Thanksgiving dress!

I know Thanksgiving is 3 weeks past.  But that's the way life has been going.

So, I had this beautiful fabric in a bundle I purchased in September.  It's a stretch fabric, with lace overlay attached to the backing, making an elegant look really easy.  I chose to make a princess seamed dress with a high-low hem from the Vogue V9199 pattern.  I have used this pattern before, and was certain of the fit.

It's an easy dress to make, with no zipper required.  The one thing I don't like is that Vogue didn't draft a neckband for the dress, instead directing you to turn the edge under.  Sorry, guys, that's kind of a cheat.  So, having learned how to draft a neckband at September Sew Camp, I put that education into action, and fixed the problem.

Here's a picture of the family before dinner, which is a prerequisite for getting fed at Thanksgiving!  As usual, our best friend came with his sons, their wives and children, and an extra guy who was alone, along with my daughter's roommate, whose car was broken and couldn't get home to Ohio to celebrate with her family.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Christmas Sewing

I've been absent of late.  There is just so much to do between end of year tasks and preparing for Christmas.  But I made 3 sets of gifts for people that they really enjoyed.

First, a set of 12 Christmas Tree napkins for my oldest daughter's mother in law.  She loves Christmas, so what better way to help her celebrate?  (Plus, I sewed them entirely on my treadle sewing machine.  I'm not sure why; it just seemed like fun.)

Second, a set of 4 each placemats and napkins for my youngest daughter's kitchen table.  It was an old tale that she picked up secondhand, painted a cheery turquoise, and always has set up with placemats.  So I searched for a Christmas fabric of an appropriate color, and made them for her.  I'm really pleased with my color match from 650 miles away.

Third, stuffed Christmas trees!  I found a pattern for these, and had just enough of the green fabric to make 3 trees.  Of course, I gave the first 2 to my son's kids, and the little guy hugged his and raced off to play.  The third I kept for my daughter's eldest.  I was delighted when I realized that with a little creative cutting and a different fabric, I could make a smaller tree for the baby, who is just shy of 7 months old.  Machine washable, soft and squishable, what more could anyone ask for?

 (Little guy ran off with his tree before I could take a picture; this one is his sister's.)

I'm also in the process of making matching green velvet dresses for me and the 3 little girls.  It's slow work; the fabric is really heavy.  Heck, my dress weighs in excess of 2 pounds.  That's a lot.

Happy Monday, everyone!