Ripe Red Cherries

Frannie Baby

A pattern I bought last year from Childrens Corner. The dress is actually small enough to fit Olivia. This was a test garment. I needed to find out how easy this pattern was to sew, and if it fits.

I actually hit some rough spots with this pattern. The dress is lined, and it calls for piping at the neck - not binding. I did the binding, because I was too lazy to make the piping. It actually worked out quite nicely. I had a hard time with the elastic that ran under the arms. I could not pull the safety pin which was attached to the elastic, through the middle seam. I figured out a new way to get the same results, so in the end it worked just fine. Attaching the lining to the dress and pulling it to the right side also gave me a bit of a problem. I had to rip the stitches out at least once on the hem. Other than that, the dress fit wonderfully.

The bloomers were easy to sew. I added lace to the bottom of the bloomers. The fabric is red and white seersucker gingham. As usual the bloomers were way too big. I have no idea why. I could have pulled them up to her chin.

Conclusion: She looked adorable, and we got compliments in the Ralph Lauren Factory Store. Now I know I can add this pattern to my list of things to make in the future.

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Blogging

I've been having fun looking at other people's blogs. It just amazes me how many creative people are out there, and all the wonderful information they are willing to share. It is so much fun.
- an ironing board cover tutorial
- a cute baby shoe tutorial
- another baby shoe tutorial

and lots of other really great information like covered hangers. I enjoy reading all these different blogs and seeing their sewing/craft rooms, or how they use some of the most gorgeous fabrics. For instance gift tags. Aren't they just gorgeous. So original and crafty. What a wonderful way to use your scraps. Beautiful burp cloths and matching baby daygown, a single mom who opened an internet boutique http://lillitutu.blogspot.com/. Lots and lots of wonderful things.

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Next in Line

I'm finished. I am finished sewing in a frenzy trying to get everything done for Sophia's birthday. It was fun. Hectic but fun. So of course my mind continues to work, and I have to think about what I am going to do next. It will be awhile before I start sewing again, because my house has some serious "hot spots" that need to be addressed.

In the meantime, I am blogging alot of pictures of sewn items that I would like to make. I started a new blog which I am using as a source of inspiration. That was alot of fun.

Well, these shoes are going to be the inspiration for my next project. Mom bought these for Nicolas when he was a baby. I think she bought them in Portugal. There is no reason that Olivia cannot wear these shoes as well. I just dont have anything in navy blue for a little girl. I just need to find a pattern and material that will go well with these shoes. So how about something in white? White....boring, but so clean and crisp as a summer dress. That would be cute. I have some cute white fabric in my stash that I think would do well. Ruffles. How about this? Cute dress and it would look great in white.

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Burda Romper 9650

Burda Romper 9650
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey
Such a cute pattern, but way too big. However, I finished the project anyways, and know that it will be worn sometime in the future. I had to redo the ruffle pattern piece because it is just too short. The straps are also too long. I think I can take two inches off the length of the straps.

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Eyelet Pants

Eyelet Pants
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

This is an Ottobre Pant pattern #5 Summer 2007. I needed something to match the shirt and it was the only thing I could think of to sew.
I bought the fabric at Joann's and I must say that I would have preferred a better quality eyelet. I did find one there, which cost $12.99 a yard, but they only had it in turquoise. I looked online and did not find anything either, so this will just have to do. It is nice and light perfect for the summer months, and it does go well with the lace on the shirt.

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Flower Girl

I found this material at A&E Pharmacy. Yup a pharmacy. It is an old building and the fixtures look just as old. It sort of reminds me of Andy Griffith or something you would see in a Dick and Jane book. The back side of the store is filled with material, and there are some lovely elderly ladies always willing to hold your baby while you shop.
Anyways, I loved the bright fresh colors, and knew if I bought a yard I could make one for my niece and one for my daughter.

I used pattern #5 from Ottobre Winter 2003. I completely lined the garment in pink broadcloth, therefore eliminating the back closure. I extended the back straps, and added buttonholes to the front straps. It was a very easy and quick garment to sew. What I like sew much about this type of romper is that they can wear it with or without a shirt. Short or long sleeve, in any kind of weather.

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Pinafore Dress Ottobre #5 Winter 2003

Pinafore Dress Ottobre #5 Winter 2003
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

Finally finished everything I wanted. I messed up this dress twice. The fabric was expensive, and I guess I was just too tired at night to be sewing. The first time I wrote the initials wrong. The second time I must have somehow put the fabric too close to my rotary cutter, and it slashed the fabric twice. Well, thank goodness nothing went wrong on my third try. It looks wonderful. Here is a picture of the initials. Here is a picture of the hem.

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Ottobre #3 Summer 2007

Ottobre #3 Summer 2007
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

Part of the set that belongs to Sophia's birthday presents. I will post the other items as soon as they are finished. Very nice fitting pant. I hope it fits. This is a size 74. I did a review here.

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Ottobre #11 Summer 2007

Ottobre #11 Summer 2007
Originally uploaded by jeanninemccloskey

Just another gift for Sophia's Birthday. I made this in size 80, however it is not much bigger then size 74. I really like this pattern. I did a review at Patternreview.com. Here is a link

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