Ellie Inspired: Spring 2014 Collection Blog Tour: Nonie's Baby

Eeeek!! It's my first time on tour... I'm a bit excited, can you tell?  For those who may not know me, I'm Kari.  I started sewing about 18 months ago and often wonder why I waited so long!  I sew mainly for my two adorable daughters, and every once in a while I sew something just for me.  I sew, I blog (not as much as I sew), and I even sell some of my custom creations.

When I got my first peek at the Spring 2014 Collection by Ellie Inspired, I had a hard time choosing!  My initial thought was: SEW. ALL. THE. PATTERNS.  But, of course, there's only so much time in the day so I made myself choose just one.  I chose Nonie's Baby -- I love the classic shape, the blank slate bodice, and the ability to adorn the seams with some pretty trim.

Paired with included bolero

Nonie's Baby is actually the baby/toddler version of Nonie's Girl, which Laura of Ellie Inspired first drafted as a special dress for the daughter of her friend, Nonie.  This is a 3-piece set which includes a sleeveless dress with a lined-bodice and features an attached pettiskirt, a fully lined bolero, and a little pair of bloomers.  The size range is Newborn - 36 Months.

Depending on your fabrics you select, this dress can be a beautiful special-occasion dress or a sweet and playful summer dress.  Because it's still in the 40's in late March here in NC (which is unheard of!!), I felt like warming things up so I made a summer dress -- it has to warm up sometime, right?!

A girl can dream, right?!

I have to be honest: this was my first Ellie Inspired pattern I've sewn.  I own a couple others, but I just never got around to making them.   Shame on me... haha.   If you are looking for a garment with a professional-finish, Ellie Inspired will not disappoint.

The measurement chart provides finished measurements with ease included.  My daughter has a TINY chest (19") for her age (3y) and often I sew 18M bodices for her.  She actually measures even with the 9M bodice, but I went ahead and used the 18M bodice.  If I weren't on a deadline, I would have sewn up a muslin first and possibly compromised with the 12M bodice.  The 18M fits, with some room to spare.  Baby girl has to grow some time, right?  Because she is the average height of a 3 year old, I matched the width of the skirt with that of the 18M size, but used the length of the 36M.

The pattern, itself, was easy to print and assemble.  Only the bolero and bloomers require piecing paper together.

This tutorial, in my opinion, closely resembles a traditional paper pattern.  The instructions are well-written and include line drawings only for key steps.  Some sewing knowledge is helpful since there are not step-by-step instructions.

The result is very professional inside and out.  This pattern has the option of whip-stitching the lining to the inside seams by hand.  Any would-be exposed seams inside are then hidden under lining!  This is only the second pattern I've sewn that has used this technique. Although my fabrics really didn't need this extra step (more for special occasion fabrics to avoid the need to topstitch), I gave it a go.  This step was not quick for me, but I imagine I'll get faster over time.   I have some gorgeous taffeta that this step would definitely be necessary.

Another technique included is the box-pleats on the skirt.  Most dresses I make have a gathered waist.  I won't lie, the pleating made my brain hurt (even with the detailed instructions) and took lots of patience.  In the end, I'm glad I didn't give up -- I love the finished look.

I love the little built-in pettiskirt peeking out!

Let's talk fabric!  Like I mentioned above, the look of this dress can change depending on the fabrics selected.  I've had this adorable daisy print since last summer and was saving it for the perfect project.  The blue matches my daughter's piercing blue eyes and pairs perfectly with red & white polka dots.  I only had enough of the daisy fabric for the skirt portion, though so I decided to pair it up with a white bodice out of Kona cotton and used my embroidery machine to add a bright red daisy.  The eyelet ribbon trim was not in my original plan.  (In fact, most of my projects evolve over time.)  But, I am so happy I stumbled across it at Hobby Lobby.

For the bolero, I decided to upcycle a bright red t-shirt.  I didn't line the sleeves and used the original hem of the tee's sleeves to serve as a casing for elastic that I decided to add.  This deviates from the pattern, but if you know me at all, I like to add my own spin when I can.  Since I made it in knit, I sized down to the 12M size.  In hindsight, the 18M would have been fine too.

The bodice is perfect for embroidery or applique

The only piece I didn't make from this pattern set is the bloomers.  My daughter practically lives in dresses as she's not a fan of pants/shorts.  I knew trying to put bloomers on underneath her dress would not work for her.  It's too bad because they are super cute!

I had so much fun my first time on "tour" and hope it won't be my last :)  A special thanks to Laura of Ellie Inspired for hosting the tour and to her assistant, Larissa for setting everything up.

In celebration of the release of her 

Spring 2014 Collection, Laura is offering a sale!  SPRINGTOUR earns you 15% off at 

the Etsy shop: Ellie Inspired

And, she has generously donated a copy of 

Nonie's Baby for a lucky reader!

After you enter the giveaway, be sure to head over to Ellie Inspired's Blog to see who's next on the tour and to check out the other patterns in her 

Spring 2014 Collection!

A couple more pictures before you go :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway