tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43712856077993886032023-11-15T22:32:27.420-08:00Not Sew PlainJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-89250364656508476242013-09-03T07:31:00.001-07:002013-09-03T07:31:26.708-07:00New BeginningsSummer is officially behind us. Zach went back to school two weeks ago as a high school freshman. He's running cross country and enjoying taking a Programming Java class. What a fun exciting time for him.<div>
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First day of High School</div>
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Piper started preschool today. Each new milestone has been so bittersweet with her and this one is no different. She is such a kind, sweet little girl the future is hers to do and be whatever she wants, this is only the beginning.</div>
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Of course, she needed a new dress. I took inspiration for her first day dress from this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171629435772175310/">one</a> I had pinned on <a href="http://pinterest.com/jesims/boards/">Pinterest</a> a while ago. I wanted to work with her favorite colors which are pink and purple. I used Kona Cottons in Berry and Blush. The dress is an Oliver + S Ice Cream dress. I've made this pattern several times before and it's still a favorite. Instead of doing gathers across the top, I opted for an inverted pleat like in the inspiration dress.</div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS016IC.html">Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress</a></div>
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We have been reading The Kissing Hand in preparation for the first day of school. Chester the raccoon's mom kisses his hand so he knows that "Mommy loves you" even when he is at school. I thought it would be nice to make sure Piper had the same special message so I sewed the words "Mommy (heart) you" into the hem of her dress.</div>
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(I would have been better if I could have figured out how to turn the pic around)</div>
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Piper looked lovely and like such a big girl on her big day. I can't believe she is 3 already and it's time to start school. She will only be going two days a week. I wonder if that is the get the children used to the idea of school, or the parents.</div>
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There were no visible tears when we dropped her off. She found her name and hung up her backpack. She was a little apprehensive but so brave. </div>
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I will leave you with this letter by Dan Valentine, it is more than appropriate for today:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear World, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I bequeath to you today one little girl in a crispy dress, with two blue eyes, and a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and a batch of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning and skipping off down the street to her first day at school. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, never again will she be completely mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prim and proud, she'll wave a young and independent hand this morning, and say goodbye and walk with little-lady steps to the nearby schoolhouse. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gone will be the chattering little hoyden who lived only for play, and gone will be the delightful little gamin who roamed the yard like a proud princess with nary a care in her little world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, she will learn to stand in lines, and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She will learn to tune her little-girl ears for the sound of school bells, and for deadlines. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She will learn to giggle and gossip and to look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy across the aisle sticks out his tongue. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now she will learn to be jealous and now she will learn how it is to feel hurt inside and now she will learn how not to cry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch while an ant scurries across a crack in the sidewalk. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn to kiss lilac blossoms in the morning dew. Now she will worry about important things like grades and what dresses to wear and whose best friend is whose. Now she will worry about the little boy who pulls her hair at recess time and staying after school and which little girls like which little boys. And the magic of books and knowledge will soon take the place of the magic of her blocks and dolls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She'll find her new heroes. For three full years I've been her sage and Santa Claus, her pal and playmate, her parent and friend. Now, alas, she'll learn to share her worship and adoration with her teachers (which is only right). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No longer will her parents be the smartest, and greatest in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, when the first school bell rings, she'll learn how it is to be a member of the group with all its privileges, and, of course, its disadvantages, too. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She'll learn in time that proper young ladies don't laugh out loud or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms or watch ants scurry across the cracks in a summer sidewalk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, she'll begin to learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. That "the group" can be a demanding mistress and I'll stand on the porch and watch her start out on the long, long journey to becoming a woman.<br /><br />So WORLD, I BEQUEATH TO YOU TODAY ONE LITTLE GIRL in a crispy dress, with two blue eyes, a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and a batch of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I TRUST YOU'LL TREAT HER WELL. </span></div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-59427331614650517572013-06-29T17:49:00.000-07:002013-06-29T17:49:00.887-07:00Class Picnic NightgownSo, school is out and we are busy enjoying our summer. Zachary spent the past two weeks taking a Computer Game Programming class at the local community college. I know he really enjoyed the class and I hoped it has stoked a little flame in him and given him something to consider as a career for the future. Piper and I have mostly been busy running errands and getting the house ready for a visitor next week. I can hardly believe July is almost here, summer always goes faster than I'd like it to.<br />
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I haven't been sewing too much but I do have a couple of things I wanted to share over the next few days and weeks. I am also gearing up for sewing a special little girl a preschool wardrobe and accessories. After our visitor heads back home I will start to tackle that project. I have so many ideas I just hope I can get it all finished.<br />
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Since summer is here in all her heated glory I thought it was time I got this project, which has been in the back of my mind for a while, finished. Several months ago my girlfriend introduced me to Hancock Fabrics. I can't believe I had never been to one. I went with the intention of getting some eyelet and ending up coming home with a bit more. One of the things I picked up was this sweet pink seersucker that was on the clearance table. I can't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't much. It's so soft and light, perfect for summer. The problem I had, once I got it home, was that every time I looked at this fabric all I could see was a nightgown. Any dress I tried to imagine using it with looked like a nightgown in my mind. So, why fight it? Piper has really been enjoying wearing nightgowns lately and they are nice for summer. We do run the A/C but it is still a little warm in the house in the evenings, nightgowns are the perfect thing to wear to bed.<br />
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I used the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS025CPD.html">Oliver + S Class Picnic Blouse</a> pattern and altered it a bit. Coincidentally one of the reasons I had been putting off this particular project was my laziness. I've become very spoiled by digital patterns (they are so easy to print, tape and use) and almost avoid standard patterns lately. I only had the standard pattern until a few weeks ago. <a href="http://oliverands.com/">Oliver + S</a> has been releasing all of their patterns that were not previously digital in a digital format. So, I was quite happy when this one was released, now I could get this project off my docket and out of my mind.<br />
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I'm so happy with this lovely little nightgown:<br />
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In addition to adding some length, I added this cute ruffle to the bottom:</div>
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I finished the ruffle with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Distinctive-Narrow-Rolled-Machine-Presser/dp/B00325ZJYC">rolled hem foot</a>. That was the first time I had used it and what a handy little foot it is. There is a small learning curve to using the foot but once you've got it figured out, it does make quick work of finishing a hem. I may have to get a few different sizes. I was kind of fun to watch it do it's thing too.</div>
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At the top of the nightgown I added a little pretty lace where the yoke meets the skirt. For the sleeves, I folded them according to directions but made a casing by sewing 3/8" from the top of the hem. By doing this it created a sort of ruffled sleeve. </div>
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I am a little concerned about the width of the dress. I wish I had added an inch or so to the skirt for a little added fullness but I think it will be okay for Piper. The length might also be a little long, I was sort of winging it. I don't always have the most cooperative little one when it comes to measuring. Running around is much more fun than standing still so Mama can get the proper measurements. :)</div>
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The pink seersucker is very sweet. The colors seem a little off in the photos because I had to take them in less than optimal light since Piper wants to wear her new nightgown to bed this evening. It's always a good sign when she wants to put something on before the last threads have even been snipped. :)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-24064611885072834712013-06-11T06:22:00.003-07:002013-06-11T07:13:07.348-07:00Last Day of SchoolToday is the last day of school. Boy has this year gone fast. Zachary will be a Freshman in high school next year. I find that hard to believe. I remember very vividly, taking him to his first day of pre-school and how he cried nearly every single day the whole year. I also, remember quite well his first day of kindergarten and how I cried. I feel myself, as most parents with children this age probably do, very conflicted. I want to let go and let him experience life but I want to hold on so tight because I only have a few short years left until he's off to college.<br />
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I am enormously proud of Zachary. He will be taking AP World History next year as a Freshman as well as honors level courses for all of his other classes. Zachary has struggled and we've hit bumps in the road but he always manages to keep going and I think that says a lot about his character. <br />
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Here is my handsome guy before heading off to his 8th grade dance 2 weeks ago:<br />
