25 things to do before I turn 26

Inspired by A Beautiful Mess, I decided to make a to do list of goals for the 25th year of my life.

I had a great birthday with friends and family. I even had a carrot cake with 25 candles (pictured above).

Without further ado, the list:

1. Make beautiful dresses for myself
2. Send ~homemade~ birthday, Christmas, Valentine, and just cause cards to people I love (especially immediate family) *bonus points for handmade presents*
3. Start an etsy shop (sell patterns, hndmade kids clothes, handmade western shirts, vintage?)
4. Sell crafts in a craft fair
5. Learn Adobe Suite
6. Have a computer to use Adobe Suite on
7. Redesign my blog
8. Buy myself a dress form and a serger
9. Organize my pattern collection
10. bike across Kansas
11. roadtrip through Kansas vintage shopping, and visiting tourist spots (Garden of Eden, Great Ball of Twine)
12. Climb a mountain
13. Visit the ocean
14. Compete in a pool tournament
15. Stretch regularly (subjective) - be able to reach past my toes (objective)
16. Care for my own doggie
17. Learn a song on guitar
18. Eliminate all debt besides governmental student loans
19. Use a sketchbook for drawings and ideas
20. Volunteer as a youth advisor
21. Visit Germany (!!! scary but good)
22. Run a race (5 miles?)
23. Track spending
24. grow my own garden with herbs, vegetables and flowers
25. Learn to dive (really scary!)

Girly gingham garden frock!

I love making children's clothes! After spending years trying to make clothing for myself and solving a large number of fitting issues, I am pretty capable of creating a well fitted garment for myself. However, when I think about creating a garment for someone else, or even a line of garments in various sizes, it seems like the fitting issues grow exponentially. Anyways, I know it takes practice, but for now, I love making children's clothes!

Children have less clothes, and therefore less fitting concerns. Also, the styling can be much more whimsical. For now I am just making gifts, but maybe someday I will find my niche in the crafting/independent designer world.


I used a vintage pattern for this, because I loved the two-toned detail. The floral fabric was hand down to me, and I think the gingham was a thrift store acquisition that has been in my fabric trunk for a while.


The piping was a mid-project inspiration, but it really brings the dress together! I haven't found a home for it yet. For now I just get it out every once in a while and marvel at such a small, beautiful dress.

From sewing projects