So it's a bit late and I can't get my Stash Less post finished by the morning. Too many thoughts that I want to capture properly y'know? So I thought I would show you one of my latest finished objects and at the same time pay homage to the institution that is The Purl Bee. The Purl Bee is the blog run alongside the gorgeous shop Purl Soho in New York. Over the last year or so I have mentioned many projects from the Purl Bee in passing, but I have never actually done a post on the blog as a whole - crazy talk as it is one of my favourite blogs! So today I wanted to highly recommend you have a look through their archives if you are looking for inspiration over the Christmas period.

Most of their patterns are free, nearly every single one is gorgeous. Their instructions are fantastic and the women that come up with the projects are incredibly clever. The Purl Bee does simple beauty - just how I like it. They epitomise Point 3 on The Craft Sessions Manifesto  - Beautiful things can be made with very simple techniques and skills. Nearly every project is simple in it's design and execution, and they don't often use complicated techniques. Most of their projects could be done by an advanced beginner and often they are suitable for absolute beginners. Simple beauty over and over again!

This week it was my middle girl child's 7th birthday and she asked me for another version of her birthday dress from two years ago - "It's so comfy mama!" It is gorgeous free pattern called The Embroidered Denim Jumper. I love this pattern. So simply constructed. The yoke is super fun and the dress comes together quickly. It also has a beautiful shape and is very comfortable. 

The only issue I had is that the first version had a super wide neck, and while it still fits, it was super annoying t. This time around I printed out the neck template but then made it smaller about 1/2" the whole way around. This worked much better. It is still a big open neck, just not falling off her shoulders the whole time. I have included some dodgy iPhone photos we took at her birthday lunch the other day. She wasn't into me taking photos on her birthday - fair enough! 

I also altered the dimensions a little to give a proper gathered skirt all the way around and I think I make the top section a couple of inches longer. If you can sew a straight line you can sew this dress! What I particularly love about this project is you can really just embrace the wonk. Wonky lines of stitching in this look gorgeous. It adds to its simple charm.

Other patterns I have made using their projects; I showed you my versions of the City Gym Shorts a few weeks ago. I have also made their absolutely gorgeous Herringbone Cowl. My version is shown below. Sadly it has gone to the world's lost property bin so I need to knit up another at some stage. I just need to move on from the heartbreak first. 

I've made stunning dolls, and rabbits and owls and baby pants and totes and …..many other things that I don't have photos for because I get them done and ship them out. The Purl Bee is my go to for gift making ideas -  and the perfect site to visit the week before Christmas! Last minute gift ideas abound.

My little boy is about to make pillow cases for his sisters for Christmas using their pillowcases for every bed pattern. A simple project that the girls will love. 

Get to it tigers! I'd love to hear about your favourite Purl Bee patterns. 

Felicia x