Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour

Hi! And welcome to Day two of the Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour for Sofilantjes.

Let me start with a huge thank you to Deb of Sprouting Jube Jube and Anne, the designer behind Sofilantjes for letting me participate.

 
One year ago I applied for a pattern pre-test for a new designer.  The designer seemed really friendly, and I was excited to see something new.  I even wrote a review on my blog about it.  And right then I was hooked on Anne and her way of testing.  She was sweet, involved, friendly, and over the top to make sure that the pattern fit just right.  I've loved spending the last year sewing more of her patterns and watching her style and shop grow.

So here we are, one year later, and I'm excited to tell you that Anne has revamped and updated the pattern a bit and here's what you get:
The pattern comes either bundled or in two size ranges 6mo-7 or 7-12, and the pattern has skinny sizing from 12mo - 12 that is included.
The pattern comes with three lengths - top, tunic and dress
The pattern is made for knits and has a pretty inverted pleat on the front and bow detail on the back.
Layered print option.

So elegant lol

Since this is a blog tour and Deb said to be creative... and she has 5 traditional Summer Surprises that she wears all the time (we really like this pattern lol), I decided to fancy it up a bit.  Using the pattern pieces for the top, I took a few inches off the bottom of it and added a circle skirt.

Quick interlude to tell you about the fabrics... I used the Art Gallery Petal and Plume knits from Whimsical Fabric for the dress.

 As soon as I applied for the tour, I ordered these fabrics, even though I wasn't sure yet how I planned on *hacking* the pattern. 


If you've never used Art Gallery knits before -- they are ah-mazing.  So soft and nice to work with.

 The twirl is just fantastic.  An Inara fancies herself a princess with her elegant summer dress.... which I think explains her choice of head-wear.

Seriously, the epitome of elegance.

In order to celebrate the Sofilantjes anniversary, this pattern is on sale.  The code "Anniversary" will get you 25% off on the pattern on the Sofilantjes website.  AND to make the celebration even more awesome, there is a giveaway every day for the duration of the blog tour.  Here's today's giveaway:

 Day 2 giveaway

-Serger Pepper Designs, winner's choice
-Lily Bird Studio, winner's choice
-Cole's Corner and Creations, winner's choice
-Paisley Roots, All Spice
-Kelly J Designs, winner's choice
-Laela Jeyne Patterns, winner's choice
-KB Stitch Design, winner's choice
-Sofilantjes, winner's choice


a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to check out all the other awesome bloggers for more ideas on how to be creative with this pattern AND to enter all the giveaways for the week!

Congrats to Anne for such an awesome first year, and I wish you many more!

Inspinration - The Craftiness in Me - Van Je Veel - Boutique Birdie - Tory Frail Designs - Wining Wife - Keep Calm and Carrion - Moon Star - Circle Meets Line - Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug - Manning the Machine - Sugarplum Cuties - House of Estrela - Create 3.5 - Handcrafted by RED - Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - Two Novembers - From a Box - Sprouting JubeJube - Maryall Made - Phat Quarters - Knot Sew Normal - Sew Happily Ever After - All Things Katy

MCM Studio Designs Blog Tour - Estherlyn's Jumper

Hi! Welcome to day three of the MCM Studio Designs Blog Tour!

I was lucky enough to test the Love Bird Dress a couple monthds ago, and was really impressed with Linda's patterns, so when she said "blog tour?" I jumped on it.  And today I am going to show you a couple versions of Estherlyn's Jumper.
 

First, the details:
Sizes: 3m through 10yrs
Fully or partially lined options.
Made for woven fabrics
Buttons at shoulders
Cute Asymmetrical Apron
Multiple pocket/applique options included.

First up, the more traditional one... this one I used some Riley Blake and Michael Miller fabrics that have sat in my stash for ... well over a year... probably closer to two years, waiting for the *right* pattern.  I think I found it!

This is the fully lined version, with the apron and I used the included patch pocket that was included. From start to finish, this pattern took under two hours to complete, and I am totally thrilled with it.  Inara is at the top of the range for the size 6, so I did a size 7 with a size 6 length.

