However, since cleaning my craft room this past weekend, I found some lovely fabric that just spoke to my heart. My dear niece, who just turned 1 a couple of weeks ago, and whose birthday party was taking place on Sunday needed a special gift. I was in no hurry to send the gift because I was told by her parents that she needed absolutely nothing, and of course, I know that to be true. The little princess has just about everything her heart could desire. So, I decided to wait and think about what to give her for her first birthday. Amazingly enough, the inspiration hit me the very day she was having her birthday party several thousand miles away from me! While she and all the guests were enjoying birthday cake, I was busy sewing many miles away...
The dust bunnies flew away, and the happy hum of the sewing machine, the soft pfftst of the iron, and the tiny pricks of sewing pins became my companions for the next hour or two...
I found a pattern online at an Etsy shop called ViolaLeePatterns... and oh my! The incredible selection that she offers was overwhelming. I was looking for a very simple pattern and the "Olivia" dress was the one I settled on. I highly recommend buying your pattern like this, because the pattern comes with sizes up to 8, which means one could print the pattern out for each size group. When buying patterns in a store, once you cut the pattern out in one size, that is it. This way, you always have the pattern, and can cut it out to the size you desire.
I was incredibly pleased with the ease and detail of the instructions, with great pictures, and easy tips for every step of the process. It was a pure delight to sew this dress using such a well designed pattern and instructions!
I happened to have everything needed to make the dress on hand... fabric, elastic and thread. It didn't take me long, from start to finish, to cut out, and sew this darling little dress up.
The pattern did not come with directions for embellishments, but I couldn't help but think that it needed something in the center of the dress. I cut a large scalloped shaped fabric flower using my Stampin Up Big Shot die cutter and then gathered the center of the fabric. Then I sewed on the button and flower, and the dress was done!
I have also made a little flower identical to the one on the dress with a hair clip on it for her hair.
This was a really fun and quick project that turned out even better than I had hoped. I have another sweet little girl in mind who is turning one in just a month or so as well.. and I have plans to make her one too, using this pattern with different fabric. It was so enjoyable sewing this cute little dress that I wondered why it has taken me so long to get back into doing it!
I found a lot of projects as I cleaned my room that reminded me of all the different crafts I have made through the years. I hope this time the dust bunnies have flown away for good, and the happy humming sounds of a sewing machine fill the air again, lol!
Have a blessed and wonderful day :)
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What an adorable little dress!! I love the flower and button you added too. So cute!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne... I was quite pleased with how it turned out :)
Deletemy sewing machine is gathering dust as well. i will hope that this has inspired me enough to change that!! i have 2 great nieces 1 & 3 that have every toy know to mankind, i would love to make them matching dress! the dress is priceless, i LOVE the fabric that you used!!! i hope mom sends you a picture of your sweet niece wearing this special little dress so you can share it here with us!!!
ReplyDeletei have never heard of pattern designs that have so many sizes, that is just awesome!!!
Yes, I thought making her something like this would be a better gift than another toy, lol! And of course, getting the dust bunnies off my sewing machine was a big step for me... I'm hoping to get more projects done now :)
DeleteThis was my first time to try a pattern that you download from the Internet, but I loved it because I can save it, and cut out the pattern for whatever size I need all the way up to 8 years, that is pretty awesome for sure :)
I love it. Great work. How precious!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chrissy! Hoping your sick 'puter gets fixed very soon! :)
DeleteLove this dress and I can tell that your skill has not died😃. What a treasure; thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Noreen
Ahh, thanks... my skills were very rusty to be sure, but I persevered and glad I did! :)
DeleteLike you, I have to blow the dust off of my machine too but every now and then, I get the urge to create something. I had to wait many years to sew for a little girl...after two boys of my own and then three grandsons, I began to think it wasn't going to happen. Well, our Olivia is 7 now and I have been able to sew a few things for her. It's just not the same sewing for boys. That little dress you made is just precious! I love the fabric combinations and colors....she will surely wear it proudly!
ReplyDeleteYes, that is what happened to me, I gave up sewing when our son arrived, lol... much easier to buy jeans than try to make them, lol! I was quite happy to find that I still remembered how to sew. I, too, can't wait to see her wearing it :)
DeleteI love that dress! You did such a marvelous job on it...your niece is going to look adorable. :D
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ashley
creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com
Thank you Ashley, it was a joy to make, and I'm so glad I did. I hope to continue on with other projects too. :)
DeleteOh gosh, I absolutely adore that dress and the added flower is perfection! Your niece will look like a flower fairy in such a dress as this. I hope you take a picture to share with us!
ReplyDeleteI know, I can't wait to see her in the dress, it will be so awesome! Yes, the added flower was the missing piece, and I was glad that I had the idea to create the flower to the front and for a hair piece. I think it added the perfect touch. It was fun to do! :)
DeleteThat dress is ADORABLE! I love the colors and the pattern....and that flower in the middle is just PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteNow that is a gift that comes from the heart♡
Enjoy your week!