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I think some words from one of my favorite authors seem appropriate here. "How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" ~Dr. Seuss</div>
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I think what I am trying to say is I wish I could slow time down, just for a minute. I am blessed and proud but sad at the same time. I love you Zachary!</div>
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<i>*I am trying to add a Follow Me on Facebook gadget to the sidebar but can not seem to figure it out just yet. In the meantime here is the link: </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NotSewPlain">https://www.facebook.com/NotSewPlain</a>. <i>I have been a bit more successful at using the FaceBook page for quick updates. Check it out!</i></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-52295891151306486102013-05-23T08:18:00.004-07:002013-05-23T08:18:49.202-07:0013.1 at 13Do you remember what things you were interested in or the kinds of activities you were doing at the age of 13? I don't remember any specifics but I do know one thing, I wasn't out running 13.1 miles, the distance of a half-marathon. Zachary on the other hand will be able to say I ran 13 miles at the age of 13. Can you imagine?!?<br />
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Last weekend we drove down to Fredericksburg, VA for the <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/Historic_Half.htm">Historic Half Marathon</a>, part of the Marine Corps Marathon series of races. Which by the way DH and Zachary are registered for the <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/">Marine Corps Marathon</a> on October 27. So, you will hear more on that later. <br />
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DH and Zachary are running buddies. They started running together when Zachary was 7 years old and we lived in CA. As part of the Big Sur Marathon, a 3K kids run was held the day before the marathon. The 3K was part of an iniative to get kids running called <a href="http://www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org/Event_Information/Just_Kids_Race_Series.htm">Just Run for Kids</a>. There were other kids run runs associated with larger 5K races around the area and Zachary ran in several of those. When we moved out to the east coast the boys started running 5K races together. They then started going longer distances; <a href="http://www.navy5miler.com/">The Navy 5 Miler</a>, <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/shamrock-8k.htm">Shamrock 8K</a>, <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/MCM_Weekend/MCM10K.htm">Marine Corps 10K</a>, and now a Half Marathon. <br />
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To say I am proud of Zachary and this accomplishment is an understatement. I stood at the finish line waiting for them to cross with a huge knot in my throat, my heart was so swollen with pride. The boys finished the race in 2 hours 15 minutes. Of the 7,700+ runners at the race, 44 of them were under the age of 14. Less than 200 were under the age of 18. <br />
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People all along the race course cheered Zachary on. After the boys had finished and were resting a bit a gentleman came up to Zachary and asked his age. When Zachary told him he was 13, the man shook his hand and said "do you know what I was doing at the age of 13?" He told Zachary how impressed he was by doing the race at his age. Sometimes, as parents, we wonder if we're doing a good job it moments like those that confirm to us that we're doing okay.<br />
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Here are a few photos from our weekend:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4weLofOoudBmDEKzkEmb2ON9QNuTegAXqlY-SHrsuEexkGV6KVipKvSK_BlUC2FL-4Vib-hi-aQ4Edky3_qF8h28LJcQepwPx_6WVszSC0RwEVzxDsG_-0hTAOzcKnNEM4mDt7TbxqA/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4weLofOoudBmDEKzkEmb2ON9QNuTegAXqlY-SHrsuEexkGV6KVipKvSK_BlUC2FL-4Vib-hi-aQ4Edky3_qF8h28LJcQepwPx_6WVszSC0RwEVzxDsG_-0hTAOzcKnNEM4mDt7TbxqA/s400/IMG_6814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Start / Finish Line</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdZA9h55h-lwHiELhFhL3riqihOP_TjicpD-Xo70WJ_rWxHD4Nnyp6gM7aB9W1wkRU2pWNTq6mwMq-oTuyr5huKFlp_AMDiUBmVezP9Og9w9D_FrZDoPH1TWWd7BvowPUSttmmCnEzQ/s1600/IMG_6818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdZA9h55h-lwHiELhFhL3riqihOP_TjicpD-Xo70WJ_rWxHD4Nnyp6gM7aB9W1wkRU2pWNTq6mwMq-oTuyr5huKFlp_AMDiUBmVezP9Og9w9D_FrZDoPH1TWWd7BvowPUSttmmCnEzQ/s400/IMG_6818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Piper w/ the dog Piper the girl at the Race Expo</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTHID0m5EvNZ3tcd6iKp13GcLZwcQustoProTqANOWk_E2EfXwi1NA4o4JrxTQlyar9Jm4K2U9fsXJ1mN_TqSyF0x5h6nxibPLakEQKc6y666sfkGeCH3HIw1klxgDmYNrmNi5VIUBg/s1600/IMG_6829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTHID0m5EvNZ3tcd6iKp13GcLZwcQustoProTqANOWk_E2EfXwi1NA4o4JrxTQlyar9Jm4K2U9fsXJ1mN_TqSyF0x5h6nxibPLakEQKc6y666sfkGeCH3HIw1klxgDmYNrmNi5VIUBg/s400/IMG_6829.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Race Expo</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b0YOGYVpx8orSkttGHdO6hVSRHxsCiyX7XNBUZAbdT4M0FZxgdRHx4l60F805Hm6DHUMAyYmoIQxFZ4_A90jyj1PDbnsbNna2M3Gh8AK-hkdwSWpoa7G0BwN0SuNRkcp14aH7lwFMg/s1600/IMG_6830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b0YOGYVpx8orSkttGHdO6hVSRHxsCiyX7XNBUZAbdT4M0FZxgdRHx4l60F805Hm6DHUMAyYmoIQxFZ4_A90jyj1PDbnsbNna2M3Gh8AK-hkdwSWpoa7G0BwN0SuNRkcp14aH7lwFMg/s400/IMG_6830.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Race Expo, I imagine someday Piper will be joining the boys on the races.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnBU5TgrjM15n05gCQEznuZsSDdYOFybSSeNP2ZuWEvcSRPomYjJEbdIi6srkkzplK1-UhSdGdTkwOVL-ITZlqhdwub5JlufFp-wkbL8YRu_Gf5la0CpnTU-Ih4nS_zS-u2SPPJQBGA/s1600/IMG_6835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnBU5TgrjM15n05gCQEznuZsSDdYOFybSSeNP2ZuWEvcSRPomYjJEbdIi6srkkzplK1-UhSdGdTkwOVL-ITZlqhdwub5JlufFp-wkbL8YRu_Gf5la0CpnTU-Ih4nS_zS-u2SPPJQBGA/s400/IMG_6835.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Race jerseys</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqfPN7fbTUUhu-9AXUuGasig4xTAgokJuM_2_3pNm2jeJ_YkOffSi0uH0ZeEzObVNG0mwq7MjYtPrT_EXkP9wKhocmki4FnKHQJttdtw5vGp1IxgZlizR0aW2HeDS111dLXiqPZkfKA/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqfPN7fbTUUhu-9AXUuGasig4xTAgokJuM_2_3pNm2jeJ_YkOffSi0uH0ZeEzObVNG0mwq7MjYtPrT_EXkP9wKhocmki4FnKHQJttdtw5vGp1IxgZlizR0aW2HeDS111dLXiqPZkfKA/s400/IMG_6847.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Monkeys jumping on the bed. I don't think this is the best way to rest up for a race.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiviCKH7t_IfY_2oDUe9pXf76qIP9XypkAnrgNcrMF44bX1fonnU03auOlmEI1MliJ8_0-rg7VDHOcA9PR2fe2Gqca3bdBeeOX6RAId55lWCbAK7q6_o6BiI-pdow6dijnCd70hFbz0A/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiviCKH7t_IfY_2oDUe9pXf76qIP9XypkAnrgNcrMF44bX1fonnU03auOlmEI1MliJ8_0-rg7VDHOcA9PR2fe2Gqca3bdBeeOX6RAId55lWCbAK7q6_o6BiI-pdow6dijnCd70hFbz0A/s400/IMG_6866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJF8tHr70Xg_pGp3l9B_p2aikklrt81QzPGNcgGUbJNbbeHFxhaMbDBawzdgy8-OiJcy1nbO4EAJEOwC0rqHv9H3460lySIJ8aQNiWhLZa2HY__DLk7FHrQXc9XXEq858wtymrnVxXQ/s1600/IMG_6868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJF8tHr70Xg_pGp3l9B_p2aikklrt81QzPGNcgGUbJNbbeHFxhaMbDBawzdgy8-OiJcy1nbO4EAJEOwC0rqHv9H3460lySIJ8aQNiWhLZa2HY__DLk7FHrQXc9XXEq858wtymrnVxXQ/s400/IMG_6868.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment Buddy!</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-431350006058687292013-05-17T18:59:00.002-07:002013-05-17T18:59:19.866-07:00Rainy Day Tea PartyLast weekend, Zachary was supposed to have a soccer tournament so we had nothing else planned to do for the weekend. Lucky us, the tournament was rained out. That gave me an entire day with no plans, I took advantage of this time on my hands and put together a dress that has been on my mind for a while. What do you think of my rainy day Tea Party dress?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ddah-RjubVPMXsFXy_XIjuzMy05SjVuySl9ySLiTudWWOQYSyEtoFZ-AfnZwAdxmCAcx0LzZ1mX_HBt_xmtMU0Rw57n0aPGe-7tUbrOCoH54TOAOMZV5S-7HDfmcjVbOkx6S4tMn_w/s1600/IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ddah-RjubVPMXsFXy_XIjuzMy05SjVuySl9ySLiTudWWOQYSyEtoFZ-AfnZwAdxmCAcx0LzZ1mX_HBt_xmtMU0Rw57n0aPGe-7tUbrOCoH54TOAOMZV5S-7HDfmcjVbOkx6S4tMn_w/s400/IMG_2966.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-OS001TP.html">Oliver + S Tea Party Dress</a></div>
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I think this was the dress that made me fall in love with Oliver + S patterns. I love the unique shape and the little details that make this dress what it is. Like the curve of the bodice where it meets the skirt:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6SCKzN-47_DNv49-lNJuiM5m8Qvq48dbzenPPcJ8VB7gEFjeehwW_uHKmxTleWJ1cAWBBTLl02EKuhJihnvCbr9fz-9woivO_732YNDIWV-CLUQDGyV7Kp61M0VTk-bDd3aWPs5dWQ/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6SCKzN-47_DNv49-lNJuiM5m8Qvq48dbzenPPcJ8VB7gEFjeehwW_uHKmxTleWJ1cAWBBTLl02EKuhJihnvCbr9fz-9woivO_732YNDIWV-CLUQDGyV7Kp61M0VTk-bDd3aWPs5dWQ/s400/IMG_2971.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I tried to add in some flat piping for a pop of color but I can never judge it correctly when cutting, folding and or pinning it to the garment. It never fails to be either too wide or too narrow. Maybe someday I'll get it just right.</div>
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The bottom of the skirt is finished with this genius little hem band, making the curved skirt easier to hem.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UcYiieB3JPJ8D4ig9XqD8iF7AIxwZabrUlv_W6pv_0ENf4SlyW28Nzvl48Qk4d9peFS8NdXHgxLJtMWHIt3WqD7h-6aB2n6I4HmcVq15PZJ0VzM6TT5MlkdN_X4zyd9QaRtAEJQOnA/s1600/IMG_2975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UcYiieB3JPJ8D4ig9XqD8iF7AIxwZabrUlv_W6pv_0ENf4SlyW28Nzvl48Qk4d9peFS8NdXHgxLJtMWHIt3WqD7h-6aB2n6I4HmcVq15PZJ0VzM6TT5MlkdN_X4zyd9QaRtAEJQOnA/s400/IMG_2975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did get a little lazy when finishing the hem band. Per the directions, the hem band should be finished with a hand done blind hem. We all know my feelings on hand stitching. I avoid it at all costs. Yes, so maybe I gave up some of the clean look of the dress but I didn't have to hand stitch by throwing it on the machine to finish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnvLq8xVWm5MqAqmwSpgL_l75SFHh8BCczN2ChGKj-ZkpHex9doH0HiadlhK61fIFCWQtr3bd9T5mkDMOvwEOLCu6mZ_AQ8fGNdbpxM9IqN_mRfFxvIegvqczH3inmMUbydVr8x3YnQ/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnvLq8xVWm5MqAqmwSpgL_l75SFHh8BCczN2ChGKj-ZkpHex9doH0HiadlhK61fIFCWQtr3bd9T5mkDMOvwEOLCu6mZ_AQ8fGNdbpxM9IqN_mRfFxvIegvqczH3inmMUbydVr8x3YnQ/s400/IMG_2972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love to see how people mix and match fabric patterns and colors. I wish I had more confidence to do it myself. I generally stick to fabrics from the same line when mixing and matching. That's the case here. This is one of my favorite fabric lines, <a href="http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/category/sale-items/dress-up-days-1/dress-up-days-cottons-2/">Riley Blake Dress Up Days</a>. The skirt is done in floral and damask prints. Piper's favorite color is purple so, I'm pretty sure she loves it too. What do you think?</div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-51327212165111474922013-05-08T09:28:00.001-07:002013-05-08T09:28:06.275-07:00Library Wednesday / Lola Inspired DressThis is our last library story time for the season, so there wasn't a theme today but I made Piper a special outfit anyway. Let me give you a little back story before I show you what she wore. A while back Piper picked out a <a href="http://www.charlieandlola.com/">Charlie and Lola</a> book to check out from the library. At the time, I didn't really know much about Charlie and Lola but it was love at first "read" for Piper (and myself). Each story starts out "I have this little sister, Lola. She is small and very funny." Piper likes for us to replace Charlie and Lola's names with Zachary and Piper when we read the stories. Ever since that first book came home, each week Piper asks for another "Lola" book. There is also a BBC cartoon series for Charlie and Lola that we've watched on YouTube a few times. Needless to say, Lola is one of Piper's favorites and I enjoy it too. <br />
