Sansahash Summer Blog Tour 2018 + Pattern GIVE AWAY

 

Welcome to my stop on the Sansahash 2018 Summer Blog Tour! (It's winter here in Australia.....but lets just overlook that for a moment, same diff!)

 

Please make sure you scroll ALL the way to them bottom for your chance to WIN a Sansahash pattern of choice!

 

 

 Such a pleasure it is to sew and share some of Mgeni's beautiful, modern, yet very feminine patterns! Now, I have done a couple of blog tours and I'm still left wondering if I'm doing it right?! But for the most part I'm just going to bombard you with photos......as they speak a universal language. 

 

I selected to sew "Lana" as my feature. My version has subtle changes made......a hi-lo hem and a deep scoop back - yes......I will share my secrets (well, they're not really secrets....but I'll share! hehe)

 

The Lana pattern comes with sizes 6 months to 12 years included and layered pattern pieces for ease of grading and/or printing only select sizes.

 

This knit pattern includes an amazing full circle skirt for excellent twirl - and lets face it - twirl matters!  

 To make a hi-lo hem on your Lana just like I have, you will need to visit the Sansahash Blog HERE to see how it's done (I promise it is all rather easy!) 

 

My custom mermaid knit came from Fabricaholic

 The Lana pattern has a scooped back and ties just below the neck as per my version here, although I wanted to lower that backline further (I believe in sunscreen, lots and lots of sunscreen!)

 

So if you would like to emulate, please visit my earlier blog post HERE to see how this is done, the same alterations I made to the Nilah back pattern piece apply.

 

I just love how dramatic the hi-lo hem is, add pom-pom trim and you will have a very delighted 4yr old! (The original pattern has a beautiful rolled hem ruffle, I omitted this so I could add in the pom-poms.)

 

 Lana comes with 4 sleeve options, sleeveless, short puff (like mine), 3/4 length and long.

 

Lana is a quick sew, and if you're unsure about sewing with knit, then keep your friends close....and by friends I mean your iron and starch spray!!

 

Steam is your friend! Any warping or stretching, blast that infraction with a heap of steam!! You don't even need to press directly, just hold your iron just above the offending area.

 

Starch is ultra useful when it comes to making binding, it helps the binding press without curling up.

Curious about our backdrop? I know I love seeing photos of all different corners of our globe! 

 

The afternoon of our little shoot we met with friends and family at the new Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia.  

This is the current construction of a new bridge just near the stadium - apparently people will be able to scale it for a price!! (I think I'll stick to the footpath!)

Optus Stadium - in all it's birds nest-esk glory!

 

Lana is a great sew, with stunning results, so if you would like to get your copy at 40% off, please head on over to the Sansahash shop.

 

But WAIT! There's more!

 

Just quickly, another Lana hack! I sewed up this Lana romper hack using the Sansahash Lana pattern top bodice and Ellie & Mac's "Hip, Hop, Romper" for the bottom section.

Miss A and I love the results!! A comfy romper with pockets that simply pulls down for bathroom breaks (if your child is still little, they may need help with the ties.)

You'll need to apply the deep scoop hack for the this mod - so your child can easily slip the romper on and off from the neckline.

Long sleeves are included in the Lana pattern

Lastly....and the GIVE AWAY!

 

Zahara

 



 

 

Did I mention how much I love sewing Sansashash patterns? No? You can't tell?! Well, I do! And this top - from the Zahara pattern is now another favourite of ours! This one is for those who don't enjoy sewing with knit!  

 

I adore the sharp lines and the invisible zip closure, not to mention it is a fully lined garment! Perfect for casual neat wear or to sew up that special glamorous party dress! My only mod is the bias binding finish (instead of a standard hem.)

 

I will mention now, for this pattern, it is important that you measure your child well! This avoids gaping and allows for some movement without being tight. 

 

To win, to WIN!

 

Yes, yes, I know this is what you've been scrolling for!

 

For your chance to win a FREE Sansahash pattern, please use the Rafflecopter below.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUT WAIT! There's more!

 

Everyone is a winner with 40% off SITE WIDE at Sansahash until the 14th of June 2018.

 

Please sewing friends, go now and check out the other amazing Sansahash sews by the other, very talented seamstresses on the tour! 

 

PLUS!! By visiting, there are even more chances to win!! EVERY blogger is giving away 1 pattern!!That's 31 FREE patterns!! PLUS! Visit Sansahash's Instragram for more prizes!

