And an outfit for Abby

I have had this outfit in my head for months, literally, but have never had the time to get around to it. I finally decided it was now or never, since the outfit is so Abby, and really fits her personality right now. :)

So I pulled out my hoarded Heather Ross Dreambikes on Pink, took a deep breath, and began cutting. I love this print, because the banana seat bike was MY dreambike when I was a little older than Abby is now. I wonder if they still make those bikes? If so, Abby needs one!!

The dreambikes became a shirt with simple lines to show of the print, a simple peasant blouse. I then made her a pair of chocolate brown capris, because I am really in love with all combinations of pink/brown and blue/brown lately.

Here's what came out of my labor of love:

And it was all worth it for this giddy little girl:

Seriously, how cute is she?? She also has a matching dreambikes headband, but we couldn't risk messing up the braids done by her most awesome preschool teacher!

The perfectly matching embroidery came from Embroidery Online and stitched out very nicely on my Janome. I was quite pleased :)

So now my poor abused child has one new outfit for spring, and I have also been bitten by the shirring bug. It usually hits this time of year. I have visions of gorgeous shirred sundresses dancing in my head!

More for boys, and some for summer

I know that I have said this before, but I love sewing for boys. I think because I have two girls (who I do adore), it just feels new and exciting to me. I love sewing little dresses and frilly things as well, but it's so refreshing to sew the nice clean lines I associate more with boys clothing.

For a very spoiled (hee hee) dino loving boy, his mama and I came up with this set:

Yes, that is PRR Dino that I finally cut into, only to find out the day afterward it is considered hard to find (HTF). Doh! Oh well, fabrics are meant to be loved and not stored on a shelf, and I know the kiddo will adore this. I had a lot of fun with embroideries on this one as you can see :) A dino on one pocket, and T-Rex tracks on the opposite leg. I really am on an olive green and brown kick lately, so I was so glad the mama agree to the olive.

What else have I been doing? Well, I was very honored to be contacted my a sweet mama to help her give a gift to a dear friend. The friend is due any time now with a new little boy, and already has an older boy. The mama who contacted me said that the intended recipient had always helped her out and been so good to her, and it just melted my heart. We chose monkeys, because really, what little boy doesn't like monkeys? And I think it's so cute when big brothers/sisters match the new babe. It's just a perfect photo op, becuase you know in a few years they won't go for it at all!

What else have I been up to? Honestly, not too awful much! Just sewing through orders, which is bringing me a lot of joy. I had to sneak in some sewing for my own kids, because the weather is changing and they are getting too warm in their clothes now. You know the old say, the cobbler's children have no shoes? :) I did make up some "perfect" skirt and skorts for Abby, and she adores these. They will be a staple this year:

If anyone is interested in a sew along for this easy partially self drafted skort, leave a comment and I will be happy to oblige :)