I actually made something this year!

A couple of months ago Kelly needed a great top to wear for a play that she was in--you might remember the pictures that I took of her as Jillian-the sassy store owner.  Well, the plan was that she would wear this amazing top that I made for her.  However, the adage of "measure twice cut once" could apply to sewing as well as construction.  Because I was rushing to get this put together on time and made it a tad too small.  She still could have worn it but she refused!  I know!  I'm still irritated about it. 

The front.  These pictures don't really do the fabulous colors and patterns justice.  I was sorely disappointed when she wouldn't wear it.  I had spent a lot of time putting it together.  Oh well.

The back vew.

One of the parts that I am proud of--the invisible zipper on the side.  Now you see me.

Now you don't.  BTW I put in all of those ruffles.  I didn't have any ruffle attachment, although I really wished that I had one.  The ruffles on this top probably took the most time because you had to sew two rows of basting stitches and then carefully--so carefully pull the bobbin threads to form the gathers/ruffles.  A couple of times I'd be close to finishing and the threads would break and I'd have to take it all apart and redo it--ugh!

Another thing that I was proud of is that I trimmed and zig-zagged all of the seams to create a clean, finished look.  Did I wish everytime that I just had a serger?  Yes!  But it still turned out pretty well.

I also topstitched everything-like you see here on the arm band.  If I wasn't under such a time crunch I would have enjoyed this project a lot more.  That and if Kelly had actually worn it.  Oh well.  I passed it onto a friend of mine who has daughters a little younger than Kelly.  I'm hoping they can enjoy it for a little while.

With summer just a couple of weeks away I'm hoping to find time to sew a little.  I have a list of projects forming in my mind.  I have definitely learned my lesson about double checking measurements and math!  And I think the next things I make will be for me--so no worries about them not being worn and enjoyed!