I believe in timeless fashion...

I believe in timeless fashion, in purchasing better-quality items less often.

In creating pieces that are environmentally and ethically conscious, rather than trend-driven.

Through Daydream Believers I modify classic clothing patterns to create pieces designed to grow with your child, so you can enjoy them and pass them on for many seasons.

By hand crafting each item myself, I ensure these garments are durable and lend themselves to repairs, not disposal.

While the process is time consuming and the amount of clothing I create is limited; I am confident it is worth it.

Thank you to my many clients who share this mission! xx M

Last year's dress is this year's tunic!
High Quality, Handcrafted clothing designed to grow with your girl! That is Daydream Believers!

Upcycle Tee Shirts Into a Ruffle Twirl Skirt

Did you know that when I started sewing I learned most of my skills by upcycling old tees into new creations? I would stock up on large tees from the Salvation Army and spend hours cutting them up and turning them into new, wearable pieces. My girls’ outgrown shirts would often be repurposed into a dress or skirt. Each piece was unique and adorable. To this day, my girls love a comfortable upcycle! It was no surprise that when I suggested to Vivian that we turn some of her beloved theater tees into a skirt, she eagerly RAN to her room and started pulling tees! Here’s a quick look at what we made!

To make this special skirt, we used Ady’s Paneled Pocket Dress pattern from CKC.
Yes, I chose a dress pattern to make a skirt; because – pockets!

If you sew, Ady’s is a great pattern to add to your collection! The Ady’s pattern gives written instructions and pattern pieces to create a short sleeve knit dress with a very full (very twirly!) skirt with optional pockets. The pattern instructions are very well written and easy to follow!  We used the Ady’s pattern pieces to cut the panels and pockets for the skirt, as well as this fun tee shirt.

*To alter the dress pattern to make separates – simply follow the instructions as written to assemble the bodice and skirt portions, attach the skirt portion to an elastic waistband, cut the bodice to desired length and hem.

One of a kind. The girl and the skirt.

:: Ady’s Paneled Pocket Dress PDF Pattern is available for purchase on the CKC website, here ::

Custom Pony Theme Birthday Dress

I love custom orders!  It is SO much fun for me to help someone design something truly unique and special. Many of my custom designs start at the request of a sweet kid with a big idea; I love having the opportunity to take that vision and make it a reality. This beautiful dress was made especially for Miss A’s birthday and includes a few of her favorite things: ponies, delicate flowers, and the color blue.

For this special piece, my client and I agreed that the BROOKE style dress would be the perfect style. This gorgeous maxi style dress features a ruched bodice, wide straps, and a simple, flowy, skirt. Easy-to-tie sash cinches bodice for a perfect fit while creating a sweet bow! Brooke is comfortable and easy to wear, while still feeling glam.
  

I tell ya friends, it’s a magical job making boho pony princess dreams come true!

PATTERN TEST–TALIAS TIE DRESS and top

I recently had the pleasure of testing Talia’s Dress and Top pattern for Create Kids Couture and I have to tell you, you are going to love this pattern! Releasing today in sizes 2t-14 – this pattern is PACKED with options! Check it out -

I tested the short sleeve, above-the knee, dress version and LOVE the results!  The skirt is full and fit beautifully. The tie collar is adorable! The directions are well written and organized in a way that even a novice could follow along and create a really great piece. Did I mention this gorgeous, heirloom style dress comes together with NO buttons, elastic, or zippers? Whoo! Gotta love couture pieces that can be made in an afternoon!

Talia’s Dress and Top pattern can be purchased here – Go get it y’all!
Ooh, and if you buy it TODAY you can save 30% off the regular list price! Yay!

Lions and Tigers and Notes, Oh My!

