Madelyn by Handmaiden's Cottage

I had to sew one more pattern up from the Handmaiden's Cottage  (affiliate link) before the start of school. I chose Madelyn because I think its the perfect summer dress.

I made it without the ruffle seeing that the fabric has some larger and smaller flowers on it and I managed to get the larger flowers at the bottom where the ruffle should be. The fabric is part of the collection called Pirouette by Verna Mosquera for Free Spirit Subtle Bloom in opal.

Love that neckline, and it not too low so we don't have to worry about it staying on and up at the right place.

The straps tie at the back of the neck but I can't see why they couldn't be attached to the back of the bodice for those who prefer not to have ties around their neck. There are also two elastic casings for a more snug fit.

Until next time, xx.

Tea Anyone!

Today we start a new sew along featuring a pattern from the Handmaiden's Cottage (affiliate link). Join us in the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group on facebook as we sew up the Tea Party Dress.

I made the dolly version of this pretty little dress, and this is is the sight Julia woke up to on Sunday morning, her doll dressed up and her hair all done along with one of her bears drinking tea from my grandmother Queen Anne China tea cup. She was so thrilled to see her doll Emma get a fancy dress! By the way, making doll sized clothes becomes very additive, I can't wait to make another!

There is as much detail and ruffles in the doll sized version and in the child  sized pattern (which by the way is on sale for a limited time of only $5.00 in THC pattern shop)

This is a break down of the sew-a-long and you'll see there's about an hour of work to do everyday. For those who take part and post their finished dress in the appropriate album in the group there will be a giveaway...but you didn't hear it from me.

Hope to see you all there!
Until next time, xx.

Yup, Its a Peasent Top!

At one point in time most of us have made a peasent top. Its a quick and easy project...until you decide you want to add things to change it up. The other day, for fun, (and to get a start on back to school sewing) I made the peasent  top from the Handmaiden's Cottage (affiliate link).

This peasent top features an empire waist and short sleeves. On my version I left out the ruffle at the bottom hem and added lace at the arms and bottom hem. I also made my own bias to make the elastic casings at the arms and neckline. I could have easily just used a premade single fold bias, it would have saved me some time, but the look is just so much nicer when you take a look at the inside of the garment.

I used a light weight cotton which will be great for the next few weeks and into the first days of school when the weather is still quite warm.

If you like this pattern from the Handmaiden's Cottage join their pattern group on facebook...for the week of August 17th to the 21st we'll be sewing up the Tea Party Dress. It'll be a great occaision to ask questions and get inspired by all the other porject! You'll also be able to pick up the Tea Party Dress pattern for only $5.00.

Until next time, xx.

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.

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.

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.