No-sew block swap . . .

Recently, I participated in my first online quilt block swap. I loved that this one was a "sew it yourself" swap since different machines and quilters use slightly different seam allowances. I just got my box of blocks today and a sweet little tissue holder from the host as well. Kathleen definitely went above and beyond with the organizing, and filling in for the blocks that were no-shows. I'm looking forward to sewing up all the beautiful bits of fabrics I received! Here's the block that I contributed, it's called a Twisting Star.

a pattern review . . .

I got the opportunity to be a pattern tester for the Handmade Dress again. This time the pattern was called Miss. Mary (now available in her shop) and it's a wrap-style. I found some fabric in my stash and made one for Elayna in a size 6. I really love the fit and style of how this turned out! The instructions were super easy to follow and I love the way the pattern gives instruction on how to finish everything off nicely. When Brad saw the dress he called it "the dress every Daddy wants to see their little girl wearing" - it's modest but still pretty. Elayna loved it and said it was very comfortable. I'm planning to make some Sunday dresses for the girls with this pattern, but to add some trim and more colorful fabrics to give it a different look.