Summer Stitches

Last Fall I rescued a box of vintage patterns at the recycle center and scored some pretty great patterns. One was a 1950s pinafore pattern (Simplicity 2056) that I was hoping would be sweet by itself as a summer dress for AnaSofia. I hesitantly wanted to use the African fabric given to us by friends who spent time in Mali (remember when I made her a coat with it for her a few years back? Yes, it takes me awhile to decide how to use this special fabric!) and decided to use a cheaper fabric first to try out the pattern and then follow up with the lightweight, wonderful African fabric. The pattern was all ruffles and full skirts, which AnaSofia loved.

I thought it would be much too hot for summer so when I remade it with the proper fabric, I eliminated the skirt part of the pattern and instead cut the fabric selvage to selvage and used that piece as the bottom. Much more modern, lightweight and fun. I also nixed the belted middle to save time and fabric.

I love the dress on her (well, I think she looks gorgeous in anything!), but I do wish I had hundreds more yards of African fabric to continue working with!
Of course, little Kasper was not left out, he got a little pair of summer reversible pants like the many others he wears from this book with the African fabric on one side and vehicles on the other (his pick - of course!)

And some fishy ones of mama's design for more outdoor adventures...

Lots of summer sewing! I am trying to keep up with sending random handmade love gifts of capes, skirts, tea party quilts and felt flower hairbands to friends each week as a little surprise to those we love.