A Fast and Easy Christmas Dress......

I have a friend that has a precious 2 year old daughter.  I wanted to make something for her but I knew it had to be fast and easy considering how close we are to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  So I turned to the Madeline dress pattern by my friend Samantha of The Handmade Dress.  I used a piece of fabric that had been in my stash for a few years.  I always thought I would make my Elisabeth a jumper out of it.....but she doesn't care much for jumpers anymore.  So I thought it would be perfect for this cute dress.  And honestly, I probably made this dress from start to finish in just 2 hours.  I can't tell you how many of these dresses I have made over the years.  I used to even make my girls Christmas nightgowns with this pattern.  Oh, and halloween costumes too!  This was one of my favorites...Pippi Longstocking!!!  Do you have a favorite pattern that you use over and over???

Happy Stitching!!!

I Am Constantly In Awe.......

When I started blogging almost five years ago....yes, I said five years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. What I did know though was that I loved my family and I loved sewing. This blog was to be my way to document what we were doing as a family to share with our extended family and friends. Plus, as a mom of several young children, I always feel like I'm not getting anything done. Like I tend to forget that I actually do get some sewing projects completed here and there. But posting pictures of the item and some additional information, I thought would be proof that I did get the kids in bed early enough so I had time to work on a sewing project. And it worked.

And then guess what happened? Other people actually started visiting my blog. I was surprised and thrilled. Then some of these visitors started asking me questions about sewing. So then I kept doing what I was already and started trying to teach some in my blog posts. I tried to add in some tips, techniques, tutorials, patterns, etc. Sewing brings me so much joy that I honestly think everyone should love to sew.

So trying to teach and inspire my blog visitors has been my mission for awhile now. And you can only imagine how amazed I still am when you all come and visit, send me emails, add me to sewing lists, etc.

Most recently I was honored when Careers in Fashion listed me on their Top 50 Stylish DIY Blogs. I am so humbled!!! I have looked over the list and I am in very good company. If you have a few minutes I urge you to do the same. You may find another sewing blog you would like to visit. But I do hope you will continue to visit with me as well. Because I have come to like you and look forward to your visit. If only I could just have you all over for a little sewing bee. Wouldn't that be great. I'd love to sit and troubleshoot all your questions and praise you for your projects.

Actually through this humble little blog, God has brought me many wonderful friends. I can now send off an email or pick up the phone and call a good number of people that enjoy chatting about sewing just as much as I do. God is so good. Even though I am choosing to stay at home to raise and educate my children, God has been so kind to bring friends right into my home. Incredible, isn't it? God always meets us right were we are. I am definitely amazed and will continue to be I am sure!!!! Now let's get back to stitching, shall we? I have an Easter train waiting for a few more stitches!

Our Sunday.....

We took a little drive yesterday to the Creative Needle-Work Market in Birmingham, AL. This is a wholesale market geared towards heirloom sewing. Besides the fact we had four children in the car for several hours....we had a wonderful time. And it's always fun when we get to see good friends!!! Our sweet friend Samantha, and her husband Ben were there and it was a treat to spend a little bit of time chatting with them. My little ones stood in line waiting to hug Samantha! I love this cute picture of her and Ethan!!!