Monday 27 February 2017

Madison Blouse - Pattern by Mummykins & Me

 
Right, I'm super excited to share this sew with you! Not just because it's another stunning Mummykin's & Me pattern, but because I adore sewing blouses! They have just the right amount of challenge & joy ratio! The Madison blouse is no exception!
 
 
 
 
With sizes newborn to 12 girls, ladies XXS to 5XL and a dolls version available, there is a size for everyone!
 
 
 
The blouse has two sleeve length options - short and full length.

 
The Madison has the option of narrow necktie, wide necktie, collar and faux attachable bow.
 
 
You can choose to use snaps, but I always go for the button where possible......and lets face it, buttons are just that little bit classier (please don't hate me snap people!) *Zoe runs away clutching as many buttons as she can*
 
This blouse also has the option of becoming a dress - pair with a cute belt (or not) and a whole new outfit is created.
 
 
Madison comes with the flawless instructions that all Mummykins patterns are renowned for. Easy to follow, full of clear photographs of each step. Layers function for clear & easy pattern printing.

 
Another little bonus is all the super tips on how to create seamless finishes inside & out! Of course you can serge, especially if time is of an essence. However I love the flat felled and French seams that just lift the garment into that heirloom quality status.

 
I'm going to quit waffling soon......so you can go ahead and scroll, because hey.....I get it.....pictures tell a thousand words! BUT.......what goes better with the Madison blouse than the Berry Bubble Shorts?! NOTHING!! These are a match made in heaven!!
 

Narrow necktie option

 
 
So my little lady isn't really into dolls, she is an animal lover at heart and adores all her stuffed furry friends.......so when I came across Violette Field Threads cute Katie Cat pattern - which suits the 18" dolls clothing, I knew this was going to be perfect for making mini matching outfits!

 
So here is Katie & Miss A in their matching Madison blouses!!

My Katie is made from 100% cotton drill


I also like to lightly weight all my softies - for that "real" feel. Aquarium pebbles sewn up into a small bag make a great alternative to actual soft toy weights




Okay, no lies, the Berry shorts are defiantly up there in my top 5 favourite things to sew....I never get sick of sewing them!!! Fully lined, functional pockets, flat waistband......optimum place to feature some amazing buttons.........drool.........buttons....... 

 
You might be surprised, but I found the fabric for these shorts in the furnishing section of one of my local fabric shops......when it comes to garments that can handle thicker fabric, like coats, shorts, pants etc. Don't dismiss the furnishing section!! This is super soft, strong VELVET! Gosh, I love the Berry Shorts in velvet! They scream luxury and feel amazing. Do have your strong 90+ gauge needles handy, and check tensions etc as its easy to get skipped threads and snap a heap of needles when sewing 5+ layers of velvet!
 
If you'd like to read more on the Berry Shorts, please see my blog post on them HERE.

 
 
To find out more or purchase the Madison pattern - available separately (children's/women's/dolls) or as a complete package, please click HERE
 
 
That's about all from me....but if you'd like to read and see more, please visit these amazing blogs to see what the other testers have sewn using the Madison pattern! Go give em some love!!!
 
Happy sewing!!
 
- Zoe
 
 
 
 






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Gaga for Lala! - Pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs

 
Sewing, my pleasure and time waster..... last night I had another 2am bedtime....but, I'm thinking you can relate? (Or maybe not?! LOL!) Now I get 15 minutes to sit down and share with you latest pattern released by Bella Sunshine Designs.

 
Meet "Lala", she is a wonderful sew, quick, breezy and beautiful!! This PDF pattern is available in sizes 6 months to 12 years.

 
Lala comes in top or two different dress lengths (vintage & high knee.) There are two sleeve options, short (as I've sewn,) or long. Also is the option to add a neck ruffle - I did so in my top versions.

 
I must add at this point, fabric choice is key in this pattern - especially when sewing with the neck ruffle. It can look quaint or circus like depending on fabric. This version is sewn in chiffon. Chiffon is not a fabric I'd recommend beginners use, its slippery, delicate composition makes for a challenging sew. Although, if your up for it, Lala works very well in chiffon - I used French seams to finish, as chiffon is a little (or a lot sheer) and I didn't want any overlocked/serged seams exposed. 

 
To make my life easier, I used poplin for the binding (all internal.) Other fabrics that suit this pattern are: rayon, voile, lace, lightweight poplins or any other very lightweight fabrics. Cotton voile is probably the easiest option to sew in.


 
Chiffon doesn't like to be ironed - so be very careful if choosing chiffon, use a pressing cloth or scrap of cotton fabric as a buffer. Set your iron on low and go carefully!!


 
The above version of Lala was my first one, I sewed it up in rayon and it worked perfectly. Lovely drape and weight and certainly not sheer!!

 
You will also note that Lala has no buttonholes, zips, ties, snaps etc. The elasticated neckline and sleeves make dressing a breeze!!

 
I adore the billowing look the sleeves have - my favourite feature of this pattern!!

 
I've paired my Lala with the "Rose" bubble shorts - a wonderful pattern also available from Bella Sunshine Designs.

 
Also styled with Twig & Tales "Evergreen" bonnet!
 
 
 
 
This last version is the dress option - just as easy to sew, only longer.

 
I couldn't even tell you what this fabric is! I found it at our local Spotlight in the $2 clearance rack! Apparently it is 100% polyester, although it feels like cotton muslin and is as soft and light......not stiff and plastic like, which some polyester fabrics can be.

 

 
We had a summer storm this day, a cyclone bought in a cats & dogs worth of rain from up north! So a little cool, but felt more like we we're in the rainforest!

 
I won't bore you with too much commentary - because of course the best part of fashion/sewing blogs are the photos! (I get that!!)

 
We were going with a "Fluro boho"  look here (yep....made that one up!) And you'll see the dress is paired with a fabulous headband - pattern available from Mummykin's & Me.



 
Look finished off with this oh-so-cute horse-y necklace - a Christmas present from Aunty Grace - which just so happens to be a special charity item. This necklace is handcrafted by Paulie of "Little Vikings." Paulie creates beautiful items to help raise funds to support a little boy who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.
 
Please go and check out her website and support this wonderful cause - plus her necklaces are so stinkin' cute!! (More animals and colours to choose from!)
 





If you would like to see more or purchase the Lala pattern, please visit Bella Sunshine HERE
 
 
I have plenty more exciting news to share soon - including the new pattern releasing from Mummykins & Me shortly and all the links from the Alice video sew-a-long/sewing tutorials. Stay tuned!!
 
I'm also proud to announce that I will be assisting on the "Call Ajaire Designs" team! Totally excited about this!! More on this soon.....
 
Happy sewing!!
 
 
- Zoe