Wednesday 25 January 2017

Dreamy Drape Top - Pattern by Mummykins & Me

 
I'm delighted to introduce the first pattern of 2017 for Rebecca & Team of Mummykins & Me! This little number is the "Dreamy Drape Top."

 
The Dreamy Drape comes with sizes newborn to 12 girls included in the children's version. However this comfy quick sew is available in ladies too!! With mummy sizes XXS to 5XL included!! Such a HUGE size range (I might just add here, this is on my "selfish sew list", to sew up ASAP! Which means it will happen hopefully this year! LOL) Oh and this pattern is also available for 18" dolls! So dolly, princess & mum can match!
 
 
This PDF pattern is designed for knit fabric, but don't let this scare you. If you've never sewn with knit fabric before the Dreamy Drape is a great garment to start with. This version - with the diamond hem only has FOUR pieces to it! Yes that's right! You'll be mastering this sew in no time at all!
 
 
 
The Dreamy Drape has 3 sleeve options - elbow length, 3/4 sleeve & full sleeve (as shown here.) There are two hem options - diamond hem (as shown in my version) or a banded version.
 
 
With the "batwing" drape, this top flows so beautifully, plenty of room to grow & play in. In fact my daughter took the batwing thing to a new level, declaring them her "wings" and rather enjoyed "flapping" around in this top the whole time! (Photos were a whole new challenge!) 

 
Since it is so hot here in Western Australia, I chose a very lightweight cotton knit, complimented with stretch lace sleeves.

 
While I believe this style looks totally fashionista on my 3 year old, I'm excited to pull this pattern out again for her when she hits her tweens.....when mummy made isn't going to have the same appeal as it does now! And of course, all the women's versions during the testing process were so flattering, stylish & comfortable looking and I know this is going to be a huge hit in the ladies sewing circles!
 
With two options for sewing on the neckband, this pattern is a breeze to sew!



 
Sew..... I mean so, if you want to get cracking on your very own Dreamy Drape Top, please visit Mummykins & Me HERE
 
or grab a bevvy and join the Mummykin & Me convo over at sewing group HERE 
 
 

Saturday 21 January 2017

Good bye 2016! Hello 2017!

 
2017 hey?! How fast did 2016 go? It seems the older I get, the faster the years go! Particularly after having children I've found. 2016 was really a year full of sewing growth for me, pattern testing at least one pattern nearly every week. At the same time, my plans for an Etsy shop got put on hold, although I'm hoping I can realise that this year! Now before I just go ahead and blab on and on, I'll take you through some of my last sews for 2016 and show you a peek of one of my first sews for this year!
 
My niece Alice celebrated her first birthday just before Christmas and her mum (my very talented sister-in-law - see the cake below), decided she'd like an underwater theme for the party! Such a pretty idea it was too!
 
 
Of course I was delighted to make the birthday girls outfit. My sister-in-law already had an idea of what she wanted...... a ruffle romper... and who can resist a baby in a ruffle bum romper?! Not me!
 
The romper had to be, of course mermaid in likeness. To get the "real" scaled look, spandex was the way to go and since the romper is fully lined (I used a 100% quilting cotton) it was still soft and comfortable on the inside.
 
With satin straps and strap ruffles and lace overlay at the front in purple, this completed the "little mermaid" feel. 

This "oyster" was a real delicacy!
 
Amazing handmade cake by my sister-in-law
 
 
This romper pattern is by Create Kids Couture - the Jaimesyn "Ruffle Butt Baby Romper". It comes with sizes newborn to 24 months included and is an intermediate sew.  
 

 
Now this little piece is a bit special to me.... the fabric was a specially acquired piece... muslin-like cotton which is actually a re-purposed scarf.

 
What makes is special is "A", it is an Australian artist's specially designed printed fabric. And "B", that artist is also owner of my favourite café! Taylors.

 
The design is a modified one, based on Grammie's Dolls Bella's School Blouse. I chose to modify the blouse into a button down dress.


 
It was special to sew with a fabric that is so iconic to Australian flora. While I needed to cut up a scarf to sew this piece, I cherished it! 

 
 
This is a photo I took in October 2016 in Kings Parks of the actual flower from the print. The Sturt Desert Pea.
 


 
If your ever in Perth Western Australia, I can highly recommend a visit out to Taylors. The food is always amazing - made from local produce and the atmosphere genuine & homey.

 
If you would like to find out more about Jude Taylor and her works - including the print I used, please visit her page HERE.

This is as good as it gets when trying to photograph my 3 together!
 
While I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked, I did indeed sew my children's Christmas outfits! AND, they even wore them (with very minimal complaints!)
 
Shirt design by Grammies Dolls
Short design by CKC
Top design by Petite Stitchery
Bubble shorts design by Mummykins & Me

 
Oh, and I just want to share a little bit of the Christmas joy I received! This amazing collection of goodies was a beautiful surprise exchange gift package I received from my sewing secret Santa buddy! I felt so spoilt and treasure everything she made/gave! How lucky was I?

 
And this my friends is a sneaky little look at one of my first pattern tests for the year! Did I mention how much I love a good feature button? Look out for this one, it's a dozy!
 
I also have some pretty exciting news for this year in regards to the amazing pattern designer Mummykins & Me... something I've been helping work on. Ever needed a little extra help sewing up a pattern? Well.....just wait and see what Mummykins has in store!