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Westport by Little Lizard King


Little Lizard King has been part of my girls' wardrobe since they were itty-bitty.  My youngest was just two years old when she started modeling my creations.  Now, she's 7 and still loves to see what the next LLK creation will be.  I am humbled to be a part of the LLK family and excited to share one of the latest patterns (stay tuned for more).  The Westport Top & Dress is a classic, collared button-down style dress with 4 different sleeves (sleeveless, flutter, puffy short, and classic long).  The skirt bottom features the arched sides like you'd find on a dress shirt.  The sizes cover 12m - 14 girls.


Even though we have entered the season of Fall, our weather hasn't gotten the memo.  It's still in the 90s everyday so I chose to sew up the sleeveless version because who knows when Fall will come. 


This dress is not super fitted in the bodice, but it was easy to put on despite the short placket.  Did I forget to mention P O C K E T S ?    Ohhhh, yeah!!!  I definitely said yes to those!


If you've never sewn a collar before, this one is simple and straighforward.  It features a both collar stand and a collar.  If blending sizes, it's recommended to leave the neckline unblended and cut for the height of the child.  This way you can be certain the collar stand will fit perfectly.  My daughter is wearing a 4 width and 6 height and a straight 6 collar.


I've sewn mine up in a Kona cotton that has been in my stash since the "Princess Sofia" days... HA!  I originally planned a fantastic gray and red plaid, but I thought that would be best suited for a long sleeved version (if it ever cools down enough for that).  I may get impatient and use it for a Napoli...lol


I've styled it fairly simply for my photoshoot -- tall boots and oversized sunglasses for some pictures and then we swapped out the glasses for a Seattle Beanie for a more urban, hipster vibe.  The Seattle takes just minutes to sew up, especially once you don't have to consult the tutorial.  


I had originally picked out a smaller print on the knit for the beanie, but I was just 2" short in width so I decided polka dots for Plan B.


P.S... this pattern is O N  S A L E for one last day so hurry to the shop to snap it up at 30% off!





{DIY} Animal Face Purses with the Cricut EasyPress 2

*** This post contains affiliate links***

Oh my gosh!!!  Last summer, I fell in love with Cricut products when I first got my Explore Air 2.   Then, I got my Maker and an EasyPress.  Today, I am so excited to share with y'all the newest product to the Cricut Family -- the EasyPress 2!


The EasyPress 2 now comes in 3(!) sizes and features a gorgeous raspberry color.  The sizes include 6x7, 9x9 and 12x10.  It's so easy to learn and like all the other Cricut products, includes a quick practice project to build your confidence!  The heat plate is ceramic-coated and boasts a dry, even heat for a perfect transfer every single time.  It will give you professional iron-on success in less than a minute!  It heats up very quickly and has precise temperature control up to 400 F.  Visit Cricut's interactive PDF to see the perfect temperature for your project!  The EasyPress 2 also comes with its own safety base with keeps your press in a protected resting position and also keeps your crafting area safe.  Last, but certainly not least (!), it has a USB port for firmware updates.

Today, I'll be sharing FOUR animal faces (because who can stop at just 1?!) to add to your favorite purse pattern.  If purses aren't your thing, these faces can be added to any project!  I will provide step-by-step pressing instructions for each animal, starting with the easiest.  (P.S. I used my favorite purse pattern -- The Pinky Promise Bag by Little Moo Designs (also featured in Issue 19 of One Thimble -- perfectly sized for my two girls!  I sewed the purses in their entirety before adding these faces)


I sewed my purses assembly-line style.  To make the process even faster, I grabbed my *new* Cricut Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Acrylic Ruler and 60mm Rotary Cutter.  These tools made cutting my materials a breeze -- especially because I could stack my materials and cut through multiple layers at once.  My favorite feature on the rotary cutter is the locking mechanism.  I was always hesitant to bring such a sharp tool into the house with two girls.  (And you won't cut your foot if you accidentally drop it on it... ask me how I know... LOL)

PANDA


Fabric: Waverly for Walmart in Black and White

Materials Needed:

Step 1:  Open the Project in Design Space

When you open the project, click customize in case you need to resize to fit your project.  Once the size is correct, click MAKE.  Prepare your mat with Black Glitter Iron-on, shiny side down.  Double check you have selected "Mirror Image".  Cut file, and weed.