Inara's chest is 24.5", and the size 6 says 24" chest and size 7 says 26".  So I she probably could have had a more fitted look with the size 6, but as it is, it is just loose enough to wear a sleeved shirt underneath, since it's still cool here, it's perfect!

After finishing that one, I decided I wanted to show off another way the pattern could look.  So after a ton of browsing around on the Whimsical Fabric site, I picked a couple prints from the Sidewalks Line.  And then after (very little) more waffling, I added on some more of the Ruffle-Rac that I am totally obsessed with, and a couple of Riley Blake Buttons.  Okay, supplies all gathered... here's where I went with it:

Same dress... different look!  This is the partially lined version - so lighter for summer and beach wear... but still encloses all of the bodice seams nicely.  And I left off the apron, and instead added some ruffle-rac long the bodice.  *Squeal* I love it!!

 And used some of the included appliques, and the buttons I ordered, to add a cute detail to the bottom of the pattern.

I think together it creates the sweetest little summer dress.  And leaving the apron off, it took even less time to sew and still looks fantastic!  I had so much fun with this pattern. It's so fun to customize and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

What I liked: The fit is spot on, the partial and full linings are both well written and enclose all the seams that would otherwise itch the heck out of Inara.  I LOVE how fast it is to sew, and the ability to highlight fabrics.

What I'd change:  I think the length is a little longer than I'd like to see for Inara, even though I did the size 6 length, Inara is at the bottom of the range for the size 6, so if I want a shorter look, I know to cut the 5 length for the next one.  That said, the measurements match the finished chart perfectly, so its not the pattern!

Through April 25th, all of the MCM patterns are 25% off.  They are already marked down in her Craftsy Shop and in her Big Cartel Shop use the code SPRINGSALE25.  I highly recommend both this and the Love Bird.  I haven't made the Ginger Snap yet, but some of the other bloggers have posted it, and I am totally in love!

And after that, make sure you check out the MCM Studio Designs blog.  Why? Well, first, so you can get the links to check out all of the other awesome bloggers.  And second, to find out how to enter to win a pattern of your choice!

Thanks for stopping by!

Little Kiwi's Closet Bow Back Beauty

So this new pattern is awesome... like totally and completely awesome.  I know I'm a sucker for Little Kiwi's patterns in general... but this one is just amazing... Yes, I tested it, but even bigger YES you need it.

The Bow Back Beauty From Little Kiwi's Closet is fantastic!

This pattern has a ton of options.. let me try to lay them out for you...
Sizes: NB - 12
Bodice options: natural waist, hip length, or onesie (NB-4)
Back options: Bow or plain (AND bow can be layered over plain for modesty or cold weather!)

Skirt options: Peplum, Dresss, High-low
Sleeve options: Sleeveless, Short Sleeve (with or without cuff) and long

This one is the hip length, with peplum and long sleeves.  For the fabric I used a reversible double knit from Joann's.

The binding was done in a nice ribbing that my local sewing shop carries...  Seriously, this store carries like 100 colors of ribbing and I have no idea why, but I love it.

Anyways.. I finished the peplum with a rolled hem and added a pretty crochet flower that I got from  Whimsical Fabric.

I love how elegant this combination looks.  I think the pink and black paired together makes a really darling combination, AND its perfect for cool spring weather in Washington when paired with our favorite Skinny Legs legging pattern.









In fact, she already wore it to school and got tons of compliments!

Next up I made my more "casual" version.  This is the short sleeved, natural waist, with a peplum and longer skirt underneath.  The skirt is the size 4 dress length, because I wanted a less dressy length than the dress version, and I think it worked out perfectly.

For this one I used a shirt to upcycle for the bodice, and did the skirt, peplum and binding in solid cotton lycras from PurpleSeamstress Fabric.  

The pattern specifically says to use good quality knits with nice stretch and recovery, like cotton-lycras.  I'd like to offer an apology for failing to listen to Lydia here... and here is why..  the t-shirt knit doesn't stretch nice like a cotton-lycra blend would, so it ended up a bit more fitted than the other two versions.  It still fits her, but if you're going to go with a less stretchy knit.. I suggest sizing up a little so you get more wear out of it.

