Tiers of Joy by Mandy K. Design and Giveaway

A couple of weeks ago I tested a fun little pattern by a new pattern designer...Amanda may be new to selling her patterns but she does have 25 years of sewing experience under her belt, that's nothing to sneeze at! Look for Mandy K. Design on Facebook, or get her patterns through Craftsy of Etsy. Use the discount code "JOY15" for a 15% discount at checkout valide through to April 2, 2014. Even better, I have an extra copy for a giveaway! (been doing a lot of those lately! I like that!) You can enter with Rafflecopter at the end of this post.

This pretty tiered dress, hence the name "Tiers of Joy", can also be made tunic length and with a simple skirt rather than tiered. You can also choose between regular bodice or slim fit. The tutorial is really easy to follow which makes it a great beginner's pattern.

The straps are ties at the shoulder, but can easily slip on and off without being untied every time.

The length is right to the knee...in my books, the perfect length for a spring/summer dress.

Amazing how a few paper butterflies can keep a toddler in place while trying to take pictures! Thank you Amelia for being so cooperative!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, xx.

The Short Version of E+M Children's Pants Pattern #2 and Giveaway

Remember these pants from the end of last week? Well JubeJube loved them so much that I had to make her another pair...and since we're going into spring (I hope, there's still a lot of snow on the ground here) why not make the short version available in E+M's Pants Pattern (with just a little modification).

I love that these are not short shorts. It makes it so mush easier to dress up with a cute little blouse...and off to grandma's house we go! And also easy to wear with a plain tee...and off to the beach we go! Not to worry, these shorts (and pants) can also be made for boys and the sizes range from 2-10! Change up the fabric and add the pleated pocket instead of the ruffled pocket, you could also add a little cargo pocket to side of the pant leg.

I added a cuff and the little button tab. 

The front waist lays flat and there's an elastic at the back of the wasit. Love those practical hip pockets. I just have to remember to check them before throwing them in the wash.

And they're JubeJube approved because, yes I got a smile out of her! She also know that another kiddo will be able to wear these comfy shorts (or pants) because E+M Patterns is giving away their Children's Pants Pattern #2 to one lucky reader! Enter now with Rafflecopter, giveaway ends on the 27th of March at 12am EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, xx.

La Jupe De Rose a Design by Les Fille a Mamans

Look how cute this skirt turned out, its  the newest pattern from Les Filles A Maman, Rose's Skirt. It has just been released today and is available in their Etsy shop and get a 20% off at check out with the code "GIRL20". This special discount is only for a limited time, it ends the 21st of March at midnight Montreal time. 

The pattern calls for knit fabrics and features front pleats and hip pockets.

And really easy to sew up...1 hour from start to finish!

Best of all, super comfy to play in!

I wonder what dreamy JubeJube is thinking of in this photo.

Until next time, xx.

Spring Line Release by My Little Plumcake and Bundle Giveaway

My little Plumcake has just released their amazing spring line, four patterns in all. Don't forget to use the code "spring14" at check out to get 15% off each of the patterns released today which include the Addie Spring Shorts, the Maddalie Spring Dress, the Chloe Pleasted Skirt and the Harper Blouse! You can also get yourself the bundle of all four patterns. For the first 100 people to buy the bundle get an extra discount using the code "Collection2014"

Here are the versions I tested.

The Maddalie Spring Dress on JubeJube.

I love this dress layered with a cardigan.

The Chloe Pleated Skirt.

I added the premade ruffle at the bottom of the skirt lining to have it peek out from under the pleated skirt for a little extra whimsy.

The Addie Spring Shorts.

And the Haper Blouse that can be paired with either the shorts or the pleated skirt. It so happened that I did have photos of the shorts and blouse together, but little Miss Amelia, after one smile, decided that she had enough and wanted to hold her baby doll. Doesn't make for very nice photos to have a doll under your arm or right in front of the shirt, the very one you're trying to get photos of.

