skip to main |
skip to sidebar
What's your favorite holiday past time? One of ours includes baking. Lily loves to help pour the sugar, scoop the dough and of course eat the rewards. This frock is *just right* for those little helpers who look forward to Christmas, not just for the toys but the moments with Mommy in the kitchen.
The outfit is made up of two parts. The white cotton dress underneath is gathered at the top with a thin collar and puff sleeves. Yellow buttons line the front. The skirt is flattering in an a-line shape.
This dress, like the one before is so versatile since the fit is loose and gathered by the ties in the back.
The apron was modeled after the patterns of the 50s. I used a retro material and paired it with a burnt orange trim. I think I want one in an adult size:)
The shape reminds me of an upsidedown tulip.
Lily's little helper in the photos is the little Lela doll courtesy of Rubyellen from Cakies. She has added the most adorable dolls to her shop. Soft and sweet and happy to help you bake cookies to eat:)
The Lela doll in the photos is included in the giveaway! You should enter for her alone! I think she would be a perfect post-Christmas surprise.
Oh I just had a thought, wouldn't it have been adorable to have Lela peeping out of the door holding a shaker of salt? Ugh. I always think of these things a little to late.
That's our antique refrigerator. No, it doesn't work any longer. But it does hold telephone and cookbooks really well! And occasionally functions as a junk closet when guests suddenly stop by.I purchased the fabric at a tiny, hidden basement store in Amish Country. I actually passed a horse and buggy on my way there. While I perused the isles I could hear women behind the counter speaking heavy Dutch. It's pretty far for me to travel but it sells hard to find remnants like Amy Butler and Henry Alexander.
I must mention that this place, I would never had discovered if not for my new friend Chelia who I met through this blog! Speaking of aprons she sells them and more in her own etsy shop! Metals and Thread. She has a cute little polka dot dress that I love in there now.
My favorite touch was the matching scarf. Looks totally retro!
And yes, I know those aren't sugar cookies. But all we had were chocolate chip. Hopefully you will forgive me:)
I would say that this dress would fit a 3T-5T:)
Last day for posts is Wednesday 12/31/08. Winner will be announced Friday!
If the winning blog also leaves a comment I will include the matching head scarf.
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress 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
Every year I try to give something both handmade and store bought. I give both because some people just like store bought items and that's okay too. But giving a handmade gift is also a gift to me because I love to impress others with my handiwork. Last year I gave these handmade dolls to Lily. I had wanted to make twelve, a unique one for each country, but somehow time got away from me and only made four.
I found the tutorial in a Martha Stewart Kids but when I went on their website there was no tutorial to be found....LIKE NONE. I really scoured and came up with squat. But I thought they were such smart, sweet idea that I decided to post it for you myself.
Molly likes to rub the African doll into her face. I think she likes her ponytails. This year, my friend Abi requested that I make one for her daughter Gracie. I thought a cute idea might be to make one that looks like her and then sew one that resembles Lily. I have this idea where they are happily playing make-believe with their respective dolls (quietly of course, it is a dream).
MATERIALS:
Doll template
10 x 18 inch piece of washable fabric (body)
10 x 10 inch piece of jersey knit cotton (skin: face, hands, feet)
matching thread
embroidery floss (for features: black, brown, blue, or green for eyes; shades of red or pink for mouth)
Yarn (for hair)
batting
scissors
straight pin
INSTRUCTIONS:
Choose the yarn for the hair with care; alpaca works for straight hair, and bouclé has built-in curls. For shorter curls, embroider mohair yarn directly to head and brush slightly.
1. Use the template. Fold a 10-by-18-inch piece of washable fabric (for body) end to end, right sides facing; lay template on fabric with dotted lines of shoulders on fold, and cut out along solid lines; pin. From a nearly 10-inch square of cotton jersey (for skin), cut a 3-by-7-inch strip (for head) and four 2-inch squares (for hands and feet).
2. Starting at bottom outer edge of one leg, stitch up side to end of arm, with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat on other side of body. Sew inner edges of the legs. Notch curves on body. Fold head rectangle in half lengthwise; pin. Starting at the fold, stitch a curved shape across short end, as shown, and continue stitching down open side; snip away excess fabric, keeping 1/8-inch seam allowance. Turn both pieces right side out.
3. Cut three 2-by-7-inch strips of wool or polyester batting; lay in star shape, as shown. Roll more batting into a 2-inch ball; place on star. Bring strips up and around ball; use a chopstick and your fingers to push batting inside head. Head should be firm; add more batting if necessary, smoothing with fingers.
4. Tie thread the same color as skin around head below ball to create a neck. Stitch bottom opening closed. For hands and feet, place 1-inch ball of batting on each square; bundle, tying with thread.
5. Stuff body, but not as firmly as head. Use gathering stitch to tighten neck opening. Slip head into neck opening. With a doubled length of skin-colored thread, whipstitch head to body, folding under raw edge of body. Repeat for hands and feet.
6. Use pins to mark placement of features. Sew on yarn (for hair) in loops; to keep it in place, make an extra, tiny anchoring stitch at the end of every loop. For features, insert a needle threaded with embroidery floss through the back of the head and out at a pin. Stitch features; needle should exit at the back of the head. Tie off.
