The Perfect Dress

I've been on the search for a good basic dress pattern that gives a basic structure and is flexible enough that I can play around with. I think I just found it.

Leslie, from Creative Chicks call this the 'The Perfect Dress' pattern (Simplicity 4927) and created 6 beautiful variations with it.

The Tuxedo

The Little Red Dress

The Pink Lady

Metallic Linen

Jeweled Neckline

Denim with Pockets

Dots and Ruffles (from her Etsy shop)

I love them all! And you can bet that I ordered Simplicity 4927 the same day I saw this post. The possibilities are endless - it really is the best basic pattern to start with. You could add ruffles, appliques, tulle underneath, or whatever you can dream up.

**For the first time, I elected to get this pattern in the downloadable version, where I just print it myself. Mistake! It's 26 pages long and takes quite a bit of work to pieces the pages together to form the patterns. I'll be sticking to traditional paper patterns for now on.

Updated Tutorial: Layered Jersey Skirt

Wow! I'm flattered at what a hit the Layered Jersey Skirt tutorial has been. I usually get between 25- 75 hits a day and so you can imagine my surprise when I saw over 1,300 hits today. The skirt was featured on Luvinthemommyhood, Craft Gossip (who also did a post on my Blossom Tee Tutorial), and several other blogs.

If I would have known how popular this tutorial was going to be, I would have taken more detailed photos. However, I did go back and give better, more detailed instructions for those planning to create this skirt. I just altered the original post so you can just go HERE. If you still would like more step-by-step photos, please let me know and I'd be happy to create another one (A girl can always use another skirt, right?) and document it more closely this time. You can also email me questions at anytime at melhoney(at)gmail(dot)com.

And don't forget to email me your versions- I'd love to see them!

Button Clips

Seeing these reminded me just how easy funky hair-clips for little girls can be. Just use hot glue to secure and you're done. However, they do warn to glue the buttons on with the barrette open and let dry overnight.

Felt Rose Barrettes Tutorial

(wool felt)

The Purl Bee, one of my favorite blogs, posted a tutorial on how to create these realistic felt rose barrettes. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Full tutorial with step-by-step photos found here: http://www.purlbee.com/rose-barrettes/

Download free pattern/template here: http://www.purlbee.com/storage/rose_barrettes.pdf

Yo-yo Tutorial

Yo-yos to make great embellishments for little girls (or big girls) clothes. You can add them to dresses, tees, skirts, or just about anything. I've fallen in love with the yo-yo and use it often. I've even had enough requests, that I started selling yo-yo embellished tees in my etsy shop HERE.

While they take time, anyone can make them! They are FAST, FUN, and do not require a machine (great project to work on while waiting for the dentist). They are also a great way to use up scrap fabric you have lying around. Use cotton, silk, seersucker or whatever.

Here is a great tutorial , from Heather Bailey:http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/how_to_make_a_yoyo/hbyoyotutorial1.html

Enjoy!

Tips: Aqua Velvet Dress

After seeing my post on how I love this dress, Dana decided to share her tips and tricks for recreating this masterpiece. Hurray!

Full post with helpful tips found here: http://www.dana-made-it.com/2010/01/aqua-velvet-encore.html

Velvet Goodness

If winter were not half way over, I'd try to recreate this blue velour jumper that Dana created from MADE. Maybe I'll try it for next year.

(velour)

Full post with details found here: http://www.dana-made-it.com/2009/01/aqua-velvet.html