 

A big thank you goes out to Mgeni for allowing me to share these beautiful sews with you. Thank you for stopping by and happy sewing!

 

~ Zoe ~

Sansahash Summer Blog Tour 2018!

---

5th June Yaaritg - mamadammeke - moineau & petit pois - eenmodernsprookje

 6th June moestashaandeslag - scrapskeeper - stannel - blogrevolution

 7th June molemieke - sewciallyacceptable - Ongemerkt - wilwarincoutire 

8th June lielebeesje - frl.love - flaflinko; - c'estsaar - woohoobydavina

 9th June frullemieke - gaafmachine; - pimpyourpattern - piepow - sewbel - houseoflilli - jeanjeany062

 

10th June bydagbjort - mamemimo - wilwarincoutire

 

11th June theneedleandthebelle - soulfedonthread - beletoile - choolnduck - hutsepruts

Duchess & Hare - PDF patterns Sunny Side, Heat Wave & U-Turn

 

I know, it's been a while since posts, but three children + full time university has meant sewing has taken a back seat. However, I can't help but sew! Sooooo.....please let me share with you three of the latest PDF patterns by Duchess & Hare, starting with Sunny Side and Heat Wave.

 

Sunny Side & Heat Wave 

 

 

Sunny Side is a gorgeous halter or tie back top or mini dress, with a sweet top frill/ruffle. This is the dress version with pom pom trim added. 

 

I opted for the tie back option for my 4 year old, however the halter ties are just as aesthetically pleasing and functional. I also added some beads to my ties - just for fun!

 

Like all Duchess & Hare patterns, both the Sunny Side and Heat Wave come with layered pattern pieces. These two patterns include sizes 2 to 12. 

Heat Wave shorts are the perfect accompaniment to Sunny Side and can be made with a scalloped hem or straight if you prefer or want to whip up a 5 minute quick sew pair of shorts! (They are literately that quick and easy!) Scalloped hem will take more time, but the results are so pleasing! 

Big Bow is Duchess & Hare's FREE bow pattern increased by 150%

 

 

This adorable koala fabric was the perfect choice for a top length Sunny Side.

Sunny side comes with an elasticated back and beautifully enclosed lined bodice. Heat Wave has an elasticated waistband and enclosed scallop hem (if choosing this option.)  

 

If you would like to know more about the Sunny Side and Heat Wave patterns, please click HERE.

 

 

U-Turn Dress

 

Now that winter has officially hit us here in Western Australia, I opted to sew the U-Turn in heavier fabrics, although this dress is the perfect all-rounder!

This plaid wool was a generous gift from a dear friend and I'm so pleased I used it to sew the U-Turn dress. The U-Turn pattern includes sizes 6 months to 8 and comes with layered pattern pieces. 

With a cross over back, the skirt is beautifully full, especially if you choose to make a reversible dress!! (You will need to use snaps instead of buttons for a reversible dress.)

 

I can't resist buttons, so I made non-reversible versions and love the results in medium weight fabrics. The unicorn fabric is pinwale cord.

 

This is an earlier test version and has since had length added to the vintage length.

 

 You can choose bodice/sleeve flutters, or leave them off. A hem ruffle is also an available option, plus pockets!! Boy, we do LOVE pockets!

 

Blouses paired with my versions of the U-Turn dresses are the Muttonchop (as shown above) or the Story Book blouse (in the satin, paired with the unicorn dress.)

 

To see more on the U-Turn or purchase the pattern, please visit Duchess & Hare HERE.

 

Want to see more inspiration or share your Duchess & Hare sews? Please join the Duchess & Hare Facebook pattern group HERE.

 

 

Like the bonnet? This sweet pattern is the Evergreen bonnet by Twig Tale.

 

 

Happy sewing!

 

~ Zoe ~

Mila - PDF Pattern by Sansahash

Long time no see! It's been hectic in my house since before Christmas last year! I started university this year as a mature age student – full time – registered nursing! So, sewing has had to take a back seat!

But let me start off my blogging in 2018 with the newest pattern by Sansahash, the Mila dress! 

I'll keep this short and sweet, like the dress! With a retro feel this cute dress can have a pleated or gathered skirt, can be sewn in woven or knit. Regular or v back. Sleeveless with a knee length skirt – simply remove 1” from the height of the skirt piece if you prefer a vintage length like myself. 

 

Mila includes sizes 6 months to 12 years, complete with layered pattern pieces and grading instructions should you need to select a custom fit. My little lady needs a 12 month width with a 4 height!