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Lola wears these adorable shirt dresses in her stories. I had seen a few of them pop up in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/oliverands/">Oliver+S Flickr</a> group in the past and was truly inspired to make Piper her own Lola dress. It took a bit before I found the perfect fabric but once I did, I couldn't wait to get started. The fabric is Cold Springs Dreams Floral in Cream:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHd9ZYt95kGowajz7sH9gOQI1T4YFSj6jnw20oTR7sjoY2FSOPI3_uSUzNELKkKmLmI48jITwq06sifqJrwZXlVpXfE1O2NGDglUc72W0YR1TuzsgihPx2EW6iIDy5puZd70VO08tcQ/s1600/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHd9ZYt95kGowajz7sH9gOQI1T4YFSj6jnw20oTR7sjoY2FSOPI3_uSUzNELKkKmLmI48jITwq06sifqJrwZXlVpXfE1O2NGDglUc72W0YR1TuzsgihPx2EW6iIDy5puZd70VO08tcQ/s400/fabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look how cute the finished dress is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlOMhDauny8JA_qhuZNtuimNALza2z4NlhaX080oIOogygXFvlUfQjS0MUh4XI_0x-JiR4vs640bsUFCmDLXx12nuEqDmRr90od9kVa6CxYmEwxq6frjKi1PMvD08aXKtjyBgQfmZdA/s1600/IMG_2943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlOMhDauny8JA_qhuZNtuimNALza2z4NlhaX080oIOogygXFvlUfQjS0MUh4XI_0x-JiR4vs640bsUFCmDLXx12nuEqDmRr90od9kVa6CxYmEwxq6frjKi1PMvD08aXKtjyBgQfmZdA/s400/IMG_2943.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS012JR.html">Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress</a></div>
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I am thrilled with the finished product. This is the Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress (View B w/ View A sleeves). I made a standard size 3 without any modifications. While I was making the dress I kept thinking to myself that I should have added some length and in hindsight, I wish I had. Piper is 39 inches tall so it's just perfect right now but if she grows at all I'm afraid it will be too short. </div>
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The Jump Rope dress has a few details that require a little extra time, like the placket, which I put on backwards. I could have done it correctly, as I caught my mistake early but out of shear laziness just left it as is. There is a great Sew-A-Long found <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2010/09/join-us-for-a-jump-rope-dress-sew-along-2/">here</a>, that has pictures to help with things like finishing the placket correctly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtb8VorODk83Z4Gimk3w-EkSDh_QCfGBiAS28nYPjnP41Vbg-VZWl0CpCxwH_KQNDvI3MSLfqTdUbb2DkYQWVxP0hRMgAKSE4CH6uaXZP_BLdi7TmwGV-4sa-44QMXYsP8FtmCjaQ2A/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtb8VorODk83Z4Gimk3w-EkSDh_QCfGBiAS28nYPjnP41Vbg-VZWl0CpCxwH_KQNDvI3MSLfqTdUbb2DkYQWVxP0hRMgAKSE4CH6uaXZP_BLdi7TmwGV-4sa-44QMXYsP8FtmCjaQ2A/s400/IMG_2946.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The collar also requires a little time, but the end result is a nicely finished collar. I would highly recommend taking the time to hand baste the collar before sewing it on. By doing so I was able to avoid any puckers or tucks and had a nice finish on the first try (something that rarely happens for me).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxPp_QiNVab6hJJSBgKh4Sb3MQFVKgL3AYfia_FFSxHZsxaYQgyvz-pT2tTFJrlVv813BQQvpAtcmd3_WUUofzFF0hNYJchyoG89jPNa0jM25MgZmqVxIvEbV-X3cEnWe8RKVy4r1ug/s1600/IMG_2947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxPp_QiNVab6hJJSBgKh4Sb3MQFVKgL3AYfia_FFSxHZsxaYQgyvz-pT2tTFJrlVv813BQQvpAtcmd3_WUUofzFF0hNYJchyoG89jPNa0jM25MgZmqVxIvEbV-X3cEnWe8RKVy4r1ug/s320/IMG_2947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sleeves have this adorable cuff, that I also did incorrectly. I was in a hurry to get finished so Piper could wear her dress today and did a quick scan of the pictures and directions without truly reading what to do. The result is a finished sleeve that is wrong. It wasn't really a big deal, or so I thought, until I got her dress out of the dryer and went to do a final pressing. It took me nearly 5 minutes to fiddle w/ the cuff and get it looking decent enough to press. I will likely go back and fix it.</div>
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I have learned from the past few dresses I did that didn't have pockets that they are a requirement. When you are 3 you have lots of things to carry that require pockets like; lego's, rocks, sticks, etc. So far I have found no living creatures in pockets but it's only a matter of time. I have a big pet peeve about "unmatching" pockets so I did my best to fabric match, but this type of pocket doesn't really lend itself to matching very well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvxS1lqc27IgepNJLuBTA36DL-xD8733oSEPkidVY9zbYiLaMYheO9cb9xFf79X7-DkRbLI9TbzEzPuy3buSXkAJoNf-wbZ1eOcH1Gf5ailyRYcSq4nDJHShRzavM_N7PUl-hH1r0zQ/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvxS1lqc27IgepNJLuBTA36DL-xD8733oSEPkidVY9zbYiLaMYheO9cb9xFf79X7-DkRbLI9TbzEzPuy3buSXkAJoNf-wbZ1eOcH1Gf5ailyRYcSq4nDJHShRzavM_N7PUl-hH1r0zQ/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Piper was so excited to have her own "Lola" dress. What do you think? Good likeness?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKtxWSRG7YXiy6g0WkTfwtcMt8O2heuMsiy3TRGq-aDa6AU5bDPYIP6S0iK-ocvIOEpyCVchPaD7LpI6aRmuOEg4CDfbU31deyvGYyaomjxTtPfF-MEarkRPLSZEl5OP4TFm8BlnWCA/s1600/Charlie_and_lola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKtxWSRG7YXiy6g0WkTfwtcMt8O2heuMsiy3TRGq-aDa6AU5bDPYIP6S0iK-ocvIOEpyCVchPaD7LpI6aRmuOEg4CDfbU31deyvGYyaomjxTtPfF-MEarkRPLSZEl5OP4TFm8BlnWCA/s400/Charlie_and_lola.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-26167333167085093922013-04-28T07:36:00.000-07:002013-04-28T07:36:57.762-07:00Popover Maxi DressPiper loves to wrap a blanket or towel around herself to make a long "dress." It wouldn't be unusual to come to our house and see one clothes pinned to her. I'm not sure what it is about or why she likes it, but I kind of remember doing the same thing when I was little. Since she's a big fan of the long dress she's started to ask for me to make her one. I caved the other day and did it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARpzttaO5rF735kyC67duQJRqpi2J3g7Mjb5hyphenhyphenpgDFPIXI7XldtS8tcHJAAqMjwWKIhBQ88AhOFO6-vmJt-ceHZkvjnpyfpOAQD07tWpY23Y7WiZ6dEpSz0CZv2Y4rcAWW746eim5vQ/s1600/IMG_2927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARpzttaO5rF735kyC67duQJRqpi2J3g7Mjb5hyphenhyphenpgDFPIXI7XldtS8tcHJAAqMjwWKIhBQ88AhOFO6-vmJt-ceHZkvjnpyfpOAQD07tWpY23Y7WiZ6dEpSz0CZv2Y4rcAWW746eim5vQ/s400/IMG_2927.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/">Oliver + S Popover Dress</a></div>
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I used the same <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/">Oliver + S Popover</a> dress I have used many times before. I had looked online and found a couple tutorials for making cute toddler maxi dresses but decided to take the easy route. To make it a maxi dress I added 3" to the bottom of the pattern I already had cut and used previously, then added a 4" ruffle to the bottom. The fabric is a super light weight swiss dot that I got at Hancock Fabrics about a month ago. It's a nice summery dress.</div>
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I will be honest and say, at first I wasn't thrilled with it. On the mannequin it just looks a little ho-hum. I also wasn't so sure if Piper would like it. I had it all finished except to hem the ruffle but wanted to try it on her so I made it the right length. She wouldn't take it off and ended up wearing it to WalMart unfinished. I finished it yesterday morning and she wore it to Zachary's soccer game in the afternoon (which his team won 4-2). I still wasn't sure if Piper would like it in the long term because she's a rough and tumble kid. She likes to climb and run and jump, if she wasn't able to do those things the dress would have been coming off. She climbed, she ran, she jumped just fine and wore it all day. She even got a few compliments on how cute it was. I do agree, it was super cute on, she looked so easy and breezy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lIpzGNUaFedJjjO2vrudP5Uwz154pc4CJNmt9ejte2THIvrVYPC6S5Qp1hIQM1ifMPjm2qE1m_VWIWFzyknVAVUONLliiu6f1kvz8Sr2jX5Ctwapd2bqyNQO-_F1dmJSYB8W7KaeTQ/s1600/IMG_2937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lIpzGNUaFedJjjO2vrudP5Uwz154pc4CJNmt9ejte2THIvrVYPC6S5Qp1hIQM1ifMPjm2qE1m_VWIWFzyknVAVUONLliiu6f1kvz8Sr2jX5Ctwapd2bqyNQO-_F1dmJSYB8W7KaeTQ/s400/IMG_2937.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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On a side note, I love the picture with the water pump for nostalgic reasons. We went to a Ma 'n Pa grocery store near our house after the game for ice cream and this pump is outside the store. It made me smile because my grandparents lived on a farm when I was growing up. They had a water pump outside, but theirs was a working pump. I remember playing w/ that pump and better yet getting nice cold drinks from the pump as a kid. Too bad this one wasn't working. It was fun to see and nice to bring up some childhood memories.</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-67870078924383614232013-04-25T06:03:00.001-07:002013-04-25T06:07:58.616-07:00Library Story TimeOoops, I forgot to hit publish yesterday I guess, so here goes for today.<br />
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Today is Wednesday and that means one thing, it's library day. This weeks theme was birds. There are a lot of bird fabrics on the market, but not a lot of cute bird fabrics. Or so, I thought until I came across this fabric from Aneela Hoey:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EwTJBh4oPs1BR35DK4DYkkQrgjRMOyzFAqgu8wHk51RoxXncs6RlvicivCHnSFIpZLowF-gvdOmhbyJREfZM5Cc2ovj2-KN7X_drvtfW_QHbmWK-QkE34y9SwzGnOzleMGGyutLDUA/s1600/SewStitchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EwTJBh4oPs1BR35DK4DYkkQrgjRMOyzFAqgu8wHk51RoxXncs6RlvicivCHnSFIpZLowF-gvdOmhbyJREfZM5Cc2ovj2-KN7X_drvtfW_QHbmWK-QkE34y9SwzGnOzleMGGyutLDUA/s320/SewStitchy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/Sew-Stitchy-Aneela-Hoey-Moda-Fabrics.asp">Aneela Hoey Sew Stitchy</a></div>
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Those little birdies are adorable. I just didn't know what to do with it. I decided to go with one of my favorite stand-bys, the Oliver + S Popover Sundress. </div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/">Oliver + S Popover Sundress</a></div>
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Here are the reasons I love this dress:</div>
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1) It's a free pattern for a cute dress</div>
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2) It's quick and easy to put together (Zachary said he'd like to try to make one)</div>
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3) I love a pillowcase dress on a little girl, this has a similar simplicity and style</div>
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4) Piper likes to wear them, so it must be comfortable.</div>
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I have made several Popover sundresses in the past. I haven't even blogged about all of them. I change things up from time to time if I am feeling ambitious. This time I added a gathered top and some lace around the bottom.</div>
