I am insane (in a good way?)
if you can't stay up way too late sewing a dress for your daughter's 3rd b-day in 48 hours, when can you do it? so, it's midnight (sorry for the mood lighting) and I am done with Sadie's dress and matching handbag which I am now going to wrap. there was no swearing at all on this one. I love it when things just go together. the amazing fabric is from this assortment of new ones that I received from Cia's Palette. . .
It is such a pleasing group I had to just pat it for a week. I used the second one from the right for knee pads on a pair of pants for Sadie (I will spare you the way too crappy photo of this) and then had the guts to really get into the rest. Pete and I and the girls got to meet Cia and her husband Mark a few weeks back and it was one of those times when you just click with people and feel like you have known them forever. Or at least a lot longer then, well, an hour or so, which is about how long we got to hang out. We talked fabric, music, computers, life, so many things. I could go on and on here, but really I just have to say that they are Good People and they have a rad online fabric shop, and it is definitely a wonderful place to buy fabric.
regarding the 3rd b-party, the goodie bags are almost done. I was all set to finish them up and had the girls in the car to run errands and they both fell asleep, so we ended up back home and then I fell asleep listening to them breathing in the car. so we all slept in the driveway and didn't get our errands done. but I am quite close to being done. I wrapped gifts and I am fully aware that it's supposed to rain this weekend which will mean absolute chaos because we really do not have room for all the adults and kids in the house. I need to bake the cake (and with everything else, I may be baking it at the store if you know what I mean) and, of course, Tie One On is happening. Ha! it's funny, really. (see I'm insane title above) But I need to say that I am happy and in a really good mood, not doing the freaky perfectionist thing at all, really. (she said convincingly)









Oooh sweet little dress AND bag. You're a great mum :) Thanks for the great fabric link.
Posted by: Nicole | September 30, 2005 at 01:59 AM
What beautiful dress, the thought of making pretty girlie things is almost making me go back for seconds, boys can be so boring to sew for! (of course i am only joking about the seconds bit, not that game!) You've done a great job, and I'm sure the power nap in the car came at the right time. Good luck for the party.
Posted by: Rachael | September 30, 2005 at 03:30 AM
That dress is gorgeous and the purse just tops the cake (birthday cake).
Posted by: Dana | September 30, 2005 at 03:32 AM
That dress is adorable. (Dresses--I can make those now! Yipee!!) And I'm SO glad to hear that you're not making yourself crazy with the party prep--good for you!! ENJOY it!!
Posted by: amanda | September 30, 2005 at 06:19 AM
bonus mom points for you! that dress is lovely, and a matching handbag? well, what could be better? so glad that you are enjoying all the work, instead of going crazy. thanks for the fabric link, and do tell where you get such wonderful brown corduroy!
Posted by: hannah | September 30, 2005 at 06:31 AM
Beautiful dress! At first glance I thought you might have quilted all those little pieces together, but I'm glad to see that it's the fabric, otherwise you really might be insane! Have fun with the party!
Posted by: Amanda | September 30, 2005 at 06:43 AM
oh yes, we wanna know how it goes and what exactly went in those bags.
then you can advise me...having a party for a 16 year need take home bag ideas.
I've decided they are NOT too old for them.
Posted by: dazeymae | September 30, 2005 at 07:42 AM
The dress and purse...so perfect for Sadie. Congrats for handling the pre-party whirl on top of everything else.
Posted by: Grammie | September 30, 2005 at 07:56 AM
I keep telling myself to use up more of my stash before ordering more fabric, and then this link...
Love the dress and purse! You did a great job.
Posted by: jen | September 30, 2005 at 07:56 AM
That is a beautiful dress, what kind of pattern do you use? My daughter just turned three and the handbag would be her favorite thing
Posted by: tatjana | September 30, 2005 at 07:57 AM
beautiful work...good luck with the bday party, and happy birthday to the miss sadie!!!
Posted by: kyrie | September 30, 2005 at 08:31 AM
I love your energy. The dress is too sweet. I look forward to hearing more about the party's success next week.
Posted by: kelli | September 30, 2005 at 08:52 AM
love the dress and the handbag - Sadie is lucky.
Happy birthday to her in advance !
I can't believe mine is turning 3 soon....
Posted by: karen in Toronto | September 30, 2005 at 09:19 AM
Beautiful dress, lovely bag, lucky birthday girl, wonderful mama!