Hey friends! A few of you have messaged me asking where am I and where’s the Spring collection ;)
Best clients/friends ever! Seriously!
Just checking in today to say HI! I’m here! And the Spring pieces are coming! I’ve delayed their release as I’ve been busy wrapping up a personal project. Here’s peek at what I've been working on these past 4 months! <3


I had the pleasure of being the costumer for our local production of Lion King Jr! This was such a fun experience! The entire design team and the parent volunteers were SO creative and worked very hard to create a magical show for our kiddos. The kids put on an incredible show – selling out most nights! It was an incrediably fun experience to be a part of and I *may* already be sketching ideas for another show! ;)
Now, to get down to business, I have a few NOTES for ya!

* Tiger Tunics shipped out today. All local deliveries are scheduled for this evening and tomorrow morning.


*Mark you calendars for NEXT Saturday & Sunday, April 8-9! I’m participating in a Mini-Expo at CKC Virtual Stitch Expos. The theme is CHARACTERS! I have a one of a kind piece you are not going to want to miss! I’m hoping to squeeze in another before the expo. I’ll post the sneak peek here, next week, but be sure to follow CKC Expos on Facebook for your chance to win a cart pass or some extra shopping cash!
Alright, I'll get to back to posting regularly, someday my friends. As always, THANK YOU for following along! xx M

Anchors Away Mother Son Birthday Set

Anchors away! That was the theme for this custom order. I created a stylish infinity scarf to match two custom birthday tees for a fun loving mother/son trio. The boys, turning ten and seven, will be celebrating their birthdays aboard a luxury cruise ship; lucky ducks! My client requested that this set match without being identical; I think these coordinating pieces came together beautifully. Each shirt features handcut applique made from the same anchor print as Mama’s scarf.

It’s always a pleasure to create custom birthday outfits. One of a kind outfits are a special way to make your little one’s birthday unforgettable! It’s especially fun for me to create pieces I’m not often asked to make; like scarves for Mom and tops for BOYS! If you’re interested in commissioning a custom piece, let’s chat!

:: Check out these posts for more fun BOY Birthday Shirts ::
Monster Trucks and Skater Boys :: Cowboy, baby ::  B. Lightyear :: Wild :: TMNT :: Birthday hoodies ::

MODERN MUG RUG WITH GIFT CARD POCKET

Hold on to your hats, girls – I just finished my latest design challenge for Boutique Challenge Auctions
and get this; IT’S NOT FOR KIDS! ::Gasp!:: 
After four years of selling creations exclusively for kiddos, I’ve made a little something awesome for YOU!

YAY!

The challenge was to create a mug rug. This was a great challenge for me because I am not a quilter!
I’ve never made anything like this before, so I looked around the ‘net a bit scoping out pictures and getting a better idea of what a mug rug looks like – then I did what I do best and just went for it. This mug-rug is my own design and I am SO happy with the way it came together!

FIRST LOOK:. HALLOWEEN UPLOAD HAPPENS TONIGHT

The DBD Halloween Upload happens TONIGHT!
Here’s a peek at the lovelies that will be available

Listings go live at 8:00! {SHOP HERE}

I love a good challenge…

The latest Designer’s challenge, through Boutique Challenge Auctions, was to take a pattern from
SIGnature Creations and change it up to create an original look; this was such a FUN challenge for me!
For this Challenge, I re-styled the Delaney top pattern to create a vintage-inspired Pinafore worn over a
sleeveless a-line frock – the design modifications I made turned this sweet & simple top into a unique,
DBD style outfit!

Sneak Peek…

Sneak Peek

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… in my studio!

Back to School Auction

I’m excited to be participating in the Back to School Auction this weekend at Boutique Challenge Auctions!
The DBD shop won’t be officially re-opening until later this Summer, BUT; I am SO excited about all the fun Fall pieces I’ve been creating, I just can’t wait! SO…

For this weekend’s auction, I’m offering up ONE stylish “Edith” style skirt! ”Edith” is full style skirt with a comfy shirred-elastic waistband :: easy to wear and perfect for layering over leggings in cooler weather! I paired the warm colors of the fun “pencil” print fabric with a crisp cream on white cotton. There are SO many fun ways to style this skirt!


One lucky little lady will be the FIRST to add this sweet skirt to their back-to-school wardrobe!

