Pattern Review and Giveaway: Sofilantjes Omni Tempore Shirt *NEW ADD ON*

Happy Monday!  Okay, I can't stand Monday's... Everyone drags a little slower getting ready in the morning.  Inara is usually a fuss from not wanting to go to bed the night before.  Connor will crawl back under the covers and go back to sleep at least once.  And me? I required at least 3 cups of coffee to get through Mondays.

I'm sure that a lot of you feel the same way, so I'm here to sweeten the day a little bit.  Last month I tested an awesome pattern...  

I wrote a post about it, and made four of the shirts during testing... three for Connor and one for Inara.  It even worked awesome for upcycles 



The shirt has this cool crossover collar with two sleeve options and fits sizes 12mo through 14. 











And during testing we all started harping on Annemieke how cool the shirt would be with more options...  and because she is so fantastic, she listened patiently and started drafting away.






This month I got to test the updated version of the Omni Tempore Shirt.  So if you didn't already get the original version, here is what you are getting with this pattern:

Sizes 12mo through 14yrs
Cross front collar or hood options
Short or long sleeves
cuff option for both sleeve lengths
Hem band option
Kangaroo Pocket option

 Say hi to little man, who is currently obsessed with Jack-Jack Attacks... the 5 minutes cartoon short that goes with The Incredibles.  So he was REALLY excited to put on his Jack-jack shirt to help with the gardening.  Let's just ignore the fact that it was 75 and I told him he was going to get too hot.

This is version is long sleeved w/cuffs, hem band, hood and pocket.  And Connor loves it.  He totally loves pockets in general, so he kept stuffing his hands in his pockets.  The fit is great... it's just loose enough that I can stick a t-shirt under it if it's cooler, and not so big that it can't be worn on its own.

He could only find one opening on the pocket so he's using his pants pocket too!

 The hood is lined, which I love, and all combined, the shirt takes maybe 90 minutes or less, including cutting.  So, as we move into fall, this is right at the top of my must sew list for both kiddos. With all the options, it perfect for year round wear, so totally worth it.

Here's the best part... the pattern is on sale for a few more days here in the Sofilantjes Etsy Shop
or in her Craftsy Shop.  AND the really exciting part.... Annemieke is very graciously allowing me to do a giveaway... so please enter below!  AND once you've entered my giveaway, check out the release party round up so you can enter the giveaways that all the blogger testers are doing!


 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Perfect Pattern Parcel #5 Blog Tour!

Hi! I am really excited to tell you about Perfect Pattern Parcel #5. 

Last round was super successful, raising $1000 for classrooms in need!  This brings the total that the Perfect Pattern Parcel bundles have raised to over $11,000!  How amazing is that?  So not only are you getting great patterns, but you are supporting children's education.

This round here are the awesome patterns you get from the parcel:

Lily Knit Blazer by Peek-a-Boo Patterns

Everyday Yoga Pant for Girls by Greenstyle

Asymmetrical Drape Top by EYMM

Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs

Mimi Dress and Shirt by Filles a Maman 

BONUS PATTERN: Sunki Dress by Figgy’s

If this is your first intro to the Perfect Pattern Parcel, here is how it works.  You get to name your price for the patterns included in this bundle.  If you name your price OVER $28, you get the BONUS PATTERN... which is actually a double bonus this round, because it includes both size ranges.  So you get the Sunki dress in sizes 18mo through girl's 16!  After expenses, all remaining proceeds from sales go back into donorschoose.org to support classrooms in need. 

This bundle was super exciting for me, because I actually owned three of the patterns already, and all of the designers on the list are ones that I love showing off my creations from.  For this post, I want to talk about two of the patterns... mostly because they made the cutest outfit together....

Check out my wild child rocking the Asymmetrical Drape top and Everyday Yoga Pants..... entire outfit... cutting included -- under 90 minutes.  Awesome.

Asymmetrical Drape Top from EYMM
Sizes: NB through 18 teen
Two shirt asymmetry options
Two bottom finishing options
Clear, simple instructions that are easy for even a knit newbie to follow.

