once there was a peddler
crammed on the shelves, piled on the table, clutched in little hands, tucked under pillows and covering our laps... books are everywhere in our little place; freshly read, forgotten about and waiting, or being scoured for inspiration. eve studies the animal books and grabs her pens, ruth finds the illustrations of her favorite dresses then runs to the closet, charlie listens to the clack of the wooden book's turning pages and dances. the picture book inspiration is not for the kids only; occasionally there is a book that i cannot stop looking at, cannot stop reading and cannot stop thinking about.
caps for sale is such a book. each time i pull it out - and i pull it out a lot - i am struck. not by the simple story or the giggles the peddler and naughty monkeys elicit from the girls (although these are constant and wonderful), but i am struck by the handful of bold, lovely colors chosen to tell the story. i often feel this way about books from the 40s, but this book is an exception even among its fine peers. a perfect and simple combination of bright colors, with plenty of white thrown in the mix.
after years of staring and admiring i decided to make a quilt based solely on the palette of this fun book. the perfect solids were found, but after several months the quilt has yet to form- in my head or otherwise. in its place plans for little, simple, clothes highlighting this palette gestated and are being brought into the world just in time for the warmth that has finally arrived.
round one: dresses for the girls.
if we can tolerate not taking in every second of the spring glory going on outside, these dresses will soon be joined by play clothes in ms. slobodkina's inspiring palette. but, as ruthie says, "we have some business too. like the monkeys. but that business is outside. ya, playground business."
Monday, April 27, 2009 at 01:38PM
Reader Comments (75)
I wish you were my mom!! I need all this in my size!! :) You must have the two best dressed girls in school!
I love these dresses and your quilts are simply amazing! You have such a cute family. Looks like your husband and mine have some of the same job responsibilities- goofing off. Glad we're not the only ones having fun, huh?
You have to check out this flicker stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamephotos/3437289812/in/set-72157606567157676/
I saw it and thought of you.
my husband and i love the dresses! are the patterns available for purchase as we would both love to have one of each for our 2 year old.
thank you so much!
OMG!!!!
WHat gorgeous dresses!
WHat gorgeous girls!!!
Do you have patterns? where can i find them? My daughter NEEDS them!
i am loving your blog! your images are so sweet and creative and have a very happy mood about them!
This was one of my favorite books growing up. Lovely little dreses!!
I LOVE these dresses! Please teach us or sell them!
*Lurker Alert*
Yes, I'm one of those people who stops by your blog frequently but never leaves a comment or makes my presence known. :-)
I HEART those dresses!!! You have me inspired to make one in a Neopolitan ice cream color palette for my niece. The problem is I've been savagely scouring the Internet to find a pattern that roughly resembles yours, but they're either too flared/twirly, too a-line, or just altogether wrong. I would give pattern drafting a go, but I don't know where to start. And, I want to add that charming little button placket to the front but don't know how. Any suggestions?
Wow that's different, isn't it? Very catchy. Tweeted it.
So, I'm with everyone else - when will you post a pattern/tutorial for these??!
Katie, you are a daily inspiration. I just ordered the book, and meanwhile, I hope you make some playclothes for Charlie, and post the pattern, so I can make some for my son.
plus size wedding dresses
Thank you for opening your home + life up to us with all this beauty
WHat gorgeous dresses!
WHat gorgeous girls!!!
Do you have patterns? where can i find them? My daughter NEEDS them!
Hi, Katie. I just found your blog a few days ago and saw this post. I've been thinking of these dresses since, and really wonder if you could point me in the direction of a pattern or tutorial. My daughter is four and I'd be excited to put my amateur sewing skills to the test with this (especially the one with the triangular pleat in the front).
Your website is lovely, as is your family.
Sunshine from Honduras,
Amanda
It's also cute if mother and daughter wear matching attires. They're like saying "the mini me". Like, she's the smaller version of the mother. Very cute.
They simply suit the character of those little misses. I wonder if it has other colors.
I am so impressed with your work! wow. I'm what I like to call an "irresponsible part-time seamstress" which means I sew whenever I have free time & am not tired out from caring for my own toddler plus being a caregiver for 2 others! The time & energy alone is admirable, & you are so creatively talented!! Bravo! go into business!
The image of your dresses is circulating Pinterest right now and I've been scouring to find the original link (which I'll repost). Here it is, and your blog is amazing. You writing and keen eye and love for your children is inspiring. Do you have a pattern for the a-line inverted pleat dress? I'd love to make one for my daughter's birthday in June. It's just perfect for a summer party and monkey business on the playground.
I made a dress fot my daughter inspired by your dresses. Have a look on lafillegentille.blogspot.be
Thanks for the inspiration!
I would love to know the pattern of the pleat dress please :)
I LOVE these vintage dresses. The girls look stunning!!!!
Hi, Sorry if I missed it, but is there someplace I can buy the patterns above?
hiya
Do you have a pattern for the incredible dress with the fold in the middle?
I would love to buy one and make the dress at home?
Can you share the patterns for these dresses? I am a beginner on this and I would love to make this for my granddaughter specially the first one.She is 2! i know how to crochet, Knit but sawing is new for me. These dresses are just gorgeous or is it that your daughters make them look like way? they are precious! :D
Mirelys.
wow, the yellow dress is so beautiful - would you share the name or source of the pattern? I would love to sew one. :)
Hello, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the first little dress. The one with one pleat and two fabrics. Please tell me where you got that pattern. I would love to make a dress for my grand daughter. Thanks!! I'd appreciate it so much if you would share with me and email me the advice.
Cindy