Tuesday, May 13, 2014

a geranium or two

Ever since Nora was born, I have wanted to dip my feet back into clothing sewing and make a few dresses for her, but always hesitated and just worked on another baby quilt instead, you know, something a little more in my comfort zone.  My dear bloggy friend Ann is not only an amazing quilter, but sews oodles of dresses and clothes for her little girl, and sent me a great list of starter patterns and tutorials, and gave me just the necessary nudge to pick a pattern and just dive right in.  

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I decided I get my baby clothing toes wet with the Geranium dress by Made by Rae and could not be more pleased with how it came together!  I actually stitched up two Geranium dresses, one with a basic neckline and a pleated skirt, and one with a notched neckline and gathered skirt.  I also added piping where to bodice and skirt meet using this tutorial, and am equally smitten with how both dresses turned out.  I'd have to say by that smile, Nora's pretty happy with her handmade dresses too!

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For the first dress I used a print from the Croquet line by DS Quilts at Joanns.  From the moment I saw this purple plaid print, I knew I wanted to make some sort of clothing out of it for Nora, and the Geranium pattern was just the ticket!  I made the 6-12 month size, and while it fits to wear now, there is definitely room to grow, so it will get lots of wear this summer.  The pattern came together incredibly easy,  I think it took me just as long to trace and cut out the pattern pieces as it did to sew the dress together.  Very doable in one sewing session after Nora went to sleep.  I even got to try out the automatic button hole maker on my sewing machine for the first time!  Success!!

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I also made a matching diaper cover using this tutorial by Made and it is sort of the cutest little thing.  I'm a little bummed I forgot to snap a picture of it!

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For the second dress, I used an aqua Cloud 9 print also found at Joann's and paired it with a grey polyester blend suiting material I happened across while waiting at the cutting counter.  I love this version with ruched skirt and different print bodice and skirt, and with the skirt fabric being a polyester blend, it will definitely help keep wrinkles to a minimum!  While I love the purple plaid version, I'm not a fan of ironing my own clothes, let alone clothes for my 6 month old.  I definitely see more Geranium dresses in wrinkle resistant fabrics in Nora's future!!

I'm definitely planning much more baby clothes sewing, every thing is so itty-bitty, it certainly takes the intimidation factor away!  I'd love to hear your favorite baby/kids clothes sewing patterns and tutorials, what should I make next??




14 comments:

  1. Awwwwe Jess....the dresses are sweet, but she is adorable!!!!!!

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  2. Very cute Jess, you did a great job!

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  3. Oh, my!!!
    She's too cute for words. And I LOVE the geranium dresses! I've sewn a few Oliver & S dresses for my girls, and their patterns are always adorable, too.

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  4. Oh she is too cute for words in her dresses!

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  5. Nora is simply adorable, and it isn't just the dress. Your sewing is impressive, and the photos are great keepsakes too!

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  6. Oh my gosh. The dresses are beautiful and so is Nora. She looks so happy in her new clothes.

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  7. Forget the cute dresses... Look at that adorable little girl! She is so sweet. I miss having a little one.

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  8. Adorable, Jess! Both your sweet girl and those dresses. You make me wish I had a girl to sew for. I miss those days. It looks like your wee Nora and I will have matching clothes. I'm making a sleeveless summer top for myself using that Cloud 9 aqua. Very slimming, you know. :-) Happily, Nora doesn't have to concern herself with that!

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  9. So cute! And the dresses are the sweetest ever.

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  10. I love both dresses, but Oh My, that is a sweet, adorable, happy little girl!

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  11. These turned out so cute! I particularly love the aqua and gray. Great job!

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  12. Oh, she's adorable.... Perfect model for a great dress pattern.

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  13. They are fantastic, and what a lovely little model!

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  14. She's so cute! Look at her all clever and sitting up now. Great sewing by you Jess, too!

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