Step 2:  Using your EasyPress 2

Press ON and select temperature.  (To determine the correct temperature and time for your project, CLICK HERE).  Place your project on the Easy Press Mat, flat.  Once the EasyPress 2 is heated and pressing time is selected, preheat your fabric for 5 seconds.  Place PANDA FACE in place with shiny side up.  


Place Cricut Iron-on Protective Sheet on top and press START to begin the timer.  Apply heat + gentle pressure using your EasyPress 2. Flip project over and press for an additional 15 seconds.  Peel (hot or cold) according to iron-on instructions.

*Note:  This photograph was taken while the timer was counting down!

FOX


Fabric: Cricut Designer Fabric, Sweet Prairie Sampler (Main Mint and Night Sky Gray) and Waverly for Walmart (White)


Materials Needed:

  • EasyPress2 (6x7)
  • EasyPress Mat (8x10)
  • Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2
  • FOX FACE FOR PURSE in Design Space
  • Black Glitter Iron-on
  • Iron-on Protection Sheet (optional, but recommended)
  • Number of Layers: 1
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Step 1:  Open the Project in Design Space

When you open the project, click customize in case you need to resize to fit your project.  Once the size is correct, click MAKE.  Prepare your mat with Black Glitter Iron-on, shiny side down.  Double check you have selected "Mirror Image".  Cut file, and weed.

Step 2:  Using your EasyPress 2

Press ON and select temperature.  (To determine the correct temperature and time for your project, CLICK HERE).  Place your project on the Easy Press Mat, flat.  Once the EasyPress 2 is heated and pressing time is selected, preheat your fabric for 5 seconds.  Place FOX FACE in place with shiny side up.  



Place Cricut Iron-on Protective Sheet on top and press START to begin the timer.  Apply heat + gentle pressure using your EasyPress 2. Flip project over and press for an additional 15 seconds.  Peel (hot or cold) according to iron-on instructions.

*Note:  This photograph was taken while the timer was counting down!
*** To add the contrasting fabric, do these steps PRIOR to sewing the pattern: fold your pattern piece in half.  Starting 5/8" from the middle fold at the bottom, cut a curve to mimic half of a fox face.  Unfold, if you're happy with your new piece, cut from fabric.  Place wrong side up and press a 1/4" hem along the curved edges only.  Pin in place on your main fabric and topstitch along the folded, curved edges. Proceed with pattern.




KITTY


Fabric: Cricut Designer Fabric, Creative Rockstar Sampler (Gray Mini Hashtag) and Waverly for Walmart (White)


Materials Needed:

Step 1:  Open the Project in Design Space

When you open the project, click customize in case you need to resize to fit your project.  Once the size is correct, click MAKE.  Prepare your mats with Black Glitter Iron-on and Pink Blush Iron-on Lite, shiny side down.  Double check you have selected "Mirror Image".  Cut file, and weed.

Step 2:  Using your EasyPress 2

Press ON and select temperature.  (To determine the correct temperature and time for your project, CLICK HERE).  Place your project on the Easy Press Mat, flat.  Once the EasyPress 2 is heated and pressing time is selected, preheat your fabric for 5 seconds.  Place both layers of  the KITTY FACE in place with shiny side up, with the glitter being the top layer.  (DO NOT PRESS YET).  Once you've determine placement, remove the Black Glitter Layer (top layer)



Place Cricut Iron-on Protective Sheet on top of the Pink layer only and press START to begin the timer.  Apply heat + gentle pressure using your EasyPress 2. Flip project over and press for an additional 15 seconds.  Peel (hot or cold) according to iron-on instructions.  

*Note:  This photograph was taken while the timer was counting down!




UNICORN

Fabric: Cricut Designer Fabric, Blue Carolina Sampler (Navy Main) and Waverly for Walmart (White)

Materials Needed:

Step 1:  Open the Project in Design Space

When you open the project, click customize in case you need to resize to fit your project.  Once the size is correct, click MAKE.  Prepare your mats with all 6 colors, shiny side down.  Double check you have selected "Mirror Image".  When switching between cutting materials, be certain to edit on screen before cutting an alternate material.  Cut file, and weed.

