Sewing Projects

One of the very fun things about having a little girl is getting to sew clothes for her.  I remember my own mother sewing for my sisters and I when we were young.  The coordinating gunny sack skirts and vests are the outfits I remember best - as I was the youngest, I got to wear all three.  There are benefits to being the youngest girl!  Now I'm using the very same machine to make clothes for my own daughter.   

I've been curious about using elastic thread to shir fabric since I love the look of smocked jumpers/skirts.  I found a tutorial online (click here) that made it look fairly easy.  To my surprise, it was easy.  And fun!

Of course, she refused to stand still while I tried to take a picture so it's not easy to see the detail of the smocking or the lettuce edged straps.  Maybe you get the idea, anyway? 

A couple alterations to the original pattern and you have a new dress.  I think I'll stick to jumpers and skirts.  Those sleeves were exasperating.  Although maybe not quite as exasperating as posing for your mom.

Just for fun, I used some of the scraps and an old pair of her jeans and tried a tiered skirt.  Since I didn't have to bother with the waistband, it came together quickly.  That's my kind of project!