I’ve had these Class Picnic Shorts (pattern by Oliver + S) on the radar for quite a while. My friends Gail and Kristin both have made them and they always look so put together, a step up from a basic pair of shorts for sure.

I spent quite a while tracing the pattern for both of my girls. Hopefully I’ll get to making Emily’s soon. If you’re like me, it seems like getting things traced and fabric picked is half the battle. Even though it takes a bit of time for the initial set up, the shorts cut out really quickly and weren’t too terribly time consuming to sew either. They went together so smoothly and I made sure to be extra cautious for my main parts of the shorts to ensure that they were mirror image. Because there isn’t a true right or wrong side to this main fabric that was something I had to make sure to think through carefully as I was sewing.

The accent fabric is part of the Indah Batiks by Hoffman Fabrics. I’m super excited about their collections. The colors are so great and I love the abstract designs. In fact, I’m almost done with the quilt I started that uses them. I really like how it came together.

Anyway, trying to sneak as much summer sewing as I can while it’s still shorts weather! This summer has been a hot one here so I have a feeling fall is going to be warm for quite a while, too.

Pattern: Class Picnic Shorts by Oliver + S
Fabric: Indah Batiks by Hoffman Fabrics and Yarn Dyed Essex by Robert Kaufman

We had picked out the Mini Colfax and the Mini Southport Dress patterns (the mini versions – she does women’s versions for both as well) a few weeks ago. I had high hopes to make them for Natalie’s birthday and our friends’ wedding. So we didn’t really end up wearing them for either event, but it was fun to try nonetheless. It’s nice to have some sort of reason to make something, at least I don’t have as much of a chance to pass it off for yet another day.

I’m so happy how excited Emily was about her Mini Southport Dress! She did ask me almost every day when the dress would be done. We ended up picking the size 8, even though according to her chest measurements it was going to be roomy. I think the style of the dress makes it really flexible to go up a size or so and still look great. Plus it’ll hopefully fit well into fall (paired with a cardigan or leggings). Before you think I just magically picked the right size, I did get about halfway through another size and realized that it was going to be too small for Emily. I didn’t let it stop me for long! I quickly cut out the new size and pieces and finished it right up. I think the smaller size I’ll end up finishing and giving to my niece. It’s probably worth mentioning that holding up the bodice pieces on your child might be helpful. Even if it’s just for a rough estimate.

We love this dress! So summery! I will be making more – they come together super quick and look so put together.

Pattern: Mini Southport Dress by True Bias
Fabric: Leah Duncan Morning Walk in voile

Hope you’re having a great start to summer. I’m hoping to get the sew along going in a week or so. It’ll be casual and relaxed, but hopefully fun!

It’s definitely dress weather here now and thus the need for pretty dresses (or at least one). After seeing Teresa’s version of the Mini Colfax dress for her daughter made me jump in and buy it, too. I haven’t been sewing much for my girls lately. I love it when I make something they love and use. Sometimes I miss the mark, other times I get a winner.

Working with this rayon chambray was a challenge, but in a good way. I knew it would make for a super comfy and flowy dress, so I just kept reminding myself that as I was sewing. The details on this dress are great. I chose the view A, but I’m thinking I might make Emily one in view B just for fun. It is a really quick sew! I did take a peek at the clock and put in 2.5 hours of sewing. There of course was prep time putting the pattern together (which was a snap) and then tracing and cutting the pieces and then the fabric. I did try and take joy in each step even though sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in trying to rush along – trying to remind myself that the process itself is what’s supposed to be enjoyable as well as the finished product.

I wouldn’t say Natalie loves the dress, although it is comfy. Maybe a more splashy print next time? Perhaps that would seal the deal. Either way, I enjoyed making it.

Pattern: Mini Colfax Dress by True Bias
Fabric: Rayon Chambray by Robert Kaufman

I also wanted to say thank you dear readers. To be honest, I feel like I’ve been missing something creatively lately. Not sure what that entails moving forward, but I’m hoping the change of seasons and having fun with my girls this summer will breathe some fresh air into my creative spirit.