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


No comments:

Post a Comment