Sewing for Sweet Sis

I am always busy with a sewing project for my daughter Sweet Sis.  I sew often out of the love of sewing, and I sew often out of the need to sew for my daughter.  I am not impressed with what the world has to offer for clothing for little girls (and bigger girls too).  It can be suggestive, revealing, and not in-line with modest principles.  Even play dresses found in stores are very short, and the minute she jumps, runs, or plays on playground equipment, all modesty is thrown out the window.  As the children grow, my time is devoted more and more to homeschooling with all that it entails, and I cannot make every single clothing item.  But I cannot compromise our strong beliefs.  So, I have been modifying clothing when I have time and working on a new dress once or twice a month.  I modify by adding a very wide piece of eyelet lace/edging or a wide piece of knit material.  It won't work on every dress, but it is worth doing on those that I can.  Here are some pictures of examples that I have done this past month:

Sewing & Running!

I always have a sewing project in progress and most of the time multiple projects! Today I finished a dress for Sweet Sis from a new pattern I purchased called Lizzy by Bonnie Blue Designs.  I purchased the fabric from SewBaby and it is a very good quality cotton. I am learning how important quality fabric is in the lay and appearance of one's garment. The standard Joann's Fabric does not cut it for all garments!  I added significant length to the pattern but think I could have shortened it by 2 inches. The dress is about one size too big, which is the correct size to sew. Next month she will be growing into it!

Sewing Creations

Sewing dresses and clothing for Lil' Sis brings me great fulfillment.  It also gives me the ability to provide clothing that is less expensive (if I obtain fabric and notions on sale) and that which we feel brings honor to the Lord.  She enjoys helping me by picking up pins and poking them into their cushion and handing them back to me.  One day, I look forward to her sewing up creations with me! 

Sew Crazy!

I could either be "so" crazy, or "sew" crazy! I think right now I am so crazy for going sew crazy! Ahh, I crack myself up. Anywho, here is a stash of fabric I just purchased to begin a quilt challenge between my Mother-in-Law and I. Back in June when we were able to visit, we decided to encourage each other to do a bit of sewing every month. We agreed on a wonderful pattern and book that we each liked, Flower Pots, That Patchwork Place, by Cindy Lammon.

I am excited to begin our first block, Flower Basket. Here is a sneak-look at what mine is supposed to look like, with different fabric selection of course.

I am excited and yet nervous to start. I forget sometimes that sewing is supposed to be fun and not a drudgery. I often get "sew" wrapped up in accomplishing x, y, and z, that I forget to just enjoy these moments - especially of sewing little dresses and collared barn shirts for the children. I enjoy having a task list and really don't like to have unfinished projects but often have 3, 4, or 5 projects going on all at once. I forget to breath and not stress over my own expectations. I do want to have fun and have it be a stress relief instead of a stressor! I will post as I complete various blocks. The first month is September and we are doing one block a month. The flower basket block is created 7 times, so it will be fun to make each one look slightly different. Here is a look at my fabric stash! The fabrics are not quilt-shop quality due to my very limited budget, but I think it will look nice anyway.

Sew Running Around!

Country Needles here. In between stitches, literally, I will update you on my sewing adventures. I have been busy for certain! A special little lady in my life just turned 9, and I had to treat her to some sewing creations. My first project, and most intricate, is a pleated, smocked, and sewn top called "Pony Club". It is a beautiful top that is perfect for that older little girl. Unfortunately, this top turned out to be a very challenging project that shouldn't have been. Another experienced seamstress and I have concluded the pattern (which came from AS&E (Australian Smocking & Embroidery) #98), might not have been vetted to its fullest, a small risk when using patterns that come from magazines. But, I have it completed now.

I was able to give her a beautiful apple print jumper, and two Gypsy skirts - one for her and a matching one for her little sister (and my daughter), plus I am finishing up a 2nd apple jumper for her little sister and a tiny jumper for her special doll, Emily. I have smocked a dress for Laura, so it only needs to be assembled. *Pictures coming soon!*

Coming of Age Tradition

Coming of Age - what exact age does that define? I believe it is referring to courtship age, but not sure. Well, we certainly don't have that age in our family (and hope we won't for a long time!), but we consider it a right of passage in our family when a child begins to read, and can read well enough to read the Bible during family worship time. So we buy the child's very own Bible (other than the one they get when they are dedicated as a baby). It is a surprise day and one in which I make a Bible Cover for them. With Kind Heart, we bought his Bible this summer at our favorite place while on our traveling adventures. So, I finally was able to finish sewing his cover. He picked out the fabric! Now, he is happy to tote around his Bible and show his friends.

Lil' Farmer's Farm Shirt

Yep, you guessed it! Our Lil' Farmer wanted a Farm Shirt. He has been such a blessing and a joy to us - a true gift from the Lord. He has been asking for a farm shirt for quite some time. My first sewing project to "get back on the horse" - so to speak, had to be to make our littlest boy his request. It took me about 3 hours from a few yards of fabric to his finished shirt. I split it into two nights and enjoyed the time chatting with dear Professor as he worked.

What will it be?

Let's see, what will it be? And for whom? Can you guess?

And a hint in case you needed it...