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

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

5 Easy Pieces

I received the most gorgeous fabric from Terri the other day called McKenzie from FreeSpirit! I just swooned when I saw the fabulous prints and colors and was instantly inspired to make all kinds of separates that could mix and match together..kinda like my version of Granimals...remember those??? I started off with my "Isabelle skirt" (which will be out soon) then made a gorgeous little peasant style top  my way with pretty puffed sleeves and a beautiful satin bow that ties in the back. Then my latest creation "Cecily" which is so stinkin cute...and so versatile. It's a sweet little pinafore top with ties on the sides...LOVE it!!! That pattern will also be coming soon! Then Abby needed a fun little pair of pants that could mix with these pieces so I whipped up a pair of fun little trousers....finally one of my favorites...a little swing top made from a gorgeous large print which really showcases the design. I also plan on making a black feather wale corduroy bubble skirt and "Brooke" to go with all these cute pieces and maybe a few more as well. I really love that these all look so cute together. After I took these pictures this afternoon and I was going through them I couldn't help but think "Oh my goodness...she is really growing up. Where is my little girl?" BTW...she gave all of these pieces a big two thumbs up and said "Mommy, I really love these...they are Funky!"

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!!!!

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