 The knit I used on the top was the slinkiest, slippiest, staticy-est (I know those aren't words, but you get my point...) fabric that I've ever sewn.  Inara found it in the clearance bin at Walmart, and said it was *so soft* she just *had* to have it.  So we got it, and she just loves the shirt.  I dreaded the idea of hemming it, so we went with the banded bottom and used a nice black ribbing to match the neck binding.

And the pants...
Everyday Yoga Pants from Greenstyle Creations
Sizes: XS-XL (approximately girls 4 through girls 14)
Multiple length options: short, capri, or pant
Fast sew, with yoga waistband
Easy to follow instructions

 It's still relatively warm out here, so I went with the capri version.  They are meant to be made with fabrics that have some good stretch and recovery on them, and as I attempted to explain this to Inara, she was already pulling this dance wear lycra print off the shelf.  So I think she understood the lesson at least.  They are a little bright, but they totally fit her personality, AND they match her hair.  The fit on these is perfect without any adjustments, and Inara loves the comfort of the yoga waistband.

If you're on the fence, you will not regret grabbing this Pattern Parcel.  It's a great collection for those mostly knit lovers, with a great bonus sophisticated pattern too!  I'll be back later in the week to show off some more sewing from this bundle as well!

If you're decided already... hop over and grab the bundle:

But, if you're waffling, make sure you check out the rest of the tour, it will definitely convince you to get it!
Parcel #5 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, September 19 Pienkel || Cookin' and Craftin'

Saturday, September 20 Sew Busy Lizzy || The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter

Sunday, September 21 Keep Calm and Carrion || Felt With Love Designs

Monday, September 22 Radiant Home Studio || Sewing Sober

Tuesday, September 23 Sew Fishsticks || La Pantigana || Amanda Rose

Wednesday,September 24 Shawnta Sews || Sprouting JubeJube || Knot Sew Normal

Thursday, September 25 Make It Perfect || Mimi's Mom || Climbing the Willow

Friday, September 26 Needle and Ted || Our Family Four

Saturday, September 27 Froo & Boo

Sunday, September 28 Stitches by Laura || Vicky Myers creations

Monday, September 29 Cookin' and Craftin' || The Crazy Tailor

Tuesday, September 30 mama says sew || FABulous Home Sewn || The Inspired Wren

Wednesday, October 1 lady and the gents || That's-Sew-Kari || Sewing Sober

Thursday,October 2 Gracious Threads || Blogs Like A Mother || SewsNBows

Friday, October 3 sew chibi || Lulu & Celeste || Made by Sara  

 

Pattern Review: Laurelette Dress and Tunic From Greenstyle Creations

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that Greenstyle Creations is one of my go to designers for patterns for me.  In fact, I made a whole bunch of things for me as part of the Greenstyle Essential Wardrobe Blog Tour.  

One of the items I made was the Laurel, which has this awesome cowl neck, and is just so perfect for moving into fall.  So when Angelyn started talking about doing a girl's version, I was so excited.  And the girls version is pretty spectacular....

Meet The Laurelette

The Details...
Sizes 12/18mo through 13/14
4 sleeve lengths + sleeveless options
Dress or Tunic length (with high-low option available in both lengths)
Cowl neck or binding
Pleated or Flat back options
Pockets!!

This is our Tunic length version.  I used an interlock for the bodice and jersey for the cowl and "skirt" portion.  I love the varying sleeve lengths with this pattern.  This is the "elbow" length option, with the pleated back skirt.  The pattern includes a pleated front for all options, but if you want a little extra fullness, use the pleated back as well.  Inara of course insisted on pockets... because, well POCKETS!!!

After we finished our tunic, I realized how much I just love this pattern, so I decided to whip up a dress version as well to show off. 

  My child isn't always cooperative, as you know... but this is the 3/4 length sleeves, binding on the neck, dress length, flat back with pockets.  The bodice is in a jersey, and the rest of the dress is done in my awesome Rudolph print cotton/lycra.  Its not too early for a Christmas dress right??

Here... now pretend it's snowing...

Perfect!  Merry Christmas!!  Okay, so maybe it's a little early for a Christmas dress, but the Misfit Toys are cool year round.  And she loves it, so its a win in my book.

