Celebrating EYMM!

I want to start out by saying happy anniversary to Kymy and here's to so many more years of pattern designs! The first pattern I ever made from EYMM (affiliate link) was Callie's Nightgown...and nope, you'll NEVER see me wearing it, but I can honestly tell you that its the most comfortable nightgown I have! 

So on to Kymy's Dolman pattern! Let me just say that no trim pages make life so much easier! You can expect that feature with every one of the patterns designed at EYMM. From printing to taping and sewing it took me about an hour to get this one out. the longest part was making sure my stripes lined up.

Sizes range from XS- 5XL and you get 5 different options to created a little bit of a different style.

• Hi-Lo Top
• Basic Top
• Banded Top
• Ruched Sides & Maternity
• Tunic

I made view C with the band, and I really like the way it turned out. The band isn't too tight or too loose. The boat shape neckline is easy and comfortable. 

Now what you may want to do is join in the celebration over at EYMM Blog, you get to see more inspiration for the Kymy are Carlie Dolman patterns, the Four Seasons Cardigan the Calla Lily Skirt, and the newest pattern, the Capsule Skirt...24 bloggers to celebrate 24 months of pattern creating.  Oh and a bunch of giveaways...of fabrics, and patterns, and giftcards, OH MY!

*NOTE* The links below won't show the tour posts until 11am PST on their day of the tour, BUT you are welcome to click through and check their blogs out at any time.

7/27 Connected by a Thread, Pattern Revolution, The Wholesome Mama

7/28 Climbing the Willow, Rebel & Malice, Hibbadoray

7/29 Pretty & Precious Clothing, Sprouting Jube Jube, Call Ajaire

7/30 Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Swoodson Says, Blessed X Five

7/31 Beri Bee Designs, Sewing the Seasons, Sew Outnumbered

8/1 Creative Counselor, Lulu & Celeste, Analog Bytes

8/2 Handcrafted by Red, Boutique Birdie, HattieLu Handmade

8/3 Capture, Craft & Cook, Welcome to Our Crazy World, Create 3.5

Not only is there an AMAZING blog tour going on but 1 lucky winner that leaves a comment below between now and 8.3.15 will win a FREE EYMM pattern of their choice!!!!  Which one would you pick? Then hop on over to EYMM to check out the awesome SALE, and an even bigger celebration and giveaway with over $1000.00 in prizes. There will be 40 winners in all!

                 

Want to see more of what I made with EYMM Patterns...
The California dress and peplum, off the shoulder top (my fave with the huge cable knit), Assymetrical Hoodie, Riley's Nightgown.

Ok, I need to go sew, I have a child asking me for a Carlie Dolman top!

Until next time, xx.

And don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a free EYMM pattern...

Amelia's Swing Dress

I spent all week in company of the ladies at the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group where we sewed up the pretty little Swing Dress (affiliate link). This is Amelia's new favorite dress because of the twirl factor!

Such a fun and easy pattern to put together. 

Like all of the patterns from the Handmaiden's Cottage there is such pretty detail. And for those who like to sew for dolls, the pattern for 18" dolls is also available. 

Just some details about this pattern:

• Size ranges from 6 months to 8 years
• Photos included with step-by-step tutorial
• Yardage requirement chart included
• Size chart included, along withthe aproximate finished length
• 1/2" seam allowances included
• I would say this is a beginner project

Those layers of ruffles at the hem is what took the most time to put in, but so worth the effort.

And that is the face you get when you eat raspberries right out of the raspberry bush and they're just a tad sour.

Until next time, xx.

Day 3, Swing Dress Sew-a-Long

On Day 3 of the Swing Dress Sew-a-Long we're going to look at how to make a more custom fit for this sweet little dress. If you've missed day 1 and 2 you can catch up in the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group on facebook.

With this pattern there is little difference in the finished garment measurement at the chest and some of you want to have a closer fitting bodice.

First you need to finish off the side pieces as indicated in the pattern tutorial.

Using a safty pin thread the 1/4" elastic through the casing you created with the bias tape. I used about 5 inches of elastic for each side for a size 5-6.

Before pulling the elastic all the way through secure the end of the elastic.

Pull the safty pin all the way through.

Then secure the other end.

And that's it! All you have left to do for today is assemble the sleeves as directed in the tutorial of the the Swing Dress pattern (affiliate link). 

Tomorrow we'll be assembling the rest of the dress and Friday will be all about those ruffles! Saturday join me back here and you'll get to see my dress all finished up.

Until next time, xx.

Dress Pattern No.21 by E+M

Before leaving for a family vacation I helped test the newest pattern by E+M Patterns, and now Dress No.21 is finally available! Get it now at its special launch price of only $4.00 for a very limited time in either their Etsy shop or website.

This is such a fun little dress to add to your little girl's wardrobe and there are so many options that you'll use the pattern over and over without making the same dress twice!

I made mine with 3/4 length sleeves, hi-low hem and belt option at the waist.

