Friday 9 December 2016

Sewing in the Silly Season!

 
My word, the lead up to Christmas has just shrunk at an alarming rate! Its only just over 2 weeks until the "fat man in the red suit" arrives!
 
Of course my sewing hasn't slowed, in fact I could just about say in the last 3 weeks, I've sewn an item of clothing nearly every night! BUT, I must get on with the blogging and show you some of the pattern tests I've completed!
 
 
First up is the Anneliese dress by MCM Studio Designs.
 
 
 
This sweet dress comes with sizes 2 - 10 girls included and would suit intermediate sewers.

 
The biggest challenge is the invisible zip, although options for a regular zip are given too. I personally prefer invisible zips, for me at least, they are easier to insert and just give a beautiful finish.

 
The Anneliese reminds me of something Maid Marion from Robin Hood might have worn. I love the whimsy of the ribbon lace-up feature. Although at knee length, the dress is also highly functional. Ribbon lace up not your thing? There is an alternate feature tab and button option - which is also very charming!

 
The dress has long & short sleeve options - which means the dress can be made to suit different seasons - a real bonus! I made my sleeves from cotton lace as it is warming up here in Western Australia!
 
Several of the testers made Christmas versions of the Anneliese, they turned out delightful! I can also see this dress adapted to make some gorgeous Disney Princess themed dresses! Watch this space..... I will be doing some!
 
If you would like to find out more about MCM Designs or purchase the Anneliese pattern, please click HERE.
 
 
 

Reindeer Animazing



 
No, no, this was not a test and it isn't a new pattern for Little Lizard King either. However, it is a pattern I revisit again and again, mostly because I have an animal loving little girl!


 
I found this fun Christmas print in Spotlight (Australia's main fabric & habby supply store.) With its pastel green background, it was perfect for creating a green & pink reindeer! Christmas doesn't have to be all red, white & green!



I chose to finish the back of my Animazing skirt using the alternative option from the Timeless Treasures skirt - also a Little Lizard King Pattern. It allowed me to feature a lace zipper.
Pintuck blouse pattern by Winter Wear Designs
 
My daughter was thrilled with her skirt and if you have an animal lover to sew for, this would be a huge hit!
 
To find out more on Little Lizard King, please click HERE
 
 
 
 

Allison Dress/Top - FooFoo Threads

 
 
 
Another non test sew, but hey, often these are my absolute favourite sews because I get to add my own mods and go wild with fabric choices & embellishments!
 
 

 
The Allison pattern comes with sizes 6mon - 8 years included. Like most FooFoo patterns, there are only very minimal printed pieces required - which for me, is ideal! I added elastic to my top back bodice row, as the shirring will often leave that top layer wavy & unfitted.

Bubble shorts pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs
 
I LOVE the dramatic look of the Allison, layers and with a halter tie, it just makes my sewing soul sing!
 
 
Find out more on FooFoo Threads HERE
 
 
 

Carl's Shirt & Aaron's Slacks - Grammies Dolls


 
So occasionally I sew for my boys - my oldest really doesn't love "handmade", so it makes sewing for him pretty dismal! However my younger boy, has rather enjoyed being my test model! And Grammies Dolls has released three boys patterns recently and each he has absolutely loved!

 
The shirt is nearly collar-less, save for its little upstanding binding type collar. While it reminds me of a vicars collar in a way, with the right fabric, it looks very stylish.....not that priests can't be stylish - but that's a whole nother topic! hehe

 
Carl's shirt comes with long and short sleeve options and features a back pleat & yoke. You could venture out and use a contrast fabric for the yoke - which I indend to do with my boys Christmas versions of this shirt. (Yes, likely my oldest will wear the shirt for a whole of 5 minutes for photos and to the Christmas service...then bets are off.) Mr F on the other hand had to wear this shirt every day for the first week he had it! He loves it! (So do I!)
 
 

 
Aaron's slacks are a nifty sew, but be prepared, there is a functioning fly to insert and my first one did lack the finish I hoped for! So take your time!! Aaron's also has front and optional back pockets and can be sewn as shorts or pants.
 
Both patterns come in sizes 1 - 10 boys. If you would like to purchase these patterns, please click HERE.
 
 

Emily Dress - Ellie and Mac


 
New to me designer Ellie & Mac Designs has just released this sweet little sew! The Emily dress! With sizes 6 months to 12 years included, this is a great staple!
 
It would make an ideal first sew for anyone new to knits. The bodice must be made from knit fabric, however the skirt can be done in either knit or woven.

 
With long, 3/4, short & sleeveless options, this makes a great all year round dress.  

FMA pattern by StitchArt


You could add embroidery or applique to the bodice but the pattern also includes a removable sash option. The skirt is comprised of three layers, which you could chop and change with different fabrics - a great scrap buster!


 
This is a purely fun, functional dress in my books, although some other testers really created some show stoppers! I love the simplicity of it!
 
To purchase the pattern, please visit Ellie & Mac HERE.
 
 



Rippled Pearl & Fable headband - The Wolf & The Tree


A little friend we found at the café that day!
 
Yet another designer who I had seen around and was curious about and now lucky enough to test for! The Rippled Pearl is a great basic shirt or dress with a number of sleeve options - long, 3/4 and short - as I've sewn. It also includes options for sleeve accents - which just lift the garment even more and are really effective.