Hugs, Amy
Yes, indeed it was a gift from the heart, from me to her! I enjoyed making the dress so very much, and hope that the next one I craft for a friend's little girl will go just as smoothly :)
DeleteThat dress is ADORABLE! I love the colors and the pattern....and that flower in the middle is just PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteNow that is a gift that comes from the heart♡
Enjoy your week!
Hugs, Amy
Oh what a delightful dress!!! You did an excellent job!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It was such a joy to make, and now, I can't wait to see it on her :)
DeleteThis wee little dress is so pretty. The fabrics you chose are adorable and I love the touch of the little flower in the centre. Such a perfect gift for a little girl who has everything. Now that your sewing machine is humming away beautifully, I look forward to seeing what 'pretty' you next fashion. Just visiting your lovely blog via Stephanie's, Roses of Inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI just happened to have the matching fabrics on hand, and I'm so glad I found a pattern that worked with the amount of fabric I had too. It was a fun afternoon with the sewing machine, and I do look forward to other projects too! Thank you for visiting me today, I will be paying you a visit too! :)
DeleteOh, my! This is just precious! I just love every part of it. Your little niece will be a doll in it, I am sure. :) So thoughtful and sweet of you to make her gift. You did a wonderful job, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteIt was a delight to make, and I'm quite happy with how it turned out, and that my sewing machine skills got tuned up too, lol! Thank you for your sweet words, and I can't wait until I get a picture of her in the dress :)
DeleteVery cute! I love little raglan sleeve shirts/dresses and they can be so easy to make. They do look sweet too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Abbi, I do love that sweet look too! And this style is quite easy to make, thankfully, since my sewing skills were quite rusty! :)
DeleteI was so happy to be able to do something for her that didn't involve a toy, of which she has plenty! Now perhaps I will keep the machine going on other projects, wish me well :)
ReplyDeleteOh my...dear Marilyn! I am so impressed with your sewing...this is the most darling little dress, and I absolutely adore the fabric you chose...I am delighted to hear you have brought out your lovely sewing machine and begun to sew again...what a blessed little niece you have - am sure she is going to look too precious in her dress and oh so special too! Good for you to do something you haven't done in a while!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and much, much love to you! Have a blessed week further!
Kelly-Anne xx
Oh thank you Kelly-Anne... you are a fabulous seamstress yourself, and I love all your creations too! It was a wonderful feeling to sew again, and a joy to give something to her handmade. I look forward to getting busy with other creations as well, Lord willing! Appreciate your sweet comment, and sending hugs your way too!
DeleteAbsolutely charming! What a pretty little girl she will be.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elizabeth, it was a joy and a pleasure to make this for her! :)
DeleteWow that is a sweet dress! :) Thank you for sharing the pattern too. I need to get one of those.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy with the pattern I ordered! It turned out lovely, and was fun and easy to make... all things that were important to me :)
DeletePS... I tried to visit your blog, but it said that permission was denied. Just wanted you to know I wanted to return your visit :)
DeleteOh it's so pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt will get all the more appreciation since it will arrive by itself rather than being lost in a pile of gifts.
Please drop by and say hello!
ஐღLauraღஐ
Harvest Lane Cottage
...doing what I can with what I've got where I am
on a short shoestring budget!
~~~~~
Exactly, that is what I was thinking... although she is only 1, so she won't even know, but it will be fun for her to have it a bit later than all the rest of the gifts :)
DeleteOh my! I LOVE it! Such a sweet little dress. You chose beautiful fabric, and I really love how you mixed them up. Your dress is much cuter than the one on the pattern cover. Really adorable. Well done! Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteAww! Thanks Nancy! I just happened to have the fabric, and all notions on hand and everything worked perfectly, so I was quite thrilled indeed! Now, I just can't wait to see her with the dress on :)
DeleteHi MM! This dress is so adorable, and fashionable! I see tops like this in specialty stores for children. Really! I can just see it with a cute pair of socks or leggings. The idea for a matching hair clip was really inspired too. Completes the look beautifully.
ReplyDeleteYou have a real talent for sewing! I'm sure it's a joy to you to have rediscovered it.
Blessings,
Ceil
I think a cute pair of leggings or socks would be perfect with this dress too! I do enjoy sewing, and I'm glad to be back at it! :)
DeleteWhat a precious little dress.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me want to dust off my sewing machine. I have 2 newborn baby granddaughters! They will need a Grammy who can sew cute things too:)
Oh good, I'm glad I inspired you... 2 newborn baby granddaughters! Congratulations, and how exciting! This has to be one of the easiest, cutest patterns ever for little girls... and the neat thing is that you can use it over and over for the next 8 years! I liked that part of it! Enjoy the fun of creating for little girls :)
DeleteJust beautiful MM :0) just perfect for little girls :0) mari
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun project to make, and I hope to continue keeping that machine humming :) Have a blessed day, dear Mari... continuing in prayer for you!
