A couple of better pictures

I reshot 3 of the outfits in natural light or what little natural light we have had. These pictures are so much better.

Doll Clothes and Cakes

First, I am going to start out with some yummy goodness. Kaitlyn, youngest daughter loves to bake and decorate cakes. We have tried at home to work on this but it isnt' something I have done. Well, the young woman who will be making the wedding cake was so kind and had Kaitlyn over this morning for cake decorating lessons. Kaitlyn had an incredible time, learned so much and is going to decorate another one tomorrow. We also had to make a dash to Wal-Mart for a special knife, more tips and other goodies.

Doesn't it look beautiful?


How about this view? It tastes just as incredible, too. More time on the treadmill in my future.



I finished the American Doll Wardrobe for my friend's daughter. I used the book "Sew Today's Fashions for 18-inch dolls" by Joan Hinds. You can check out this book and others at this site

Lots of pictures and I will hit the high points, I started taking the pictures but dd#3 took over, so bear that in mind while checking out the clothing.

Wool coat, added decorative stitching on the collar and cuffs. I might need to add another row of snaps, this needs the double-breasted look of 2 rows of buttons. The pattern is designed for that.


Here is the stitching.



Then to go under the coat, a pleated wool skirt from the same fabric, a sweater vest and a knit shirt. I might have to make another shirt, this doesn't look the best. I think it might look better on the doll.



This fancy dress came from a Big 4 pattern, I think Simplicity and it was all the Disney Princesses. I didn't want to make this but the girls insisited, I am so happy I did, the dress is darling and the doll will be ready for a Valentine's dance. I used some flannel backed satin (the only formal type fabric I had) added ribbon for the straps and lace on the bottom. I had a small rose to add to the bodice.



This might be my favorite, quilting cotton in pretty blues and pinks, rick-rack at the hems, pink fabric sash and bow.

Summer outfit, capris with rick-rack at hem. Gathered blouse with lace trim and ribbon.

Close up of the trim, I added decorative stitching to the ribbon.


Pleated denim skirt with knit top

Another top

A nightgown and then I made a matching one for the little girl.

Low-rise jeans, with tag in seam (you can see it just a bit on the left). The jeans have belt loops and I used ribbon to make 3 different belts. She can mix-and-match with all the tops.

Another top for the capris.

Another top

I am so pleased with all these cute clothes and like how they will be a SWAP. Also, I didn't purchase anything to make all these clothes, I had the fabric, trims and notions in my stash.

One more thing that made this fun, I cut out all the pieces on New Year's Day and my daughters all helped. They would pick out the outfits, find the patterns and picked the fabric. A nice way to spend the afternoon.

Thanks to all for the kind comments on my last post. It is a new transition in life but a happy one for her and I am starting to see the changes in our relationship. She has called each night to chat, talk about insurance, wedding plans, etc. Life is good!

A New Road

Yesterday, we moved our oldest daughter into her own apartment 2-1/2 hours away. Tomorrow she starts her job and is filled with excitment and can't wait for that first paycheck. Also, she is going to start some sewing for her apartment. Home dec type items. I took her sewing machine in for service, it isn't sewing the best. Then an excuse to visit, I have to deliver it, right? As we were running errands and buying items for her apartment, I scouted a Hancock's and an independent fashion fabric store. Hurray, another reason to visit (as if I need any reasons).

I didn't cry yesterday when we left, I had done enough of that the last 2 weeks. Christmas morning, realizing it was her last Christmas morning at home (wedding this summer), when my parents came over to tell her good bye, just random moments. Now I have to stop typing, I feel the tears coming on.

So please think positive thoughts for her as she fights rush hour traffic in the big city. Thank you.

First Project of 2009

Now truth be told, I only sewed the buttons on in 2009. It is New Look 6704 and hereis the first one I made.
I used the sleeves from New Look 6407 The fabric is from my friend, Virginia, she brought it when she visited. Thank you, Virginia, the fabric was a dream to sew.






Here is a cake full of 19 candles.




Vicki commented on my last post about my print tops and how she likes them (thanks, Vicki). I do like them too, but I have a closet full of them and feel the need to have some solids for layering and just to calm my closet down!

Tried and True

Okay, here is one picture of Simplicity 4076 made last week. It was made before my New Year's Resolution from last night, it is a print fabric. I purchased this fabric at ASG Convention from Needle Nook Fabric's booth, this is my last fabric purchase from conference to sew up.

Here is a quick picture.






I finished a New Look blouse tonight but my wonderful satellite internet connection is giving me an accelartion error repeatedly, so pictures tomorrow.

Happy birthday to my wonderful, talented second born daughter, 19 years old today. I have a picture of her cake loaded with candles but alas, that will have to wait for tomorrow, too.