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I do wish I had made the ties a little longer. I try to keep them short or Piper unties the top all day long but I think I went a little too short this time. Trust me, there will be more Popover dresses in our future because I do love sewing this one up. And, look how cute it is on:</div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-15859376361339377802013-04-23T15:05:00.001-07:002013-04-23T15:05:03.648-07:00You are BeautifulHave you seen the Dove video's circulating around the internet yet? If not, here, I'll help you out.<br />
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I have watched this video over and over. As the mother of a little girl, it has had a profound effect on me. I do my best to make her feel loved and strong but I forget that the way I view myself will have a large impact on how she views herself someday. Women are hard on themselves for everything from how clean our house is to how much we weigh and every facet of life in between. I want to break that cycle for my daughter. In recent years I have tried in earnest to focus less on things like my weight and the way a certain piece of clothing makes me look. I try to be thoughtful when talking about myself and not use too many negatives. I also try to focus on the positive when talking to her not just in her looks but her strength, her character and her mind. I want Piper to grow up knowing, believing, and owning her beauty, not focusing on her flaws. I have to remember it starts with me. But, it's not just me, she will learn from every woman she comes in contact with growing up. Our daughters need to see us focusing on what is good and not what is wrong. We are all beautiful regardless of size, regardless of wrinkles, regardless of flaws. In fact sometimes it's those wrinkles and flaws that add to our beauty. Nearly 2 years ago, I had abdominal surgery and was left with quite a scar down my belly. I own that scar because of the what it means. Life before the surgery was difficult, each day was a challenge. My scar reminds me of that battle and it reminds me that I am still here, stronger than ever. I need to look at myself and see those laugh lines and tired eyes as reminders of what I have endured and I am still here. </div>
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The next time you look in the mirror, try to see what we all see, how beautiful you are. I know I will.</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-79827174596355714152013-04-19T08:05:00.003-07:002013-04-19T10:06:29.013-07:00Spring Sunshine Badminton DressThis was what it looked like at my house on March 25:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz30VrNq-qa9XYcTYP7z_1WUxId-Ed8JRwwsKpEI5hRNq8ibFFg0cqkUqvXL7r25LaQyEPArIsHwXaiPn5dDQ-semdmKdtjZ_9FZaKGEVyHXruveGDZVc7v8JfWbY_3Ypojag3nWDHvQ/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz30VrNq-qa9XYcTYP7z_1WUxId-Ed8JRwwsKpEI5hRNq8ibFFg0cqkUqvXL7r25LaQyEPArIsHwXaiPn5dDQ-semdmKdtjZ_9FZaKGEVyHXruveGDZVc7v8JfWbY_3Ypojag3nWDHvQ/s400/IMG_2864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is what it looked like at my house on April 10:</div>
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So, I guess you could say that Spring literally sprang upon us. I LOVE warm weather. Some of the happiest days for me were when we lived in Hawaii. One of the things I like most about warm weather are all the cute dresses and sandals you can wear. I wear dresses all spring and summer and so does Piper. So, naturally I needed to start sewing some for the warm seasons that are upon us.</div>
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I have had the idea for this dress in the back of my mind since I first saw the Riley Blake line <a href="http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/shop/category/riley-blake-designs/available-now/hello-sunshine-1/">Hello Sunshine</a>. Isn't that the perfect title for my first spring dress, after all we are all happy to see the return of the warm sun. Wouldn't you know though, the day I want to take a picture of my Sunshine dress, it's raining. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRTDVfDUw8U_PfApBPU6J0qcSysmiV-f-1HLXrD8hyphenhyphenJuWjR1VumbnRbgrLBO9xdr_KPE1pj1t81WVy4pnJLnNgiKqMVvrn0GP9YFjmOrN2wr1V66ItayWcvKJdvXW4cU53tpGOXKsjQ/s1600/IMG_2907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRTDVfDUw8U_PfApBPU6J0qcSysmiV-f-1HLXrD8hyphenhyphenJuWjR1VumbnRbgrLBO9xdr_KPE1pj1t81WVy4pnJLnNgiKqMVvrn0GP9YFjmOrN2wr1V66ItayWcvKJdvXW4cU53tpGOXKsjQ/s400/IMG_2907.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS031BD.html">Oliver + S Badminton Dress</a></div>
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This is my second Badminton dress (the first I wrote about <a href="http://notsewplain.blogspot.com/search/label/Badminton">here</a>). There is a lot of nice details in the dress but it does take a little more time to make as a result. It's not terribly difficult to make, just takes some time to get all the details just right. The flutter sleeve and rounded yoke are so cute when finished though, wouldn't' you agree?</div>
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I really like the flowers on the dress and wanted to keep with that theme, so instead of adding a bow to the front, I made a little fabric yo-yo and attached along with some buttons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-8ZRk1AqaxrwxIBzrru9ueS7wWnDoU1PDInd330JDuBxN2bv_vapg90BgSVuqkZ9msshlgkkrGe1JPsc3CZwAqQMVP3Ka8R5Hfh1epcWbX4DISmnjASZGRSBvZunU46r87AIosJaDQ/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-8ZRk1AqaxrwxIBzrru9ueS7wWnDoU1PDInd330JDuBxN2bv_vapg90BgSVuqkZ9msshlgkkrGe1JPsc3CZwAqQMVP3Ka8R5Hfh1epcWbX4DISmnjASZGRSBvZunU46r87AIosJaDQ/s400/IMG_2901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had never made a fabric yo-yo before and it certainly wasn't rocket science. I found a great tutorial <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/how_to_make_a_yoyo/">here</a>. In hindsight I wish I had made the yo-yo a tad smaller, but I was flying by the seat of my pants.</div>
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You will notice the hem of the dress is a narrow hem. The pattern uses a scalloped bottom to finish but I just don't care for it. Maybe it's my laziness maybe it's something else. </div>
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Hopefully I will be able to get some photos of Piper modeling later and if that's the case, I will certainly update. It does make me happy that no more than a minute after finishing the last stitch and cutting the last thread, she was asking to put it on. I do hope that means it will get lots of use this summer. My only concern is that I decided a white background was a good idea, not sure what I was thinking. Oh well, a dirty kiddo is a sign of a happy kiddo! :)</div>
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<i>Edited to add a few modeled pics</i>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v_meN1BkeI0Vk9TwWwwykxx7VdZ6DAWtjUPH7jZfmrDO6t4obgpABLz59Ji4XPawauxI5JOF9jjalgjh8gIFeSt37FOPgAwPnrxg8SrvHCMi4a2IWbD3hRh62J-NM1vWclPL_mj_GQ/s1600/IMG_6402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v_meN1BkeI0Vk9TwWwwykxx7VdZ6DAWtjUPH7jZfmrDO6t4obgpABLz59Ji4XPawauxI5JOF9jjalgjh8gIFeSt37FOPgAwPnrxg8SrvHCMi4a2IWbD3hRh62J-NM1vWclPL_mj_GQ/s400/IMG_6402.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-33277617685530971542013-04-17T16:38:00.001-07:002013-04-17T16:38:39.254-07:00Wednesdays and ThingsToday was library, we went to library but we didn't stay long. It was one of those days when I should have known very early on and listened to the universe and stayed home. For starters, I found my sunglasses in my car to look like this when I got in the car this morning:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzWtBO4YcJGtwfNGH_c_slH3IdTzNcjz9DsD_RsDIYTwvHjvr5qUZxHTjNruKTKv6HD9bipIHlpz2Yd8iLgffAXIINq71ZsWoqmnXoLelyOjp2-P0DpajqwG4bhyphenhyphenEGKKmeuKIdma9tw/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzWtBO4YcJGtwfNGH_c_slH3IdTzNcjz9DsD_RsDIYTwvHjvr5qUZxHTjNruKTKv6HD9bipIHlpz2Yd8iLgffAXIINq71ZsWoqmnXoLelyOjp2-P0DpajqwG4bhyphenhyphenEGKKmeuKIdma9tw/s400/IMG_6262.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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They weren't like that when I got out of the car yesterday. Of course, no one in my house knows what happened. When we got to library I realized I had left the house with my shirt on backwards. It wasn't until Piper threw a fit and tried to bite me that I got what the universe was trying to tell me and went home. So, it was one of "those" days. Fortunately, it didn't last all day long because we had a tree service out to remove a dead tree in our yard that was very close to the house. I did consider calling to cancel, just in case the universe had more in store for me.</div>
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The tree removal was fun to watch and entertained Piper. I'm glad the tree is gone, it was very dead and was only a matter of time before it fell, I worried so much when the kiddos were in the front yard. Check it out, TIMBER!</div>
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After the tree was gone, Piper wanted to stand on the "stunk" so I was able to get a picture of her in her library outfit.</div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/lazy-days-skirt/">Oliver + S Lazy Days Skirt</a></div>
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I quickly put together this Oliver + S Lazy Days skirt yesterday during nap time. The theme this week was Hugs and Kisses. The fabric is Dear Stella Red Lips and was very appropriate for the theme for today. </div>
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Instead of doing a ribbon hem as suggested in the Lazy Days pattern, I did a standard narrow hem to finish it but added a ribbon and bow detail onto the skirt. I also added a ribbon and bow to her Piper's t-shirt to match the skirt.</div>
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So we didn't have the best day today but that happens, life has it's ups and downs. After a little nap and snack, Piper was back to her silly self. And because she was happy, so was I! :)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-7716620125088746292013-04-09T13:19:00.000-07:002013-04-09T13:49:59.234-07:00Oliver + S Ice Cream / Cherry Blossom DressI have had this dress finished for a couple of weeks now but was so waiting for the spring cherry blossoms to bloom before letting Piper wear it. Finally, the weather has decided to warm up and the blossoms are in full bloom. This morning, DH, Piper and I made our way into DC to see the blossoms in all their splendor. The cherry trees in full bloom in Washington DC truly are a beautiful sight, if you have never seen them and have the ability to go you really should.<br />
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So, this is the dress I made just for the blossoms:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtB0ECVvumgnGyQwqTL9nUEBnegsHgaOm6nUi9WrOOrc7VknaoJ6b_A0IoRPzSC5i-nFYVRVje5brf_LvEqG8dPRj01SSNHkoJx7_nVFJsxOYwVOIEC7OgCHoK29j2fFTv0uHdvYbbw/s1600/IMG_5914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtB0ECVvumgnGyQwqTL9nUEBnegsHgaOm6nUi9WrOOrc7VknaoJ6b_A0IoRPzSC5i-nFYVRVje5brf_LvEqG8dPRj01SSNHkoJx7_nVFJsxOYwVOIEC7OgCHoK29j2fFTv0uHdvYbbw/s400/IMG_5914.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS016IC.html">Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress</a></div>
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You would think I would have a better picture of it than that, I don't. The Ice Cream dress is probably my favorite dress to make and to have Piper wear. I made this one using Kaffe Fassett Shot Cotton in apricot, pink and granite. The shot cotton is divine, so soft and light, the perfect fabric for a spring / summer dress. I did have concerns about how lightweight it was and considered lining the middle panel so it wouldn't be see through but thanks to the lovely ladies on the Oliver + S discussion forum I was convinced it would be fine without a lining and it is.</div>
