Different options- Hope pattern by My Little Plumcake

Many of you have seen my first try at this pattern, but I just couldn't make one for Amelia and not make one for JubeJube. I used the ruffle options for JubeJube's dress, and saved myself a lot of time by buying a pre-made ruffle and by not making all those tiny little pleats. I don't really think JubeJube minds it just meant that she got her dress sooner than later. Also fun to know, the Hope pattern from my Little Plumcake comes with a very adorable capri option. Of course my girls are girly and both wanted a dress.  Even more fun to know, the pattern is NOW available! Just visit My Little Plumcake's Etsy shop!

I think that JubeJube is just glad she got to play tea party with one of her favorite stuffies and my grandmother's  Queen Ann fine bone china tea cups.

The Gatsby Girl Dress by Dress Patterns 4 Girls

With the release of the movie "The Great Gatsby" I am expecting to see a new trend in fashion. One pattern shop, Dress Patterns 4 Girls, has already got a jump on that trend of low waisted dresses. When I was asked to test this dress pattern how could I say no. I got my niece to model and my sister, Tanya, just so in love with this dress had a mini shoot with her daughter as soon as the dress was finished.

 Notice the v-neck, straight silhouette, and low waist. 

Button closure at the back with all that top stitching.

Ruffled cap sleeves.

Ruffles around the bodice adds detail, and the over-sized button makes it look like a little jacket. 

So much detail, but oh so worth it. 

Hope Dress by My Little Plumcake

I had the honour and privilege of testing the new Hope pattern by My Little Plumcake, it should be available August 1, 2013. The eBook that comes with the pattern is so full of helpful hints and instuctions on how to make this dress. Every seam had to be spot on for the dress to be perfect and I must admit that I used my seam ripper a few times.

There is so much beautiful detail in this pattern.

The bodice and the bottom of the skirt has tiny pleats that are top stitched every inch.

Buttons to close the back of the dress.

Love the fact that this one can be layered with a cardy to bring it into late summer.

If you like this dress style be sure to visit My Little Plumcake at thier Esty shop, they have so many PDF patterns to choose from!

Pik-a-Boo Skirt

Remeber this pocket? Well, here is the skirt that it was sewn on.

The pattern was taken once again from 5 Berries. This is such a worry free pattern to make, just simply measure out the pieces you need and cut them out. The best way to go about choosing your fabric combination is to simply choose two of them that are similar in style then pick one that will be a splash of color that will contrast for the pocket. Your rick rack or trim should match your pocket for balance.

In the first one I made I left out the little cat sitting in the pocket. The pattern comes with two options of a cat or bunny. 

I just love how it turned out! I think this orange kitty has found a home :)

Pockets

I love putting pockets on children's clothing, I don't always like what I might find in them, you can make some pretty amazing discoveries when you sort the laundry. Sometimes a plain square or retangle pocket will do the trick, but why not try something new like a rounded corner pocket. This is how I do it.

I start off with a piece of fabric about 5 inches by 5.5 inches, on the grain line.

I use a rounded edge to mark the 2 lower coners.

The edges are cut and this is what your pocket should look like. 

At the top, I press in 1/4 inch and again 1/2 inch.

Notice how I have it pinned. Right sides together at the second fold that I made. I choose to sew at a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Some patterns require 5/8 inches others only 3/8 inches. 

So now I've basted abound the pocket edge  and clipped the top corners making sure not to cut my seam. Turn you pocket right side out.

I use pinking scissors to trim the curves. It helps make the shape nice and round. Everything is now pressed.

Top stitch at 3/8 inches as shown here. Your pocket is now ready to be sewn on to your garment! 

Here it is on the garment. Stay tuned to see the garment all finished! 

 

Prairie Girl Dress

Here is another vitage style dress pattern and this one is from 5 Berries. The detail on the front makes this ordinary peasent dress makes it extraodinary. I've decided to use lace instead of the recommended rick rack. Anything you use must be able to follow the circular shape of the loops.

When choosing your fabric I would suggest using a small print so that it can peek through the tear drop shape. 

Amelia was all eager to try on her new dress but all serious once in front of the camera.
This dress will pair very nicely with leggings and boots come the fall, but I can wait for the cooler weather and I will enjoy every bit of summer we can get!

Anchors Aweigh!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to test the sailor dress pattern, Anchors Aweigh, from the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop (affiliate link)*. I couldn't be more pleased with final product! I love the fact that I can buy a pattern at anytime, get it right away in PDF form and just print it out.      

The pattern is very easy to work with. The instructions are clear and there are step-by-step photos to help you out along the way. Sizes range from 3 months to 12 years. The bodice is lined and there are buttons down the back.

I used a grey shirting fabric to give it a vintage look and the fabric is light weight so the dress is easy to wear even in warm weather.

To give this dress a touch of whimzy I added a band of white with tiny red polka dot fabric at the sleeves and the hem of the dress.

                                      

 I just love the added detail of the red grosgrain ribbon.

Special thanks to Tanya Zaleski Photocreations for this early morning and very last minute shoot. 

Julia is 4

Thought it only fitting that my return to blogging be about Julia's (AKA JubeJube) 4th birthday. After all she is the one who brought me back to my passion of creating and sewing. Somethig that I had put away on the sidelines as I worked 40 hour weeks.

Just a little of what my 4 year old's tea party looked like before her guests arrived.

And this is the dress she wore before deciding she wanted to go in the pool. This is a pattern that I had the pleasure of testing from 5 Berries, the Penelope dress. I think its the perfect dress for a summer tea party. 

For now you can see more of my creations on my facebook page, Sprouting Jubejube, but be sure to be check back here for tutorials and brand new stuff!