First of all, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to my 9 year old today. Elena asked me if I was going to tell everyone it’s her birthday, and when I said yes, she clapped her hands and squealed with delight. Easily pleased, that kid.
Elena has been taking sewing lessons for about a year and a half from Sewing on the Edge here in NJ (highly recommended, if, by some coincidence, you happen to be reading this blog and live in central New Jersey and want sewing lessons!).
Toward the end of last year, Elena worked long and hard on a dress for her American Girl doll. It’s taken me too long to feature it here, but today seems like the perfect day. I think you’ll agree that it’s pretty darn amazing, especially for a 9 year old:
This dress took her about 6 weeks (that is, 6 hours of work). She did it all by herself.
Yesterday, I took my camera to her sewing class and snapped a few shots. She just started working on a ruffle skirt for herself. You can see that the main part of the skirt is this purple-ish blue fabric, and the ruffle will be made from a sweet Japanese flower print.
I love the look of concentration on her face.
What a cutie pie. A 9 year old cutie pie.
* * *
I could really use your help. I struggle a lot with buying fabric for her clothes projects. Near me, there’s one independent fabric store with a mediocre selection and there’s a Joann Fabrics (also with a mediocre selection). I want to find nice fabric, including fun prints, which is suitable for kids’ clothing so that she’ll really want to wear the clothes she makes.
So, do you have recommendations for online fabric sources that you love?
I would appreciate any responses.
Thanks for all of your nice comments this week. Hope you have a great weekend!
Ali said,
January 15, 2010 @ 10:36 am
Personally I like eBay for vintage fabrics! Though, it isn’t really cheap!
goodtogrow said,
January 15, 2010 @ 11:45 am
Happy birthday to Elena! She is sooooo cute. And that doll dress is amazing!
I know nothing about fabrics, sorry!
Nana Diane said,
January 15, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
I buy fabrics on ebay, as well, and have never been disappointed. I really, truly dislike Jo-Ann’s. They are unfriendly and absolutely no help whatsoever. I wish there was a better option. The Ben Franklin chain of stores has nice fabric (usually for the quilting public), and their prices are great. I know they have stores all across the US. When you visit, I will take her to the one in Chatham, which has a very cute notions department. I see online there is one in Lavallette NJ, Rahway, NJ,
Abescon, NJ and Cranbury. I hope this helps. Also check out the Marimekko site. I used to love those prints when I was a kid.
The dress Elena made is amazing. And to find something she likes so much at such an early age is wonderful. I started sewing at 12 and have enjoyed it ever since.
Note to Elena- I will call later to wish you a happy birthday, and I love you.
Ali said,
January 15, 2010 @ 6:43 pm
We also have a fabric store by my house with super cute patterns (It’s Called “Material Girls Quilts”) but they charge a lot, about $10 a yard. They do sell quarters though.
Karin said,
January 15, 2010 @ 11:47 pm
Spool (http://www.spoolsewing.com/) here in Philly has some really awesome and gorgeous fabrics. I would be happy to pick some up for you and send them. What are you looking for color-wise? Also, how much do you need? I want an excuse to go buy something else there, so give me some hints.
Some examples: http://store.spoolsewing.com/fabric.html
You should really come see for yourselves though…You know, Philly isn’t THAT far from new Brunswick…you could visit friends while you were here….hint hint hint.
Anyhow, its really lovely but they have weird hours so check the hours first.
dash pinch smidgen said,
January 17, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
I like looking around etsy for fabrics myself!
Shannon said,
January 25, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
I love the site! GREAT job on the dress, Elena!
[Family Friday] Inspired by Lisa Congdon « said,
February 12, 2010 @ 9:02 am
[...] I sign off for the weekend, Elena finished the skirt she was working on that I talked about a couple of weeks ago. I’m really impressed with the final product [...]
juanitatortilla said,
February 22, 2013 @ 3:32 pm
Hi there! I landed on your blog post while searching for sewing classes in Central NJ.
Thanks for the tip on Sewing On the Edge — went to check it out, but will have to find out more and see if there are updates for 2013.