Remember when I found this bolt of fabric..
raw materials transform with creative hands.
Don’t you love that moment when you discover
that you can take something from your imagination and make it real?
♥
First you need the pattern { the plan }
then your fabric { imagination }
of course this fabric is called “Ballet Slipper Ribbons”
3 Sisters Paris Flea Market for Moda
and with the pretty palest of pinks thread
{ you } can stitch it all together.
My first sewing project ever was a very simple pattern, like this one.
My mom ♥
helped me choose the pattern and fabric and taught me how to sew.
{ I will give some credit to my teachers in Home Economics! }
It’s one of those moments I won’t ever forget,
the freedom and joy of discovering a new talent has stayed with me.
When we learn something new.. it’s so freeing.. and it can lead to so much more!
Even after those sweaty-palmed first struggles with fussy pins and jammed sewing machines..
with patience and time everything usually gets easier.
With practice and a skilled gentle touch..
the fabric is cool and crisp in our hands and creating becomes effortless…
If we can get just past those first few frustrating and awkward attempts,
life can bring so much joy!
♥
This pattern for this Prairie Calico Nightie is such a simple one, it is definitely a beginner’s pattern.
Fabric and pattern are both from Out of Hand. and was made for my daughter.
{ I think it’s time I taught her how to sew! }
I even have enough material left over to make a pillow slip-cover.
Absolutely beautiful from beginning to end! My mom also taught me how to sew. Sadly it is not something I get to doing often though.
Have a love filled happy day Smidge.
🙂 Mandy xo
Maybe one day you will feel inspired to try it again, Mandy:) You have a lovely day as well!! xx
It’s so very pretty! Your daughter is lucky to receive such a gift, and if you teach her to sew too that will be even a greater gift. Have a lovely day Barbara!
You too, Cathy! xx
Very pretty and romantic, lovely pattern – I saw from Vogue Designer Collection under many year …. and I always went for the pattern first. The most fun years of my life … always something on the go from evening gowns by Oscar de la Renta to 3-piece Valentino suits. My mum learned me to saw more or less over night.
Hated Home Economics – anything with sawing and cooking.
I hope a special man will … see you in this. *smile
I think I knew that you used to sew, from one of your earlier blog posts, Viveka. I can’t believe you made such complex sewing patterns, that’s such an accomplishment! They must have been just gorgeous! I know from trying to do fancier buttonholes, etc, there are more refined patterns that take a whole lot of work.
It’s beautiful – never think to make myself nighties, but it’s such a lovely idea (and I lvoe that fabric!)
Not actually my thing, as I’m sure you can imagine. 😉 But Mrs K R would like this — definitely will be telling her. Great job!
🙂 Does Mrs KR sew too?
That is adorable – both the fabric and the pattern. My mother was a very talented seamstress although I never really learned from her. A Home Ec class & many practice runs and I just couldn’t stop creating. Unfortunately my fabric stash is out of control.
I have a friend who has stacks of fabric she’s collected, I have fabric envy!! xx
Just love your creation! That fabric is just perfect
That fabric is so pretty! It makes a lovely nightgown and will make such a pretty pillow cover!
It is a gorgeous fabric my friend, lovely nightgown 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
My mother was a very talented sewer too but somehow she didn’t pass the gene on to any of her five daughters. Congrats on your sewing achievement! I love the nightie and the fabric is gorgeous xx
Thanks, Charlie!
Love it. Fabric AND pattern.
So pretty ! You make me wish I had a sewing machine…
They used to be expensive.. there are a lot of affordable basic machines now. Mine is a hand-me-down from mom, about.. wow, 35-40 years ago! And it still stitches! Unbelievable, eh?
How lovely smidge!! love the flowers and patterns on the nightie.. hope you get to teach your daughter how to sew. I wish I knew how to!’
Though not something I’d wear — it’s a bit too cold here for that — I do appreciate the skill needed to make something so pretty. 🙂
Haha, love it!! And thank you!! So nice to have you back, John!
Very sweet and simple. Love your calming photos. My mom was a great seamstress. It is too bad that I did not pick up on the good traits while at home. I think if I was living in Canada right now I would be wearing a full bunny suit with the feet in it. It is so cold and snowy. However, maybe this little prairie vintage nightgown is a tad bit easier to sew than the full bunny suit, no doubt. Have a super weekend. BAM
Hahaha, you know, those suits at the Olympics reminds me of a Bunny Suit I DID in fact make for my daughter one Hallowe’en. all that was missing were the ears:D Will this cold ever end!! I’m going crazy here!!! xx
This looks anything but beginner to me. I can’t sew worth a lick. It’s just gorgeous!!! So soft and delicate looking. It certainly brightens up this winter feeling. You did a lovely job Smidge. You have such a talent for beauty and crafting.
Such a pretty nightie, and all the more special since you made it yourself. I haven’t sewn in ages, but I used to make so many things for myself and my daughters (I never did get into making clothes for my son). I started sewing when I was around 12 or so, and made many of my blouses and skirts throughout high school. Maybe this will be the year that I start sewing again … I’m imagining pretty tops and halters for the beach. Thank you for the inspiration!
It’s so true.. there are so many easy patterns.. and simple shapes seem to be in style:)
Such a sweet nightie, Smidge. I have very fond memories of sewing, often think I should revive the art, and then can’t seem to get motivated. There was a time I enjoyed quilting, and I’ve been thinking I might like to do more of that again. There is something deeply satisfying about working with textiles in ANY way possible. My best sewing teacher was my grandmother…infinite patience! 🙂