Step 2:  Using your EasyPress 2

Press ON and select temperature.  (To determine the correct temperature and time for your project, CLICK HERE).  Place your project on the Easy Press Mat, flat.  Once the EasyPress 2 is heated and pressing time is selected, preheat your fabric for 5 seconds.  Place all layers of the UNICORN FACE in place with shiny side up.  (DO NOT PRESS YET).  Once you've determine placement, remove all but the bottom layer (Horn)



Place Cricut Iron-on Protective Sheet on top of the Pink layer only and press START to begin the timer.  Apply heat + gentle pressure using your EasyPress 2. Flip project over and press for an additional 15 seconds.  Peel (hot or cold) according to iron-on instructions.  

*Note:  This photograph was taken while the timer was counting down!


Repeat process for the remaining 5 layers. Build layer by later, beginning with the flowers*.
Not all layers pictured.

  (NOTE:  Glitter must be the top layer)

Foil Iron-on is cold peel.  Allow item to cool first.

After you have pressed all 5 layers of the unicorn horn, place eyes and repeat process.



That's it!!! Now you can create your own animal cuteness!  I plan on putting these on some shirts for my girls too!  What I love about Cricut is they really stand behind their product and create with intention.  The EasyPress 2 is no exception to this philosophy.  They have the StrongBond Guarantee on many of their iron-on materials.  Everyday, SportFlex and Glitter Iron on are designed to outlast 50+ wash and dry cycles when used and applied as directed!!  Be sure to look for the StrongBond Guarantee!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

{Little Lizard King} Napoli & Sorrento


I have died and gone to fashionista heaven.

As I enter my 6th year of sewing, I could not have imagined at the beginning that one day, I'd be sewing such trendy, fashionable pieces.  As my girls creep towards the tween years, my sewing style evolves right along side their changing fashion styles.  Gone are the ruffles and flutters and in their places are sleek lines and slim silhouettes.

Little Lizard King has created an Italian-inspired collection that captures exactly that.  Meet Napoli and Sorrento. These patterns are drafted for sizes 12m - girls 14.

*Warning: This post contains an obscene amount of pictures.*


Napoli is a babydoll style button-down top or dress with short, 3/4 or long sleeves.  You have your choice of a soft v-neckline or rounded.


The sleeves are sewn with French seams too so you can roll up the cuffs if you fancy.


I used a lightweight woven found in the clearance section of Walmart's fabric section.  I honestly don't even know what the exact material it is.  HA!  It was 50-cents per yard and it leapt into my cart.


Here's a closer view of the neckline and bodice length.  The babydoll bodice ends just under the top button.  The front placket is lined with buttons.  Luckily my Singer Quantum Stylist sews buttonholes like a boss!  (Pssst.... you can also use snaps if making buttonholes causes you to want to harm your machine.)



Sorrento is a feminine v-neck dress with an elastic waist.  Your choice of skirt includes circle, gathered or maxi.  The pattern also contains an optional hem ruffle.  I made a simple gathered skirt.


Sorrento also features a pull on style -- no closures!


If you're thinking the fabric looks familiar, you are absolutely right!  I bought both the navy and white colorway of this fabric.


The elastic is threaded through a casing at the waist so the inside is just as need as the outside!


In case you are wondering how to style it as you head into Fall, a jean jacket is a great accessory.  Of course the Tacoma Cardigan by Little Lizard King is also a great choice 😉


While driving to our photo location, I told my girls I wanted them to pretend they were fashionistas shopping in Italy.  As soon as I said Italy, my oldest squealed.... she thought I was really taking them to Italy. LOL


Each girl picked their own style of dress which perfectly suit their personalities.  Although after seeing my oldest's sewn up, my youngest didn't realize how much she'd love it!  Now I owe her a Sorrento ... HA!


The back of Sorrento gets me every time!!  Swoon!!


No shopping trip is complete without a few selfies!!  Bonus -- this picture has been recreated by the talented Elise and turned into a coloring sheet!  How cool is that?!  My girls couldn't believe it when I handed the coloring sheets to them with THEIR picture on it!  Find it here (FREE)!


Friends don't let friends miss out on new releases... pick up the phone and call them so they don't miss out!


Happy sewing 💗

Napoli & Sorrento BUNDLE

Napoli

Sorrento

Color Me Napoli & Sorrento Coloring Sheet



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