Fly away with a winged collar

So a while back I got a pattern from my mama for a little boy shirt with a winged color. It's vintage, if you can't tell.

Here is what the pattern looks like.

And here are the instructions that I have. That's it.

Close-up, just so you can see. The sewing guide mentioned at the bottom didn't quite make it to me.

So I had to figure it out on my own. I considered it a great challenge. With my powers of deduction (and sewing knowledge), I assumed that the pattern pieces with two larger dots meant to cut two pieces. Three dots near an edge meant to cut on the fold. So here is what it looked like. All ready to cut!

The pattern pieces have no other markings besides the holes and notches.

I started with the back pieces. Obviously, there is a yolk. Great. That's pretty basic.

Then came the really easy parts: sew together the pieces at the shoulders and the side seams.

The under collar (not sure the official name, but that's what I'm calling it) went on next. It's the under side of the collar -- aptly named, right?

Here you see it with the collar popped. Preppy bikes.

Next it's time for the facing and upper collar piece. It's all one piece and it just happens to fit nicely over the under collar and front of the shirt. Funny how that works, eh?

I was pretty proud of myself that the notches all lined up.

Here's what it looked like all put together:

Once that piece was on, all I needed to do was turn the facing piece under and stitch. Then hem the bottom and the sleeves. Oh yeah, and add buttons. Voila!

I think I'll shorten the sleeves to make it a bit more modern, but other than that I love it.

Don't mind the snot in this shot.

I think she was heading in for a hug in this one. Yay!

Changes

Lots of change is happening right now. More on that later.

For now...I got a hair cut! This was big for me. I've had long hair for the last 10-ish years. It was time. It just sort of happened.

This was my inspiration:

Cute, no? Mais oui!

And now for the requisite before and after pics.

Before

During. Disembodied hair looks creepy...and for some reason my hair on the floor looks red.

Directly after

At home a few days later

And if you're curious, my stylist is awesome, and her name is Susan, and she works at Sparrow.

Hipster kid

My mama bought this little hat for Jo before Christmas. It's Jo's favorite. She's also figured out how to put it on and take it off herself (as demonstrated).

Love.

A major DOSE of awesomeness

Yep, Lilla Barn is going to be at Dose this weekend! My mama and sister, Liv, are coming in just for the event. We're super pumped. There is lots to do and still lots to sew. I have a pile of red toddler jeggings on my floor just waiting for elastic. Yep. Jeggings.

I digress.

I've had my eye on a few of the other Dose vendors (called Dosers) and can't wait to meet them in person on Sunday. Maybe I should take my change jar to the bank?

Laura Lombardi

Want. All. Of. It. Especially this.

Chikahisa Studio

I'm not much of a ring person, but I would totally wear this every day. Mother's Day is coming up, right?

Dorus Mhor

Playful and pretty. Perfect.

See you Sunday!

Impulse purchase

This is the cape that I bought for Jo the other night.

It was an impulse purchase. It was late, and I had just had a few glasses of wine at the Akvavit company meeting.

You know, I'm glad I bought it.

I think she's really going to love it.

It's called the Blue Mr. Hammerstein Monster Cloak from Little Adventures. I bought this one on Zulily, and now I can't find them anywhere else online. Keeping my eyes peeled for more...

dose dose dose

Oh man, I'm super excited that Lilla Barn will be at the next Dose Market on April 14th. Liv, my mama, and I have been sewing up a storm to get ready. Plus there are going to be so many other awesome local businesses there too!

If you are in Chicago, you should come. Get dosed here.

Her own sense of style

Baby Jo has been very vocal lately about what she wants to wear. We've also started her dress-up closet, which is really just a box right now. But it's only going to grow. Yes.

I love how the glittery gold bolero matches her yellow top...AND the yellow sunglasses. She could be a fashion visionary. This was our impromptu photo shoot.