Vintage Inspired School Girl Dress.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of designing all sorts of outfits for many fabulous kids!
To say it brings me joy, is an understatement. I LOVE my job!
One of my favorite things to do is work on custom design projects!
I *love* custom design projects! :) They are the most challenging and often most rewarding pieces I create.

If you’re a long time Daydream Believers fan, you may recognize this little lady -


Miss Emma is a true Daydream Believers’ Queen Bee - Smart, Sweet, and One of a Kind!
Emma will always hold a special place in my heart as she was my first *official* client!
(Check out some sweet pics of little Emma rockin’ some DBD  here!)

Emma’s most recent custom dress is hands down – my favorite piece I have ever created for her.
Making this dress was such a great experience! 
I love when a client comes to me with an idea, then lets me run with it!
From drafting the sweet boat neck pattern, to ruffling up massive piles of chiffon for the pettiskirt; this was a true labor of love for me; and I am SO proud of the end result! The fabrics, the colors, the sweet vintage buttons and scalloped elastic; each detail was chosen specifically and came together just as I envisioned – beautifully!



I LOVE this dress and I just know that y’all will too! So I asked Jes (Em’s Mom and a talented photographer) if she would be interested in putting together a featured post spotlighting Emma’s special dress; she said yes! Enjoy!

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Hey there!  I'm Jes and I LOVE stories.
Most importantly, I love Capturing stories of my family, friends and everyone I meet. I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to wrap my lens around some of the most beautiful people, both inside and out.

I can say I was fortunate enough to jump on the Daydream Believers Design train from the very beginning.
I, like Michelle, just adore my daughter to twirl around in clothing that is uniquely hers, and that is exactly
what I've gotten with every piece Michelle has designed.

This particular dress, is very special to us. I was looking for my sweet Emma to have a 50's style frock, that was a step up from the typical toddler dress style. Because of the wonderful technology today, my husband who was deployed to Afghanistan at the time was even able to help us decide on which buttons to use on the back (although, he would probably hate to admit it, he cares too about how we dress E).

The final product (which I'm sure you can agree) is just beautiful! It is exactly what we were looking for & exceeded not only our expectations but makes Emma feel "so special" when she wears it.

Having a piece custom designed can be a little overwhelming I'm sure; but not with Michelle.
She goes out of her way to create a design that embodies the look you're trying to achieve, and makes you feel confident you're going to love it throughout the entire process!

Regardless if it's from one of her collections or a custom design, rest assured you'll end up loving every piece she sends you! From my Emma’s very first real tutu, to this amazing custom dress, we love every unique item! :)


www.TheCapturedBlog.com  l  www.facebook.com/capturedbyjes

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Thanks Jes!

*Interested in having a CUSTOM piece designed for your little queen bee?
Don’t delay! I’m currently reserving custom design spots for 2013 and space is limited!
I would LOVE to create something *extra special* for your little one!
Reserve your spot HERE

On my heart today. Countdown to Kindergarten.

If you really knew me....

You would know that Iyla starts Kindergarten on Tuesday
and that this milestone is affecting us all in different ways.

You would know that I expected to be nervous, anxious and a little sad.

You would know that I didn't expect to feel so unprepared.

That I surprised myself by just how difficult sending her to school really is.

You would know that I am SO excited for her to start this adventure,
but so sad because OUR lifestyle is going to change.

You would know how much I have LOVED these last five years, when we were able to just BE.

No schedules, no expectations, just sweet, slow, lovely life, filled with smiles, laughter, pj days, made up holidays, random dance parties, messy crafts, afternoon naps, long walks, make believe, cuddles, celebrations, joy, PEACE.

You would know that I feel so blessed to have spent these years at home with my girls, letting them grow up slowly.

You would know what a joy it has been for me to watch them explore the world in their own unique ways.

You would know that I’m scared that she’s not ready to go, that the “real world” will hurt her or crush her spirit.

You would know that Craig and our girls are my world.

You would know that their happiness is everything.
That I want so much for them.

I want them to be confident and to celebrate their uniqueness.

I want them to be kindhearted and brave; I want them to make good choices, every day.

I want them to Love, and to be Loved. To make great friends, and have great adventures.

I want them to be filled with Joy and Compassion.

If you really knew me, you’d know that I love my life, and that I want my girls to live full lives.

You would know how much I cherish my daughters. How long I prayed for them. How much I LOVE them.

If you really know me, you would know that I will need extra hugs, tissues and café mochas on Tuesday.

You would know that I am praying for you, and wishing you peace.

What is on your heart today?

 

Fan Photos

It is SUCH a privilege for me to design clothes for your families!
It truly makes my day to see photos of your sweet littles enjoying their special outfits!

I recently put out an open call asking my clients to send in their favorite photo of their little love rockin’ some DBD – It was a JOY for me to receive so many gorgeous photos! I swear, my clients have the most fabulous kids!

