Sewing Machine's first challenge

My life has changed since Christmas 2010.  Yes, the hubby gave me this little number before we went home for Christmas and after I shed tears and emitted all sorts of girlie screams while jumping up & down, he added, "I consider this the best investment I've ever made."  Amen babe, Amen.  

Already I've mended and sewed and patched and fixed numerous things around the house in the last 4 months (kind of a glamorous Cinderella Dream, I know).  Needless to say, it has already paid for itself.  And there wasn't much of a learning curve.  It's my favorite toy in the house.

Here is the first project that I decided to inaugurate the Sewing Machine and novice sewing skills on.  This sweet Cabbage Patch doll that my honey got for her first birthday came with clothes that were unsightly - a real let down. 

So, I found a tutorial at The Polka Dot Chair for a Twirly Dolly Skirt and was inspired to say the least.  I made the top just by looking at the said unsightly onesie already donned by the doll - I think it accents the twirly skirt nicely.

(what's best is that I used things I already had here at home - can't beat $Free.99)

This doll was always a favorite of my honey but now, it's a beautifully-dressed-favorite.  Just today, I saw her stroking her fingers along the trim and saying, "oooh" - my work is done.