Last summer I went on a sewing jag. At the time I was hugely pregnant and I attributed it to nesting. But I think I might have been wrong – I think summer might just bring out the seamstress in me. I guess that knitting hats and scarves just doesn’t feel right at this time of year. Or maybe it’s the desire to dress my daughter in cute little sundresses. Either way, my sewing machine has been getting quite the workout lately.
I improvised a pattern and made a dress for Hannah. I found an old dress of a similar design to what I was going for and traced out the front and the back on newspaper. I made it a bit longer and wider so that she would have room to grow, but it was really pretty easy. I added facing to the neckline since it’s rounded and I have a hard time sewing a rounded hem. And I tried some appliqué to add interest. I was very happy with the dress but Hannah didn’t like it so much (even though I let her choose the fabric and style and everything). I did manage to coerce her into posing. Sort of.
At least I enjoyed myself, so that’s something I suppose. But you can bet the next time my kid asks for a dress I won’t be quite so forthcoming.
I’ve also been hard at work on another project. I’m sewing some toy diaper bags. When I’m done I plan on creating a pattern to post here so you can make some of your very own. Or if you’re not inclined in that direction, I’ll run a giveaway and put a couple of my own up for grabs. I’m going to do that next Saturday, so stay tuned. In the meantime, I have a couple of photos of the bags in progress.
Do you sew? And do you have a season that inspires you? I wonder if I’m the only one who feels moved to dig out my machine every July.
ok amber- you keep putting me to shame!! I can do a lot of things..sewing is NOT one of them!!!but i love the toy diaper bag idea- i just dont think it would look the same handstitched! ( cause I dont have a machine)but you might inspire me!!!
Oh, I miss sewing! Back in high school, I spent my entire savings account on a fancy-schmancy machine, and sadly it’s been relegated to the back of my closet, unused since I made drapes for our condo back in 2005. I always made drapes and pillows whenever I moved, and before that I sewed bridesmaids gowns for extra money, and before that I made theatrical costumes and marching band uniforms, and before that I made my own clothes, and before that, clothes for my Barbie dolls. Yet now, if a button falls off, the shirt or pants ends up in the back of my closet, longingly waiting for someone to rescue it from a future at the thrift shop. I just love the pics of the dress you made for Hannah—so pretty! Part of me had hoped to have a little girl someday to revisit my love of sewing (just like my mother did when she made dresses and blouses for me). I don’t know if that day will ever come, but I’m really looking forward to seeing your diaper bag pattern. If you ever find yourself getting more requests than you can fill, you can always hire me for cheap labor!
I’m much more into knitting and crocheting, since the equipment is easier to move around the house
I think if I had a sewing area set up, instead of having to lug out my machine, I’d be more inclined.
Right now I’m crocheting a couple of baby blankets for friends, both expecting boys. One is light blue/khaki and the other is bright blue/yellow. If I’m inspired or making a gift, then I’ll knit/crochet any season. Otherwise, I tend to work in winter when the nights are long and it’s cold!
In my case it´s too early to say if any season influences me most. I bought my sewing machine only last November. Well, I did sew a little when a girl, but it was long ago.
I don’t sew much, but I do. 
So, I bought a machine because I needed a concert dress – something that is much more difficult to find than a wedding dress or an evening dress. I couldn’t afford a seamstress so I decided to make one on my own, and quite successful it was
i’m been on a wire sans fibre kick recently (craft show inventory to increase) then am off on vacation so no sewing for me – crochet and knitting projects are being readied though i am planning an embroidered initial for my wee guy as he’s the only one in my family who doesn’t have one yet
does that count as needlework?
I think the dress looks lovely! You should be proud of yourself! It is handy to have something a little dressier for events like church or a special dinner and you know that you won’t ‘be meeting it’going down the street!
Sewing is both a very practical skill but it allows you to express your creativity.
I enjoy your site and appreciate the effort that you take to update it regularly especially in the lazy days of summer.
Fun projects! I like the dress.
I’m mostly just making plush weaponry these days, but I have hopes of getting back into pretty things.
I so admire people who can improvise a pattern. I don’t sew. My mother trying to teach me how to knit precipitated a family crisis of epic proportions. My mother makes most of my kids’ clothes and some of mine. When the kids are a little older I plan to take a class — my mother and I exist much more harmoniously when we don’t try to teach each other stuff
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That dress is adorable. Good for you for improvising! I probably would have done the same thing if it weren’t for my sewing machine being held together by duct tape. No point in making a pattern if there is a high probability that the machine will break down on me in the middle of sewing. Ha ha.
And if Hannah would nap once in a while maybe I’d make her some nice things instead of just being a fabric retailer.
Maybe this Fall things will change!
I must admit though, Summer is my favourite season and I my plan is to make Hannah a whole closet full of dresses one day…. hopefully before she enters her teen years!
I wish I knew how to sew. But sadly, not something I’ve learned yet.
Did you read Russell Smith column in the Globe and Mail yesterday about baby slings for men? But then who wants to sew in grey and navy blue. I love sewing just never have the time. Don't know why kids never like what their mums make for them, maybe it's like with food where it always tastes better at the neighbour's.
I really wantto be able to sew but I’m really not that good at it. So, I am totally in for your giveaway. I may even try to follow your pattern. May.
I love the dress. It looks great on her and fits perfectly. I never learned to sew. My mother is a pro. She made my sister’s wedding dress and plenty of other outfits. I think I rely on her a little too much which is why I never learned myself.
Want to hear something wild? I wanted to learn to sew a few years ago (I’m 45 years old and male), because I thought that I could at least make a few things for my daughter, repair my torn uniforms (it happens alot), and do general mending & alterations. I made it known to my wife, who immediately bought me a sewing machine for christmas. Great, right? Well, I went to sign up for sewing lessons at several sewing centers, and those evil women would never call me back for class dates.
I had to teach myself. To date, all I can make are hats.
I also do more sewing in the summer, but that’s just because I can get access to the WHOLE kitchen table only when I can move my kids and their activities to the outdoor table!
Love the dress!!! I really need a girl to dress someday
Summer sewing is where it’s at here too…without question.
Can’t wait to see the bags!