The dress is FINISHED!

I did it!! I finished the dress!

Okay, so it wasn't as cheap as I was hoping. It cost about $35 when it was all said and done. I could have picked a cheaper fabric, as my fabric cost alone was nearly $20, and that was with a coupon. I used a minky dot-style fabric, which then necessitated the purchase of a walking foot to make sure the fabric didn't pucker when sewn. The pattern also called for the use of a double needle to finish the hems. That was at least inexpensive, and now I know a new technique!

Like anything else I ever do, I know where the imperfections are, and I hate that. But, it got lots of compliments today on its first wearing!

I paired it with a pair of white tights and black shoes. It was super cute!! E Belle seems to find it comfortable. When she first put it on, she just twirled around and around.

Now I can't wait to make something else!

Making clothes

I like to shop. No, scratch that, I LOVE to shop. And I really like shopping for kids clothing! The downside - the price. Little Man's pretty much outgrown the good stuff at consignment sales, and he wears a husky size pant, so I almost always buy new for him now. E Belle is another story - I can't stop buying for her! But this season, I've only bought new if I have had a coupon, and I've managed to pick up a few cute used items along the way. Yet E Belle has managed to be short on dresses.

Last year, I bought several Chez Ami dresses. Once I got them, I noticed that they had a handmade feel to them. Not that that's bad - it's not! But it got me thinking, maybe I could do that?

So, I've learned to sew. I've made a few household items, and now I've moved on to clothes. I'm on PJ bottom pair #3. Next project - a minky dot swing dress for E Belle!! There's one very similar to it on the Chez Ami website for $60. My price today at Joann for the fabric, pattern, extra needles, interfacing and string - $28. Not a real cheap-o deal, but way cheaper than the boutique version!

I'll get some pictures going once the projects are completed.