Stuff I've Been Making

 

Look, I've been busy making stuff!  These pictures are actually from last summer, spanning from late June till early September.  So without further ado.... 



 It's really rare that I make matching outfits, but this skirt by Ellie Inspired really called for a matching top.  The skirt, by the way, has built-in shorts, and it's seriously something that S wears every chance she gets.  The top was modified from Heidi & Finn's Summer Maxi Dress.  I added the butterfly applique to tie it in with the butterflies on the skirt, and used the orange plaid fabric for the bias binding on the bodice.

This one is a Blank Slate Pattern, the Sweet Pea Pajamas.  The fabric is a vintage Daisy Kingdom fabric that I got in a fabric swap. 

Another Ellie Inspired Pattern, this is the Primary Pinafore and Blouse.

 Shwin Design's Glass Onion Top is one of my favorite patterns.  Check out the back view!

 This crazy girl is modeling the Dandelion & Dungarees' Perfect Princess Peplum.  There's a women's version too that I'm dying to make.   

 Another PJ pattern, this one is Heidi & Finn's All You Need Jammies.  B wears this set every time it is not in the wash.  Made in knit, it is super-comfy and oh so cute!

And finally, Rabbit Rabbit Creations' Sweet Pea Dress.  I've had this pattern for a while now and finally had a chance to make it.  The pattern has just been re-worked and updated.

More next time!

KCW Day 4: Heidi & Finn Summer Maxi Dress

 
It's Day 4 of KCW and I finished this top based on the Heidi & Finn Summer Maxi Dress.  The blue is a knit tshirt that I upcycled.  I actually made this top to match a skirt currently in testing.  S really needs more solid knit tops.

I kept the bodice section of the pattern, but changed up the skirt portion; obviously it is much shorter, and I used the lower part of the tshirt, gathered to fit in the front only.  I added the butterfly applique to tie it in further with the skirt.

  I also changed the back to a button and loop instead of a tie closure.  I like that little bit of orange peaking out from the back placket. 

Heidi & Finn Ballon Top

I recently tested Heidi & Finn's newest pattern, the Ballon Top.  Here is a definition of the word "ballon:" the lightness and grace of movement that make a dancer appear buoyant.  Perfectly appropriate for this lovely top. 

So in a nutshell, the top is a basic tee with 3/4 or short sleeves embellished with 2 layers of chiffon (or any other type of light, floaty fabric).  The two layers of chiffon gradually lengthens in the back to form a high-low hem.

 

 I really do think this top defines the Heidi & Finn style, pretty but practical, functional and playful, simple and elegant.  The pattern includes a separate guide for the overlay fabrics and explains the different types of fabrics that can be used along with links to on-line shops.  Christine also does a great job of holding your hands through the process of sewing with chiffon. 

 

Both the knit and the chiffon are from JoAnn Fabrics.  You can read more about this pattern on the Heidi & Finn blog, along with more tester pictures.

A couple of Heidi and Finn Tops and Dresses

I'm a huge fan of Heidi & Finn and have been for a while now, ever since I made the urban hoodie when S was so little.  I had the opportunity to test a couple of their new patterns, the Tulip Top/ Dress and the Pintuck Blouse/Dress. 

This is the Tulip Dress.  It has a curved yoke, dolman sleeves, and an A-line shape.  The fabric is a sweatshirt knit that I found at Girl Charlee.  It's a thinner fleece so it works wonderfully with this style. 

Next up is the Tulip Tunic.  This one I made using two different knits, a floral and a solid.  You can definitely see the yoke detailing here.

And here's B in her Pintuck Dress made from Heather Ross Jersey Knit that I found at Lima Sews Etsy Fabric Shop. This dress has a keyhole closure in the back with a bias tie, making it perfectly suitable for both knits and wovens.  I love the clean lines of this dress and the pintucks on the neckline adds just the right touch.

And finally, here's the blouse version, again in knit, this time an interlock remnant that I found at Jo-Ann's.

Both patterns were really easy and so quick to make.  And as always, Christine, the designer of Heidi & Finn, explains things beautifully and simply. 

On a side note, look how big B is getting.

Another catch up post

I'm going to keep this post brief.  These are all tester pics spanning from fall to just before Christmas.  Above is  Peekaboo's Classic Jumper.  I loved this pattern but really should have made a size bigger.  S outgrew it within the month. 

This is B in Heidi & Finn's Slouchy Cardigan, size 3t.   The best cardi pattern there is, in my opinion.  Of course I had to make a matching one for S.

Here is Kikoi's Peter Pan Collar blouse.  I'm a big fan of their patterns.  Great fit, simple and classic styling.

This is Schwin Designs' Jude Jacket.  The wing embroidery is from Urban Threads.

The Desmond Jacket, also from Schwin.  I really do love the cut of this jacket.  The instructions for welt pockets are the best I've seen.

Ellie Inspired Urban Girl.  A classic, knit layered dress with lots of options.

 Here's another Kikoi Pattern, the Lily Ruffle Blouse.  I've had that fabric in my stash for maybe 10 years!

 And here's another reversible pinny by little kiwis closet and another chance to use my embroidery machine.

The Tilly Dress, also by Little Kiwi's Closet.  She grew out of this one fast!  Now it's in B's closet.

Goto Patterns' latest: the Belinda Dress, another fabulous pattern by the talented Andrea.

 

And one of my all time favorite patterns: the Gatsby Dress by Heidi & Finn.

 

Whew!  I think I might have missed a couple, but it's been a fun retrospective of the fall season and makes me realize how much I've accomplished! And a huge thank you to the talented designers for letting me test their wonderful patterns.

 

Some selfish sewing coming up, I promise!

 

 





Something for B and Pattern Testing

As promised, here are a couple of things that I've made for B, but never blogged about.  First up is Peek-a-boo Pattern's Skinny Jeans in size 3.  This girl is growing so fast that it is already getting a tad short on her.  These photos were taken a couple months ago when the length fit perfectly.

 

 



I embroidered bees on the back pocket.  Bees are kinda special in our house:).

 

View of the front and cute little toddler bellybutton.

 



 

That shirt is Oliver & S Sailor Top that I made for S when she was 3 ish.  I went to put it on B and it  was too short already.

Recently, I tested a pattern for Heidi & Finn.  This is the Sporty Maxi Dress, soon to be released.

Really quick sew with a great fit, slim on top with a flared hight-low hem.  B just rocks the Maxi, is all I can say.

who doesn't love gray?

This little gal, that's who.

Pattern is Heidi & Finn's Urban Unisex Hoodie found here.  I used a gray velour and a birdie print knit from joann's for the lining.

Two big red buttons from my stash.  Velour is so cuddly, soft, and comfy.

I pointed out the cute birds and and flowers in the lining,  the flowers on the big red buttons.  How soft and warm the velour felt.

She still hated the gray.  Ah well.