Summer In Virginia

Oh.....it's HOT outside! You can even see it in photo with the haze so thick it's hard to make out the horizon. But once again I need to receive the "Bad Mommy" award for dragging poor Abby out in this horrible weather for yet another photo shoot. Today we went over to Kingsmill Country Club out on the terrace to snap a few pictures. It's such a gorgeous location and even in the heat Abby had fun trying to catch butterflies and we enjoyed the view of the James River. This time she is wearing one of most popular designs "Natalie"all made up in this gorgeous print which just arrived and yes, this one is going to be a kit as well. I'm just about ready to debut the kits. Just a few more things to do and they will become available in my shop.

Dawn

More of "Natalie"...

With wedding season upon us I thought it would be fun to show you "Natalie" styled in a way that would be perfect for a little girl to wear as a flower girl dress. This time I made the bodice in a different fabric from the skirt to show how this pattern can be modified to create a completely different look. I made the bodice from beautiful white sateen and the skirt from a classic slate grey. The sash is made from ivory sateen and then I added the pale baby pink ribbon roses to add that extra special touch and then for a little unexpected twist I made the made the petticoat underneath out of the same pale pink. Abby insisted that we go all out and she really wanted to look like a flower girl so we got out the good ole glue gun, and old headband and we went to the dollar tree and picked up a few bunches of petite roses in white, ivory and pale pink and we made her a pretty headpiece, but of course her bouquet had to be real flowers. Add mommy's pearls and she was ready to be a flower girl.

Dawn

Lots of Samples Heading off to Chadwick Heirlooms

"Natalie"

"Jillian"

"Rebecca"

"Lauren"

This week I have been busy working on a few samples to show at Chadwick Heirlooms. Pat asked me if I could make her some samples using some of her gorgeous fabrics so that people coming into the shop could see my designs in some of the fabrics she had available in her shop. Of course I was happy to  "go shopping" at Pat's for fabric. But I have to say, it wasn't easy narrowing it down to just a few choices. She has soooo many bolts of TDF fabrics I was honestly a bit overwhelmed and had a very hard time choosing. These are just a few of the pieces I made for her, there are also a few more but I'll save those for another post. I will be delivering all these beauties to Pat tomorrow. Yes, I could have mailed them to her but honestly...I am always looking for an excuse to drive up to Richmond to go visit her and see all the new treasures that have arrived at Chadwick's!!! Granted, I need more fabric like I need a hole in the head but, sometimes I just can't resist!

See you tomorrow Pat!

Dawn

The Start Of Spring Sewing...Already!

Yes! Believe it or not I am sewing!!!! I am finally getting my sewing mojo back and I have been sewing up a storm over the past few days. Here is just one of the things I have made for Miss Abby for the new year. My "Natalie" dress made up in this stunning Lily & Will print. I think this may just have to be her Easter dress. Sadly, photos of Abby in this one will just have to wait as we still have snow on the ground and it's not exactly the type of dress one wants to wear when the temps are Cccccc...cold outside.

Dawn

More Of Natalie....

Yes, it's that darn "Natalie" again. The good news is it will be released early this week!!!! So all of you who have been so patiently waiting on this one... will have to wait no more. I just had to show off this version which I must confess it's TDF! Made up in Gorgeous Tanya Whelan fabric who could resist. Abby and I went to go visit those uncooperative sheep at Colonial Williamsburg today and although they were very happy to Baaaa for us they wouldn't even think of coming over to say "hi" unlike the horses who are very social. But I did manage to get a couple of really great pictures that I wanted to share.

Dawn

Cover Girl

Yeah....I have been waiting and waiting for the weather to finally turn nice enough for Abby and I to go out to do our photo shoot for the cover of "Natalie's Dress" and today was the day. It was still a little cool but she was a trooper given the fact that this dress is sleeveless and has a low back. There wasn't much to keep her warm. We both decided that this dress really looks like an Easter dress so Abby asked if we could have a "pretend Easter egg hunt" and so we did...and we had lots of fun. Anyway, here are a few of the pictures from today's picture taking extravaganza...beware there are more pictures coming.

Dawn

I Think I Like This One The Best!

so far anyway....

Hot off the press! Here is yet another version on "Natalie". This one has a double layered skirt and a pretty sash in the same fabric as the blue underskirt. I really had fun with this sash and did a basket weave pattern with my sewing machine on the front. I really love how it turned out! Also this one doesn't have a built in crinoline so you can see how it can be more casual if you would prefer that look instead of a fuller style.

Note: I apologize for the fact that the sash looks a bit uneven in the back but I promise it's not in real life.

Let me know what you think of this one.

Dawn

"Natalie" Take 2

Okay, my machine is smoking. Here is another version on "Natalie". This time no apron and the sash ties are sewn into the side seams of the bodice of the dress. I did this one very simply so you can see the lines of the dress. Now I have yet another idea of how you can play with this design. So, it's back to work. But I wanted to give you another example so you can start letting your imagination run wild and start thinking about all the fun things you can do with this design.

Dawn

Introducing "Natalie's Dress"

This is going to be my next pattern!

I really love this dress, simple yet completely classic! The front bodice has a higher neckline, perfect for showing off a pretty strand of pearls and the back is cut low. The skirt is very full and will have the option to add a pretty crinoline underneath with tulle to add fullness to the skirt. In this view I have added an apron with a big bow sash in the back however, I have also made another version with the sash built in with no apron that will be the ideal dress for a special occasion. Think Easter, a fancy party or even as the perfect flower girl dress at a wedding. I only wish I had some raw silk laying around here so that I could make one up and show you. The possibilities for this are endless!!

BTW...Isn't this fabric TDF!? I have been saving it for the perfect dress and I think I nailed it. Pale pink with images of vintage little girls baking cakes and cookies. All I can think of when I see this dress is a miniature June Cleaver in the kitchen baking cookies for the "beave". Now, keep in mind I have never actually seen Leave It To Beaver, I'm not quite that old ... yet! But I have seen clips and have heard all about it from my folks.

Okay back to my machine because I am anxious to make up another version to show you what you can do with this design. Now keep in mind this is just the first draft and I haven't even begun to draft pattern pieces or start making the tut so it's going to be a while before it's done. But if you are interested in testing, just leave me a comment and when the time comes I will let you know!

Sorry, for the lousy pics but we are currently getting blasted with snow, so it's not the best time to doll Miss Abby up in a sleeveless dress and go out on a photo shoot. The kids are currently bundling up to go out and play in the "white stuff" and maybe after that I might be able to convince Abby to try it on so we can get a few modeled shots.

Remember: You can always double click on my photos to enlarge them for a better view.

Dawn