Pink Twirl Skirt
Today, I am excited to be linking up with Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday ! It has been over a year since I last participated. With the arrival of Baby #3 last July, I just needed to put blogging on the back burner. Now, one year later, I feel renewed and like I've got a handle on this "multiple children" parenting thing. Ha!
As part of Mary's 7th birthday celebration, I took my girl shopping to a new dress boutique that opened up near us. Stephanie's Wonderland BOUTIQUE is one of those "girly-girl" "princessy" type of places that offer tutus, hair bows, mommy-bling, etc. Not necessarily my style...I'm more simple/farmhouse/cotton than rock star bling, but my girl likes it.
While perusing the store, a section of 100% brightly-patterned cotton prints caught my eye. There were adorable shifts, smocks, skirts, etc. and they had that "homemade" look to them. I was smitten.
And although my girl would probably have preferred layers and layers of an organza tutu, I think she looks adorable in this:
I especially love the coordinating fabrics. I love to coordinate fabrics...and anymore the fabric stores make it easy to do. As I studied the design of this twirl skirt (I'm sure I can make this myself!) I noticed the inside label...
Made in Pakistan.
Pakistan?
I'm not sure if that's better or worse than "Made in China". Better...if it is employing and empowering women...worse if it is exploiting their skills and talents to save money over a "Made in the USA" tag. The name label "Jelly the Pug" led me to google the website. Jelly the Pug What started out as a one-woman-show, sewing girls clothing out of her home and traipsing to trade shows, quickly grew into a profitable business. To that I say, "wonderful!"
But I have to wonder...in this economy...why are we not farming out the work to United States manufacturers or the many talented women one finds on Etsy?
Just my thoughts. I still love the skirt, but think that I might try my hand at making it myself.
I'm meeting up with my women's sewing guild on Tuesday (August 9th) and might get their opinions on this issue. We are going to be making a pillowcase dress with coordinating fabrics, so it will be a timely discussion!
BTW...did I mention that I took a sewing class this past Spring? I loved it...and love to sew...but just haven't prioritized the time for this hobby. Sort of like blogging...which I have recently returned to.
In the end, we all have the same 24-hours. It's what we choose to do with those hours that makes the difference! Looking forward to reworking my daily schedule when my two oldest return to school this Fall. Mary will be gone all day :( and Benjamin will be gone in the morning three days a week. I see some morning sewing sessions in my near future!
As part of Mary's 7th birthday celebration, I took my girl shopping to a new dress boutique that opened up near us. Stephanie's Wonderland BOUTIQUE is one of those "girly-girl" "princessy" type of places that offer tutus, hair bows, mommy-bling, etc. Not necessarily my style...I'm more simple/farmhouse/cotton than rock star bling, but my girl likes it.
While perusing the store, a section of 100% brightly-patterned cotton prints caught my eye. There were adorable shifts, smocks, skirts, etc. and they had that "homemade" look to them. I was smitten.
And although my girl would probably have preferred layers and layers of an organza tutu, I think she looks adorable in this:
Paired with a simple white cotton-stretch tee-shirt and her white leather butterfly sandals, she looks ready to beat the heat!
 |
| Ridin' the pony at Chuck E. Cheese for her 7th Birthday. |
I especially love the coordinating fabrics. I love to coordinate fabrics...and anymore the fabric stores make it easy to do. As I studied the design of this twirl skirt (I'm sure I can make this myself!) I noticed the inside label...
Made in Pakistan.
Pakistan?
I'm not sure if that's better or worse than "Made in China". Better...if it is employing and empowering women...worse if it is exploiting their skills and talents to save money over a "Made in the USA" tag. The name label "Jelly the Pug" led me to google the website. Jelly the Pug What started out as a one-woman-show, sewing girls clothing out of her home and traipsing to trade shows, quickly grew into a profitable business. To that I say, "wonderful!"
But I have to wonder...in this economy...why are we not farming out the work to United States manufacturers or the many talented women one finds on Etsy?
Just my thoughts. I still love the skirt, but think that I might try my hand at making it myself.
 |
| There's a lot of PINK at the American Girl Store, Kansas City! |
I'm meeting up with my women's sewing guild on Tuesday (August 9th) and might get their opinions on this issue. We are going to be making a pillowcase dress with coordinating fabrics, so it will be a timely discussion!
BTW...did I mention that I took a sewing class this past Spring? I loved it...and love to sew...but just haven't prioritized the time for this hobby. Sort of like blogging...which I have recently returned to.
In the end, we all have the same 24-hours. It's what we choose to do with those hours that makes the difference! Looking forward to reworking my daily schedule when my two oldest return to school this Fall. Mary will be gone all day :( and Benjamin will be gone in the morning three days a week. I see some morning sewing sessions in my near future!
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” ~Annie Dillard
Valerie, that was a lovely skirt and it looks good on your little girl. But you're right. You can make one yourself and I agree that it is time to farm out work to creative people in your country.
ReplyDeleteYour girls enjoy their childhood. They are not swamped with endless resume-building tasks...:)
ReplyDeleteLove the last quote! Happy sewing and happy pink saturday!
ReplyDeleteShe is so adorable! The pics at the top of your blog indicate all 3 are...congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you re: Made in America. Not sure if you saw the show wherein a family of 5 I think moved everything out of their house that was NOT made in America...everything! Then they went on a search to replace it all with only American made products. I'm sure the TV show picked up the tab, however, it was a very eye opening show to watch.
I feel this is the reason so many in the U.S. are out of work ~ we're in debt to China as well as other foreign countries and so many corporations are using off shore personnel 'cause it's less expensive. I should stop now...get off my soapbox on YOUR blog. :-)
Thank you for stopping by!
Pat
So great of you to think of this. It may be more expensive, but it's so important to try to keep all that we can, American made! But I do love that skirt ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, as I'm reading this, Sierra notices the American Girl pictures. She's pretty envious. Now that there is a new store in Seattle, we may just have to make the drive up there! :)
What a sweetie pie, how cute she is in her twirly skirt. Looks like she had a great time too.
ReplyDeleteThis post has me smiling so big. I love to sew, but in the past few years I have not been able to do much. Recently I started taking a quilting class that teaches a lot about hand sewing. Today, I have plans to make an apron for a friend. We are of like minds right now. We really could be sisters. LOL
ReplyDeleteI love the skirt and the fabric is adorable.
Valerie,
ReplyDeleteOh how I have missed you and your beautiful family! I have missed blogging and blogland....... But Happy Belated Birthday to Mary! I love her new outfit!!! Hope all is well for y'all! Love the picture from gulf shores! :)
Hugs and Love,