God Jul og Godt Nytt År!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

I wish for all your 2009 endeavors to be wonderful and prosperous.

Coat on the Fringes

Youngest DD's current fave color is baby blue...

I had no idea how hard it would be to find a plaid boucle in baby blue. But I persevered. Tucked in the upstairs room at International Wools & Silk I found a stunning piece- at $69/yard! What's a mom to do? Well, this mom brought along dad, and ... problem solved. :))

I've been working on the muslin for a few days, and last night's fitting was acceptable. It's SO hard to adjust on this little cutiepie because, aside from the fact that she's six, she is soooo full of life. Her name actually means Life, so at least I got that one right!

I wanted the shape of this Juicy Couture coat...

... and I found this pattern: BWOF 5-2008-133. It's the only princess line pattern I've seen for little girls. I'm using the shell for the empire top, and the two-piece sleeve- great sleeve btw! The notched collar will be draped on the form.

And here's a sneak peak... I started with the fringe :)) It's a double layer of bias cut fabric with a very narrow silver sequined trim in the center.

I'm dying the silk charmeuse lining baby blue and will quilt it on, and use a silver chain at the hem. I have not selected the buttons yet.

Me, Sewing Knit???

Funny what freezing temperatures can do to you... and I'm not talking runny noses and such pleasantries. I actually finished this KNIT coat in record time (for me, that is). 3-4 days is way faster than my usual turtle speed. It's in wool/cashmere from F & S Fabrics, $9.98/yard, lined with a soft rayon knit that I dyed. The color is not perfect but I don't care- it's warm! She bounced out the door this morning, happy as can be.

BWOF 2-2008-131

Here's a look inside the coat.

I draped a shawl collar and extended the center overlap by about 3/4", and cut a front facing.

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The Christmas dress was a great success but I haven't got her into a photo yet. It's so cold and she's in school all day. Maybe during the weekend. Thanks for all your nice comments, and to answer Lindsay's question: Oldest DD is going through a "preppy" phase- thanks to "Gossip Girls"... I think a nice tailored jacket would now be something she'd appreciate, and that can be fun. I'm also making a fitted "Chanel" style coat for youngest DD, just got a gorgeous wool plaid boucle yesterday. Like I said; funny what those freezing temperatures will do...

Bubblegum 4 Christmas

The dress is done. She won't get it until the 14th because it goes on the advent calendar, but here are the photos on the mannequin (which is a bit bigger and taller). Silk, silk silk... I always end up with silk. But you know, it's a wondrous fiber, not at all what some people might think. It's strong and durable, can be washed in hot water, takes dye with brilliant results, and of course, it feels like a million bucks :)) I had the good sense this time and ordered in bulk from Dharma Trading- one bolt each of black and white habotai, as well as a bolt of 4.5mm white gauze. I use the gauze for nuno felts, which, btw,  I haven't made in more than a year !!  Oh well.

As you can see I manipulated the fabric as I did with my blouse, only this time I used Jet AB crystal beads.

And the shoes... Aren't they gorgeous? And the color matching went pretty well, if I may say so myself :)

Some details: I made a little bow at the back, using the extended bias. That was a tip from Roberta Carr's book. Hook and loop closure. My label under the ruffle.

Here's the lining being attached, and the finished dress inside out.

Vicky asked if I cut the ruffles on the grain: 

Yes. The sheerness of the gauze worked well this way, and the lace is very light as well. I used a 3-1 gather ratio.

Thank you for your well wishes. I feel a little better today, and having this done was a relief. I'm not sure if I'm ready to go into the black, so to speak, but I probably should. I really need that black dress...

I'm Still Here... Sort Of...

It's almost Christmas, and yet I feel quite uninspired. This is usually a happy time- actually anytime is usually a happy time cause that's been my number one thing since I made a promise to myself as a very young child. I'm not going to pin the blame on anything other than myself, so I'm working things through and will see the light again soon :)

I've been making a dress for youngest DD and it's nearly finished. It's built from the ground up- literally. I bought some super-delish shoes and a dress had to be created in honor of their fabulousness.

I used the bodice of this dress (BWOF 11-2008-139) as a base,  and drafted the skirt to incorporate ruffles and lace.

The fabric is silk habotai and silk gauze, and the lace is the same I used for my blouse. I dyed the fabric with Bubblegum Pink procion dye- how appropriate :)) This dress will be called Bubblegum 4 Christmas...

Also, I forgot to correct an earlier post, where I mislabeled Nancy's bias skirt. The color is not black, but a deep plum, sorry Nancy.

I would also like to thank Ann for providing a link to a photo of a Roberta Carr video, that was very thoughtful of you, Ann- thank you.

I have not forgotten about the bias dress but...  Oh well, all you mommies out there know how it goes.