My First Custom Outfit!

Now I was a crafter long before I became a mama, but my daughter has kicked my love of crafting into overdrive.  I especially LOVE the custom boutique clothing people made for children that I see all over facebook and etsy.  I have ordered a few but most of the ones that really catch my eye are too pricey for me so I have been relegated to just admiring these works of art.  Until now!  My dear little girl is turning 1 in December (I can't believe how time flies)! And I decided I wanted to do a lady bug themed first birthday party for her (stay posted for the ridiculous amount of blog posts and tutorials that are going to come from this crafty noggin in party mode) and I wanted her to have a lady bug themed outfit to go along with her party.

 So I searched all the websites and put out blanket custom orders on forums and no one could offer what I wanted, so I made the choice to attempt to make one ( a lofty idea for someone who had beyond remedial experience with a sewing machine). So I planned and planned, thought and rethought until I had created the perfect design for my baby girl.  I decided to not have the word "birthday" on it anywhere so she could wear it more than once, and so I would be doing all this work and putting myself through all this stress. So with my plan in mind I set out for what would become multiple trips to my local craft store. I bought the fabric, the paint, the appliques, the thread, and the supplies to custom make an applique (the tutorial of which is in the tutorial page) and set out to make my first custom outfit.  So I pinned, and stitched, and restitched, and restitched...and restitched, ironed, cut, drew...and drank (just a little) ;) and finally after two straight days--that's four nap times in toddler time I had my first complete custom boutique outfit I could be proud of, and while it's not perfect by any means I think it is beyond acceptable for the first try.  Now I have the custom clothing itch so be prepared for full tutorials and sales items soon!

View of entire outfit from the front

 Close up of the front of the jeans

The back view of the entire outfit, not to happy with the "Lil' Lady" lettering on the back of the shirt but it's a learning process.