Sunday 5 November 2017

Take a Bow, Cape Winslet, Santorini & more + Birthdays, Bows & Big News!

 
Welcome friend! It's nearly Summer here in Australia and I'm excited! (Winter has been dragging on!)
 
Firstly let me talk about two of the latest pattern tests I had a pleasure being a part of (for Duchess & Hare,) then onto some other recent sews, plus I have some exciting personal news!
 

Take a Bow & Cape Winslet


 
Take a Bow is a PDF dress pattern for sizes 6 month to 12 years (approximately.) 


Designed for special occasions and with medium weight fabrics in mind, Take a Bow is the perfect festive dress. As you can see, I used cotton instead. I couldn't find any lovely medium weight fabric that wouldn't look like she might be wearing a curtain! (Apologies Bernadette!)
 
Although, as you can see, even in cotton, this dress is tea party worthy and will make for the perfect dress to wear to her Uncle's wedding mid summer!  




With an optional large tie-at-the-back bow, it takes this dress from casual to formal. The bodice has optional princess seams - which I chose to add piping to (an easy modification.)

In the hem is 2" horsehair braid, something I had never used before and was very excited to try! I did find it difficult to source and I would recommend ordering online in advance. The horsehair braid is optional, although it really makes for a stunning hem line if used!




 
Take a Bow has two skirt options, double or single circle skirt. This dress is fully lined and has a side dress (or invisible) zip for dressing ease.


 
 
For the perfect pairing, sew up the "Cape Winslet."
 

Cape Winslet is a gorgeous, quick sew and is the perfect accompaniment to the Take a Bow dress, but really to any dress for that matter! For us, Cape Winslet (and hey, isn't the name of this pattern AWESOME?!) Was all about keeping the sun off her shoulders, but many testers sewed her up in faux fur and they all looked stunning in the fur!  

My Cape Winslet is sewn in satin & coral fleece

 
Cape Winslet comes with sizes XS to L (for sizes 6 months to 12 years approximately.)


Cape Winslet is an excellent beginner sew and the hardest step you may find is putting a buttonhole into special occasion fabric. My top tip is to use some freezer (or baking) paper.

 
The bows in Miss A's hair and on the front of her dress are the FREE bow pattern from Duchess & Hare. Go get your copy now!! (It's a bargain!)


 
To find out more or get your own copy of Take a Bow and Cape Winslet, please visit the Duchess & Hare website.
 
To see more inspiration, join the Duchess and Hare Facebook group.
 
 
 

Santorini Sunsuit by Little Luxe Pattern Co

 
 
To celebrate our warmer weather, I decided to sew up a pattern I have had for some months, the "Santorini" sunsuit.
 
Little Luxe patterns are new to me and this is one I've purchased so have no qualms about being upfront about. My views are my own and reflect my own experience.

 
The Santorini comes with sizes 18 months to 10 years included.
 
The pattern has a few variations on how to tie your back straps, but aside from that, this pattern is for a romper or shorts only. I had heard rumours of a dress hack, but I haven't tested this out myself yet.  

 
Things I like about this pattern:
  • Trendy looking back and front
  • Great summer wear
  • Shorts option
  • Looks fabulous on if you don't mind the exposed back and front (much like swimwear.)
 
 
 
Things I dislike about this pattern:
  • Tutorial is not detailed and I wouldn't recommend this pattern to a beginner
  • No option for crotch snaps (kind of important for those toilet training or in nappies still.)
  • Is tricky getting on and off for toilet breaks - I needed to help and the easiest way is to untie the FRONT ties!
  • I found despite measuring my child well, the back elastic was a little large (easy to fix, but just saying!)
  • You need to make your own bias binding (or is recommended.) I just found this tedious - but maybe a personal thing!
 

After all this, I was still happy with the end result. I really love the look and I will make another one or two for her for summer. However, I was disappointed with the tutorial. (I know, I'm spoilt for choice....but so are you! And we vote with our dollars!)

Pineapple sunnies from Cotton On
 

Birthdays & Big News

 
 
I didn't get to post about Miss A's birthday! So here I am, making amends! Our littlest child turned 4 and next year she will be off to school! (No more babies at home. *sob*)


A Frozen(or Elsa) themed birthday party was requested, so the perfect dress for the occasion was called for. This is my modified "Alice" by the Handmaiden's Cottage.

 
I enjoy cooking, although cake decorating isn't a strength of mine, but none the less, I try! This is a homemade ice-cream cake with "ice candy" shards.

 
Happy 4th Birthday my princess!
 
 

Hop, Skip Jumper by Handmaiden's Cottage



While we are on the Handmaiden's cottage mention, here is the latest pattern from them, the "Hop, Skip Jumper."

 
This gorgeous beginner sew includes sizes 6 months to 8 years, plus 18" doll pattern! (Sadly we don't have this size doll readily available in Australia!)

 
This dress features easy knot-tie shoulder straps and sweet front patch pockets.

 
I tied my version quite high up, but this dress sits just above the knee if tied as directed in the pattern. This dress has been a hot favourite of mine (and Miss A's) since she broke her arm. To get on, you just need to step in and pull it up, then tie! No awkward manoeuvring into armholes!  

 
To see more on the Hop, Skip Jumper pattern, please visit the Handmaiden's Cottage.
 
Or to see more inspiration, please join the Facebook group.
 

Other news. . . .

 
Me with my very special birthday gifts from my parents and brother

So this is me. As I mentioned afore, Miss A is off to school next year and I too need to fill my time (sadly with more than just sewing!) 

You won't know this most likely, but my oldest child was born with a serious, life-threatening chronic illness. This was 9 years ago and it really changed my world. Not in the normal way a new baby changes our lives, but in a heartbreaking, life altering way.

We didn't know whether he would survive in those early weeks and we needed to let go of what we thought might be the life and future for us and our son. Life was going to be different forever. Not bad, just different.

We have regular specialist appointments every year and Mr I's life is very medicalized and carefully monitored 24/7.

Having a child with high medical needs changes you, it makes you stronger, more thankful, more alert! But for me, it changed the direction of where I wanted my career to go. I wanted to pay it forward. All the staff we encountered at the Children's Hospital inspired me, gave me the drive to become a nurse.

So next year when my last child is off to school, I too will be off to school! I start my registered nursing degree full time in February! It was a proud moment to receive the offer from my first choice university.

This will mean less sewing sadly! However I will do my best each month to post a sew and I certainly won't be giving up sewing completely.....but it will have to take the back seat! I know you understand! *wink wink*


 
 
P.s. I also turned 30 recently........ this was my special cake! Isn't it amazing?! (No. . . . . I did NOT make it! lol!)
 
 
Happy sewing! Until next time. . . .
 
~Zoe~
 
 
 
 
 
 


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