Darling Summer Baby Bonnets

 I guess it has been a little while since I posted on this poor blog, but today is my husband's birthday and the sun is shining, and we are almost in full-on summer mode.

Almost. ;)

Two more weeks left of school, all those snow days!, and then it's nothing but reading books and sitting by the pool and trips to the beach and fun fun fun.

Well, it never goes exactly like that, does it? Especially with a baby, ha!

 I just listed this gorgeous blue and coral baby bonnet in the shop. The colors are stunning, so cheery and pretty. Aaaand I may also have made a one of a kind swing top and bloomers to go with it. You can see it in the listing HERE. I don't know if I'll have time to make another set, so if you like it, act fast. :)

 Blue & Coral Baby Bonnet

Available in sizes NB thru 18 Months

I introduced these beauties last year and they are still going strong.

The most popular is definitely the aqua and pink floral...so pretty!

Also available in sizes NB thru 18 Months

This sweet pink and white gingham check is a big hit as well, and for good reason.

It's the perfect accessory for baby girl, AND it's practical, too, keeping her delicate skin protected from the summer sun.

All baby bonnets from Rose & Ruffle are completely reversible, so it's like getting two for the price of one!

Email me at 3sonsplus1 (at) gmail (dot) com if you have any questions, or you can message me over at my shop : Rose and Ruffle

 Here is a little sneak peek at the summer outfit for baby girl. With the bonnet, it's the most darling 3-piece ensemble. I wish I had a little girl to dress in it!!

Click HERE for the listing details

Hope you have a great day!

xx Bethany

New Dresses at Rose & Ruffle

I promised some tutorials not very long ago, but today I'm sharing some new items in the shop. They are so sweet, simple and oh so pretty. Both dresses made with 100% premium cotton, size 9-12 months (though it will still fit beyond that), I pictured these as longer dresses on younger babies. Of course your little one can wear them however you'd like.

Blue and White Polka Dot Dress

 

White with Pastel Polka Dots Dress

 

I think these are a nice alternative to those "fancy" Easter dresses that are everywhere this time of year (and that never get worn again). Sometimes sweet and simple is just what you're looking for.

Simply click on the headings for item details. And I just may get to that tutorial before this baby's born, ha! =)

Tutorial: Girls Maxi Skirt with Walking Slits

Everyone loves a reliable, easy, and fast sewing project. That, my friends, would be the maxi skirt.

 
Maxi skirts are one of the best projects because they're a cinch to whip up and perfect for beginners. You can cut them straight down, literally two rectangles, or in a slight triangular shape for some flare at the hem. This skirt is cut with a faint flare and features modest walking slits, which requires the smallest bit of additional work, but I think it's worth it.

First, decide how long you'd like the walking slit to be. I prefer a very modest slit, one that makes the skirt comfortable to move in (climbing stairs, getting up into our van, etc.) but doesn't scream, "Hey hey hey! Look at my long legs!"  Once you've settled on that, simply backstitch when you've reached the right spot and leave the rest of the edges open. You can see how I angled the cut with the pinking shears above the open sides.

Next, you're going to press a narrow edge (toward the wrong side, just like a normal hem) on the open seam, and then fold it over itself and press again. Stitch the pressed edges. If stitching this in one continuous line seems daunting, just stitch up one side and backstitch above the slit, and then repeat on the other side. You can stitch on an angle to form a point if you like as well, but it isn't necessary.

Lastly, sew up your waistband like you would any other maxi skirt with an elastic waist. Then press whatever size hem you want in place and stitch. Voila! 

The back looks longer in the photo, but it isn't really. Must be all that hip-jutting and strutting and such.  =)

Note: If you prefer to fold the fabric in half from top to bottom, so that you have only one side seam to stitch and the other side is the fabric fold, that works too- just make one walking slit in the sewn side. Done and done. And even faster!

Current Handmade Clothing Loves

Good Thursday morning to you! Just popping to share some cute new clothes that I've made for Isabelle in the past two weeks. There's a little something fun for each of them, so I will do some tutorials and tips posts soon. But not today...today I'm taking my girl to the beach for some fun in the sun!

