Everything’s coming up roses

I wanted to share with you a few photos of my roses.  They are in full bloom right now, and their scent is wonderful.  I love roses!

 

 

We have lived here for three years, and in that time, this bush has nearly doubled in size.  Each year the blooms are more and more prolific.  A few times each growing season, I bury some banana peelings around its’ roots – an old wive’s tale I heard about many years ago.   At any rate, they seem to like it!

 

Remember the oliver + s dress I was making for my niece?  I finished it, and now I need to send it off in the mail.

I am mostly pleased with it.  Although, I will make some changes the next time around.  I used the 18-24 month size which was the smallest size in the package.  The sizing looks to be good, and I like that the loose fit is such that it will be able to be worn with leggings or pants as it gets to be too short for a dress.  I didn’t add the pockets, but for an older child/size, I probably would.  Next time I will not make the  notched “v” neckline quite as deep.  I had difficulty manipulating the fabric around the “v” when attaching the yoke to the dress.  This might not be an issue, however, when using a larger size.  The only exposed seams in this dress are the side seams of the dress.  The pattern suggested using french seams – which I did – and this makes the inside of the dress nicely finished.  All in all, I do like this pattern and will be making it again.  However, the real review will come from my sister-in-law after it gets worn and washed a few times!

I also finished another baby quilt top.  The colors turned out to be somewhat Easter-ish, but I think it will make a sweet baby girl’s quilt.   The lavender and green floral fabric is from a vintage, smock-style apron I found at the thrift store awhile back.  I was able to get twelve six-inch squares out of the back and upper front.  The lower front was not in usable condition, but I do have a little left over for some smaller piecing.  I have another apron, same style, in a different color-way, purchased at the same time, and I believe probably made by the same person. 

Here is a full shot of the quilt top, but the colors are not right.  I had trouble getting good lighting.   The photo above is a much more true representation.   As you can see below, Mrs. Whiskers feels the need to be in the middle of things!

Now I need to pick a backing!  And get some more batting – I’m all out.  Oh darn, looks like I’ll need to go to the fabric store again!   Well, maybe for the sake of peace and harmony in the Morning Glory Lane household, I better check my stash one last time!  ;)

-Elizabeth