Lyon Dress

Have you heard of the Sew What Club? It's a sewing pattern club with children's and ladies patterns. You can sign up for either option or both (me).

The Lyon dress was the second girls pattern to be released this month. I sewed it up right away... late into the evening when I should have been sleeping. I used a quilting cotton that was a gift from a mini quilt swap I participated in.

I used single fold bias tape instead of double and hid it on the inside of the neckline and arm openings. I really liked my fabric and didn't want to break it up so I overlapped the top and bodice pieces by 3/8" and then traced onto my tissue. I also cut the 5/6. 

There are several things I'll change for my next one. The head opening is a bit small for my girl, and length is a bit short. I think we could go with the 7/8 for her. She's almost 6 but she's tall and a bit big for her age... which is OK. Her dad and I are tall... it's to be expected.  I think the 7/8 would be a better length. I also plan on altering where I put the elastic. It hits my girl right on the roundest part of her belly, which she finds uncomfortable, and she dresses for comfort first and cuteness second. I think it would be better above, she wants it to go below so that's probably what we'll do.

All in all it's a fast and cute make with several options. She enjoyed wearing this one so much. Also she's been giving me more "serious model face" lately in these kinds of photos. I don't know why. She's kind of shy but I think she also feels a bit special and sassy.
 

Patriotic Separates

I'm a sucker for holidays and all the decorating that goes with them. So of course I like to sew festive, though impractical, outfits for my daughter. It's been a while since I sewed something patriotic for my girl, so the last item no longer fits. 

This year instead of a dress I wanted to make her separates. I used fabric and notions from the stash for this outfit. 

For the top I used the Izzy Top Pattern. It was such a happy accident to stumble upon this pattern. I knew I wanted to make a top with this silhouette. When I was looking through my Pinterest boards I saw a pin that led me to the perfect pattern. And it's free! I liked that this pattern has a fully lined and curved yoke. The instructions are simple and a great starting point for learning to sew lined bodices. I changed up the button tab and used a cute star button, because it was keeping with the theme. Also I used leftover Kona cotton in white for the yoke and a thrifted knit shirt (new with tags even) for the skirt portion of the top. The colors were a perfect match and I didn't have to hem! I really like how it turned out with the mixed materials, the top yoke is structured and the skirt portion drapes beautifully. 

For the shorts I used the Jocole Essential Pants in the short length. I had *just* enough fabric to make the shorts. I really like this pattern because it sews up quick and easy. I really wish I had added inseam pockets to these shorts. I don't know why I don't just automatically add pockets to all skirts, dresses and shorts. I'll learn someday though. In the spirit of full disclosure I will say that I tested this pattern years ago and received this pattern for free. I choose to keep using it though. 

Boys On My Mind

So remember how I said I was going to learn to sew pants and button downs this year? I've been thinking about it a lot and how I plan to accomplish such a feet... and then realized I have an 18 month mover and shaker that could use more pants and shirts, button downs in this case, because he just keeps growing.

I plan on sewing my son's spring/summer wardrobe. Now I know sewing for kids isn't everyone's thang, but I promote it whole heartedly for the beginning seamstress. I learned so many things about clothing construction sewing for my daughter when she was this age. Lessons that transferred to sewing for myself. Now I want to learn to sew pants and blouses with button plackets and collars and everything... so my son's clothes will be my practice. Kids move so fast that no one will notice my mistakes and I don't have to buy as much fabric on these 'test' pieces.

For pants I just bought the Titchy Threads Small Fry Skinny Jeans pattern. It's on a blog tour right now and a discount code so I picked it up this morning. I have some khaki twill and will be purchasing navy and green twill as well as some denim.

For button downs I'm still looking for the perfect pattern. I might buy 2, one from Oliver + S and the other from Blank Slate Patterns. If you know of any other good ones please share.

Also I plan on altering the Derby Jacket pattern into a fun boy look. Obviously sans ruffle ;)

I started a boy style pin board to catalog different looks and ideas. I find it's also helpful to look at adult fashion when figuring out how to dress and design for my kids.

