This weekend introduced many chaotic challenges. We celebrated Lily and Molly's birthday. I made matching dresses. I put together a swingset. I exhausted our supply of bandaids and calamine lotion. But the fruits of my labor paid off. Case in point, this darling dress. The colors reminded me of a Mexican fiesta. But for the blue and purple, it nearly matched the pinata.I made it with a gathered neck that cinches with yellow polka dot ties with crochet flowers at the ends. A little pink, yellow and orange patterned apron ties at the mid section. And best of all, I made a ruffled bloomer that sticks out underneath. In fact, it was the ruffles that initially reminded me of a pinata....layered and square.
When I designed the length of this dress I was reminded of some of the vintage children's patterns I've seen lately. Most of them have lengths that come just under the butt with bloomers to match the dress. As you can see in the picture to the right this was the look I was going for.As for the pinata, you can see what was left of its carcass below. Think 'Lord of Flies' when they slaughter the pig. Who knew preschoolers had so much aggression to release?
The rest of the party went great too! Lily was a little shy but eventually broke out of her shell....after most of the guests said their goodbyes:) She gets really overwhelmed by a crowd. If you like to see more pics of the party. See them here on The tumtum tree.
Believe it or not, this IS a giveaway. I made an extra 2-4T dress for Grosgrain. Yup, that's three dresses in one weekend (phew, I'm tired). It looks just like the one Lily is wearing. I could not quite bear to part with the originals seeing as they had sentimental value.
PLUS, if you leave a comment I will include the most darling matching bobby pin barrets, see below.
Last day for posts is FRIDAY 7/18/08. Winner will be announced SUNDAY morning!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this pinafore just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Create a Link! <Click on this link!
Create a Link! <Click on this link!
121 comments (SHARE YOURS!):
You must be exhausted Kathleen! Your girls look absolutely adorable and they look like they had a great time!!
The new dress is so cute and festive looking!! I love the vintage length your talking about too! So cute!!
Have a wonderful week and relax a little!!
Sherry
Those little bloomers are too cute. I have always felt bloomers should come with dresses until a little girl goes into middle school. A girl shouldn't have to worry about her unders showing while she's on the playground or climbing trees in her dress. Middle school is usually when the playground issue is no longer a problem.
These little dresses you made are just too much! Hope your little one had the most special day ever.
Seriously, you make me sick (in a good way)!! How do you do it? I just look at all your beautiful clothes you make and just drool and drool. I'm starting to sew my little sugarbear some clothes, but holy crow - the things you come up with blow me away. I especially love the way you present your giveaways! Icecream frock, pinata dress, etc. you are so full of imagination (and follow through!)!! Thanks for the inspiration, hopefully one day I'll be as good as you.
this is just too cute, my little princess would look amazing in this, so we're crossing her fingers...she asked me why lily was wearing a candy necklace and i said that i didn't know, she goes "duh, mawmy, it's a'cause she likes candeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" LOL so true
Once again, you have outdone yourself! Absolutely Amazing!
Your talent is amazing. How on earth did you make three dresses? So cute. It reminds me a bit of a dress I had for Mari last year that I got at Gymboree but yours is so much cuter. The bloomers are to die for. Seriously- open a store. Make millions. You will I swear.
I think this cute little dress and matching bloomers is just adorable. You always seem to come up with the cutest funnest ideas for clothes
She is so cute and I love her dress!! Very fiesta!!
cpullum@yahoo.com
I really love your work. So very talented!
Your AMAZING!!! Wish I had your energy and skills!LOVE LOVE LOVE these outfits! Too Adorable!!!
Cute matching dresses!!
I love the bloomers of that dress!! You are SO creative!! Do you sell your awesome creations? I would be the first in line to buy if you do!!
Very cute. Not only are you an amazing seamstress but you take great photos. Your girls are adorable.
If my girls see this I will be required to make them adorable matching outfits as well. As always - the dress is amazing & love the bloomers.
Well those are just as cute as can be! I don't think there is anything cuter than a short dress with stubby little legs poking out on a preschooler. Great job on the barettes, too.
Most definitly my favorite outfit I've seen you make thus far... I love how you dress your little girls like little girls instead of trying to make them look like little women. Your blog has inspired me more than you'll ever know... not only with the sewing but with your photography as well. Job well done!!!
You are awesome!! I love EVERYTHING about the whole dress! I would love to win it! Thanks for the chance!
I LOVE this dress, bloomers are my favorite. Plus, I have a weakness for anything Spanish-inspired! Thanks for all the giveaway opportunities! The party looked fun!