(Photo Credit: Top to Bottom L-R :: Monica, Brooke, Jes, Stephanie, Ashley, Lynn, Sheri, Steph, Melissa)

BIG THANKS to all of the wonderful Daydream Believers Mummas who took the time to send in a photo (or 15!)
Each one made me smile! I love working with all of you and designing for your children – You all ROCK!
If you were featured here and haven’t received your gift certificate – please let me know and I’ll send it over!

If you missed out on the open call, don’t fret! Simply send your fav photo of your little queen bee rockin’ her Daydream Believers wear to me :) Your photo may be selected to be featured on Daydream Believers!

Have a GREAT week, friends!

3 Things To Know Today

• Halloween Pre-Orders and a few ready to ship pieces will be in the shop this weekend– Yay! :)
  I’ll be sewing ALL day today – so look for sneak peeks on Twitter & Facebook throughout the day!
  
  {First Peek… I’m bringing back last Halloween’s most popular dress, “Blair”}

{Photo: Marcella Grace Photography}

• The OPEN CALL for Fan Photos ends tonight. I love, love, LOVE the GORGEOUS photos y'all are sending in! Keep 'em coming! :)  Read all the details Here: Open Call for Fan Photos
  
• Create Kids Couture is hosting an AMAZING giveaway! 10 lucky winners will split $4,000 {Including a custom made “Honeybee” Skirt from Daydream Believers!}  Enter Here: CKC Giveaway

What are you up to today?

Updated Chemo Cap–Head Scarf Tutorial

One of the very first tutorials I ever wrote was the Chemo- Cap head Scarf Tutorial.
I am overjoyed (and humbled) by the response this tutorial has received! I am grateful for the wonderful people who have taken the time to write to me and share their personal stores.
Cancer affects us all; I feel so blessed to have been presented with this opportunity to help others.
{Please click here to view the original version and read why I create these caps}

Over the last two years, I have had the pleasure of assisting many people in making these caps.
It brings me great joy to help someone create one of these lovely caps for someone they love.
These caps are very simple to create (even if you’ve never sewn before!) – I encourage you to give it a try!
If you have any questions with any step along the way, please email me!

Here is the updated (hopefully even easier to follow!) Chemo Cap Head Scarf Tutorial:


Materials:

• 1/3 Yard Polyester Fabric or light-weight jersey knit for the scarf
• 1/3 Yard Ribbed Knit Fabric for the band

*This cap will need to be machine sewn. The only tools required are scissors (or rotary cutter) and your sewing equipment. Please sew with a 1/2 in seam.

Cutting Guideline:

	Cut 1 for Scarf (LxW)	Cut 1 for Band (LxW)
Child Size Cap	33 inches x 10.5 inches	18 inches x 4 inches
Adult Size Cap	44 inches x 12.5 inches	21 inches x 6 inches

{FYI: The photos used for this tutorial were taken while making a child’s size cap, from jersey knit}

Directions:

1. Cut and prep your scarf piece -
Each cap is made by assembling two pieces; piece “a” is the scarf and piece “b” is the band.

Start by creating your scarf.
Cut one rectangle piece of scarf fabric, according to the chart above. Gently round all four corners.
If you are using jersey knit for your scarf – congrats; your scarf piece is complete! :) If you are using polyester fabric for your scarf; you will next finish the edges of the scarf piece with a rolled hem.

Your scarf piece is complete! :)

2. Cut and prep your band-
Cut one piece of ribbed knit 21 inches x 6 inches.
Create a tube by sewing the two short ends together (right sides touching).
Next, fold the tube in half (long sides touching) and sew closed.

Your band is complete! :)

3. Assembling your cap -
Your silky scarf fabric should be one large rectangle. With the right side of the fabric facing up;  one of the long edges is the "top line" and the opposite long edge is the "bottom line"  - to attach the scarf to the band, you first sew the center 2.5 inches of the bottom line of the scarf fabric to the back center of the band. Attach the fabric so the right side of the fabric is facing the outside of the band. 
Once that is sewn, you are finished with the “bottom” line of the silky fabric.

Next, attach the “top” line of the silky fabric to the remainder of the band. Again, sewing so that the right side of the silky fabric is facing the outside side of the band. You want to make sure the entire band is attached to the silky fabric. The bottom line of silky fabric will only be attached to the back of the band, the remainder of the band is attached to the top line of your silky scarf fabric.

Once the entire band is attached to the scarf, you have created a cap with two long tails.
Gather these tails at the nape of your neck and gently tie them together to finish your cap.