And last is my favorite.  It's elegant, dressy, and still comfortable enough that she's picked it out to wear to school tomorrow... (granted its cold and rainy, so she's wearing a Bella Bolero over it, and leggings under).

This is the sleeveless, natural waist, dress version, with an overlay.  I cut the dress at the length written in the pattern and cut the overlay three inches shorter.

The main dress fabric is a stretch panne, and the overlay is in a stretch mesh with glitter embellished hearts.  The binding is a really nice poly-cotton-lycra ribbing.  I think she looks like a princess in this one.

What I love: If you couldn't tell, I really love all of the options this pattern gives, and the various ways to dress it up or down depending on options and fabric combinations.

What I'd change: So far as the pattern goes, the fit is fantastic, and the options are all clearly explained and easy to follow.  As for me, I need to write a note on my pieces to size up when using fabrics that aren't the pattern recommended ones!

So, hopefully you're still reading.. and if you haven't bought the pattern yet... here's the link again: Click Here!  Grab it while it's still on sale - its worth every cent for all of the awesome combinations you can make!

Pattern Review: Bluezette Dress from Love Notions Patterns

I love this dress.  Love love love love.

Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way... let me tell you what I'm talking about...

Meet the Bluezette Dress from Love Notions.

The details:
Sizes 2 - 16
Three Sleeve lengths: tank, cap, and elbow.
Three skirt options: tulip, high low, and gathered
Knit bodice and underskirt with multiple fabric options for the over skirt.

I did view A - the tulip skirt, with elbow length sleeves.  For my bodice and under skirt I used a sparkly stretch panne and my tulip over skirt is in a pretty floral chiffon.  **I did receive this pattern for free in exchange for testing, but all opinions are my own**

The construction in this pattern is fantastic... the bodice is fully lined and the pattern has a great step-by-step explanation of how to properly hem chiffon and imagine my glee at the use of under-stitching!

Inara actually squealed when she saw the dress finished.  She insisted on wearing it to school the next day.  It's not quite that warm here yet, so she ended up having to wear leggings under it, but she got so many compliments on it.. and rocked it at the park after school too.

Yup, we wear our fancy dresses on the monkey bars around here!  Actually, I was impressed at how it worked with some random leggings and sneakers too... perfect for school or a fancy event!

The dress took me about two hours total to sew, and I think about 45 minutes of that was slowly cursing my way through hemming the chiffon properly.  I bet some lace or knit would have been a bit simpler, but man does that chiffon flow so nicely.

The instructions are well written and easy to understand.  The fit matches nicely with the size chart, and the construction of the dress as a whole is nice.  You can make this dress as casual or dressy as you like depending on the options and the fabrics you use.

The dress is available here for 20% off using the code "bluezette" through the 28th. **This is my affiliate link**  

Thanks for checking out my post, and you'll LOVE this dress!!

Pattern Review: MCM Love Bird Dress

Good morning! Today I get to show you a dress that I totally love, and if you grab it today, you can have it done for Valentine's Day!

Here is the Love Bird Dress from MCM Studio Designs.

 

In retrospect... that dot fabric was not a wise choice for photo taking but bear with me, because the dress is fantastic.  *Disclaimer: I received this pattern for free in return for testing, but all opinions are completely my own!

The details:

Sizes 2 -14 years

Made for Woven fabrics

Two skirt options: plain or ruffled back

Two ruffled back options: 3 or 4 tiers

Three sleeve options: cap, petal or sleeveless

Optional apron that can also be made reversible

Heart cutout on back bodice

Includes two applique templates

Inara is wearing the cap sleeve, 4 tiered back, with reversible apron style.  And I totally love it.  The ruffles are curved flounces, so there isn't a bunch of gathering to do.  In fact, the only gathering I did was on mys sleeves.   

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow illustrations, and I found the techniques to result in a nice professional looking finish.  

I used the Waverly prints that everyone is raving about from Walmart.  I did find that they shrunk more than I expected in the wash, just so you know.  

The pattern comes with instructions for buttons and a buttonhole template, a continuous bound skirt placket, and hand stitching the bodice lining to enclose the waist seam.

