My Olivia loves to be near her momma, which frankly, is one of the most heartwarming and heart wrenching parts of being her momma. As she gets older and is expected to become more independent, it only gets harder. I keep thinking that if I give her enough, she will be able to let go sometimes, but it seems like the more I give her, the tighter she holds on. It’s such a contrast to, say, Grace, who begs me to drop her off in the preschool parking lot. This mom thing can be so hard sometimes, you know?
ANYHOW, on the rare occasion that I can spend time at home with just Olivia, she likes to go into my sewing room and work with fabric alongside me – this is her first choice activity for us to do together. In addition to draping and pinning fabric scraps on the dressforms, she also likes to sketch dresses for me to sew for her. Last week, she sketched one out and plucked some bright Amy Butler fabric from the shelf. I changed the straps up a little and added piping. Olivia LOVES how her design turned out and declared that she’ll be wearing it to her poem recital for school this week – hence, I present:
“The Recital Dress.”
Tutorial coming soon…
Comments & Reviews
Lindsay says
Great job! I love the piping- such a nice touch!
notes of sincerity says
She is just precious! And what a darling dress. :o) That is the sweetest thing, that she was able to draw the pattern and you were able to create it for her. :o) Such special memories!
Rosie says
That is such a cute dress!
Erin says
So sweet and her design skills are great. I am in the same boat with my girls. My older one is my little sidekick and my younger one is so independent. Hopefully they will learn to mix a little bit of each of their personalities.
Harps and Ollie's Mom says
OMG that is adorable!! I have two girls and have similar issues with my oldest who is in kindergarten…so I can definately relate. Being a mom is really hard…
I can’t wait for the tutorial, this is too cute!
sweeter than cupcakes says
I do hope my daughter catches the fabric bug too someday! Darling dress!
Mary says
Adorable!! your girl is lovely!!!
kristin says
SO cute and I love the happy print she picked out! Nice job, Olivia. But Stef, I think you forgot to post the most important thing – her sketch! 😉 Maybe when you do the tutorial…?
Wanda Preston says
Love the fabric and especially loved the piping. Beautiful!
Sharon says
So beautiful!! I can’t wait for the tutorial!
toots2u says
Very pretty and the piping is the perfect detail!!
Jessie says
I would so wear this dress!
Heather says
This is so cute, I can’t wait for the tutorial! I’d love to see her sketch too!
leahinlondon says
Lovely! I agree, please may we see the sketch?
Jessica at Me Sew Crazy says
I love the dress, I love the fabric, and I love how heart warming the post is. Super cute 🙂
cpasseno says
Keep these days close to your heart, my daughter was the same, now she has 2 kids of her own. I love to sew for my granddaughter, can’t wait to see the tutorial, and the sketch. Love the dress and the beautiful girl.
Rayna McInturf says
Absolutely beautiful! (the dress and of course your daughter :)) And such a sweet story. I have to say, being a mom to a very independent almost 3 year old girl, your situation sounds divine. I guess the grass is always greener!
Anonymous says
Hi I love this dress your daughter looks so pretty in it. Can’t wait for the tutorial thank you for sharing this Rebecca
Kristie Clower says
Olivia is such a sweet little doll. I love her design and your skills. My oldest love to craft with me too. It is definitely one of my favorite parts of being a mom when we get to work together. Good luck at your poem recital Liv!
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
I love that Olivia wants to sew with you, I am trying to find something M and I would both enjoy to do other than playing with toys. Gorgeous dress Stef, tell Olivia she is beautiful for me!
Simple Simon & Co says
Stef—this dress is gorgeous! Can’t wait for the tutorial!
Simple Simon & Co says
Stef—this dress is gorgeous! Can’t wait for the tutorial!
Simple Simon & Co says
Stef—this dress is gorgeous! Can’t wait for the tutorial!
Amy says
This dress is lovely and I’ll be looking forward to the tutorial as well. My goodness your Olivia sounds just like my daughter. When I am wishing I had two minutes just to pee alone 🙂 I remind myself that one day she will be grown and she won’t need me, and I will miss her sweet, little hand in mine. Being a mom is the most wonderful, difficult thing I’ve ever experienced. 🙂 I want to treasure every second and hold it in my heart and at the same time I want a break! (Then I feel guilty for wanting the break!!)
Creations By Cindy says
Beautiful girl with a beautiful dress. I bought my 8 year old granddaughter a sewing machine for her birthday. So exciting to see her want to sew! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Jennifer says
Your Olivia sounds just like my Hannah! She is 8, and if she could be completely permanently attached to me at the hip, that would be the fulfillment of her every desire. She also loves to sew, and I cherish the time we have doing it together.
http://www.mama-hen-jenn.blogspot.com
Clover says
Beautiful dress!
Tara says
Oh what a little sweetie pie. Kids are all so different aren’t they? My youngest is completely attached to me and her daddy. Will not be without us. My oldest loves going to Sunday school and playing with friends. They are who they are!
Lovely dress! My 3 year old likes to work with fabric while I sew. It would be so neat if she grew into doing what your daughter does!
moesey says
The dress and your daughter are both gorgeous! I have a 9 1/2 year old boy who is just like your daughter – still! Sometimes I have to peel him off of me but he is the most caring and loving guy. Yes it is frustrating at times but we cherish it too 🙂