a super comfy jumper

With the return of warm(er) weather and lengthening days my sewing itch and fixation with all things cute and fabric-related is also at a seasonal high.  Springtime can be so invigorating!

Lately I've been sewing for Wren, and I realized that these are the first projects I've made for my daughter since knowing her.  During my pregnancy I consistently had something in the works for the (then) Little Oyster.  But those gifts were always gender-neutral and a bit vague.  But now I know this long-limbed, blue-eyed, curly-headed oyster, and I can make things specific to her.  Like a spring-y super comfy jumper.

This is yet another of the sweet little projects I've taken from Amy Butler's book Little Stitches for Little Ones.  I've had the teal and brown toile fabric for over two years just waiting for its perfect use, and the polka-dots are leftover from the turtle quillow.

It was a great little challenge for me, as I (finally!) had to learn how to use the button hole foot on my sewing machine.  I learned two things as I sewed this dress:  1)  sewing machine manuals are super confusing, and youtube is super helpful to remedy any of the owners manual's shortcomings.  Also, 2) a beautiful dress is pretty dependent on a good, solid dress pattern.  In the past I used to buy cheap $1 patterns from the fabric store when I made baby dresses but the final product was generally pretty shoddy.  But this pattern had several nice little details that gives the jumper a clean, finished look, and it is my humble opinion that a lining makes all the difference.

We haven't put Wren in many dresses yet, opting for lots of layers and pants and sweatshirts over the colder months.  But I have a feeling they will be very logical choices as the weather continues to warm up.  I guess that means we're going to have to teach her how to sit like a lady.