maggie mae dresses

i love the Maggie Mae pattern from Shwin Designs!! let's just put that right at the beginning here. i've been eyeing this pattern for way longer than i should admit (especially considering that it's a super easy pdf download and not at all pricey).

also, how adorable is Shauna's little girl? that lovely smiling face could probably get me to buy just about anything! oh, and while we're on the subject, i have to tell you that Shauna is every bit as adorable. i got to meet here while i was summiting all over the place, and even 11 months pregnant (just kidding, i think it's only ten) she's a beauty!

back to the dress though. that's really why we're here, yes? the Maggie Mae features "modern lines, color blocked style, and in seam pockets for little treasures. instructions include measurements for tunic and dress lengths."

i happen to have made *two* of these dresses in the last week, i'm very excited to say that one of those dresses is currently attending Quilt Market in Houston. (woohoo!!) before i made the dress for market, i thought i should make a muslin. and, well, i made it out of Sarah Jane's fun nautical line, Out to Sea. because everyone knows that muslin muslins are no fun.

speaking of smiling children, here's B... my not smiley (and barely awake) model... in her Maggie Mae.

i really do love this dress. the bodice construction is great, the little waistline pleats are just right, and i love a good topstitch. i used pearl snaps in the back because i'm afraid of buttonholes there wasn't a lot of time to get this finished i love the look of them!

note: although i did receive a complimentary copy of this pattern, all opinions (ravings, and kisses) are completely my own. promise.

for dress #2, i needed to kick it up a notch. did i mention this dress is going to market?!??! yeah, i'm jealous too ;) i was lucky enough to work with Asbury, the newest line from Thomas Knauer for Andover Fabrics.

i heard Thomas speak about fabric design while i was summiting all over the place (it was a big weekend), and so i had what felt like an extra advantage of hearing him speak about the collection before sewing with it. maybe someday i'll manage a coherent collection of my thoughts on that lecture, but until then let's just say i was inspired a few things:

. the co-existence of actual, perceived, and imagined events and places
. finding ways to say "girl" more quietly than, say, a ruffle-tutu-satin-princess-monstrosity
. my ongoing quest to create artwork that will be perceived objectively, but that's an entirely different conversation that i'll leave for another time

so, here it is! my Asbury Maggie Mae:

that's right, folks. i matched the prints along the seams. even the curved top seam. i'm not saying i haven't lost my mind, but i'm pretty darned happy with the result! the bodice is lined with the peacock print from Frippery and the seam pockets are a mix of scraps from both lines.

verdict: i love it. and i hope my wee dress has a happy market!