Dance Costume using Karen Capri Pattern

I recently helped design a dance costume for my friend who runs the Tippy Toes Studio. I used an adjusted Karen Capri halter top pattern. Instead of straps, I used black ribbon and instead of fabric ties, I used black tulle tied in a bow in the back. They wore them over the shiny gold leotards. Here is a picture of the class. They not only looked great but danced great also.

Photos courtesy of Robert Montero Photography (robertmontero.com)

McKensie Pattern Now Available

McKensie Pattern now available in my Etsy Store. McKensie is a quick project that allows you to be creative. Great for some embroidery on the bodice, pocket or band. For a simpler look, the pocket and/or band can be eliminated.

This pattern takes very little fabric so is great to clean out some of those small pieces in your stash.

Photo by Jessica Johnson
Photo by J Chustz Photography

Thanks to all the testers who helped with this pattern. Your comments and pictures were a great help.

Italy Vacation

I just returned from a vacation in Italy. It was an incredible trip, something I've wanted to do for 10 years. While in Italy, I visited the island of Burano, known for lace. Burano is one of the many islands around Venice.

These are the items I purchased. I have a Christening gown that I sewed, my mom embroidered and my grandmother did the hand work on. All three of my children were baptized in it. I decided to purchase a bib from Burano to go along with the gown.

I also purchased lace by the yard. I don't have plans for it yet, but I'm sure I can find a special use for it.

My mom is 84 years old and could not make the trip so my daughter brought a picture of her when she was younger and we took pictures of it at all the places we visited. I plan to make her a photo book with all the pictures. It will be a surprise. These are a couple of the pictures we took with my mom's picture as well as a few others from the trip.