Sunday 30 July 2017

A Pocket Full of Sunshine & Runaround Dress - PDF Patterns by Duchess & Hare

Pocketful of Sunshine Dress

 
 
This is the newest pattern by Duchess & Hare, the "Pocketful of Sunshine Dress". I was delighted to test this visitation of the classic sailor look.
 
 
This PDF pattern includes sizes 2 - 12, with layered printing options.

 
This pattern suits sewers of intermediate sewing level as not only does it require 4 - 6 buttonholes (snaps really won't do for this one I'm afraid!) Along with a side dress or invisible zip.


 
This dress has an optional sailor style collar (you can choose to leave it off for an alternative look.)


 
Deep front pockets to store treasures (you could also opt to leave these off - just cut two back skirts instead of one.)

Pockets are always a winner in our books!

 
This dress has traditional facings - if you have never sewn them, this is another factor to add to the intermediate skill level. I like to serge (overlock) my exposed facing edges. This dress isn't fully lined so serging is the neatest way to finish the facings (unless you want to go to the trouble of binding them, although this could create bulk.)
 
The facings are basically shaped pieces approximately 1.5" wide that fit around the armholes & collar. They are under stitched for a perfect look. Hand stitching internally is the neatest way to secure them in place. 

"Yep, that facing is seamless Mum!"

 
I prefer an invisible zip over a dress zip. Namely because I find the insertion easier (I maybe alone in this finding and a little odd! But it's the truth!) Personally I also love the finish!

Just enough twirl factor for dancing & play!
I created my Pocketful of Sunshine with the sleeveless look, although short sleeves are an alternative option.
 
 
 
Pocketful of Sunshine is a vintage length dress. Perfect for play when paired with leggings!
 
 
My dress is sewn from 100% quilters cotton and trimmed with satin ribbon.

 
This gorgeous pattern creates amazing dresses, perfect for special occasions or everyday play. All the testers created amazing examples and I LOVED each and every one!
 
 
To find out more or purchase your own copy of the Pocketful of Sunshine dress, please visit Duchess & Hare HERE.
 
 

Runaround Romper or Dress

 
 
While I'm discussing Duchess & Hare, I'm also going to share my other test sew for them! The "Runaround Romper or Dress."

 
This easy summer sew includes a number options, the biggest being the choice of sewing a dress or a romper!

 
This PDF pattern includes sizes 2 - 12 years, again, layered pattern pieces for printing ease.

 
The dress version can be paired with the separate bloomers - pattern included! These are vital if sewing the tulip skirt option (as the skirt splits right up to the bodice.) You can also opt to sew the straight skirt.

For my version I chose to sew the tulip skirt with bloomers

 
The back of the dress or romper bodice buttons up (or snaps if you prefer!)

 
The bodice has an elastic waistband to create a more fitted silhouette in the middle. 

 
Wide neckline gives good shoulder coverage.

 
My dress is sewn from 100% cotton poplin - fabric bought from Fabric Trove.

 
To find out more about the Runaround Romper/Dress, please visit Duchess & Hare.
 
To find out more on all the new releases and sales for Duchess & Hare patterns, please join the Duchess & Hare Facebook pattern group.

 
And now for something a little different! I am a real person, a real mum with a life happening!
 

Last weekend my youngest niece was baptised and I had the great honour of being a Godparent for the first time! To say I was thrilled to bits is an understatement!

 
I also had the pleasure of sewing the special girl's baptism gown!


All that hand sewing was worth it!




 
 
The amazing spread my sister-in-law organised! (We all love those amazing foodie photos!)

 
Beautiful snack spread by Just Grazing.


 
The cake tasted as amazing as it looked! Salted caramel filling......mmmmmmm....nom nom nom nom! Cake by Sweet Inspirations Perth.

 
This is my wonderful mother! Grandmother to the girl of the hour and my own children! She is the reason I can sew and a very talented lady. Not only did she sew the coat, top and scarf that she is wearing here, but she can also paint, create, knit, crochet, sing, play several musical instruments and speak several different languages. Add to this, she is also very modest about it all! I admire her, respect her and I'm proud to be her daughter. We live hours away from each other, so visits are far and few between, but each one precious! (Sorry Mum! I had to share you!)



