Deborah Cruz won first place for this quarter with this darling dress fashioned for her daughter Zoe.

She writes: " I made Zoe a dress from Sunrise Designs #249, Ribbons & Roses. The fabric was in the bargain section at Jo Ann for $1.88 a yard, 100% cotton very nice quality. The collars and lace for the hem and sleeves were from Home-Sew.

After I made the dress, I wanted to make panties and found a cute lime green with white dots at Hancock fabrics for $4.99 a yard.

I also added lace to the legs. I made the purse out of the same fabric lined with the floral fabric.

When I finished Zoe's dress I had enough fabric left over to make Mia, then 4 months old, a matching dress from an old pattern I had on had. Deborah Cruz, Virginia

Denise Cole won 2nd place in this children's division with this entry.

Denise has lots of great ideas for anyone who sews! We think you will enjoy her entry! She wrote: "Making matching/similar outfits is lots of fun when you have more than one child. With my children being a boy and a girl I use different patterns but similar fabric.

Our latest matching outfits included using Sunrise Designs Pattern #249 for my little girl and her doll baby (her hat was made using another pattern).

We have worn these to church primarily and to some special occasion events. The fabric is a green stretch velvet. I purchased it from Wal-Mart for $1.00 a yard.

Some sewing ideas I have to share are the following... If you trace your patterns or make your own...pattern paper can be expensive. Have you noticed it is very similar to that paper that covers the tables at the doctor's office? At your next doctor's appointment ask him about the paper. He will likely sell you a roll. It is surprising how much bigger the roll is and the price difference is very noticeable.

Also, do you have a daughter (or son) who will be sewing soon? If so here is an idea...whenever they finish a project take a photo of it. Then keep it in a special photo album. I am now on my eighth album. The first was started when I was still school age. It is fun to look back at those first projects. It is encouraging to see progress. It is inspiring during slump times. When my daughter starts to sew I hope to start her an album too.

So far all the matching outfits the kids have they've really enjoyed. They like matching each other, mommy, and their doll babies. These years are passing so quickly. It is nice to be able to create moments that are special for them." Denise Cole, Shiloh, Ohio

Erika Bisel looks great in this blue swimsuit she fashioned from NC#201!

This is a great nursing photo!

She writes: "I absolutely love the swimsuit pattern and how it fits! I couldn't get over how easy it is to nurse in this swimsuit! I can't believe I used to slip my strap off under a t-shirt. The stretchy fabric actually makes it easer to nurse discreetly than in other nursing outfits I have made.

Thanks for the Great Patterns!
Erika Bisel, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Loretta Meyerhoffer was our other winner in the Best Nursing Photo category.

This is a great dress that allows for easy and discreet nursing!

Loretta made this dress for a friend, who is shown nursing her baby. Loretta wrote: "I have really enjoyed working with your patterns- they are so easy to follow! They are also very easy to mix and match. In this dress I made for a friend I combined NC203 and NC109. The basic scoop neck dress from #203 with pleats all the way down (instead of gathers), two darts in the back for a more fitted look and extra wide ties that I pleated and attached at the lowest section of the nursing openings! The sleeves I took from #109, the tailored look of the pleat just seemed to go so well with the skirt!

I used a very silky 100% polyester that just flowed and draped so nicely. I used the border print on the sleeves to pull it all together and the pleats (my friend says) don't wash out! Would you possibly have an explanation? I'm very glad but could not giver her my secret!

She really likes the dress and more important, her husband really likes it. To top it all off, I found this material at Wal-Mart for $2.00 a yard! To be able to make a gift like this for someone that is not only beautiful but practical too and have it cost only $6 to $8 dollars is very rewarding.

Thanks you for being there for mothers who need you!" Loretta Meyerhofer, Hubbard, Oregon