Baby Shower

Today is going to be a happy day. 

We'll be making a friend cry, but in a good way, I promise. It is a surprise baby shower for Patrícia. She is such a sweet, attentive, loving and generous person. Remember our last group post, when we all shared the things we made for charity? Then you might also remember that she was the one that got us all sewing those things. Our dear friend is expecting her second child, another girl. We couldn't have it any other way, so get ready to see all the goodies everyone made, not only for the little princess but also for her bigger sister, because bigger sisters deserve some extra love too.

Let me start with the little one. And the little secret I have been hiding from you. Back to KCW in February, I told you I had started two little dresses. I didn't show them back there, because they were both gifts for friends that read this blog. They were both Geraniums. I shared the first one here, and today I can finally show you the second one. If I kept it more neutral for the first one, for the second I went all colourful, because Patrícia is someone who brings color and positive feelings to me. And I wanted that for her little one too. 

I used this scrap of fabric I bought last year. It was one of the few fabrics I got into my stash, one of those to use in very special projects. I figured a new born would be a good excuse to use it, and so I did. for the lining I used a scrap of a white cotton sheet, I always have them for these little projects.

I skipped pockets in this one too. And the only details I added was the blue ric rac on the collar. I used snaps to close the dress on the back. I wasn't sure if I'd use the pink or blue (like the ric rac), but the blue kinda died next to the owls, and a princess is a princess, so pink it is. I actually though about using velcro tape (nastra tape?!), but I got my new pliers just in time for the snaps. They are perfect to use in babies clothes.

Because it was a newborn dress, I wanted to be extra careful with the seams, so no seam is showing unfinished in this dress. I could have tuckled the waist seam under the bodice, but I forgot... yes, I forget... and because I was lazy to unpick it, I had to come up with a different solution, so I covered the seam, sewing a cotton tape over it. Hence the two rows of stitches in the waist. The bodice was lined so I didn't have any special cares with the seams, but when it comes to the skirt, I used french seams. I finished the skirt with a regular hem.

And now that I've said all I had to say about the little one's dress, let's move on into the big sister's gift. I made her a baby doll pocket sling. Just like the ones I make for real mammas, but in a kids size, of course. This idea actually came from my G. She loves to wear her baby just like I wear her brother. She feels so happy and proud when we are both walking our babies in a sunny day. I figured, what little girl wouldn't feel that?! And I knew Patrícia was looking to get herself some sort of carrier too, so it'd make perfect sense.

pictures show a great way to fold the slings (even the adult ones) to keep them clean in your bag. 

I used my daughter's measurments to make it (because I actually made her one too, we were using an improvised one). Although my G. is a bit older, I am pretty sure this might be close to C.'s size too (crossing my fingers). I used a piece of a very light cotton as the "lining" (it is reversible), it was originally white but I dyed it long ago, it is the same fabric I used for G.'s Bubblelicious romper, does that ring a bell? As the outer fabric, I used a vintage piece that I got from my grandmother. This screamed Patrícia to me, I hope I wasn't wrong, but most of all, I hope that C. approves it!

Baby doll courtesy of my daughter. His name is Captain Hook... yes, she said it is a HE and yes, that's the name she chose!!!

Now, don't forget to check what the other nice ladies made for this virtual baby shower. You will love it all, I can tell you.

Maria * Rita & Fatima * Marta  * Soraia * Inês * Constança * Sara * Ana * Carla

Patrícia... because YOU deserve all the love you can get, I hope you liked our little surprise. I'm sorry that now you'll have to wait to recieve all these goodies. I hope you're not crying too much. 

Love you my dear, might S. come at her time, bringing joy, light and laughter to your family.