Fancy Holiday Skirt

 Pretty original post title, huh? Ok, not so much! But I think it's fairly accurate in description, so I'll just stick with that. :) With this floaty, light skirt, I'm picturing Christmas-time. I'd pair it with a black leotard-style top, black leggings, and black patent-leather shoes. Oh, and maybe some holly in the hair with a little black bow. Yes, that's my vision. But it's August, and way too hot. 

My little model, Clara, went with a white tank top and shorts. 

 As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been making some pieces for Clara this summer (my friend's beautiful 5-year-old daughter). She really was so good about modeling these garments for me and letting me take a bazillion pictures. And this morning, the patio was quite chilly and her feet were cold. But she didn't let it stop her. Unfortunately, I didn't get a great straight-on shot, but you can sort of see from these pics how ethereal this skirt seems to be. It's a burnt-orange/red color with gold highlights and swirls. I have three layers of fabric sewn together at the waist, following Dana's Simple Skirt tutorial. And then I added a black cotton bow in the front to dress up the skirt even more. 

 I love it on Clara! And I can almost hear Swan Lake playing in the background (oh, wait. I was playing Swan Lake in the background that morning. Swat to the forehead).

 Not too early to be thinking ahead, right?

Have a great day!

Simple Skirt

 This was a very fast and gratifying project. The fabric came second-hand from someone who didn't want it (along with some other freebies that I was very eager to snatch up) and though at first I didn't think this fabric was my style, or anything I'd ever pick out myself, I quickly changed my mind when I saw it as a skirt for my daughter.

 The person who owned this fabric before had already done some stitching in it (maybe for a pillow case? not sure) so really all I did was trim, sew a hem, and put in a casing for an elastic -- and it become a skirt! So easy. The pattern follows Dana's Simple Skirt tutorial. She has great pictures and directions on her blog.

 It's a funky print. I wasn't sure what might go with it, and so this ensemble was kind of thrown together. But I think it kind of works maybe in a kiddie bohemian way. I've got more of this fabric too, and now I'm debating what to do with it. 

Matching skirt for me??

I couldn't resist putting in a homemade label. I get a kick out of doing these, hehe.

Well, not bad for a fast, free project. Now, I'm looking around thinking...what next?

Little Ruffle Skirt

 This was fun to make. And relatively quick. Got it done during naptime -- and I am NOT a fast sewer/seamstress. 
So, really, it was quick.

I found this ruffle fabric at Joann's a couple weeks ago. Could not believe it. I loved it immediately. I have been ogling it and trying to decide exactly what I would do with it. But, I think, all along I knew I was going to make a little skirt.

I followed Dana's Simple Skirt tutorial and, because this is ruffle fabric that is stretchy-knit, it didn't need to be hemmed (sigh). All I had to do was measure, cut, and insert the elastic. Oh, and I made a little label too. I love the finishing touches. (But I didn't get around to pressing the--one--seam for these photos. Lazy.)

Still trying my best with another uncomplicated piece of clothing for Kids Clothes Week Challenge!