This is a free pattern from the children's clothing pattern company Oliver & S - it comes in sizes 2 - 8 years but I wanted to make a smaller size , so I reduced the pattern to a 6-12mo size. I did this by comparing the differences in the smallest two sizes around each pattern edge , for example 0.5 inch around the ruffles, and drafting new pattern pieces based on these differences. This is the finished dress.
After I had made this dress I started thinking about design variations for this very versatile pattern. Each of the ruffles could be omitted for a different look, for example. I had some fabric left over from making a dress so I used it to make this variation , in which the drawstring casing at the neck edge was replaced by bias binding and the armhole bias binding was extended as ties. The ruffles were omitted completely in favor of a 3.5cm deep frill at the bottom of the dress. This made it longer than the original since the hem allowance also contributed to the total length .
Back, front,bias binding and bottom frill pieces laid out. A very small amount of fabric was required for this project.
Neck bias binding attached, and the finished dress below, with ribbon and antique button trim.
What is a receiving blanket? Something used to receive a newborn baby from the labour room staff - in one of the most exciting moments in the life of the new dad, siblings and grandparents waiting eagerly outside. So you need something nice looking ; not that anyone will notice anything but the new baby …
This is an easy and quick project, any number of tutorials are available online. I think I used the one from piecenquilt.com. My blanket consists of one layer of white cotton flannel and an outer layer of floral cotton, size approx 34" and 44" respectively. The process simply involves sewing together the pieces right sides together leaving a small gap for turning inside out. The corners are mitered before turning inside out. One blogger recommended checking the shape of the corners before cutting off excess fabric just to make sure. Very sound advice. Then iron the fabric flat and sew the gap closed to get a beautiful bordered blanket. This would be a very nice gift for an expectant family.
I also added a decorative stitch which closed the gap in addition to providing a designer touch :) .
This is a free pattern from the blog ikatbag.com by LiEr - a very creative lady who works wonders with fabric and also with cardboard - to dress her kids and to keep them amused respectively. Thank you, LiEr!
It is meant for a 3 year old, but my 2 year old looks fairly comfortable in them. LiEr suggests piping around the pockets but I added some different decorative elements such as zigzag stitching in a contrast thread and a purchased label on the back. The first one I made was a trial version and did not have pockets. The buttonholes are on the straps, a mistake I rectified in the second version. Fabric is recycled adult jeans for the first ( trial) version and a sturdy denim for the second ( about 270 rupees per meter at Parthas , I bought 60 cm of 150cm wide fabric ).
This is a free pattern from the children's clothing pattern company Oliver & S - it comes in sizes 2 - 8 years but I wanted to make a smaller size , so I reduced the pattern to a 6-12mo size. I did this by comparing the differences in the smallest two sizes around each pattern edge , for example 0.5 inch around the ruffles, and drafting new pattern pieces based on these differences. This is the finished dress. 
