A Spooky Stash Bust.

I love Halloween and I have loved listening to the NPR show Snap Judgment Spooked V this week.  If you need some spooky ghost stories to get you into the Halloween spirit, you should listen to this program, or if your a big scaredy cat at night like me, then, maybe not!  Anyway today I wasn't sure what was scarier in my real life, a two year old that won't nap or working with a super nice wool fabric I've been hoarding for years?  

My first make here is the Oliver and S Family Reunion Dress made in a size two.  The size two is quite roomy on my 28  month old and the neckline borderlines way too big.  The pattern is a bit fussy but came together just fine.  I am always a little puzzled by the hemline technique of Oliver and S patterns but they always look great if you hand stitch them.  Even though you can't see it I added the five rows of stitching at the hemline because I thought the stiffness might make the dress stand out a bit.  I did this as the pattern suggested and the plus is that I didn't have to hand stitch the hem!  

I used quilting cotton from my stash that I bought two fall's back at Hancock Fabrics.  I also used pearly shell buttons from my stash for the back of the dress and cotton lace around the neck facing.  

It was quite difficult to get clear pictures with all the two year old movement and me just plain not understanding my camera so this is the clearest shot of the back of the dress.  The lace blends in but I still think its pretty sweet. 

The second make is the Oliver and S Forest Path Cape.  I made a size two in this pattern as well.  There are techniques in the pattern to help coax the lining into submission and not peak out from under the top layer and even though I used all suggested techniques the lining still peaks out, so word to the wise, choose a lining that you don't mind seeing peak out of the cape.  The pattern came together easily and I used a tailors ham to iron the shoulder seams and a damp cloth to steam my wool into place while trying not to melt the metallic fibers in this fabric.  

The fabric is a wool blend I've saved literally for years and funny enough had totally forgotten about until I reorganized my fabric recently.  It was a one yard remnant from a nice shop in Kansas City and although I loved it I was scared of using it with the crazy plaid and the loving it so much.  But I saw the Fear Fabric Challenge  over at 110 Creations and decided it was time to cut into that beloved wool.  With just one yard I knew that the best thing would be to use it on the tidbit since she only needs a tidbit of fabric.    

The lining is some poly lining that funny enough I was about to donate when I realized it matched this fabric exactly.  Another stash bust!  The buttons are leather covered and from Hancock Fabrics- I dug them out of their clearance buttons and that paid off since they were originally 3.00 for two and on clearance were .60 for two! 

When I told little bit that I made her a cape (without her seeing it) she said "me not like it."  And that about sums up why it is spooky to sew nice things for a toddler!  But she wore it for these pics and had no complaints so I think it will fly after all.  

I wasn't able to line up the plaid on the shoulder seams but got it lined up in the front where it matters most. This cranberry color is one of my very favorite for fall and I'm really pleased that I got the sewed up finally.  I have to thank Stitch 56 for this pattern.  It was one of two patterns I bought with my winnings from their Alder Shirtdress competition.  Helene provides excellent customer service and is so very nice.  I have nothing but wonderful things to say about her and her online shop.  If I lived in Australia I'd be all over this print.  

Well Happy Halloween tomorrow and may your plastic pumpkin overfloweth with treats!