Michelle from My Little Plumcake has worked so hard to get these patterns together, and all of it is so beautiful! Here is a collage of photos from thier official shoot.

My Little Plumcake has more photos of this shoot on their facebook page, go ahead and have a look.

Now for some big news...My Little Plumcake is offering a bundle of all 4 patterns to one lucky winner! Just enter here using Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, xx

Children's Pants Pattern #2 a Design by E&M Patterns

The much awaited follow up to the Twirly Skirt (I blogged about it here) by E&M Patterns is right around the corner. Children's Pants Pattern #2 is due to be released by the end of this week! I've been super busy this week testing different patterns so I won't blog about all of them, but this one, I just have to because I just love it so much!

First, E&M Patterns are so easy to follow and also full of details on how to create clothes that are as beautiful on the inside as the outside, and that without the use of a serger, perfect for beginners! Different pocket options are featured in this pattern for the back pockets and cute ruffled details for the front hip pocket (for girls). And yes this pattern has been created with both girls and boys in mind! 

The front waistband lays flat and the back is an elastic waistband.

Want more options on this pattern...It also includes shorts! Which reminds me that the girls NEED a few pairs of these as shorts!

Until next time, xx.

Chic Cocktail Swing Coat a Design by Heidi&Finn

The new and improved Cocktail Swing Coat by Heidi&Finn has been released today. I got to help test the remodeled version of this coat and you can get your copy in thier Craftsy shop. There's a special low price for this week only, so go and check it out!

Here's a look at Amelia and that adorable coat!

The options available on this pattern: hood (with or without rabbit ears or little bear ears, oh so cute too!) or collar, button or bow tie closure. Just about any fabric can be used to make this coat too, like denim, wool suiting, laminated cottons to make it into a rain coat....there are not limits! I used a wool blend for the outer shell and a cotton flannel for the lining. I made Amelia a size 3 and I was able to put a heavier sweater under the coat for a little extra warmth.

I used the hood option with button closure for this jacket, but I might just have to make another with those floppy bunny ears.

The length of the coat is to the hips. The sleeves have a folded over cuff.

So I must admit that I didn't get the lining I wanted for the coat, it was just way too expensive so I settled on the flannel with the pink polka dots, but I couldn't skimp on those buttons! I usually use upcycled buttons or what I have in my stash.

In case you were wondering for this cute hat...made by my Mom using a pattern from The Velvet Acorn. There will be more about their gorgeous hats on another day.

Until next time, xx.

Pintuck Blouse and Dress a Design by Heidi&Finn

Those who know me know that I love simple and beautiful details. Last week I got to test a simple top/dress with beautiful pintuck details by Heidi&Finn. The pattern is designed for either woven or knit fabrics and I made both the dress and the top is a knit. I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out. Amelia was quite pleased too seeing that she picked out her fabric.

First up, the dress. I used a jersey knit with embroidery on it. So easy to work with because it was a bit on the heavy side. I mostly use my serger when sewing up knits so it was done it no time.

The fun part was all those little pintuck details at the neckline. They can be made as random in length as you want or all the same length. The back closes up with ties, easy on and off!

For the top I went with a more light weight fabric, a cotton linen blend jersey. I do believe from the pictures that the top is Amelia's favorite. I also have to admit that her brother, Sebastien, was giving her candy everytime she would smile big for the camera (love how my son helps me out :) )

Go check some of the other goodies that Heidi&Finn have in their Etsy shop...Just simply gorgeous!

Until next time, xx.

Amelia is 3!

Yesterday we celebrated Amelia's 3rd birthday. She woke up to a mess of butterflies and balloons and was as happy as could be to get birthday gifts.

All I did was cut out some butterflies out of cardstock using my Cuddle Bug and sew them up to make a garland. Cut up some more butterflies to make a mobile, and kept a few of the more colorful ones for the giant cupcake. She was one happy 3 year old!

Until next time, xx.