If you make a cap using this tutorial, I’d love to see your work!
This tutorial is for personal use only. Please do not sell caps for profit.
Please DO use this tutorial and make caps for anyone who needs them!
Make scarfs to donate to your local hospitals and clinics!
Make scarfs to give away to patients who would love one, but can't afford one.
Spread the love! :)
If you have any questions with any step along the way, please email me!



I’m sharing this tutorial on these great sites:
Tatertots and Jello, Blue Cricket Designs
If you’re visiting from one of these parties, please leave me a comment and let me know! :)

Open Call for Fan Photos

Open Call for fan photos!

Do you have a photo of your little queen bee rockin’ her Daydream Believers wear?
Please, send it my way! :)

Select photos will be featured on the Daydream Believers website!

Just submit the picture, your name and the town where you live to daydreambelievershop@gmail.com

Pictures will be selected based on size and photo quality. There is no limit to the number of photos you can submit.

If your photo is selected, you will receive a spectacular 20% off coupon for the Daydream Believer Shop *and* I'll include a surprise bonus item with your next purchase! Yay! :)

{Submit Your Photo Here}

The winner is...

Congratulations to the Paper Coterie, Personalized Wall Art Winner!
The winner is…
a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS AURIE!
Please send me an email and I will forward you all the information to claim your prize from the Paper Coterie!

If you didn't win the free poster, don't fret! My friends at the Paper Coterie have given me a GREAT deal to share with YOU! All Daydream Believers fans can save 40% off any Wall Art by entering the coupon code WALLART during checkout! This offer expires Sunday (8/5)
40%! Yay! Don’t delay, head on over and order your personalized poster ASAP! This is a steal!

{Click here to visit the Paper Coterie}

THANKS to everyone who entered! :) Have a GREAT weekend!

Win a personalized wall art poster from Paper Coterie

Hey, Hey, Lucky Day!
The Rad people at the Paper Coterie have released a fabulous new line of wall art posters and they’ve given me some GREAT deals to share with you, so you can be among the first to own one of these AWESOME prints!
Take a peek:


Aren’t they great? Each design is available as a self-adhesive fabric poster made from a patented adhesive designed to stick and re-stick to any surface without causing damage to paint. If you prefer a dimensional look, choose a high quality stretched canvas print that comes out of the box ready to hang. Either way, you'll love your personalized artwork!

The Paper Coterie makes it SO easy to create vibrant pieces of personalized wall art!
I created this sweet poster in just minutes! Seriously, the hardest part is choosing a favorite design!
My girls are smitten with the new poster! I think I’ll be ordering them each a personalized print soon!


My friends at the Paper Coterie have given me a GREAT deal to share with YOU!
Today through August 5th, you can receive 40% off all Wall Art by entering the coupon code WALLART.
40%! Yay! Don’t delay, head on over and order your personalized poster ASAP! This is a steal!

{Click here to visit the Paper Coterie}

But wait! There’s more! ;) As if 40% off wasn’t sweet enough…
the Paper Coterie is giving one lucky Daydream Believers’ reader a FREE Wall Art Poster of their choice!Yay! Like I said, today is a Lucky Day! :)

Want to win?
It's EASY! Here's how:
Using the rafflecopter widget below, simply follow the steps indicated to enter your name into the raffle :)
BEE sure to follow each step! Winner will be announced tomorrow morning (8/3/12) Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway      {Disclosure: Daydream Believers is a blog affiliate for the Paper Coterie. I was given the opportunity to review the new Paper Coterie wall art posters and have been compensated with a free personalized poster. All opinions are my own. I support Blog with Integrity, blog transparency and full disclosure. If you are a blogger, and are interested in becoming a Paper Coterie affiliate, you can apply here}

Updates, Updates

Happy August 1st!
This month is going to be BUSY! There are so many fun Daydream Believers projects in the works, I can’t wait to share them all with you! Here’s a quick preview of what’s coming up this month:

Awesome Giveaway from Paper Coterie

Updated Chemo Cap tutorial (and the next Daydream Believer Project mission)

Early preview of Daydream Believers’ Halloween 2012!

A gorgeous (and easy!) skirt tutorial

The chance to win a free twirl skirt!
I’m also going to try to include more “on my heart” posts *and* of course some coupons for my bloggy bffs!

 

Halloween Pre-orders will be in the shop SOON!
Yay! I LOVE the holidays! For Halloween ‘12 I will be offering 3 dresses made-to-order –
these pieces will be limited to 3 of each style and must be pre-ordered.

I will also have a limited number of ready-to-ship “back to school” skirts in the shop SOON! :)

**In Other Shop News**
The Christmas in July sale was a HIT! Thanks y’all for being so AWESOME!
My customers ROCK! :) 
There are just a few pieces left in the shop including:
made to order dresses, surprise skirt grab-bags and the last 2 spots in the Skirt of the Month Club

Just because I ::heart:: my readers – here’s a coupon to make your next shopping trip *even* sweeter -