I made this dress several weeks ago, strictly on a whim, inspired by a wee baby’s dress I found at a yard sale and a blouse spied on Pinterest (via Casey).  In my excitement and haste, I went about things rather haphazardly, throwing all caution to the wind.  It’s made in a typical 1920s fashion, the skirt is created from a series of squares and rectangles sewn in various ways, not wasting too much fabric.  2 rectangles for the front and back, 2 slits cut into each, and a triangle (half a square) set into each slit is all the skirt is, easy to do but looks extra nice.

While I love wearing silk georgette, I simply do not like sewing with it (see my other dress using this fabric).  The nude fabric inset’s seams are a bit wonky.  I think if I had planned better and not rushed, stabilized the fabric (or something) it would have turned nicer.  All I can say is the next time I do a fabric inset like this, it won’t be with georgette!  The bodice and hem are finished with a zigzag stitch and the back closes with a single vintage button (that I forgot to photograph).   I like to think it looks like an actual vintage garment and not something newly created.

But, despite the issues, I adore this dress.  Unlike many projects I have sewn, I wore this out and about–to the pet store of all places…ha!  Why wait for a fancy occasion to wear a fancy dress?  And the color is gorgeous.  I’m not sure how it looks on your monitor but I would describe it as salmon pink.

I have other sewing projects in the queue (as usual) that I hope to continue working on this weekend but I’m also going to start a knitting project, something I haven’t done in quite a while.  (And it’s all I can think about even though it was 98 degrees yesterday!)  I bought a skein of the prettiest mermaid green yarn that I’ll use to make this little scarflette.  I’m just going to ease into knitting slowly before I jump into anything more complicated!

Have a splendid weekend.

Hi peeps!  Last month on my Facebook page I briefly mentioned doing a haberdashery giveaway and it’s finally up!

I have an abundance of craft supplies–I could probably open a little shop!  Ha!  But a de-stash giveaway is more fun and just in time for holiday crafting.  Anyway, there’s new and vintage rick rack in red, white and green–in different sizes–red double fold bias tape, tiny red craft pompoms, a baker’s dozen of red/white striped twist ties and wooden spools (oh, and a Japanese squirrel paper clip thrown in for fun).

To enter just leave a comment and let me know what you look forward (or hope) to make for the holidays.  It doesn’t have to be craft specific meaning it could involve cooking, photography, etc.

Comments will close Sunday October 23rd, 10p PST. Comments are now closed. The winner will be randomly selected and announced  soon after.  Open to everyone.

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By the way, I LOVED reading your mischievous mouse stories on my last post!   I guess many of us have had such encounters or episodes of nearly losing something that left quite an impression.  It’s funny how the human mind works.

My dear landlord just dropped off a generous bag of Easter chocolates covered in adorable foil wrappers.  I’ve noticed other chocolates from Germany are often dressed up in a similar fashion, disguised as ladybugs and mushrooms; so cute!  My favorite is the happy chick in the middle with her cartoon eyes and red bow tie.

Even though I have some work to do I really hope to catch up on my sewing tomorrow or Sunday.  If I go too long without it I start to feel a little batty!  Do you get like that too?

Anyway, if you celebrate, Happy Easter to you!  Otherwise have a most lovely spring (or autumn) weekend.

Oh…and Happy Earth Day!

I hope it’s not too late to incorporate a little handmade something into your holiday decorating!  Here’s a merry little giveaway just for you…

A few years ago I stumbled upon this vintage 1940s gift wrap in the $1 bin at the flea market.  The vendor seemed more than happy to be rid of it and even made a comment like “Well, if you think you can do something with it.”  Granted, the paper was quite fragile but the sweet illustrations more than made up for that.  I knew immediately what I would make of it but alas, during the rush of the holiday season it never became a priority.  But finally I decided to check it off my mental to do list so I wouldn’t have to think about it anymore!

Here it is, a 9′ garland (plus a little extra string at the ends) made from vintage Christmas wrapping, kraft paper, red & white striped candy twine and a dusting of gold glitter.  I had so much fun making it, I made 2.  One for me and one for a lucky Fabled Needle reader.

All you need to do is leave a comment and tell me what your favorite DIY holiday craft is.  It could be anything really: decor, food, clothing, cards, etc.  It could be something you’ve made, something you’ve received or something you hope to make!  (And like me, it’s taken you a while to get ’round to it.)

Because the season is upon us, this giveaway only goes through Tuesday, December 14th and closes at Midnight PT; open to everyone.  I hope you’ll participate – good luck, dears!