Cutting into the fabric







I made a new dress for Isla.
I love this fabric, I found it at the opp shop over a year ago. I wanted to use it to sew something for myself, but I'm beginning to realise that I very rarely actually sew for myself, I have lots of plans and good intensions but other projects always seem to creep in and push their way to the top of the list. I get an idea for a little dress, or some pants for the kids which are so much easier and quicker to make, so my dress or top waits again, for later, when I have a bit more time (yeah, I know I'm fooling myself with the more time bit, ha).
I have a number of these 'special' fabrics sitting on the shelf, which I don't want to cut into, you know, until the perfect project comes along.
But what is the point of them sitting on the shelf and not being appreciated. I hear you agreeing.
So yes, I cut into it, and I'm glad I did.
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This smock top/dress pattern is one I made up for Isla when she was about 9 months old I think, and now, at over two years old, I'm still using it. With the shape of it and the elasticated sleeves and neckline it means it's a very flexible fit. The one I made up originally was a dress and she now wears it as a top.
I added some length to the bottom of this one when I cut it out and I can see that next time I make it up I might actually have to add a bit of width into the sleeves and bodice. Our tiny wee dot of a girl is starting to get a little bit more fat on those bones.

And while I was making this one, I made one for the Etsy shop too - I tend to do this, while I'm there you know, I may as well make two. It's like making a double batch of baking, some for now, some for the freezer :)
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And for the grandmothers/fathers aunties etc, here's a few more photos ;)
xx
This is her mid-conversation I-have-something-really-important-to-tell-you face.
And it's so important and urgent that my brain is working faster than my mouth and I can't quite get the words out.

14 comments

Stella said...

That is so lovely! I wish I had your sewing prowess, how well you dress your children!

melissa said...

so cute!!
love that dress. that fabric is amazing!

Holly C. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

What cute photos, Isla is looking soo big and look at all that hair, surely it has'nt been that long since we last saw you??
Love the dress, if only I had a girl,sigh...

Stella said...

Yes, I did smile when I saw your post with Liam's little trucks all tidily organised! Must be a little boy thing! Sometimes babysitting can be very entertaining

BellaBree said...

love it Hanna! cute wee gal you have there! x

Cotton Kiwi said...

Gorgeous colours. Well done for being brave and cutting into the fabric! I made a couple of the same style peasant top for my girls today out of a vintage sheet and a vintage pillowcase and teamed it with some simple shorts for pyjamas. I love the supersoft feel of vintage sheets. I've just blogged about the pjs.

Heart Felt said...

What a fantastic find ~ the fabric is gorgeous. Isla has grown ~ she is lovely. xx

julie said...

Sweet!
Making dresses for little girls is so much easier than sewing for ourselves. nd so rewarding as long as they will wear them.

Tamara said...

lovely dress, lovely girl! thanks for the inspiration. have a great weekend.

Jessica said...

I absolutely love that little dress! It is so sweet and looks perfect on Isla!

Mee said...

Oh Isla instantly reminds me of Eowyn in the 'very-smiley-toothy' photo!You must send it on to Bry ('cos I simply can't figure out how too on this new computer)!! And she is certainly growing some hair. Thanks for keeping the granmas etc up to date! xx
p.s to Frith-you have one adorable little boy who I'm know wouldn't be any more a treasure as a girl! Besides little girls grow up and don't want to wear ANYTHING mum would like them too!

val of the south said...

I tried your "no-knead" bread recipe today - Fabulous!!

Thanks so much for sharing it!

Amber said...

Awe...that's darling! This makes me want to have a little girl in the house again! :)