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
39 comments on "Ellie Inspired: Spring 2014 Collection Blog Tour: Nonie's Baby"
  1. Love love love!!! The bolero is so adorable with this dress!

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  2. oh gosh....our grandaughters need this outfit....i have some super cute coordinates in 2 color variations so i can make them each one that will be the same but different! one of the fabrics has vintage trucks on it and the coord. is floral......thanks for the super cute share :)

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  3. I would use bright summery fabrics like tuti fruity.

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  4. Oh My is yours cute, I would choose a little white daisy print that I have her in my stash, Thanks for the chance

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  5. Love this pattern and your choice of fabric!

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  6. I think I'd do something with polka dots and stripes. Your version is so cute!

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  7. Adorable! i think id use polkadots and a solid that reminds me of summer :)

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  8. I'd like to make this in polka dots or the tutti frutti for my granddaughter.

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  9. I would use some fabrics from the Ballet Rose coordinates. I think they would look so cute with this pattern!

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  10. ooh I have a few fabric choices that I could use for this one possibly with some flowers and polka dots. Oh and I LOVE your eyelet ribbon!!!

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  11. I have some of the cutest paisley in summer colors. Love your blue and red.

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  12. Love, love this dress!! So cute, as is your model! :) I have been wanting to try a dress with box pleats and I love the look of this one! I have some super bright paisley print I think I would use!! Love that it has a bolero also!

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  13. I would use this great Dick and Jane print that I have!

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  14. I would use quilting cottons or eyelet!

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  15. Wow! I love your fabric selections! After seeing your photos, I think I would use a white or pastel solid for the bodice and a sweet print for the skirt. I have a lovely strawberry lawn that might work. Stunning outfit and pictures!

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  16. Think I would use my Micheal Miller Nuts for dinner fabric that I have been holding onto for awhile.

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  17. Cute dress! Would love to win this pattern!

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  18. This dress is so adorable, I love your fabric choices. I would have a difficult time choosing fabrics, however, polka dots is a must...;o}

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  19. Gorgeous classic dress pattern and your version is just adorable.

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  20. I would choose a border fabric as I haven't sewn using these types of fabrics yet and I would love to try.

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  21. Some fun Easter fabric! I <3 Ellie Inspired!!

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  22. I have Michael Miller Glitz coming that would be perfect!

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  23. So sweet! I've been wanting to try a dress with eyelet, hmm.

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  24. I love your color combination, I might try just red and white, or maybe navy, yellow, and white, or... decisions decisions. The bolero is adorable!

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  25. Kari I love your fabrics and how the red white a blue look so adorable together without looking too patriotic. (Not that it's bad to be patriotic - I just mean I don't look at the dress and think Fourth of July right away!). I would love to make this dress and I think I'd like to use a border fabric with coordinating trim. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

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  26. I think a green/yellow/white print I have would look cute for this dress.

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  27. I would choose something summery... probably Forth of July that way I can get it done nice and early and in time for the holiday!

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  28. your daughter and her dress are both absolutely gorgeous!!!

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  29. Absolutely gorgeous as always Kari! I think I would do mine in pinks and purples!

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  30. I love the dress, and you fabric choice puts it over the top!

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  31. Anything summery would be my first choice. Love your fabrics!

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  32. Perfect fabric choice for this dress.. I think the addition of the upcycled t for the bolero makes it complete!

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