This adorable maxi skirt is made with a crisp seersucker fabric- I think it's a poly/cotton blend, which I don't typically use, but it holds its shape really well. This skirt took less than half an hour to complete, start to finish. Now that's my kind of project!

Next up is this cute ensemble. It's made with a cotton seersucker plaid, definitely not wrinkle resistant like the blend above, but super sweet. I followed the pattern...mostly. Of course I had to add my own little details! I'll share them later.(We visited one of our favorite farms with my Mom yesterday to celebrate one of our adoption anniversaries, plus some other thoughts on the orphan crisis. I love barn animals so much! If I could just afford to hire out for all that they require, I'd be good to go!)

Grainy photo, I know, but you can see most of the dress. She is in looooove with this dress. Wants to wear it everywhere, all the time. It was a total make it up as I go kind of project and I love the end result. (I was slightly super nervous that she was going to trip and fall during her concert because I made the dress just a bit too long, but she didn't. Social crisis averted. Phew!)

Friday Feature: Summer Nightgown for Twirling

There really is something about little girls and things that twirl. This nightgown- which of course can also be worn as a dress- fits the bill perfectly.

The link to this nightgown's Etsy listing is found HERE.

Lots of people ask about the fabric: I work with 100% premium cotton, and only cottons that feel smooth and soft...I'm super picky about this. I do NOT work with fabrics that are treated or have been chemically altered, such as those that are considered "flame retardant." Many of us don't want those chemicals rubbing against our children's delicate skin all night long, so it's nice to have a choice in the matter. Many store-bought pajamas and nightgowns have the chemicals.

This nightgown was a bit big on my daughter at the time (it looks slightly longer than the nightgown would normally be) but it gives you an idea of how the style looks. She called this her "princess nightie" and she twirled and twirled around in it. Every little girl should have something they love this much!

Today is our first official day of summer and...it's pouring outside, ha! I got a ton of things done in the gardens yesterday- in the sunshine- so I'm thankful for that! The only requests for the day so far were 1. to go to the library- sure thing! and 2. pancakes for breakfast- yup, we can do that!

To visit my Rose & Ruffle shop, click HERE.

I post items on instagram, too- you can find me at roseandruffle. Say hello!  =)

Sweetness for Baby Girl

I've shared on other media how this has been a difficult week for my family. I've appreciated the prayers, thoughts, and kind of comments from everyone. (I shared on my family blog here as well as on the Rose & Ruffle facebook page...yes, there is a facebook page!

I'm extremely appreciative of the orders coming in recently. It feels so good to contribute to our adoption fund in this way, so as always, thank you! Now that summer is quickly approaching, I will be making and listing items ahead of time in various sizes, and not taking as many custom orders. Here is one of the first things for Summer 2015:

Flutter Sleeve Rosebuds Seersucker Infant Dress with Bloomers

Size 1-3 Months

**please note that Picasa and/or Blogger are making these images appear darker and washed out- grrr; this is a true crisp but soft white with medium pink rosebuds**

I love how this set turned out! So sweet and feminine!

The dress is on the longer side, measuring approximately 15 inches from shoulder to hem, and the style is roomy and comfortable, so Baby will be able to wear it for a longer time.

The bloomers are my favorite!

 

While I do normally work only with cotton, occasionally a fabric strikes my fancy and it just so happens to be a cotton blend, like this one. It's cool and smooth for delicate baby skin, and the seersucker resists wrinkles and holds its shape nicely.

This would be adorable for a portrait session, too! Sweet details but not too much so as to distract from Baby.

Lastly, I'm wondering if people are interested in more things for little boys. Here are some cute boxer shorts I sold last year. I'm thinking of making some more in other fun prints, as well as some shortalls...any interest? Thanks!

Specialty Summer Nightgowns Coming Soon!

Wow, has this week flown by! It's school vacation week here, for whomever kid that even applies to anymore, ha, and between keeping their days fun and interesting, trying to keep up with the house/meals/laundry,etc..., and sewing orders, I am just about done. Done. I was thrilled to see some lovely green things poking up through the ground in the past few days, though. Finally!

