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.

The Aster Cardigan: Willow & Co. Glamping Collection

I'm sure you've heard by now of Willow & Co and their soon-to-be-released spring collection of patterns.  If not, you should definitely check out their blog.  So today I get to tell you about the Aster Cardigan, designed by Vanessa of lgb studios.  I've been following Vanessa's blog for quite a while and was so excited to see this little cardi coming out as a pattern.

It's such a simple and elegant design and is sure to become a staple in any little girl's wardrobe.    I can see myself making many more in the years to come.

Are you excited yet?  I sure am.  The whole collection is making its debut in one week.  Let the countdown begin.

Willow & Co. Fawn Lily Tunic by Rock the Stitch

I'm super excited to share with you my tester version of the Fawn Lily Tunic and Dress pattern, coming soon from the Willow and Company Spring Collection.  This pattern is designed by Rebecca Holmes of Rock the Stitch. 

I love everything about this pattern, the construction, the style, the various included options; it is just such a unique look that you can't find anywhere else.  And for a first pattern, Rebecca really knows her stuff.  Everything fits together so perfectly and explained so clearly.

The Wanderlust Collection's release date is April 22nd. 

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.

The Birthday Dress: Violette Field Threads Maggie

 

 

Sometimes I apply for pattern testing calls not really thinking that I will be able to make the cut.  Especially when its a pattern maker like Violette Field Threads, who are extremely popular with a huge following.  So when I got the email right around Christmas, I was pleasantly surprised and even happier when I opened the file and found the dress that I was to make. 

 



This is the Maggie Dress.  It has a high-low hem, split sleeves, a contrast belt, and unique shoulder detailing.  It can be made in woven or knit; I chose to make it in this super-soft floral jersey from Girl Charlee. 

I love the flowy-ness of this dress and I think it works beautifully in knit.  As with all VFT patterns, the instructions are clear and concise, and they break it down for you so that even beginners can follow along easily.

And oh yeah, they have the women's version of the Maggie Dress too.