Making Dolls and Dresses

Our granddaughter recently celebrated her first birthday. Being the "homey" grandmother that I am, I wanted to make her a dress and pinafore as well as a doll with a matching dress for my dear little one. 

Years ago, I used to sew all the time and even took part in a family business called Rainbow Connection that sold used children's clothes as well as new handmade outfits that my mother-in-law and I created. Those were fun times! 

Sam in her birthday dress and pinafore and Emma wearing it now. 

Years passed, and I haven't sewn for a long time, but for this granddaughter's 1st birthday, I had to get out the sewing machine! You see, I made each of our daughters their first birthday dresses, so I was obligated! I had also made each of the girls their own dolls--several of them, in fact, so again, I had no choice! 

But my eyes don't see as well as they once did...and those needles are a lot harder to thread! 

And I'm not sure if it's me or the directions given in today's patterns, but they sure seemed a lot more complicated than they once did! I grumbled and grumbled as I made this raggedy doll--this doll that had a chin, and neck, and bottom, and big broad feet with the cutest Mary-Jane slippers, and hair galore! 

Then once I finished it, I immediately rushed it to our youngest daughter and exclaimed..."Isn't she adorable!"

Emma seems to think so too, so I guess all the trials and tribulations of making this outfit and doll were worth it. I even have plans to make a few more dresses and outfits for my kiddo this spring and summer! In fact, I have the pure, sweet pleasure of babysitting Emma this week while her mommy and daddy go on a trip to Chicago. Oh the joys of life. Cherish the moments . . .