3 Easy Pieces

Honestly, I don't think there's anything I enjoy more than making little girl's dresses.  This little ensemble was finished just in time for my granddaughter's second birthday.  We spent the day in Portland yesterday, and it was great seeing friends and faces we haven't seen in a while.  Our little birthday girl got so much loot in the form of toys (and I just knew she would) so I made her this jumper dress and bag instead.  And of coarse, a Stitchette, from one of Hillary's cute patterns, to go along with it.  Which turned out SO cute and it even looks like her!  I like how she fits perfectly in the pocket and the bag.  The  bag idea probably came from this Japanese craft book (page 44) although I didn't exactly follow any directions.  I just realized that it was similar after I made it and started flipping through it again.  Anyway, it's a fun chunky little bag that's easy for a small person to get things in and out of without too much fiddling and frustration.  The jumper pattern I've had for a long time though, and it's one I've sewn many times over the years.  It's one of my favorites because "it's SO EASY" just like the pattern envelope says.  And you know, that's just NOT always the case with patterns that make those claims, but this one really lives up to that and it's simple enough so you can embellish anyway you want, or use just about any kind of fabric.  I'd forgotten that I had this yummy pink and red candy stripe cotton and when I came across it again, I knew this was perfect for what I had in mind.  A little white rick-rack adds a fresh note and a vintage look at the same time, but I left this on the plain side with just a simple "applique" for fun.  I really like deep hems too, they make most things hang nicer and you can let them out later to add length after a growth spurt.  The other fabric is Flea Market Fancy (Denyse Schmidt).   This jumper is only three pieces to pin and cut out, with a bodice that doubles as the facing, so all raw edges are nicely tucked away.  In a most *tidy* fashion.  Gotta love that.