Figgy's Scirrocco Dress

I've had this dress cut out for at least 2 months now and finally got around to sewing it up yesterday.  This is Figgy's Scirocco Dress made in rayon challis.  If you've never had the chance to work with challis before, it has a dreamy silky hand and a lovely, light weight.  More solid and resilient than silk,  this really is the perfect fabric for all those layers of flounces on the skirt. 

When this pattern first came on the scene, I was hesitant about the cutout on the back.  Remember my rant on modesty?  I even contemplated somehow covering up that little triangle of exposed skin.

 

 

But because I couldn't really come up with a decision, I decided to make the dress as-is and worry about it later.  Turns out, I really love that cut-out.  The twist on the back is a unique and lovely feature of this dress and that little triangle shows it off perfectly.   

S is looking like a big girl with her new haircut.  We are working on her angry, bored child-model expressions.  I hope to get her on this pinterest board someday.  Go check it out for a good laugh.

Teacher Gifts: Noodlehead Divided Baskets

 When I came across Noodlehead's Divided Basket, I knew they would make perfect teacher gifts.  

 


I used fabrics that I already had.  This one is a particular favorite, Sketchbook from Anna Maria Horner's Drawing Room line of home dec prints.  I bought a whole bunch of yardage a few years ago, most of it lives on as curtains in the girls' room.  I had bought extra intending to make pillows.


   

S has four teachers, so that's how many baskets I made.  Unlike last year, I didn't leave it till the last minute.  It took me a couple of days to complete all four.  The hardest, most tedious part was cutting all the layers of fabrics and interfacing, but once that was done, all the pieces came together pretty fast.

I added the large ric-rac to a couple of the handles, just for fun. 

Also embroidered names on the back.  I love how they turned out. 

 

 

After these pictures were taken, I added a bottle of wine and some cookies.  These baskets can hold a surprisingly huge amount of stuff.

 

 

And finally, here is S on her first day of preschool wearing her Oliver & S Bubble Dress.

 

 

 

Last day of preschool, and the dress is now a tunic. 



Pattern Test: Aivilo Charlotte's Shirred Maxi Dress

 

 

I recently tested the Shirred Maxi Dress Pattern designed by Aivilo Charlotte.  I have to admit I've been intimidated by elastic thread and shirring, so when Lisa, the designer, posted a tester call, I jumped at the chance to try out this (for me)  new  technique.  As it turns out, it was so easy and the result is just fabulous. 





I made this dress in under 2 hours.  The fabric is a madras shirting from JoAnn's, again purchased during a red tag clearance sale.  I love that the straps have elastic in them so they won't slip off her shoulders, and that the skirt and ruffles are just wide enough.

This one is another classic and simple style, girly, but not fussy.   The top and dress versions can be found here.  I will update once the maxi version, which is the version that I tested, is released.