Bundle UP - A Pattern Collection: You Had Me at BG

Eeek!!  Have you seen the new pattern bundle, Bundle UP, coming Saturday to Pattern Revolution - it features 11 popular designers of PDF patterns.  My first introduction to the world of PDF patterns was none other than Brownie-Goose last year with her Summer Sailor Shorts pattern.  It seemed only fitting to try out her newest pattern - the Bay Dress & Top - debuting Saturday with the start of the Bundle UP sale.

Let me tell you, it's swoon-worthy, for sure.

Love the added detail the crochet lace trim gives.

If you've never sewn a pattern from Brownie-Goose, you're in for a real treat.  Amy has a very distinct tutorial style and it will leave you in stitches (see what I did there? hehe).

Let's get to the nitty-gritty of the pattern, shall we?

I added a small grosgrain ribbon across the seamline between the bodice & skirt portion.

Before printing your pattern, I recommend a thorough measurement of your child.  My 3 yr old has a very narrow build and her chest is actually 1.5" smaller than the smallest available (18m).  Now, don't be alarmed, this is something I'm quite used to.  For fitted garments, especially, you don't want to make the mistake of sewing their RTW (ready to wear) size.  Could you imagine if I had just sewn her a 3t simply because that's what she wears in the stores?!  That's the beauty of sizing charts.  I think the fit is great, actually and didn't experience any shoulder slippage.  You can also position the buttons in the back to aid in tailoring the fit just for your child.

#swoon  -- the back!!

 Printing was quick and easy.  All of the pieces are nested with the exception of the 18m back bodice.  The skirt portions are cut following a cutting chart.  There are 3 different cutting options in the chart for each size so pay attention to which style you are creating.

Shhh.... don't tell my husband she was picking leaves off our Japanese maple.

There are so many options included in this pattern that you could make several in a row before repeating.  

Two main options:

Dress
Top

Two bodice options:

Empire

Drop waist (option on dress only)

Two skirt options:

Curved back

Straight back

Two sleeve options:

Sleeveless

Flutter sleeves

Love this top!

So what options did I choose?

• Top - I had the perfect coordinating fabric to make shorts 
• Empire bodice - This is the only bodice option for the top
• Curved back skirt - I don't think I could ever skip this choice!!
• Combination of the two choices - I decided to use my crochet lace trim as mini flutters

Couldn't resist using box pleats instead of traditional gathering.

I bet you're wondering if I changed anything!  Well.... of course I couldn't resist making it my own a bit so I opted to box pleat the skirt portion before attaching it to the bodice.  But that's all I changed, I promise.

The shorts are just fab!!

Remember the perfect coordinating fabric I said I had for shorts?  I used the Clover Shorts available at Willow & Co. and I love how the two patterns came together to make a stunning outfit.  Oh, and her cute little gold shoes?? A lucky find at Target!

OH. MY. WORD.  the buttons!!!

Get ready to break out your most swoon-worthy buttons and trim -- you won't want leave them off!

This is just one of the patterns available in the Bundle UP collection available at Pattern Revolution starting Saturday, April 26th.  There are 10 other designers and if you can believe it, there are two designers in there that I have yet to sew.  The neat thing about Bundle UP is you can build your own bundle!  Of course, the more you buy, the more you save.  Don't delay, though, because Bundle UP is only available April 26th - May 2nd!

Want a chance to win it before you can buy it?  Click HERE to enter.

And on Saturday, be sure to stop back by my blog and

follow the link below

to purchase your Bundle UP collection!

Help me earn points and click over from my blog to buy! #affiliate

Click here to visit Pattern Revolution - Bundle UP.

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

Perfectly Playful in the Everyday Playdress by Love Notions

  It's not everyday that I have the opportunity to try a brand-new designer.  I recently came across a new designer, Love Notions (creator/owner of Dunk-N-Fluff) on Facebook.  She was getting ready to send her first pattern out for testing - a cute, versatile, all-knit playdress - named the Everyday Playdress.  Unfortunately, the testing timeline didn't mesh with my schedule.   That is, until the designer contacted me.  Luckily, I had some time to spare and got to jump in at the end of the testing round.

  Now, I won't lie -- I get nervous opening the PDF of a new (or even new-to-me designer) for the first time.  I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!  

I quickly checked for a size guide and found the finished measurements listed. I chose to make the size 2 for my slim 3 yr old.  The pattern went together very easily -- at just 8 pages, there's not much taping involved. The skirt portion & binding measurements can be found in the cutting chart.