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The original inspiration for this dress was this top I saw at Target months ago:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWL7flW88hu360LVgPt9A792YuGIO5ypk9bs2-nBF46OXMAd23S1sMwVtxb3T546yPZxgUbl_2aV4bkMFfOOOQX3k0IYk1HIKXcbS8amiAJh71ckIiFTErHARETRvx1MbHhJb2DaPWg/s1600/IMG_4587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWL7flW88hu360LVgPt9A792YuGIO5ypk9bs2-nBF46OXMAd23S1sMwVtxb3T546yPZxgUbl_2aV4bkMFfOOOQX3k0IYk1HIKXcbS8amiAJh71ckIiFTErHARETRvx1MbHhJb2DaPWg/s400/IMG_4587.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I really like the colors of the top, but didn't like the cheapness of it. I knew I could do better. Once I had the dress finished, it was just a matter of waiting until the right day for Piper to wear it. Today was perfect. The weather was in the mid-80's. The sun was shining bright. The blooms were at their peak. </div>
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Isn't this the perfect cherry blossom dress?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURoq4e9WFE_beF8cMQKaVUKK7kIrPYNfK5R19WVBdczJKOssSrSnZxfRjrh7Vm1PQfioMp38JnnDEsek3BvkYTdb8P4-lq6SmDmcFyOPuIDgMAyeEimZdAemiyz0wIWP-rMqdT0-qWA/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURoq4e9WFE_beF8cMQKaVUKK7kIrPYNfK5R19WVBdczJKOssSrSnZxfRjrh7Vm1PQfioMp38JnnDEsek3BvkYTdb8P4-lq6SmDmcFyOPuIDgMAyeEimZdAemiyz0wIWP-rMqdT0-qWA/s400/IMG_4636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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More cherry blossom photos can be found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notsewplain/sets/72157633203585509/">here</a>.</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-53623477953958883812013-04-05T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-05T07:00:00.632-07:00Zachary's Sewing SchoolA couple weeks ago, I was working on some sewing and the kiddos were hanging out with me. Piper decided she wanted a skirt for her bear. Zachary has been asking me to teach him to sew for a while now, so I thought this might be the perfect opportunity. I handed him some fabric, a measuring tape and some scissors and put him to work. He did a fantastic job making a tiny skirt for Piper's bear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrm4IxeqhNvtG0bmoPKGgM2xNAQmwfffHxzodw5EXExI9nfOntdLlQOTd-h0AOS-MTJVc6CoGCZnxrI2fEM8kAKja1E6-yLdu-jJo8r75Nc7c6TRK1Ej3eFbVIVGtHoIaBaM9KHz9iaA/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrm4IxeqhNvtG0bmoPKGgM2xNAQmwfffHxzodw5EXExI9nfOntdLlQOTd-h0AOS-MTJVc6CoGCZnxrI2fEM8kAKja1E6-yLdu-jJo8r75Nc7c6TRK1Ej3eFbVIVGtHoIaBaM9KHz9iaA/s400/IMG_5625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A couple days after this school was closed due to Mother Natures last attempt at winter weather. </div>
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After all the fun outside was had:</div>
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While Piper was down for a nap, Zachary decided he wanted to sew a skirt for her. He used the <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/lazy-days-skirt/">Oliver + S Lazy Days skirt</a> and some purple (her favorite) polka dot fabric from my stash to make her a perfectly adorable skirt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ttum9UbQS3xTu0PET0sPkT8TJggNEvEV36TN0mHr-5WcgPX00c5EB-Fq-wd9BeUOPeo9tEkKw1Jd0hNWXOD_WicdvToHiRsdbKMzyFP6FFJpVQhvIU4hlNuZwvf3Lo0H27g25SpPUA/s1600/IMG_5791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ttum9UbQS3xTu0PET0sPkT8TJggNEvEV36TN0mHr-5WcgPX00c5EB-Fq-wd9BeUOPeo9tEkKw1Jd0hNWXOD_WicdvToHiRsdbKMzyFP6FFJpVQhvIU4hlNuZwvf3Lo0H27g25SpPUA/s400/IMG_5791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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She was thrilled with the results, we had to put it on right away. Too bad she looks like such a rag-a-muffin in all the pictures I took of her wearing it. She has worn it a few times since, you would think I would have snapped a better shot, but alas I have not.</div>
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Zachary's next plans are for a pair of PJ pants for himself. He's already picked out some really nice blue, plaid flannel I have in my stash. I love that he is interested in something I do. It's nice that he and his Dad are able to bond a lot over gadgets, video games and other technology related things but sometimes I feel left out. Now, I get to be a part of things he likes to do too. :)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-9596941901933133732013-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-04T11:02:30.809-07:00Oliver + S Roller Skate DressFirst up in my catch up posts is the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS038RSD.html">Oliver+S Roller Skate</a> dress I made for Piper to wear to library a week ago. The Roller Skate pattern was released this spring and it was love at first sight (or so I thought, more on that later)! There really isn't a lot to the dress, so it's quick and easy, my kind of pattern. After the release immediately there were really cute versions showing up in the Oliver + S Flickr group like <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52151674@N08/8564086870/">here</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsdaniels/8535325284/">here</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/janice4839/8586794484/in/photostream/">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebigtradeoff/8521356085/">here</a>. I couldn't wait to make one myself, or rather for Piper. The library story time theme for the week was to be pond life. I had the perfect fabric and the perfect pattern, I was ready to go. This was my finished product:<br />
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For some reason I never took a mannequin shot. It's a cute dress with fishes on it. The fabric is Michael Miller Fishies with a green polka dot contrast on the yoke and is completely lined with a light blue broadcloth. I struggled putting this dress together. When I make another, I will do a few things differently. First and foremost, I think it's best to finish the edges of the side and back seams of both the main fabric and lining before sewing the pieces together. Wether you serge, or zig-zag or whatever, I think it will make it much easier later on. I didn't like the finishing on my dress, I like the inside to look as nice as the outside and I just couldn't do that as well as I like in this case. The dress is fully lined, which I like but to make the casing you just sew the front to the back. That had it's own set of challenges. I ended up with a pucker in the back, it wasn't really noticeable because of the elastic in the casing, but I knew it was there. I think maybe using some <a href="http://www.dritz.com/brands/showcase/details.php?ITEM_NUM=3411">Wonder Tape</a> to hold the layers together would have helped and possibly eliminated the shifting that seemed to occur leading to the pucker I had.</div>
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It's an easy play dress. Piper really liked it, I guess there were some little details that I was personally unhappy about. I wanted to have a warm and fuzzy about this dress. I had a hundred different ideas for ways to make it but was disappointed in this particular one. I will try again, once I get a few more other pieces finished. It would be a great dress for summer in a nice lightweight fabric. It does sort of remind me of a few dresses I already have in Piper's closet from <a href="http://www.hannaandersson.com/home.asp">Hanna Anderson</a> like this:</div>
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Just a few more shots of Piper modeling her dress:</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-64304195306841895842013-03-30T13:15:00.003-07:002013-03-30T13:15:49.489-07:00Time to Catch UpI've been very busy sewing lately, I just haven't had the opportunity to sit down and talk about my work. Look at what I have been up to:<br />
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The kiddos are home for Spring Break next week. Though we have some things planned it's going to be a pretty mellow week. So, check back to see what I have been up to and what I am working on and what else is happening. Good times I tell you, good times! :)</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-51765414014896544412013-03-13T09:52:00.000-07:002013-03-13T09:57:43.609-07:00Library Wednesday and HousekeepingToday is Wednesday and I will get to that in a minute but first I wanted to tell you about my weekend. I meant to write this post earlier but I didn't get around to it until now. <br />
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This past weekend Zachary performed with the All State Choir. It was one of those moments where I was sure my heart was going to burst with pride seeing him up there on stage singing. The beginning of this school year his goal was to audition and be selected for the Tri-County Choir. He was going to 7 a.m. rehearsals at school to practice and working with his piano teacher (whom also teaches voice lessons) in preparation for the audition. He was selected for Tri-County and the concert was a couple weeks ago, it was wonderful. When he audition for All State choir, I did the usual "Mom" speech about how it was an "honor" to be selected to audition. When he came out of the audition and told me how nervous he was and that he didn't do well, I did my best to let him know that we were proud of him no matter what the outcome was. So, it was an absolute thrill when we learned he had been selected to perform as part of the All State choir. Over 1,200 kids auditioned for 120 spots. It truly was an honor to be selected. So, seeing Zachary up on stage this weekend singing with kids whom are considered the best and brightest musicians from our state was one of those moments I will never forget. I can't take any credit, he did all the work and it paid off beautifully (you'll just have to trust me that it was).<br />
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Also, you will notice that I didn't post anything from last Wednesday. That's because of Storm Saturn. Schools were closed. The government was closed. Everyone had run out and bought their milk, toilet paper and eggs. It was going to be a storm to talk about for ages. And, was it ever:<br />
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So, on to this Wednesday. This week's theme was "ABC's and 123's".</div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS037BR.html">Oliver + S Book Report Dress</a></div>
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This is the second Book Report dress I have made, the first one is <a href="http://notsewplain.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-day-late-and-dollar-short.html">here</a>. This is one of those patterns that at first glance I didn't care for but it has really grown on me. It's such a fun dress and looks so cute on. A couple weeks ago when the new Oliver + S patterns for spring were released Liesl made mention to the fact that she isn't a "frilly" designer. I think that's why I am drawn to the Oliver + S patterns (among other things). They are clean, simple, classic and really look like things that are being sold in stores. I am not a fan of the "boutique" style of sewing for children's clothes. To me, "boutique" is too costumey.</div>
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The fabric I used is from Robert Kaufman's Celebrate Seuss line, Tossed Letters and a red twill. I noted the first time I made this dress that I thought a heavier weight fabric for the bottom might be better. I think I like better. The twill just seems to give the dress the right "weight" it needs. I think a corduroy or denim might be nice too. Quilting cotton works, but I just like this a little better.</div>
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Since it was ABC's and 123's, Piper also needed something for show 'n tell as well. So, last night I whipped up a Purple "P" for Piper. :)</div>
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My original plan was to embroider some cute flowers onto the "P" but I am just learning to embroider and starting at 5:00 last night was the wrong time to start. So, the little bit that I had done got torn out and we had a plain, purple "P". Piper approved and that's all that really matters in the end.</div>
