Bule Ridge Dress by Hello Holli

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of  testing The Blueridge Dress for Hello Holli. It really is a wonderful pattern. 

The construction of this dress is unlike any other I've sewn. And, that's a very good thing! I was thrown for a moment when I saw that the shoulder seam isn't the first step. But, Holli uses clear & helpful illustrations to walk you through it all.

The dress details include a curved bodice trimmed with bias tape, button closures, French seams, & a full skirt. Which is great for practicing "ballerina twirls." I can't wait to make another with mini pom trim along the bottom of the bodice! It's such a sweet detail.

(I promise, Adalae really loves the dress. This is just the face she makes when watching people.  She's not exactly a people person.)

The inside of the dress is really what makes it for me. Such a clean finish! That is no small fete when it comes to a curved bodice, but that's where the clever construction comes into play.

Adalae wasn't sure what to think about me taking so many pictures of her. We had a really great time, just the two of us, at the Botanical Gardens. It's not often that we get to explore without the rest of the family.

Speaking of the gardens, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens has teamed up with the Chrysler Museum, & placed these great frames all over the gardens. Tag your photos with #norfolkblooms, & they could be on display at the museum. We couldn't resist joining in on the fun.

I really enjoyed sewing this dress, & look forward to sewing many more. I already have my next one cut out! The pattern is for sale here. Don't forget to head on over to Holli's blog for a chance to win a copy of the pattern!

Long Time, No See

Wow.  So, it's been awhile...

You could say Life has been a bit crazy since I posted last.  We've gone through some pretty drastic life changes, & added another kid to our family.  Baby P has been quite a surprise for us, & has knocked us for a loop at every turn.  After a pretty tough pregnancy, she joined us, and, honestly, I couldn't have asked for a calmer, more easy going baby.  We're so happy she's here.  Z & A are so in love with her.  They are constantly kissing & hugging her.  She is completely enamored with them as well.  She smiles when they talk to her, & follows them with her eyes as they run & play.  I love seeing the bond they have already.  She is a perfect fit.

Z is starting kindergarten in a few weeks, & A is joining him at his school.  All he talks about is being "extended day."  I'm really looking forward to school starting up again as well.  It will be nice to have some one on one time with the baby.

I know I've said this multiple times, but I promise this time, I will get better at posting on here.  I've missed it.  With all of the chaos, this is something that has just been put on the back burner.  But, I finally feel more on top of things, & am hoping that I'll stop slacking on this & actually post once a week, a least.  How could I not post pictures of this sweet girl?

-M

Mother's Day

So, I'm sitting here, alone.  The kids are in bed, & T had to leave, yet again.  I'm debating wether to be responsible (clean the kitchen), or be lazy (snuggle up with Napoleon, & watch a movie).  Chances are, that the movie will win.

The kids & I had a great Mother's Day.  T was here for the morning, so he let me sleep in.  I was greeted with kisses from Z & A, & an adorable hand print picture that Z made for me at school.  The kids entertained themselves (miracle of all miracles!!) while I cleaned half of the monstrous kitchen mess, & T prepped for his trip.  After lunch, we went strawberry picking with some great friends.  It was so much fun, & a perfect distraction.  The kids ran & splashed in puddles, & A ate strawberries until I thought she might pop.  It doesn't get much better than that.  We came home, had an early dinner, & watched a movie while eating WAY too much ice cream (again, even better!).

As if that wasn't enough, yesterday, I woke up to a bouquet of tulips, & T built our second garden box. He also helped me plant a tree in the front yard!  It's been a great weekend.  Considering I didn't even realize that Mother's Day was this weekend, until a friend pointed it out on Wednesday (crap, cards are going out late), this was probably the best Mother's Day I've had.

I'm thankful to have such great kids, even if they stress me out sometimes.  But, what I'm most thankful for, is a husband who works hard, so that I can stay home & be with them.  I know I complain a lot about not having time to myself, but I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything!

Don't Mess With Me...

So, last night, A was being ornery (big surprise, I know).  T & I had both told her no multiple times.  Needless to say she was less than thrilled.  Her response?  She went in the playroom, got a toy gun & a microphone, & pretended to shoot us.  Apparently, we've been watching too many superhero shows...