Two Sewing Projects

Okay, I couldn't help myself...I bought more fabric, even though I have who-knows-how-many-yards stashed away in my closet.  But can you blame me?  Just look at this cuteness:

 

It's called "Little Red Riding Hood" by Riley Blake Designs.  I have been pretty picky about buying any new fabric lately; it either has to meet a current need OR be super cute.  Guess which category this one falls into?

In all fairness to me, I had actually spotted it on previous shopping trip last week.  But I resisted.  Yes.  I walked out of my favorite fabric store without it.  My best friend (who didn't accompany me that day) would have been so proud.  Or not.  On second thought, she probably would have talked me into it.  But that's not the point.  I went home without it, telling myself I didn't really need it, that it would simply be another project staring me in the face.  But I couldn't get it out of my head!  So I waited three whole days before breaking down and rushing back to the store, eagerly anticipating the pattern I was going to use, the fabrics I would coordinate together, etc.  And then, horror of horrors...it wasn't there!

I couldn't believe that somebody else had snapped it up, that the beautiful design I had planned out in my head would never come to fruition.  Just when I was coming to terms with the fact that it wasn't meant to be, I discovered that the entire line had been moved to another part of the store.  I grabbed those bolts just as quickly as possible and did a happy dance inside my head.  It was meant to be, after all!

Here is the pattern I'm going to use as a starting point.  I say that because I don't think I've ever followed a pattern exactly.  I like view A, which has the contrast, upper bodice.  It will be sleeveless, and there will be an attached petticoat with ruffle peaking out from underneath.  I am going to add a hem band on the dress skirt made up of several different fabrics, and an attached apron trimmed with rick rack.  It will be adorable, that I can promise!

I think I've decided on the light green rick rack...I couldn't find a blue to match, and white didn't have enough contrast...

And while we're at it, here is the fabric that I have set aside for Sophie's Easter dress.  I will use the same pattern mentioned above.  The main dress will be from the pink gingham, and the print will be an attached pinafore.  Isn't that print just adorable?  It is called 1 is One by Tasha Tudor for RJR Fabrics.  I had admired it for many months but never quite knew what to do with it, so I resisted purchasing it until I happened upon the last bolt that the fabric store had on clearance.  I quickly bought two yards, found the pink gingham, and instantly knew it was going to become an Easter dress.

Tasha Tudor is one of my favorite children's author/illustrators.  Her illustrations are just so soft and innocent and old-fashioned.  This fabric originally came in a blue colorway also (which I would have preferred) but I think the green is pretty, too.  In any case, I'm just glad to have been able to acquire some, since I don't think it's being manufactured anymore.

 

Okay, enough blabbing about fabrics...time to start sewing!