DeleteOh my goodness this dress is so adorable! You are very talented and I really like the fabric you used.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the talented part. I chose the simplest pattern I could find :) I am quite happy with how it turned out, and maybe this will become a birthday tradition for my sweet nieces, a new homemade dress each year. We will see ;)
DeleteHow cute! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynne... it was a bit of a challenge for me to get out of this creative rut I've been in, but I'm glad I did! Trust you are doing well :)
DeleteThank you for referring us Viola Lee's patterns. Heading back over to shop!
ReplyDeleteYour dress is so cute I just couldn't resist my hand at sewing one.
Don't you love the sound of a humming sewing machine?!
I just loved Viola Lee's pattern, and will definitely buy more from her, should I be so inclined to try a different pattern. Do share your dress with us when you get it made, I'd love to see it! Yes, I do love the sound of a sewing machine, it is a rather comforting sound! :)
DeleteSweet little Abigail will look so adorable in her dress!! Thank you Sis for making this!!! Miss you tons!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sis! Glad to see you here... and I was going to keep it a surprise, but couldn't wait to show you :) I can't wait to see her in the dress either! I will try to make one for little M too... as soon as I get the time :) Love you and miss you too!!!
DeleteYou are so blessed to have that talent and I admit I am envious! I can barely sew on a button!!
ReplyDeleteDon't be envious.... lol! This pattern was so easy that if you can sew a straight line, you could do it :) I'll cheer you on!!!
DeleteJust sooooo sweet...xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was a lot of fun to make. :)
DeleteWhat a cute little dress. I know what you mean about the purring of the sewing machine. You don't realize how much you miss it until you hear it again. So glad the dust bunnies have gone away.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am glad the dust bunnies took their flight. I just need to make sure they stay gone, lol! :)
DeleteWhat a cute little dress. I know what you mean about the purring of the sewing machine. You don't realize how much you miss it until you hear it again. So glad the dust bunnies have gone away.
ReplyDeleteYou made me want to sew something right now and I haven't touched my machine in months :)
ReplyDeleteThat dress turned out really, really cute!
xo,
rue
LOL... it felt really good to get the dust bunnies banished, and I hope to keep sewing on another project soon. It does feel good to hear the humming of the machine, creating something fun! Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteWow, that is the sweetest little dress. I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to get started on a T-Shirt Quilt for my son, but this winter is flying by. The next thing I know I will be back in the garden. ;-)
My sewing machine is waiting for me too...I have not touched mine in a long time.
Thank you Carla, I was quite pleased that it turned out beyond my expectations too lol! A T-shirt quilt sounds really fun! I haven't quilted in ages. I thought about trying my hand at that again. Both my grandmother and mother quilt. Yes, winter is flying by... we had rain all week, but today snow - yeah :) I prefer to keep the snow through at least February, and then I'm ready for it to leave and spring to come by then, lol! Have a great day! :)
DeleteAdorable dress!!! I absolutely love all fabrics you used on it! I love sewing :-) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous weekend!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
I love to sew too, and I wonder now why I didn't do it for so long. There is something soothing about the hum of the machine, and the excitement of something new being created. Thank you for stopping by my little place here, and I will be by to say hello to you too :)
DeleteI would love to put my little girl in a dress like this! I love the combination of fabric you used. My sewing skills are really basic, but perhaps I could try this. Thanks for the link to a good etsy shop. Great job! I'm your neighbor at the Home Matters Party.
ReplyDeleteIt was such an easy pattern, if you can sew a straight line, you could make this dress for sure! I highly recommend reading through all the directions before starting if you are just a beginner, as she does give excellent tips and shortcuts on how to sew the garment. I was VERY pleased with the pattern for sure. Thank you for visiting me today, I'm so happy to have met you! :)
DeleteHi again,
ReplyDeleteI really love your fabric choices for this sweet little dress. I always like styles that I can use little bits of fabric to use up the pretty leftover pieces from other sewing project. This dress is just adorable and your embellishment makes it even more so.
Have a happy Saturday,
:)Hope
Thank you Hope, it was such a joy to make this little dress, and enjoy sewing again! I have plans to make another one soon. Appreciate your visit very much :)
DeleteSweet friend, this is just the sweetest little dress! The fabrics look perfect together and the little flower is darling.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Love to you!
It was a joy indeed to make, and so thankful that I've been able to get the sewing machine humming again, such a lovely sound! It is always a joy to be with you at your party, such a blessing to visit with the other ladies who share!! Have a blessed and special day my friend!!
Delete