Library Wednesday / Lola Inspired Dress

This 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 Charlie and Lola 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.

Lola wears these adorable shirt dresses in her stories.  I had seen a few of them pop up in the Oliver+S Flickr 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:

Look how cute the finished dress is:

Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress

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.  

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 here, that has pictures to help with things like finishing the placket correctly.

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).

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.

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.

Piper was so excited to have her own "Lola" dress.  What do you think?  Good likeness?

Library Story Time

Ooops,  I forgot to hit publish yesterday I guess, so here goes for today.

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:

Aneela Hoey Sew Stitchy

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.  

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

Here are the reasons I love this dress:

1) It's a free pattern for a cute dress

2) It's quick and easy to put together (Zachary said he'd like to try to make one)

3) I love a pillowcase dress on a little girl, this has a similar simplicity and style

4) Piper likes to wear them, so it must be comfortable.

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.

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:

Wednesdays and Things

Today 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:

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.

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!

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.

Oliver + S Lazy Days Skirt

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.  

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.

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! :)

Library Wednesday and Housekeeping

Today 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.

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).

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:

So, on to this Wednesday.  This week's theme was "ABC's and 123's".

Oliver + S Book Report Dress

This is the second Book Report dress I have made, the first one is here.  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.

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.

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. :)

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.

Here's Piper modeling her adorable dress, checking out the daffodils blooming and enjoying a nice spring day:

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.

Library Wednesday

I 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?

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:

Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress

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. 

I desperately tried to match the stripes on the side.  Not so easy with wonky stripes like these.  I was close:

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!

Of course Piper needed cute accessories for her hair so I made a couple of hair ties, the pattern is free on the O+S website.

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!

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.

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! :)

Here's one last shot of Piper modeling her fabulous (if I say so myself) dress on a beautiful, almost, spring day.

Library Wednesday

It's everyone's favorite day of the week, Wednesday!  This week's library theme was Bears, this was the dress Piper wore:

Oliver + S Badminton Dress

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):

And, bow in the front:

Sometimes I let Zachary help me make design decisions.  He chose the green ribbon.  I like it, nice pop of color.

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.

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! :)

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:

I tried to get Piper to take a nice photo but most of them ended up looking like this:

3 is not the most cooperative age for photo taking. 

Library Wednesday

It'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.

My original plan for today's outfit was an Oliver + S Jump Rope dress:

The fabric I was going to use, was Riley Blake's Indian Summer Hearts in Pink:

The whole dress was going to be inspired a dress I saw on Pinterest here.

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 Oliver + S Popover Sundress.  So, that's what we ended up with.

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

I tried to make it a little more Valentine's by adding heart appliqués.

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).  

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:

(My mannequin is extra chesty and makes the top of the dress pull funny)

I also added a little ric-rac around the hem.

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 Dritz Wonder Tape 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!

Doesn't Piper look great?

(I admit, the styling of the entire outfit is a little weird but that happens when you are working with a 3 year old!).

The other dress will happen, just not this week.

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.  ;)