Smocked Sundress

Ruffles are so cute. I added two rows of top-stitched double ruffling to this super comfortable and unique dress inspired by Heather. Thank you Heather. It looks adorable. I decided this dress had to have a matching bag so I used a soft microfiber quilted fabric with the matching dress fabric. This is not hard to do. If you would like to try it go to this website and watch the tutorial. If you need additional help, just email me. http://www.marthastewart.com/article/smocked-sundress

The Sharla Bag

I've had so much fun making bags this week. Ever since Trina asked me to make some for her craft fair (she has two in October) I've been dreaming up new ideas and modifications. Every bag is uniquie. I started naming them after the people who inspire me. My sister Sharla's birthday is in a few days, so I made this design per her specifications along with a cute summer smocked dress to match. I even made an attached coin purse with zipper. Her additions were the micro fiber quilted bottom and Hawaiian fabric she bought 2 years ago while on vacation. She also wanted it big enough to fit a couple diapers, wipes, sunglasses, munchies and a water bottle. She also wanted it to have an enclosure at the top and a comfortable long strap that can be worn across the chest while shopping with the baby. Here it is - the Sharla bag.

GO USC!

Jayne is a USC fan - she can sing the songs and yell the chants. She even knows when to yell TOUCH DOWN! She especially loves to go to games and see the USC horse. She is so cute. Needing a new outfit for the upcoming game she will be attending, of course - I made her this jumper and bought new red Converse shoes to match.

This jumper was fun to make. Instead of using a facing I just cut out the same pieces in a gold fabric and lined it which gave the dress a nice weight and clean lines. I put in an invisible zipper and made 10 matching button holes across the front to weave the ribbon in out out. This pattern brand is sold at Wal-Mart for only around $3.50.

Easy smocked Dresses

Taryn wanted a beach cover up. My sister Sharla had seen an easy smocked dress on Martha Stewart so I went to the website and downloaded the instructions, bought the elastic thread and started sewing. I was amazed how fun it was. After finishing Taryn's dress I thought it was so cute that I made a bunch more. It only takes an hour or so. You can change it up by adding pin tucks on the bottom, or a ruffle, or different size straps. Love it! This pic of Taryn is actually from the background of another picture. We are on the lake going fast - and her dress is blowing in the wind. Funny.