Homemade Birthday Gifts

I finished Rosie's birthday sweater just in time. She already knew about it because she chose the yarn, Quince and Co.'s Lark in Rosa Rugosa.  She had no idea she shared a name with the colorway when she chose it, but we both agreed that the name was quite appropriate for her new sweater and have been calling it the "Rosa Rugosa Sweater".  She was so excited about finally getting to see if finished.  She wore it all day on her birthday, to bed that night, and again the next day. I sewed a dress to go with it, using my new Marie pattern from Citronille. It was an easy little pattern to sew, taking less than an hour from start to finish. I love the simple lines of it and am already planning more "Marie" dresses for summer.  I also made an itty, bitty dress and sweater from the left over fabric and yarn...

and a nightgown for...

Miss Maggie Rabbit, of course.

I have been eyeing Alicia Paulson's sweet little rabbit softie pattern for quite some time, and I decided it was finally time to make one for Rosa-mae. I'm so glad I did because it was love at first sight.  She hasn't let Miss Maggie Rabbit out of her sight (well, actually she informed me the other day that she has named her Daisy). The sweater coat was also made from one of Alicia's patterns, and I have plans to make this sweet little knitted dress; I just didn't have time before her birthday.

My mom made Rosa-mae three cotton nightgowns a few years ago.  They have been through thick and thin with her...seeing Rosie through hospital stays, lazy all-day pj days at home, 4th of July sparklers after dark on the lawn, and, of course, good old fashioned snuggles in bed...and she still loves wearing them.  One is made from a lovely vintage rosebud fabric, and I had a few scraps Mom had given to me, just enough to make Miss Maggie, errrr...Daisy a matching nightie. 

And finally two more dresses made from another lovely Citronille pattern, Suzanne.  Using elastic thread, I shirred the entire neck of one and the neck edges of the sleeves on the other.  Rosa's little shoulders are quite narrow, and I was afraid she would be bothered by the sleeves sliding down.  I love this simple little pattern and look forward to  making Little #9 a few of them for summer.  This pattern is great for multi-season dressing as one can easily layer with long sleeves and leggings or tights when the weather is cooler. 

I had fun making Rosa's gifts this year, and it's so rewarding to see her happily grabbing for the toys I have made and choosing to wear the clothes I have sewn.

Linking with Nicole and Ginny.