You are amazing! Wow! I could never even sew one of these let alone two. I just found your blog and I must say it is very inspirational. Thank you!
Roo needs one of your dresses. One of these days, we need to win... this would be super cute for her to wear for her brother's first birthday.
Seriously, you don't disappoint! I check your blog just about everyday to see what awesome creation you have come up with:)
Darling! Especially love the bloomers!
I'm totally jealous of your sewing skills! That's such a cute dres!! I linked you on my blog (hope I did it right!). So consider me entered in this terrific contest!
Good work and thanks for thinking of us. I am lovin the little undie covers... you inspire me!
This is absolutely darling! I can't believe what a cute design you made. I just love this!
doot65[at]comcast[dot]net
Too cute, as always! I love your pictures for all of your giveaway posts!! You're really talented! Blogged HERE
bunnybox9 at gmail . com
another beautiful creation :)
thanks so much for this great opportunity!!
moore.g at insideconnect.net
So darling! I love the bloomers! Another great creation and giveaway..Thanks!
awww this brings back happy memories of when my mother used to make my sisters and I all matching outfits for christmas, gosh I loved them such good times
Your girls will adore looking back on these photos in yrs to come and remember fondly what good times you all had!
all that effort is worth it!
The dresses are super cute!
Too cute !!!!
luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net
The other morning my five year old happily complimented me when she said my hair looked like a piñata. I just smiled, said "thank you" and went upstairs to brush my hair.
I do love your designs - they are all so different. I am waiting for the day you announce that you are starting your own children's couture line.
I've started reading your blog daily, because I just LUV LUV LUV your stuff!
Amazing talent!!! You've inspired me to learn how to sew. ;)
ilrcrystal@yahoo.com
this dress would look perfect on my Hillary with her dark skin. I love all the little dresses you make - I wish I had that talent.
OK, why can I not do the link thing?! I keep trying, but my link never shows up! This outfit is entirely too cute; I thought nothing could surpass the rooster rick rack number for me, but this little pinafore is adorable! What a great outfit for your little girl's big day!
Here's the post I couldn't add to your link list:)
http://cuddlecottage.blogspot.com/2008/07/grosgrain-piata-pinafore-giveaway.html
This dress is so cute and would adorable on my little sister (2 1/2) I love all your work. It's great!
You are inspiring! How do you do it all? I love looking at your fresh designs for your girls. I love the length of this dress! I like to show off my daughter, Cameron's chubby thighs!
Those are too cute. You are super-talented!
Gosh - this is just beautiful! My sister is also sewing big time (Irish Step Dancing Solo Dresses) and the labor is incredible... I feel lucky to get my buttons in the right holes most the time...
Love the dress - hope my little Empress wins....
Missy - Mom to the Empress & Emperor
Your cute creations never cease to amaze me. Love those ruffly bloomers!
MY GOODNESS!! I've just discovered your blog and I'm just BLOWN AWAY by your talent and creativity! I've just discovered sewing for my girls. I'm such a beginner. I think you are my new Idol! If only I had the skill. Do you use patterns? Or just create them yourself! Good Work! I LOVE your taste! Isn't it just so fun sewing dresses and then watching your little ones live in them? That's half the fun in sewing for me!
Those little yellow bloomers are the cutest thing ever!!! LOVE IT! I would love to see my little girl toddle around in that!
This is a great dress. I can't belive you sewed sooo much this weekend, put together a swing and then hosted a party with a pinata and preschoolers. You are a busy woman!
I will keep my fingers crossed on all of these, I love to see your newest creations!
And your photography is amazing! What type of camera are you using?
HA! This looks like a blast...if you don't have to plan it. lol. I love that they have matching ones.
What a pretty dress!
You're so inspiring! I wish you would sell your patterns, they are so unique, yet classic! Love them!
wow! you have an amazing talent! ANd I have just the models for it!!
We are always up for a fiesta at our house. Marisol would look darling in this outfit. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
Okay, I hope I am doing this right. I have two links on my blog now....
I really want to win!
I am highly impressed at how you are able to balance your time and still accomplish so much! what a good mama you are :-) I blogged about this sweet dress (I am picturing it on my niece) on my blog - http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2008/07/piata-pinafore-giveaway.html
Wow! Beautiful Dresses and beautiful girls, now that is one talented mommy! I traveled onto your blog from Carmel Turtle, and my daughter and I could like to enter the contest! I love your blog, and I'm going to add a post link to mine now!
Cheers,
Dani
How adorable! You have quite a talent. Lori @benettboo@hotmail.com
Wow I am so impressed!! Wish I knew how to sew like that!
