Hi Readers! I thought about it was time to make a post about the dresses that I made for the holiday season.  The first you got a glimpse of in this post where I was especially excited about the tulip sleeves. Here’s the finished dress:

For the base pattern, I used the Dirndl Dress that comes with the Built By Wendy Dresses book (which I highly recommend). I then made the sleeve modification as well as lengthening the skirt by three inches.

The next dress I wore on New Year’s Eve:

For this dress I used McCalls M6460 pattern and made version C. The only modification I made was unintentional… I didn’t use a contrast band of fabric for the hem because I was crunched for time. You may call me Ms. Procrastinator.

I wasn’t thrilled with the results and the main reason is because the chiffon I used for the yoke was so hard to work with! I definitely need more practice working with difficult fabrics. Feel free to pass on any useful techniques!

The last dress I made is definitely my favorite:

I used Simplicity’s 4070 and made version B. I made no design modifications, I only widened the skirt and the skirt lining in the hips (a mod a make to almost every pattern).  Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture from the night but I wore this dress to my company’s holiday party paired with this beautiful updo from {this is glamorous} and some red lipstick.

So there you have my holiday fashions! Now on to some desperately needed everyday clothes. Work appropriate dresses, here I come.

♥

This time of year lends itself to such rich sights, smells, and warm fuzzy feelings. What better expression of that than maple roasted sweet potatoes with pecans? I made this dish for my family’s Christmas dinner and not only was it delicious, but it filled the house with a sweet spiced smell worthy of the holidays.  {Recipe courtesy of Budget Bytes}

Find the recipe and step by step directions here to make your own heaven scented side dish.

Here are a few of my favorite diy holiday ornaments that I’ve seen floating around the blogosphere this season!

{Felted Bell Ornaments, Washi Tape Ornaments, Pom Pom Ornaments, Clay Lollipop Ornaments, Simple Statement Ornaments, Candy Cane Marbled Ornaments, Vintage Felt Baubles, Balls Up Ornaments}

Happy Holidays!

♥

You look familiar, have we met?

Yes my friends, I have been away for quite some time.  I do apologize! My dream world is one where “life” never impedes on crafting and making, but sometimes it’s inevitable. I hope you can forgive my neglect.

With that said, I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve been working on for my comeback:

First is my holly berry dress -

Only a sneak peak for now, but I promise more pics to come!  Aren’t those the sweetest little tulip sleeves?  I drafted them myself from this fabulous tutorial.

Next is a brand new endeavor I’m taking on in an attempt to expand my handmade lifestyle; I’m learning to cook! What could be more handmade? Not to mention healthy and money-saving.

My first dish is a creamy chicken soup with wild rice, courtesy of the fabulous blog Budget Bytes.

Last but not least is my DIY holiday display. I decided to forgo a tree this year in the interest of time and energy but I definitely wanted some holiday cheer and warmth in my space.

I took two wine bottles and spray painted one with silver metallic paint. The other is covered in torn strips of slightly opalescent stationary paper, adhered with Modpodge.

For the tea lights, I took plain glass candle holders and then spruced them up with some glitter via the project in Ruche’s Homemade Holiday guide. The wreath is a plain wreath from a craft supply store (I got mine at AC Moore) with a tiny felt bow on the lower right side.

The bunting is made from small felt triangles, hot glued to yarn, and the letters are written in glue and covered in glitter.

What crafts are you working on this holiday season?