Ottobre 03/2010-6&7

I think this might be my favorite of the Christmas gifts I made this year.  Little girlie outfits are so fun to create!

The outfit is completely handmade - knit and sewn.  I even crafted the flower clip!

Both dress and bloomers are from the 03/2010 issue of Ottobre.  The dress pattern is for a short summer tunic, but I wanted this to work for winter wear, so I lengthened it considerably.  My niece, for whom this was made, isn't yet mobile, so long skirts won't get in her way.  I love this bloomer pattern!  As with all Otto patterns, it is really beautifully designed, with a higher waistline in back to accommodate a diaper bum.  The sleeves and leg openings are gathered with elastic shirring, which is easy to do and cute.  The zip is an invisible zipper, which I would put in anyway, but the pattern actually did call for it.  I love Ottobre.

The knitted items are the Joyful cloche, and the Confection Baby Shrug, both knitted in Red Heart Shimmer yarn.  Rav notes are linked for the knitters.  It's hard to see in the picture, but there is a metallic thread running through the yarn that gives it a sparkle.  It is so cute in person!!  Both hat and shrug pattern included decorative eyelets, which I threaded with a sheer green ribbon to coordinate.  The flower on the hat is actually a removable hair clip, so the wee princess can wear it or not, as she (or her Dad and Mom!) choose.