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Here's Piper modeling her adorable dress, checking out the daffodils blooming and enjoying a nice spring day:</div>
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And, finally to close the world's longest post. I learned recently from Zachary that FaceBook isn't "cool" anymore. Apparently all the "kids" do their social networking on Instagram. I had an Instagram account a while ago, I didn't use it, so I deleted it. Now, I am back on Instagram. You can find me there by searching for NotSewPlain (you will have to ask for permission but I will grant it, just want to know whose looking). I will try to add a link to my account at the sidebar.</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-17854355965634864972013-02-27T10:47:00.001-08:002013-02-27T10:47:34.985-08:00Library WednesdayI love books as much (maybe a little more) as I love to sew. Here's a quick side story related to my love of books but not related to today's post. Book stores are like Disneyland to me, quite possibly the happiest place on earth. I get a little giddy about going to a book store. I, however, have one problem when I get there. I get so overwhelmed by all the possibilities in a book store. Do I want to read fiction or nonfiction? Do I want adventure or mystery? So, so many options. I know I can't read them all, so I don't want to waste the time I have to read on a bad book. What's the only way to find out if a book is bad? You have to read the book to find out if it's a bad book. So, I stand in book stores with thousands of options and worry that I might choose a bad book and waste the precious limited time I have to read. So, I often walk out of book stores empty handed and feeling a little sad. Does anyone else have this problem or am I the only one?<br />
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Anyway back to today's topic. I love books. I particularly love children's books. More than anything I LOVE Dr. Seuss, the man and his books. If Dr. Seuss were still alive today, I would be his groupie. Dr. Seuss himself never had children but he has changed the lives of millions of children simply by putting pen to paper. Dr. Seuss's birthday is on Saturday and this weeks library theme was of course, Dr. Seuss. With out a doubt, Piper was appropriately dressed for such a special occasion! In, what else, but a Celebration of Seuss dress:<br />
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS016IC.html">Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress</a></div>
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This dress makes me so happy, I can't even tell you! I used the Oliver + S Ice Cream dress pattern to make the dress. I think this is my third or fourth ice cream dress. It's such a great pattern, really a blank slate to do a lot with. The fabric is from Robert Kaufman's Celebrate Seuss line. It did hurt a little to cut into the fabric, because I would rather hoard it than use it but I will just buy some more. </div>
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I desperately tried to match the stripes on the side. Not so easy with wonky stripes like these. I was close:</div>
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Like some of the other dresses I have told you about that I have made, I used french seams on the inside so the entire dress is finished on the inside. I love that!</div>
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Of course Piper needed cute accessories for her hair so I made a couple of <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/bow-hair-tie">hair ties</a>, the pattern is free on the O+S website.</div>
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The best part about today and Piper's great dress was that Piper finally went to the front of the room for Show 'n Tell. I always spend time making a pretty outfit and we always make sure Piper has an item to show for Show 'n Tell time during story time at the library but Piper never wants to go to the front of the room. She's working through some shyness issues, so I never push her to do it but always ask if she'd like to and offer her bits of encouragement. So, today was a big day. She went to the front of the room and stood with Miss Judy. She even ran back with a big smile on her face when it was all over. She of course got big hugs and praises when she came back to me. It was a huge step for her and I was so proud of her. I even remembered to whip out my phone and grab some pictures of her big moment!</div>
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Our library story time isn't just a time when we go to the library and they read to the kiddos. We sing and do calendar and a craft. It's really a great program for the little ones. We're very lucky to have such an active library with great staff so close to us. Today's craft was a cute Cat in the Hat mask. Here's Piper and her "besty" modeling their masks.</div>
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Aren't they a hoot? I think I took a dozen pictures of the two of them and never once were they both looking in the same direction. Crazy kiddos. I love 'em both! :)</div>
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Here's one last shot of Piper modeling her fabulous (if I say so myself) dress on a beautiful, almost, spring day.</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-23611494313049921702013-02-25T15:03:00.003-08:002013-02-25T15:03:42.399-08:00PJ PartyIn addition to going to story time each wee, Piper and I go to a <a href="http://www.musictogether.com/">Music Together</a> class each Monday. We've been going to to music since just after Piper's first birthday. Each semester Miss Katie holds a pajama party during class. What's better than singing and dancing in your PJ's?<br />
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Of course such an occasion needed a new pair of special PJ's:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHm3zeVGKISA0cSu5xbwyUotHvRQPFsxI8F6-ThGgHUyEJd66TlrXnT5hI3lAOHzdHlYnWFRrwYJGvPCzcDvdcKF58Ao-O21E-DPzgRe6dLms1wuqacz_VEe-dcaVeQnRd2zVHlTygw/s640/blogger-image-1044412689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHm3zeVGKISA0cSu5xbwyUotHvRQPFsxI8F6-ThGgHUyEJd66TlrXnT5hI3lAOHzdHlYnWFRrwYJGvPCzcDvdcKF58Ao-O21E-DPzgRe6dLms1wuqacz_VEe-dcaVeQnRd2zVHlTygw/s640/blogger-image-1044412689.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pajamas/OLV-OS029SL.html">Oliver + S Sleepover PJ's</a></div>
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Aren't they fun? The PJ's included some of Piper's favorite things, fairies. The fabric is a flannel with Tinkerbell fairies on it. I started out just making the pants and had a blue long sleeved t-shirt that matched the piping that I added a Tinkerbell appliqué to. Piper's critique was that I needed to make the top, so I did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCrw978O8gCN8wb1zMBIW_PbUg8MH4dwphdTg4UWfIj1iHddDUganPNf7O8TF344FJtGV3yYn1ZyR9X6l2PvycfEoBcpmxYFQX1eMUyeF0S2hGe6GmJkLeZZuFt1kLSpyRCpd4ZglgA/s1600/IMG_2828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCrw978O8gCN8wb1zMBIW_PbUg8MH4dwphdTg4UWfIj1iHddDUganPNf7O8TF344FJtGV3yYn1ZyR9X6l2PvycfEoBcpmxYFQX1eMUyeF0S2hGe6GmJkLeZZuFt1kLSpyRCpd4ZglgA/s320/IMG_2828.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I added some cute blue piping to the contrast on the cuffs and yoke/placket on the top. At first I wasn't going to add piping, then I was going to add white piping but I was afraid that wouldn't show up against the light blue of the main fabric so I ended up with the blue piping. I like the blue, it's a nice pop of color.</div>
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I enjoyed making these PJ's, they were quick to come together. What I most like is how soft the flannel is. I have always disliked american PJ's because they are either scratchy polyester or so tight that you can barely wiggle your little ones chubby arms and legs into them. I will definitely be making more of these, based on comfort factor alone.</div>
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Here we are at music class:</div>
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I tried to get Piper to model them while she was "sleeping", she's not the most convincing model :)</div>
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Her jammies sure do look comfy though, don't they?</div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-22974249114309941102013-02-21T04:13:00.001-08:002013-02-21T04:14:15.474-08:00I am Not AloneIn light of the recent revelations I shared about the state of my craft room, I thought this was very appropriate to share. Maybe I just need this sign to hang instead of cleaning. :)<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8TLZAWYP_LQWOFcpKitEYMt02PSL0xFS_ESlIvw9l-cmX8td29anDO0n9s3rQ8iDVVRvceMaC1A1Xw4vjT8U5fZQFudcLUQdEtO53tKdJl2DBGQrV5bE7fyKoX0BtaHC-dGnhTfVrg/s640/blogger-image--1721050516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8TLZAWYP_LQWOFcpKitEYMt02PSL0xFS_ESlIvw9l-cmX8td29anDO0n9s3rQ8iDVVRvceMaC1A1Xw4vjT8U5fZQFudcLUQdEtO53tKdJl2DBGQrV5bE7fyKoX0BtaHC-dGnhTfVrg/s640/blogger-image--1721050516.jpg" /></a></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-74044605939234850142013-02-20T14:51:00.000-08:002013-02-20T14:51:10.952-08:00Library WednesdayIt's everyone's favorite day of the week, Wednesday! This week's library theme was Bears, this was the dress Piper wore:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bOns_8lKShg1kj8UMpbcy3lSUiS44WeohOnfp4lP6Cip8yTyBsJW-iOmkmZoN_ubbEwUH6_MLaCdgutXqRoZI3ttWd_gtDYo3TOvw5pF8JFfpiOsm1X7d1yHG1pIvlE21xrMl5lWGQ/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bOns_8lKShg1kj8UMpbcy3lSUiS44WeohOnfp4lP6Cip8yTyBsJW-iOmkmZoN_ubbEwUH6_MLaCdgutXqRoZI3ttWd_gtDYo3TOvw5pF8JFfpiOsm1X7d1yHG1pIvlE21xrMl5lWGQ/s400/IMG_2823.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS031BD.html">Oliver + S Badminton Dress</a></div>
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This was the first time making the Badminton Dress and I really enjoyed it. It's very quick to come together and has some very cute design elements. Like the flutter sleeve (which, I am not entirely certain I did correctly but it works so we'll go with it):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SiU9AjfVAaXwoNEs-lCvRyVNa_tMWfOarbr2n38s8YNNntqBEGz0hM41gxGFfp1trb1BXq1i01-r0FyemynEZEw6AnJ6apq6DZrugSMvJxZuvc2ymtU-o-WAH2rc8u0rRVS8tvnveA/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SiU9AjfVAaXwoNEs-lCvRyVNa_tMWfOarbr2n38s8YNNntqBEGz0hM41gxGFfp1trb1BXq1i01-r0FyemynEZEw6AnJ6apq6DZrugSMvJxZuvc2ymtU-o-WAH2rc8u0rRVS8tvnveA/s400/IMG_2818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And, bow in the front:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmBy8HaCGNEkmWKKrHh3t8mnHB37MESoBCEjH55nnxk4_bNCYWXOx_BJLxi3BBIrq9VtBpWnURHU1zrGs8FSTZch9Jy_R4C8po2L9B1xLcogTlncLIaDu46A41mL99lhqXgao9a-s6w/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmBy8HaCGNEkmWKKrHh3t8mnHB37MESoBCEjH55nnxk4_bNCYWXOx_BJLxi3BBIrq9VtBpWnURHU1zrGs8FSTZch9Jy_R4C8po2L9B1xLcogTlncLIaDu46A41mL99lhqXgao9a-s6w/s400/IMG_2819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I let Zachary help me make design decisions. He chose the green ribbon. I like it, nice pop of color.</div>
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I used Kokka Trefle Cotton Gauze Forest in Pink for the main fabric and a brown cotton for the accent. The Kokka Cotton Gauze was a delight to work with. This was my first time using cotton gauze but not my last. What a beautifully soft fabric. I am sure Piper was super comfy wearing this dress. Kokka is a japanese imported fabric, so this was a bit more expensive than a quilting cotton but totally worth it. Piper even napped in the dress and didn't look too disheveled when she woke up. Sometimes the quilting cotton dresses don't make it through the day before they are terribly wrinkled, not the case here. The double gauze is quite thin and this was not the ideal weight fabric for a chilly day but paired with a long sleeve top, tights and boots I think Piper didn't mind too much. This will be a wonderful dress to wear when the weather is warm.</div>