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And because a blog post is more fun with a picture. I'll share this. I bought this fabric to make this coat. My husband is worried about the granny factor but I'm going for bold and different. And way excited. 

the REESE dress

A little update. I got a part time job. I'll have less time to sew for myself. So whatever I make has to count. It's got to be special. This is my year of quality over quantity and trying new things. I was telling my mom today that I want to sew a coat, swimsuit, button down blouse and pants this year. She says pants are easy and I'll be hooked making my own. How's that for encouraging!

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I was asked to test the Reese pattern a couple weeks ago and it's been released this week. It sewed up quickly and has so many cute details. I love the button tabs and asymmetrical back closure.
So let's get into the review.

Pattern: Modkid - Reese Party Dress PDF Pattern
Textiles Used:  Cotton print from the Michael Miller Glitz collection. When I was asked to test this pattern I knew I wanted to use this fabric. This will be my daughter's Easter dress. I think I have enough to make a tie or bow tie for my son... you know because matching kids are super cute ;)
Sizing: Right on. I made a 4T for my girl and it fits great. I can cinch in the waist with the ties so there's room in the waist and it's not tight in the chest.
The Good: Super cute pattern. Thorough instructions. Sews together rather quickly. Love the details.
The Bad: I still have a hard time getting V-necks to look super clean and pointy. Something I need to work on. The most difficult sewing aspect is sewing in button holes, but other than that it's an easy pattern. Also, you could always do snaps if you're terrified of button holes. I used to be scared but find that if I sewed a practice hole into scrap fabric I was ready to sew into my garment.
Changes Made:  I added pockets. I'll be sharing more about that soon.
Changes For Next Time: I think I'd still add pockets since my daughter is really into them right now. And I'd like to try some tulle peeking out under the skirt.
Conclusion: Highly recommend this pattern!  So cute and comes together quickly. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Sneak Peek Saturday

Can I just say thank you to all that have stopped by and left comments in the last couple days. THANK YOU! 

Can Sneak Peek Saturday be a thing? A once in a while thing? A too excited to wait to properly blog thing? I hope so... because I'm doing it.

Ok, I pattern tested another little dress for my daughter. The pattern hasn't been released yet, I need to photograph it on my daughter, and then I'll properly blog this little number... but I couldn't resist sharing a couple pics.

Tuileries Dress

I have been so sick for a week. Every day I feel like I might be getting better but have a few hours where I just want to go lay down. I had signed up to test the Tuileries Dress before I got sick and was able to sew it up yesterday.

It sews up in a couple hours and my daughter loves it and the in-seam pockets. See all the other tester versions here.

Updated to add: I used the last bit of anchor fabric I had from this dress. It's up-cycled fabric and a bit sheer so I wish I had lined the skirt also. This pattern fits true to size for my gal (currently a 4T). Not much room to grow and not too small, but it's comfy. She wanted to wear it all day, even to nap in... I said no. I didn't make any variations to the pattern except I cut up the center back of the skirt and made a seam in which to help strengthen and attach my zip. Speaking of zips this is probably the best invisible zip I've done and I was a sewing zombie that day.

Endless Dress

I tested the Endless Dress pattern for Jocole a few weeks ago. I had the thought to use a great velvet but the store was out by the time I went shopping so I used some fabrics in my stash. These fabrics at one point were bed sheets and curtains, now look at them! I love that there is a hint of peachy pink under the lace and my little one just loves the dress period!

It's called the Endless Dress because you can make SO many variations of the dress. Check out this Jocole blog post to see just what I mean! And check out this inspirational album to see what others have done. I myself want to make a chevron version and one out of a gold polka dot print for spring/summer.

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Pattern Description: Endless Dress from Jocole. A classic style dress with a peter pan collar, empire length or waist length bodice. 3 sleeve length options, and tunic or knee length skirting.

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it was a good fit but in the future I'll add a sash or ties in the side seams to bring in the bodice sides just a bit.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were. And she has great illustrations to go with. On the 4t I would add another button close to the waist seam but otherwise it's a great pattern, and definitely a great place to start and let your imagination run wild... might make an Annie dress for my daughter for Halloween.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is great and there are so many variations that I want to sew it again and again. The collar itself came together really easily and other testers commented on how much they liked the collar instructions. Also there are snap instructions if you prefer snaps to buttons (for back closure)... so really it's just so great.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Jack and Jill Jacket Pattern Review

So like I mentioned, I tested two patterns about two weeks ago. They are both being released this week and so I'm highlighting them on the blog. The first up is this jacket. My daughter loves this jacket and so it was worth all the time and effort. I used a ruffle fabric so I had to pin like crazy to make sure the ruffles were laying in the right direction as I sewed, which slowed me down. It was worth it in the end.

