The Picnic Dress (Tutorial)

With all my apron sewing,...I needed a break! I was feeling inspired by the warm summer sun and picnics out in the grass. My sister Roslyn is due with my 2nd niece any day now, and as a gift to her, I am planning on making the two "sisters" matching dresses. So I decided to start sharpening my dress making skills. :) So the picnic dress came to be.

Here is what I did!

Step 1: I found a tee-shirt dress at my local department store that would fit my niece Dakota. I traced the outline of both sides of the dress on brown paper. (without the little cuff sleeves) Cut the pattern pieces out and labeled them.

Step 2: I used the pattern to cut out both the front and back of the dress. Making sure to cut a slit in the back for easy access to take on and off. (Later attaching a small button and elastic to keep the back closed)




Step 3: I cut out a dip in the front of the dress because I decided to add a cute little bib style front with added buttons. This was a bit tricky,..but after a bit of measuring and re-cutting,...it turned out just right! I went ahead and took my pattern piece and cut out the bib. I then used that piece to cut out the white fabric. I made sure to make the bib another 1 inch bigger than the pattern, so that I would have enough fabric to attach it to the dress itself.


You can see that I ironed the front of the dress and made a very close top stitch around the seem to secure the white panel on the dress.

Step 4: Once the bib is finished,..I took white bias tape around the bottom and arms instead of hemming it. I love the red gingham fabric, but it needed something to mute the bright red. I think the white helped with that.





Step 5: I wish I owned a serger,..but I don't, so I went ahead and used my machine to sew the pieces together at the sides and shoulders. I then used my iron to carefully iron the seems open so that it would be comfortable on her (and not scratch at her shoulders).

Step 6: I attached by hand a small red button on the back and a little elastic loop to secure the back of the dress shut.

This is the final product,...Dakota's Picnic Dress! Pretty simple right? If you decide to make one, would love to see it! Go ahead and post a picture on my Face Book page!

In My Mailbox

It's the little things in life that really lift my spirits. I have been so busy lately with this and that and chasing after toddlers during the day, that honestly I have been a bit tired. Today when I checked my mailbox, I was so excited to see a package from Sweden! I don't know about you but there is nothing as exciting as getting a package in the mail with your name across the top! It's like Christmas! Last month I entered a bunch of blogging giveaways and was blessed to have won a few.

Here is what I received:

A cute little submarine shirt for Liam from Yngla. I am loving this! I can't wait for him to wear it!

A month or so ago I also won this bag from o&el:
I love this bag!! It's perfect for the summer! I throw in a few diapers, snacks and a water bottle and head out to the park! It's so well made. Isn't the owl cute?

I also received this lovely shirt for myself from La Marquise des Anges from France!

Such a sweet Etsy shop filled with many beautiful things! :) Such a classic piece. I can dress it up with some pearls or just wear it with a pair of jeans.

P.S. My Clematis vine finally bloomed! Such a pretty purple!

If you get the chance, head over to these shops! I am a BIG FAN of buying hand made. It gives the gift a personal touch! Something that you can't find at the big retail stores. You can also stop on into my little Etsy shop TrendyMeg for a hand made gifts as well! ::wink wink::

Domestic Diva!

Erin is a friend I met a few years ago while working as a Preschool teacher. There were three of us (I didn't forget you Kelly) who worked every day together. We became super close over that year and a half and I know I wouldn't have stayed as long as I did, if it wasn't for the two of them. Tom laughs at the conversations we have when we are together. We just laugh and say that they are all of our "war stories" and that he just doesn't understand what we went through. (We say that jokingly of course,...but it was a tough few years...long story.) Erin just has a way of making me laugh. Her love of life is contagious! I am privileged to be called her friend. Andrew you have yourself a one of a kind.

I was so excited to hear the news of Erin's engagement! She mentioned that they would be getting married in March! (Which just so happens to be the same weekend that Tom and I got married, 7 years ago!) I was privileged to be invited to her Bridal shower just recently.

I gave her gift a lot of thought. I am all about the home made personal gifts. After making a trip out to Target to look at her registry, I knew exactly what I needed to make! Every woman needs a pretty apron. I am convinced. I for one, never owned one until this Christmas. Gasp! I know, shocking! I didn't know what I was missing!!! Of course I wont be wearing it while I am making a sloppy dinner,.....it's too pretty to get super dirty. But I can wear it while serving guests at the house, or decorating cookies etc. I found out that her kitchen colors are yellow/gray so I headed to Joann's. (On a side note: If anyone in the area knows of any other fabric stores in the area that sell modern/fresh/sheek fabric, please feel free to share.)
To my surprise, they had the perfect fabric for Erin's apron! I created the pattern free hand and it was fairly easy to make. Here are a few pictures of the finished product!






I added a fabric flower (of course) that she can remove when she washes it. I think it added a little something to the over all look!



Don't you just love the buttons?!








Can she get any cuter? Erin, I hope this apron reminds you of how special you are to me and many others. May all that you bake/cook while wearing this turn out amazing. Many blessing to you as you embark on your new role as wife.