Best. Sewing. Day. Ever.

I can't believe how much I got done today! Yes, it was super duper cold out, but the road commission did a nice job out our way, so when Little Miss Princess got an invite for a play date, the drive wasn't terribly bad.  Little Man fell asleep in the car on the way, so I had enough peace and quiet to get most of my "To Do List" done!

1.  Tomorrow is the Valentine's Day Party, and with a theme like "Fancy Nancy", some blue jeans and a red shirt just won't do!  So the "Daddy-Daughter Dress" is getting double duty this year!  A very sparkly ribbon/belt was already picked out, but I felt like it still needed a little something.  So, I did some research, and found the perfect embellishment: A fabric flower!

I got the instructions from this website, but changed it up a little.  I added another round of slightly smaller petals, and set a small square of the sparkly ribbon inside the center, instead of a button.  Reminds me of a peony...

I love it, it's exactly what I was hoping for, so I'm thrilled with the result.  So is Little Miss Princess, who also thinks it would look great on a headband (and I agree)!  I'll do a full review and photo shoot another day.  (Check out the snow piled on the deck behind her...)

2.  The leopard print blouse is finished! The second sleeve was attached and the eyelets set for the drawstring.  I used 8 black eyelets and the setter (both from Joann's), and it only took a few minutes.  If I had known how easy eyelets were before, I would've used them sooner, so I'm sure you'll be seeing them again in the future!  The only problem (very small) was that the eyelet setter didn't make a very good hole to set the eyelet into, so I just used my super sharp scissors and made itty-bitty holes instead.  No biggie.

I really like this blouse, and I'm glad I decided to keep it (thanks, again)!  I'll do a full photo shoot later this week, when DH can take my picture...

3.  I went through my Burda files and my pattern drawer, and decided to use Simplicity 2683 for the shrug.  Ironically, this is the pattern from last year's Daddy-Daughter Dress, but I hadn't used the shrug/jacket part.  I had a scrap (18") of bamboo knit I really wanted to use, and it fit the pieces perfectly.  The pattern called for a woven, but I wanted her to be warm and cozy.  It worked fine, and came together quickly.  I decided to set the ties aside, as I don't want to hide the sparkly belt and pretty flower!  I'll attach them after the dance, if at all.

See the writing inside, on the fabric? I didn't notice it until I was nearly done, and so thankful it's on the inside!  This is leftover bamboo from a dress I made this summer, so very, very soft!  This is the neckline, it's an attached band with a strip of elastic inside.  Different approach, Simplicity...

Aren't the sleeves so cute? It ends at her elbow, so not too long, not too short... just right!

Did I mention how much I *love* my coverstitch machine?!?!

4.  Didn't happen.  I didn't think it would.  Actually, I did get 2 more shirts embroidered for a client, so I guess it was really just a change of plans!  I love days when I get to use all my machines in the same sitting!

The pencil skirt is next on the list for this weekend's projects, I've got some RPL that will be perfect for it.  There's also a cozy jacket on the list, a fabulous gray fabric I found in NY that looks like a sweater knit, that will be perfect for this Burda jacket.  Both Katie and Michelle had luck with using a woven instead of a knit on this pattern, so I should be okay, too.

So, that was my snow day.  There were some other activities (setting up and playing with the train set, getting Valentine's ready, etc.), so I had a pretty full day.  Back to the trenches tomorrow...