For all of the options that you get with this pattern, it is totally worth it.  Like all of the Greenstyle Patterns, it is easy to assemble the pattern pieces.  The pieces are clearly labeled and the pattern itself is easy to follow along.  This pattern took me about  90 minutes to make, including cutting.  Which is great for us, because I tend to spend about that long just picking out fabric! 

Greenstyle patterns are really reasonably priced AND while you're there getting your Laurelette, check out her discount codes for multiple purchases... I have loved every Greenstyle pattern that I've sewn and their Facebook Group is really friendly if you have any questions! 

You should also check out her Facebook group for awesome details on the upcoming Laurel and Laurelette Sewalong!! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Pattern Review: Little Kiwi's Closet Flutterby Peasant Dress/Top

So I have to start this post by admitting something that may sound kind of silly:  I have never made Inara a peasant dress before.  I made a modified one for myself last year, but I hadn't found a pattern I loved for Inara.  Then Lydia of Little Kiwi's Closet posted her teaser pics and I jumped on the chance to test.  

The Flutterby Peasant Dress/Top

Sizes Newborn to 12 years
4 style variations: dress with ruffle, dress with no ruffle, top with ruffle, and top with no ruffle. 
7 sleeve options: flutter, short, long and various elastic options
Designed for wovens, but works nicely in knit!

The first thing I want to highlight about this pattern is the body shape.  The body piece is slightly a-lined and it gives the pattern a nice flattering shape when worn.  

 

The second thing I want to point out is that this pattern is AMAZING with border prints!  I decided to go with the top with no ruffle and the short sleeves with elastic to highlight this gorgeous fall border print that has sat unused for over a year now!  

 

 

Can you tell Inara loves it?  She was so excited to pose in it.  I was actually kind of worried that the arm elastic would bother my sensitive princess, but I think its just the right length to look cute without irritating her.... Win-win.

After whipping out the top in under an hour, I decided to make the dress version.  I wanted to bring out the whimsical look of the fabric and went with the ruffled style with flutter sleeves.  I think she makes a cute little fairy .  :)

THEN, one of the other testers mentioned knits... And off I went back into my sewing room.  

I decided to  make the top version with flutter sleeves and I did a rolled hem on the ends of the sleeves and the ruffle.  

The result was a super cute and comfortable knit top... And moment of silence for using up the rest of my Finn and Jake fabric *sniff sniff*

 So, if you're looking for a cute and versatile peasant dress pattern - this is definitely the one to grab.  The instructions are clear and easy to follow.  The pattern pieces are easy to assemble.  I think that the wide size range and the multiple style options make this pattern a great value as well.  

And after you've picked it up, come on over and join the Little Kiwi's Closet Facebook Group  where you can ask any questions you have AND see lots and lots of pictures of all of the LKC patterns that people are making so you can add more of them to your library!  

OH! And very importantly... It's listed at 20% off for the next few hours!  Grab it here while its still on sale! 

Perfect Pattern Parcel Blog Tour, Post #2: Maxwell Top from Shwin Designs

This is my second post about Perfect Pattern Parcel #4, and I will jump right in there by saying that you really should buy this bundle if you haven't yet!   If you missed my first post, check it out here to see Connor rockin' his Zippy Jacket. 


Pattern Parcel #4 is all about boys... Included in this parcel are the following patterns:

Maxwell Top by Shwin Designs

Zippy Jacket by Blank Slate Patterns

Schoolboy Vest by Sew Much Ado

Small Fry Jeans by Titchy Threads

Jet Pack Bag by Betz White

Bonus Pattern:  Knight Hoodie by Charming Doodle.

AND, if you're like me, you probably need an explanation of how this works...

You have until September 5th to purchase these patterns while supporting both the awesome indie designers who made them AND children's education equality, as after expenses are paid the remaining profit is donated to Donorschoose.org.  So there are 5 patterns included in the bundle and you kind of get to name your own price on this bundle (retail value is over $60).  If you pick a price over $26, then you get the bonus pattern.   It's back to school time, and if you're like this house, money is tight, but if you can, the Perfect Pattern Parcel people (say that one ten times fast?) would love it if you choose  to pay as much as you can so that they are able to donate as much as possible to Donorschoose.org, and organization that helps support children's education.

