Tara Miller Designs

Birthday Dress

 
2 days until the big day: The O-N-E birthday. No one is more excited than me. I knew from day one I would make her a dress but it wasn't until she started walking (but more crawling than walking as of press time) that I realized that a dress might not be practical. So I changed it to a smock but as the pattern drafting went along and as I was doing most of my work with Devon playing in the sewing room, something went arye and I finished with a dress for a 2 yr old (if my eye serves me correctly). Oh well. It is lovely and she can wear it a long time.
I was inspired by Matilda Jane but since that is not in the budget, I settled for my own brand of crazy mismatch that ends up looking darling and kitschy. I stuck with the knot dress design since it just seems so smart and went from there. The pleats in the center came from drafting my bodice piece incorrectly. I put the fold in the wrong area so I cut the piece down the middle insert a few inches of another fabric and pintucks take up the extra width.
I am in love with it and she looks just adorable in it. The little one is napping otherwise there would be action shots. Another day perhaps.

Birthday Crown

Devon's birthday is coming up, 1 year old. Wow, I certainly can't believe it. She is taking steps and talking my ears off. Though, I don't understand what she says nor do her steps really get her anywhere. However, 1 year ago she could only sleep, eat and sleep. That is pretty big. I think she deserves a bejeweled crown, fit for her achievements.
I hope to have this pattern up before the end of the week but until then pictures will have to suffice.
As usual, I free handed this pattern with the help of my ruler and the ends of a few spools of thread. I also cracked open my dusty collection of beads to use as jewels.

The weight of the largest pulled down the center of the crown so it is supported in the back with a red pipe cleaner. I made sure numerous times that this would not bother her, dig into her little forehead by trying it on and pressing it to head head with serious amount of pressure. Nothing! I was so glad. I embroidered the felt with my machine first, then applied the fabric to the back with Heat n Bond.

Next was hand sewing all the bead on with small little tacks on the back so it would not be noticeable. Then I added the fabric covered elastic. Lastly was the ribbon to cover where I sewed on the elastic and to add some missing jazz. It fits very well on her head (she is 18'') and I can add more elastic as the years go by. Now I am planning on making a birthday smock instead of a dress since she is still crawling and dress would just act as a treadmill.