Boutique Challenge Auctions is a great group of talented designers that come together to offer handmade children's clothing, accessories & gifts. Each piece is sold "auction style" which means GREAT deals for each lucky winner!

This sweet version of “Edith” will be available through the “Back To School” Auction THIS WEEKEND!
Starting bid on this great skirt is just $14.00!
Please visit the auction page and place your bids, here!

Be the first to own an Aurora Blouse!

Hi Lovelies! The Daydream Believers Shop is still *technically* closed while I am savoring these early days with my sweet new son. :: Look for Baby E to officially debut on the blog *very soon* :: 
Always the busy bee, I have been hard at work designing new pieces, stocking up on fabrics, and writing tutorials for the blog. The first of my new designs is the simple and chic Aurora Blouse.



Aurora is a fresh take on a classic style! Featuring a comfy shirred neckline and a breezy silhouette.



I’m offering this great version of Aurora in this week’s Boutique Challenge Auctions “All About Denim” Sale!
Made in a dark chambray, this top is light-weight and comfortable; perfect for everyday wear!
I’ve given this version of Aurora a stylish asymmetrical “high-low” hem line! SO chic!

There are SO many ways to style this top; Aurora will quickly become the “go-to” piece in your little queen bee’s wardrobe!
You may remember, I teamed up with Boutique Challenge Auctions to offer my clients a chance to score
Daydream Believers’ Designs at *SUPER* Prices! So, the starting bid on this great top is 50% off retail!
Just $11 (whoo hoo!) At BCA, everything is sold "auction style" which means GREAT deals for each lucky winner!
**
I have a size small Aurora (as shown here) Ready To Ship! Best fits sizes 4/5 as a tunic or a slim 6 as a top!
It can be yours if you’re the highest bidder!

This chic, chambray Aurora top is being sold through the “All About Denim” Auction
THIS WEEKEND!
Starting bid is just $11.00!
The Auction goes live around 10 am - Please visit the auction page and place your bids, here!

My “Make it Work” Moment

This weekend, Boutique Challenge Auctions is hosting a special auction!
The Tea Party ChallengeMonths ago, 10 designers (myself included) – signed up to participate in a sewing challenge:
We each had to choose a “tea party inspired" fabric and submit 10 Fat Quarters of said fabric.
The fabrics were then combined and sent out to each participant, to use to create a unique piece for the auction.
Being a clothing designer, this was a BIG challenge for me! Some of the fabrics I received were very much out of my comfort zone! I’m not one to combine lots of busy prints; so for this challenge, I really had to “make it work!”

I stared at this pile of fabric for days before deciding on a style for my dress!

After much deliberation and quite a few “test sketches” – I opted to take all of the prints, chop ‘em up, and sew them together to create a totally unique, and very eclectic, patchwork fabric.
The math required for this dress took me hours, haha! Since I was limited to only using the 10 FQs I was sent; there was NO room for mistakes!  Between the planning, cutting, gathering and sewing of this dress – let’s just say – if I was selling this baby retail, it would be priced well over $100!

But, as you may remember, I teamed up with Boutique Challenge Auctions to offer handmade
Daydream Believers’ Designs at *SUPER* Prices! So, the starting bid on this one of a kind dress is just $24! (eek!)
Through BCA, each of the contest entries  will be sold "auction style" which means GREAT deals for each lucky winner!


Here’s a peek at my entry…
I was SO nervous about this one! But, I’m really happy with the final product!

Not your typical “Tea Party” wear; this fun frock has an eclectic style
… which is perfect for my unique DBD Queen Bees! :)

Skater Boy Birthday Shirts

Two of my favorite little guys will be celebrating their birthdays this month and I was SO happy to make them both a one of a kind tee to commemorate their big days!

Their mom wanted their shirts to have a laid-back “skater boy” vibe. She provided me with the blank tees and showed me a cute printed thermal that she bought to layer under one of the tees. She wanted the boys to coordinate but not match. I sketched out a few options before settling on creating unique applique tees.

