A gift.

Abby was invited to a birthday party today, I gave her the option of me making a skirt or buying a toy- she chose the skirt.  She is very proud of the fact I make her clothes and brags to all of her friends (don't know how long that will last!) So I dug through my stash at 10pm last night - if I didn't procrastinate it just wouldn't be me! - and found something I thought was cute, and hoped it wasn't babyish.  I showed it to Abby in the morning and she didn't want to give it away! HA! That's a good sign, right?  I told her I had a bit left over though so I could make her one too if she really wanted.



 

 

I just made a simple Lazy Days skirt as we were only told about the party two days ago... and I procrastinated... plus, not knowing her size I thought I was pretty safe with this. (she is a little shorter than Abby, and maybe a touch thinner). 

Wanna know a secret?  I picked this Riley Blake print up on close out for something like $2.50 so the whole gift only cost me $1.50 if you include elastic- but if it is in my stash for over a year, doesn't that make it free?  Let's just go with that, free. 

I thought to make it a little more special I would embroider her name on the tag in the back.  I just free handed it, I should have taken the time to pencil the name first, it was a little difficult because I stitched it on to some pre-made bias tape so it was hard to hold. 

And I was either being brave or lazy, but I went with pink thread.  Probably lazy, because that is what I had in my machine at the time!

So I wrapped it in pretty pink tissue paper, added a hair clip and sent her on her way.  I just hope it is well received.  I don't want Abby to be made fun of or thought different of because it isn't a traditional gift or it is handmade, you know? 

A fancy skirt.

Abby decided she wanted a store bought shirt to wear for Easter this year.  She doesn't ask often for store bought and while I was a bit sad I wasn't really planning anything for Easter outfits this year so I let her buy it.  I had lots of great suggestions from friends as to which skirt to make to go with the top and  I settled on a Sunday Brunch in white denim.  Or so I thought.  Then I changed my mind and stayed up waaay too late last night playing with silk, chiffon and sequins.  (Actually the sequins were sewn on this afternoon). 

 

 



 

I ended up doing a Lazy days skirt with 4 layers of non-fray chiffon and a silk lining.  The skirt is so soft and flowy, so much better in real life than pictures.  I also did separate piece for the waistband.

I couldn't find a gray that went perfectly, but I thought this one went well with the chiffon. 

Pretty, right?  The sequins are only around the front part, the back waistband is plain. 

She loves the skirt and was dancing all over the yard in it.  It is perfectly flowy and twirly, it got her stamp of approval.  (I promise these pictures don't do the skirt justice, it is definitely a see and feel kind of garment)

Simple skirts.

I have been lacking inspiration lately *sigh*.   Usually I have a project going, my next one fully planned and the next in the brainstorming stage.  Not this last week or so.  Hm.  So these items are all a bit boring and uninspired, but what ya gonna do?  As I was sewing them I thought, *I should have made them flat front* *I should have figured out some kind of pocket* *I should add some trim* Meh.  Sometimes simple is good. 

 

 

I fell in love with this fabric when I made four skirts with it, one for engagement pictures for a friend and three for her bridesmaids at the reception.  And I bought this yardage clear back then (nearly a year ago) and it waited to be made in to something pretty.


So when the twins woke up I tried to get them to take a picture together, first sitting down.

But Georgia didn't like the sound of that and instead insisted on petting Elizabeth.

So I finally got her to sit down and got lots of pictures like this.  So, why not stand up?

Because then this happened.  Elizabeth just wasn't digging it.

That's alright, we'll go with a headless picture.  The leggings are from Ottobre 6/2012, Ruusunpuna leggings (80cm).  I previously made a stack of these so I knew they would work for what I wanted.  Since you would be able to see the seam I wanted it to be on the inside so not as visible.  They are a little long and the hems are more stretchy than the other pairs so they sit lower on her foot than the others.  Just means they'll last the summer, right?

I kind of like this one.  (she was still crying... and wouldn't give up the blanket, monkey or hairspray lid), it looks all artsy like I meant for it to be this way.

Then there is George.  She was the perfect little model and held so still for me:)  She mostly gave me a vacant stare slightly to the left, but she did look at me for a split second or so.

I did a single seam in the back, by cutting one of the gray strips off, same with the yellow skirt.  So, still nothing on my mind to be next, but I've got a night to think about it;)  Maybe get a head start on shorts for the oldest two?  Or some shirts for the twins... Izzy's belly is outgrowing most of hers...