I went through a couple of years having a hard time finding anything I loved for the girls to where on 4th of July. Picky I guess. So this year I decided I would make the girls something a little different than the norm. (I debated whether I should even post these pictures or not. The dresses look much cuter on. If you want to see them on and in action, look to my family blog soon for a 4th of July post).
My very fun sister Nicole, who always keeps an eye out for fun things to make, sent me this tutorial awhile ago. I loved the idea and thought a 4th of July halter shirt would be perfect. I splurged and bought 1.5 yards of fabric from a great high end store near by called Wal-Mart for 1.99 a yard. I planned on making the girls shirts with the flag print fabric and using the stars fabric for straps and trim. Once Gabriella saw the fabric, that changed and she wanted the stars for her shirt.
I made her shirt and adjusted the straps, because I didn't care for them coming from the middle of the shirt. I opted to make Gwen's into a dress and just make hers with criss-cross straps. Once Gabriella saw that Gwen had a dress, she changed her mind and wanted a dress too. So, I took the rest of the fabric and made a wide, loose ruffle trim to go along the bottom. And then I loved it.
We went today to pick out buttons for details and again Gabriella had an opinion. Gold it was. She designed her dress herself, and I am so proud of her. She knows what she wants, and I'm grateful for that. I can't wait to see the girls in them both at the same time. I know the sewing is simple, but I love taking an idea and making it fit my personal taste (and Gabriella's) and seeing what comes of it.