Christmas Dresses and Skirt 2016

I don't often make my daughter's matching outfits, and I never thought I would make all three of us coordination outfits. I'm so glad I did!!

Christmas Eve was, and likely is, the only occasion we wore these all together. I know in a few short years my daughters wouldn't be caught dead matching their mother, and I tend to agree. But, at this age, it was a highlight. 

It all started with Tami's Thea dress in this very fabric from Hobby Lobby. I knew we needed it for our Christmas dresses! 

First, I made Tandy's dress using the Modkid Aubrey pattern. I knew I wanted to use some of the fabric on the bias, and the Aubrey pattern provided the perfect backdrop. I omitted the hidden kangaroo pocket for simplicity.

I grabbed the Blaverry Thea dress during the going-out-of-business sale for Avery's dress. Not only was the fabric inspired by Tami of Sew Sophie Lynn, but I duplicated her whole dress. I must say the sizing on the Thea dress was a bit odd for us, and I had to blend between several sizes. It all worked out in the end.

When I realized I had enough fabric left, I figure a skirt for me was in order. Almost exactly one year ago, I bought the red gathered elastic at M&J Trimming during a trip to NYC. I basically used this method for an exposed elastic waist skirt except I stitched the elastic on top of the fabric, so the entire width of the elastic would be exposed. I can count my successful sews for myself on one hand without even using all of my fingers, so maybe simplicity is the key. I don't know, but I'm counting this as a success.

My sister took the amazing photos of the three of us at my parent's ranch. I was doubtful the fog would give us enough light, but it turned out to be such a beautiful backdrop. Too bad I can't perfectly plan photos for foggy days!

Our Christmas break was filled with family, fun, and a little stressful house hunting in Austin. We hope you had a very merry Christmas, and your New Year has started with great hope and anticipation.

Thumbelina With Modkid Emma

Avery recently had a book report, project, and party at school geared toward a fairytale theme. She considered the options available on the school list like Belle and Cinderella, but when she thought of doing something with the walnut bed from Thumbelina for her project, she settled on it. We borrowed three different Thumbelina books from the library all with slightly different illustrations. I was very proud of the way she took notes and carefully wrote out her report.

Since Thumbelina costumes aren't exactly readily available, I had a good excuse to sew something for her party day. She decided that she liked the illustrations from one of the books of Thumbelina in a blue dress with yellow flowers. We pulled the fabrics from my stash, a solid yellow from who knows where, a large blue gingham shirting from my great aunt's collection, and the floral from an old line by Urban Chicks for Moda. 

The Modkid Emma pattern was absolutely perfect with its petal shaping. The lettuce edge hems give the top and skirt an airy feel. I wish I had a close up of the cute blue flower buttons and lime green crochet edge trim, but it didn't happen.

The only adjustment I needed to make for the pattern was to shorten the shoulder straps. With the serged hems, the whole thing came together relatively quickly. I like this as a set, but the top will be adorable with shorts as well.

I finished up the outfit before our spring break trip to Texas in hopes of catching some early bluebonnets. I'm so glad I did!! We found this cute little cluster, and the girls were happy to be surrounded by flowers. There is a law in Texas against picking bluebonnets unless they are on your personal property. Thankfully there were other wildflowers to choose from for our eager gatherers.

Avery wanted 3" cut off the length of the hair, so she was feeling extra pretty the day we took these photos. We've had a lot of trials with this one lately, and it is so good to see joy on her face. I have ended many days emotional spent, but I know God is working on us and for our good. 

Tandy jumped in for a few super sweet flower photos too. 

I love having my favorite girls in my favorite Texas setting! 

Bubble Skirt and Old Mill Park

We don't often take the opportunity for somewhat random road trips, so maybe that is part of what made this one so much fun. Todd had an adventure race planned in Little Rock, AR, and at the last minute we decided to head down the night before. We packed in as much as we could Saturday morning before heading back in the afternoon.

One place I stumbled upon during a quick Google search of places to go in Little Rock was The Old Mill Park. After seeing a few images, I knew it was a place we'd have to stop. I also knew I needed an outfit to photograph at this scenic location! Yes, that's how my blogger mind works. 

Here's what www.arkansas.com says about The Old Mill Park, "An authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill, this striking structure appears in the opening scene of the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind and is believed to be the only building remaining from the film. Built in 1933; designed to look old so it would appear as if it was built the 1800s. The park is decorated with sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps, and a tree branch-entwined bridge that connects the mill to the rest of the park." The park is an adventure for children with the multiple bridges, ponds, and the structure to wander around. It is located in the midst of a neighborhood like a hidden treasure. 

We also took time to go to Tinker Fest at The Museum of Discovery. I managed that with the girls while Todd participated in the race. Avery and Tandy made everything from floating juice box boats to marshmallow shoots and circuits. I'd definitely love to experience the museum again without so much of the crowd associated with the festival. 

Back to the sewing, I had the skirt done, but the last stitches on the shirt were made about an hour before we departed. How's that for timing!