Speaking of my Mum and lastly, to show you another side to my creating, here is a piece of artwork destined for an art show my Mum and her art group are running! It's a 5" x 9" competition, the only rule being that you create or paint your piece on a 5" x 9" board!
 
Of course I couldn't resist creating something with a sewing theme, so after some thought I decided to make a small scene inspired by Beatrix Potter's story "The Tailor of Gloucester." (I know you all know the "Tale of Peter Rabbit." This is likely a lesser known tale, but one of my childhood favourites!
 
It is a mixed medium piece, sculpted from clay, painted in acrylics and varnished. I named it "An Ode to the Tailor of Gloucester."   

Yes, that is a real needle! But if the old "Look but don't touch" rule is adhered to, no-one will be harmed!
 
 That's all from me for now! Have a fabulous week and happy sewing!
 
~ Zoe ~

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Ruthie's Picnic Dress & Jessamine's Coat - Foo Foo Threads

 
It is my pleasure to share with you one of my latest test sews! The Ruthie's Picnic dress or top by Foo Foo Threads!

 
Ruthie's is not a new Foo Foo pattern, but a revamped older one. Which now has a larger size range (3-6 months to 12 years.)

 
Not only does Ruthie's have more sizes included, but this beautiful PDF pattern now has layered pattern pieces and options to create not only dresses, but tops! Which look totally adorbs with leggings or bubble shorts!

 
Ruthie's includes optional bib applique and sash, plus the option of a layered skirt, with or without ruffles.

 
Shoulder ruffles are standard on this pattern, however, should you wish to simplify, then just use the lining pieces as linings and main.



My Ruthie top is sewn from textured poly poplin, with quilting cotton trims. Any poplin which contains some polyester is less prone to wrinkles, which is a real plus in my books! (Less ironing required!!)


 
Ruthie's Picnic dress is a great confident beginner sew. The dress does require buttonholes, however, if you prefer, you could apply snaps (but I do adore buttons.....so basically I'll use any excuse to ply some on whenever I can!)

Summer fruit make even the coolest winter days seem warmer! *Dreaming of Summer!*


The Ruthie pattern also includes optional front dress pockets, for the top, I felt like the pockets would have cluttered up the look (especially as I was sewing a smaller size.)



Since I just LOVE anything Foo Foo, I squeezed in time to sew up the dress version! (As you can see by my colour choices, I'm longing for our winter to finish!!)

Double layered skirt with ruffle

Front patch pockets - perfect for storing treasures!

 
 

Now I'm just going to leave you peruse the photos (because lets face it....it's the best part of sewing blogs!! We all just want to see the sewing!!)



 
If you would like to see more of the tester photos or to purchase the pattern, then please visit Foo Foo Threads HERE.

 
 
 

Jessamine Girls Ruffle Back Coat

 
 
Another Foo Foo sew this winter was the Jessamine Coat. Although we haven't actually had too many overly chilly days to wear this delight!

 
Jessamine comes with sizes 6-9 months to 8 years included. It is an intermediate sew, not because any one step is difficult, just because sewing fully lined coats is an involved sew.

 
The coat pattern suggested 3 - 5 buttons and I admit, 3 wasn't enough for my tastes for this size 4 coat.
 
My version is sewn from cotton drill (Spotlight product) and lined in fleece. It created a very warm combination!
 
 
I also deviated from the original pattern by adding a faux fur trim to the hood. To do this, I reduced the size of the hood, allowed for seam allowances and cut my fur twice as wide as needed, so I could simply fold it in half. The faux fur trim was then sandwiched between the hood main and lining, stitched, then turned the right way before stitching the complete hood to the coat main (before the lining is stitched to the main.)
 
P.s. Tip for sewing with faux fur......be prepared to vacuum everything around you immediately after cutting...in fact.....be prepared to vacuum yourself!
 
I also chose to bring my back ruffles closer together, so they overlapped (just a personal  preference here!)

 
I adore sewing coats and I recommend Jessamine as a first Foo Foo coat sew if your up for the task!
 
See more about the Jessamine pattern HERE.
 
 
Happy sewing and see you soon!
 
~ Zoe ~