family time: April 2010

My favorite Christmas present from Bret!!!

Bret's sister Kari is getting married on June 19th this summer!!! About a month ago she asked our other sister in-law and I to be 2 of her 3 bridesmaids! As everyone knows Bridesmaid dresses are quit pricey and to find a modest one is even more difficult and more expensive. So a modest professional bridesmaid dress was between $120 -$200 and could take up to 10 weeks to get it. Bret got me a sewing machine for Christmas and I have really been itching to make something but have not had time, energy or a real reason until now!!! I offered to find matching fabric and make our 2 dresses. I made my Temple dress about 7 years ago and a few skirts, pj pants and things since. I knew it would be fun but I forgot how quick and easy it is. I found the fabric which is really close to the same color and each dress only required a couple yards of fabric. The grand total for both of our dresses including fabric, pattern, thread, zippers and lining was $50.04 and it is taking me less than a week to complete the first one.
I got the first dress cut out and the bodice all put together in a day and a half. A few days later (when Bret was free again to occupy Hayden) I sewed the skirt together then onto the bodice and finally put in the zipper. I only need to finish the bottom hem which may take 5 minutes:)
My only concern was if I could get Jackie's dress done and mailed out to her in time for her to fit it for alterations and send it back to me to make it fit properly. All my worries were wiped away when I got her measurements. We are the same height and the same measurements in the fitted areas!!!
Thanks Kari and Jackie for giving me an excuse to use my sewing machine.
It's really nice to stand back and see what one can accomplish with love and support. Bret is so sweet watching me work and helping me where he can.