the First Day Dress Pattern is HERE!

Whether it’s your first day at school or a lazy day at home, everyone deserves a dress that makes them feel special.  So dress it up, spin around, throw on your boots or a pair of shorts, and just be you!

First Day Dress Pattern - $10


The First Day Dress is a PDF pattern, ranging from sizes 2 to 10 years old.
There are 5 different style options---each can be made with or without sleeves.

And most importantly, the dress (or shirt) is fully lined!
But don't let that scare you....sewing a lining is easier than you think. 

And the result is beautiful.  All those seams are hidden, the garment looks polished, and hey your friends might even think it came from a store!
You’re that good.

So make it twirl!  Keep it straight.
Cut it short.  Or add on sleeves.

There's something for everybody!

Here are the details....

This is a 46-page PDF document, with detailed information for sewing a First Day Dress or Top.
Instructions are easy to follow, with beautiful photos and illustrations.

SKILL LEVEL
Advanced Beginner +
Of course I encourage anyone to push themselves and take on a challenge.   So if you’re a true beginner, don’t be scared off.  You can always give it a shot!  Or...grab a sewing friend to coach you along the way.  Sewing is always an adventure.

STYLES
The First Day Dress comes in 5 styles.  Each can be made with or without sleeves:
• A-Line Dress
• A-Line Top
• Swing Dress
• Swing Top
• Swing Dress/Top with Front Placket

SIZING
• The pattern ranges from 2 to 10 years old
• Sizes are labeled according to age and based on the average size of a child, similar to what you would find in retail stores.

The charts below help you find the proper size and are included in the pattern with details and tips.

FABRIC and MATERIALS


For each Dress/Top you need:
• Outer Fabric
• Lining Fabric
• Back Button
• 6 inches of Elastic Cord
• small amount of Piping (placket option only)
• front buttons (placket option only)

Fabric types:
• Quilting cotton, medium-weight cotton, home decor fabrics, broadcloth, linen, lightweight cotton.
(More details and the chart below are included in the pattern).

DOWNLOADING the pattern
• After purchase you are sent a link for downloading the pattern to your computer (this is sent to the email address attached with your paypal account).  Please note that the link will expire after a few days!  So when you open the download pattern link, make sure you save the pdf file to your computer so you always have it for future use.
• The file size is 3.1 MB

PRINTING
• You do not need to print every page.  A chart is included, showing which pages to print for each size. 
• Pages print to standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper (for printing outside of the US see below)
• Pages are pieced together by trimming along the border, matching them at the markings, and taping together.  I’ve tried to make this as simple as possible with detailed instructions in the pattern itself.

Printing in another Country (outside of the US)
The pattern was created for standard US printers but should work for other countries as well. There are measuring rulers on the side of each page (in inches) so you can see if you’ve printed to the proper print size. The pattern images do NOT print to edge of the paper…so I recommend printing to your standard size paper, checking the ruler, and matching the pattern pieces up as outlined in the instructions.

And that's about it!
Ready to Sew??

PURCHASE 

First Day Dress Pattern - $10


• Instant payment is through Paypal
• E-check payment through Paypal will delay your pattern download a few days.
• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER EMAIL ADDRESS ATTACHED TO YOUR PAYPAL
ACCOUNT. This email address is where the info about your purchase and download instructions will be sent.
• You will receive a few emails confirming your payment and providing info about downloading the pdf pattern to your computer.

Happy Sewing!

the Forest Feast

I think I just found the most beautiful cookbook every cooked.

Although.....I almost feel silly calling it a "cookbook".  It's more like art and cooking combined.

And I don't even remember how I found it.
But it had something to do with Instagram.
I stumbled on the feed @theForestFeast, and I couldn't stop scrolling through the gorgeous photos, and the scenery, and just, the everything!
So I clicked over to the Forest Feast blog and oooooo!  More of the same gorgeous.
I wanted to jump into every photo, and enjoy a feast on Erin's magical deck!

But instead I emailed her to see if I could review a copy of her book because I know you guys will love it.

And here it is! for you to peruse and enjoy.

Each recipe page is a true work of art...from the props and food set-up, to the graphics, to the photos, and most importantly---the watercolor fonts and illustrations.  It's such a clever design. And just beautiful. 

It's one of those books that you want to buy for everyone you know.
I've already purchased two more to give as gifts this summer.

Cause everybody loves pretty food photos....and also pretty house photos.  I love that Erin included pics of the northern California forest and outdoor deck where she lives and entertains.  I think that makes any cookbook or sewing book feel personable and unique.  We love to see where the magic happens.  And for a moment---pretend we can jump into the chalk drawing with Mary Poppins and spend an afternoon in your world.

