21.3.11

joyful




Some friends of ours have been trying to adopt a little girl from Asia for well over three years now and finally the months of highs and lows have come to a close, for their new daughter has just arrived. There were many times when we all thought this moment was never going to come and I am so happy for them because their family is at last complete.

I'm also happy that I had an excuse to take the cover off the sewing machine once more! I've not made a toddler tiny outfit before and I thought this ditsy rosebud pink cotton would be ideal for making a little pinafore dress fit for a 16 month old. The pattern is from Everyday Girls' Clothes, the same Japanese book I used for this and this one too. I made the facing for the bodice with the same fabric but used a piece of twice recycled white cotton sheeting to line the skirt. Three pretty pink vintage buttons finish it off and how I love this little dress and everything it stands for. It's also the first piece of clothing I've made for someone other than family so I really hope it goes down well.


It is certainly going to be very confusing for this little tot for some time to come. Her life really is just about to begin, after all she will have a new country to come to terms with, new faces to become accustomed to, a new language to learn. But on the other hand she now has a ready made family, in time a sense of belonging, hopes and aspirations ahead and, not least, the knowledge one day that her life in an orphanage is well and truly behind her.

And because I didn't want her new big sister to feel left out, I made a simple lined elasticated skirt for her from the same fabric, with matching large lacy pockets.


Have a lovely week - it's going to be a good one I hear!

26 comments:

  1. Beautiful dress and skirt. They will will so pleased. Three years is a long time to have to wait!
    I have the book, it's really good.
    Isabelle x

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  2. How pretty - I am sure the little girl will be very happy and enjoy wearing her little dress once she gets used to all the changes. She is young and it will be easier for her than for an older child I am sure. Hope the big sister will like her skirt too! Here's to a sunny week in more ways than one!

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  3. They are lovely. I wish your friend and her family well and hope the little one settles in soon. xxxx

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  4. Such a sweet post - and a lovely gift for a longed for little girl. I hope the little one soon settles down with her new family. It's very sweet that you made her big sister a little skirt to match too.
    Have a great week.
    Helen x

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  5. That is gorgeous Kate! I love pinafore dresses most of all. Good luck to your friends and their little family x

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  6. Beautiful outfits - they'll love them. I'm sure the little girl will settle in well - it's easier I think for younger children than older ones.
    x

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  7. What a lovely post Kate!
    The little dress is beautiful and it's so lovely that her big sister will have a matching skirt.
    I hope the little one settles in quickly but I'm sure she'll soon realise that she is somewhere where she is loved.
    So nice to find a happy story this Monday morning. :)
    Vivienne x

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  8. Nothing you can buy mass-produced can match this present. It´s a beautiful dress, and will look amazing on your little friend. I´ve lived an adoption process very closely and it´s such an ordeal... with the happiest end!

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  9. Such wonderful news for your friends at last!
    Wishing them luck on their new journey through life!Love the pinafore and skirt, so pretty!
    Rachel x

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  10. I love hearing about adoption stories. The garments turned out beautiful and it is very thoughtful that you made something for both girls during this very special time.

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  11. I think these garments will prove to be their summer favourites! They are so pretty and girly, soft and sweet.

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  12. What a wonderful story! The dress for the little girl and the skirt for her big sister are really beautifully made, and as somebody else commented, you can't buy a gift like that. I'm sure your friend will treasure them. x

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  13. Such wonderful news ! Goergeous pinafore and skirt !

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  14. Both garments are beautiful. Such a heartwarming post - like you say... Joyful!

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  15. How lovely is that! Such pretty clothes for the new family. Claire

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  16. So nice they are and sweet of you to thik about them.
    I love the details.
    Thye must be happy.

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  17. oh wow that is fantastic news, I am sure with all the love she will receive she will settle in in no time at all. That dress is just stunning, I love the way the lace matches the fabric so perfectly.

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  18. You are such a talented seamstress, the dress and skirt are lovely.
    I wish the new family happy, love filled times together.x

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  19. What fantastic news Kate. Some friends of ours adopted their daughter from China 8 years ago, she is a delight and the best thing they ever did, they say.

    The litle pinafore and skirt are lovely - what lucky little girls! Good to hear your favourite sewing book has come up trumps yet again Kate!

    Jeanne
    x

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  20. What wonderful news for your friends and the dress and skirt are lovely and gifts from the heart.

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  21. So sweet in every way, Kate. I hope it goes well for your friends and their daughters. Tx

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  22. SUCH HAPPY NEWS! I`M SO HAPPY FOR YOUR FRIENDS! WISHING THEM ALL HAPPINESS WITH THEIR NEW DAUGHTER!

    DEBBIE MOSS

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  23. I love your work! I hope you post it on my linkup!

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