Ellie Inspired 2014 Holiday Collection Blog Tour

Whew, is it Christmas-time already?! It seems like yesterday that I went on tour for the first time with Ellie Inspired for their Spring Collection. Time flies when you are having fun :)

Hop on the tour bus... cuteness overload ahead :)

I am here today showing off my version of Holly Days Dress & Tunic. It's such a classic design with its puffed sleeves, peter pan collar, empire waist and buttons in the back. As much as I love a peter pan collar, I omitted it on this one to show of those cherries!

Holly Days covers sizes Newborn to 36 months. My little lady has her 4th birthday right around the corner, but she's built like a rail. Don't tell her this, but I made her an 18m size and just lengthened it to match a size 3. This is just one of the many reasons why I love to sew! I can create a custom fit every single time!

I also decided to make a tunic as it's a bit more preschool friendly and she's really been into her leggings lately. She may be 3, but she thinks she's going on 13!

Eeks, I just adore the back of this! Instead of the overlap with a row of buttons, I added a fabric loop along with a super sweet cherry button that I have been saving for the perfect project.

This little button has traveled all the way from the Netherlands (thanks Rebecca!)

I thought about doing a Holiday version since, you know, this is a Holiday Blog Tour, but hey, I love cherries. No seriously, no matter what I pulled from my stash, my eyes kept going to the cherries. Miss 3 loves her Cherry Shirt. At least the colors are right for the holidays ;)

I took the suggestion in the pattern and added piping to the seamline on the bodice.

Ellie Inspired's patterns are fantastic to sew. Not only are they professional in appearance and easy to follow along, Laura (of EI) often uses techniques common in heirloom sewing. The bodice lining and sleeve bands are all whipstitched into place on the inside. While my whipstitching needs a bit of practice, I am happy I took the time to hand sew these areas. Of course, if speed is more your style, finish in the traditional method you currently use (but seriously, try it sometime!!)

Included in the pattern is also a set of bloomers, but as I mentioned above, this girl is 3 going on 13 and I knew leggings are more her style. (Need a leggings pattern? Click here for a FREE leggings pattern from Ellie Inspired.)