Want to join me??
Today we're giving away a copy of the Forest Feast cookbook to one lucky person!

GIVEAWAY RULES:
• Leave a comment, that’s it.
• Only one entry per person.
• Open to US residents only.
• ONE winner will be picked via random.org
• Giveaway ends Saturday 6/21/14 at 10pm (Central Time)

cause it's also a good idea to sew 120 yards of ruffles....

Right?
I mean, if you're making 1 roll of streamers you might as well make 40?  Like when I made all those bags?
At least that sounds right in my head.

And it always looks right on my table.

And every time I sew Ruffled Streamers I think "Oh that color combo is my absolute favorite!"

Oh wait, this one's my favorite....

It's like a candy shop of ruffled paper and I just want to swim in it!....and then share the ruffled love with all my friends....which is why I was sewing these in the first place.....

Last week I was invited to a small sewing retreat hosted by Baby Lock Sewing machines, who's motto--by the way--is For the Love of Sewing! isn't that cute??  I'm starting a new partnership with them and can't wait to tell you more about their machines. 

So for two days straight, 38 of us sewers and bloggers got to hang out at Baby Lock headquarters, learn more about their machines, exchange business ideas, and just get to know each other!  I got to chat with Nancy Zieman---you know, THE Nancy Zieman, pioneer of sewing, Sewing With Nancy, Nancy?  She was great.  I learned about how the Missouri Star Quilt Company got started and how they've kept their small town alive through their business.  And I got to spend the night at See Kate Sew's house because we were in such deep conversation that we missed our plane together---while sitting at the gate.
Long embarrassing story.
But good times.

So.
(sorry for the ramble).
Back to streamers.

Baby Lock asked each of us to contribute an item to their swag bags for everyone to enjoy.
And I made each guest a roll of Ruffled Streamers!
This way they could decorate their hotel room....or have an after party at home with the fam.
They were really fun to make. And also fun to package.  So if you're looking to give these away as gifts, here's an idea for you.....

• First sew tons and tons of streamers using my video episode HERE, or my step-by-step tutorial HERE.
I made each of my ruffled rolls about 3 yards long.  And by using three rolls of standard streamers, I could make about 9 of those ruffled rolls.  That sounds complicated.  Basically, buy 3 rolls of streamers at the store and turn them into 9 rolls of ruffles.  Okay....
• While you're sewing, listen to good music.  Or have your 8 year-old tell you stories about school and recess.
• Then enlist said 8 year-old to help you roll and package, because she just can't resist touching every streamer.  They're just too pretty!

I typed up my name and web address and had them printed at our local Office Depot, Staples, etc. on 11x17 white cardstock and cut them into skinny strips.  A paper cutter makes this part a lot faster.

And with just a little bit of branding makes the streamers look so professional!

Then I purchased simple cellophane bags, slid my business card in the front, and stuffed a ruffled roll inside.

I also printed simple instructions so people knew how to party...and how to make new streamers in the future.
Then I included sticker dots to easily hang streamers on the wall.
And it was a party in a bag.

I don't know how those of you with handmade shops do it.
I had the entire family help me stuff and package the bags....and there were only 40!

I did love how neatly Owen lined these up, and how he kept track of each and every bag when I handed it to him.  Those kids are good workers.

Then I stuffed them all in a box and shipped it off to Baby Lock headquarters. 
And for one day, our house felt like a little factory.
I seriously wish I could sell these in an etsy shop.  But it just wouldn't be worth my time and effort.
So I guess I'll just give them away as gifts.

Okay friends, have ruffled fun weekend!

MADE Everyday VIDEO: my easy, favorite, Go-To Baby Blanket

Remember when Clara was a baby?

...and she and I loved to make the same facial expression?

Okay maybe you don't remember that part.
But.
We do love the same same go-to baby blanket!
It's fast, easy, and only uses ONE layer of fabric...cause when you're swaddling a baby, you want a receiving blanket that's not too heavy and feels cozy on their skin.
Check. Check.
Annnd (yep), it also uses my favorite sewing item: Bias Tape
Woohoo!

So come watch the new MADE Everyday video episode and make your own!

Just hit the play button below and enjoy....



And if you missed our video on How to Make Bias Tape, watch it HERE.

MADE EVERYDAY with Dana is a fresh new sewing show, where we create fun things using everyday items.
To watch other episodes:
• Click the VIDEO tab at the top or….
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel so you’re updated as soon as the episode goes live.