Christmas Dress

For the past few months I've had an image in my head for a special holiday dress for Vera. I wanted a gold triangle print for the bodice, peter pan collar, and exposed gold zipper in the back.

I used Butterick's B5912 toddler dress pattern  (view B with the peter pan collar and puff sleeves). The pattern was fairly easy to follow but I had a lot of trouble with the collar. I've sewn peter pan collars before without any problems, but had to rip out the seams twice on the collar of this dress! I didn't love the size and shape of the collar either, so I made a few adjustments. I would probably draft my own collar next time. On the positive side, the sizing was accurate.

I wasn't able to find a metallic triangle print so I decided to make my own. I used DecoArt SoSoft Metallic Fabric Paint in Glorious Gold and made a stencil out of freezer paper. The nice thing about freezer paper is that one side is coated in wax, so you can iron it on to fabric and it will temporarily stick. It's perfect for stencils and cutting out shapes for appliques.

I used premium bleached muslin for the bodice and a cotton/polyester blend broadcloth for the skirt. The skirt looks somewhat gold in the pictures, but it's actually a warm green color...I believe it's called "Avocado".

And I couldn't resist making a coordinating hair clip. It's mistletoe!

Christening Gown

A friend (of a friend) had a baby girl a couple of months ago and asked if I could turn her wedding dress into a christening gown for her daughter. I thought it was such a sweet idea and was glad to help.

I used Burda Kids pattern 9649 . It's a very good pattern with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations. However, the sizing does run a bit large.

I made a few modifications- a peter pan collar instead of a ruffle and extending the skirt lining to full length. I was able to make the gown entirely out of fabric from her wedding dress. The only thing not original to her wedding dress is the snaps.

I also made a matching bonnet (included in the same pattern).

They plan to use this gown for all of their children so I embroidered her daughter's name on the hem of the skirt lining, that way they can add each child's name as they wear it.

Graphic Design Projects

In addition to the album cover I designed earlier this year, I've had the opportunity to work on a few other graphic design projects.

Logo for New Beginnings Bible Church

If you're looking for a church in the Houston area with bible-based teaching, I encourage you to check out New Beginnings.

Logo, Trade Show Banner and Brochure for the Gulf Coast Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Which they made into this nifty lapel pin...

And of course stickers, business cards and other items for Minnie Millery

Hello Aunt Edna

The fresh fabric combination of this romper has a retro vibe, just like your great Aunt Edna! Made from 100% cotton, the Aunt Edna Bubble Romper features a ruffled waistline and ruffled leg openings, three-button closure at back and hidden four snap closure at bottom. The bodice is fully lined and all seams are professionally finished to prevent fraying. Also available as a dress!

The Evelyn Top

Made from 100% cotton, the Evelyn Top features a Peter Pan collar, exposed zipper closure at back and drop waist with peplum detail. Fabric tab behind zipper protects little one's skin. Bodice is fully lined and all seams are professionally finished to prevent fraying. Available in sizes 18 months - 4T.

Triangle Top

Introducing the Triangle Top! Available in sizes 18 months through 4T.

Geranium Dress for Vera

I recently tried out Made By Rae's adorable and versatile Geranium Dress pattern.

I actually made Vera the Geranium top, but hemmed it about half an inch longer than instructed in the pattern so it hits right above the knee. I also made a slight modification to the flutter sleeves to hide the raw edges. I used the same fabric as the Peachy Keen Dress, Mojave in Opaque by Leah Duncan.

My Li'l Cupcake

Vera has a very sweet Halloween costume this year...

It's the Li'l Cupcake Dress!

Flora Tunic

Introducing the Flora Tunic, by Minnie Millery

The Big Bow Accessory Holder: Bunny Love

As promised, I've added another hair accessory holder to my etsy shop.

The Big Bow Hair Accessory Holder

Vera's hair accessories have a new home...

I wanted something that could hold her hair clips as well as head wraps, so I added a loop with a velcro closure at the bottom. It can easily hold a dozen or more clips as well as several head bands or head wraps.

Want one? Lucky you! The Big Bow Accessory Holder is now available in my etsy shop. I am slowly but surely adding different designs and colors so check back soon for more options.

Vera's First Birthday Party

Vera turned one year old last week and we celebrated with family and friends at our home. I chose flowers for the theme and a turquoise, peach, and gold color scheme.

I made tissue paper tassels and hung them over the table along with a paper star I picked up on clearance at my local craft store

Vera's monthly photos were displayed inside the panes of two old windows and decorated with felt flowers.

I made felt flower hair clips for the kids and a bee finger puppet for Vera's only "boy friend" at the party (poor guy was way outnumbered).

I also made my first fondant covered cake using this cake recipe and homemade marshmallow fondant. It's pretty tricky to get the fondant to look smooth and I ended up with quite a few imperfections. I hide most of the flaws with a few strategically placed flowers and think it turned out pretty cute. I also made cupcakes and decorated them with fondant flowers.

I couldn't find a large package of gold polka dot balloons anywhere so I cut circles out of label paper (using my circle cutter) and stuck them onto the balloons.

Vera's #1 corsage...I didn't get any close-up photos of her actually wearing it.

Time for cake!

The best part of the party...

We adapted these plans for the Deluxe Kid Wash and made Vera her very own walk through sprinkler out of PVC pipe! We also had a sprinkle mat out. Both were a big hit with the kids.

Vera's great grandparents (far right) traveled all the way from Kansas to celebrate with her!