Pattern 8

 I'm so excited that I got this Stof Belgian sewing book for Christmas. It was only possible thanks to my wonderful longtime friend who lives in Belgium. I already have plans to create several dresses from this book, but for now here are the first two…

 Project details:
Pattern: Stof book. Pattern 8 with C skirt, which is a basic dress with a straight skirt
Size: 122-128 cm
Notions: 12-14 inch invisible zipper
Lining fabric: white cotton voile for bodice lining

 Fabric for first dress:
Dots & Dashes Multi Poplin 100% cotton from the Lisette collection

 I tried several different colored belts with this dress… red, blue, pink, and neon yellow. The red one I borrowed from the Belgian style dress, the other 3 are just ribbons. My daughters favorite belt is the pink one, of course! Which color belt is your favorite? Or maybe you would prefer it without a belt?

 Fabric for second dress:
Pink/white/black vintage cotton floral (I just recently bought this as a vintage shop, it was 2.75 yards, 36 inches wide for $10, I was so happy there was so much because now I can make more dresses out of it)

 The photo was taken before it was hemmed.

I actually sewed this one up first, I was so excited to start that as soon as I traced the pattern pieces I cut out the fabric. I wondered if I was suppose to add seam allowances. I sewed it up and it is a little too tight/small for the girl (although it fits the dress form perfectly). I looked back in the book, typed the steps in google translate and then discovered that yes you are suppose to add seam allowances! That goes to show you how excited I was, I just dove right in without translating the steps first!

If you are curious to see items made from the patterns in the Stof book check out the Stof flickr group.

Off to sew the next dress using this book…

Origami Collar

 I've been wanting to try this origami collar ever since Suz of sewpony posted the tutorial last month. I've been working on it and the dress these past couple of days and now it's done!

 Project details:
Pattern: Tinny Dress, size 4Y, with mods: sleeveless, fully lined bodice, rolled hem
Tutorial: Origami collar
Fabrics:
bodice: green/blue/white vintage floral (I bought this fabric almost 2 years ago at a vintage shop. It was 1 2/3 yards, 36 inches wide for $8.00)
bodice lining: white cotton voile
circle skirt: modern large blue polka dot, "England Swings" by Rebekan Merkle for Timeless Treasures Fabrics
origami collar: dark blue chambray
bias tape on waist seam: dark blue chambray
Notions: invisible zipper

 Everything came from my stash except the invisible zipper.

Well, this was an experiment for me, mixing patterned fabrics, mixing vintage and modern fabrics, and I rarely sew with green, but overall I'm glad I took the risk.

I'm really pleased with the look of this origami collar, it's such an interesting detail. Maybe you'd like to try adding an origami collar to one of your future girl dresses.

LEGO Valentines 2014

 These will be our class Valentines for this year. We decided to put together LEGO rings and a little LEGO play set.

We got all of the LEGO bricks from the pick-a-brick wall at a LEGO store.

 I bought 50 adjustable silver ring blanks with glue pad on etsy.

It's easy to attach a flat 2X2 LEGO brick to the ring with E-6000 glue.

 A variety of unique LEGO pieces can create all different types of rings.

 And the little play set is a fence, bench and 2 red flowers ~ too cute!

I did the same packaging as last year when I made the LEGO mailbox necklaces.

A LEGO minifigure crayon was also added.

I have 50 of these to make, so I better get back to work!

18-Inch Doll Reversible Skirt

 For Christmas my girl got her first 18-inch doll (she was named Jazelle). Of course now I am super excited to sew doll clothes for her. I whipped up all these cute little doll skirts. Would you like to sew one, too? Click HERE for the free pattern and tutorial on the Oliver + S blog.

Happy doll clothes sewing!

Gray Linen School Photo Dress

 It has been too long (2 years ago) since I've sewn up the School Photo Dress. Sharon from Sweet Pea and Pumpkins hosted a School Photo Dress sew along last week, sharing tutorials Part 1 and Part 2 for the dress on the Oliver + S blog, it was just the motivation I needed to jump in and sew another one. And what a bonus that everything came from my stash, I thankfully didn't have to go out in the frigid cold weather to purchase anything.

 Project details:
Pattern: Oliver + S School Photo Dress (difficulty level 3 out of 4 scissors) view A collar with view B sleeves
Size: 6-12M
Modifications: sewn up by the pattern, but just a few changes in the finishing details: I omitted the button & thread loop at the back of the collar, for the armhole seams I finished them with bias tape, and I hand sewed the lining to the back of the invisible zipper
Fabrics: gray linen, white cotton voile lining (perfect fabrics for warmer temperatures)
Notions: 10 inch invisible zipper, hook and eye closure
Made for: Dress a Girl Around the World

 The School Photo dress is my favorite Oliver + S design (gotta love that kangaroo pocket). All the 3 out of 4 scissors Oliver + S sewing patterns are couture for kids, you won't be disappointed.

The calendar has turned to 2.0.1.4 ~ may it be a year filled with fun sewing!