::on the worktable::

I got a little hung up on rick-rack and was imagining a cute little peter pan collar edged with rick-rack.  Here is the result.

The white dress is a wee bit small for Lucy - so I had to make another slightly larger.  She's in a size 3 already!  When did that happen?  I'm soo in love with this little dress!

It's 25 below zero today, so it should be called frostbite dress.  Any ideas on names for the new pattern?

Can you see how small it is?  Uber-constricting for an almost 3 year old!

Who loves polka dots?  This is my favorite version!

It's also Hattie's first birthday today!  It seems very fitting that she was born on a -21 degree day and her first birthday is on a -25 degree day!  It may be cold outside but we can't get enough of her sunny personality!   She's already a charmer!

Fellow sewists - advice?
You might notice that from the first version of the dress to the polka dot version I changed a bit. I wanted the collar to be more prominent and I changed the sleeves to a cap sleeve.  I think it looks much better.  I added the apron for fun, but then I had to add a side zipper - yech.  I'm still wondering if I even need the darts on the front of the dress.  Loose dresses look ok on little girls, right?  What are your opinions on darts for little girls and/or side zippers?

Calling all pattern testers!

I have 2 new patterns that I've been working on.  Late at night you can find me at the computer with the scanner, photos, measuring tape and a snack.  I've been working on grading the pattern pieces and now I'm moving on to writing the instructions.

The first pattern is an a-line jumper for sizes 6m to girls 5.  It includes optional piping and pockets, a partial lining (not shown), and a centered back zipper.

Here is one version:

Here is another version:

The second pattern available for testing is a romper for babies 3 months to 24 months.  It has an elasticized waist, narrow bias binding straps and snaps between the legs for easy changing. 

BECOME A TESTER
If you're interested in testing either (or both) of these new patterns - just send an email to owlybaby@yahoo.com

To be a pattern tester all you need to do is:
1) sew the garment according to the instructions using your own materials
2) make notes of any spelling errors, missing instructions or confusing steps
3) fill out a pattern review document (about the fit of the garment, etc.)

P.S. You don't need to be a master seamstress or do anything especially difficult.  I prefer "regular" pattern testers that accurately represent the customer base of Owly Baby.   Thanks so much!!!

PHOTOS
If you would like your photo to be the cover photo - try to take the photo in natural light with an uncluttered background.  Photos taken outside or against a blank wall look best. Also - try to highlight the garment (not the model).  Close ups or interesting angles usually work for this.

I'll need written permission to use your photo on Etsy or on the cover of the print version.  I'll also send you 3 PATTERNS of your choice from Owly Baby.

Unpractical Christmas Dresses

The Warhol Dress from MADE has long been on my "To Sew" list.  While ignoring other chores today (laundry, dishes, gift-wrapping, etc...) I whipped up a set of 3 dresses!  One dress is for Lucy, and one for each of her friends that we are visiting tonight)  I wasn't planning on sewing today, much less assembly line sewing...

The free pattern is available on the MADE website.

The dresses will last the 3 kidlets quite a while because of the adjustable side-tie.  So...hopefully they can still wear these in the summer.  I hope they're not too Christmas-y. 

 

They are completely unpractical because it's been about -25 to 20 degrees in Minnesota this week.  Our little toddlers will need long underwear underneath these adorable dresses.  Red long johns might be cute!

The dresses were made of recycled shirts from my closet or the thrift store.  Two of the shirts were maternity shirts and you can see the back of the dresses hang slightly lower and have a curved hem.  I decided to keep the curve to help cover up the diaper butt that usually peeks out from underneath the dresses.  

Wishing it were warmer...

FREE PATTERN: Garden Party Dress

I'm so excited to share the pattern I've made for the Garden Party Dress.  
 

 

















 

It is partially lined and features a curved yoke, back button placket, gathered skirt and cap sleeves.  I've also included the pattern pieces for a peter pan collar or long sleeves.  It's a one-of-a-kind dress, so I only have the pattern pieces I drafted for a size 18 months dress.  