Connor LOOK AT THE CAMERA!!

For this second post, I've chosen the Maxwell Top by Shwin Designs to show you.  This pattern is pretty awesome, in fact, I like it so much, that I actually already owned it prior to signing up to blog about the Pattern Parcel.   

The details:
Sizes 12mo - 8yrs
made for woven fabrics
short sleeves
back yoke, lined collar, pockets and tab all make this perfect for a pop of contrast

I made my shirt in size 2 on Connor - he's really on the border of 18mo/size 2, and I think it could have gone either way,  but he'll get more wear out of the larger size.  I used some of his favorite Olaf fabric and paired it with a nice orange solid (I really wanted the Olaf to *pop*, so I changed to orange after originally picking blue).   The tabs on the sides are done using some cool twill tape that I had in my stash, and attached with two blue checkered buttons that I also had in my stash.  I waffled a bit with the front closure and ended up going with snaps, because i really liked the sort of urban look that they gave it.

Okay, silly show off close up here - check out how awesome that one pocket came out??? I totally nailed my fussy cutting!!  (dances happily)

I love the finished look this pattern has - from the facings to the decorative top stitching (I waffled here too, and I am really glad I went with the contrast instead of an orange) .  The instructions are easy to follow along, and the diagrams are clear and easy to undersand.  At one point I misunderstood something, I emailed the designer and heard back from her within minutes, AND she was very nice and sweet, even when responding to my ridiculous question.  In retrospect, it was a pretty silly question, so I'm really glad she didn't respond with "umm... are you sure you know what you're doing??" 

Total time spent on the pattern was about 2 hours including cutting.  I may have been a little slow, because I kept waffling on the details, and fussy cutting, but it still came together much faster than I actually expected!

So all in all, this pattern has actually sold me on Shwin patterns in general, not just for the great pattern, but when a designer takes time to answer and is happy and informative, it just wins me over.  And, its the second pattern I've sewn up from the Perfect Pattern Parcel #4 and I am just as happy with this one as I was with the Zippy Jacket.  I own the Knight Hoodie too, and that one is also a must have ... so really ... click my link!! <I don't get paid if you use my link, but I do get entered in a drawing to thank the bloggers>


And, if you're still on the fence...  Check out the posts from these other amazing bloggers (but hurry and buy it, because Parcel #4 ends on the 5th!):

Friday, August 22 casa crafty || Lulu & Celeste || Keep Calm and Carrion
Saturday, August 23 Max California || Amanda Rose
Sunday, August 24 little betty sews
Monday, August 25 Kadiddlehopper || Radiant Home Studio
Tuesday, August 26 La Pantigana || Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts || Friends Stitched Together
Wednesday, August 27 Make It Perfect || Modern Handmade || GYCT Designs
Thursday, August 28 Needle and Ted || Mae & K || Mimi's Mom
Friday, August 29 Pienkel || Once Upon a Sewing Machine || Friends Stitched Together
Saturday, August 30 FABulous Home Sewn || Gray Skies || The Crazy Tailor
Sunday, August 31 Nine Stitches || Max California || Oliver's Fancy || Friends Stitched Together
Monday, September 1 a happy stitch || lady and the gents || Our Family Four || Swoodson Says
Tuesday, September 2 verypurpleperson || Things for Boys || The Crazy Tailor
Wednesday, September 3 Our Family Four || Rebekah Sews || a happy stitch
Thursday, September 4 Sew a Straight Line || la inglesita || Made by Sara || Knot Sew Normal
Friday, September 5 Knot Sew Normal || Gracious Threads || Sofilantjes || Max California

Pattern Review: Everyday Tank and Dress from Serger Pepper

Happy Saturday!  The kids have been under the weather, but recovered now, and I am going to take them out to this local fair tomorrow to celebrate.  That and being cooped up in the house with them all week has me feeling quite the need to get them out!  

