Sew Sensible's All-In-One EPattern

Here is Aimee's All-In-One Pattern she designed and will be putting on You Can Make This website soon. She asked me to test it and here is the result. The pattern is very easy to make and the instructions are simple to follow. The pattern comes in sizes 24 months to size 6. There is also instructions for an optional ruffle along the top and pants legs. Here is a link to her website for more information and to see pictures of what it looks like on her daughters.

The back is halter style with elastic that can be adjusted for growth.

Almost Done!

I'm just about done with the dress. Since the retro dot fabric I used for the lining was so colorful, I made a band of it around the bottom. I used heat bond to hold it in place but also sewed along the top and bottom edges.
Here is the back. I still have the buttons and button holes to make. It buttons all the way down the back.

The trim in the back matched perfectly to form a red circle. Believe me, I didn't plan this. It just happened to fall that way. How cool is that.

This is a Size 1. I am considering getting a booth at a craft show around Christmas if I can get together enough stuff to sell. If not, I may try in the Spring.

Back to Sewing!!!

Even though I haven't been sewing any children's clothing lately, I've been adding to my fabric stash. I've collected quite a variety of cute fabrics that I can't wait to start sewing. When I don't have anything particular in mind to make, I go through my fabric stash and pick several pieces and lay them on a table. Sometimes just seeing a design on a piece of fabric will give me inspiration for an outfit. I like to visualize the finished product, then start working from that idea by combining and changing existing patterns or making my own. There are several ideas I have in mind to try. One of them is a simple A Line dress. If this one works out, I may make an ebook out of the pattern. Below is the "test" one I cut out this morning. I'm making it out of the solid and lining it with the retro dots. I want to put some kind of decoration on the front but haven't decided what that will be yet. I'll post the finished product when it's done.

Ethnic Look

This was an outfit I made from some fabric I found on a sale table at Hancocks. I think it was about $2 per yard. It was very soft and had that flowing feel to it. I thought it had an ethnic look and I wanted to experiment with a design I had in mind. It is a very simple designed top with pants. Even though the top is a little too long; my model, Riley, had fun posing for me and liked the way the fabric felt. With a scrap of the fabric, I made a headband to match. I added a ring to the tie around the neck for some added decoration. The top is just a rectangle with elastic across the top and a tie around the neck for a halter look.

The pants are plain elastic waist style.

Ascension Parish Inclusion League Kickoff

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of being a part of the kickoff of APIL (Ascension Parish Inclusion League) an all inclusive, non competive league for children of all abilities.

We attended a BREC tball game for a similar league in Baton Rouge to watch my neice's son, Abram, in the Spring of this year. My daughter, Betsey, was inspired to start something similar in Ascension Parish. She is graduating this December with a degree in Kinesiology and plans to work as a coach/teacher but has always had a passion for children with disabilities. Betsey contacted the Ascension Parish Recreation Department and things started rolling from there. The parish was very excited about the proposal and with their help, guided her through the necessary steps to make it happen. The Resoucre Center on Psychiatric and Behavorial Supports Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities came on board and applied for a grant. They were able to get the grant as part of "The Jambalaya Project" which will not only help fund this program but also programs in other parishes in the State. Representatives from several organizations have joined in the effort including Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, COEA, ARC of Baton Rouge and ARC of Louisiana.

Everything started to fall into place and happening fast which tended to be a bit overwhelming for Betsey but with God's grace and blessing, we had the first event this past Saturday. Although there wasn't a huge attendance this first time, we know the program will mature and grow with time.

The first event was a "fun day" and a way to introduce the program to families as well as get input for future projects. We had sprinklers, a slip and slide, balls of every size shape and texture, arts and crafts, face painting, volleyball and a list of games and activities to draw from.

Here are a few pictures from the event.

What can be more fun than a slip and slide.

I think the water balloons were the biggest hit of the day. The parents and volunteers were on the receiving end of several balloons. Brother and sister getting in on the water balloon fun.

One of the children wanted to do the face painting instead of getting his face painted and several of the helpers volunteered for his request.

Paints, markers, paper and other crafts were available. A parent or guardian is required for each child and, as you can see, are very much a part of the activities.

I learned that there are many activities for a parachute but just having everyone lift it up and down was fun. The parents, friends and volunteers helped with this one.

The volunteers enjoyed the event as much as the children and were blessed to be a part of it.

As you can see, the volunteers enjoyed the water balloons also. All in all it was a great experience for all who participated.
If you are in the area, and want more information on the program for yourself, someone you know or to volunteer, call (225) 621-9661 or email Betsey at betsey.baldwin@yahoo.com.

If you aren't from the area and have a child with a disability or work with children with disabilities and have some activity ideas, please comment on my blog. I'm in charge of arts and crafts so would appreciate any input you may have.

Halter top and Skirt

Polkadots seem to be a theme I've used alot this year. I've made things with small dots, big dots, bright colored dots, black and white dots. The top is halter style with the open back and lined. The skirt is a simple aline with elastic waist and slits on the side. I had ribbon that matched the dots on the top perfectly so I added it as trim along the skirt hem.

Jungle Print A Line Dress

This is a simple A line dress made from fabric found in the home decorating fabric section at Hobby Lobby. The animal print was so bright and colorful, I thought it would make a cute dress. This is a great basic pattern that can be very versatile.

This is the same A Line dress pattern from a balloon print and lined with red. Bows were made from some ribbon and added to the straps. By adding a ruffle along the hem, applique or monogram on the front or a fabric flower near the hem can change the look and this pattern can be used over and over. Shortening this and adding pants is another option to change the look.