Ottobre Cap Sleeve Pinafore Dress

Ottobre Cap Sleeve Pinafore Dress
Design #21 from the 6/2013 issue

The fabric is not the best for this pattern, but my sweet daughter really wanted a dress from this corduroy print, and I really wanted to sew something quick and easy for her to wear to her piano recital in December.  The busy print pretty much obscures the design elements of the top stitched seams, the drop waist seams, the skirt panels, and the mock pocket flaps in the front.  Other than that, I love the dress on Em.  She has worn the dress often, so I know she loves it too.

It was a cold, snowy day when I took the photos.  I have no idea what to do with my camera, especially on a bright snowy day.  (One of these days, I will learn!)  Poor child of mine was so cold, but she was a good sport. 

The dress is fully lined as you can see from the following picture.  This makes a quick and easy finish for the armhole and neck edges.  No facings or binding to mess with! 
 

I made a size 128 (US size 7,8) for Emily, and lengthened it several inches.  The pattern does go up to a size 146, and I can see myself making this pattern again with a solid colored fabric in the future.  Other than lengthening, the only other change I made was to interface the fabric along the edge where the invisible zipper was inserted. 

 

13 in 2013, Socks

One knitting goal I had for 2013 was to knit 13 pairs of socks. I only made it to 12 pairs with number 13 still unfinished on the needles.  The green pair was sent to my second daughter in Switzerland for her birthday, and the pale blue pair was gifted to my third daughter.  My firstborn daughter can choose a pair for her upcoming birthday. (Did you read that, Jessica?)  My fourth daughter doesn't like wearing socks, and the fifth daughter has a few pairs that I shrunk by mistake.  So many daughters, so many socks.  All is well.  Happy New Year, everyone, and happy knitting, happy sewing!

This red pair was to be number 13, but is now promoted to number 1 for 2014.  By the way, I do not plan to knit 14 pairs for 2014. :)