Week of Thanksgiving - Day 1

Since we only have 1 full day of school next week, I am going to feature all Thanksgiving inspired outfits this week. I am also going to share with you somethings I am thankful for. I hope that you will be reflecting on all of the beautiful things in your life you have to be grateful for.

For today's outfit, we did some pattern mix matching. The top is from Whimsy Couture and is the long sleeved peasant top https://www.etsy.com/listing/169338930/whimsy-couture-sewing-pattern-tutorial?ref=shop_home_active.

I did some modifications to it, though. I did shirring on the sleeve which the pattern mentions but doesn't go into detail about. I measured 4" down from the underarm sleeve and did 2 rows of shirring a presser foot distance apart. This was on the 3/4 sleeve. Then, I measured 5" down from the underarm on the bodice piece and did 3 rows of shirring to make an empire waist. Each shirring line here was also a presser foot apart. Don't be afraid to try modifications to pre-existing patterns. Some of the best inventions are making current things better. You never know where your new ideas will lead.

The pants are from Jocole and are the mega ruffle pants http://www.jocole.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_15&products_id=88.

On the pants, I did the double ruffle. Overall, I was very happy with the outfit and she loved it to. I made a self drafted sash to go with it by cutting 2 widths of fabric 6" long. I sewed one short end together then folded it in half right sides together. I took both ends and cut an angle and then sewed all open edges closed leaving a 2" opening to turn. I clipped my corners and turned the sash right sides out. I poked my ends out with a chopstick, ironed nice and flat and top stitched which caught the opening. Then I used one of her hair flowers to put in the center of the sash. It made a great accessory.

Today I want to tell you how grateful I am for my husband. He supports me 110%. When I fractured my shoulder, he bathed me, changed my clothes, helped me to the potty - all kinds of stuff that when the going gets tough, a lot of people get going on. We have been married 15 years and have been together 18. We met when we were freshmen in college and got married the year after I got my degree. When we were pregnant with both kids, he never missed a single doctor's appointment. He has been my rock. He has supported my sewing and this blog without a word. He is also my photographer. He takes every picture on this blog and edits them without complaint. He is a wonderful partner and my best friend and I want the world to know how thankful I am for him.

I hope you will come back for Day 2 of the week of thanksgiving tomorrow. Leave me a note below of some of the things you are thankful for. I am very thankful that you have come by to read the blog and I hope that some of you leave inspired to sew for that older girl (or boy) or even you!