Esther Rose & Ruffle Bum Romper - Foo Foo Thread Patterns

 

Esther Rose Dress

 

 

 

There are some designers I absolutely love, but appear untouchable. I happily buy their patterns, but don't get the honour of pattern testing, which in itself isn't an issue - well not for me, as I'm a happy consumer!

However, when Jocelyn from Foo Foo Threads mentioned she needed some extra pattern testers in certain sizes, I leapt at the chance (and nearly fell out of my chair!!! Foo Foo patterns are in my top favourite pattern list!) And lo & behold - lucky me - I'm here with Foo Foo Threads latest pattern!

So let me introduce "Esther Rose" .

 

This PDF pattern includes sizes 6mon to 8 girls. The pattern suits adventurous beginners who are familiar with buttonholes & gathering.

The front bib is an ideal location to show off special buttons

The bodice has a sewn in feature bib with ruffle - although if you wished to avoid the bib look, simply cut two front linings instead of one.

 

The back bodice is fixed with buttons & makes a great place to pop on those special feature buttons!

 

There are several options for the skirt. Full scallops & boarders, scallops, straight skirt with boarder or straight skirt.

 

I chose to sew the scallop & boarder version, which is the most involved option. It has 24 pieces total in the skirt alone, so is a time consuming feat. However, you will be rewarded with a beautiful scalloped skirt in the end!

 

The bodice is sleeveless, however it does layer well if your climate is cooling.

 

The pattern also includes instructions for an optional sash tie.

 

Add a tulle petty skirt under Esther Rose for a more full look. Like all Foo Foo patterns, this dress is special & is worth puffing out with that extra tulle!!

 

I loved this sew, but take your time or choose a simple skirt option. If you would like to find out more or purchase the pattern, please click HERE.

 

As any mother of a toddler, I struggle to get nice photos of my child!! And I just thought I'd share some "out-takes" of this session!!

 

Her brothers thought it would be hilarious if they taught her how to pull funny faces for the camera!! (I'm sure you can imagine my internal groan!)

 

 

While I'm on a Foo Foo roll (hehe - sounds tasty doesn't it?!) Let me also share my version of Foo Foo Threads ruffle romper.

 

Ruffle Bum Romper

 

 

Jocelyn has told me that this was in fact her very first pattern. I was even more curious & keen to sew it.

This romper suits confident beginners & starts at size 6mon all the way up to 6 girls!! Which is great value for a romper - often they stop at size 2 or 3T.

 

The original version has options for either a halter neck tie or front knot tie straps. I wanted to add ruffles to the straps, so chose to have the straps fix at the center back. In this instance I used snaps & made several length options so the suit could be adjusted as my daughter grew.

Another deviation I made was to have a snap crotch for easier changes/toileting. There is no messing around when toddlers need the potty!!

 

The legs are elasticated & create a wonderful bubble look with all those ruffles!!

The pattern gives free rein with the amount of ruffles you may or may not want to add. However, I prefer my ruffles overlapping, so I added some length to the suggested size.

No! I don't want my photo taken! No I don't want to walk on the other footpath! (the struggle is real!)


I also loved that this pattern is fully lined or reversible should you wish.

 

 

 

 

 

While we don't really "do" Halloween in our family (its not a big holiday here in Australia.) I couldn't resist these sugar skull skeleton cats!! Its just such a fun print & I'm always on the look out for fabulous cat prints for my little cat lady!!


If your interested in the ruffle romper pattern, please visit Foo Foo Threads HERE.

 

This little shoot was taken while we visited Kings Park Western Australia. Being spring here, there are some amazing flowers in bloom.

 

This little beauty is an Aussie classic, Desert Pea.

 

There was a vast array of Everlasting Daisys.

 

And finally, some very pretty and very iconic Kangaroo Paws (which happen to be WA's floral emblem!)

 

Foxglove & Peppercorn - Pumpkin & Bunny Patterns

 

Greetings!! Again I'm so behind on my blogging! But the sew must go on! (hehe!) This time I'd like to introduce you to the Foxglove top & Peppercorn pants/shorts - patterns by Pumpkin & Bunny.

 

 

Both of these patterns come with sizes newborn to 14 included.

 

 

 

Foxglove

 

Let me start with Foxglove, this gorgeous little top is a quick & easy sew and really suits beginners, but is a must for anyone who is sewing for summer.

 

With cross over straps, the "skirt" is pleated or gathered at the back. The bodice is lined & there are no exposed seams inside or out. I am thrilled with the seamlessness of Sparrow's patterns!

 

It is a free flowing sort of top that moves with the child. Bending down, twirling around, reaching up....... this top moves as she does.

 

It is easy to just pop Foxglove over her head & pull her arms through..... although rumour has it that it's not a "Dad" proof top! But hey...... there's not many of those out there!! Besides, at least the front & back are easy to tell apart, so in our house, that's the main thing!

 

I will be sewing many more of these beauties..... once summer decides it's actually coming!! (We had hail last week and it's halfway through SPRING!)

 

Foxglove is available HERE

 

 

Peppercorn

 

 

Peppercorn is a special pattern. This pattern produces a wonderfully professional finish & again is as beautiful inside as out.