Hope I win!
Denise
The "Cent"sible Sawyer
the pinafore is just so cute that it would look great on all my nieces. LOL. I have quite a few so deciding who would get it would be quite a chore for me. LOL. just darling. I left a link on my blog about it.
I can't get over the precious little yellow ruffles!
I linked you on my blog so consider me one step closer to having a tiney hiney with yellow ruffles covering it! *SQUEE* (my daughter's not mine silly!)
Too cute!! Thanks for inspiring others!!
I have two girls (2T and 4T)that I LOVE to match ... we would love this!!!!
jillandneil@hotmail.com
thegalyangang.blogspot.com
If mothers everywhere had an ounce of your creativity just think how beautiful this world would be! Thank you for being so inspirational to me!
That is absolutely gorgeous! You are so talented!!!
I tried to create a link on my blog, hope it worked!!!
http://inkspirations.blogspot.com/2008/07/today-i-have-been-feeling-kind-of-blah.html
Well here we all are; you have a following! Here we are drooling all over your website while you're busy pumping out creations.
This is an absolute ta die for! I pride myself on not being jealous of others but if I don't win... I may break my record.
This reminds me of Shirley Temple and her bloomers! Love it!
The little yellow bloomers are my fave! Your girls look like they had a fun weekend! Take a break this week tho, you deserve it after 3 dresses! :) I'm putting up the link so I'm crossing my fingers I get lucky!
Chambrae
You are so talented! The dress is beautiful. Rylee would look adorable, as would any other little girl, in that dress.
I LOVE this little outfit! You are sooo talented! I can't believe you just give these away....
Anyways, I posted a link on my blog, I hope I did this right!!lol!
They are so cute in them dresses. You did a beautiful job making them and you should be very proud of yourself not to mention very tired doing all 3 in such a short time. unfortunately I can't sew at all so I am very envious. I wish I had your talent. Thank you for the opportunity to enter.
Sooo cute! Your girls are precious too!x
You are just so talented!! I wish I had your creativity. I love the bloomers :-)
Just stumbled across your site and am so amazed at the beautiful things you create! I just inherited my first sewing machine (everything has been sewn by hand up until now!) so will have to revisit your blog for inspiration! Thankyou!
OOOO how fun....I just posted your info on my blog.....you are very talented!!
My little "Tutu Monkey" would love to fiesta in this little cutie!!
Oh those little bloomers just make the outfit! So cute!!
So darling- I especially like the little bloomers-we call them bummies at our house! Baby Felicity would love to grow into that darling thing... too cute.
Again....LOVE your work! You inspired me to do a giveaway of my own...of course not half as cool! You really need to sell these....my husband would probably disagree because it would be one more place our vacation money would be spent! ;) Keep 'em coming.
Hi, I can't even sew a button on correctly. Your pinafore is too adorable. Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hi! I saw a link to your blog on "Empress Fussy Pants" and had to comment. Your work is fantastic!!!!
You are serously a genius. Your dresses are so lovely! I think you should go into boy clothes too... :)
Great dresses - my daughter would love it!
Beautiful! I found your blog and I've looked at everything and am amazed by your talents! This is so sweet and adorable. I have a little girl that would fit that perfectly! I hope I win. :) Have fun sewing, I'm sure I'll check in often!
absolutely adorable!!!
Oh, wow. They are the sweetest little pinatas ever! Love the variation on the rhumba pants!
This looks like something you would find at Gymboree. It's soo cute. I bought a sewing machine last year in hopes to start sewing clothes for my daughters since everything is so expensive now. But every time I try it looks horrible or I just give up. I must say your blog is very inspirational even if it's not meant to be. Thank you.
those are way too precious. i hope i win. i am so impressed, i can barely get one thing sewn a month. the toddler seems to consume most of my time
OH.MY.GOODNESS!
My sweet little baby MUST have this adorable little dress. I am imagining her in it right...oh.. yes, she's stinkin' cute!!
What a fun giveaway and here's to hoping I win this spankin' cute little dress!!
You know I would love to win one of your give-a-ways for Olivia, but I can't seem to figure out how...and how much would I have to pay to get the ice cream social black and white polka dot dress in my size??? Only about 4 more weeks to go, miss you! Seriously though, how do I sign up!
Darling dress-adorable girls. I have a princess that would look equally as adorable.
Christa
wow, so cute!! the pictures and dress are gorgeous!
How adorable!
I would be thrilled to win one of these dresses.
