"Traveler" shirtdress

Here's another version of same shirtdress I made last fall, once again using Simplicity 2246 (albeit two sizes larger this time - argh!). I used a stretch cotton poplin for the bodice and a Lisette cotton twill for the skirt. Both fabrics have a lot of crispness and body to them, so I opted to pleat in the skirt's fullness instead of gathering.

I also added piping at the waistline, an idea I stole from one of Casey's recent posts. I thought it would add a little more definition between the skirt and the bodice. However, I found I prefer the look of a belt instead.

I am not sure why, but I'm not very thrilled with the way this dress turned out. I'm not so sure I like the style of the sleeves and I wish I'd chosen a bolder print for the skirt. There's nothing wrong with it, and I'll certainly be wearing it as I don't have a lot of other options! I'm a little more excited about version #2, which I plan to modify into a shirtwaist with a fuller skirt. Blue chambray fabric, you're next!

Sweet Lavinia

Lavinia is two months old now! We are entering my favorite part of the infant stage -- she gives us sweet smiles and makes pretty coos, her neck is getting strong enough that she doesn't need constant head support, and she sleeps well at night. She's definitely left that "lean newborn" look behind and is quite the pudgy lady.

It's been a challenge to adjust to being a mother of two, but I have had so much help I feel like I'm somehow cheating. :-P I am sooooo blessed that Edmund still takes 2+ hour naps every afternoon, as it gives me some time to rest or work more efficiently. Edmund is a great big brother and calls her 'Avinia (being unable to pronounce his L's without great prompting from Douglas or me). Very cute.

I've been finding some time to (slowly, slowly) do some sewing, and I finished up a new shirtdress last night. I'm (slowly, slowly) losing that post-partum weight, but in the meantime nothing that I wore last summer fits. Shirtdresses are great for nursing so I bought enough fabric to make two. Photos of version #1 coming soon!