2 dresses, 1 skirt and no nap

It wouldn't feel like Easter if I were able to sit in church without my head slowly nodding down and then suddenly snapping back up as I try to fight off the need for sleep.  This year I did better than most and was only up sewing until 1:00 since I figured the girls are all old enough to snip their own threads and iron their outfits in the morning.

But everything turned out quite lovely I think and I was able to appease that little "why don't you sew for your OWN kids?" devil that sits on my left shoulder most of the time (gimme that pitchfork you little creep).

Peety's dress took most of my energy (both mental and physical) as it was a new pattern and needed some altering in the bodice back to narrow it.  I like this pattern but didn't want the shoulders to tip out so far so I angled them in a little and was very pleased with the outcome.  She found this fabric at the thrift store for 99 cents and got the pattern (Simplicity 3777) for 1.99.  Woohoo!

Here's the pattern (What's with the look on the model's face?  Did somebody forget to mention she was modeling for Simplicity, not for Victoria's Secret?  Sheesh.)

Here's a peek at the finished dress.  The bag, the nails, she didn't miss a beat!

I used my favorite skirt pattern for Olivia's skirt.  It's McCalls's M4783 and it's so simple, cute, and stylish.  It has a short zipper in the back but it's so easy to install because you just have to attach it to the two small yoke pieces and the rest of it is a breeze.

I snuck a picture during church which was easy to do since we were in the absolute last row.  That's what happens to people who show up late on Easter Sunday, they sit in the row of shame (and snap pictures while nodding off).  It was a gorgeous use of Sandi's Lily Pad print (and I love the vintage lace peeking out from underneath).

Fortunately I saved Sofia's dress for last.  It's real easy and I've made it before so I could kind of sew on automatic while trying to keep my eyes open (it helped that I had a quasi-scary movie on too).

Here's the pattern.  It's McCall's 3134.  I think it may be out of print but I did see one on ebay.

Here's the outcome.  She picked this perfectly Springy fabric from the Sun Drop line.  She's even got cute little Trash Tie buns in her hair which is nice since she would've preferred a cowboy or pirate hat if given the choice (there are days when I just have to put my foot down, and Easter is definitely on of them!).

I wore an outfit I made for Easter 3 years ago.  Since then I turned 40 and had a baby so I was just pretty darn tickled I could zip it up (and breathe!).  It's from Butterick 3597 and it's a great pattern with a decent selection of options to make it interesting.

Here's a peek with my matching shoes (still thrilled I was able to find these!).  Boring toe nail color I know.

I have to show off the guys too.  They all looked so handsome and the baby got a lot of attention with his little clip-on tie (which is so tacky it cracks me up).  Walmart is actually a great source for basic white button down shirts for boys (at any time of year).  And since they don't wear them too often it's nice to not spend a fortune on them.

 

So cute!

Now I'm heading down to the fridge for more ham, deviled eggs, carrot cake and banana cheesecake (which my guys made.  Go guys!).

Comments

[Lindsey]

All so cute! I love the thrifted rose fabric!

[lera]

Very nice.

You know, ties are actually easy to make, too. I made ties for my four oldest sons and my husband.

[Suzanne (a blog fan)]

So beautiful, and not just the dresses! Love them, you are so very talented!

[Amy S.]

I am coming out of the dark allies of "Lurkville" to comment....i love your blog...such an inspiration and the dresses are beautiful! I love your skirt...is it really "quick and easy"? I made my daughter an Easter dress this year and the pattern said easy. and I quess it was, but it was totally lined!!! What the world.?! Turned out addorable, just would not have caller it "easy". Finding your blog and a few others (and all the wonderful new fabrics) have inspired me to sew. THANKS!

[Kelci-Crafty Mama]

Beautiful Jona! I demand to see full length pics of the girls' dresses though! You can even do the creepy head crop:)

And, I had no idea your hubs was such a good looking guy. Although, I should have known...good looking mom, gorgeous kids;)

[KellyinVA]

Lovely dresses! We've been sewing quite a bit in the newly finished (cleaned up) craft room. I bought a couple of patterns for summer tops and skirts for the girls. I'm getting lots of ideas from your blog for which fabric I could use for them.

Say hi to the girls! (And boys!)

[Pam]

Happy Easter to the beautiful G's! Love you all!

[Marie]

It's all so cute and the fabrics used are lovely! I love that you share which patterns you use. The patterns don't always look so cute, but when you share the real life pics, it makes a difference. I'm very impressed that you managed to finish something for all 3 of your girls. Gymboree made my girls Easter dresses this year...and your boys are certainly handsome!

[Heather]

That's some serious Easter sewing! And your photo of Peety's dress is fantastic - great composition. Happy Easter, Jona & crew.

[Beckie]

Inspiration, Inspiration you radiate inspiration. I love the dresses. I especially love the "thrift store" fabric. I wish my thrifts carried fabric like that. You have a beautiful family. May God continue to bless you and keep you inspired. That way you can continue to inspire us. Have a wonderful day!

[lorri]

Hi! Okay, you way out did me. You even made something for yourself!. You go girl! I did notice your "men" were all wearing khakis. =) Just proves that girls stuff is more fun! Seriously though, your whole family is beautiful.

[pam]

Love the clothes, very spring, and your men-folk are a good looking crew. Love that first pattern, might have to hunt for that for my daughter. It has nice lines.

[Sue]

Thanks for visiting my blog. In reply to your comment, I think so, too, but I thought maybe I was a bit prejudiced, being a first time Grandma & all. I have the distinct feeling that I'm going to feel that way about any grandbabies that come along.
I really enjoy your blog, it's very inspiring. I'm back to digging for old patterns at the antique shops & watching the ads for the $1.99 pattern sales, what fun!
Sue

[Tammy]

You have been tagged...stop by my blog and check it out!

http://tammyhassett.blogspot.com/

[Jackie]

I love all the clothes that you made. It was well worth not napping.

[heather m.]

Thankyou so much for your sweet comment, I had a lot of fun sewing those two dresses, it was a great pattern too. I just took a quick stroll through your site and had to mop up the drool from my keyboard, your fabrics and outfits/dresses are divine! So nice to find another mom in love with sewing, I too am hopelessly immersed in it, and try to squeeze my projects into any spare minute I can scrounge up (yeah, I know, we're moms, there is no such thing as "spare minutes", right...) and you have such incredible taste, I am so digging your fabric and pattern choices, simply gorgeous!