More garments, in miniature

In further pursuit of garment sewing, I recently purchased Made by Rae's lovely Geranium pattern. I've signed up for a craft show next month, and I thought this would be a good pattern for that (make sure you sign up for the license if you decide to do the same!).

I made two versions to practice, both of which have been gifted to special peeps.

First, a 12-18 month version, with gathering. This was made for my sweet little niece, Adelaide. She turns one in December, and her mom tells me it will work well for several months. I think it's always smart to sew a little big for kiddos, and hopefully, she can wear this well into spring.

Version two is for Ara Jane's Ingrid. I sent that little scalloped hat to Ara Jane for her soon-to-be-second, and this dress for the almost big sister! This version has pockets, is a 2T top (not a dress), and has pleats.

And look. The buttons. Adorable.

I plan to make a few for the craft show, but I also expect this will be a go-to baby gift.

Contrary to recent posting, I do not have babies on the brain. So don't get any ideas, mom, Nicke and Amanda. xoxo.

P.S. Go check out yummy recipes over on Deb's blog today! She included Ara Jane's granola!

Thanks, Ara Jane

It is so exciting when you discover a recipe like this one.

Ara Jane made this amazing granola for the Atlanta retreat last year. It made for an amazing breakfast paired with yogurt, and I dreamed about it when I got home. But then, of course, I delayed trying it myself. No reason, really, except lack of organization, maybe?

Well, I rectified that earlier this summer, and just made a second batch.

It has so many amazing ingredients, and is really simple to make. All it takes is a little time. This time, I subbed pecans for pistachios, because I have a freezer full of them.

I encourage you to try the recipe for yourself! It makes a heap of granola, which you can share, or just enjoy for several weeks!

A little of this

It seems I'm a little obsessed with the Staple Dress pattern. I've made four versions, and I've got a fifth one cut out. It's such an easy pattern to sew, and it's very comfortable to wear. Of course, I have very little photographic proof that I wear them. So, let's take a quick chronological look at Staple Dress numbers 1-4.

Version 1, finished in May. I followed the pattern for this one, and did five lines of waist shirring. I cut this one at a larger size than the following versions (but the later versions also had less shirring, so it balances out).

Version 2, tunic length. I used a purchased top to select the length for this version. This is my most-worn version so far.

Let's all ponder what this pose is, shall we? I finished this one on the Madison retreat in June.

Version 3, finished a month ago.

Version 4, in voile and Tsuru, also finished a month ago.

I wore this one to my sister's rehearsal dinner, but I only have half shots of it. Oh well. Eventually.

The tunic and two later dresses were cut with a wider neckline, as I felt the pattern neckline is just a little too high.

I really appreciate an easy garment pattern that gives great results. I a, thinking of trying April's Date Night Dress pattern soon!