. So, here is a great idea. You can use my "Emily's Camisole" pattern and make it up in baby wale cord like I did in this one. Then you can put it over a cozy long sleeved-T or turtle-neck. I found this adorable Hello Kitty Corduroy from an Etsy Seller in Japan. I used chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon to accent and make a cute little bow in the back. In the picture above it's pictured with a chocolate corduroy bubble skirt, but this morning Abby wore it with Chocolate brown Corduroy pants because it's so bitter cold outside. Yet another great piece to add to your little girl's Fall/Winter wardrobe!

Remember you can always double click on my images to enlarge them to see more detail.

Dawn

Starting To Dream About Autumn and Helping Out A Dear Friend!!!

Which of course is really hard to do when today is the hottest day so far this year!!!! Gosh, I really hate August in Virginia! It's so flippin' hot you can't even breathe outside. But Abby insisted that we go out and take pictures of one of her new outfits that I made her for school. It's very simple, but very sweet and perfect for a 5 year old heading off to Kindergarten. I was actually inspired by an outfit that I saw in one of my favorite catalogs but I changed it up a little to make it mine. An adorable A-line jumper in a shorter length with buttons down the back and a cute little bubble skirt underneath. I found this adorable fabric in one of my favorite shops in Richmond and just knew it would be a hit will Miss Abigail. It's called "London Cats"and as predicted Abby just loved it. I love it because of the deep rich colors and the fact that it is whimsical, but not too cutesy! If ya know what I mean! I think I may do a pattern for the jumper as every little girl needs atleast one jumper like this in her wardrobe. But I am not going to make one up for the skirt, as my pal Samantha has already done a fantastic job with this exact design. So go check out Miss Iris at Sam's shop and get it from her!!! Their family is currently in the process of adopting children from Eastern Europe and I'm sure more pattern sales can only help them in their dream to bring their children home!!!! Friends helping friends is what it is all about and I want to help them in any way I can. They are such a wonderful family and every time I speak to Sam she is just gushing thinking about expanding their family and when those babies make it home to Alabama they are going to be loved more than they could ever imagine!!!

Love Ya Sam!!!

FYI....Abby did a great job considering it was 100F outside! As soon as we snapped a few pictures I immediately took her out for a refreshing and cold smoothie...it was a well deserved treat that we both needed!

Dawn