I have been sewing a few bits and pieces getting ready for Christmas.  I decided just to make the girls one thing each.  Isabella will be getting this dress. The pattern is from Ottobre magazine (Three way dress, 3/2009) one I have used a few times and is very easy.  I haven't been happy with the ribbon tie through the neckline on previous dresses as you have to keep adjusting the placement of the sleeves.  This time I threaded elastic through the neckline and just added the ribbon bow afterwards.  This also makes it easier to put on and take off.

The floral fabric was on the $5 per metre clearance table at spotlight.  Bargain.  I looked for matching royal blue ribbon but couldn't find any, so decided to jump on the neon bandwagon and add some pink.  The fluroescence doesn't really show up in the photo but will appease my pink loving 4 year old!

 

I am hoping to sew Juliette some stripey bathers and a poppy doll for Emily (as well as her Santa sack for her first Christmas!).

 

Here is a photo of Juliette taken a year ago in the last three way dress I made.  She actually wore it today with some flares as a top!  They are growing too fast!

 

 

Here is day four's efforts - a stripey green top for Issie.  Love the pose?! - Actually I think Isabella looks stunning in this pic - but I shouldn't brag! The next one is even better...

Two words come to mind...Blue steel.

I love the wider neck opening (which is faced - so no binding) and the gathered raglan seam.  This one was sewn betwen Isabella's quiet TV time (while her younger sisters sleep) and late afternoon play with playdough.   Didn't think I would get it photographed by the day's end but daylight savings gave me some extra light before dinner to take a few quick snaps!

I have been wanting to make this skirt for a while and finally got around to starting it this week.  Many hours later, it is complete and pretty cute!  I had to adjust it a bit as the size that suited Isabella was still too big.  I also added a tie made from one of the frill fabrics.

I have been doing lots of sewing this week and having fun making Isabella some new clothes as her wardrobe is beginning to look depleted of clothes for the cooler months ahead. A run around in the garden this morning provided me with some good photo opportunities.

They were fun to make and I think I will keep my eye out for some stretch denim for Issie's next pair of jeans.

I used an Ottobre pattern but added my own touch to the front with some little frills and a pink panel of buttons. I love how making do with what you have encourages you to come up with new ideas. I didn't have three of the same colour button but had one of each of these which match the cupcakes!  I used a leftover scrap of flannelette from my baby bib for the buttons to sit on - was a better contrast than straight on the interlock.  I am loving my twin needle for sewing stretch edging and the snaps make the suit look very 'profesh'!                                                                                                    

I saw this little shirt on the cover of Ottobre 1/2010 and thought it was a 'must have' for Isabella's wardrobe. It took me a while to get around to making it but here it is...

The lastest little number I have produced is this sweet little top for Juliette.  It was adapted from a jump suit pattern - simply because I didn't buy enough material. Just turned it into a t-shirt instead.  It has a baby friendly neckline and gathered little sleeves.  I'm loving having my new overlocker to finish all my garments - makes them look so much nicer - thanks Dad!!