Pattern Remix DIY

I found this post I wrote a while back, but for some reason I never posted it.  And since I have been spending more time sewing lately, I thought it would still be fun to put up on the blog.

Here is a DIY for you sewers out there.  I made a little dress for Chloe for her first birthday.  You can see how her party turned out here on my daughter Brittny's Blog.  It was the cutest 1 year old birthday party.  

I found a basic McCall's Pattern.  

I wanted to switch it up a bit so I cut the pattern to give it an empire waste. When you do this, you have to remember to give each peace a seam allowance.  I added the seam allowance with some white pattern paper I have.  

Next, I wanted to give it some ruffles, so I cut four pattern pieces the width of the pattern plus an  extra 6 inches to make a ruffle.  This is the white rectangular shaped paper sitting on top of the pattern pieces.  

I cut the base of the dress out of a white cotton lining fabric with a cute Amy Butler fabric for the top.  I added the ruffles out of a white on white plaid voile fabirc to the basic dress.

Instead of using store bought bias tape, I made my own and added it for the band at the bottom of the empire waste and at the straps.  

I also made a matching bunting.  Here is the Post for the making of it.  

Awe, look how little Chleo was.

One year old birthday parties are a big deal.  We should be having another one hear in a few months for Claire.  I better start working on her first birthday dress.

Talk to you soon!

Love,

Carol

46

Today is my birthday.
I am 46 years old today.
I am incredibly greatful.
I have a great life and I couldn't ask for anything more.

I had a great realization today.  My mom is 20 years older than me.  I have 20 years of life to live before I am my moms age.  To put this in perspective, I thought about my life 20 years ago.  I was a young mom, trying to raise two kids, working, going to college and trying to grow up myself.  I have done a lot of living in the last 20 years.  I am a different person.  I can't imagine what my next 20 years will look like, but I know I will have a lot of life to live.

I can't wait to live it!

xoxo,

Carol

What do you do when your 14 year old asks for Justin Bieber and Cash for her birthday?

You give her what she wants!

Cali hid Justin in her older sisters bed to scare her later that night.

It worked!

Justin was then put just inside the front door and scared everyone who walked in, including Tom, who almost swung at poor Justin.  Haha!

xoxo,

Carol

My youngest won't stop growing!

When my kids were little I would ask them to please stop growing!!  They would always say ok mommy.  Now they say No Way!  Today Cali Girl is 14!  As her mom, I feel very sentimental and like to reminisce about when she was young.  Look how cute she is!  Can you blame me?

At the same time, though, I am so excited for her 14th year.  Cali is brave, a hard worker, a voracious reader, great with babies, compassionate and LOTS of fun. She is the youngest of 5 and is well loved!  When Cali sets her mind to something, she gets the job done.  She is very determined.  She loves dance and works her butt off to improve.  She is a good friend and sister AND auntie.  She is growing into a fun, beautiful teenager.  I am so proud of you Cali and love you mucho!

xoxo,

Mom