So in recent months I decided to go outside my comfort zone of somewhat square blankets and sewing a fabric skirt on the bottom of clearance T-Shirts to making actual clothes.  Now, I am only making kids clothes, since there are no curve or darts required.  None the less, it has been such a learning process.
I have a new pattern for the 
Jaanu Dress by 
StraightGrain.  I love that there are two options and you can print out just the size you want by selecting just the correct layer.
My latest attempt was a zipper and actual sleeves.  After I had actually sewed the first sleeve on and to looked like a real sleeve I ran to show my husband.  He was not quite sure what all my excitement was about and his response was, "don't you need two?"
I can say that I was really apprehensive about taking this on, wasn't sure if I was really up to the task.  I am glad I did it though, learned a lot and got a cute dress out if it.
I decided on using a navy twill for the body and a yellow polka dot cotton for the bodice and sleeves.
I had cut out the fabric and reviewed the instructions (over and over again).
Here it is before the zipper and sleeves.
And now the zipper. I was so giddy when I finished and it actually zipped up.
 
In the end it came out great, I am pretty proud of the results.  The dress is a little big on her, but that will give her some more time to wear it. I also might make another with the body one size smaller, the bodice fit nice.
I also made the bias tape to put on the hem.  Confession: first time I attached it I cut it to short, ended up taking it all off and starting over.  So glad I did too, the finish looks so much better than what I had with the first attempt.
I wasn't sure about the yellow polka dots at first, but now I really like the look.
She is such a ham.
She seems pretty happy too.
I am going to join in the 
Sew + Show again this week.