It's coming faster than you think

Image: Boutique Baby Photography

Whoa!  It can't be Christmas shopping time already, surely.  But it is.  I've been busier this year than any other time I can remember with early Christmas orders in my Etsy and MadeIt shops, as well as word of mouth orders.

New party dress available here or here.

It's time to grab your shopping basket and come along on a shopping spree.

I've been a little stir crazy this week (or should I say fir crazy) making double-sided trees.

They will be turned into garlands later today ready to mailed to buyers from all corners of the world.  

If you are looking for festive party clothing for your little girl, here are a few suggestions:

Available here or here

This is such a pretty skirt and it would look wonderful teamed with a silver lurex knit top.

These skirts are so cute and would look really pretty combined with a matching knit top, peasant blouse or even a black knit top and leggings.  The choices are endless.

If it's a dress you're after, this one would probably fit the bill.

Or if you are really fast, you can grab the last of this dress which has been so popular.

You may be looking for a party dress without a Christmas theme and the sundress shown above has been most popular this season.  

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your Christmas shopping.  Run now to my Etsy or MadeIt shops and grab yourself some goodies.

The Fleet's in

If you had to be somewhere yesterday, Sydney wasn't a bad place to be.  Naval ships and tall ships from around the world were here, Prince Harry was here, and so were we.

We were all gathered to witness the International Fleet Review in honour of the centenary of the Australian Navy.

Being up at the crack of dawn, our first stop was for a quiet cup of coffee and a pastry.

We were fortunate enough to secure an excellent spot at the Opera House and before long the fun began.  

These two helicopters virtually danced their way around the harbour, carrying out precise manoeuvres, much to the appreciation of the crowds below.

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The Governor General (she's the little dot in blue) came past us on the way to the review the fleet, but alas Prince Harry must have sneaked in while we were distracted by the events taking place on the harbour.  I was secretly hoping that he would make a grand entrance emulating his grandmother in the latest James Bond movie.

People filled all manner of craft on the water.

Some people will go to any lengths to get a better view.

There was as much activity overhead as there was on the water which distracted us from noticing just how sunburnt we were!

Slowly from the harbour entrance the Australian fleet came into view and sailed past the official party.

By now we realised that perhaps we had had a touch too much of the hot sun and when we abandoned our precious viewing spot and reached the top of the Opera House steps, we were amazed at the crowds below.

The British Royal Marines Band was performing as we made our way down the steps.

I felt so sorry for them wearing their heavy uniforms on a day when the temperatures reached 32 degrees celsius, but they played brilliantly.

Everyone appreciated the performance, even the fly taking a free ride on Mr Fudge's hat.

The fountain in the Opera House forecourt attracted the overheated crowds like Pooh Bear to honey.

On the trek up to the city we were astounded to find ourselves walking next to some dear friends from Brisbane, dressed up to the nines, who were here for a wedding and had no that they were going to land in the middle of such celebrations.

We were in need of (a) a cool oasis and (b) lunch - and the Art Gallery obliged on both counts.

The art continued with Art and About Sydney 2013 to make our walk to the train station more pleasant.

Spiderman had the right idea.

Well done Sydney - you put on a spectacular day.

Sugarplum Skirt

A little while back I was invited to become a member of a testing team for a new pattern being devised by Tie Dye Diva.  This special occasion skirt with the apt name of Sugarplum was a pleasure to sew. Using a more exotic fabric than cotton which is my usual choice for children's clothing was something I had been contemplating for some time, so I was keen to get started.  I needed a model and my eight year-old granddaughter was more than happy to oblige, particularly when she knew the skirt would be hers to keep.

I had previously made this sailor dress using a Tie Dye Diva pattern and found the whole process to be pain-free, with colour coded pattern pieces and instructions so easy to follow, so I was really looking forward to test sewing this new design.

The skirt achieves its fullness through a separate underskirt of tulle which is lined to keep the itchy netting away from the skin.  I chose a silvery dusky pink shantung for the overskirt and soft pink tulle and bemsilk lining for the underskirt.

The beauty of this design is that it has a flat front ...

... and an elasticised back so that it will fit most body shapes easily.

The underskirt has two layers of tulle on top of soft lining.  Having the underskirt separate means that it can be interchanged with other skirts - so clever.

I really enjoyed the whole process and with the festive season on the horizon, I couldn't think of a better skirt to make for those special occasions.  

My verdict? 10 out of 10.