 

We love a comfy knit dress in our household, so I've sewn two knit versions. 

Please note that the bodice of this dress is an earlier version and the finals don't cut so far in at the armhole/chest area. 

I hadn't actually thought of doing pleats in a knit fabric so I was pleased and surprised by the result! If you have trouble pressing your knit fabric, I highly recommend a starch spray to keep those curling edges in line!

 

 

Miss A adores this dress, not just because of the comfortable fit but because of this amazing fabric! Check out this custom knit from Fabric Trove! Love it too? Visit here: support me with this aff link! (affiliate link, you pay no extra!) 

I had run out fabric for the back, so substituted with this knit lace – it meant that i needed to cut two back pieces instead of the facing. An easy hack and rather effective!

Add a broach or belt to add some extra styling pizzazz

 

This hello kitty version has an added knit rosette, please see my blog post here on how to make one!

 

I love the casual, sportiness of Mila, an everyday wear dress that your little one will reach for time and again from her wardrobe!

 

A quick highly satisfying sew that your girl will actually want to wear! Get your copy here.

 

Until next time,

~Zoe~

Taylor Trench Coat - PDF Pattern by Rebecca Page

Hi there! Yes indeed it's summer time here in Australia.......but since a large chunk of the world and most importantly Rebecca Page's part of the world is heading into winter, I'm showing you this amazing sew that I had the pleasure of testing! The "Taylor Trench."

 

This PDF pattern includes children's sizes, newborn up to 12 years, ladies sizes XXS to 5XL and an 18" doll's version! Something for everyone!

 

This trench coat pattern boasts many optional extras including:

 

2 coat lengths - standard and trench

Patch or welt pockets

Shoulder tabs

Wrist tabs

Back yoke

Front yokes

Belt & belt loops

Removable hood

Depending on which options you choose, you will need a minimum of 14 buttons. (Fortunately you don't need to put in 14 buttonholes too!)

 



 

The sewing tutorial itself is extremely detailed and photos are provided with each step for visual aid. Even a confident beginner can sew one of these trenches! Start out sewing the most basic version if you have no experience sewing coats, then work your way up from there.

 

Allow plenty of time to sew your trench coat - this is NO quick sew and should be attempted over several days (or nights as the case may be!) Despite the "epic-ness" of this sew, you will have a beautiful garment at the end, one you will be proud of sewing and love wearing (or having your child wear.)

Taylor Trench paired with Madison Blouse & Berry Bubble shorts - Rebecca Page patterns

The coat is fully lined. It also really does need to be hand sewn in some areas (yuk I know,) again, well worth the trouble, please trust me here!

 

My coat is sewn from cotton sateen and lined in quilting cotton. Sateen has a wonderful gleam to it, but is a little stretchy, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're not a confident sewer. I choose it mostly because it was in the sale bin at the fabric shop for $2 a metre! (Plus it's a medium weight fabric, which you will require as a minimum for your main fabric.)

 

I used kam snaps to attach my removable hood, you can also use buttons if preferred.

 

I decided to sew the welt pockets as truthfully I hadn't sewn a welt pocket before and I was keen to give it a go! I was pleased with the result and whilst more fiddly than a patch pocket, I found it had a nice streamline look and really added that something extra to the coat.

 

My coat is the trench length - which finished below my 4 year olds knees. The standard coat length finishes below the bottom or mid thigh (depending on your or your child's height.)

 

This is a slim fit pattern, so if you are expecting to layer clothing underneath, then choose the next size larger. The pattern as is allows for a short or long sleeve garment to be worn underneath.

 

If you would like to see more or purchase the Taylor Trench pattern, please visit the Rebecca Page website HERE.

 

To see more inspiration, or ask all those Rebecca Page sewing related questions, please join the Rebecca Page Facebook sewing group.

Meanwhile in Australia......a fly can go up one's nose at any time!

 

Despite appearances of the photos, it was actually a very warm day, muggy with rain. A horrible humid 24 hours really! So while out taking photos, Miss A and I were being bombarded with flies!! If you're not familiar with Australia, we have an excess of the little beasties!

 

We also had our Playgroup Christmas party over the weekend. Here is Miss A at the photo station, wearing Christmas tree glasses, face painted as a (I quote her here) "Rainbow Queen Cat."

 

How's your Christmas sewing or craft plans going?  

Until next time,

 

happy sewing!

 

~Zoe~