dress. for sydney.

When I visited Peapod Fabrics for the pale yellow fabric that would become the yoke and pockets of this dress, a little girl overheard me say that I was making the Ice Cream dress. (She was about as tall as the cutting table... I remember seeing her eyes and the top of her head as she watched Yoshiko cutting my fabric.)

"You're making an ice cream dress?"

"Yes, I am," I said, trying to act as though I hadn't realized how my words must sound to a 6-year-old.

True to its name, the Ice Cream dress is a treat. This is the third time I've sewn it up and it is different and wonderful every time!

This has been a cool project. My client has been very hands-on, helping choose fabric and buttons. We work really well together. And I learned how she adores the recipients of this birthday gift (parents + Baby). Her love transferred to my fingers as I worked.

As the project concluded, I was inspired by  Alicia Paulson to create one more piece for this gift: a pocket doll. 
I found a pattern that helped me with the dimensions but she is too big for these pockets. I made her a little dress from the Lecien fabric left over from the Ice Cream dress. I think it will do nicely.


So that's that!
And next, maybe more bonnets. 
I have two cut out and waiting.
O what fun!


xo, Nancy

  

ah. kimono.

People ask me if there are BeeBabyMine garments for boys. Yes, there are! We love the little kimono-style top from the pattern "Storytime PJs" by oliver + s.

The kimono top is available for both boys and girls. In this case, I chose fabrics that I'm hoping a little boy might like.

I do not recommend this top for pjs because studies show that Baby is safer wearing close-fitting garments for sleeping. However, for all the other activities of the day, this sweet top is a great choice! The closure consists of two sets of ties, inside on Baby's left and outside on Baby's right. With ties the fit can be adjusted as your little one grows.

Inside, you will find the signature details that BeeBabyMine is known for: scalloped pinking and hand-sewn seam finishes, the bee baby label, and, with any oliver + s garment, the blue label that lets you know I used an oliver + s pattern.

This precious little top (size 6-12 months) will be appearing in the Etsy shop momentarily.

Thanks for dropping by, dear reader.

xo, Nancy

vintage. bonnets.

Two bonnets. Both vintage, each in its own way. 

The bonnet in the background is from my collection of vintage children's clothing. The bonnet in the foreground is the one I have just completed, using my precious vintage pattern, Simplicity 4704.

I'm still figuring out the best way to photograph bonnets. Even with the close-up, it is hard to see the subtle stripe of the interior fabric.

It's the detail in the back that sold me on this particular pattern. I love love love (!) the styling of this old-fashioned baby bonnet!

It's so much fun sharing my passion with someone who gets it.
xo, Nancy

vintage. voila!

I did some research and discovered that my vintage Simplicity pattern was probably published between 1934-1939. The article is an eBay Guide that shows how to date patterns by envelope illustration. Very cool!

 

And so, revisiting from the mid-1930s, a baby jacket in pink. Voila!

3 vintage baby buttons + silk ribbon

sweet Peter Pan collar + dainty cuffs

gathered to yoke both in front and in back

label placement least likely to bother Baby

finished coat ~ seamstress perspective

In the final 2 photos, I have turned the little coat inside out to show how it's finished. Can you see the precious Lecien stripe fabric lining the collar?

I'm SO glad you dropped by. Next time, the bonnet!
xo, Nancy

vintage. baby.

Do you remember when patterns were 15cents?

I wanted to do some work for brand-new munchkins and picked up this charming vintage pattern from a shop on Etsy! 

I'm guessing that Simplicity 4704 for Baby's wardrobe to be circa 1940s ...earlier? the tissue pieces have nothing printed on them. Zero, zilch, nada! The way to tell if a piece is to be cut on the fold of the fabric is by three holes punched in the pattern; the code for straight of grain is 2 holes and the seamstress lines them up along the grain. Smaller holes indicate 'other' critical construction, to be addressed as the seamstress works her way through the directions.

Since the directions have stumped me a couple of times, I decided to record what I do as I go. I plan to re-use the pattern and will be happy to have crumbs on this path!

pin and then baste body to yoke (front)

edgestitch yoke seams after serging

 Thank goodness I have completed four Sunday Brunch jackets by Oliver + S! Those patterns have fantastic directions. 


The construction of this vintage version is not as intricate as the Oliver + S jackets but I believe the result will have the same panache. On a smaller scale, of course.

I started a bonnet, too. To match. Such a sweet, old-fashioned look. 

That's all for tonight. Tomorrow the sleeves and hem, buttons and button loops. Ah, the joys of sewing!

thanks for dropping by, dear reader.

xo, Nancy

O baby.

I feel giddy when I imagine the little darling who will wear this dress! I love its delicate details. The neckline, the button tab with its wee buttons, the tucks front and back, the top stitching on the hem (there are six rows of stitching, spaced 1/4" apart). 

front

back

This is the same pattern as the one for Mia's blouse, except this time I made view A, the dress. The pattern is 'Family Reunion' by oliver + s. The fabric is by Lecien, the import from Japan that I'm crazy about. I love their whimsical and cheery prints. This one has a lovely very light yellow as its base with a scattering of light pink roses tinged with hot pink, tiny  blue flowers, and green leaves and stems.

When you look at the reverse side up close, you can see how I finished the raw edges. For example, there is very pretty lace binding the seams where the sleeves and bodice join. That's one of my favorite hidden touches. Another is surprise fabric (also by Lecien) for the hem facing. If you have been following me you know I love surprises when they make you smile. This pop of color makes me smile.

back

front

Perhaps it will be a special occasion dress for someone! At size 6-12 months, it may be small for most birthday girls, but I can sew one for you in another size/color way. Please feel free to contact me to discuss options!


xo, Nancy

springtime. delight.

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, autumn has arrived. But in the southern hemisphere, it's springtime. This little Tea Party sundress is offered with sunny days in mind (even though it's raining here)! 

Size 3-6 months, this little dress is a delicate confection in cream and lavender. Let me invite you to click on the piccies to see the pretty lavender print on this fabric up close. You will also get a better look at the contrast fabric for the piping, the hem binding, and the bloomers for the fun pop of colour.

What I love about this pattern are the sophisticated details. From the button straps and top-stitching to the arched bodice seam front and back (shown off with contrasting flat piping), this dress shows off baby's sense of style. 


Even if it's not springtime where you are, this dress would make the perfect baby shower gift for a little girl due to arrive mid-winter!


Available at my etsy shop right away! or contact me for one in your favorite colours!


thanks for dropping by,
xo, Nancy

cute. buttons.

This Sunday Brunch jacket was looking cute in pink. 

And then I found the buttons!

I think these heart buttons were made for this jacket. They are the softest pink (just right with the floral print on this corduroy) and the perfect size.

This is the second time I've made up the Sunday Brunch jacket in corduroy. The texture of the pinwale invites hugs and cuddles all on its own. I can just imagine the effect when paired with the little girl who receives it!

For the inside binding, I chose a sweet floral print in green and natural that repeats the dainty green leaves in the corduroy.

Autumn. Cool days. Pink cheeks. and a little pink jacket.

(size 12-18 months... to be listed on beebabymine.etsy.com soon!)

thanks for visiting!

xo, Nancy