Sunday Morning

The Family Reunion Dress

 A few weeks ago I placed an order with Sunny Day Supply for some darling fabrics. Today, I want to show you what I made with some of the yardage, Snail Trail by Cloud 9 Fabrics. I've had the Family Reunion Dress pattern, by Oliver & S, for awhile now, but this was my first attempt at sewing it.

 You know that I adore the style and creativity of the O & S patterns. This one is a keeper for sure, and one that I'll be using over and over again for my granddaughters' little dresses. This rendition is size 4 and is the largest size included in the pattern. I may have to see if they make it in larger sizes.

 Jane, who is four, is petite for her age so the neck was perhaps a little bit wide on her. I could have made the size 3 and just lengthened it if I wanted a perfect fit. But, then again, little girls grow. Right!?

 As usual, the pattern instructions were clear and clever. I love the pin tucks on both the front and the back of the bodice. Buttons down the back are my favorite closing for little dresses. For some reason, I think that it looks classier than a zipper.

 An extra special touch is the faced hem which adds body and weight to the bottom of the dress making it hang nicely.

 Together, the super cute fabric and classic design of the dress make for a darling summer frock.

I think Janie likes it too!

Sunday Morning

Hide-And-Seek Tunic

 With Spring's arrival, I'm getting the itch to sew little-girl-size clothing again!
Cotton & Steel Horses paired with Peppered Cotton look really pretty on my red-headed Lula sewn up into the Hide-And-Seek Tunic by Oliver+S.

 Since this was my first attempt at the pattern, I wasn't sure about the sizing. Although the top is supposed to be "roomy", I might make the shoulders a bit narrower the next time on this size 7 for Lula. My experience with O+S patterns has always been positive and this pattern was no exception, going together quickly and effortlessly. The dress version with welt pockets would only be a little more complicated and easy enough for anyone with a bit of garment-making experience.

 I'm thinking of trying the top again using just one fabric and leaving off the sleeves for a summery version. It might be cute to shorten it a little to wear with shorts also.

Next up, will be a sweet little O&S Family Reunion Dress for Lula's sister, Jane. Stay tuned for that soon!

Easter Sunday Morning

Sewing With My Modern Friends

A week ago I was beginning a three day retreat with 36 of my quilting peeps in the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild.

Like last spring, we traveled to Hamilton, Missouri, visiting the lovely retreat center run by Missouri Star Quilt Company.

If we wanted to sleep, we had the most comfortable beds imaginable...

but mostly....we sewed!

Heres' my spot...and my awesome sewing partner, Ibby! What fun we had  sewing, chatting, shopping, eating!

 An unscheduled visit from Jenny Doan herself was an added perk on Sunday!

Of course, no where will you find more quilt shops within walking distance of each other than in Hamilton, Missouri. Fabric bombed trees are good too! 

I'm already looking forward to next year!

Spring Top

The last few days have been so, so, so springlike! Not unlike my newly finished quilt top! 

There are little bits of color popping up everywhere...

I love it!!