I finally finished!

Yes!  I am done knitting Maria's birthday dress that was intended to be done over a month ago.  But as with any long project, one gets distracted... and bored.  Nonetheless, it's done, I love it, and I couldn't be more proud of myself for taking on and completing my biggest project yet.  I used the elvira pattern from my new favorite website, ravelry, but found myself stumped a few times in the beginning.  Fortunately the ladies from the local yarn store are smart enough to know what the heck was going on and kind enough to help.

I blocked it out on the patio table early this morning so that it would be dry by late afternoon.  That's one great thing about Arizona... things dry super fast!!  While it was drying, I went to Jo Anne fabrics and picked out some buttons.  You can't tell from the picture, but they're glass, lavender balls.

I modified the bottom just a tad to give it a more finished look than what the pattern called for.  I really like how it turned out too.

I've got roughly 400 yards of yarn left (I know!) so now I'm on the lookout for an easy shorts or bloomers pattern to wear underneath.

It did end up being a bit big around the neck and arms, but that only means she'll be able to wear it longer... possibly through next winter with a shirt and pants.

Just like any knitter, I've already got my next project planned... a sweater for little Ginny. :)

Maria may not appreciate all the hard work and love that went into making this special gift for her, but one day when she's older she will, and she'll be able to pass it on to her children.  Well, a mother can only hope, right?