Florence Vintage Dress Sew Along

For the past couple of weeks I've been having fun sewing up a vintage dress with the ladies over at the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group. We've lovingly named this dress pattern Florence.

After seeing this dress on Amelia, I'm sure you're going to want to make your own. Click here for the link to the Handmaiden's Cottage pattern shop to purchase the pattern pieces. Once you have your pattern pieces, follow the link and join us in the pattern group to get all the information you need to sew up this pretty dress.

This dress features button closure at the front, side zipper, 1/4 circle skirt, darts at the front and back bodice for a close fit and a beautiful wide collar with scallops. 

In true vintage style the pattern has a 5/8" seam allowance and a 3" hem allowance and even instructions on how to do your buttonholes by hand! 

I'm already looking forward to spring and setting up an outside tea party for Amelia because this dress is demanding a fun special occaison!

Until next time, xx.

Lucy by The Handmaiden's Cottage

The newest pattern from The Handmaiden's Cottage* is now available and its such a classic! Meet Lucy.

Just really quickly before I start telling you about the details of this pattern, get it while you can for a limited time at 30% off using the code "ILOVELUCY" at checkout in the pattern shop*.

This is the style of clothing I love to sew, classic and with simple details that set it apart from something we would see in a store window. This is also the style that JubeJube gravitates to, girly, classic and no fuss. It also helps that she gets to choose the lace detail and the buttons. 

I  chose to make Lucy with pintucks down the front and peter pan collar with the long sleeves. 

There are buttons down the back, JubeJube carefully selected some vintage mother of pearl buttons. The fabric is from the Jardin de Provence collection from Windham Fabrics.

The size range of Lucy is from 2 - 10 years and the pattern has two skirt options, pleated and gathered, two different sleeve options and also two collar options. The front can be made with or without pintucks.  

This is one pattern you can be sure I use over and over again...I have a couple already in the works for the spring and summer. I can't wait to show you where I got the inspiration for them.

Until next time, xx. 

*This blog contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase through it at no extra cost to you.

Holly Days Dress by Ellie Inspired

Anyone who knows me and has been following my blog for some time knows that I love a pretty vintage inspired dress. Ellie Inspired has done it again, created a dress that appeals to my vintage style. The Holly Days dress is that sweet baby dress and its now available in the Ellie Inspired Pattern shop.

The size range is from newborn to 36 months, and lucky for me that Amelia is still a size 3 so it was a perfect fit.

Everything about this dress was calling me...The peter pan collar, the empire waist, the puffed sleeves... and the bloomers included in  this dress pattern.

Amelia chose her fabric, she said she wanted some pink, but not all pink. 

I'm just loving the fact that she has shoes to match that dress.

You'll want to keep your eyes open for more new pattern releases from Ellie Inspired, the bigger sized patterns (size 1 to 16) are due to be released next week!


Until next time, xx.

Sweet Jane a Design by My Little Plumcake & Giveaway

Sweet Jane by My Little Plumcake has been released today and is now available in their Etsy shop with a special discount for this week of 20% (Used coupon code SWEETJANE at checkout)! I got to test this pattern and it was a perfect fit for Amelia. I used a cotton voile for this darling vintage style dress. Sadly I didn't have enough fabric so I omited the ruffle around the square yoke because I really wanted to have a maxi length dress. 

You'll want to read to the end because I have an extra copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!  Thanks Michelle and My Little Plumcake!

This pattern features sizes 6 months to 10 years, with different length options either to the knee or maxi. 

The reason why I love this pattern so much, some may roll your eyes or think I'm crazy, all those button down the back of the dress! Yes I admit I love making button holes! They are so worth it because look at the fit! 

All those buttons make for a nice snug fit, no gaping neckline or armscys.

Now giveaway time! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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. 

Sneak Peek - Norah Pattern by Mouse House Creations

Just a sneak peek at a new dress/ tunic pattern by Mouse House Creations. This is Hayley's first digital pattern of what I hope to be many more! So many options: dress or tunic length, different sleeve lengths and different collar options to this design. I started out by testing the dress with short sleeves with a Peter Pan type collar with ties. So fun that this dress can be made in just about any fabric from knits to corduroy to woven cottons. Gorgeous design and beautiful fit!

The pattern is still in testing and should be out by next week. Can't wait to show you more!

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.