Isabele's Easter Dress 2014

 I made this dress for Isabele.  The fabric arrived 11 days ago.  Estimating the time it took to make this dress - probably 15 to 20 hours for the sewing.  Then add another 5 hours for the hem as I hand-sewed it (both the shell and the lining dresses).  The dress is fully lined with light blue cotton batiste.  The shell is cotton velveteen.  Both were wonderful fabrics to work with.  I have a bit of learning to do on a couple spots but will write more about that later, with close-up pictures.

New Fabric

I ordered "fabric" to make pettiskirts for Isabele and Lilly.  They are going to be cool.  Pale pink and white.  About half done with the first one.  Then I have to make the second one.

But today, my second order from the other day arrived.  It's wonderful!  I can't wait to get to the dress project.  100% cotton velvet for the outer dress and 100% cotton satin batiste for the underdress.  For Isabele.  The batiste especially is incredible.  The velvet is in the wash right now.  Can't wait to start in on that one.

Pretty Things Are Worthwhile

I'm trying a new theory.  Pretty things are worthwhile.  They are worth making and having, even if their only purpose is to be pretty.

I turned a pillowcase into a dress for Isabele's 18 inch doll.  It was fun.  Made some PJ's for the doll that are okay but not great.

I pulled out my tatting stuff and am relearning to tat.

I have to finish Brian's sweater.

I figured out how to make hexagon paper boxes with lids.  Pretty cool.

I have an awesome template I found on pinterest for a paper rose.  I've made quite a few and they are in a cocktail sauce jar in the window.  Pretty.  Just because.

It is hard for me to make things that have no real use.  I have to remind myself that it's okay for the purpose for some things to just be pretty.

So here's to pretty things just because they make me smile.