Linda
I love the bloomers and of course the dress too!! Okay so I just lov the whole outfit!!! You are awesome!
Oh my goodness! this is just too darn cute!!
And I am so excited. the "create a link" finally worked!!
thanks!
I found your link through a friend when she posted a picture of this adorable dress! You are VERY talanted and creative, this dress is absolutly darling!!!
I love the retro look of these dresses, and they look absolutely darling on your little girls.
I love the things you do!
Oh my goodness! Those are such cute dresses! There is nothing as cute as a ruffled butt!
These are so cute, I had to stop cleaning (at the risk of being caught by my almost 3 year old!). Your girls are adorable too! I will definitely be back for more inspiration.
Beautiful pinafores. Your girls look so cute in them. I have 2 girls too and I am always on the look-out for new styles of dresses I can sew for them.
You are very talented, I hope I can sew like that one day. :)
Tracy
very cute dress! we have a cute little girl it would look great on! :)
Although I don't know you, I feel like a kindred spirit. I love the dress! especially the bloomers.
You are a new discovery for me and what a great discovery it is! I love your work!
Very cute dresses!!! How do you have time to do all that. I admire your creativity.
I left my poem on the wrong giveaway - so now that I am in the right place, here goes:
My little one Piper
She still wears a diaper
But one day she'll wear a dress.
And when that day comes,
when all's said and done,
without your dress she'll be a mess!
(It's adorable)
Karen@lulufish.com
What a talent you have!
Keep smilin!
You are amazing!!!! How do you have the time to make these gorgeous things and give them all away? I've seen links to your blog all over the blogosphere! I hope you keep some for yourself!
So absolutely precious I'd be luck to just win the hair bows!
Adorable!
crossing my fingers (and toes!) I never win anything but maybe this adorable dress will be my big break!!
Holy wow! That pinafore is gorgeous!!! WOW! And that bloomer! Man! I am in love!
WOW! You're work is beautiful!!! Love the dresses and outfits you make- just amazing!!!
So cute! I'd love to be able to bust those out in a weekend! Thanks for the giveaway!
Happy birthday again, girls!
hey, you don't know me, but I stumbled across your blog when my friend had posted to check yours out! Wow! You exhaust me!:) I think it's awesome to see so much love and energy for your girls. They say to enjoy the moments now, 'cuz they grow up and you just have memories and pics that can fade away if we aren't careful! Your daughters are adorable! I love the matching outfits! I have two adorable girls as well, one is just 2 and the other will turn one in Aug. I love dressing them the same too! We actually are expecting another, it was quite the surprise and the shock hasn't worn off. I feel sick and have no energy, but seeing posts like this, gives me the reason to pick myself up and enjoy the moments with my little ones and have fun with them while I can. I plan on making them christmas dresses, so wish me luck! THank you for your festive post!
The bloomers are absolutely to DIE for! I've been searching for some for my teeny stepdaughter and having such a tough time finding any. Keep up the amazing work!
Wow, that is beautitful!!! I can hardly believe you are actually going to give it away!
It would look fabulous on my little Naomi!
Julie
i found your site today and love it! I would also love to enter you giveaways, however my blog is private and can only be viewed by friends. I created a link to your current giveaways, but don't think you'll be able to see it- can I be entered anyway?
-jennifer
Cute Cute Cute... Who doesn't love ruffley bloomers!!!! The colors are so bright and citrus-y!
I am not quite sure where I found your blog but here I am and my little Alexia would look fabulous in that amazing outfit!
HOw do you do it?! I am just amazed how the adorablness of your creations!
Oh, this one is so darling! I still am in awe of your talents! To be able to design new and fabulous dresses weekely is truly amazing!
~emily
Hi,
I linked you! Would love to see my little darling in this ADORABLE dress.
You have an amazing skill.. I would buy your dresses!!
I linked you on my blog! I love this outfit. What a wonderful gift you have for creating such beautiful clothing.
Their Birthday party looked liked it was so much fun!!! The bloomers are my favorite part of the dress! I have a 16 month old and I will be having twins next month (1 boy/1 girl) and I have already bought some matching things for them. Your girls look beautiful.
I added a link to my blog, but forgot to leave a comment letting you know!!
Cute cute dresses!!
I also forgot to leave a comment, we had already posted a linky on our blog for this cute lil' dress:
http://kristiniac.blogspot.com/2008/07/pinata-pinafore-giveaway.html
What an absolutely adorable little dress!! It would look great on my little girl, so I hope I win the giveaway!!
Oh my I would love to win that. IT is a gorgeous dress! mnowac@gmail.com
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