Friday, May 9, 2014

an unexpected geranium



So, my sewjo kind of returned - just in a different form than usual. I am still not motivated to quilt but I did make two dresses for my littlest this week. As I wrote last week, I've been wanting to make her a geranium dress for quite a while now and I finally bought the pattern and made not one, but two!





Now I've made a few skirts and dresses that are basically just rectangles of fabric sewn together but I've never made something from an actual pattern - well, at least not successfully (and that is using the broadest definition of "successful.") But I was determined so I took out some fabric that I had bought very much on sale earlier this year just for this purpose and got ready to sew.  Well, I had bought those sale fabrics in 1 yard cuts (which is rare for me) and of course, the geranium (and probably most patterns for 2T and above) needs a bit more than that. And I seriously, have like only 5 pieces of fabric in my stash that are bigger than a 1/2 yard! So, I figured I'd use two fabrics for the dress but surprisingly, the pattern pieces fit on the yard of fabric (with even a little room to spare.)  The pattern was awesome for a first-timer - there was really only one step that I got stuck on and one step that I messed up - which I'd call a success! I was so excited when I finished and went to try it on my 2 year old and  . . .



it turns out there was a reason I could fit the pattern on just 1 yard - without realizing it, I had made the geranium top, not the dress! Oh, well. 


I haven't completely finished the top yet - I only have one button on there! I just made the buttonhole on my Juki and as you probably know - straight stitch isn't exactly the best for a buttonhole. 



Stay tuned for my second attempt - where I actually made a dress!







19 comments:

  1. Accident or not, this top is super cute!

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  2. I bought this pattern last winter and I love it. It's so easy and makes such a cute top/dress. I have some Briar Rose and Sarah Jane fabrics set aside specifically for this pattern! Can't wait to see more from you!

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  3. That is so cute! I would definitely call it a success. She looks adorable in it.

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  4. I love that little top. So precious.

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  5. I love this top. Maybe it will even be worn more than a dress. (?)

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  6. Darling top. Love the serendipity of "mistakes-some of my favorite creations.

    Hillary

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  7. It makes an adorable top! You did a great job, your clothes sewing experience sounds a lot like mine, I've gotten more confident with each new pattern I try.

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  8. thankfully a mistake that didn't matter at all - it looks really sweet :-)

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  9. Sew it all worked out in the end. The top is as cute as can be and looks adorable on your sweet daughter. Bravo for you, Beth! Glad to see you have recovered your sewjo!

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  10. It's a sweet top! I'm sure the dress will be adorable too.

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  11. Your girl is so cute! Just look at those angel's hair :-) Sorry I know you are talking about the dress.

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  12. That is such a lovely colour on your daughter :) I've got two of these cut out, but I'm yet to sew them ... thanks for the inspiration to get these done!

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  13. Very cute top. The geranium was my dress pattern I made also, it was very well written for beginners.

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  14. Super cute dress... makes me want to find a little girl to make it for!

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  15. Love it! I have made a few dresses for my daughter from some very simple patterns but my daughter now refuses to wear them :( This is adorable though, and the top version is just as cute as the dress version!

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  16. I just bought this pattern and plan to make it my first successful garment. ;) Your first try looks fantastic, and I'm excited to see what else you learn on your second. (I've never made a button hole, but I'll file away your comment about the straight stitch.) it's such a cute top!

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