The Handmade Dress

Well I couldn't have Miss Madeline lookin all cute and not get Miss Molly done too! Donella did it again..... I love her. She makes me look good. What do you think?

A few months back we found the perfect spot on our property, during one of our long walks , for a "Secret Garden". (That's one of our favorite movies, can you tell?) It really is perfect. It has this amazing "swinging tree" that is all crooked (this was the first selling point when choosing our own Secret Garden ya know). The clearing is set in the bend of the trail that runs alongside the creek, and the beavers have built a dam there for the perfect little swimming hole. Just beyond the swimming hole is a small waterfall, it's just enough to make the most beautiful background noise while we are there. It's close to home but not too close, I'd say a few acres away from the house. It's very private and closed off except for our little beaten path where we walk. Like I said...it's perfect.... I wanted to share some pictures and a video of our last night down at the Secret Garden. The kids were in the mood for smores so Daddy loaded up the tr...

I am so behind on blog reading and blogging (and laundry). When I feel overwhelmed and behind I start to ignore the things that make me feel that way. I know, vicious cycle. I think it is that glimmer (OK maybe a little more than just a glimmer) of perfectionist in me, you know, if you can't do something right don't do it at all...yeah. So, I decided this morning to just start fresh from today and just move my big "behind" (Yes, I have the humor of a 10 year old boy) forward. I have missed all of your blogs so bad! Let me just confess now and get it over with...I lost your address....please forgive me. My computer started acting super nutty and hubby had to wipe it out and in the process all of my favorites were lost! I know, I know, I should have one of those blog reader deals but I'm a blog dummy and I don't! So if I have ever stopped by your blog PLEEEAAASE leave your addy in the comments section of this post. I don't always have the time to comment but...

Hey friends! Sorry I have been so scarce, but let me tell ya I have been bu-sy!! Miss Madeline was officially DONE on Saturday, so I have been shipping out pre-orders and working on all the other time consuming things that come along with pattern making. It feels so good to be done! I have a couple of blog awards coming up (I should have already posted about them but I'm a big busy loser) but that will just have to wait, because my kids need mama. Today I have a little crochet project to work on and we are going to take the day OFF. We will eat (I've already had one request for potato soup), watch, play, and pretend whatever they want! It's time for things to slow down a bit. I have been struggling through this yucky morning sickness, working on the pattern every spare minute, and taking care of the kids and the house (OK not so much the house, it's bad). I am worn out and so ready for a day like today! This picture was taken from our porch at the beach. Pretty cool h...

Those were some very good descriptions! I still haven't decided which one I like the best (you made this very hard for me). I'm going to have a friend help me choose today and I will let you know today or tomorrow who won the pattern. If anyone wants to add a description you are welcome to, the contest is open until I announce the winner. . xoxo, Samantha . The picture has nothing to do with the post, but I have this thing against posts without pictures. I don't like it. So this is another one of my favorites from the beach of Jake and Molly.

***We decided on Jaclyn! Her description was: "The Miss Madeline dress is as versatile as your imagination. The optional apron can be made with contrasting fabric or from a vintage handkerchief or tea towel. What a wonderful way to use Grandmas old hankies, or make your own with the exclusive bird embroidery design included.You’re sure to love the simplicity and sweetness of Miss Madeline. (on the small pattern) orYou’re sure to love the flattering, functional design of Miss Madeline. (on the big pattern)" . Jaclyn, just email me at mamacaffee@hotmail.com and let me know what size pattern you would like. *** Do you see the part of this beautiful cover that says "description here"? Yeah... I have yet to think of the perfect description for the covers ( there are two different sizes 6mo-4 yrs and 5-10 yrs) of the Miss Madeline pattern. What is wrong with me?? I know I want the descriptions to be basically the same with maybe one sentence that says something ...

Woo Hoo! Just when I thought I would never finish (LOL!) I am finally close enough to put Miss Madeline up for pre-order! If you could only see the happy dance I'm doing right now! If you are interested in Miss Madeline head over to the shop . I absolutely love this sweet dress, the pattern will have instructions for both styles, with and without the apron. The apron can be from contrasting fabric or from a vintage hanky or tea towel. What a sweet way to use Grandmas old hankies! The pattern will be available in sizes 6mo - 4 years and 5 - 10 yrs. The bird embroidery design will also be included! The folks who pre-order the PDF will recieve it the day it is available (by email), and the folks who order in print will have theirs mailed the day it is available. Thanks for waiting!

We are home a little early, I'm always done after about four days! LOL! I like home. We had a wonderful time! Now I'm just avoiding the piles of luggage and bags in my living room and trying to get a little rest. I'm hoping to have the house in order by Monday so that I can finish up Miss Madeline this week. I plan to have it in the shop by Friday! YAY! There is something about posting my plans here that gives me extra motivation to get going. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip. The first one above is my view from the porch holding my little angel Iris. The second is Lily, and the third is the two of them on the beach just before they started eating sand! LOL! Aren't they beautiful? It's hard to be away from them when I have seen them everyday for a week, I miss them already. I love this picture of Timothy because he is so pretty, but I hate it because he looks so old. He is losing that baby look *sniff*. Here is my Molly looking li...