Finding time to finish

 This has been long winter, but apparently not long enough to do all the sewing I was hoping for.  These two outfits were cut out and started the first week of August.  I remember sewing the first half of them at the picnic table in the shade of the black walnut tree with chickens pecking at the little scraps of fabric and thread I'd drop.  Now it is all covered with snow so I'm back to sewing in the basement. The current season of my life however is not allowing for much sewing.  Since the week I started them in August these two outfits have been waiting for elastic and buttonholes, a simple task but not so simple to fit into my day.  But I've noticed how much the girls have grown over the winter and felt an immediate urgency to finish these and happy that a few free hours on Saturday allowed for it.

I'm thrilled how these turned out.  I've been hoarding this combination of liberty and linen, and Japanese fabrics for years and feel they will see many many wears.
 

I used a wing-needle stitch for pocket detail.

  

And shell buttons up the back.

The gray skirt is double layered

The red skirt has a large tuck around the hem.

The girls have out grown the matching totally and it is fun to see them wear the same outfit in their own special way.

The joy of sewing has been reignited so I'll be digging through my stash of favorite fabrics and aligning them with immediate clothing needs, all with the hope that a little free time with align in my favor. 

In other news Nanny just finished a handsome sweater for James, she has become a knitting pro and we are so lucky to be the recipients of her special gifts.