In Bloom Fabric Collection by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake Designs

There's nothing like a fancy dress, just because.  

                                   Just one of the many perks of having a mama that sews...

This fabric is just one of many available from the In Bloom collection by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake Designs.  This collection is a stunning mixture of both color and monochrome designs.  It features a mixture of dots, stripes and floral bouquets in gold, pink, and black colorways.  The gold even sparkles!

Photo credit: Riley Blake Designs

As soon as I saw the fabrics, I knew my oldest needed a fancy "just because" dress.  I actually didn't involve her in the design process this time because I knew the In Bloom Botanical Sparkle in Pink was exactly what she'd pick.  Of course, when she saw her dress, it was love at first sight!

I chose the Stirling Dress by Little Lizard King and sewed the bodice overlay option with keyhole back.  The back is my favorite part!  

The directions also do a great job helping you customize the sizing to achieve the perfect fit.  My pint-sized 9.75 year old wears a mixture of 4 chest, 2 waist and a 7/8 height.  Once you blend it all together though, you get a perfectly customized fit!  My daughter said she felt like a princess!

I love how the fabric looks in this dress.  While the fabric is perfect for quilts, it is amazing for clothing as well!  The possibilities are endless really.  The quality is top-notch -- very soft, minimal shrinkage in pre-wash and sews/irons perfectly.

I chose the everyday skirt version and even a "slow-motion" twirl has great volume.

Thank you Riley Blake Designs for the lovely package of fabric 💗  My daughters always love when Riley Blake mail comes! 

Gretel Fabric Collection by Amy Smart for Penny Rose Fabrics

While it's turned blustery cold (for most), I am planning for Summer.  It's my favorite!  I started with three pieces for my youngest using the Gretel fabric collection by Amy Smart for Penny Rose Fabrics.  It's a fun, cheerful collection in hues of primary colors.  Daisies and hearts can be seen throughout the collection. 

I chose a mixture of colors -- Gretel Wreath Navy, Gretel Heart Yellow, Gretel Daisy Denim, and Gretel Gingham Red.  Once my fabrics came in, I had my daughter decide what she wanted me to make.  In just a couple weeks, she turns 8 so her input is a must! 

The first pattern she chose was her very own Sorrento by Little Lizard King.  I've made her older sister 2 already and she really wanted her own.  It's such a sweet summer dress and a quick sew. 

This time, I had to try out the circle skirt and it also gave me a chance to add a pop of the red at the hem using Gretel Gingham Red.

This is her 8 year old "look"  hahaha   -- so grown up and posh.

For her second outfit, she requested shorts and a button-down tank top.  For the shorts, I sewed the Monaco Shorts by New Horizons Designs.  I love, love, love this pattern.  They are lined with the Gretel Daisy Denim  -- 1/4 yd was just enough to cut all my lining pieces! 

For the top, I modified the Monterey Romper by Little Lizard King.  She wanted something that buttoned all the way down, but she also wanted it to be able to be cinched.  Instead of adding the shorts, I stopped the side seams 2" from the bottom.  Then I simply turned up the hem 1/4" and then an additional 3/4" to make a casing.  I used the Gretel Heart Yellow to make a tie and used a plastic spring stopper to secure it on one side.  She can also wear it uncinched!