Mr. Jaiden’s shirt will be layered over the printed thermal, so I didn’t want the print on the tee to be too busy.
Jaiden is in kindergarten so he will be celebrating his birthday with his classmates at school; I know first hand how EXCITED kindergarteners get when it is their birthday! They want everyone they see to know that it is their special day! So I made sure that Jaiden’s shirt clearly displayed that he is turning SIX and that ROCKS!


Little Jaxon is turning 3, which is SO hard to believe because I swear, this little man was just turning one!
This year, Jaxon is celebrating his birthday at the Monster Jam Truck Show! Jaxon is an absolute doll who likes to get into mischief but has such an angel face, you can’t help but let him! ;)  When I think about the boys at a monster truck show; I can totally picture Jaxon getting into a little mud – and looking absolutely adorable!
So for his special shirt, I first created and sewed on the handcut applique 3, then I painted “Monster Truck tracks” across the whole shirt! This was my first time painting on fabric this way and I am so excited with the results!



I think that both tees are pretty cool and I know the boys will have a blast in them at their birthday celebrations!

Little Hostess with the Mostess Aprons!

My girls LOVE to cook, bake and host parties! Whether real, or make-believe; they always dress the part.
Fancy aprons, matching oven mitts (and often a coordinating chef’s hat) are MUST HAVES for my little ladies!
With my girls in mind, I’ve created the “Hostess with the Mostess” Aprons.


These limited edition aprons will keep your little queen bee cookin’ in style!
Each apron is one-of-a-kind!
I’ve paired a great mix of designer fabrics in warm Autumn colors to create each charming apron!
These stylish aprons are made in true DBD fashion! Each apron features adjustable grow-with-me ties at the neck and waist – to ensure a perfect (comfy!) fit! All seams are professionally finished and topstitched for durability.


I’ve recently teamed up with Boutique Challenge Auctions to offer your one-of-a-kind Daydream Believers’ Designs at *SUPER* Prices! BCA is a great group of talented designers that come together to offer handmade children's clothing, accessories & gifts. Each piece is sold "auction style" which means GREAT deals for each lucky winner!

These sweet aprons are being sold through the “Thanksgiving” Auction THIS WEEKEND! 
Starting bid on each apron is just $14.00! That is 50% off of retail price!
Please visit the auction page and place your bids, here!

Owl First Birthday Outfit and Decorations

Here’s a peek at a special custom order that I created for little Miss Rowan’s first birthday!

Rowan’s mom chose a sweet Owl theme for the big party – perfect for fall!
Instead of a typical brown and pink color pallet, Meghan (Rowan’s Mom) opted for pink, green and purple – so fun!
Rowan’s main birthday outfit is a sweet knit tee featuring a hand cut “1” applique, trendy chevron detailing, and piles of handcrafted chiffon ruffles - paired with an ultra full, “Belle” style, stripe work skirt! Fresh modern fabrics are topped with sweet chiffon ruffles made from the softest pink; I love the combination of bold fabrics and gentle ruffles!




The back of Rowan’s custom shirt features her name in dark pink script print – So special!


I also created this one of a kind “Owl” tee for Rowan to wear during her cake-smash session!
It is such a great idea to have a second outfit for a first birthday girl (or boy!) as little party animals can get messy! :)
For Rowan’s shirt, I designed a simple owl silhouette that I think really showcases these great fabrics!
Each piece has been hand cut and machine sewn, for durability. I incorporated the pink chiffon from the main outfit into this design by giving the owl a little, chiffon, hair bow. It’s all about the details! ;)



Not only will Miss Rowan have the SWEETEST first birthday wardrobe – she also has these gorgeous, handcrafted ribbon banners to showcase at her party! Aren’t they fun?! Each banner features bright ribbons and sparkly sequins and fun, personal elements , like this sparkly “1” embellishment. Love them! The mini-banner will look AWESOME on Rowan’s high chair during her big cake-smash-session!  I can’t wait to see some party pics! :)

Happy Birthday to Rowan! :)

***
Interested in having a custom birthday outfit or decorations created for your little love?
I’m now reserving custom design spots for 2013! Sign up, here!

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!

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!

Happy Independence Day!

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!