Pattern Description: Jack & Jill Jacket from Modkid Boutique.  A unisex zip up jacket featuring a large side wrap-around pocket, a fully lined hood with drawstring, and a lined bodice for extra comfort and warmth. 

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it was a perfect fit for my girl.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were. And she has great illustrations to go with. I didn't pin baste the zipper but instead used steam a seam and it worked out great. There's a free craftsy class on zippers and that's where I learned that trick. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is great and my daughter LOVES the jacket and LOVES the pockets. She was very concerned about the pockets during the whole sewing process. It takes a while to put a lined jacket together and if you try to do it in one sitting it can be a bit overwhelming, but if you spread it out over a couple sewing sessions it's no big deal and you'll have a fun jacket to show for it.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Little Miss Derby Jacket

I sewed this the beginning of this year, before I started this blog. This has to be one of my favorite things I've ever made my daughter. The color was perfect, the lining was a fun addition, and it made me realize I could do more than I thought when it came to sewing. It was an empowering project.

I'm blogging this today because the pattern is currently half off for today only! I'm not being compensated to endorse this product, I just love it! Don't sew? The coat is available in my etsy shop as well.

Pattern Description: Little Miss Derby Jacket. This super cute fully-lined cropped coat features an empire waist with a button-up front. The ruffle is longer in the back and it's topped with a super cute bow (optional). A simple sophisticated straight collar and the faux princess lies really add a traditional touch. You'll love this coat, and it never goes out of style. The perfect addition to a fall or winter outfit.

 
Pattern Sizing:  4T
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes. I never realized I could sew a jacket and was nervous but the instructions made this very doable.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's so cute what's not to love. I want to make another this year as a reversible coat, or a raincoat with an added hood. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Serger and Bibs

I finally got a serger. When I was just starting out sewing I knew I wasn't ready for one. I had to unpick things all the time and sewing was more frustrating than fun sometimes... and I needed a machine that was slow so I could have a chance to get things right. Now I sew daily and I can actually wear what I make so I want things finished better.

Now I'm ready.

I'm lucky that I have a friend with the same machine so she showed me how to thread it and use it a little.

The first thing I made were these bibs for my etsy shop.  I've drafted a pattern for them but haven't digitized it yet. Also all the chevron ones were made with scraps and some lining. The guitar one I made for my boy and it's so stinking cute on him, and I had enough fabric to make 2.

Halloween Double Ruffle Skirt

I'm a sucker for the holidays and holiday crap! I love it. So the minute holiday themed crafty supplies start hitting the stores I'm a happy lady. As soon as I saw this Halloween print I knew it was too cute to pass up and it was time for me to make my girly girl some holiday skirts. We'll do a Christmas one whenever I can find the perfect fabrics ;)

Buy it Here!

I used the Double Layer Ruffle Skirt Pattern from Jocole. I tested this for her years ago and haven't made the pattern for a couple years. It was a great one to come back to and I was able to whip this up in almost one nap-time. I broke out my ruffler foot for this one. It was my first time using it so I definitely need to figure some things out but it gave me a good base with those ruffles. Also I don't pay too close to instructions once I think I know what I'm doing... so I don't know if you're supposed to ruffle both layers together or separately but I did them separately so this skirt is rocking some great volume. I just love how it turned out. My girl does too!

Pattern Description: Double Layer Ruffle Skirt. A super cute skirt featuring a double layer ruffle and a dropped waist. It's fun to mix and match prints and colors. 3 different length options make this pattern versatile (above the knee, at the knee and below the knee). Full elastic waist for easy dressing.

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it fits perfectly.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes! Her instructions are great. She has instructions with pics and a page of instructions all typed out so you can just reference if you need to, but don't need all the pics. I like to print that page and taking down to my sewing area.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how easy it is to sew. If you can sew a straight line you can sew this. Also it's a great place to start because you can learn about elastic insertion and gathering fabric. I'll be using the pattern again when I make a Christmas skirt.

 ~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~