From Pinterest to Reality {A dress}

There are many reasons why I am not a math teacher but measuring just might be one fo them. I was so excited to drag out my sewing machine from its long hiatus in the hall closet and work on a project for Elle. Plus the pospect of some baby free time thanks to my inlaws I knew I could whip out a couple dresses. My 15 month old is just now fitting into 12 month clothing so I followed the 12 month guide on my pattern cutting a fabric length of 19 inches knowing I would hem an inch off the bottom and an inch of the top for the ties. That makes 17 inches give or take and my baby is 29 inches tall so her dress should be knee length right...
From Pinterest:

ShwinandShwin Blog via Pinterest

To Reality:

Her picture is a dress from the Gap and then a link to a tutorial for a dress, I knew I couldn't tackle sleeves so I decided just to add tulle to the bottom of my pillowcase dress which I can do with my eyes closed. I just tacked pleats on and decided another row was needed for fullness. They came out so cute--even if they are evening gown length!

Pinnable Me--On my Craft List

Etsy via me via Pinterest
i want to use this fabric to make these

Sewing in No man's Land via me via Pinterest


and I would love to try these
JameeHomemakerBlog via Kelly Rogers via Pinterest

Join the link up party at paw prints and pastry bags

Yet another easy sewing project

So I was inspired by the craft challenge on somewhat simple and made this crayon cozy


No crayons in it yet--forgot those at school. It was very easy with the help of this tutorial on Skip to my Lou. I whipped this up in about 30 minutes--I struggle with the cutting and measuring!

I did it!

My first sewing project (beyond the appliques)--a set of smocked sundresses for some friends of ours with 2 little girls. I used this Martha Stewart tutorial, which has a small video with parts of the directions. Next time I will measure the length before doing the smocking and everything(the tutorial has it as the last step) but its hard to make a straight hem on a sewed dress I found. Also the straps look a little off to me so that might need to be changed. This is Michael Miller Bubbles fabric, I found it at a local fabric store but I have seen it online and on Etsy, perfect for fall with a little long sleeved shirt or onesie underneath.

Do you sew?

So I just got a sewing machine and have been really enjoying it. I want to try something beyond my appliques but I am scared. I sometimes have a perfection complex! I want to make some dresses for the little girls of some friends and family. I have serious baby fever and I am practicing so when we do have a little one my sewing skills will be better. Anyways I found whimsy couture on etsy, people rave about her patterns and tutorials. She is hosting a giveaway on her blog so hop on over and enter if you are also a budding seamstress! I really want to make this...

or this