If I haven't said Thank You!!! for a while, please know that I am truly grateful for everyone who has supported me and our lengthy adoption adventure. I've enjoyed working on custom orders for you, but I'm already sensing that as we get closer to summer, and then to homeschooling full time in the fall, I won't be able to keep on top of everything. So the custom orders will be phasing out very soon and instead I'm going to make some pretty nightgowns (and even dresses and rompers!) in various sizes to list them in the shop.

Here are some samples/examples of what's coming- they are all original designs of mine and I think they're just so sweet for little girls:

You can find my shop here:

Rose and Ruffle

Have a good day!

Friday Favorites...and a BIG Announcement

One of the most fun things for me as a designer- and an unapologetic lover of fabrics- is to see all the finished products for my wonderful customers. It amazes me how something as simple as a bow really changes the whole look of a nightie or dress. These are my favorites so far!

This yellow and white floral print is even lovelier in person! It's so cheerful and happy!

Sweet birdies on a medium pink background...love!

 

This is my fourth "nightie" that is being used in wedding portraits! I've made this without a bow, and I adore it; I tried a white bow for this dress, which looked lovely but a little too nightgown-ish for pictures. Pink to the rescue- it's my favorite now! 

Here's an example of mixing and matching fabrics for other items as well. This color combo looks even prettier in person. (I was rushing out the door like a madwoman when I was trying to get some photos of this, so I know it's rather awful...see below for better pictures of how my baby bonnets really look.)

 

These have been selling fast! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

It's so important to have something practical yet beautiful to protect your little one's delicate skin during those summer months.

The colors on my screen look wonky...I'm hoping they don't look like this when I publish the post. Oh Google and Picasa, when will the insanity end? ? ? For the record, the colors are soft and pale, very old-fashioned and charming.

Soooooo, for the announcement...

As of last week, we are officially en route to finding Baby #5.

EEKS!

I'm so excited I can't stand it! Stay tuned for details...   =)

My Favorite Spring Floral Nightgown

Isn't this the loveliest floral fabric? I am so smitten with it, and it seems I'm not the only one. This premium cotton is selling out quickly, so if you'd like to order a nightie, you may want to do that before it's all gone.

I don't know why it looks so washed out in my photos- must've had my settings off, argh- but it is just the sweetest print for a little girl's old-fashioned nightgown. Such a beautiful aqua color with perfectly pink blooms. I love it!

Thank you so much to all who have placed an order with me. I appreciate it so very much! I hope to have an exciting announcement to write out very soon....   ;)

For more information about nightgowns for sale, please visit my Etsy shop, Rose & Ruffle. As always, if you have any questions, just ask!

Also, warmer weather has fiiiinally settled in around here, so I'm hoping to get those photos of Isabelle's Easter dress soon. I've also got a "helpful hints" post for a summer dress but just had to keep waiting out winter before moving forward on that one. Hopefully this week!

Spring & Summer Cotton Pajamas at Rose and Ruffle

While the weather is definitely not acting very spring-like these days, these pretty cotton pajamas certainly brighten my day. Maybe they'll brighten yours, too!

This sweet butterfly set is currently for sale (size 3t/4t)...

And so are these cute pink floral ruffled pajama / lounge pants (size 5t/5)...

Custom orders are available in sizes 12 Months through 5t for either a one of a kind set or just the pretty pants.

I love making matching or coordinating sets for sisters, friends, cousins...whoever!

You can read more about these and other items in my Etsy shop - Rose & Ruffle. Thank you.  =)

Summer Nightgowns

Well, the snow is falling yet again in our neck of the woods. It's coming down so hard I can hardly see out the window! But...I'm gearing up for summer. Summer nightgowns, anyway. I'm now taking custom orders so if you see something you like, just email me or send me a message through Etsy, and I'll be happy to work with you to create something one of a kind and special. Thank you!  =)

There will be more items available soon.

Be sure to check out Rose & Ruffle for details!

Sweet Birdies

I knew this adorable fabric would become the cutest ever nightgown. And it did! It's even cuter than I'd imagined. I love it!

The background is a true white, not sure why the colors look a little different in each photo. I'll say it's because the light that day was wonky.  =)

So far, I've made this in a toddler size and a newborn size, and they each made me giddy. I will be taking a break from the shop in the next few weeks, and I won't be making any new summer items, so if you've been on the fence, now is the time to order.  =)

I'll be back with some gorgeous new things for fall...