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One note on the dress pattern. By doing french seams on the inside, I have no unfinished seams. The top is bound by a bias trim, the sides are done with french seams and the bottom is hemmed. I love a neatly finished dress on the inside, not that anyone will see it but I know. Many Oliver + S patterns work well with french seams and many have very nice finishes inside as well as out. Yet another reason why I am an O+S junkie! :)</div>
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Here's my model with one of her little friends, each with the pink bear they brought to library. There were a lot of pink bears today:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta4RcIY7L_A06qEcAp0RENatPlPvcr4iM845ml9-yP8LGlM2Wz9s0X_NAFYHyb9BBdCqALGo97VbFGHgP8NMHDfy97zz7MAt2ACVb04uSIhbEhDGYI6CExm6N7OB4PlTu-Ny39JnsGQ/s1600/IMG_5255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta4RcIY7L_A06qEcAp0RENatPlPvcr4iM845ml9-yP8LGlM2Wz9s0X_NAFYHyb9BBdCqALGo97VbFGHgP8NMHDfy97zz7MAt2ACVb04uSIhbEhDGYI6CExm6N7OB4PlTu-Ny39JnsGQ/s400/IMG_5255.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I tried to get Piper to take a nice photo but most of them ended up looking like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqPsRhOeZ3iAQB1VDrLrbpQWyeNJl9SoWg51L7HojIVoLTwhLp16aq763lZ72jET6l5m7PLdvekF3tSA2OfUl7fCHWDiD8VEDTn4UOnHBLNMQTI_jRU11rtIuGAYUXzi-1kY-QrEa0Q/s1600/IMG_5237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqPsRhOeZ3iAQB1VDrLrbpQWyeNJl9SoWg51L7HojIVoLTwhLp16aq763lZ72jET6l5m7PLdvekF3tSA2OfUl7fCHWDiD8VEDTn4UOnHBLNMQTI_jRU11rtIuGAYUXzi-1kY-QrEa0Q/s400/IMG_5237.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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3 is not the most cooperative age for photo taking. </div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-25225442789826215602013-02-16T08:52:00.002-08:002013-02-16T08:52:43.958-08:00Craft Room ConfessionRecently I was asked how I keep so organized as to make things for Piper sort of "on demand" so she has a special outfit for a special day. I wish I could say I was organized and had it all together but like most busy mom's I can't. In fact, this is what my craft room looks like (sorry Mom):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQevkC1tsGMxIg6u9aQQRg-TjQHFm97qg8K1cQtxIYP1bInkz2NCg7V8GcIOBHeRNnFleM_iFxo-uz5lkK1L9rwFUIvZG46K9wEhlRVQo5rNHHiCi-Pw56YVbtUKROPO4ZJ8U0n_6CsQ/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQevkC1tsGMxIg6u9aQQRg-TjQHFm97qg8K1cQtxIYP1bInkz2NCg7V8GcIOBHeRNnFleM_iFxo-uz5lkK1L9rwFUIvZG46K9wEhlRVQo5rNHHiCi-Pw56YVbtUKROPO4ZJ8U0n_6CsQ/s400/IMG_5139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I share a space in the basement with DH, you'll see his area in the back, neat and orderly. Frequently I will go down to my work space with the intention of cleaning it up but it's easy to get side tracked. This week, I finally caved and began working on cleaning it up so I can have more space to work. I have to put this out there publicly so I stay motivated to finish.</div>
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Anyway, back to the original question. Though this looks terribly unorganized (and it's a little embarrassing to show off, but I know my fellow crafters understand), I do have a system. Once I have an idea for a project, I pull the fabric from one of the many stacks you see. I pair the fabric w/ the pattern I intend to use and then it gets added to this stack:</div>
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This stack is ever changing and some projects get moved to the bottom but it's a little way to try to keep my creative ADD in check. What you see on the stack above is two <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS031BD.html">Badminton</a> dresses, a pair of <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pajamas/OLV-OS029SL.html">Sleep Over</a> PJ's, two <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS016IC.html">Ice Cream</a> Dresses, a <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS010BP.html">Birthday Party</a> dress, a <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/lazy-days-skirt/">Lazy Days</a> skirt, a <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS001TP.html">Tea Party</a> Sundress, two <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS036FT.html">Fairy Tale</a> dresses, a Tinkerbell blanket and a drawstring bag/playmat (for carrying Brave figurines). As I finish one project, I go on to the next one in the stack. At times a piece of fabric from somewhere in my work space will cry out to me and everything else halts until I make something of it. Under normal circumstances though, this system works for me.</div>
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With any luck, in a week or two I will have my space all neat and organized again. Crafting will happen at a quicker pace and I will have more to talk about here. In the mean time, I am knee deep folding fabric and trying to have peace with getting rid of some scrap pieces that are just too small to work with. I have been having fun folding all the fabric. I had some stashed here there and every where. Trying to get organized has given me an opportunity to get reacquainted with some fabrics that I had forgotten I had. No doubt, the stack above is going to get exponentially larger as I work on getting things put back where they belong.</div>
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Do you have any good organizational tools, ideas or suggestions that might help me? What about your work space, does it look like mine or are you organized? </div>
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How's the saying go; "a cluttered desk is a sign of genius"? If I get too terribly side tracked in my effort to organize, maybe I'll just get a sign that says that to hang in my work space. :)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-10435710838125217902013-02-14T12:58:00.003-08:002013-02-14T12:58:59.673-08:00Happy Valentine's DayI love Valentine's Day! I really love all holidays. What's not to like? Most holidays allow you to dress up in themed clothing (I love a good themed outfit) and eat junk food all day. I know there are people that dislike Valentine's day (I've heard about it from them all day on Facebook). But, me, I love it.<br />
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Valentine's day to me is more than a romantic evening with my husband. For me, it's like other holidays, it's a day to spend with my family. We have made sure since Zachary was born that he was included in our Valentine's Day. Someday, DH and I will go out to dinner alone on Valentine's Day and I will probably be a little sad that day because it will mean my kiddos are all grown. In the meantime I do what I can to make the day special.<br />
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Piper and I made Valentine's for her friends:<br />
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We also went to the community center for a Valentine's Day party. Since it was a nice day Piper got to play on the playground with her friends. And, she got a fat lip:</div>
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Okay, so this probably wasn't so special for Piper.</div>
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After nap we made cookies so they were coming out of the oven just when Zachary got home. Piper was a great helper:</div>
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For dinner we will have our traditional heart shaped pizza from Papa John's. Then, maybe we'll all snuggle on the couch and watch a movie. Either way, today is a great day. Fun, family and food, a day full of that can't be wrong can it?</div>
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I hope you have/had a wonderful Valentine's day. Now I've got some cookies to go eat! :)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-67316513142037252762013-02-13T15:57:00.002-08:002013-02-13T15:57:17.407-08:00Library WednesdayIt's Wednesday and that can only mean one thing. It's the one day a week lately I take the time to sit down and tell you what's happening in our house. Let's get to the important stuff first. Today was library day and today's theme was, of course, Valentine's Day. <br />
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My original plan for today's outfit was an <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS012JR.html">Oliver + S Jump Rope dress</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS012JR.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4ZVZ5QZ-xSP_MORx2vYV-xtSjI-wRBxq_0x1bRUYYVmkelU3UvjK_qqsK0F9LvaHWqlV6mxaGk_lJjTteEItBHFaNAh6cXeyRBE6TYV-ZQGq10GQXEGTRSy1Avbh5GqrZ48onnM7mQ/s400/OLV-OS012JR_Dressed.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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The fabric I was going to use, was <a href="https://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=0b618b6d-a19a-4f8e-b664-6d624db7289d">Riley Blake's Indian Summer Hearts in Pink</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyd4aNI102ZRYToS3EeFHTs7Rr_F3Ja1fCLgEqn2y03D_8PYaWGB-PyOndQdfXUYoFwsf8B_gDUYOBWrAD5CXTkYjFFXAiybudByolXIoVmvlsOvFfZae1V_ImKVJ4wrcJ9Mh_RbS-w/s1600/Large_EO-797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyd4aNI102ZRYToS3EeFHTs7Rr_F3Ja1fCLgEqn2y03D_8PYaWGB-PyOndQdfXUYoFwsf8B_gDUYOBWrAD5CXTkYjFFXAiybudByolXIoVmvlsOvFfZae1V_ImKVJ4wrcJ9Mh_RbS-w/s320/Large_EO-797.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The whole dress was going to be inspired a dress I saw on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171629435770610737/">here</a>.</div>
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Somewhere around Thursday afternoon last week it dawned on me that Valentine's Day was only a week away and I hadn't sewed a single stitch on any garment yet. It also dawned on me that I had a lot to do over the weekend and just didn't have time to sew up a Jump Rope dress. I had to move on to Plan B as much as it pained me. I really only had Thursday evening to sew something up and the quickest dress to put together is the <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/">Oliver + S Popover Sundress</a>. So, that's what we ended up with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttRbPeyMGwVAKvIgUQoPvOxyJ9xrgkQgm9tsggbjvfuMpfh83MY3BOk7uweXki15daDeP8IfeiLvQK1Uvdz20uq5ELQH31_a23L-9trKwv0cWkKoLbPh-w3K_QAPvGNcWIV57xppagg/s1600/IMG_2807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttRbPeyMGwVAKvIgUQoPvOxyJ9xrgkQgm9tsggbjvfuMpfh83MY3BOk7uweXki15daDeP8IfeiLvQK1Uvdz20uq5ELQH31_a23L-9trKwv0cWkKoLbPh-w3K_QAPvGNcWIV57xppagg/s400/IMG_2807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/popover-sundress/">Oliver + S Popover Sundress</a></div>
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I tried to make it a little more Valentine's by adding heart appliqués.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ydZlvRVTt-4jJrXyqhgUyBYnsyPTFtlWmhoKM3rfeVcSTmeQC1Nn-V9e10EWgR2GOtSBm5Bb7Gg5Xs3MnbTSiqJG6j8fPEU81kz1vQ6lg3J11tynvl4ztfGsf6DQ2uxto73tw7S-Fg/s1600/IMG_2810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ydZlvRVTt-4jJrXyqhgUyBYnsyPTFtlWmhoKM3rfeVcSTmeQC1Nn-V9e10EWgR2GOtSBm5Bb7Gg5Xs3MnbTSiqJG6j8fPEU81kz1vQ6lg3J11tynvl4ztfGsf6DQ2uxto73tw7S-Fg/s400/IMG_2810.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDeWEtUgfIEqhN7z6apE1v3bGCj9qjYfPzqIr9SHuE4OkDmcRQEA6w2qKoBb9juFKqlY814c9NIULuhRq1-KEqcZJ8rnU93NR8ex89_dtG71-5oS1N3toErf8BUeTyiTnb8dm5w62sA/s1600/IMG_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDeWEtUgfIEqhN7z6apE1v3bGCj9qjYfPzqIr9SHuE4OkDmcRQEA6w2qKoBb9juFKqlY814c9NIULuhRq1-KEqcZJ8rnU93NR8ex89_dtG71-5oS1N3toErf8BUeTyiTnb8dm5w62sA/s400/IMG_2811.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The fabric from the dress came from a dress that was in a stack of UFO's (un-finished objects). I adore the colorful hearts and had every intention of finishing the other dress. The only problem is that I started in over a year ago and the likelihood that it still fit was slim. So, at least I was able to repurpose the cute heart fabric into a project that did fit (and I finished). </div>