If you would like to share this pattern please link to this page and kindly give credit to Owly Baby.  Please do NOT use photos of my family.  Thanks!  

Garden Party Dress - Size 18 months ONLY

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PATTERN

You will need:

1 yard of fabric for the skirt (I recommend lightweight fabrics)

1/2 yard of fabric for the bodice, lining and cap sleeves

2-3 buttons

scraps of interfacing

I've included minimal sewing directions and pattern assembly instructions on the pattern pieces.  

Share photos of your finished Garden Party Dresses in the Owly Baby Flickr pool!  I'd love to see what you've made!

NOTE:  This pattern is for personal use only.  Please do not redistribute, copy or make items to sell from this pattern.  If you have questions about the terms of use, please email me at owlybaby@yahoo.com. 

Taffeta Mess Christmas Dress

The first attempt was a fail (see photos later in post).  

But - I kept on and now I'm finished with Lucy's Christmas dress!  

The yoke and sleeves are chiffon and the bottom is a sheer silk blend. 

Of course I made room for branding.

I love the oval buttons - it makes the dress feel vintage-y.  The green buttons are from a local shop - Digs.

The green fabric was a little too sheer.  

For modesty's sake I had to whip up a little white slip to wear underneath the dress.

This dress was definitely a process.  It started out innocently enough - I was inspired by this dress we found at Macy's.

I loved the curved yoke, velvet and taffeta and the tasteful ruffles.

So...I picked up some flocked taffeta for 60% off at Joann Fabric.  It was my first experience sewing with taffeta.  I'm not very eager to try again!

The fabric was very stiff and though it's easy to work with - it doesn't drape AT ALL!

Here's the first attempt (IE: Taffeta Mess)

Yikes - I don't like showing my screw ups!  The stripes are wacky and the collar had a mind of it's own!  I showed it to my husband in a fit of exasperation and he said "Is that for Lucy?  It's 3 times her size?"  The skirt stuck out at a 45 degree angle all the way around!

So - out with the collar and in with the chiffon.  It was my first time sewing with chiffon and I LOVE IT!  It drapes so beautifully.  It frays and it's a pain to cut and sew because it's so slippery - but it's worth it.  

I love the end result.  One last parting shot:

I'm working on a not-quite-matching maternity top for me.  It uses the very last scraps of the same fabric.  I literally have nothing left of either fabric after these two creations.  My 3/4 sleeves were even cut on the cross grain - just so I could have enough fabric!

NOTE:  If anyone is interested I can post the pattern for the dress.  I think I'm going to call it GARDEN PARTY Yoke Dress.  It feels like it could work for any season.  

I only have the pattern for the size I made - 18 months.  

I haven't decided yet if I'll grade the pattern for larger/smaller sizes.  

The dress was very easy to make after the first disaster.  

Christmas Dress Inspirations

While out shopping during the madness known as Black Friday - I came across some great deals (40% off everything in Banana Republic!) and some great inspiration for Christmas dresses!

Here's an idea for Lucy's dress - I love the ruffles and the gathered yoke.

I'm certainly NOT going to pay 44$ for a dress that will end up 

covered in cheerios and pickle juice.  

I'd rather spend 12$ and 4 hours making the pattern and dress!  

(does that sound insane?)

Here are some other ideas floating around in my head.

This Mod Cloth dress - I love the white crocheted details.  Maybe make it out of a comfy knit?

I'm definitely digging the front and center bows - especially when they're tastefully done. 

But sometimes bows can be tricky - and end up a little on the deep end.

I've also thought of going non-traditional and making a blue and white satin peasant dress with a bright yellow sash. We'll see.

I'm very pregnant and at Christmastime I'll be ready to pop.  

I don't feel like making a dress that could cover a parade float.  

If I did make a dress for me - it would probably resemble this dress from Mod Cloth. (my favorite source of dress inspiration)

Don't forget there is only one more day of 30% off all Owly Baby purchases!!  

SHOP HERE

Use the code: NOVEMBER10