Catching Up and lots of Pattern Testing

As per usual, I've been sewing up a storm but not blogging!  So I thought I would catch you all up on my latest projects.  I've been doing a lot of pattern tests lately.  It's fun, gives me a goal and a deadline, apparently things I need to stay motivated, plus I'm helping out fellow sewists and designers.  So here are some highlights!

Amelie Clothing (formerly Kikoi Patterns) Reversible Vest

 

 Shwin Designs Every Little Thing Dress

 

Rabbit Rabbit Creations Harem Pants 

Amelie Clothing Blue Blouse

 

Another Amelie Clothing Reversible A-line Dress

Heidi & Finn Coco Jacket

 

Stitchwerx Lane Raglan Tunic and Essential Leggings

Shwin Lucille Top

 

Ellie Inspired Butterfly Dreams

 

Shwin Designs Martha Bubble Dress

Peekaboo Patterns Lily Knit Blazer

 

 

Ok, that's enough for today.  I have so much more to show you but now I have to go peruse the Black Friday deals.  Most of these pattern shops are having spectacular sales today and this weekend.  Go check them out! 

First Days of School

It's been a big week for our family.  Both girls started new schools:  B in preschool and S in Kindergarten.    And of course I had to make them something new for that first day of school.

 

 First up is B.  After waiting for two years, she was incredibly happy and excited that it was finally her turn to go to preschool.   The dress that she is wearing is from a pattern by Dandelions n' Dungarees, the Classic Ruffle Dress in size 3t.  I had the pleasure of testing this sweet pattern.  I love how the ruffles frame her face and the gigantic bow in the front.  I wanted to keep the vintage feel of this pattern and opted for the red calico print and the white on white trim.    We jazzed it up though, by going with the diamond buttons.  She looks like a doll in this outfit, don't you think?   

 

My busy little B settled right in and got to work straight away.  Honestly, everything with her is so much easier.  Maybe it's a second child thing?

 

I actually made S's First Day of School dress in July,   She is wearing Peek-a-boo Patternshop's Jackie Dress.  I left off the piping detail on the collar and went with a pre-pleated fabric.  The houndstooth is a quilting cotton weight by Riley Blake.  I found it in my sister's online etsy shop, LiMa Sews. 

 

 

 

The hem of the dress hit her right above the knees in July when I made this dress.  She must have grown a couple of inches since then. 

I made B the same dress in a different colorway.  I did have the forethought to make this in a 4t, so now it fits her perfectly.

 

 

They both came home tired, but excited about school.  Hoping your first days were successes too! 

 

 

Pattern Testing: The Classic Chinos

I really do prefer classic, clean and simple clothes on kids, and Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop's Classic Chinos fit the bill.    I tested the pattern for Amy just this past week and honestly couldn't find a thing wrong with the design or the instructions.  Everything was so straight-forward and easy, even the welt pockets in the back, which I think give these pants a totally professional look.

The line and the fit of these trousers are perfect, in my humble opinion. 

I made both the pants and the shorts in linen.  The pink linen I got from Fashion Fabrics Club when they were having their huge anniversary sale a couple of months ago.  And the natural linen is a remnant piece from JoAnne's that I've had forever.

Thanks to Amy for letting me test her pattern, and to Jen for letting me borrow her kid:).  

2 Hoodie Dresses

Lately, I've been loving knits.  They are so easy and quick to sew up; I can finish a dress or shirt in usually just one or two sewing sessions.  The added benefit of sewing with knits is that I am reasonably sure that both S and B will wear the finished product on at least a weekly basis. 

 

I sewed up these Hoodie Dresses a few weeks ago and am now just getting around to blogging about them.  The pattern is the Hangout Hoodie by Pee-ka-boo Pattern Shop. 

 

Version number one was made using a JoAnn knit that I found in the red tag clearance area and at 50% off, I believe I paid about $3.00 a yard.  The print is even more bright and garish in real life; I tried to tone it down with the white sleeves, hood, and kangaroo pockets.   I think I mostly succeeded, right?

 

 Ok, on to B's version.  This is a Patty Young print that I found at Mill End a while ago.  I happened to have the perfectly coordinated pink polka-dots on hand from another project.  Can you tell they both really like the kangaroo pockets?

And just because, here is a close-up of B in her Hoodie dress.

Pink and Embroidered Skinny Jeans

I've finished up lots of projects, but haven't been blogging much.  It's just so much more fun to move on to the next thing rather than writing about a past one.  I'll try to do a better job, no promises though.

Here's one that I just completed today: a pair of skinny jeans in pink with flowery embroidery on the back pockets.

The pattern is by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop in size 5.  The length and fit is perfect, but next time I think I will taper the legs for a skinnier look. 

The back pockets have machine embroidered flowers.

I love how professional they look.  I have a pair of sparkly blue cords for B in the works, and maybe another in stretch denim.... 

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.