So you're probably all wondering why I delayed last weeks' final post in the series, 40 Garments in 40 Days. It wasn't JUST because I was seriously burned out and needed a break from this giant series. it was for a really great reason, so... This week on

Up first, is the birthday dress, the Create Kids Couture Peyton. The CKC Peyton is supposed to be a hooded peasant dress. I had big dreams for this dress. But the more I planned it, the more I knew that to make it realistic to wear every day, I had to keep it simple. I'm feeling more than just a little bit sad that this really will be her last year wearing the Peyton (it only goes up to size 8). It was a super fast sew and a great way to show off this glittery fabric from the Michael Miller Fairy Frost line. I actually had intended on putting a bottom ruffle, but then I accidentally did a rolled hem on the bottom of the skirt. I opted to not add it in on top of that just out of laziness. I usually hate doing shirring, but for once my machine cooperated and the shirring went together super easily. I can honestly say this was one of my more favorite simple sews. All that glitter looks awesome and I'll definitely be framing this photo as her #8 birthday photo. I did opt to not include the hood since I thought it would interfere with the "elsa" vibe. Sometimes simple is better than complex.

Chances are you won't even recognize the Lilith's Sweater Dress because this isn't in the pattern (I know, not really fair). You see, when I reviewed this pattern last year, I added a band for DD1 to have a simple sweatshirt. I knew that I could do that again and have a really fun henley. I actually enjoyed sewing up the placket this time, thanks to wonder tape. It helped it look so nice and neat. Now I do want to point out, this raglan shirt has the sleeves cut on the fold. Does that effect the fit some? Sure. Do I care? Nope. Sometimes you need a really quick and dirty sew and I think that the pattern is worth the price, just to learn how to do the placket. Those plackets can be tricky, but they look REALLY fancy when you're done. For the sleeve I did some pleats and then eased those pleats onto the armband (which I also self drafted from my daughter's measurements). I even took the time to match up all those stripes (and I think it looks amazing).

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