My Favorite Toddler Dress

This is my favorite toddler dress.  I have made a few variations of this dress and it is quick to make and easy to wear.  It has a peasant blouse top and a full skirt.  It is easy to put on a squirming girl and is comfy for her all day. 

This latest version cost only $3.  It was made with $1 of fabric from the WalMart bargain bin, another $1 of berry pink rick rack and $1 of 1/4 inch elastic.
It started life as this simplicity pattern (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2260-toddler-dresses.aspx) view E.

 I then added 2 inches of width to the skirt front and skirt back (4 inches total).  I also shortened the skirt a couple of inches so that it hits well above the knee.  I think this shorter/fuller skirt makes it more age appropriate for my 2 year old. 
Next, I made a sash.  It is one strip of fabric cut into a 5" by 45" rectangle.  Fold it right sides together and sew closed on long side.  Then sew it on the top and the bottom over the waist seam of the dress.  I folded the ends of the sash twice and hemmed.  I then covered both the top and bottom of the sash, where it attaches to the dress, with rickrack.  I also added rickrack to the ends of the sash.



Not sure what this face means?



For this version I used a small pack of fat quarters from Michael's, less than $4.  I pieced the fabric together in various places so that there was enough.  I sewed together strips and squares until there was enough for that pattern piece.  The girl does like this dress, but even a bag of skittles wouldn't make her smile the day I wanted to take pictures. 

Luau Prep, day 2

 Luau Games:

Tacky Tourist Relay:  We have been playing this for years.  It is my favorite and I am sure most people have tried it in one version or another. 

Break the group in to teams, I do 3 teams.  Have each team select a captain.  The captain becomes the tourist.  Have him or her move to one end of the playing field then have the rest of the players move to the other end where you have the supplies waiting.  Game play works like a relay.  First team member runs to the tourist and puts item on then runs back to tag next team member who runs with next item.  First team to have their tourist dressed wins.  You can add challenge to the game by knotting the bikini top, getting tiny sunglasses, and starting with flat inner tubes.  All Items are available at the dollar store.

Supplies (one for each team):

Hat, Sunglasses/ goggles, Lei, Bikini top, Inner tube/arm floaties, Grass skirt, Flip flops

Hot Coconut:

This is just like hot potato but with a coconut so that it ties into our theme.  It is a hit with the little brothers and sisters, the 2-5 year olds. 

Musical Beach Blanket:

This is just musical chairs but we use beach towels. It is much easier to move a towel out of the way and it ties into our theme. 

Sponge Relay:

This is another relay but the boys love it. 

Break into 2 teams.  Choose one captain from each team.  Captains are seated in chairs covered with a piece of plastic and given a large pitcher to hold on their head.  Remaining players are at the other end of the yard with a large bucket and large sponges. (I cut the car washing ones in half)  Players fill sponges with water then run to the other end of the yard and empty into the pitchers.  First team to fill line wins.  Pitchers and sponges are available at the dollar store.

 Boogie Board Race:

They really aren't boogie boards, they are kiddie kick boards from the dollar store.  The game is a little easier if you leave them wrapped in plastic

Limbo:

Everyone loves the limbo.  We just covered a broom handle with wrapping paper and tied ribbons to the end.

Red Light/Green Light:

We like to do this one for the little kids , 2-5 year olds.

There are a lot of games but they go fast and I like to keep the kids busy the entire time. 

We take punch breaks and in the middle of the party we will pause and serve cake and open presents.    

Luau Prep, day 1

Our boy is turning 8! That means it is time for the annual Luau. This will be our 6^th luau, go carts and bounces houses were more important some years, and I am in full preparation mode. The menu will be super simple. I have learned that kids really prefer things simple. So, this year we are skipping the huli huli chicken and the kalua pork and just having hot dogs and cake. This is a bit of a letdown for the party planner in me but a total win for my crunched schedule. There is, however, one themed food item we will be serving, the punch. I started with the “volcanic punch” from the aloha friends website. http://www.alohafriendsluau.com/recipes.html  (Check out all of their recipes they are simple and delicious. I have made most of them over the years and we never have leftovers.) Then I add sherbet because the kids love it. See my modified recipe below:

This make a lot of punch but it never lasts to the end of the party.

VOLCANIC PUNCH
3 cans frozen fruit punch concentrate (12oz each)

60oz water
1 64oz-can pineapple juice
1 can cream of coconut
2 2-Liters ginger ale

1 48oz container pineapple sherbet
ice cubes

In a large punch bowl add the 3 cans of frozen fruit punch concentrate. Add water (you can fill one of the juice cans with water 5 times). Add pineapple juice, one bottle of ginger ale, sherbet and ice cubes then stir. Then add as much of the 2nd bottle of ginger ale as possible leaving at least 3 inches from the rim of the punch bowl and stir again. Finally, add the cream of coconut. Will serve 40 people.

Stay tuned, still need to discuss games, treats and decor.

Just for fun, here is the boy at the last luau, he had just turned 6.

Up First, My Latest Dress

Let’s get this thing started with our indented topic, sewing.

I just completed this adorable summer dress for the girl. 

It was completed from McCall’s pattern #M6496.

 

I used the tiered skirt and the spaghetti strap top. I did not use the bows or the giant flower. I also opted to make the dress from one fabric rather than the four different fabrics as suggested by the package. By measuring the girl I determined that we needed a size 2 width and a size 3 length, tall and thin what a problem to have. Finally, I have learned from other dresses to secure the sash to the dress. I top stitched this one at the top and bottom of the sash across the front of the dress. This step might not be necessary for an older child but my girl is only 2 will remove anything not attached.

Pattern Review: The package states that this pattern is easy and it was for someone with intermediate skill. It was easy to customize and was relativity quick to construct. The instructions were easy to follow and as it is a child’s garment it does not require exact fitting. I still found the bodice a bit large when compared to the measurements but it is difficult to measure a moving toddler so this could be my fault. I would not recommend it for a first project but it is a fun dress if you have a little skill. B+