why not
yes, why not throw a few more dresses and/or skirts in the mix around here? and why not do it in compulsive spurts starting around 9pm at night?
i actually drew up the pattern for these first two dresses a few weeks ago and then immediately went to work making and dip-dyeing the first dress. i love dyeing. especially in a big pot over my stove. with my wooden spoon prodding and pushing the cloth in the steaming opaque water i feel like a happy old village witch. like strega nona. the girls are always so puzzled and a little bit worried when the cooking of their clothes begins, but once it is clear i won't be making them take a bite they cheer and demand frequent proof that colors are changing. i still have several kinks to work out with dyeing, but there will certainly more of it, and soon.
this second dress is such a happy burst of marigold sunshine, both in color and in the fact that i was able to correct the few small problems with the construction. the colors chosen were a second choice from my stash when i realized i was too short on the green i had planned, but eve couldn't be happier- after all, it's yellow (albeit an orangey one) and yellow matches her hair.
i've almost got a completely reversible version worked out, both in wrap-around and regular. i'm fairly certain the skirt will be a happy medium between the full/gathered and the strait. more to come on that progress, especially if this baby stays as cozy in utero as he seems to be currently.
ruthie's skirt came along as an attempt to soften the blow that only eve would be wearing a brand new dress to church on sunday (last minute saturday night sewing didn't allow enough time for a second dress). didn't go over very well. she knows a consolation prize when she sees one and does not appreciate being slighted. she insisted on modeling the sunshine dress for this post and is now feeling a little bit better, although i'm still getting a lot of scowls and the occasional tongue stuck out at me. sweet angel.
Monday, May 19, 2008 at 06:45AM
Reader Comments (37)
I discovered your blog today and I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through your archives! I especially love these dresses!
And congratulations on the birth of your son!
love the skirt, nice fabric and the yellow ribbon is... perfect:-)
I found your blog through other blogs and think your little white/orange dress is absolutely adorable. In fact, I may have to try making something similar. I just bought my first bottle of RIT dye last night for some current projects. Glad to hear that others are stirring fabric on the stove too!
Thanks for posting your cute creations.
- dana
I just found your blog and love the little dresses. I love to make new ones for my little one too. The boy gets slighted a bit at our house--except for the occasional pj pants or shorts.
Wow the dresses you do for your daughters are amazing! I really want to learn how to sew these myself! Any tips for beginners? Also, how did you learn the patterns to cut the fabric?
Honestly, these are the cutest girl clothes I have ever seen. This is my first time to your blog, do you share your patterns anywhere? I have four little girls that I love to sew for.
I'm relatively new to sewing. (I've only really made super simple cafe curtains and valances.) I have a three year old daughter for whom I'd love to sew clothes. The second dress is just the sort of thing that I'd like to tackle for my first attempt. :) Thanks for sharing!
I absolutely adore the white/mustard dress and would love to make one for myself! :-) Would you be able to post a pattern?
Love the second one.
Such gorgeous little dresses! What pattern did you follow and is it available? I would very much like to make them for my 18 month old girl :D
Is there any way to get the pattern for the second dress? I love it!
Do you mind sharing the pattern for the 2nd dress that's white and gold?