Have you been following the Aspiring Designer's Challenge from Pattern Revolution?  I love seeing all these new up-and-coming creative minds at work.  I really love getting to test for some of them as well.  Last week I talked about the Omni Tempore from Sofilantjes for Connor.  Today I am here to tell you about the new pattern from Serger Pepper.

The Everyday Tank: Top and Dress:
Available in sizes 3 - 14
Three length options: tank, midi (knee length dress), and maxi (ankle length dress)
Optional pockets 

Banded or regular hemline options
Instructions for multiple binding methods
Made for knits
Great for upcycles

First off, the site chart was spot on for Inara's measurements.  The tank sits right at the perfect length to be appropriate for wear with leggings.  When you have a little one who can't stand jeans, its important to find tops that look good with her extensive legging collection.  

This top was made with Ooga Booga interlock, the solid purple is a cotton/Lycra from PurpleSeamstress, and white ribbing for the binding. 

And, since Inara loves dresses, I made her a midi length as well using a cotton/Lycra print, and two cotton/Lycra solids, all from Fabric Dealers.  

Look at that attitude!

The dress fits nicely without being too tight, which is achieved with the lovely subtle a-line that the dress has, as opposed to the night straight shape of the tank.  The pockets are a super fun detail that Inara just gushed over.

This is the second pattern of Irene's that I have sewn.  The first being these super cute undies...  (You should pick them up as well as the Everyday Tank: Top and Dress, the bum coverage is awesome). The patterns are well written and east to follow.  The instructions are laid out nicely and include lots of detail options to personalize your outfit.  The pattern pieces themselves are well drafted, and easy to assemble, which to me is always a relief, as I seem to have serious issues with taping...

Thanks for coming to check out my post, and I hope you enjoy sewing this one up as much as I did.  Huge thanks to Irene for allowing me to test, and for some more inspiration, check out the other awesome tester blog posts:

Maryall Made 

El Blog de la Tata 

Knot So Normal 

Pattern Review: Rissa Roo's Pixie Knit Shirt from The Plucky Butterfly

Hello and welcome to Monday.   In our house, Monday means house cleaning, laundry, and for this particular week.. Sick kiddos. I have to say, I am really blessed when it comes to my kids' health.  They are rarely sick, so when they are both so sick and miserable I just want to snuggle them.

Anyways, on a much more exciting note, are you looking for a cute, girly, unique shirt to add to your school wardrobe?  If so, I've got it!  Meet Rissa Roo's Pixie Knit Shirt.

The details:
Sizes 2-12 AND doll sized
Short or Long Sleeved options
Three hemline options: curved front and back, curved front/straight back, curved front with panel
Perfect for upcyles!

If you couldn't tell I really love upcycling, so this shirt is great for us.  Inara gets to have a creeper shirt that is just like daddy's but its cute and girly, so she is just thrilled.  Now they can all play Minecraft together in their Minecraft Shirts...  (dorks).

Inara spent a lot of the summer in her Rissa Roo Tank/Halters and her Rissa Roo Woven Dress is one of her all time favorite dresses.  BUT it's getting close to back to school time, and I was kind of sad that the cute hemline wouldn't get to be shown off in school (stupid dress code).  Now, I get to make them for back to school, and I can make her some cute long sleeved ones for winter. 

We even had a birthday party to go to right at the end of the testing period, and I made a girl and matching doll one for the birthday girl and paired them with the Jocole Faux Wrap Skort.

 I used a Frozen t-shirt to make the girl one, and an iron on transfer for the doll on.  I think that little miss likes her outfit!  AND she's got a Frozen outfit that none of her friends have, which is always cool.

So if you are looking for the perfect shirt that has that something extra to make it girly, without being too over the top - this is it.  Inara has already picked out her next two t-shirts to upcycle, which makes me breathe a sigh of relief, because it is so nice to have a pattern that she loves that I know she can wear back to school.

ALL of the Plucky Butterfly Patterns are on sale for a short short time more - so grab them quickly before they go back up to regular price... I highly suggest the Surround Me With Love Twirl Skirt too - its SO FUN to make.

Happy Sewing!