 

This version I added a split to the shorts & threaded a ribbon through. To do this, you need to leave the bottom 3 inches of the side seams unsewn - make sure you stay-stitch so the shorts won't be prone to splitting at the seam your leaving open.

 

Stitch either side of your split using a 1/4" allowance, tapering at the top or sewing across the top (above the split.) Hem & thread through your ribbon or cord! Now your done!! I rather like the girlish touch this adds when using ribbon.

 

 

 

This is the original version and is a little more full in the front & tush areas. But the pleats are still there as is the functional pockets.

 

I used chambury for this pair, which is lightweight & suits this pattern as it avoids too much bulk.

 

"Eye spy with my little eye, something beginning with...... JELLYBEAN!"

Swan River, Perth Western Australia (our back drop today.)

 

 

 

This is my second pair of Peppercorn shorts, and this pair I made in a fabric I would describe being of denim weight but it also had a small amount of stretch.

 

As you can see, this pattern even includes instructions on how to make the most adorable back pockets! Seriously, they were the cutest little pockets I've ever made!! Like, squeal with delight cute!! Trust me!!

I paired this pair of Peppercorns with the delightful Lily jacket, which is a FREE pattern - also available from Pumpkin & Bunny

This pattern also taught me a new trick... and I have to say, while I feel I'm still learning ALL the time, there isn't much I haven't tried. So if you haven't heard of "flat felled seams" you will learn all about them with Peppercorn - a mini tutorial is included in the pattern. I felt like I'd just conducted a little bit of sewing magic sewing those seams!



 

I love the Peppercorn's flat button up front waistband. Again, my love of buttons is shining through! I just adore a feature button!!

 

As Peppercorn has an elasticated back, I found I didn't even need to undo the front buttons for dressing/undressing - although they are fully functional.

 

 

Peppercorn is not a quick sew and suits intermediate sewers, although the pattern is very well written & photographs of each step provided. It also has layered pattern pieces so even an adventurous beginner could give it a crack!

 

I've tested a few patterns now for Pumpkin & Bunny and each one has been special. Designed with a great deal of thought, not only with appearance in mind, but function, comfort and finish.

 

If you would like to find out more or purchase this pattern, Peppercorn is available here.

 

A Dress Fit for a Palace Pet Princess!! Alyss dress by Ainslee Fox Patterns

 

My daughter turned 3 just this month & she needed a dress fit for a "Palace Pet Princess!" Palace pets if you don't know, are the Disney Princess's beloved pets and my cat loving little person who shares a name with one of these princesses, can't go past an adorable pet!

 

I rather enjoy the One Thimble e-zine and noticed in Issue 7 that it had the most elegant little dress on the front page - the Alyss dress by Ainslee Fox Patterns. I knew right away, this was THE dress!

 

I managed to procure the perfect palace pet fabric, from Self Confessed Fabric Addicts (such an appropriate business name!!) I highly recommend the business to any Australian readers looking for a great fabric stockist. The pink marbled cotton came from a local haberdashery.



 

I chose tiny paw print buttons (available from Ebay) for the faux button placket. (It seemed the only logical choice!)

 

I also replaced the regular dress zip out for an invisible zip. If you choose also to do this, subtract 1/2" from the back pattern pieces along the width where the zip will go. Don't forget to adjust the lining too!

 

My daughter said the sleeves were "her butterfly wings" and we both love the sun coverage they provide. While normally this time of the year its already quite warm, this Spring, the weather has proved rather cold! So a skivvy was needed and as you can see, the dress works well with layers.

 

The Alyss dress comes with sizes 1 to 12 girls included. From sizes 5 - 12 you also have the option of making a functional front button placket & side zipper - so the older children can easily dress themselves.

 

This dress was an enjoyable sew. I love the delicate peter pan collar & flowing sleeves. The waistband gives the dress a vintage appeal & will still make a great everyday dress for my little person. I would recommend this pattern to confident sewers - especially if your inserting an invisible zip. However, the instructions are clear and filled with plenty of photos so anyone keen could attempt it! It is a dress pattern that I will certainly revisit and I look forward to sewing more Ainslee Fox patterns!

 

You can buy the One Thimble e-zine HERE

 

or the Alyss dress pattern direct HERE

 

We had a very cheeky "28" (also known as Ringneck Parrot) come and enjoy some of our left over fairy bread from the party!!

After Miss A's birthday party, I managed to stumble into a local café for coffee and was pleasantly surprised by some beautiful artwork! A local artist, Elizabeth Dumont had some of her works up for sale in this quaint little café & I was excited to see her touching but fun work.

Some information on the local artist - as found on display in the cafe

I personally loved her colours and her feminine pieces. A lot of the works had wonderful little sayings on them. I found it all rather inspirational and I can really relate, as painting is still something I hold dear myself.

 

This particular piece took my fancy! I'm sure you can see why!



 

I'm leaving you with a little look at the brand new pattern from Mummykins & Me - the Monte Carlo Maxi! Stay tuned for this one!! I'm hoping to get a mummy & daughter set done very soon!