7. Snip loops of hair, and fluff. Use your fingers to shape the face.
The holidays have been so inspiring for me this month. There are just too many countless occasions to wear a special dress. This time of year just brings out the best in formal fashion!
The style of this frock I fell in love with a long time ago. I modeled it after the dresses I discovered at Shabby Apple. So if this is something that you would like for your own closet, you should head on over.
For a small clothing company their prices are surprisingly affordable! Just what I love this time of year:)I think the most memorable part of this frock would be the popped collar. So retro! The look is so sophisticated yet adorable on my four year-old.
The dress is great for so many sizes because the front opens and closes with a wrap that ties at the front in a lovely bow. I had never made a wrap dress before but it was surprisingly easy to figure out. AND, THE BEST PART, no zipper to sew in.
I used a dark violet material with a little bit of a sheen giving it a holiday feel. I found it at a local fabric store for only $1 a yard!!!! And it was exactly what I was looking for. Doesn't it just make your day when you find something like that?
Hah, I just noticed, if you look close enough you can see me in the photo to the right. And yes, I am wearing my pajamas in the middle of the day.
The inside of the frock has a sweet spotted pattern under the skirt. The bottom half of the frock is gathered and fills out in a flattering A-line shape.
I love the violet flower headband I found for the photos. I bought it at Forever 21....another one of my favorite places to waste my money.
I think the dress would look great paired some silver ballet flats. I just couldn't find any in time for these photos.
I almost want to make another one for Lily to wear on Christmas. I just think the fit is so flattering, even on a four year-old. Perhaps I should just make one for myself. Or perhaps someone should just buy me the Shabby Apple one (hint, hint, family) preferable in "duck beach", size xxs;)
I would say that this dress would fit a 3T-5T:)
Last day for posts is Monday 12/22/08. Winner will be announced Wednesday morning!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress 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
Just in time for Christmas Grosgrain Store will be offering a holiday sale!
For three weeks only, I will be offering all inventory at only $14.95!!
But the sale will end New Year's Eve so be sure to stop by before the big ball drops on 2008!
One more thing....the reversible shirts left in inventory will be the last. They just cost a fortune to make and didn't sell as well as the skirts. So if you would like a shirt be sure to catch them while you can!
And and one more thing....HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Create a Link!
As you may have noticed, I've been designing my newest clothes in time for holiday related occasions. This post is no different.
I can't tell you how much easier it is to photograph Lily indoors. Don't get me wrong, I still love the outdoor photos for their beautiful light and atmosphere but obviously, indoor shots have their own perks.
I told Lily that the reward for posing would be a chocolate cake. I think she was skeptical because when I opened it for the photo she had this look of surprise and glee!
I made this dress with a party in mind. It comes in three holiday colors green, silver and pink. Pink? You might say....well, I thought it could be fun for a New Year's get together and honestly, how can you 'not' make a party dress in pink?! The giveaway is for the green dress only.
They are made from a shimmery party taffeta material. Underneath the inverted pleat skirt I added a pillow of tulle to really emphasize the fullness of the bottom. The top is fitted and sleeveless.
In the end, I was really impressed with the fit and shape of the dress. I think I want one for my own New Year's Eve party. Of course, I would choose an impractical sleeveless dress to freeze off my butt all night. I just can't help but think that the look of bare arms is so feminine.
After all the photos were shot I let Lily and Molly really go at the pictured slice. I let them alone with the piece for five minutes. In those few moments they took it upon themselves to not only eat the cake but apply it like makeup, decorate the carpet with it and forgo the civility of forks instead using what tools God gave them.
If the winning blog also leaves a comment I will include the matching green headband in the photos.
I would say that this frock would fit a 3T-4T:)
Last day for posts is Wednesday 12/17/08. Winner will be announced Friday morning!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this frock 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.
ONE MORE THING, I've decided to revisit my other blog The TumTum Tree. It will feature personal posts, interesting internet finds and the occasional TV show rant. It probably won't be updated daily but at least a few times per week.
And no, I did NOT make that cake. I bought it at Giant. You can tell it is storebought by the way it does 'not' slope to one side:)
Create a Link!
Just in time for the holiday gift giving, Scribble It has agreed to host a giveaway on Grosgrain! Just link back to this post and be entered to win a $20 gift card to Scribble It. In case you haven't heard of them by now, Scribble It creates pre-made and custom vinyl decals for your home, business and car. Great for sharing with family, friends. And they've offered fantastic new items since they're last giveaway on this blog, like monograms and....my favorite- their custom portrait silhouettes. So chic!
Scribble It decals are custom, unique and personalized to fit your style. They use only quality vinyl and it comes to you pre-spaced, with a removable backing, allowing you to apply your entire Scribble at once and not worry about lining each letter individually. Once applied your Scribble will look flawless against the wall, tile, front door or other surface of your choice.
Want a change? How do you remove your Scribble? If you decide to remove your Scribble from your wall or if you choose to replace them with a new one, our Scribbles will not damage the surface and are easily removed. Simply slip your fingernail under each letter and pull it away from the wall, if it offers resistance, warm with a hair dryer set on low.
Last day for posts is Sunday 12/07/08. Winner will be announced Tuesday morning!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this gift card 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
Like not spending money?