Purple Moneta Dress

I finished this dress a few weeks ago, but getting photos taken? Well, that was another matter entirely! This is the Moneta Dress by Colette. I used a purple knit fabric from Jo-Ann's to make a muslin for this pattern, but of course I hoped that it would be a wearable muslin. I think I have worn this three times since I finished it? So success! Because you see, I have some pink octopi fabric just waiting to be transformed into a super awesome dress!

The Moneta pattern was easy to follow, and the dress came together easily. The only area I struggled was the neckline. It was hard to get that to lay flat! (This is a complaint that I've heard from a couple of people, so if any of y'all have made this pattern and have any advice, help a girl out!)

Before I cut into my octopi, I think I'll try a size down. This feels a little big to me, particularly in the arms. But I do love it! And I'm excited to add more  Monetas to my closet.

Oh! And tell me! Are there any knit patterns you particularly like? I've got a few things from Patterns for Pirates on my list.

Knit Geranium Dress

It is spring here. What this means is that I am spending every available moment outside with my kiddos because I remember last summer and how evil the humidity and heat were, and I want to soak up all of the lovely 65 degree weather while it's around. Family walk on a slightly breezy, overcast day? Yes, please!

I did take a break from outdoors-ing to sew up this Geranium Dress, pattern from Made by Rae. I love this pattern oh-so much, and I knew I wanted to sew up a version for my friend's daughter, my baby BFF. (YES, she is five now, but she'll always be my baby BFF.) But when chatting with my friend about fabric options, we settled on the fact that a knit dress would be way more practical than a woven dress. I was sad because I really wanted to sew up another Geranium, and then, the idea struck. Just how difficult would it be to sew up a version in knits? Could it be done? (Apparel sewists, forgive my ignorance. I am still quite a newbie when it comes to this stuff!)

A quick google search revealed it could be done and better yet, HAD been done. Thank you, Monica of Adirondack Inspired! You gave me the confidence to get this one done. Of course, I could only remember that I had seen a post where it had been done and not the specific details of what that dress entailed. It wasn't until I wrote this blog post that I thought to try and find that post again!

I followed the Geranium pattern and did line the bodice of mine, choosing to finish it off with snaps. Next time, I'll most likely follow Monica's example and neglect the back opening. (Because yes, you better believe there will be a next time!)

This is my first finish from my Q2 FAL list, but I am so excited about it. I went with a super short (for me) list, and knowing that I'm 25% of the way there is really thrilling!

I hope y'all are having a most lovely weekend!

Maxaloones for Vanilla.

I sewed up another couple of pairs of Maxaloones this week, one for my soon-to-be-here daughter and one for my niece's upcoming birthday. They use a Lizzie House knit print and an Art Gallery knit solid--Strawberry Kiss, I think? I'm a big fan of this pattern. :)

Forgive my sassy son. He was so excited to see the pictures on my phone that it was *really* hard to get a picture of the back. And whether it be the softeness of these pants or that he really thinks they're cute, he's a big fan of them. These are project #8 from my Q3 FAL list, woo!

Maxaloones for C

I am so excited to have these done and mailed before my nephew's birthday. These are from the Max and Meena Maxaloones pattern, which I have had on my to-buy list for forever. They are specifically designed for cloth diaper babies. If you've ever cloth diapered, you understand the struggle to find pants that will fit over that bum. The pattern features three sizes, and all three sizes cover a wide age range. Size 1, which is what I sewed up here, are supposed to fit from three months to three years old. With baby #4 on the way, I'm a huge fan of clothing that will actually fit the kid for more than two hours, know what I'm saying? (Added bonus, I think they are ridiculously cute.)

I used Art Gallery knits for there pants, and friends, everything you may have heard about Art Gallery knits is true. They are SO soft. I'm trying to restrain myself and not buy a huge load of more AG knits for Vanilla. (I do have some planned for her.) I think these are both from Bonnie Christine's Hello, Bear collection, but that could be totally made up.

And these are the pants as worn by my two-year-old. They're for my nephew's first birthday, but I think they'll fit him just fine too. I hadn't planned to make a pair for my two-year-old, but they look so stinkin' cute that I'm pretty sure he needs some too. And maybe my four-year-old. And maybe my six-year-old who is on the small size?? Because why not? I guess this pair of Maxaloones means my fear of knit fabrics has been conquered? They're still not my favorite to sew with, but I'm getting more comfortable with them, for sure.

This is finish #2 from my Q3 FAL list, woo!