Posted by: Eve | September 30, 2005 at 09:32 AM
that dress is really amazing, sadie is sure to love it. good luck with the party!
Posted by: brandie | September 30, 2005 at 09:33 AM
Cute little ensemble, very earthy and harvesty. Crossing my fingers that it's dry on party day! (Although I am loving this rain today).
Posted by: Stephanie | September 30, 2005 at 10:11 AM
insane in the best way. what a great birthday outfit! and I'm with you -- sew the presents and the goodie bags, buy the cake. I tried to bake Oscar's cake last year..never again. hope you have good weather for your party but I'm sure it will be a blast either way.
Posted by: hillary | September 30, 2005 at 11:01 AM
Wow, you are supermama! I have a little tip for the cake if you want the ease of store bought but don't want to loose the homemade touch. Go to the store and ask them to sell you one that they've iced but have not decorated yet. Then you can add all your own touches to it without the hassle of baking. It'll also be fresh! (One of my sister's favorite shortcuts when she's low on time.)
Posted by: Laurie | September 30, 2005 at 11:50 AM
giddy indeed!!!
the dress is wonderful.
cia's palette! wow.
WOW!
thank you!
Posted by: laura r. | September 30, 2005 at 12:10 PM
such a cute dress and thank you for the online fabric store link!! i already made a purchase!
Posted by: Lisa | September 30, 2005 at 12:55 PM
The dress and bag are absolutely yummy! Such great colors....don't sweat the cake. You can always buy cupcakes at the store and throw a few sprinkles on them. The kids are going to have a great time, no matter what! Sadie's party will be wonderful!
Posted by: debbie | September 30, 2005 at 01:03 PM
you know what they say, the insane ones are usually the ones coming up with really cool stuff. you're in great company! lovely dress and purse set.
Posted by: jungs | September 30, 2005 at 01:27 PM
oh, you are too good. I imagine that both girls sleeping was a very good sign that it was time for a family nap... better in bed, but car is a good substitute. Obviously it refueled you for your midnight madness. the dress and handbag are lovely. Sadie's a lucky bug.
Posted by: erinay | September 30, 2005 at 01:33 PM
Geeeeeeze, that dress and handbag are so wonderful for that lucky Sadie!!! It's just perfect for a 3 year-old She is going to look so great at her party. I've been thinking of her (and you) lots today, knowing tomorrow is her big day. Have a ball! I wish I were there to help celebrate at this fun time!!!!!!! xoxoxo
Posted by: leslie | September 30, 2005 at 07:04 PM
Beautiful dress and bag! What is the pattern? I am in full tilt party mode with the bags and everything. My problem is that my son put the cabosh on anything crafty. Bummer.
Thanks for the great link!
Posted by: Shirra | September 30, 2005 at 08:42 PM
What a lovely dress. Good mummy!!!! Thanks for sharing Cia's Palette. I went to take a look, and fell in love!
Posted by: Samantha | October 01, 2005 at 06:27 AM
I think *I* need an outfit like that!! I love how you did that front panel, so smart!! I would have never thought of that. Hope the house is still standing after today.
Posted by: sarah n. | October 01, 2005 at 07:30 AM
thanks so much! this dress is my own pattern (but I just traced an a-line dress and added trim and the "apron" skirt over the top. it fits really baggy, nice a roomy.
Posted by: amy k. | October 01, 2005 at 07:51 PM
Wonderful dress and bag. Definitely not insane. Isn't Cia's Palette great? Such a beautiful selection and super fast shipment. And the packaging is lovely. I am very keen on that company.
Posted by: A.J. | October 02, 2005 at 07:57 AM
I totally relate. You kinda go crazy when its your little ones birthday - well I know I do anyway. It was my daughters 2nd birthday this week (just gone) too and I spent weeks planning for it. Designing & cutting out the invites, making matching party bags, making cakes and searching EVERYWHERE for teddy related goodies, which was harder than I thought! Those plastic party bag toys should be banished! The dress and bag is absolutely adorable, you are very talented and inspiring.
Posted by: Max | October 02, 2005 at 02:26 PM
Thank you so much for posting that quilt fabric source--I hadn't heard of them before. Love the dress and bag and the photo sticks!
Posted by: Barb | October 05, 2005 at 12:06 AM