Summer Sewing

When I sew I think. Lately, I've been thinking about my hands; how they work, how my brain tells them what to do and they do it, and how thankful I am that I have them and that they function.

I've been using my hands a lot lately. When the weather changes I always get an urge to sew. It's been very hot and I've been inspired to do some summer sewing for the girls. I went to Hancock's earlier this week and browsed the patterns. I picked up Butterick 5019 and loved the "vintage" look of it. However, didn't love their presentation of it, nor did I love the single ply dress with bias strips all around. Who wants to miter corners? Not me.

So with a few minor changes I came up with this:

My first attempt was in yellow {from Hancock's and the check is from our local Smock Shop}. I didn't love the very wide neck but knew it had to be big enough to get over a noggin without a placket of any kind... but still it was too big and kept slipping off her shoulders.

So today, I started over in purple, lined with a little yellow dot. {all from Hancock's}

I cut down the neck considerably, with just enough room to slip it over her head. But still with no placket or buttons, the neck is still a little wide, but it doesn't slip off like the yellow.

The back wraps around under the front and I used a piece of elastic to connect the "wrap around".

And the back needs a little tab to hold the ties up, I omitted it at first but then realized they need to be held up when I watched her run around in it.

But once the ties are in a bow you can't see the tab.

She loves it. I love the look but don't love the construction. I give it a 7.5 out of 10.

Morgan's is already cut out, pinned, and ready to sew. But next time I will...

1. still line it {which is complicated as all get out and I don't recommend the way I did it-- there has to be an easier way}
2. probably cut the neck down and add buttons on the shoulders-- this would also make lining it extremely easier... you would have 2 finished pieces rather than one really long one {if you make it you'll see what I'm talking about}
3. still make Paige a 2 {she'll be 3 in a couple weeks-- it runs a little big} and still make Morgan a 5 {she's only 4 1/2 but I like the length}
4. still widen the straps

If you want to make something similar you could probably find a pattern for a lined, A-line jumper and add width to the front and back and add ties and the buttons/elastic to hold the back together under the front. In fact, I think the Frannie {or Frannie Baby} would be perfect because it has a placket and I would simply forego the elastic under the arms and finish the side seams rather than sew the front to the back. I would add the ties to the front and finish it the same way I finished the Butterick.

Some of you asked about Paige's dress you saw here & here... I made it up using using part of that pesky Simplicity pattern that seems to be out of print. I probably should have checked on it's availability before I sent you out looking for it! If I can come up with a good alternative for either of them I'll let you know. The little halter dress only takes about 30 minutes start to finish and is perfect for 100 degree days!

Be back soon {hopefully tomorrow} with another garden recipe.