Last month I was so pleased to be able to test one of Dawn's new patterns, the Natalie. This pattern is friggin' amazing. It so elegant and "wow", but the pattern is deceptively simple and easy to sew. It's just brilliant. I made two versions of the dress, one with a double layered skirt, and the second one with a poufy crinoline underneath.
This first one is out of some Debbie Mumm quilting cotton I got over a year ago from Joann's. I don't remember what I originally had in mind for it, but after imaginarally (yes, I know it's not a word--Blogger just told me) sewing it up in about 10 different patterns over time, I was convinced I could never un-homeschool it. Then along came the Natalie and it was perfect. YAY.
Check out DD's shoes! Every season I always look for the perfect white sandals for DD, and I always strike out. Either they are way too $$$ for me, or they are cheap and fray/break. Ugh. Not to mention I *hate* settling for man made leather. Ugh again. This Winter I found these lovelies from Aster on clearance at Piperlime for less than half their original price. Score! Off-season, baby, off-season.
The next one comes out of some more long-hoarded fabric I just couldn't find the right pattern for. It's some sort of brushed cotton sheeting from a boutique overrun I found at, where else, Yardage Town. Seriously, this stuff is gorgeous. That fullness underneath comes from sewing a pain-in-the-ass crinoline underneath. Okay, it was not that bad, but aggghhh, sewing a bunch of fluffy tulle to a humongously wide skirt is sort of like parenting a toddler: you don't feel in control. Love the look though.
The buttons are also from Yardage Town! Honestly, that place is like case in point of dealing with crabby salesladies for the sake of great deals on excellent materials. At least, the ones at my store are often crabby. I just ignore them since I already know the store like the back of my hand though, and I just rely on them to cut my fabric. Works for me!
That's all for now! I will try to get some other sewn projects up soon!