Here are some of the options available: 

• 3 different sleeve lengths, short, 3/4 length and long sleeve
• 3 different hem options, regular, hi-low and shirt hem
• 3 variations on the waist, inside elastic casing belted with an outside casing and shirred

More details about this pattern:

• This pattern was designed with knit fabrics in mind. 
• Sizes range from 2 years to 10 years
• 1/2" seam allowances included
• Tips for sewing knits included in the tutorial
• Size chart and fabric requirement chart included
• List of notions included along with step-by-step photos.

The neckline at the front is slightly ruched, and who doesn't love those raglan sleeves!

I know summer just started but this, I must say, is the perfect back to school dress! Style and comfort all in one!

Until next time, xx.

Handmaiden's Cottage Swing Dress Sew-A-Long

Its time to start the Swing Dress sew-a-long! Here is a breakdown of all the steps needed to make this pretty little dress. For more fun join the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group on facebook. If you haven't purchased your pattern you can get it now at 30% off when using the code "SEWHANDMAIDEN30" at checkout. This code is good for either the Etsy shop or the online store.

I tried breaking down each day so you would only have about an hours worth of work.
Here's a look at Day 1.

Just throw that fabric in the wash and get that pattern printed and taped up. Some of you may like to trace your pattern pieces so that you can keep the master copy ready for the next time you need your pattern. I did cut mine to the specific size I needed.

I would strongly suggest that you press your fabric to avoid pleats and creases.

Don't forget to join us in the pattern group on facebook to follow along!

Until next time, xx.

Alyss or Alice?

When Issue #7 of One Thimble came out in May I fell head over heals for the Alyss dress designed by Ainslee Fox. You may remember the post I had with the Alice appliqué here. As my to-do list got longer I put this one right near the top to make sure I got it done in time for JubeJube's birthday party.

My Julia was over the moon happy on party day when I dressed her up in her new Alyss dress.

When you have an Alice in Wonderland themed party you need an Alyss dress! 

The dress is suggested for intermediate and advanced sewers because of the zipper (at the back or at the side depending on the option you choose) and the concave curve in the bodice. Alyss also features a fully lined bodice, peter pan collar and gathered knee length skirt. I went with the option of putting the zipper at the back, it just made more sense for me due to the fact that I didn't love the buttons I had on hand and I didn't have enough time to run to the store (at 1 am in the morning).

Make sure to read those instructions while making this dress, the seam allowances vary from 3/8" to 5/8" and those very important details are all in the tutorial! 

This pattern is available in sizes 1 to 12 years with the back zipper option and 4 to 12 years with the side zipper option. I'll need to make another of this very sweet dress to include the sides zipper the next time around.

Our pear tree in the yard got a bit of a make over for the occasion too. I decorated it with giant playing cards, rose topiary and clock. We also created the very confusing direction sign out of repurposed wood and a tea pot pinata which was fun for the kids to take a wack at.

I'll have the little tea pot tutorial up next this week.

Until next time, xx.

Fun In The Sun...Turning 6

Today is a special day, JubeJube turns 6! My little bundle of energy celebrates her birthday with a trip to the beach sporting her new swimcap and swimsuit, both lovingly made by her mama. I used the new free pattern, Peggy's swimcap by Filles a Maman (affiliate link), and the Waikiki swimsuit by Peek-a-Boo patterns (affiliate link).

This is the perfect starter project for you if you've never sewn swimwear, the free pattern by Filles a Maman doesn't demand too much time or fabric. Its also a great opportunity to try out FAM patterns if you haven't had the chance because its free for you to download!

Here is what to expect with Filles a Maman's swimcap pattern:

• The pattern can be downloaded in French or English
• Tech drawings included with the step-by-step instructions
• Sizes 12 months to 14 years included
• Measurement chart and fabric requirement chart included
• Layered printing to print out only the sizes you need or want
• Cutting layout
• 1/4" seam allowances included

After deciding that I was making this swimcap I needed to make a swimsuit to match the fun retro style of the cap. I went with the Waikiki one piece swimsuit by Peek-a-Boo patterns. Those ruffles on the butt made me giggle and I knew that JubeJube would love them.

Here are some of the details of the Waikiki from Peek-a-Boo:

• Sizes 3 months to 12 years included
• Easy to follow instructions with step-by-step photos
• 3/8" seam allowances included
• Some pattern pieces need to be self drafted, measurements for those rectangular pieces are provided in a chart
• Tips for sewing swimsuit fabric

After sewing up these two patterns I've decided I will never buy a swimsuit again for the girls. Both patterns were fun and easy and the outcome is a great fit and an original design.

 

Happy birthday to you my JubeJube! 

Until next time, xx.

A Swinging Time!

Have you heard the news? Starting July 13th The Handmaiden's Cottage will be having a sew along using the Swing Dress pattern. You'll be able to join in the fun in the pattern group, just ask to join here.

And yes you can still save 30%  on the purchase of your patterns using the code "SEWHANDMAIDEN30" in their Etsy shop or website at checkout. 

Hope to see you there!

Until next time, xx.