Pretty in Pink

This is one of my favorite patterns. It is fully lined, buttons down the back with 3 pleats in the front. The back has 10 - 14 buttons depending on the size. Making the buttonholes and attaching the buttons is probably the most time consuming part. Other than that, it goes together quickly and easily. Because you can add a collared blouse or turtleneck underneath, it is a great pattern for spring or fall.

To make the outfit complete, I made a barrette from a white bow a button like the one on the front of the dress.

Here is a close up of the front yoke and pleats.

This is the front of the pattern - called Mallory by Children's Corner. It comes with sizes 1 - 8 included.

Here is a view of the back that shows the rows of buttons.

We're going to California!!!!

My middle daughter competed in a college regional track meet in the javelin event this past weekend and qualified for a spot in the NCAA National Meet in Sacramento. Here is a link to the article in the Baton Rouge Morning Advocate and a link to watch a video of her throwing at the Regional Meet in Missouri. I am very excited and busy making plans to attend this meet. I feel very fortunate that I will be able to watch her compete for the last time on a college level.

As parents, we pray for our children in the small things, good grades on a test, to get the job they applied for, safety on a trip, favor at work, good days at school, favor in a sport. We also pray abundance for our children in health, safety, relationships and finances. When they are blessed with successes such as this opportunity Betsey now has, I know that God answers all our prayers, small and large. Along with the blessings in our lives, comes a responsibility to use those talents and gifts for service to others and ultimately for the glory of God. She has already started using her talents and gifts for the community. She is in the process of starting an inclusion league in Ascension Parish for those children who don’t fit into the mainstream sports (those in wheel chairs and with other disabilities). Here is a picture of Abram, who inspired Betsey to take on this project. Abram is my neice's son who participated in an inclusion T-ball league sponsored by BREC in Baton Rouge.
I am so very proud of all her accomplishments, academic and athletic as well as her desire to use her gifts and talents for others.

Hallelujah Crab Meal

I recently attended a luncheon Juban's Restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I ordered what is one of their signature dishes called "Hallelujah Crab". It's a crispy seafood stuffed soft shell crab. I thought it was a very interesting presentation. I don't usually eat soft shell crab but couldn't resist this. It was very tasty. For dessert, I chose the cheesecake with praline sauce. Yummy!!!!

Pink with Poodle Print Border

Here is a similar style outfit as my previous post. It is made from pique fabric in pink with white dots. I added a border of a coordinating poodle print to the top and a cuff to the shorts.

Capri Set with Braided Trim

The top for this capri set was made similar to a "pillowcase" style dress. I added a hot pink border of broadcloth on the top and pants hem. The trim is hot pink, lime and purple cording braided together and sewn on using clear thread. I purchased the fabric from Hancocks.

Boy & Girl Linen Outfits

While shopping at Hancock Fabrics, I came across this cute linen fabric on sale. I tend to buy more "girly" fabrics but I thought this one would be good to have on hand for a boy outfit. I used Simplicity Pattern #4243 to make this simple bubble with pleats for an infant boy. There are additional styles with a collar, sleeves and a long pants also.


This is the girl dress style from the same pattern. It also had views with a collar, sleeves or a band along the bottom.
To add a little fun, I made the bloomers out of the polka dot fabric. I used the red/white dot fabric for the bias neck and arm finishes on both the boy and girl outfits.

My Mom

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, I am posting this about my mom. She is almost 82 years old and is still very active. She is the sweetest, most generous person I know and an awesome mom. She has been through alot of rough times in her lifetime, but always has a great attitude. Her faith and desire to help others is an inspiration to me.


This picture was taken in New Orleans near the market. Notice the sunglasses she bought there with the "bling" on the sides. Isn't she the cutest!!!!

She loves to stay busy and always has a project she is working on. She has been crocheting baby blankets. Here are some pictures of a couple she recently finished. She has made blankets for many family and friends, including one for each of of her 5 grandchildren and some put away for future great grandchildren. Three of the grandchildren are mine and the other two are the daughters of my twin sister who passed away in 1997.
The sundress I designed (see earlier posts) is named after my twin sister, Annette. She was an awesome mother, daughter and sister. She was my best friend and I miss her very much.

Sundress andJacket

Although I enjoy projects that are quick to complete for instant gratification, I also enjoy projects that require techniques that take more time and effort. This outfit was one of those projects. The dress is made from a pattern called "Hanna's Sundress" by Collars, Etc. and the jacket was a pattern out of Australian Smocking and Embroidery Magazine. The fabric was purchased at a fabric shop my sister in law owns and operates out of a room behind her house. She has a great selection of quality fabric and notions that you can't find in chain stores.
The jacket is made of white pique. The full lining and collar are Imperial microcheck in lime green and white. I added ribbons to the top to tie it closed.
Around the edges of the jacket I added a braided trim I created out of the print and microcheck fabric. I attached it using clear thread before I sewed the lining on.
I added a scalloped madeira applique along the hem using the lime microcheck.
Using a strip of bias microcheck, I made piping for the yoke. You can buy piping cord at most fabric stores but only the specialty shops carry the small one for children's clothing.

Ladybugs for Good Luck

This is a dress from the pique I love sewing. I used a snap to put the flower on and added some ribbon with ladybug buttons hanging from it for a little extra touch. I used some of this same fabric to make a dress for a friend who adopted a little girl from Taiwan. The Chinese culture consider ladybugs good luck. Under my favorite links is a blog and website that are about adoption.

Blueberry Pickin Time

Soon it will be blueberry time and I am looking forward to picking them at a farm close to where I live. I enjoy a fresh blueberry pie with homemade vanilla Blue Bell ice cream on top. Yum!!! This is a picture I took at the blueberry farm last year. Besides sewing, I also enjoy taking pictures.

Palm Tree Capri Set

This is an picture of an outfit I recently sold. The top is similar to the sundress pattern except that it buttons instead of ties. I added the capri pants out of the polkadot. The top is also lined in the same polka dot. I love hot pink and lime green together. It is so bright and colorful.