I think I spent more time going through my stash and figuring out which dress I wanted to make than I actually did sewing it!  The skirt is added in a way that is completely new to me, but I kind of like it!!  I think it made construction just a bit faster too.  Each panel (front and back) is gathered separately and sewn to the front and back bodice, respectively.  Then, the sides are sewn up from the edge of the arm down to the bottom hem.  Genius!

 I, originally, wanted to use my embroidery machine to applique something to the front bodice, but I didn't quite have the correct stabilizer and also, couldn't make up my mind.  Thus, a removable belt with applique design was born.  I'll be making a few more belts to mix things up a bit!

The neckline binding length is perfect!  I was able to get a nice, flat neck.  I actually upcycled an old summer dress for the neck binding. It's 93% cotton 7 % Lycra -- great recovery on it.

This pattern also contains a cross-over front bodice as well as a long-sleeve option.

Bottom line:  I enjoyed this pattern!  It went together very easily. I love the added touch of the clickable table of contents (which runs down the margin of each page too!) for easy navigation on my tablet.  It's a really comfortable dress which is perfect for my daughter to wear out and about, even to the playground.... once the weather cooperates, of course!

You can find the pattern on both Etsy and Craftsy.  Stay up-to-date on what's coming next in the Love Notions Pattern Group on Facebook!  I've seen the next pattern and it's SUPER cute!!

* I was not compensated in any way in exchange for this review.  I was given a complimentary copy of the pattern in exchange for testing.  All words, thoughts, and views are my own.

Candy Castle Patterns - The Soda Pop Polo - Finally Something for the Boys too!!

The Soda Pop Polo

Sizes 6m - 14 y (boys & girls)

Over the last 8 months, Candy Castle Patterns has been adding pattern after pattern to her growing pattern store.  There have been amazing dresses, sweet and playful tunics and comfy, cute bloomers - all for girls... UNTIL NOW!!  It's a happy day for all the CCP fans who also have sons - they finally have a pattern that appeals to them too!  Of course, I only have two little girls so you'll be seeing some girly versions here.

The Soda Pop Polo is a fun and versatile polo-style shirt that can be created so many ways.  There are 4 collar options: ruffled, hooded, traditional, and henley.  There are 2 sleeve lengths: short and long.  There are two pocket styles, 3 reverse appliques and the list goes on!  The main shirt part is knit, but so many of the fun add-ons can be made from your favorite wovens.

I decided, for this test, I'd make polos to match their personalities as closely as I could.  I think you'll see through pictures, that I am pretty spot-on.  My girls did help me pick out their knit - which was the first time I have let them help me.  And I think they did a great job!

First, let's start with the Ruffle Neck version.  

My 2 yr old is such a girly-girl.  She's always dancing around like a princess, her favorite toys are her dresses and fancy shoes, and often tells people in stores, "I'm so pretty" and does a little twirl for them.   Life is a song and she is definitely dancing her way through it! 

"Hello blogging world!!  Want to see me twirl?"

When my I saw this knit on Etsy at Funkalicious Fabrics, I knew it was perfect.  She has piercing blue eyes and I knew the royal blue bows would compliment those while the narrow black and white stripe knit would be the perfect contrast to her blonde hair.  Miss 2 loved it too, as I knew she would!

Close up of woven inner collar stand

I used knit for 93% of this Soda Pop Polo.  The only two places I chose to do woven were: the inside collar stand (white with black pin dots) and the royal blue reverse applique on the heart-shaped pocket.  I originally bought blue star buttons, but found these buttons in my stash that complimented the shirt so much better.

Life is more fun when you twirl your way through!

I paired the shirt with a super-frilly, all lace tutu-style skirt (thanks, Santa!) and used some of my leftover scraps to make a set of matching Licorice Bits Legwarmers (also by Candy Castle Patterns) and a super easy bow to slide onto her black headband. 

           

Licorice Bits Legwarmers

Back view

***************

Moving on to the Hooded version.

Of course, you don't have to have a ruffle-loving girly-girl to get some use out of this pattern!  My 4 year old, while she likes to occasionally indulge in her feminine side, is much more sporty.  She likes to dress more for comfort and practicality so the hooded version is definitely more her style. 

She loves the color pink though, and fell in love with this cute butterfly knit from One Red Blossom Fabrics.  It's such a bright and cheerful knit, sure to be perfect for the upcoming spring.

This version, I chose to use a bit more woven fabric than my other one.  I did the placket, both collar stands, hood lining and back inset all in woven - a mixture of solid pink and a bright yellow chevron.  I finished it off with heart shaped elbow patches, a heart applique under the hood, and bright yellow buttons.  I paired it with hot pink skinny jeans (also compliments of Santa), a bow from scraps for her hair and some sporty water shoes to complete the look.

Loves her hood!

Impromptu yoga session?

This is her Mission Impossible pose.

