Exotic Batik Multi Function Cover

As soon as we heard husband's brother's going to be a dad, we planned to give them something special. I wasn't very confident at making boy clothes at that moment, and also I still remember my first boy experience: I got way too many baby clothes from all the baby showers. They were adorable and cute so I kept them all, but also I didn't really go buy any new clothes until my boy is almost one year old. 
Anyway, I've heard my sister-in-law would try breastfeeding, and as a breastfeeding mom I suddenly got something in mind: she probably needs a cover! I remember the place we lived usually has no nursing rooms in public, and I bet she would love to take that little angel go around, so a cover should be useful for her.
Then it is confirmed they have a boy, and I started to think what pattern I should use. First comes to mind is my brother-in-law loves hunting, so I should get something like that. Then I thought he probably gets all kinds of gifts related to that, and to be honest hunting patterns are not easy to find in a city like Singapore. Then my husband said, since we are in Singapore, why not you try use something exotic? Like the clothes those flight assistants dressed in on Singapore Airline?
Oh, Nyonya Batik. 
Nyonya, simply explain is the term they call girls or women around areas like Malaya, Java, during the colony time. They were inheritors of the inter marriage between Strait Chinese and Malays.  
And Batik is the material that from this area. It is widely used in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia,  and the rich colours and fantastic patterns make it quite famous.
I went down to Chinatown market because there are several stores selling batik. The sale lady helped me find this piece for boys. 
After decided what material to use I started looking for patterns. Then my greedy personality comes back. I would like something to be more than just a feeding cover, something that if she wants can be used in multiple ways. Then I found this multi use cover: you can use it as a blanket, a car seat cover, and a breastfeeding cover! To make the maximum use of it, I made it double sides!

She seems like it. Forgive me about the picture if it scared you. I was in rush to process it and I don't want to use my sister-in-law's face in public.

Chinese Cheongsam

New year celebration is officially over this week. If you know what I mean, Chinese new year. It lasted for a while. If in China we start have the feeling of new year usually one month before the actual day, and the holiday season lasts 15 days from the Spring Festival to Lantern Festival. My favourite part is the month before the new year, it is quite similar to the days before Christmas, you get all excited and the atmosphere is just so festive that everybody just can't refuse to be involved and enjoy.
They do celebrate Chinese new year in Singapore, which is much more better, because I worked on new year eve all most every year when live in the States. But they don't have the cold weather which is what I used to have during new year celebration, and they don't prepare that long... Maybe they do, as you can see decorations and everything here and there, but maybe I am a grow-up now, so all the excitements are gone. 
Anyway, last year my husband challenged me to make a dress for B, but I couldn't find the right material. So I made a dress out of a pillow case for the New year celebration (a real Chinese style pillow dress), I made the buttons too, thanks to the people posting detailed video on Youtube! But the material is quite rough and not comfy at all.
After that my mom volunteered to donate two of her dresses to me for my crazy hobby! Brand new silk dresses, oh my goodness my heart is full of joy, and my daughter will finally have a real silk Chinese dress this year!
And since it is already a dress, I don't have to make the collar or the buttons. She enjoys it a lot! She took family pictures with us in this and it is just adorable like a baby doll...

The last two pictures are from last year's pillow dress.

White Embroidery Cross Back Sun Dress

When I got this gorgeous piece of white embroidery cotton, my friend asked me: will you make a fancy dress for B? I was really thinking just a very simple summer day dress, like the blue star one, you know, classic but functional. Then I got pregnant and morning sickness all over again, so this piece just be left in the drawers for a while (6 months actually). Finally I felt better, and  someday I found a picture on Pinterest, and then, it was in my dreams for a while. I was thinking only if I had the perfect material. Ummm, wait a minute, I bet I have! Then I dig out this piece out of my drawer, here it is.
I am not very satisfied to be honest, since the back bow is too small. I wish I got more but I don't have anything left. So the diaper cover is small too... But she really like this dress, that is a relief!

Double Sides Cross Back Play Set

When we lived in the States, Hobby Lobby was one of my favourite stores. But since I didn't really sew and didn't have kids at that moment, I didn't really know how much I would love that store. Back in Singapore we have Spotlight, or some market stores selling handcraft stuff, but none of them could have such various choices. Overall here the stores can't be too large since land is so expensive...

Anyway, why I mentioned Hobby Lobby is because on our last trip back to the States, this is one of my must-go shopping destinations. I don't shop for clothes or shoes or purses or make up stuff for me anymore (what a shame), since I don't feel I need them. But I did need to buy some new supplies for my work station. 

However, believe or not, during our 20 days of stay I only got to go twice. Once is right before their Christmas Eve close, I have like 30 minutes of wandering around. The other one is husband went to Walmart to return some stuff, so I got to be dropped by in front of the store and have like 20 minutes of shopping time.

So, hurry and go!

I took 2 pieces of faber there, 2 dollar per piece, don't remember the size of it. But decent, enough for making something. Several rolls of ribbons for my girls' hair bows. Ribbons here are just ridiculous expensive! Although I missed the 50% off all ribbon supply deal (what a shame again), but I still got quite good deals compare with the price back here.

Anyway, using these two cotton pieces I found in the store made this classic set. Cross back is really a perfect way for dressing up girls in hot weather. I made it double sides wear. Also found some buttons matching these materials perfectly. Actually this style doesn't need buttons, they just go off so easily.

Green Polka Dots Sundress

Well my update can't catch up with what I've been making these days!
Green polka dots sundress. Unfortunately my husband thinks this one "shows too much". He already treats his daughter like a teen, while I still let her run just in her diaper at the public water playground, he thinks his daughter should have clothes cover from shoulder to knees. That also perfectly explains his rule for her daughter's dating: no dates before 30 years old.

Back to the dress. I made two hair clips using the pink beach dress materials with the green polka dots one, which is a good lazy combination: she can wear them for both dresses. I also made some simple bow clips with the dress, they are cute.
I don't have a picture of the dress since she seems really like this one and refused to take off :P

My little Star

We human being just have preference for almost everything, I believe. 
As for materials, I love all natural things. especially cotton, soft, and cute pattern cotton. One reason is, again, Singapore is too hot, I'd prefer dress my girl in something that can breath. 
This piece of cotton is bought by my mom, and she loves sewing and knitting too. It has the feeling of jeans, but no, not that rough, it is just as soft as feather.
I always wanted to make a dress like this, easy, classic and fun. Only thing not perfect is I used the wrong size. I cut the top a little bit too small. Although I fixed it with a zipper on the back, still, it is not perfect... I guess I will try to make the same style again someday, with another piece of soft and beautiful cotton.

Pink Beach Dress for Toddler Girls

I know she already has enough dresses, and I know we only stay on the beach for two days... However, girls will never think she has too many pretty clothes! Especially this one, as now she's very picky and refused to wear the same dress twice!

Okay, mostly I spoiled her...

Anyway, made this little pretty pink dress before the trip and imaged she wear it on the beach... Soft light pink with ruffle collar and strips, basic style every girl won't refuse.