Ava Sundress Customer Creation

What a great treat to see these pictures in an email from a customer today. She used the Ava Sundress pattern and added a ruffle to the hem. This precious model has some great poses. Thanks R for sending these.

This past weekend we did a photo shoot with some of my designs. Although it was warm out, the models were great. I am very blessed with many friends who have precious children to model for me.

I am trying to learn how to take better photos and had the opportunity to shoot some of the pictures. It was a great learning experience and much fun.

Thanks to Robert Montero Photography (robertmontero.com) and Roy Pino Photography (pinophotography.com) for a successful shoot and great photos.

Photo Shoot at the Beach

I spent the weekend at the beach and had the opportunity to take some pictures of a friend in a couple of outfits from my patterns. She was an awesome model, posing like a professional.

Dee Dee Pleated Dress

Karen Capri Top - Betsey/Joey Shorts

Not one of my patterns but too cute!!

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.

Dee Dee Customer Creation

Received this picture today from a customer I haven't heard from in awhile. She made this dress using the Dee Dee Pleated Dress Pattern. Her daughter loves butterflies so this print was great for her.

Here is a picture of the same little girl from a couple of year ago. It's great to get pictures from past customers and see how the children grow.

New Pattern, McKensie, Preview

Here is a preview of my new pattern, McKensie. It's a simple dress but has lots of possiblities to be creative. Using different combinations of fabrics, trims and embroidery can change the look. It is an easy pattern that sews together quickly. You'll want to make several. Since it is a jumper style dress, it can be used for all seasons.

The pattern has been sent to the testers and I am hoping to have it available to purchase by the end of June.
I am very fortunate to have friends with precious little girl's that model for me. She enjoyed the photo shoot and was very cooperative. Isn't she adorable. You may recognize her from the cover of a couple of my other patterns.

Karesa Dress Customer Creations

Just got these awesome pictures from one of the military moms. She used the Karesa Dress Pattern.

She added the wide band along the bottom. This is a great way to use smaller pieces of fabric from your stash. If you don't have quite enough for the length, just add a band of another fabric along the bottom. It is also a great way to add another fabric and some contrast.

She also made her daughter's baby doll a matching outfit. So cute!

I had a little visitor this past Sunday and she was wearing the Karesa Dress I made for her. Enjoyed the visit with her and her grandma (TNu).

Customer Creation to Help a Friend

This customer made these outfits for a friend who's house was demolished in a tornado last week. Fortunately they were in the cellar and unharmed. Her friend wanted camo outfits for her husband's Army basic graduation.

J, is a very busy miltary wife also but made the time to bless her friend with these.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the recent tornados and flooding.

Karen Capri Customer Creation

Another adorable outfit from one of the military moms I've been sending packages too. This mom has been making some great summer outfits for her daughter. Isn't she a doll.

She added elastic at the hem of the pants for a bloomer look instead of capri pants. Great idea, especially for younger children.

Making summer outfits for children is quick and easy and requires very little fabric. For this pattern and other Nanoo patterns, check out my Etsy shop or some of the other retail outlets listed on the side.