The last couple of weeks have been so busy because I've picked up a bit of client work doing alterations, re-upholstery, and custom made dresses through word of mouth. I am kind of blown away sometimes by the fact that other people have been sharing what I've sewn with others and trust me with their projects. As a (mostly) self-taught hobbyist, it's crazy to think about how much my sewing has improved - even in the last six months. Like my husband joked the other week, "babe, you've come a long way since sewing pajama pants," which is kind of funny because for awhile, that's all I knew how to sew so we had lots of pajama pants around the house. haha. Truthfully though, I really enjoy sewing for others. I feel as though I am always learning something new whether it be a new skill, a project I've never attempted, different type of material, finish, etc. Plus, it still feels like I am getting that new fabric excitement over my client work without adding to my already out of control fabric collection.

Vogue 1102: The Little Black Dress

Have you ever had an experience where you just looked at a dress and you knew that it was meant to be worn by you? Well, when I first saw Vogue 1102, I just knew that this dress was going to look stunning but I tucked it away in my pattern stash, waiting for the right time (and enough courage), to attempt my first Vogue pattern.

The Peasant Top: How to Refashion this Season's Hottest Trend

It's been awhile! Life has been crazy lately - then again, I always say this. If you've been following my social media then you know that Hugo and I were off having a blast exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Coming back from vacation and transitioning back into everyday life hasn't been easy, especially with all of the rain we've been having still - yuck! Adulting can wait, right?

Since it's been taking me awhile to get back into a routine, what better way to get back to it than a diy of this season's hottest trend? Every where you look, the 70's inspired peasant top seems to be  all the rage and the options are limitless! I'm finding a new love for 70s with their high-waisted flares, jumpsuits, free-flowing tops and dresses, and I've been wanting a peasant top ever since they found their way to stores earlier this year. Luckily these are really easy to sew yourself!

I found this maxi skirt a couple of months ago when I made a trip to my local Value Village. I was rather surprised to find it on the rack, especially since it was only a $1.99! The embroidery is so pretty and I fell in love with it immediately. Plus, the waist was smocked so it made it all the easier to transition into a cute top. Here's a good look at the before! 

A Do it Yourself Summer Dress: Navy + White Nautical Dress with Butterick 6318

I can't believe that it's May already - how did this happen!? I'm also so grateful that it is. The sun has been showing itself here and there for the last month but we've finally started to feel some warmth. Hugo is thoroughly confused by the temperature change and, like a true Washingtonian, is already telling me, 'haaa, haaa, mama - haaaa' when it's 70 degrees out. It's still a bit too cold for summer activities but we've been keeping our sunny days busy with exploring and being outside.

All of this sunny weather has reignited my love for dresses and surprisingly, I have a very small amount of casual dresses to wear. Most of my dresses are intended for work or have cutouts/shorter hems from when I was thinner and didn't have a little one to chase. Since my life has changed, my needs and wants in a dress have also changed. I want little fuss, something I can move in, and something that won't cycle out of fashion so quickly.

Look Expensive on a Budget: A DIY Lace Curtain Refashion + Simplicity 1099

So far, April has been my favorite month this year. It's the right kind of busy where there is always something to look forward to or do. The Tulip Festival is currently running, the farm reopened, Easter is right around the corner, and the Spring Fair is at the end of the month. There are so many things to show the little bear and our weekends are quickly filling with activities - just the way that I like it!

While we aren't out, enjoying our breaks of sunshine, I've been working on spring and summer inspired projects! There's something about transitional seasons that really inspires me to sew. I love getting a break from a dark color palette and seeing the stores filled with pastels, florals, skirts, dresses and heels. Unfortunately, my account has also felt the crunch this time of year because of my love for all of those things [Insert the saddest face] However, I have learned that you can indulge a little and still maintain your budget without sacrificing taste or quality which brings me to these lace curtain panels that I found at Value Village for $2.50