Catching Up: Kikoi Patterns

 

Have you heard of Kikoi Patterns?  Susan, the designer, has some really cute patterns on her etsy shop, simple and really sweet.  This particular dress is called the Red Dress. 

This is a really quick and easy sew.  The wrap can go in the front or the back of the dress.  Personally, I love it in the back.

These pictures are a couple of months old.  I miss the sunshine already.   Below is a more recent sew from the same designer. This one is a winter coat, made of wool suiting in a lovely lavender herringbone and faux fur trim on the collar and cuffs.

If you are  a visual person, you will love her patterns.  All the steps are accompanied by a picture.   

My goal this year is to transition S's wardrobe into all handmade.  I've been collecting patterns for all seasons.  So far this school year, she has worn at least one handmade item everyday. 

I'll keep you posted as the year goes on.  Happy fall sewing!

Peek a Boo Pattern's Puffy Alpine Wonderland Coat

I recently had a chance to test out Peek-a-Boo Pattern's Puffy Alpine Wonderland Coat.  Here's my version:

I used a quilted outerwear fabric for the main fabric and soft french terry for the lining.  The fur on the hood is a sparkly  trim.  All the fabrics were found at JoAnn's and came from my stash.

 

Instead of buttons or snaps, I sewed on velcro just so that she could fasten them up herself. I was afraid that the coat would constantly pop open with the velcro, but they actually work really well.  She is warm and snuggly in that coat.

Have you been to Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop?  So many cute patterns to chose from.  I have my eye on this and this.

Thank you Amy for letting me test out this great pattern. 

oliver and s school days coat

i'm finally done with the oliver and s coat! it took me awhile just because i kept making silly and careless mistakes. first off, i somehow missed cutting the placket and didn't realize this until i was almost finished with the coat. the other mistake that i made was that i cut the cords a half inch too short, and of course when i tried to button the jacket, the placket ended up looking puckered.

anyhow, here are the details. i used a double faced designer wool melton and a fun amy butler quilted weight from the midwest modern line. The wool was beautiful to work with and ironed really well, although the bulk was a bit problematic at times. the pattern did say to use a walking foot for thicker fabrics, but because i didn't have one on hand, i just used an ordinary one. it worked fine but i am definitely saving up for a walking foot.

all in all i am pretty happy with the result. the coat is just a bit too big so hopefully it will last s this winter and next. i gave it to s today and she loves it! she kept saying thank you and even gave me a kiss. so all the time and effort was worth it just for that.

Next up is a made by rae toddler backpack for one of s's little friends who is having a birthday this coming weekend. i guess i'll have to get busy...