Finished Gown

Here is the finished gown I was working on not long after our move. I finished it a few weeks ago and the kid has been loathe to take it off ever since (I'm sorta proud of this). It was obvious from her measurements and the pattern itself that this was gonna be big on her, I didn't have a problem with this as she can get more wear out of it. I did have to take a good 6 inches off the hem to make it short enough for her...lol. I left a good deal of length IN the hem so I can let it out as she gets taller (if that ever happens). It is a bit wrinkled in the pic because it had been put into a pile of clothes fresh out of the dryer. I still have some of the striped flannel left and want to make the robe for her. I think I am gonna use Lisa's idea and use some coordinating solid flannel to make the yoke of the robe. The next time I go to Joann's I'll take the remainder of the fabric with me to match it up. If nothing else, I can make the robe from white flannel and create a pillow for her out of the striped flannel.

I did learn a lesson about what type of trim NOT to use around a neckline. This was lovely trim that I found on clearance at Hancock's about a year ago. It had been sitting in my stash since then. It matched perfectly and so I put it to use. I'll have to get a more detailed shot of it to post. It is crocheted with lace run through the middle portion to make a woven look. It worked wonderfully around the arms but, not so well around the neck because of tension on the outer side of the trim, it causes the trim to roll up and sit funny. I also determined that I really dislike 1/2" buttons, they are just too small for my fingers. For any future projects, I'll pay special attention to the button section to determine whether or not I can make room for larger buttons.

All in all, I'm happy with the way the gown turned out and I am very happy that she likes it so much. I know I don't have much longer before she loses interest in the things I make her (the teen years are approaching way too fast for comfort). As much room as she has in this gown, she may be wearing it into her teen years...

Lexi's Pajamas

Right now all I'm working on is the gown, (the gown on the left). I will make her the robe later. I'm just short of the amount of fabric to make both. If I get lucky I can pull something sneaky and fit it on the yardage that is left. It's gonna be hard with the stripes. I picked the type of fabric for her (a quilter's flannel I got on sale at Joann's about a year ago) and then let her pick the print. I was hoping she would pick the skull print that I have but she went for the stripes. Maybe it will help her look taller ;).

On a separate note, I'm checking out Ottobre patterns. I got the first magazine in the mail. I have to admit, I'm not very impressed with the Women's patterns, they just aren't my style. The children's patterns are fantastic though. I'm having to figure out how to convert the sizes from European to U.S., shouldn't be too hard. I like the fact that they have a good deal more boy's patterns than other pattern companies, patterns that don't require buttons every time you turn around. I am happy about this because I can now make Russ a lot more. He gets the short end of this stick with the sewing sometimes because I shy away from buttons so much and so many of the patterns that I like for him require them. I did promise him a hoodie before the weather turns cool, he was very happy about that.