Saturday, 20 August 2016

My SEW crazy July (and some of August too!)

421 Myers Design Studio

 
 
I'm doing a HUGE July post because I had such a busy month and I want to share with you all in one lump sum - as it were!! So lets start off with a brand new designer with a brand new FREE pattern!!

 
This little headband is such a fast easy sew and it means you can custom accessorise any outfit. 421 Myers Design Studio is a brand new name in the PDF design business and it was a pleasure to test her headband pattern, the very first pattern release by 421.

 
I used FOE - fold over elastic for my headband band, but you could also use any store bought alternative.

 
The bow itself is only made from three very small pieces of fabric and makes a super scrap buster! You will need a glue gun or strong fabric glue to secure your bow to your elastic. This is a very easy, very simple, but VERY clever and stylish pattern!

 
Again from 421 Myers headband pattern collection is the knot tie headband.

 
Again, a great scrap buster and very easy to sew! It has an elasticated back for comfort & fit.

 
I have really enjoyed this pattern test and if you want to sew these babies up you will need to join the 421 Myers Design Studio FaceBook Page (patterns come in infant to adult sizes.)

 
 
 
 

Always Summer Dress & Tunic

by Sew Honey Designs


 
Yet another wonderful design by Debbie of Sew Honey Designs. The Always Summer dress/tunic is as fancy or as simple as you wish for it to be. This dress pattern comes in sizes 2T to 12 girls.

 
The bodice is made from knit fabric for a comfortable fit and the skirt can be made from knit or woven fabrics. I chose a woven lightweight denim for my skirt.

 
There are three options for the back bodice, deep scoop, banded (as shown) or rounded. I also chose to pop on some bows on the bands! (Directions are provided in the pattern.)

 
This pattern would suit adventurous beginners, or any sewer willing to work with knit. It is a fantastic pattern to take the knit "plunge" with.

 
This is the dress length, but I also tested the tunic length - as shown further down. The dress is a modest length while still short enough to play in - very important when it comes to small children!!

 
If your sewing the banded version - as I did - a technique called the "burrito roll" is required. This may seem complicated at first, but no fear, Debbie has even made a short YouTube video to show you how it all works! The link is provided in the pattern.

"But I don't WANT my photo taken!"
This is a real inside look at how our photo shoots work! Toddlers and photos are like chalk and cheese I find!! A lot of bribing happens.... Jelly babies are the new favourite!
 

 
For our tunic version of Always Summer I made a layered skirt - poplin lining with a lace outer skirt. This works really well and there were some wonderful testers who made some especially stunning layered versions.

'That's it!!"
To purchase this pattern, please visit Sew Honey Design HERE
 
 
 

Bella's School Day Skirt & Top

by Grammie's Dolls


 
This was another amazing July sew, but rather than go over the patterns again, I'll pop in the link. This way you can read my full review if you choose - or simply enjoy all my photos here!
 
 





 
 
P.s. These gorgeous bubble shorts were also made this July. They are the Rose Bubble shorts, pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs. Love this pattern? Get it HERE
 

 
Also paired with the beautiful Bella top is another pair of Bella Sunshine Design Rose Bubble Shorts. I was able to test these shorts before they released and you can read my full review!


 
This was a test version of the Bella blouse that needed adjustments (placket for dressing ease.) Despite this, this blouse was my favourite July sew! I just adore some whimsy and with the bold flower print, the 60s were back!


 
Paired with the blouse and shown again here was yet another July favourite...... the Berry Bubble Shorts - pattern by Mummykins & Me. If you would like to read more about my review on the Berry shorts, please do so HERE
 
 
 

Debut Dress

by Sew Honey Designs


 
Surely it wasn't July that I sewed this number?! Gosh, time flies by at an astonishing speed! Winter is nearly done here in Australia and I'm excited to sew more of these for Spring. This is the Debut Dress, pattern by Sew Honey Designs.

 
I also chose to add a big bow for embellishment and blogged about how to make your very own big bow! To read my full review on the Debut Dress, click HERE



Gretchen Cardigan

by Violette Field Threads 


 
Now, this wasn't a pattern test..... I often sew patterns that I come across and take a fancy to. The Gretchen Cardigan spoke to me..... casual, yet dressy, warm, yet feminine & fun.  

 
I made this version from a brushed fleece. It is a pattern that asks for knit fabric and while fleece may not be all that stretchy, it had enough stretch to work!

 
I did shorten the pattern a little - as my test turned out longer than I liked.... so double check your child's sizing. The length was added through the ruffles and I needed to shorten by nearly a ruffle length. This pattern suits intermediate sewers and comes with sizes 2T to 10 girls included. To purchase the pattern, do so HERE
 
 
 

Pathfinder Vest

by Big Little Patterns


 
This sew just crept into July.... it was part of a pattern test for the Pathfinder Vest, pattern by Big Little.

 
This wonderful unisex pattern will not disappoint! To read my full review, click HERE

 
 

Sparkle's Twirl Dress or Tunic

by Grammies Dolls


 
I'm now a regular tester over at Grammies Dolls headquarters, and very pleased to be so! Theresa has a knack for designing vintage inspired childrens' clothing and I can't get enough of that vintage feel!

 
Above shows the dress length of the Sparkle's twirl dress. This pattern includes sizes 1 to 12 girls.
 

This version is the tunic length and it really does remind me of dolls clothing! 
 

 
You can add the flutters to the sleeves or leave off. The dress closes with a single button at the back - although a snap or two would work instead.

 
This dress is perfect for layering, but on its own makes a wonderful breezy summer dress.

 
I really like the square cut top and the flow of this dress. Bring on Summer I say!
 
If you would like to purchase the Sparkles Twirl Dress, please visit Grammies Dolls HERE
 
 
 
 

St Tropez Swing Dress/Tunic

by Mummykins & Me

 
 
I'll try not to repeat myself, but I so enjoyed this sew! It is as beautiful inside as out..... no raw edges, beautiful French seams and binding. Best of all, this pattern comes in Mummy sizes too!

 
To read my full review on St Tropez Swing, please visit my post HERE or visit Mummykins & Me directly.
 
 
 
 
 

 
Last month, me and my daughter, nieces and sister-in-law visited an antique sewing show. While there, we were able to try out some of the antique machines!! I can truly appreciate our modern technology after trying out those pedal machines!! Although sewing way when would have kept one very fit!!

 
Childrens' sewing machines dating back to the 1920s




Coming next. . .

The socks were all Miss 2's idea!
I'm currently in the middle of a few tests, one for Grammies Dolls and I'm super excited to share a small insight into what I've been sewing this month (August.)
 
 The dress above is Dylan's dress, a dungaree style dress (pattern includes the full dungaree version too!) It is perfect for featuring a special embroidery or fabric panel..... pattern found HERE




And of course I couldn't not show you these AMAZING mary jane style shoes!! How darn adorable are they?! Perfect with Hello Kitty.... although perfect with anything in my cat obsessed daughter's opinion! 

 
In closing, its been a full July and a full August too really! I'll have more to share this week, including a re-visit into the Maillot pattern by Call Ajaire and more from some of my favourites!


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