Back view, hood down

So there you have it! Two different Soda Pop Polos for two very different personalities.  I've only shown two versions of this pattern and there are so many more! This pattern can be dressed up or dressed down depending on fabrics, collar type, and extra details;  it's ALL up to you!

If you've never worked with a Candy Castle Pattern before, here's what to expect:

• All pattern pieces are nested and color-coded for each size.
• There is a diagram at the beginning of the tutorial to show you how to tape the pattern together.
• Measurement chart at the beginning of each pattern to ensure the best fit.
• Cutting charts for straight cuts given in both imperial (inches) and metric (centimeters) [where necessary].
• Step-by-step instructions with clear photos and lots of helpful tips.
• All patterns are thoroughly tested in each size.
• Extra support and help available in the Candy Castle Patterns Group on Facebook.

Visit Candy Castle Patterns and browse her Pattern Shop and while you're there, take a gander at the awesome European fabrics available in her Fabric Shop!  

Use the code SODAPOP at checkout to purchase the pattern for just $7.50 (through 2/6/14 11:59pm MST).... now, go get your SODA POP on!!

www.candycastlepatterns.com

The Sis Boom Jenny- Something Just for Me

Sewing Up Sis Boom:

The Jenny Dress

...and fun new series coming to Pattern Revolution

If you are anything like me, your kids always come first -- even in sewing.   I am so guilty of this!  I sew so many clothes for my two girls that I often forget about me.  One of my very first projects was a purse for myself.  After that, I was long forgotten.... LOL

That is, until I found Sis Boom Patterns -- written by the super-precise Carla H. Crim of Scientific Seamstress.   There are so many patterns available in her shop that there's no excuse NOT to sew something for yourself.  It's a great feeling when you find patterns that fit you perfectly and can't wait to wear out in public!

I first found Sis Boom patterns last summer when the Scientific Seamstress was having a Jamie/Marissa Dress Sew-A-Long.  I had just finished sewing my first Scientific Seamstress pattern (The BeBop Bishop Top and Dress) and I was thoroughly impressed with both the pattern/tutorial and the outcome of the garment.  Jeanine, the trusty assistant to Carla, talked me into sewing for myself.  How could I say no??  After I finished the Jamie, I was beyond sold.  My girls were telling me I looked like a princess and begged me to wear my dress on our errands that day.  

My 2 year old said: "How pretty you are!"

Let's talk about Jenny, shall we?

Source: Scientific Seamstress on Etsy

I don't normally post directly from the listing, but honestly, you can't sum up this dress more perfectly than that!

Side view: Side zipper - so easy!

I was lucky enough to test this pattern (prior to release) and it went through rigorous testing to ensure the best fit for everyone.   Since this is a fitted dress (with zipper!!!) and not all women are created equally, this pattern offers multiple options for fit within each size.  Let's face it, on my 5'1" frame (and I'm sure I'm being generous), I would not fit very well into something that was designed for someone with a 5'6" frame.  For example, Jenny offers 3 cutting lines for the height of the center panel which allows me to sew Petite size :)  There are also multiple cutting lines for the bust-line and hemline.  You can truly customize it to fit perfectly on you! (I highly recommend making a muslin before cutting into your expensive fabric.)

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect from Sis Boom/Scientific Seamstress Patterns:

• Generous size range
• Highly-detailed, thorough instructions with professional line drawings
• Pattern pieces are separated by size (un-nested) which means you only need to print your size!
• Easy-to-assemble pattern pieces
• Multiple sizing options within each size, making it a perfect fit for you
• Measurement charts and diagrams on how to measure correctly so you know which size you need
• Professional results 
• Help whenever you need it in the Scientific Seamstress Lab Group on Facebook

Back view

Bottom line: This pattern (and the other Scientific Seamstress/ Sis Boom patterns I've sewn) is great!    I am impressed with the professional quality of this PDF pattern as well as it's outcome.   I have a few more Sis Boom patterns just waiting for me -- I need to pencil in some time to sew just for me on my calendar!

www.sisboom.com

www.scientificseamstress.com/

Speaking of penciling in some sewing time just for myself... Pattern Revolution is getting ready to kick off a month-long series, "Sew Yourself Some Love" starting February 1st!  Be sure to stop by frequently to check out all of the projects that the talented ladies behind the blog come up with -- including me :)  I'll be guest-posting on February 11th (which also happens to be my daughter's 3rd birthday!) with a fun skirt review!

www.patternrevolution.com

Since this series is to encourage sewing just for yourself, be sure to join in the "Linky" parties and Sew Yourself Some Love! You deserve it!!

Linky Party

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*Photo compliments to my 4 year old :)  I might have a budding photographer on my hands!