E+M Pattern No.6 & Adding a Lace Insert & Giveaway

Pattern No.6 is now available from E+M Patterns,YAY!  This cute little top and dress has so many options to it, but you know me, I have to go and change something to an already perfect pattern. This time I did a lace insert at the back. If you don't want to use lace you can use another color to make a color bock at the back. I also added a little extra length to make it tunic length and also a little more a-line. I made the front with the pintucks and with the flutter sleeves. I used a rolled hem to finish off the edges of the fluttler sleeves and bottom hem.

Oh! and you'll want to read all the way to the end for the rafflecopter giveaway for a free copy of this pattern!

For this project you will need:

1. E+M Pattern No.6 (and its on sale for a limited time) and the materials listed in the pattern tutorial
2. Lace fabric with some stretch to it (about 10 inches)
3. Measuring tape and ruler

Your pattern should be printed and assembled as directed in the pattern tutorial. Measure your little model to determine the right length for a tunic for her. I made a size 3 for Amelia and from the shoulder down the back I decided to go with 18" in length. I also made the hi-low hem so the front is higher than the back. Don't forget to add length for hems. Now you need to determine where you want your lace to be in the back of the tunic. I measured 1" below the key hole for mine. 

This is what my back pattern piece looked like when I was done making the modifications. Don't forget to make the same adjustments to the length and width to the front pattern piece.

Cut out your fabric, you should have one front, 2 flutter sleeves, one lower back and one upper back (which is the lace insert), and all the bindings for the key hole, neckline, and armscyes. 

Since I used a lace with a scalloped edge I thought it would be nice to use it to make it extra pretty, but if you don't have a scalloped edge for your lace simply match up the lower back and upper back with right sides together (RST), stitch them together with a 1/2" seam allowance. For lace with scalloped edge, overcast the raw edge of the lower back.

Lay lower back flat right side up and match the lace with right side up over the lower back.

And that's all there is to this pattern hack...The rest of the assembly is done as indicated in the E+M Patterns No.6  pattern tutorial. 

An extra little fun thing about this tunic, I'll be able to layer it with a long sleeve t-shirt come fall.

So that you've seen how to change this pattern up how about a giveaway to one lucky reader!

Until next time, xx.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Odette by Sunday Girl Designs & Giveaway

I've been aching to show this little number off! Odette by Sunday Girl Designs is one of those timeless little outfits that little girls love to have in their closet.  This pattern offers so many options and is from size 3 to 8, I'm sure you'll use it more than once. Odette is now available in their Etsy shop along with many other patterns. Read to the end because you'll have a chance to win a copy of this pattern by entering through Rafflecopter.

So by now you know how particular JubeJube is, and when she has decided something she will not change her mind, unless there's a necklace or candy involved. JubeJube wanted to be able to wear a necklace so no collar, but I did get to make the top with tulip sleeves. I also stitched buttons to the font to add some detail. There's an inverted pleat at the front of the top to give it some volume, the perfect little touch.

I also stitched buttons to the shorts instead of the ties suggested in the pattern just so everything would tie in nicely.

I decided to go with shorts to match the top, but capri pants are also available in the pattern. 

I just love the detail of the tulip sleeve with bias tape for trim. 

Ok now time for the giveaway! I'm so happy to say that Georgianna from Sunday Girl Designs is offering one lucky reader a copy of her new pattern! I'll make it really easy for you with Rafflecopter...So don't forget to enter! Oh, if you want to see behind the scenes in Sunday Girl Designs just go take a look at their blog! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For those looking for SundayGirl on Pinterest

Until next time, xx.

Willow and Co. Sneak Peeks: Clover and Persimmon

Some of our favorite bloggers and pattern designers have come together to create a a stunning collection of sewing patterns under the name of  Willow & Co. Patterns.  Catch up on their blog Willow & Co. and discover the inspiration behind the Spring/Summer collection, Wanderlust. Hayley,  from Mouse House Creations, designed the Clover Shorts and Persimmon Dress and Tunic as her contribution to the collective. The patterns won't be available for sale before the 22nd of April, but since I got to test out these two patterns I can offer you a sneak peek!

Here's my take on both Clover and Persimmon.

I decided to make the tunic length, very plain and simple with no pockets (because there is a pocket option) and no ruffles. You know me, I like the simple look. The straps are simple ties. You may not see all the details but there are little pleasts in the front and back top part of the bodice which gives this top its fullness.

I used a very light weight cotton, with a tiny floral print for a little of a vintage look...again one of my things the tinier the flower the better because it means there's a lot of them.

And yes I caught JubeJube in the act of laughing! Now back to the clothes...

The shorts also so full of details like inverted pleats, button tab belt loops, hip pockets, belt sash and cuffs. Such elegant shorts for a child...I want those for me! I used a linen fabric for the shorts and I love how this outfit came together!

One last image, just because. Do come back tomorrow because I'll have more sneak peeks of other Willow and Co. patterns that I was able to test.

Until next time, xx.

Trendy Tunic a Design by Love Notions

I spend most of my evening sewing while the girls are in bed. Most mornings they will wake up to a new outfit on the mannequin. Some mornings it will be a fight as to who gets the outfit and well it also happens that neither of them like what I've sewn up. The evening I spent sewing up the Trendy Tunic by Love Notions (pick up their pattern in their Craftsy shop or Etsy shop) I kept saying to myself that Amelia will be so comfy in this tunic with a pair of leggings...so happens when she saw it that she wanted no part of it...(so sad!) When Julia saw it, her face lit up and asked if it was for her...."please, please, pretty please, is it for me!"

Julia loves everything about this little number, the length, the shape, the sleeve. She says its comfortable to play in!

She loves those pockets too...big enough to hide her favorite toys.

What I love about this PDF, besides the fact that it makes JubeJube smile...how easy it was to put together and how easy the tutorial was to follow!

Until next time, xx.

Norah 2 Ways by Mouse House Creations

I'm so excited for Hayley of Mouse House Creations. Today is the big day, the first pattern from Mouse House Creations is now available here! Guess what, I got to test it...YAY! 

The first dress that I got together using the Norah pattern was for Amelia. I made her a dress from grey suiting and added the collar with ties made of a white cotton with red polka dots. 

This little a-line dress goes right to the knee and you have the option of long or short sleeve. I went with the sort sleeve to be able to layer it with a cardy. The back is a button closure but a zipper can easily replace that button. The bodice is layered.

I just love the finished look of this dress, so vintage! 

Kill 2 birds with one stone...Now Amelia is dressed for Christmas!

That was the dress, now for the tunic. Same pattern just different options, who doesn't love that?

For this one I used light weight knit fabrics for the collar and bodice. The fabric for the collar has sequins on it for a little of a sparkle.

I decided to go sleeveless for this one, and its lined just like the dress.

Just a simple slit at the back with a button closure, and to finish it off a rolled hem with the serger.

JubeJube likes her new top and was more than pleased to model for me, but evey now and again she has me comply with her wish to have her picture with her favorite grey cat. How could I not comply.

So there you have it the Norah pattern done 2 ways for 2 really different looks. I'm really anxious to see the new things Hayley and Mouse House Creations has in store for us.