Blue and White Gingham Dress and the beginning of summer...

Since I had some trouble with the Iva Leigh Pattern before, I decided I would go ahead and make another one so I would remember how to do it. It is made from teeny tiny check blue and white gingham, which has a name but I don't remember what it is called. 1/8th check? This one is a 12 month size which she should be able to wear at the end of summer and into fall. It will look cute with a little white cardigan for when it is cooler.


Instead of the sleeveless version, I made the one with puffed sleeves. This dress has a lot of firsts for me. This is the first time I have made puffed sleeves, piping between the yoke and skirt, and the first collar ever. I even put piping around it. I am very happy I was able to figure this part out! It isn't perfect, but I like the way it turned out. I love all of the buttons down the back, too.



I really enjoyed making this dress, and I actually did a lot of hand stitching with this one. I usually rush through that part and try to do it by machine, but I slowed down and actually tacked the binding on the armbands on by hand and tacked the yoke exterior to the lining yoke. It was nice to sit and think about why I was making this dress and why I enjoy making dresses for my daughter. She won't want to wear handmade dresses forever so I am going to make them for as long as I can. Plus, it is a way to show her my love in a different way. It is neat to see her in something that I made for her.

I love the classic look of this dress. My first thought when it was finished was that this is something that Scout Finch would wear. I can see Aunt Alexandra making her wear something like this to church, and Scout complaining that it itches. This one shouldn't itch because it is lined with cotton-no tulle here!




Summer is here and I am looking forward to going for long walks everyday! I would like to do a three mile walk every afternoon, and I am really lucky to live in an area with lots of parks.


These pictures are from the walk Zerah and I went on yesterday. We saw geese and little goslings. One of Zerah's favorite books is Gossie by Olivea Dunrea. I think I almost have it memorized from all the times I have read it to her, "This is Gossie. Gossie is a gosling. A small yellow gosling who likes to wear bright red boots-everyday." We love these books.


On our walk we pass a marsh area and a lake...


...and a farm where we see sheep...



... and cows and chickens, too.

I also love all the flowers that are popping up everywhere. These are some of my favorites.

I am looking forward to playing with Zerah, long walks exploring the neighborhood, and having extra time to sew! Happy summer to all of you!