In the days following Cori’s surgery I have done some more sewing. (She did very well. No more lump, but we still have a long recovery ahead).
The reason I wanted to sew was because of this adorable pillow Emily of MLE Knits made for her baby boy. A year later (to the day!), I finally got my own machine and learned enough of the basics to make my own Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillow for Cori. It was a fun and easy project. I have plans for at least two more. Another in the 18 inch size (which is quite big) and one of the big ones (24 inch, I believe). This project eats fiberfill – over 72 ounces! I’m a bad sewing blogger as I don’t remember who the designer of the fabric is though I do know I got it at the Fabric Depot.
Next up, I sewed my first dress for Cori. The pattern is the Miss Madeline Dress pattern from the Handmade Dress. It is a great pattern, written for complete beginners. I learned a couple things on this project.
1) Cheap quilter’s cotton is cheap fabric. It will unravel and shred. It is most likely worth it to spend a little more and get some better fabric.
2) I’m addicted to sewing. I couldn’t stop this project. First, I was only going to cut the fabric. Then, I was only going to sew the main seams. Next, I wanted to just try the zig zagging. All of a sudden I had a finished dress!
It’s by no means perfect. Some of the seaming looks pretty crazy, but I love it! Only thing is I made it a size too big for Cori! She’ll be wearing it next summer, not this one. Oh well, guess I better get sewing on another dress for her. I already downloaded another pattern from the Handmade Dress, the Miss Molly. 
That dress is so cute! You did a great job!
I love Amy Butler patterns, they are just so classy
I made her Swing Bag as one of my first sewing projects and it was easy to follow.
Very cute, I was going to blog about my sewing, but you beat me to it.
I am so glad to hear the good news about Cori and can’t wait to see her in person (2 months!)
I find huge variation in cheap cotton quilting fabrics, some feel awful and scratchy and some really hold up – Anna Maria Horner & Heather Ross are two I can think of that seem to be better quality. Also Liberty of London Fabrics are phenomenal (I hear Josephine’s Dry Goods in Portland carries them).
I have been sewing too, I’ve got to post some pictures; I’ve been waiting for a sunny day but it seems like that may NEVER come.
Wow, your gumdrop came out beautifullly! I LOVE the contrasting colors! YAY! I know what you mean, sewing is sooo much more instant gratification than knitting is. It’s especially great in the summer when it’s too hot for knitting.
I’m so glad to hear Cori is recovering well!