Back to Old School Patterns...

Last year I bought this pattern and made some plain black cotton pants in version A.

It was the first clothing pattern I'd followed in many years and probably the first I'd ever attempted alone. They turned out quite well and I was happy that I'd actually understood the instructions relatively easily (which means that I understood most of it but still had times where I had to read the step at least seven seventeen times before something clicked and I 'got it'). Apparently I'm not alone on that one. Recently I purchased a Megan Neilsen pattern and was mesmerised at the simplicity of the instructions - haven't made the skirt yet because I've been busy looking for the 'right' fabric, but while I was looking for some at the Remnant Warehouse I came across this lovely soft draping rayon:

And that brings me back to the pants pattern... I thought it would look great sewn into version B of the pants and after a short week of late-night sewing I made these:

This fabric works very well for this pattern and I'm really loving my new pants...

Little Girl's Dresses

I've sometimes found that PDF patterns can be a bit of a paper-chase nightmare... One simple top can somehow become 50 pieces of A4 paper - that you have to cut-and-match-and-stick. All and all it somehow defeats that instant gratification you feel when sitting at your computer purchasing beautiful dress patterns without leaving the house!
I do like the idea though. And I have found that many of the coolest patterns are now available this way. So I decided to make a compromise (of sorts!) and make my daughter clothes with PDF patterns instead of myself - since they are smaller I figured I wouldn't be needing so many pieces of A4.
While wondering through the virtual shops of Etsy recently, I found just what I was looking for, an easy-to-make, comfortable, versatile and cool little number: The Butterfly Breeze Peasant Dress by Wink Handmade. I've made three so far...

The top one is made with a light cotton fabric from Sydney's Remnant Warehouse. The floral is also a light cotton, purchased from Summer Hill Sewing Emporium and the last was a winter number made with a soft denim found at Spotlight - looked great teamed up with tights and a cardi.
These dresses are super comfortable (apparently) and work well whether you're playing in the sandpit or climbing a wall, you won't be restricted...

This dress is very quick and easy to make thanks to the simple instructions which accompany the pattern.

The Blogging Universe

What did we do before blogging was invented? Since embarking upon my new journey as a blogger a few weeks ago, I have been little able to do anything but: read blogs, bookmark blogs, marvel at blogs and generally be inspired by blogs... Do you get the picture? It's like I've been sucked into this blogging vortex and am unable to pull myself free. Any spare minute (and there are not many of those with young children about), I'm there at the computer...I've come across some amazing sites though like Poppytalk, Craftgawker (you could spend hours here) and Pixlr (here too) and I'm brimming with ideas and inspiration... My only problem is I haven't had much time or inkling to actually do anything else (this includes even writing in the blog!!) except...

Pillowcase dresses... I love them and they are so quick and easy to make. My baby daughter has been in dire need of a cool, comfy dress to cruise the furniture in and I had some pretty material which I purchased from Kelani Fabric previously for the occasion. I got some ideas and instructions from here and here.

So thanks (from baby and I) to all you great bloggers out there - I could have never made this without you!

Linking up with Jodie The Haby Goddess