The skirt pattern is the Brewster's Bubble Skirt by Create Kid's Couture that I snagged on sale. It's great for using up smaller cuts of fabric. Sewing this skirt took me on a little walk down memory lane. When I first started sewing, combining prints, patterns, and colors was all the rage. I think my style has toned down a bit from that, so it was fun to mix it up again. Sandi Henderson, Cotton & Steel and Jennifer Paganelli are all represented here!

I played with more free motion applique for the store bought tee. I found some inspiration, and sketched up the cute little buck. I don't think you'll ever see anything much more complicated for my own design, but it sure was fun to bring this little guy to "life".

Avery found this rock and declared it to be the Ariel rock. I love when her imagination shines in the photos!

Since this little blog documents part of our lives, I have to post a little about Avery's first swim meet. She's worked hard at so many practices, and it was so fun to cheer her on at this event. She's declared the breast stroke to be her favorite!! We'll see where this part of our adventure takes us.

Modkid Harper and Watermelon

Random title, I know. Those two things have nothing in common other than I took these photos at my parents ranch, and I can't help but share them all!

I had a little fun with the Modkid Harper pattern, and created this open back style after finding inspiration here and here. I posted a tutorial for you to create your own open back Harper Dress on the Modkid blog.

Oh how I love the backdrops I can find at the ranch!! Why, yes that is the old cattle shoot.

The fabrics are from Joann's. I had originally wanted to do this in solids, but the best peach I could find was this one with metallic silver dots. It worked out even prettier than I expected.

The Harper pattern was perfect to create the open back, because I was still able to use the side panels giving plenty of coverage.

What is it about watermelon that consistently makes me want to grab my camera?!? Maybe it was just the fact that Tandy was eating watermelon while wearing a watermelon dress.

Maybe it is all the wonderful memories of childhood that watermelon evokes, even the competitive seed spitting contests!!

When I was editing these photos, I think I came to the conclusion that it's just impossible to eat a slice of watermelon without a smile!!

The kind that melts your heart.

So, what is it that triggers you to reach for the camera? Is there a food association? Activity? Expression? Just feeling a bit curious today.

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Navarre, Fl 2015

I just returned from our second summer trip, but I haven't even blogged our first one! I hesitate to blog our family vacations, because it may be completely boring to most of you. This little blog is somewhat of a record for us, so I like to include it. There is a bit of a sewing related item toward the end in case you haven't seen it yet. 

For those that want to bear with me, here are some photos of our trip to Navarre, Fl.

This little one loved the edge of the water. She would venture out further with us, but saltwater in her eyes usually sent her back.

Dancing in those waves was pure delight!

Avery was our adventurer. By the end of the week she was trying to haul the other kids around in the Explorer 200!

She and Todd were also on a mission to find the best shells.

Awkward photo coming right up!

My sister-in-law captured the next few photos that I am so grateful for.

The dress in the photo above is the Modkid Harper sewn up in Patty Young's latest line, Pura Vida, for Joann's. You may have seen it as part of the sew-along I hosted on the Modkid blog.

That's a wrap. We were actually there with Todd side of the family, but I'll keep all of those photos for the family albums!

If my sewing ever gets too quiet around here, be sure to check in on the Modkid blog. Fun things are usually happening!

Easter 2015

It is becoming a bit of a tradition with my Mom's side of the family to meet at their property in Weimar, TX each year. We've made the trip from Mississippi to the Texas country to join in the festivities two of the last four occasions. Spring is my absolute favorite in Texas with all of the bluebonnets blooming. Weimar is in the middle of no where, but thankfully close enough to the Warrenton antique show to shop for a few hours!

Easter in the country means we forgo the traditional pretty dresses for something a bit more practical. Both of my girls wore their Tandy tops. Tandy's version was a test I tried in woven fabrics. Since it didn't go over her head, the pattern was release as intended with knit fabrics recommended only. To salvage the top, I cut and slit in the back yoke, and it works.

I'll never understand why my kids run around with their tongues hanging out, but I'll try to cherish the memories since I know it doesn't last.

While one group stays behind to hide eggs, the other group takes the kids to the Colorado River that runs along the property to throw rocks, fish, etc. Inevitably, most of them end up covered in mud. Avery is especially good at finding the mud.

Check out that competitive smile!!

I love that we hold the egg hunt on Saturday, so it's not so distracting from the meaning of Easter on Sunday. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.

Texas Christmas 2014

 I know I'm super delayed in my Christmas posts, but we had a wonderful extended time in Texas this year. It just means I'm already starting 2015 behind schedule. Not a good sign!

At 3 and 6, these girls are such a fun age for Christmas! Tandy's Christmas dress was a hand-me-down Feliz dress I made Avery. (Boy, that link takes me back!) Avery's dress was a Japanese pattern just like this one, but made in red fleece. I loosely basted the stretch green lace on to possibly switch it out with pink for Valentine's day. I went casual but cozy for her this year. I haven't taken up sewing with sequins yet! 

My parents were wonderful hosts as always. We had tons of quality family time! We packed in more game nights than I have the whole rest of the year. Avery and I were able to go see the movie Annie together, and my mom also took us to the theatre for Lion King. So fun!

These cousins played non-stop! Avery sure enjoyed looking after little Annie. Cousins are bit easier than sisters it seems!