 
I love the boat neck like neck line (say that 10 times fast eh?! lol.) - which makes dressing toddlers very easy! If you choose a soft flowing knit, the neckline also ripples beautifully. I didn't get that look with this stiff metallic T-shirt fabric sadly!

 
This sew is a super quick one!! Need a shirt? All dirty! Don't freak out! Just quickly sew up a Rippled Pearl!! You could do the whole garment from print to hem in around 20 minutes! The pattern includes sizes 12 months to 14 years.
 
Lets not forget the Fable Headband! This headband includes a number of animal ear options, including cat, fox, bear, mouse etc - but can also have ear muffs added! There are two earmuff shapes, round & elf/troll. Not in love with animal ears? It also includes the flower template to make "Poppy's" (the troll) headband! Also a quick and easy sew! Not to mention SUPER FUN!
 
 

Bubble shorts pattern by Mummykins and Me

If you would like to learn more or purchase the patterns, please do so HERE.

 

Sansa Flare Leggings - Bella Sunshine Designs

 
I'm lucky enough to call myself a regular tester now for BSD - Bella Sunshine Designs. I love the beauty and function of the BSD style. This is the first pattern by Mgeni - the co-owner of Bella Sunshine designs.
 
 

 
The Sansa Flares come with sizes 6mon to 12 years included and with just two pattern pieces - if you choose the elastic band, its a super quick and easy sew!

Violet Flounce top - pattern by BSD


 
While this pattern must be sewn in knit, it proves a very easy sew! I made this pair in lycra! I would recommended this pattern to beginners, or anyone looking for a quick & dramatic sew!
 
To purchase the pattern, please click HERE.
 
 

TeaTime Romper - Mummykins & Me


 
So I've been saving up the most exciting and delightful news........ not long ago the owner and designer of Mummykins & Me - Rebecca - invited me to help out as part of her already experienced and fantastic group of women that consist of her team! I was thrilled at the opportunity and of course accepted at once!!

 
Rebecca has been working hard at rebranding her website and the Mummykin's image and needed a group of willing sewers to sew up her designs in the new colour scheme.

 
I was asked to sew the Teatime Romper - a garment which I hadn't sewn before, but was looking forward to!

 
This romper comes in sizes newborn to 12 and suits beginner sewers. While I made mine in a woven fabric, it also suits knits. Long or short leg options, elasticated or not, crotch snaps or none - this is a versatile romper that suits its large size range. 

 
I hope that you will come over and visit the new Mummykins & Me website and take a look around! I think you love it as much as all us fans do!
 
 
 

Charlotte top - Bella Sunshine Designs

 
 
This is a pattern that I couldn't test at the time, but I knew I needed it as soon as I saw it! The Charlotte can be a dress or a top.
 

 
With sizes 6mon to 12 included, this beautiful design will make you a show stopping garment! I just adore the back cut-out. A perfect place to feature buttons - and I do love a good button!! 

 
The pattern also has the option of adding piping around the bodice - and who can resist piping?!

 
Paired with a smashing pair of bubble shorts - these are the Mummykins and Me Berry bubble shorts - Charlotte looks extra adorable! 

My cheeky cherub!


Abrams Quilted Vest - Grammies Dolls



 
Another smashing boys pattern by Grammies Dolls! Technically you could use this for girls too - however I would certainly sew these for my boys. 

 
With sizes 1 to 10 included, this sew would suit an advanced beginner, confident with using binding and inserting zippers.

 
The quilting element of the vest is very straight forward and everything is well marked out and clear instructions given.

 
While it is heating up here in Australia - I know I will be sewing more of these in 6 months time!
 
If you would like to purchase Abram's Vest pattern, do so HERE.
 
 

Paris Party Dress - Mummykins & Me


 
Last but not least, I would like to introduce the Paris Party dress! Another stunning design from Mummykins & Me!

 
With sizes newborn to 5XL women, this pattern looks great on young & old....er

StitchArt Reindeer FMA pattern available here


The standard pattern includes two waistbands - high waisted (as I've chosen) or standard. The standard waistband is a better choice if you or your child has a short torso, as the skirt can look dress like if it sits too high. The top has two lengths, standard, and crop, along with long or short sleeve options.


 
The skirt has beautiful pleats all the way around and does up via a back zip. However, if you purchase the add-on pack it provides the option of the elasticated back - which I feel is essential to the littler ones who are growing quickly and are very active.

 
The skirt comes with pockets, should you choose. The add-on pack also provides instructions on how to add a tulle underskirt! Just to add that extra puff factor!

 
The standard pattern provides two options for the neckline, scooped and boat neck - I chose the boat neck. While the finish is amazing on the original pattern neckline, the add-on provides instructions on how to install a basic neckband - which is just quicker and at times more convenient. I also chose the cap sleeves for the shirt - which I believe adds a little extra whimsy!


 The standard pattern is AMAZING, although I highly recommend purchasing the add-on pack - filled not just with the options I chose, but how to turn your ensemble into a dress!
 
In all her kindness, Rebecca has decided that the Paris Party Dress is to be a FREE pattern to her Facebook fans!
 
So please come and join us over at the Facebook Group!