Sewing: Dachsund Knit Dress and Raglan T-Shirt

This summer we're doing a lot of reading. After years of working on projects late into the night and then falling straight to sleep I've returned to books and I'm loving it! (Yes, the projects are suffering a bit but I've also woken up to the flexibility of audio and Kindle books--hooray!) Audrey has been devouring a young reader series, Scarlett is reading (such a thrill!), and Tess loves looking at and listening to books.

I've got an incentive program in place to hopefully keep them motivated this summer. They earn tickets for reading, which can be redeemed for rewards, such as a trip to the paint-your-own ceramics store. So far it's working like a dream! But of course it's early...

Reading in the backyard on a blanket is one of the simple luxuries of summer. It's pretty great. We need to do it more often. I've also thought of constructing a reading tent indoors to make reading more fun.

Sewn summer wardrobes is another trend for us this summer. I've been having a ball sewing dresses, t-shirts, shorts and skirts for the girls! I'm hoping to get around to sewing some for myself too.

Tess is wearing another SOLEIL dress. I first made this Selvage Designs pattern for Scarlett and I couldn't resist sewing another for Tess. The crazy cute knit Dachsund fabric is organic knit jersey by Nosh. I died when I saw it at KitchyKoo (it's sold out now...). I bought it to make Audrey a shirt but had enough for this dress for Tess! Hooray!

Audrey's raglan t-shirt adds a solid black jersey to the mix (purchased at Jo-Ann). It's sewn with the Oliver+S Field Trip pattern, which will likely become a staple. I modified the pattern to make the sleeves three-quarter length and also think it would be great short-sleeved for summer.

Happy reading!