Easter Dresses

My wonderful hubby recently bought me a serger. BEST. PRESENT. EVER. I think I have used it every day since opening the box two weeks ago. I am officially addicted to sewing, and may never leave my house again (well except for more fabric). Especially now that I have a dedicated sewing area.

My first "big" project was making the girl's Easter dresses. I found a darling pattern, read up on how to make the "rolled hem" and in 6 hours I had made 2 dresses. Not too bad, right? And for $15 a dress!!! I will be making Ansley's clothes a lot from now on :)

Olivia's dress. With sweet little birds!

I wanted their dresses to be exactly the same, but when I fell in love with a print that was too big for my tiny Olivia, I went with cooridinating not matching. The sashes are the same on both.

The shirring detail- which is like smocking, with elastic thread. If anyone is interested in shirring, Sandy Henderson's blog, portabellopixie.typepad has a wonderful tutorial. It was shockingly easy. And I have to say, I am pretty proud of my straight lines! I didn't even use chalk!

Ansley's dress! This fabric is so pretty in person. It is from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane line. All of the fabrics in that line are gorgeous. I also made Ansley a pair of pants with another print from the line.

Their dresses together. The pattern is Izzy and Ivy. The Avery I believe. It was so simple! And totally well written! I would recommend it to anyone!

(And it can be done without a serger)!

And in case you were wondering- pictures will be posted of them in their dresses later!

Ready for SPRING....

February was a long month. Isn't it always?? Uneventful, besides a lot of sickies. I am ready for some sunshine and warm weather...
Here is a little update on the family:
Curtis is still working in the office, although we fear those days are numbered. He has been asked to return to Norway in May possibly. We are not looking forward to him traveling again. But, are ever so grateful he has a good job!! He also started working on his MBA this past week. I am so proud of my hard working hubby :)
I have been keeping busy with the girls- as always. With all the colds we passed around this month, I have had a lot of time to plan all of the crafts that I want to start on soon- SOON! I got a wonderful surprise from Curtis last week- a serger!! I cannot wait to use it! We are in the process of getting a sewing area together.
Ansley is doing well in school. Learning more and more each day. And keeping us entertained :) We are crossing our fingers that she gets into the charter school for kindergarten this fall! They have a full day program- which would be wonderful for all of us!
Olivia is 13 months. And busy, busy, busy. She is quite the Mama's girl, and spends most of her day in my arms. She has also become a little climber. After turing my head for 2 seconds, I found her on the sofa table! She is cutting 2 more bottom teeth!
So, besides looking forward to warming months ahead, life is good! We are blessed! We are happy!