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I thought the dress needed just a little something extra, and what better to add some fun to a dress than ric-rac. I added a little green ric-rac under the front yoke:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzgn6NanSmPezIajIPshInokNwWt7Y_Gs5kvLhJXIWwyE2bH_dAzyYJEICRhL6Mps5JVbuO5WqVyIqJhrlMQj2eOW7s8uaRJdLjWW1-Kg3iHcN-taOlV0EPiGq6rDeUik_7HBxJmVXQ/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzgn6NanSmPezIajIPshInokNwWt7Y_Gs5kvLhJXIWwyE2bH_dAzyYJEICRhL6Mps5JVbuO5WqVyIqJhrlMQj2eOW7s8uaRJdLjWW1-Kg3iHcN-taOlV0EPiGq6rDeUik_7HBxJmVXQ/s400/IMG_2812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(My mannequin is extra chesty and makes the top of the dress pull funny)</div>
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I also added a little ric-rac around the hem.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqYlCcVdd7pVVtilVqYXrZ-tOAsYipXFhoFRqGKdN7bVfirPA8JRZeFHdoFvMzrYUs6FujOHh4PObe1Wux9I0Gc-s-Uhjy6ZZTSbm7NA2K-3IMmLXUrucyduk8AO8HZ9p9rMyzWtBuA/s1600/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqYlCcVdd7pVVtilVqYXrZ-tOAsYipXFhoFRqGKdN7bVfirPA8JRZeFHdoFvMzrYUs6FujOHh4PObe1Wux9I0Gc-s-Uhjy6ZZTSbm7NA2K-3IMmLXUrucyduk8AO8HZ9p9rMyzWtBuA/s400/IMG_2809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have never done rid-rac around a hem before. Here's a little trick that made it work. Iron the hem (in this case I did a 1" hem), unfold the ironed line and use that as a guide to pin on the ric-rac. I used a little <a href="http://www.dritz.com/brands/showcase/details.php?ITEM_NUM=3411">Dritz Wonder Tape</a> to hold the ric-rac in place instead of pin and it made it a little easier to sew on. (Wonder Tape is great anytime you want to add embellishments, I use it all the time!) Sew the ric-rac down the center, then refold the hem and finish. Easy, peasy, extra-cheesy!</div>
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Doesn't Piper look great?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UT-acTbA-Uxu7j9OMxy2lKh99jtN6KXier2DAjLdqDPpabKc16yVna_RGG_tctHD-OiE0BDB8r27XuzPwb5IzF42533Jp26mFBh1Foi7ABYb1Y08MaolCRxB8_sHeWMncC0ZCiQHcg/s1600/IMG_5152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UT-acTbA-Uxu7j9OMxy2lKh99jtN6KXier2DAjLdqDPpabKc16yVna_RGG_tctHD-OiE0BDB8r27XuzPwb5IzF42533Jp26mFBh1Foi7ABYb1Y08MaolCRxB8_sHeWMncC0ZCiQHcg/s400/IMG_5152.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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(I admit, the styling of the entire outfit is a little weird but that happens when you are working with a 3 year old!).</div>
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The other dress will happen, just not this week.</div>
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In other news, this past weekend Zachary performed with the Tri-County Honors Choir. It was a lovely concert. I was so proud of him. I think I smiled through the entire concert. We didn't take any pictures, because pictures of a choral concert seem a little silly. We did order a concert DVD so we will be able to enjoy the performances again and again. ;)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-5008960677704698532013-02-06T09:08:00.002-08:002013-02-06T09:08:51.691-08:00Library WednesdayThis past fall, when the list for library themes was posted online I could hardly wait for today to come. I knew immediately what Piper would wear because today's library theme was "Rescue Heroes." Of course, I know they meant police, fire, ambulance personnel but I couldn't help it. Piper had to be...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo8RSgJuTiqOUuG5X_O57YxV1AseeTwn21VSzkNk7H44srDEqwqwqNeETayCsWXkah8iNrKX3ADTtDFQP6MsK9qqxTXWb2Ylbpqjavz0B_2hLssvF9VimQ-p84YXpl5KdLVsetnv_1Q/s1600/IMG_2779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo8RSgJuTiqOUuG5X_O57YxV1AseeTwn21VSzkNk7H44srDEqwqwqNeETayCsWXkah8iNrKX3ADTtDFQP6MsK9qqxTXWb2Ylbpqjavz0B_2hLssvF9VimQ-p84YXpl5KdLVsetnv_1Q/s400/IMG_2779.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Wonder Woman!</div>
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I bought the Wonder Woman shirt some time in December from <a href="http://www.superherostuff.com/characters/youth/youth.html?prilie=wonder%20woman">here</a>. It has been hanging in her closet in anticipation of today. My original plan was to make a tutu. I bought the tulle and had what felt like miles and miles of it laid out across my living room floor. I despise working with tulle. It's more hassle than it's worth, so I abandoned my original idea and went for plan B. In the end, I think I am happier with plan B.</div>
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The skirt is a reverse <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-skirts/OLV-OS004SS.html">Oliver + S Swing Set skirt</a> just like the one I did <a href="http://notsewplain.blogspot.com/2013/01/rainy-day-project-swing-set-skirt.html">here</a>. This is really becoming one of my favorite skirts to sew. It's so quick and full of possibilities. I may have to sew it the correct way some day just to see which I like better but for now this works for me.</div>
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On the skirt I added some gold detail around the waist band as a nod to Wonder Woman.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BZYkdH_c1YfBLObxsjkOk5MBQeMmHsiK-ORliNxHEMw-TKL-hb_xTUBR2YjIIoKWAa71CVFXRwM2r7XqCYc0YyfYI5lOQHe3-8ODWuhFWW6M7nPpceoF0GFqqgIW9JHLLnDaBHkX7Q/s1600/IMG_2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BZYkdH_c1YfBLObxsjkOk5MBQeMmHsiK-ORliNxHEMw-TKL-hb_xTUBR2YjIIoKWAa71CVFXRwM2r7XqCYc0YyfYI5lOQHe3-8ODWuhFWW6M7nPpceoF0GFqqgIW9JHLLnDaBHkX7Q/s400/IMG_2784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The gold thread was very difficult to work with. I was having trouble setting the tension and the thread kept breaking. My poor machine just did not like the gold thread. I like the detail because it's fun but I doubt I'll use it again.</div>
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In addition to the skirt, I also made Piper some fancy new hair ties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePHqsxEnzNaZiETkfV8RnWSo0_Xne0TuoH8kYknqVKb3xTWRThopcahBEQwA0rSDoeGcsmw82gThSU9iMJmHNivVklRjrKtxLGZJhyaLciVPthVZhMr-K4A78PS551G42e96P8NUgIg/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePHqsxEnzNaZiETkfV8RnWSo0_Xne0TuoH8kYknqVKb3xTWRThopcahBEQwA0rSDoeGcsmw82gThSU9iMJmHNivVklRjrKtxLGZJhyaLciVPthVZhMr-K4A78PS551G42e96P8NUgIg/s400/IMG_2787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The free pattern for the hair ties can be found <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/bow-hair-tie">here</a>. I see a lot more hair ties in our future. These were so quick and easy to put together and a great way to use up some of those precious pieces of fabric scraps that you just don't have the heart to throw away.</div>
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Piper got sooooo many compliments on her outfit. The ladies at the coffee shop couldn't get enough of her. The best part about this outfit is, the skirt and hair ties will be perfect for Memorial Day and 4th of July picnics. </div>
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Check out my little ham in action:</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371285607799388603.post-88522173724226018162013-01-31T16:09:00.003-08:002013-01-31T16:09:45.033-08:00A Day Late and a Dollar ShortYesterday was Wednesday, but it was also one of those days I don't think I got to sit down until somewhere after the kiddos went to bed. I feel like we have those days a lot. I know I should enjoy them now because there will come a day when the house will be quiet and we won't be frantically running out the door to the next appointment. <br />
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So yesterday was Wednesday and we went to the library and the theme was "Nursery Rhymes." Which, I thought was going to be an easy theme but you'd be surprised.<br />
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Piper wore:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ5S75s9LqgWJp4SV1Ev0_FC1BZy7ozfl4HhPMatIbtDP0WK3GcuRuO0I6tjF3nYQ1OKUxlLxWI5RJ_xD3eICCVUNZ7IbabKuhlhm5hashqUftmx3hZC0MI0G8qDDYW-3lNW-Ws0-2Q/s1600/IMG_2758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ5S75s9LqgWJp4SV1Ev0_FC1BZy7ozfl4HhPMatIbtDP0WK3GcuRuO0I6tjF3nYQ1OKUxlLxWI5RJ_xD3eICCVUNZ7IbabKuhlhm5hashqUftmx3hZC0MI0G8qDDYW-3lNW-Ws0-2Q/s400/IMG_2758.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS037BR.html">Oliver + S Book Report Dress</a></div>
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This is the Oliver + S Book Report Dress done in <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/heronuvepipi.html">Heather Ross Nursery Versery Little Pigs in Pink</a> and <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/metro_living/EIP-11016-38/">Robert Kaufman Metro Living Circles in Chartreuse.</a> I had been eyeing the Heather Ross fabric for quite a while but it is a Japanese import linen blend and is kind of pricy. When I heard what this weeks theme was it gave me the perfect opportunity to need to purchase some. </div>
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When the two fabrics arrived in the mail, I really liked them together. As I was putting the dress together, I started to think it was a mistake and didn't like them together at all. After I was finished and had a few days to admire my finished work it started to grow on me again. In the end, I like the finished product.</div>
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Like all O+S patterns this one had clear, easy to follow directions and cute details on the dress like the buttons at the neckline. I chose to use some mother-of-pearl buttons on both the shoulders and cuffs at the sleeves.</div>
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The back of the dress has a cute contrast yoke and pleated detail:</div>
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I guess I should point out the fabric details. Like I said the theme was nursery rhymes. Take a look at my cute pink piggies and see if you can figure out which nursery rhyme it was:</div>
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Did you get it? How 'bout, "this little piggie went to market, this little piggie stayed home, this little piggie had roast beef and this little piggie had none, this little piggie cried wee, wee, wee all the way home." Cute, right!</div>
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In addition to dressing Piper to match the theme she brings something for show-n-tell as well. Not that she ever gets up to show it but I keep hoping one day she will. I looked and looked through her plethora of stuffies and had nothing related to a nursery rhyme. So I quickly whipped up this guy on Sunday afternoon:</div>
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He's supposed to be Humpty Dumpty but I was kind of winging it. Surprisingly everyone recognized him. I taught Piper the rhyme, she calls him "humpy dumpy." :)</div>
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Finally here's one last look at my cutie model in her adorable new dress. I did add length to it hoping it would last her for fall, but I'm doubtful. Another thing to note, the bottom of the dress is quilting cotton. I think in the future, I'd like to use something with a little more weight to it. I just wasn't happy with the way it was hanging at times yesterday and I think that was partially due to the lightness of the quilting cotton. I do in fact have another dress like this finished and the bottom is twill, I'm anxious to have her wear it to see the difference. But, you'll have to wait to see it. ;)</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592635470312210119noreply@blogger.com1