Pink Butterflies

I love summer dress sewing for little girls. Less fuss with linings and sleeves and pretty fabrics. This is a lightweight cotton with just a touch of something else that gives it a great drape. Ellie's pattern is this one from Simple Simons and Co. I made matching bias tape that was just a little narrower than the 1/2 inch called for so that it would be easier to tie and I finished the bodice/skirt join a little differently. There are little pink flower buttons on the back.

A dragonfly (see the arm angle) in a butterfly dress

 It is gloriously twirly!

And because I couldn't pick just one:
 

Woah!

 

A closer look

Fully accessorized and ready to fly

For the record, buttonholes are hard. I have it on good authority, however, that you just have to make a certain number of them and then suddenly they start looking just fine. I want to be able to make all kinds of  things for the kids and myself so I am boldly forging forward on my allotted number of substandard buttonholes. 

Inessa's dress is a version of a classic pillowcase dress and didn't require a pattern, thank goodness.

 My model was napping when I took the pictures but I am sure that she will look just as darling as her older sister.

 

 

Pure sweetness

How you like them

Cherries?

Whidbey Day

When Jonathan's aunt and uncle were here, the local families took a day trip to Whidbey Island. We drove around across the Deception Pass bridge and then had lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon playing at Fort Casey State Park. It took some planning but the day couldn't have been more beautiful.

Driving over Deception Pass

Running through the grass at Fort Casey

Setting them loose--sort of

Inside a room at the fort. Uncle Pete had a really good flash on his camera.

Up next to one of the remaining guns

Going for a little stroll as a family

Returning from our family stroll

Father/daughter flying

Tired but resisting a rest

Playing with the stomp rocket--everyone took a turn

Guys playing it cool

Leann, Sherri and Dave

I'm flying!

In the midst of the Queen Anne's Lace

Beautiful Girlie

Father/Son flying

Hanging out with Grandpa

Nessie's nest--that she refused to sleep in

Grandma and beyond exhausted baby

Folklife 2014

We weren't able to go to Folklife last year. Inessa was less than two weeks old and I just didn't feel up to hauling the whole family out for it. This year, however, we decided to see how the kids would handle the environment. We hoped that there would be some things that everyone would enjoy if we had a relaxed approach to the time there.

Mama's oh-so-fashionable hat to keep the sun off.

Marimba time

Perching and taking it in

Chicken satay on a stick. They liked this but had a harder time working around the stick than I thought that they would.

All together by an entrance

Zooming through the vendor stalls

At one point, Peter was pretty tired and needed some cozy mama time. He is trying to show me the pattern on his snack bag here which is why it looks like he is trying to get out, but I am so glad that he still fits in the carrier. Three cheers for the ergo!

Inessa Turns One

When your heart is full and your brain is busy

Share pictures, right?