What I loved: I love the longer length of the skirt, as I think it lends itself nicely to being a more dressy pattern if you choose the right fabrics.  I LOVE that they are flounces, not ruffles, and they make for the prettiest back detail without being over the top.  The shape of the apron allows the ruffles to peak out in the back. And I like how you can change the whole look with the apron.  I also love how the bodice lends it self nicely to applique, colorblocking, or embroidery.

What I'd change: I think I'd go back and under-stitch my neckline so it stays in place, but she's worn the dress twice now, and its held up well without it.  And this isn't a change, but when it warms up, I am going to try doing the 4 tier pieces, but only use three of them, so I can make a shorter, sassier one for summer!

This is my first time sewing a pattern from MCM, and I've gone back and added Estherlyn's Jumper to my "buy" list, as I quite like the asymmetrical look, and I was very happy with pattern writing style of this designer.  

 

Inara loves the dress, and I do a well.  The fit is nice, the style is elegant, and the instructions are well written.  I think I've found a great new designer to follow!

The pattern is available here, at the sale price of $8.00 through Monday!  

Sew Straight and Gather Uptown/Downtown Expansion Pack Blog Tour and Giveaway

So I am totally excited to be part of this tour, because I absolutely love this dress. Welcome to Day Three of the Sew Straight and Gather Uptown/Downtown Dress Expansion Pack Blog Tour!

Make sure you check out these other ladies too.  You can get the daily roundup on the Sew Straight and Gather Blog.

I tested the original version of the dress this summer.  If you were reading me then, I didn't do much I blogging or testing over the summer because I took an extended trip to visit my parents in New York. I had followed Terri's blog though, and when she posted the tester call, I jumped on it and crossed my fingers.

The dress was just perfect for the Fourth of July party we were going to, and Inara was a total hit in her cute outfit.
The basic Uptown/Downtown Dress comes with the following options:
Sizes 2 through 10
Sleeveless, cap and 3/4 sleeves
The cap sleeves are lined so you can make a cute contrast here as well.
lined bodice.

The fit and flare style of this dress is extremely flattering and makes this dress work for both dress and casual occasions, depending on your print choices.  And the cute twirl that goes from the flared angle on the skirt is so much fun for my twirly kid.  Now as we move into cooler weather, the expansion pack has made me add this dress to our winter staples.

And she's even wearing at school right now with a pair of leggings!

The expansion pack includes:
Cowl Neck
Long sleeves
Pockets
Maxi Length
Tank Straps
Contrast band

For ours we used the Long Sleeves, Cowl Neck, pockets and Contrast Band.  I had 1 yard of this cute Hey Diddle Diddle interlock and some leftover brown interlock from Connor's Halloween costume.  I wasn't sure that Inara was going to like the print, but after scouring the knit shelves and Joann's, she had found nothing.  I pulled this out of the destash pile and she just loved it, so I am really glad that I hadn't listed it!  The Interlock makes it nice and snuggly for winter while still being super soft.  

 How cute is this print?  She has been walking around for the last 4 days repeating the nursery rhyme over and over.

And I made her a little headband to go with the dress using the leftover scraps and a simple blue button from the button box.

I promised her next pay day that we can order a new knit to she can have a maxi version as well.  I'm not sure who is more excited to pick out fabric, me or her!  

Inara is really into cowl necks lately for cooler weather, so she was really happy with that add-on, and of course every little kid loves pockets, right?  She even decided that she needed to find a prop for photos...

Both Inara and I highly recommend this dress, and mommy and picky kid approved has to say something!

The best part of the expansion pack? It's free!  So if you already own the dress, just pop over to the Sew Straight and Gather Blog Shop and download the expansion pack.

If you don't own the pattern, the code UPTOWNEXPANSION25 will get you 25% off in the Blog Shop or the Etsy Shop.   (It also gets you 25% off the Etage Dress and Top too, so I would totally grab both while you are there!)  

And, make sure you enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a copy of the Uptown/Downtown.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!  And to leave you with a funny note... Connor was jealous of how much fun Inara was having during her photo shoot: