Shirr Happiness

I am back! I guess I decided to take a week off from blogging:) I have been tying up some loose ends. I finished up my DIY's for the M&J's challenge that will be posted this Wednesday here. AND I have also been busy making some boy's items for the Blue Whale Boutique. I finally tackled the laundry and mound of dress shirts that needed ironing. Needless to say it was a productive weekend around the house. Now I can focus on more fun things like...sewing!

I did take some time out yesterday to make these!

We are going on vacation next week so what else would be better than a Summer Vacation Dress!

I have shirred dresses before, but when I saw Dana had a pattern for it I thought I would check it out. I knew I would be able to learn something new! She had some great tips for shirring dresses as well as some really cute examples for different styles. The pattern was really easy to follow and didn't take much time at all!

I chose this fabric from my favorite fabric store in town KMIS! I loved the bright, vibrant colors. They screamed summer.

I made Clara's dress shorter so she can crawl. She isn't there quite yet, but it will be soon!

For the arms I made a bias tape from white muslin and use a decorative stitch to give it just a little something extra. I had never used that feature on my sewing machine before and thought I would give it a whirl! I really like how it turned out!

For Carson's dress I also made a bias for the arms, but made it a little longer so I could tie bows at the top of her shoulders. The bottom of the dress has a white border also made from muslin. I chose to use the decorative stitch on her dress as well.

I think it's the perfect dress for summer!

I need to make one for myself too!