I started this little top on vacation at home in Maine with the competent help of mom. She knows so much about sewing and we had such fun together.
First tracing out the Japanese patterns from the book onto tissue paper, then trying with terrible results to use mom's machine. One does get rather used to a particular machine and trying to use hers felt like I had no sewing experience whatsoever!
This tunic has the nicest little details, like the gentle curve of the pocket and the elastic in the top of it making it pucker so prettily.
Somehow mom and I goofed on tracing the pattern and we had to add a little opening in the back so Lilly would be able to get her head through. That was for the best, because now I have learned how to do that!
A tiny strip of contrasting fabric lines the inside of the opening for the arm.
She likes it.
Here big brother is making faces to help keep her occupied while I take photos and she is a bit uncertain of this funny business.
She is such a cutie! I love her smile.
Posted by: Anne Marie | October 18, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Oh, I love it. Which book was it from?
Posted by: Selina | October 18, 2009 at 10:35 PM
this is so pretty and beautifully made. Love the pleating and the trim.
Posted by: Cele | October 18, 2009 at 11:15 PM
She looks absolutely adorable and it goes perfect with her leggings. That is almost a Mona Lisa smile!
I wish I still had a little one to sew for, but unfortunately they grow up ... mine is 41!!! The granddaughters are young adults now, live in Texas, and I;m sure they would roll their eyes if I tried making something for them ... LOL
Posted by: Yvette | October 19, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Its so sweet and so is your little girl! I know what you mean about your own machine!
Posted by: Julie | October 19, 2009 at 12:55 AM
What gorgeous work on such a beautiful young lady. Very very pretty.
Posted by: Jeannine | October 19, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Cute, cutie cute cute.
Posted by: Kristin L | October 19, 2009 at 01:35 AM
Emily....it's so pretty, delicate, and feminine. Perfect for your little girlie!!!
Posted by: cathleen | October 19, 2009 at 03:14 AM
Sooooo very pretty!!
Posted by: Andi | October 19, 2009 at 03:24 AM
I love this! It's sooo sweet, simple and very pretty! Love...:) Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | October 19, 2009 at 04:18 AM
Good morning Raven :)
Beautiful..!!!! very sweet!
Posted by: antigoni | October 19, 2009 at 06:41 AM
What a sweet tunic, I love all the detailing!
Lilly looks perfect in it :-D
Posted by: ingermaaike | October 19, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Emily, this is adorable!! Plus she can wear it all wear round with a turtleneck underneath!
Posted by: Vivi | October 19, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Lily and her new tunic look adorable together!
Posted by: Star of the East | October 19, 2009 at 08:33 AM
This is a very pretty and natural dress. Well done. Lilly is a lucky girl!!
Posted by: Thongbai Tatong | October 19, 2009 at 09:25 AM
so pretty. love all the photos
Posted by: Chichiboulie | October 19, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Well done on the top. It looks very soft and lovely!
Posted by: swiedebie | October 19, 2009 at 09:41 AM
So sweet and pretty!
Posted by: jealousydesign | October 19, 2009 at 12:28 PM
What a perfect smile! Of course, the top is perfect, too!
Posted by: Dawn, from LaTouchables | October 19, 2009 at 06:28 PM
It really turned out cute! With a long sleeve top underneath it will be sooo cute for winter too! Fun, guess I had better start sewing for my granddaughter... Christmas is coming!
Posted by: Jean C. | October 19, 2009 at 06:45 PM
very cute!
Posted by: LeelaBijou | October 19, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Just beautiful! Love the little floral accents.
Posted by: Michele C | October 20, 2009 at 12:38 AM
What a pretty top! This would be lovely in a grown up size too :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | October 20, 2009 at 06:18 AM
Wery wery nice. I like it.
Posted by: Orsi | October 20, 2009 at 10:21 AM
This is adorable and she looks so cute :-)
Posted by: TheBroochBoutique | October 20, 2009 at 12:15 PM
i love this dress! and the magazine photos above are beautiful! i am so inspired!
Posted by: katie | October 20, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Your work is amazing.
Posted by: willy-nilly | October 21, 2009 at 03:14 AM
I adore Japanese design and my hubby asks how I am able to understand the pattern book. Guess I ought to tell him that it did involve an oops or two:)
Posted by: erika | October 21, 2009 at 08:00 PM
This is beautiful! I love all the details, especially the little pocket - it's lovely on your daughter. The colour really suits her.
It's strange how a different sewing machine is so alien, while your own seems like an extension to your fingers, once you've got used to it.
Also, thank you for your lovely kind comments about my sewing, best wishes, Juliax
Posted by: Julia | October 22, 2009 at 01:51 PM
What a beautiful, beautiful dress!
Posted by: Margaret | October 24, 2009 at 11:24 AM
gorgeous...and that's just your model! what a dear little face she has! the top is gorgeous too!
Corrie;)
Posted by: corrie | October 25, 2009 at 10:38 AM
what a lovely little dress for such a cutie pie!! well done!
Posted by: tasha | October 27, 2009 at 09:19 PM
My neighbor thinks sometimes she'd rather just have her whole jaw knocked out in a fight. She has a chronic fear of the dentist but she has cavities & needs braces. It seems like it's really effecting her socially and emotionally. She tells me she wants to have a perfect smile badly but can't bring herself to do it.
How can I help her?
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