When my sister was here in September with my niece and my brother-in-law, I learned a few valuable sewing lessons. First, when altering a pattern,
always note somewhere what those changes are. Second, those little notches and marks on pattern pieces are there for a reason. Third, sewing with Isabella, while super fun and mega adorable, is completely, totally distracting. Mistakes will be made.
Back up a couple of months: my sister asked if I would make Isabella a dress for her baptism. Eeek! It's been a high pressure gig to be sure; I knew my sister and brother-in-law didn't necessarily want an elaborate Christening gown, but in some ways that made the situation a wee bit scarier. I should know how to make a dress, right? I mean, I make them all the time.
Carolyn picked out a cream coloured cotton with small purple dots for the dress, and I suggested the
Birthday Party Dress pattern from Oliver + S. The dress closes in the back with buttons, and for the buttonholes I chose a variegated purple/grey thread.
As with other Oliver + S patterns, the directions were clear and well-illustrated, and the resulting dress is so cute. But, because I wasn't paying nearly enough attention and employed every bad sewing habit there is, this dress was taken apart and re-sewn entirely
at least six times. Now that it's finished, I'll freely admit that I've never been more frustrated making anything than I've been making this dress.
There are still a whole lot of imperfections, but somehow, I don't think Isabella--or Carolyn--will mind that much.
