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.

Canadian Designers Blog Tour, Elegance & Elephants

I'm back for a second time on the Canadian Pattern Designer tour. You can see my post on Toronto based Victory Patterns here. Today its all about Elegance & Elephants and the Bohemian Babydoll dress. Don't miss the interview with Hiedi, designer at Elegance & Elephants, on Lulu & Celeste. Read all the way to the end and don't forget to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a pattern by E&E.

This sweet and simple dress features so many little details like the square neckline and the curve of the empire waistline. 

Elegance & Elephants designs have been a long time favorite of mine since I discovered PDF patterns. The tutorials on her blog are simple and clever...I need to make that pleated play suit, and I think you'll agree once you take a look at it.

Some of the pattern details include:

• Size ranges from 6 months to 9 years
• 3/8" seam allowances included
• Fully lined bodice
• Slips over the head, no button or zipper closure required
• Layered printing so you print out only the sizes you need or want
• Prints on both standard 8.5X11" and A4 paper 

The pattern calls for the flutter sleeves to be lined but I changed that up and  left them unlined and I used a simple rolled hem on those sleeves then assembled the dress as indicated in the tutorial.

I also added a piping at the waistline to accentuate the curve in this design.

This is my favorite design feature of Bohemian Babydoll, the hem facing. I took advantage of this to add a contrasting fabric. Amelia voted for polka-dots and I agreed it would be a perfect match to the orange floral print.

From June 25 to 27 get 10% off  your order in the Elegance & Elephants pattern shop. Use the code CANADATOUR at checkout. 

Catch up on what you've missed by heading to the first day of the tour at Lulu & Celeste, you'll be able to find all the designers and bloggers involved in this event and sew along link ups and more giveaways!

June 1 – 3

June 1st: Gracious Threads – Interview

Creative Bug – The Wholesome Mama – stitched by crystal

June 4 – 6

June 4th: Jalie – Interview

Shaffer Sisters – Call Ajaire – hibbadoray

June 8 – 10

June 8th: Thread Theory – Interview

Handmade Boy – Rebel & Malice – Sew Out of Control

June 11 – 13

June 11th: Audrey & Tiffany – Interview

All Things Katy! – Not Sew Fast – Conversas de Hermana

June 15 – 17

June 15th: E+M Patterns – Interview

From-a-Box – Made by Sara – Climbing the Willow

June 17 – 19

June 17th: Victory Patterns – Interview

Swoodson Says – Thread Riding Hood – Sprouting JubeJube

June 18 – 20

June 18th: FABulous Home Sewn – Interview

Create3.5 – Calm and Carrion – Stitches by Laura

June 22 – 24

June 22nd: Filles a Maman – Interview

Pattern Revolution – PhatQuarters – sewstarly – House of Estrela

June 24 – 26

June 24th: Closet Case Files – Interview

gloria june – Rebel & Malice – Sew Far North

June 25 – 27

June 25th: Elegance & Elephants – Interview

Sprouting JubeJube – AmandaRose – Mae & K

June 29 – 30

Lulu & Celeste: new makes and a round up post

July 1st

Last day to enter Giveaways and Final Round up Post!

Until next time, xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Canadian Designers Blog Tour, Victory Patterns

How excited am I to post about Victory Patterns today as part of the Canadian Designers blog tour hosted by Ula of Lulu & Celeste! Victory Patterns, incase you didn't know, is based in Toronto, Ontario and has several women's patterns available in their shop. I just can't believe how much talent is right here in Canada! 

You're going to want to read all the way to the end because there is a giveaway to enter with rafflecopter and a discount code for all those who want to get a jumpstart on sewing their very own Victory pattern.

I sewed up a very simple version of the Roxanne blouse with a printed chiffon fabric.

This pattern features a number of options including a 3/4 length sleeve and a collar, you'll also notice a dramatic hi-low hem and ties at the front neckline on my version.

At the back you notice  pleats below the yoke. Those pleats give this top a wonderful flow.

Here are some of the pattern details:

• Seam allowances 5/8" included
• Metric and imperial charts for finished garment measurements
• Charts for fabric requirements
• Designed for light woven fabrics, such as ciffon, cotton voile, crepe, georgette
• Can be purchased in paper or PDF form
• Detailed tech drawing included in the instructions
• I would say this is a confident beginner pattern

From June 17th to the 23rd get 15% off  your order in the Victory Pattern shop. Use the code CANADATOUR at checkout. 

Catch up on what you've missed by heading to the first day of the tour at Lulu & Celeste, you'll be able to find all the designers and bloggers involved in this event and sew along link ups and more giveaways!

June 1 – 3

June 1st: Gracious Threads – Interview

Creative Bug – The Wholesome Mama – stitched by crystal

June 4 – 6

June 4th: Jalie – Interview

Shaffer Sisters – Call Ajaire – hibbadoray

June 8 – 10

June 8th: Thread Theory – Interview

Handmade Boy – Rebel & Malice – Sew Out of Control

June 11 – 13

June 11th: Audrey & Tiffany – Interview

All Things Katy! – Not Sew Fast – Conversas de Hermana

June 15 – 17

June 15th: E+M Patterns – Interview

From-a-Box – Made by Sara – Climbing the Willow

June 17 – 19

June 17th: Victory Patterns – Interview

Swoodson Says – Thread Riding Hood – Sprouting JubeJube

June 18 – 20

June 18th: FABulous Home Sewn – Interview

Create3.5 – Calm and Carrion – Stitches by Laura

June 22 – 24

June 22nd: Filles a Maman – Interview

Pattern Revolution – PhatQuarters – sewstarly – House of Estrela

June 24 – 26

June 24th: Closet Case Files – Interview

gloria june – Rebel & Malice – Sew Far North

June 25 – 27

June 25th: Elegance & Elephants – Interview

Sprouting JubeJube – AmandaRose – Mae & K

June 29 – 30

Lulu & Celeste: new makes and a round up post

July 1st

Last day to enter Giveaways and Final Round up Post!

Until next time, xx.

a Rafflecopter giveaway